Brother allegedly kills his sister’s ex-boyfriend
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — Deandre Benard Jones, 32, of Warren, and his sister Keshawna Smith, 30, also of Warren, were arraigned in 37th District Court Nov. 12 in connection with the death of their sister’s ex-boyfriend.
According to Warren police, on Nov. 8 Jones allegedly drove to a Warren residence where two of his sisters, Keshawna Smith, and another sister, who was the ex-girlfriend of the deceased, Stanley Smith Jr., 23, were meeting outside with Smith Jr. When Jones arrived, he reportedly started shooting at Smith Jr. and allegedly killed him. After the shooting, Keshawna Smith allegedly deleted calls and texts from her brother about the incident.
The sister who was involved in a relationship with Smith Jr. has not been charged with a crime, and her name was withheld by police.
Warren police were originally dispatched to a home in the 11000 block of Paige Avenue where they found a man, later identified as Smith Jr., dead in a
See SHOOTING on page 18A
WARREN HONORS MILITARY HEROES
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — The city of Warren had its first veterans celebration Nov. 15 at City Hall in the first-floor conference room where more than 100 veterans and their family members gathered to honor those who served in all branches of the military.
The Honoring Heroes with Harmony-Brass and Breakfast event saluted veterans from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom. The event combined members of the Warren Symphony Orchestra’s brass section who played patriotic tunes, marches and wartime music after those in at-
VETERANS on page 20A
See
U.S. Navy veteran Guy Kaercher, of Warren, holds up a June 28, 1944, Detroit Times newspaper encouraging people to buy war bonds 22 days after the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Students explore digital design world in new class
MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Students
design and communication. Educators have partnered with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development’s marketing and communications team, which is meeting several times with the students this year. Wolfe is part of Center Line Public Schools.
As an ongoing class assignment, the students are working in teams to
See DIGITAL DESIGN on page 12A
TWINKLE TOWN IS MERRY AND BRIGHT
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — For the third straight year, Gardner-White Furniture’s flagship store, located at 6500 E.14 Mile Road, has brought the sentiments of the North Pole to the city of Warren.
On Nov. 12, staff held the annual Twinkle Town holiday event. It ushered in the holiday season with help from Gardner-White CEO Rachel Stewart, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Warren Mayor Lori Stone.
During the evening, guests enjoyed treats, Christmas festivities, a tree lighting ceremony and visits with Santa Claus. The Detroit Academy of Arts & Science Choir also got everyone into the Christmas spirit and sports fans mingled with Detroit Lions Mascot Roary.
Gardner-White’s “Parade of Trees” returned this year. The trees — decorated by local celebrities, businesses and influencers — will benefit 20 local nonprofit organizations. The trees are lined up along the store’s “Candy Cane Lane” and each participating charity group used its own creativity to come up with a theme.
Members of the public can vote online at gardner-white.com through Dec. 8 for their favorite tree with the winning charity receiving a $10,000 donation. Since it’s the season of giving, all charities will walk away with a donation from Gardner-White to their cause.
See TWINKLE TOWN on page 16A
Skylyn Hadaya, 4, and Brian Hadaya, 7, of Sterling Heights, visit Santa Claus at the Twinkle Town event Nov. 12 in Warren.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
On Nov. 14, Center Line Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Haynes stopped by Wolfe Middle School to see how the digital design and communication project is progressing.
Students receive computers through AT&T’s Connected Learning
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Knowing that not every household in Michigan has a home computer, AT&T and its philanthropic partner Human-I-T recently distributed free laptops to 150 Macomb Community College students.
As part of AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative, the laptop computers were distributed Nov. 15 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus. The refurbished laptops, funded by an AT&T contribution to Human-I-T, were provided to preselected college students in need of a computer.
AT&T Connected Learning partners with local nonprofits to provide free resources for students and families, including high-speed internet, computers, digital literacy materials, tutoring and mentoring. Human-I-T recycles unwanted computers to divert them from landfills by also providing low-cost computers, low-cost internet access, digital training and technology support.
Correction:
The story “Incumbents prevail in top Macomb offices,” published the week of Nov. 13, should have stated that Republican Candice Miller received about 62.1% of the vote, Democrat Kevin Higgins received about 35% of the vote, and Libertarian Jim Fulner received about 2.5% of the vote.
Local teacher receives grant
CLINTON TOWNSHIP/WARREN — Cromie Elementary School educator Ashley Zachwieja, in Warren Consolidated Schools, was among 62 local educators named recipients in the Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union’s Classroom Cash Grants program. The teachers each received a grant worth up to $750 to help implement innovative learning experiences designed to inspire students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and problem solving in the classroom.
Classroom Cash Grants winners are determined based on total votes cast by MSGCU members, students, parents, colleagues, family members, and friends. More than 117,000 votes were cast during the 11-day public online voting period this year. The Classroom Cash Grants initiative has funded over 1,200 unique projects since it launched almost 20 years ago.
Maritime skilled trades program comes to Macomb
WARREN — On Nov. 12, a total of 24 students began an accelerated training program — in either maritime computer numerical control or welding — at Macomb Community College’s Michigan Technical Education Center.
The 17-week program launched the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative’s accelerated training industry partnership.
Through a $15.4 million Navy investment in the college, MCC created the state-of-the art maritime skilled trades training center. The goal is to fund training for 384 individuals through early 2027.
M3 is designed to address the urgent demand for skilled labor in the submarine industrial base, supporting the Navy’s strategic needs and national security.
SHOW TIME
WARREN — The Heart of the Hills Players will perform “Claws Christmas Caper Murder Mystery Dinner” from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 29860 Dequindre Road. All performers are 50 years and older. The cost is $30, or $200 for a table of eight. The meal is at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Holiday attire is encouraged. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door. Ticket sales end on Dec. 10. To purchase tickets, visit hohplayers. org/tickets. Call (586) 751-7750 for more information.
Photos provided by AT&T
LEFT: Macomb Community College student Eryn Purry, left, receives a laptop from Paul Potts, of AT&T. RIGHT: Wendy Witmer, of AT&T, right, presents a laptop to student Chelsea Washington.
Photo provided by Macomb Community College
Local officials to gather for Christmas toy drive
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — Warren Treasurer Lorie Barnwell and other city and county elected officials will partner with the Salvation Army for the Warren toy drive to collect new, unwrapped toys at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the MRCC Banquet Center.
This is the fourth year of the annual Warren toy drive, which has grown each year. Initially, the event started off in a local bar or restaurant but has outgrown that space. This is the first year the toy drive is in a hall, which will have appetizers and a cash bar.
“The community has just really poured into this event,” Barnwell said.
Barnwell toured the Salvation Army Warren Corps Community Center located at 24140 Mound Road. There she saw firsthand the process from donation through distribution and how the needs of the community are met throughout the year but especially during the holiday season.
“The Salvation Army provides help for residents who are in need, not just with the toy drive, but if a resident needs food, if they need help with their DTE bills, they help residents on a variety of levels,” Barnwell said.
“Seeing that, I just really wanted to put something together to help them and boost the (donations) of toys and (money) from the kettle,” Barnwell said.
Barnwell partnered with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and started
ABOVE: Warren Treasurer Lorie Barnwell, former City Council President Pat Green, and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel gathered for the 2022 Warren toy drive. TOP: Warren’s annual toy drive has grown every year, Warren Treasurer Lorie Barnwell said. This year’s event will be held Dec. 5.
the first Warren toy drive. Barnwell and Hackel will be joined by Warren Mayor Lori Stone, newly elected County Commissioner Michael Howard, D-District 12, and Christina Hines, president of the Women of Warren organization.
Photos provided by Lorie Barnwell
“I’ve been treasurer for nine years in Warren,” Barnwell said. “This is probably the thing I am honestly most proud of is the toy drive that I started.”
Major David Minks of the Salvation Army Warren Corps said he is pleased to be partnering with the city of Warren. Last year’s event was successful, but the need grows, he said.
“Every year things change as people reallocate budgets. There’s been fewer toys promised, and this is an important drive for us knowing that if we have to cut back at least this (event) is successful. We’ll make sure everyone has something,” Minks said.
Minks explained how parents register their children to receive a gift at Christmas. The program brings joy to the kids who receive a present on Christmas morning. Registration for the gift program started the week of Nov. 11, and the toy donations will run through Dec. 13.
“In our very first week of sign-up, we have had an extreme (amount) of requests. Three hundred kids have already asked for help in the first week alone,” Minks said.
“Sign-up is ongoing now.”
The Warren toy drive collects toys for children of all ages. Toys and electronics for all ages are welcomed, from infant toys to Barbie dolls and Bluetooth speakers.
The organizers ask for new unwrapped gifts so that the parents can see what the gift is and select items for their children accord-
ingly.
For those who think their donation won’t matter, Barnwell said, “Absolutely it will matter and does make a difference.”
Barnwell said the goal for this year’s toy drive is to raise $3,000 in cash. About 300 toys were collected last year, and they are looking to collect more this year.
Children in the Salvation Army’s Warren shelter are also given toys from the drive. According to the Salvation Army, the Macomb’s Answer to Temporary Shelter facility is a goal-based shelter with a 90-day stay on average, where housing, meals, clothing and extensive case management are provided.
“We want to help as many people as possible but then you have to be realistic,” Minks said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when we get to week four and
five, how many kids we’re going to have in the program. But like I said earlier, I have faith. God will provide and we should have enough for everyone.”
The MRCC Banquet Center is located at 23401 Mound Road, near Eight Mile Road.
For more information about giving a donation or getting assistance, call the Salvation Army at (586) 754-7400.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 479-1069.
Academic support program at Regina now in its fourth year
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — In past years, students with special needs whose families wanted their daughters to attend Regina High School for a Catholic education didn’t always have the opportunity because the school didn’t have the necessary resources.
That has changed, and in 2020, the school launched its official academic support program with one special education teacher on campus to accommodate a small group of students with disabilities.
Since then, the program has grown to having two special education teachers serving over 10% of the student population, all with varied disabilities. There are about 300 students at the all-girls Catholic school, with 40 students in the program.
The student must be diagnosed with a disability for access into the program. The most common are students with ADHD, anxiety and depression. There are students, too, who have a learning disability or cognitive impairment. All in the program have a student accommodation plan. The goal is to
have the students mainstreamed, but sometimes they need some extra support outside the regular classroom. There could be several girls in the program classrooms at one time or just one or two.
Michelle DeGrez, an instructional specialist at Regina, works with the freshmen and sophomores, and instructional specialist Laura MeLampy works with the juniors and seniors. Both are certified special education teachers and have their own classrooms set up for students to come in when they need one-on-one help or an instructor to reteach or modify a lesson they don’t understand.
Sometimes students utilize the academic support program when they are working on a large project. DeGrez, for instance, will have the student break down the project and work on it in chunks. DeGrez said that some students will come to her classroom every day while others only stop by once a week.
“It’s almost like a little sense of community,” DeGrez said.
“There is a lot of flexibility. No two days are the same,” Regina Principal Ann Diamond said. “We’re doing everything we
REGINA on page 9A
LEFT: Regina High School sophomore Noor Shaaya reads a meme that Michelle DeGrez has in her classroom. Shaaya likes being part of the academic support program because it gives her a chance to focus on her studies.
ABOVE: Regina sophomore Emma Rosenzweig visits Michelle DeGrez’s classroom almost daily. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Reginacan so they are mainstreamed.”
Sometimes the students, too, just need some space and leave the regular classroom to study in a quieter atmosphere. DeGrez and MeLampy often attend other classes throughout the day to learn the curriculum so they can help students who need extra assistance in certain subjects. The classrooms have different furniture that helps create a more relaxed environment. DeGrez’s classroom has a futon and tables and chairs while MeLampy’s lamps provide an ambiance.
“They are at ease,” MeLampy said of students when they work in her class. “They are serious students. A lot of them ask for what they need. It helps them with their independence.”
MeLampy also will stay after school 30 minutes a day for students who want to spend more time working in her class. Regina funds the program on its own through its academic budget. Because it’s a private school that charges tuition, there is no state funding.
Sophomore Noor Shaaya comes down to DeGrez’s room occasionally to work on math assignments.
“It’s a safe space where I can get my work done and not have distractions around me. I get my assignments turned in faster,” Shaaya said. “I use the whiteboard tables to do math. I can get focused.”
“Sometimes you come in and say, ‘Ms. DeGrez, I need help,’” DeGrez said.
Shaaya also likes it when some staff members bring their dogs to school including Diamond’s cavapoo.
“It just brings another level of comfort to the girls,” Diamond said.
Sophomore Emma Rosenzweig visits
DeGrez’s classroom almost daily as a place for her to prioritize her assignments.
“It’s a little bit darker and quieter and there are blankets,” she said. “I can work pretty independently. Sometimes sitting quietly helps.”
Rosenzweig sometimes has trouble with history class.
“I have to put myself in someone else’s shoes,” she said. “I wasn’t there. I don’t know what they were thinking.”
One place where Rosenzweig excels is in her honors America literature class. She is currently earning a 4.25 GPA overall.
“That’s something to be proud of,” DeGrez told her.
“I definitely want to go to college,” Rosenzweig said. “I want to do biomedical engineering, psychology or social work. Possibly theater.”
Junior Macey Sherry visits both academic support program classrooms when she feels she needs it.
“It depends on the day. In class it’s hard for me to focus. I’m worried about others around me and how fast they’re working,” she said. “Ms. DeGrez helps me with my emotions if I’m having a bad day. I like to sit on the couch or in the pod, but if I really need to get work done, I sit at a table.”
“If Macey is having a rough day, we’ll say a quick prayer,” DeGrez said.
According to DeGrez, there also are plans to bring the Mundi inclusion program to the school for students with more significant disabilities including mild and moderate cognitive impairments, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injuries. Training has begun with classroom teachers. Staff is putting together a peer mentor program, implementing a certificate of completion graduation track and more.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
from page 8A
Junior Macey Sherry, right, always feels comfortable in Michelle DeGrez’s classroom.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
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Union boss charged with sexual assault of subordinate
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — A UAW supervisor was arraigned in 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights Nov. 14 for the alleged sexual assault of a female employee under his authority at the Ford Sterling Axle Plant, located at 39000 Mound Road in Sterling Heights.
The incident reportedly happened Aug. 26. Angelo Joseph Lupo, 48, is accused of luring the woman into his office, confining her and sexually assaulting her.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Magistrate Michael Piatek charged Lupo with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of unlawful imprisonment. Each charge is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison per charge.
The magistrate set bond at $50,000, in which Lupo was able to pay 10% and was released the same day. He is required to have no contact with the victim and surrender his passport, the Prosecutor’s Office said.
Lupo’s attorney of record is Peter Torrice, who has been contacted but has yet to return the call.
“Our hearts go out to the victim, who showed immense courage in coming forward. Using a position of authority to exploit and harm another individual is a serious offense, and our office is committed to seeking justice on her behalf,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, in Sterling Heights 41-A District Court in Judge Stephen Sierawski’s courtroom.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Digital design
from page 3A
develop a digital design campaign for two clients: Forgotten Harvest, located at 15000 W. Eight Mile Road in Oak Park, and Gleaners Community Food Bank, headquartered at 2131 Beaufait St., in Detroit.
The second- and third-hour students are “working” for Forgotten Harvest, and the fifth-hour students are “working” for Gleaners. The campaigns will not be used by nonprofits, but the assignment is giving the students a real-world experience.
Forgotten Harvest delivers food to local charities five days a week that in turn provides families in need with fresh and nutritious food free of charge. Gleaners serves Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties by providing food to nearly 400 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, schools and other agencies across the region.
Using Google apps and software from the Canva company, the students’ digital campaigns must include three components: a blog, a flyer and a social media post. Before meeting their “clients” Oct. 8, the students conducted research on the nonprofit organizations. On Oct. 21, they visited Forgotten
Harvest and Gleaners on Oct. 22.
A digital design campaign is used to visually communicate and market a brand’s message through social media, websites and emails. The students are using various graphics, designs, color schemes, texts, various fonts and facts to promote Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners.
On Nov. 14, Megan Ochmanek, a mar-
keting and communication project manager; Rachel Dearing, a communication specialist; and Jennifer Valente, a graphic designer — all from the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development’s marketing and communications team — visited Wolfe to give the students feedback on their projects thus far. Also present were classroom teachers Chengu Jiang and Genevieve Gelle,
district career readiness coach Kelli PhillipsHerrick, and district 6-12 instructional/career coach Jordan Reeves.
“This was fabulous. Your blog was fantastic. It’s clear you worked together,” Ochmanek told the group she worked with during third hour. “You talked about dignity, transportation, helping neighbors and ways to get involved.”
Valente said the group she worked with helped each other out.
“They did great, great use of colors,” she added.
When at the table with several students, Dearing suggested the team simplify its wording a bit. Other than that, “This looks good,” she told the students.
Gelle said that for the past two years a group of teachers, administrators and counselors brainstormed ideas about how to establish a career pathways curriculum at each grade level that focused on inquiry-based learning. They also contacted local businesses and organizations to donate their time, money or expertise to the program.
The students are taking the project seriously. Jannat Ridema said she has enjoyed the digital design campaign experience and could see herself doing this type of work in the fuSee DIGITAL DESIGN on page 13A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development marketing and communications team graphic designer Jennifer Valente said this team of students displayed a great use of colors on their campaign.
ture. While creating a campaign for Forgotten Harvest with her team, “I used bright colors and bolded words to make readers see it,” Ridema said. “Forgotten Harvest’s main goal was to provide families with food they need.”
Christopher Simmons said when making his team’s campaign, he kept in mind what he saw when visiting Forgotten Harvest.
“We have to know a lot of facts about it,” Simmons said. “You need interesting topics and titles. You want it to be eye-catching.”
Something that stood out for Davione Love was Forgotten Harvest’s Client Community Choice Market, where clients who register in advance can pick out their own food.
“For people who don’t have food, that’s a great place for them to go,” he said.
“It’s fresh food they can take,” Simmons said.
While working on the Gleaners campaign, Graydin Ogles created a video game using coding.
“I made it so people will want to see it,” said Ogles, who learned a lot about digital design. “You try to have good stuff on your
by Patricia O’Blenes
Rachel Dearing, communications specialist with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development’s marketing and communications team, left, discusses the project with sixth grader Lauren Turner on Nov. 14.
blog. You have to do color.”
The students will present their final digital design campaign presentations on the morning of Dec. 18 at the district’s administration building.
In Center Line Public Schools, K-7 students are assigned a career pathway class. This year, all Wolfe sixth graders take Academy Explorer 6, Digital Design and Communication. The seventh graders take Academy Explorer 7: Law and Justice, and Academy Explorer 8: Career Exploration classes are elective at this time.
WARREN TOY DRIVE
Photo
MOON SEEDLING IS OUT OF THIS WORLD
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Warren Woods Christian School students were on a mission Oct. 29 when they planted a moon tree seedling from NASA.
The seeds had orbited the moon, and the seedling tree was given to the staff and students to plant and care for, which will include watering and pruning it.
The tree seedling is a Liquidambar styraciflua, often referred to as a sweetgum tree. The tree was grown from seeds that orbited the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft as part of the Artemis I mission. It orbited the moon twice and journeyed 268,563 miles from the earth, which was 43,051 miles beyond the moon.
The school also received a certificate that states “The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service certifies that your moon tree orbited the moon as a seed on NASA’s Artemis I Mission Nov. 16-Dec. 11, 2022, commemorating Apollo 14 Mission that carried the first moon tree seeds into space.” It is signed by USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore.
The moon trees program was created in 1971. Warren Woods Christian School science teacher Sharon Mullins applied to NASA and the school was chosen to receive the tree seedling. Mullins said the goal is to determine how weightlessness affects the growth of the tree seedlings. She added that tree seedlings are distributed across the country to educational institutions, museums and libraries.
“We’re trying to teach the students to be good stewards of God’s creations and learn more about things that are affected by space,” Mullins said.
Sweetgums can grow 60-75 feet. Eighth grade student Izzy Richards, fifth grade student Emma Scurlock and second grader David Verbeke were among the students that helped plant the tree.
“We shoveled the dirt into the hole. It was fun,” Richards said. “It was definitely a privilege to have at our school.”
This is Richards’ last year at the school. She hopes to come back and visit to see the growth of the tree.
“We got to dig the dirt,” Verbeke said. “I would be interested to see how tall it would be.”
“It was a really fun process,” Scurlock said.
“It’s been phenomenal, and it’s just a neat experience for the school,” school Administrator Beth Denhart said. “We’re anxious to watch it and take care of it.”
NASA lessons have been in the classroom before at the school. Last year, Mullins made arrangements for the school to participate in the NASA Sparking Participation and Realworld Experiences in STEM program. SPARX provides educators with hands-on activities aligned with NASA standards, professional development training and resources to help engage students in STEM learning.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
ABOVE: Warren Woods Christian School students received a moon tree seedling from NASA. Pictured left to right are fifth grader Emma Scurlock, School Administrator Beth Denhart, second grader David Verbeke, science teacher Sharon Mullins and eighth grade student Izzy Richards. LEFT: The seeds of the sweetgum tree orbited the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft as part of the Artemis I mission. It orbited the moon twice and journeyed 268,563 miles from the earth, which was 43,051 miles beyond the moon. BELOW: The goal of the moon tree is to determine how weightlessness affects the growth of the tree seedlings.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Twinkle Town
from page 3A
Here is a list of this year’s Parade of Trees participants and their charities:
• Mitch Albom, bestselling author and journalist — SAY Detroit Play Center
• Jaydin Blackwell, Paralympic gold medalist — Performance 80 Fitness
• Born in Detroit — Jay’s Juniors
• Broadway in Detroit — Mittens for Detroit
• Clownie, The Parade Company —The Parade Company
• Melissa Coulier, fitness instructor and wellness advocate — Gilda’s Club Detroit
• Detroit Grand Prix — Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
• Paul Glantz, Emagine co-founder and chairman — New Day Foundation
• FOX-2 Weather Authority Team — DRAW “Disaster Relief at Work”
• Herman Moore, former Detroit Lions player — The Herman Moore Tackle Life Foundation
• Leyla Conlan, owner of Leyla — Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor
• LittleGuide Detroit — Children’s Hospital of Michigan
• Melissa Morrow, Sincerely Creative Mom — Hot Pink Helpers
• Michigan Softball Academy & Coach Carol Hutchins — American Cancer Society
• Anna Robb, Detroit social media influencer — The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center
• SEEN Magazine — Vista Maria
• Shea Whitfield, HGTV’s Bargain Block — Detroit Phoenix Center
• Stephanie Masko, thestyled.home — Leader Dogs for the Blind
• Tati Amare, WDIV-TV Channel 4’s Live in the D — Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry
• WXYZ-TV Channel 7 — Forgotten Harvest
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LEFT: The Gardner-White tree, in the atrium, will welcome customers this holiday season at the flagship store, at 6500 E.14 Mile in Warren. ABOVE: The Detroit Academy of Arts and Science Choir performed during the Twinkle Town lighting at Gardner White in Warren Nov. 12. BELOW: The Detroit Grand Prix chose the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan for the Parade of Trees. The tree features a racetrack with racing cars that zipped through the lights and ornaments.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Turn
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Shooting
page 1A
nearby backyard. Officers spoke with several people present, who said the incident may have resulted from a domestic dispute involving the victim, his ex-girlfriend and possibly members of her family.
Information gathered from the police investigation led them to a residence in the 11000 block of Jewett Avenue, about six blocks north of where the body was found, where a barricaded gunman incident ended. The Warren Police Department Special Response Team attempted to contact the people inside the home. Police questioned two women who were at the residence.
Police learned that Jones was likely involved in the shooting. He was inside a residence in the 27000 block of Thomas Drive where police were able to take him into custody without further incident.
Jones was charged with second-degree murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. Additional charges included tampering with evidence/solicitation, a five-year felony, and a felony firearms count, which carries a mandatory two-year sentence. Judge Suzanne Faunce denied bond for Jones.
Keshawna Smith was charged with tampering with evidence, a felony punishable up to 10 years. Judge Faunce set her bond at $50,000 cash or surety only.
Jones’ attorney of record is Randy Rodnick.
“It’s just an unfortunate situation. We’re waiting to obtain further evidence as to what actually occurred,” Rodnick said.
Keshawna Smith is represented by Paul Stockyj, who was not available for comment at press time.
Jones and Keshawna Smith remained in the Macomb County Jail at press time ahead of their probable cause hearings at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 26. Preliminary exams were tentatively scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Dec. 3 before Judge Michael Chupa.
“This tragic incident underscores the profound consequences of violence within families and communities,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a press release. “We are committed to pursuing justice for the victim, and holding accountable those responsible for his death. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as we work to ensure justice is served.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
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from page 1A
tendance enjoyed breakfast.
Warren Mayor Lori Stone’s office coordinated the event. The mayor opened and closed the program thanking the veterans who so graciously fought and served to protect the freedoms Americans hold dear.
“As we remember the immense contribution you have made to our nation, President Harry S. Truman once said, ‘Our debt to these heroic men and valiant women in service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices,’” Stone said. “These words remind us of our eternal debt to the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way.”
The music selections included the “Theme from Superman (Main Title),” the “Theme from Star Trek,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” John Philip
Sousa’s “Washington Post March,” Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis March,” and the “Hymn to the Fallen” from Saving Private Ryan.
Andrew Neer, the music director and conductor of the Warren Symphony Orchestra, joined the brass section and played the trumpet. He is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve and was the only person at the event who identified themselves as currently serving in the military.
Also in attendance was a World War II veteran who served three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps. George Flaig, 100, a Warren resident for more than 63 years, said, “It’s great having them (the veterans) all together. I haven’t seen anybody else from World War II. Every day there’s less and less of them.”
Most of those in attendance appeared to be in their 60s, 70s and 80s. Maurice Kelly, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, appeared to be in his 30s and was the youngest veteran there. The Mott High School
See VETERANS on page 22A
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Warren Mayor Lori Stone honors veterans and their families at Warren’s first veterans celebration, “Honoring Heroes with Harmony-Brass and Breakfast.”
Veterans
graduate served four years.
“I want to get more involved in the community and be a positive example from the place I am from,” Kelly said.
Kelly is currently working in construction and looking for opportunities to launch his creative ideas in the field to help veterans, those with disabilities and the elderly.
Nonveterans were also in attendance to honor those who served. Peter Kortebein, of Warren, did not serve in the military but his father, brother and uncles did.
“I came to honor the veterans, in many cases they gave their lives,” he said.
The veterans in his family could not attend because they are either deceased or live out of state.
A woman in attendance stood up and addressed the audience and said that the spouses of those in the military should be recognized, which received a rousing round of applause. One of the few women veterans in attendance was Diana Laskey. In addition to her service in the military, she was a military wife before her husband retired after 25 years of service. She also grew up a military kid.
“I was in a maintenance career field, so I mainly served with men,” Laskey said about her time in the Air Force. “I learned so many things that I never would have known anything about.”
Laskey built 1,000-pound bombs and maintained ammunition.
“I was a woman in a man’s career field, in the military,” she said. “It was just awesome. I loved it.”
As a military wife with military experience there were things she learned not to share with her husband, particularly when he was deployed or on a mission. According to Laskey, if the kids were struggling to adjust, or there were money challenges, or the pipes burst, she would not tell her husband until he came home.
“It (having military experience) really, really helped because I understood, and I knew the culture, and I knew a lot of deployments are longer than they’re supposed to be,” Laskey said. “But not knowing the resources is a huge issue.”
Today, Laskey is a licensed social worker who connects veterans with their eligible benefits. She said veterans who want to access these resources should call their veteran navigator, available in each county. Veterans can go to the state of Michigan’s website to find their county’s veteran navigator.
Veterans should have their DD214 separation papers available when they inquire about services or benefits.
“They will need that (DD214 papers) for everything. If they don’t know where it is or family members don’t know where it is, they will need to get another copy,” Laskey said.
The navigator can help with that.
Laskey is a veterans and military families navigator in Macomb County. She can be contacted at (586) 200-7888 or by email at diana.laskey@mccmh.net.
ORDINANCE NO. 30- 1084
THE CITY OF WARREN AMENDED ZONING ORDINANCES RELATING TO WIRELESS ANTENNA TOWERS
The Code of Zoning Ordinances of the City of Warren was amended to revise the standards and procedures for personal wireless antenna towers. The changes are summarized as:
1. Terminology was updated to be consistent with defnitions under federal and state law and regulations and to assist the interpretation of new standards in the ordinance;
2. The geographical buffer between a cell tower and residential district, school or health care facility, was reduced from 450 feet to 200 feet, including multi-family districts, and 150 feet from other uses. If the fall zone of a tower is greater, the geographical buffer shall meet the minimum radius of the fall zone;
3. Encourage co-location on towers by requiring platforms on new towers to accommodate at least three carriers;
4. Impose regulatory and safety protections such as emergency vehicle access, signage identifying the owner and emergency contact information, prohibit hazardous leaks or releases, require ongoing maintenance, statutory and regulatory compliance, removal of abandoned facilities, and replacement of removed trees;
5. Impose reporting requirements with site plan submission, including certifcation of the safe fall zoning and manner and radius of a collapse, verifcation of regulatory compliance, and disclosure of all FCC registrations; and soil suitability report and structural analysis report, upon request of city;
6. Establish criteria for site plan review specifc to cellular towers, include consideration of adjacent property design and availability of other locations;
7. Establish process for administrative approval of minor modifcations or co-locations that do not increase the height by more than 20 feet or 10 percent or increase the width of the existing compound to exceed 2,500 feet or exceed the minimum necessary width;
8. Require surety bond or cash deposit to secure removal of the tower or equipment; and
9. Eliminate the requirement for special land use approval for antennas or antenna towers.
The ordinance shall take effect on December 2, 2024. A full copy of the ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the Offce of the City Clerk for the City of Warren, One City Square, Suite 205, Warren, Michigan 48093, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. This summary is published pursuant to Section 3K of the Home rule City Act, Public Act 279, No. 279, MCL 117.3k.
I CERTIFY that Ordinance No. 30-1084 was adopted by the Council of the City of Warren at its meeting held on July 9, 2024.
SONJA BUFFA City Clerk
CITY OF CENTER LINE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
6:30 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024
A variance request has been made by Shaba Holdings, LLC for parcel 13-28-229-018, located at 24809 Van Dyke Highway.
1. Allow on-street parking spaces on Coolidge Avenue to meet the parking requirement for parcel 13-28-229-018, located at 24809 Van Dyke.
2. Waive requirement for landscaping.
A Public Hearing shall be held before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6:30 pm at the Center Line Municipal Building, 7070 E. 10 Mile Rd., Center Line, MI 48015. Written comments may be fled with the City Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the public hearing date.
This notice is in accordance with the Municipal Planning Enabling Act (Public Act 33 of 2008, as amended).
Dennis Champine City Manager/Clerk
CITY OF WARREN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Published: November 25, 2024
Effective: December 2, 2024
Published Warren Weekly 11/25/2024
0205-2448
The Council of the City of Warren has adopted resolutions declaring that a nuisance existed upon the following described property:
PARCEL NO. 13-27-405-001, also known as 11208 Stephens, Lots 21, 22 and 23, including the adjoining one half of the vacated public alley at the rear thereof - Dalby and Campbells Van Dyke Subdivision, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 7, Page 24 of Plats Macomb County Records.
NUISANCE: Severely fre damaged home (979 sq. ft), with crawl space and garage 20 ft. x 20 ft.
The City Clerk has notifed the owners of the previously mentioned property that said nuisance shall be removed; and whereas the nuisance was removed in accordance with notifcation.
The Director of Public Service has fled his report of the work done and the expenses incurred in the abatement of the nuisance. The City Council has determined that expenses and administrative costs incurred in the abatement shall be levied as a Special Assessment against the property.
Be it further resolved that the City Clerk gave notice by FIRST CLASS MAIL to the owners of the property upon which the aforesaid charges are levied. They are given until the hearing date to make payment.
This hearing will be held as follows:
Time and Date: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024. City Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092
If payment is not made before aforesaid date, the public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering any objections to the special assessment as prepared.
SONJA BUFFA CITY CLERK
Published Warren Weekly 11/25/2024
CITY OF WARREN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Council of the City of Warren has adopted resolutions declaring that a nuisance existed upon the following described property:
PARCEL NO. 13-27-459-027, also known as 11291 Paige, LOT 418 AND 419, DALBY AND CAMPBELL
SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 7, Page 24 of Plats, Macomb County Records.
NUISANCE: Vacant, dilapidated water damaged one story house (955 sq.ft.) with basement and attached garage. Remove 10 ft. x 12 ft. concrete pad at rear and remove all patio stones/blocks at rear and any debris.
The City Clerk has notifed the owners of the previously mentioned property that said nuisance shall be removed; and whereas the nuisance was removed in accordance with notifcation.
The Director of Public Service has fled his report of the work done and the expenses incurred in the abatement of the nuisance. The City Council has determined that expenses and administrative costs incurred in the abatement shall be levied as a Special Assessment against the property.
Be it further resolved that the City Clerk gave notice by FIRST CLASS MAIL to the owners of the property upon which the aforesaid charges are levied. They are given until the hearing date to make payment.
This hearing will be held as follows:
Time and Date: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium
City Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092
0164-2448
If payment is not made before aforesaid date, the public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering any objections to the special assessment as prepared.
SONJA BUFFA CITY CLERK
Published in Warren Weekly 11/25/2024 0177-2448
Published Warren Weekly 11/25/2024
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
23A/ WARREN WEEKLY • NOVEMBER 25, 2024
NOV. 26-27
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Fitzgerald Recreation Center, 4355 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, also 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Nov. 27, Owen Jax Community Center, 8207 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, (800) 803-7174
NOV. 30
Christmas Craft and Vendor Show: Also food and drinks, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., plus visit with Santa, noon-2 p.m., Macomb Elks Lodge, 25950 Schoenherr Road in Warren, (586) 771-8550, cityofwarren.org/events
DEC. 7
Tree lighting: Featuring holiday light parade, 5-8 p.m., Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, (586) 574-4500
DEC. 8
‘Holiday Favorites’: Performance by Warren Concert Band and Motor City Chorale, 3 p.m., Warren Woods Middle School, 13400 12 Mile Road, tickets (cash and check only) at door, warrenconcertband.com, motorcitychorale.com
DEC. 14
‘Claws Christmas Caper’: Murder-mystery dinner presented by Heart of the Hills Players, 6 p.m. (show
at 7 p.m.), Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 29860 Dequindre Road in Warren, holiday attire encouraged, reserve seats by Dec. 10 at hohplayers.org/tickets
ONGOING
‘Miracle on 34th Street’: Performance by Warren Civic Theatre, 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays Dec. 13-15 and 20-22, Owen Jax Community Center, 8207 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, warrencivic.org
Warren Tri-County Fine Arts: Meets every first Tuesday of month until June, 5:30 p.m., Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., warrenfinearts.net, facebook. net/wtcfa
Historical Society of Center Line: Meets 10 a.m.-noon most first Fridays of month, Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274, centerline.events.mylibrary.digital
La Leche League of Warren: Meetings for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, 6:30-7:30 p.m. every third Wednesday of month, Warren Public Library - Civic Center inside Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, lllofwarren.weebly.com
Storytime: For ages 5 and younger, meets 11 a.m. Wednesdays and 6 p.m. Thursdays, Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274, www.
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.
centerline.events.mylibrary.digital
Senior activities: Cards, chair exercising, puzzles and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fitzgerald Recreation Center, 4355 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, (586) 759-0920
Widowed Friends events: Book clubmeets 10:30 a.m. every second Friday of month, National Coney Island, 30140 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren, books announced at previous meetings, RSVP to Elaine at (586) 291-2471
• Brunch and short discussion about faith, 10:30 a.m. every fourth Thursday of month, National Coney Island, 30140 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren, RSVP to David at (586) 484-3148
PAWS to Read: Children can tell stories to therapy dogs Desmond and Sashi, 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Warren Public Library - Civic Center inside Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, warrenlibrary.net
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: For ovarian cancer support, diabetes prevention, nutrition education and more, 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
Wild Lights: Millions of lights,500-plus displays, interactive wishing tree, seasonal drinks, food and treats, warming stations with live entertainment, and more, select dates and times until Jan. 5, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, dzoo.org/ wildlights
‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’: Performance by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1, 5-8 and 12-15, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 31, then new hours TBD, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com
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OF THE WEEK • CRIME
NEWSWORTHY
INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS
Suspicious seasoning reported
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown suspect is said to have thrown two small jars of spices through the window of a home in the 800 block of Notre Dame Street sometime between the hours of noon Nov. 5 and 9:45 a.m. Nov. 6. A police report states that a neighbor is suspected in the incident.
Vehicle theft attempted
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A witness apparently scared off a would-be vehicle thief during an incident in the 19000 block of Linville Street at around 3:30 a.m. Nov. 5. According to a police report, the victim was notified by his outdoor surveillance camera system that someone was approaching his home, at which point he contacted the Public Safety Department.
The victim’s girlfriend went outside to yell at a suspect, who was described as wearing all dark clothing. The suspect, who was trying to steal the victim’s Dodge Durango, is said in the report to have run back to an awaiting Dodge Charger when the victim walked out of his house armed with a handgun. The victim told police the Charger headed south on Linville.
Car damaged by brick
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at around 6:50 p.m. Nov. 5, officers were called to the 23000 block of Lambrecht Avenue, in the area of Gratiot Avenue and Nine Mile Road, to investigate a complaint about malicious destruction of property.
Upon arrival, the victim stated that her 2017 Nissan Sentra had been damaged by a brick while it was parked in the street near the house. The victim’s security cameras showed that at around the same time on Nov. 4, two male suspects were walking eastbound on Norton Avenue near Lambrecht. The first reportedly walked past the vehicle while the second carried a large garden brick and approached the Nissan.
The unknown juvenile allegedly pretended to throw the brick at the passenger-side rear window, and then walked to the rear where he threw it onto the trunk lid, causing it to dent. He laughed while walking out of the camera’s view. The victim did not know why her vehicle would be targeted and did not recognize the suspect.
Police were investigating.
Items stolen from shoe store
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the Foot Locker store on Nine Mile Road on Oct. 30 on report of two men having stolen numerous items there.
Upon reviewing the store’s security footage, the
6 p.m., two men entered the store from the main entrance.
Upon entering the store, the two suspects reportedly split up, each taking clothing items that were for sale and removing their anti-theft devices, and then concealing the stolen goods in their jackets before leaving the store without paying and fleeing the area in a black Lincoln sedan.
An investigation was ongoing.
No-contact conflict
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 27 at around 5:30 p.m., a 60-year-old woman living in the 38000 block of Circolo Road called the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office to report an issue with her 49-year-old male neighbor. The woman is a protected person with a no-contact order against him.
The woman installed a camera on a pole facing her neighbor’s yard due to ongoing issues. Earlier in the day, she noticed a broom handle poking the pole through the fence line. After calling 911, she noticed the camera had been knocked off the pole.
Scam caller
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 25, an 87-yearold Harrison Township man received a call claiming to be from Blue Cross Blue Shield, stating a representative would visit his home in the 25000 block of Carno Circle on an upcoming Monday.
After speaking with his wife about the call, they contacted the company for more information. Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives informed them the representative was a scammer.
Disorderly conduct investigated
MOUNT CLEMENS — On the afternoon of Oct. 27, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 200 block of Shadyside Drive to speak with a 39-year-old Roseville woman who was trying to enter a home that was not hers and was refusing to leave.
Deputies found the woman sitting on a curb. She identified herself and deputies noted she had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of liquor. She was described in the report as “unintelligible.” A breath test came back with a 0.264 blood alcohol content.
Larceny reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 11:42 a.m. on Oct. 30, an act of larceny was reported that occurred on Oct. 18 in the 27000 block of Harper Avenue.
A 55-year-old man told officers that two customers were in the store opening up a new account for cellular services. Video surveillance shows one of the
who left it to charge. The video shows the suspect look past an employee who was focused on their computer, and then collect his belongings including the iPhone. The man called the mother of the suspect, the other customer, and she denied that the suspect ever stole the phone and refused to put them on the line. The man advised her that a police report was being filed and they had them on video surveillance.
ATM skimmer found
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:52 p.m. Oct 30, suspicious circumstances prompted further investigation in the 21000 block of Harper Avenue. A technician, a 25-year-old man, was working on an ATM that was reported to be malfunctioning when he discovered an electronic card skimmer.
He inspected the rest of the ATM and discovered a fake cover plate attached to the PIN keypad security overhang. A small slit in the cover plate showed a camera seated behind it. There was also a micro-SD card attached to the camera. The man said he only touched the outer edges of the cover plate and skimmer with his bare hands. The man was unable to find any logs showing when the ATM was last serviced.
An officer spoke to the store clerk who said the owner might have logs showing when the ATM was serviced.
Retail fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:29 p.m. on Oct. 26, a retail fraud claim was reported in the 23000 block of Marter Road.
An officer spoke with the manager of the store, a 40-year-old man, who stated he saw two men exit the store with approximately 15 bottles of unknown tequila on their person. He heard the bottles making noise in their backpack and clothing. He advised both men to drop the liquor, which they declined to do. Both got into a black vehicle with a Michigan registration.
Officers checked the area but could not locate the vehicle.
Property damage reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:55 a.m. on Oct. 30, property damage was reported on Northshore Drive.
The caller stated that his tires had been slashed. Upon arrival, the officer saw the victim’s vehicle backed up by an office with its back tires flat and with holes in them showing it was not accidental.
The victim, a 40-year-old man, stated that at 6:17 a.m. that morning he received an alert telling him that his tires were low. He went outside and saw both back tires were flat. He stated that this was not the first time this occurred. On Oct. 27, he was at an apple orchard when they were slashed and on Oct.
alert went off again. He kept these tires in the trunk for further observation. The man stated he recently moved and not very many people knew that. He did not have any suspects, but the officer advised him to figure out who has the information and a motive. The man has insurance on his vehicle. There were no surveillance cameras observed by officers on the scene.
Woman steals lottery tickets
STERLING HEIGHTS — 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.
Woman allegedly tries to steal clothing in self-checkout
STERLING HEIGHTS — 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 self-checkout — including a Wonder Nation girls shirt – and then allegedly tried to leave without paying for them. Police said they ended up citing the suspect.
Vacuum invader
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, a man of unknown age or residence entered the home of a 31-year-old Macomb Township woman in the 21000 block of Chevalier Drive. The man forced open a locked screen door and, when confronted by the resident, said he was there to pick up a vacuum cleaner. The woman informed him he was in the wrong home and the man left without taking anything.
Gift card scam
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On the afternoon of Oct. 25, a 75-year-old Macomb Township woman was contacted by someone claiming to be an Amazon worker. The caller said there were “serious charges” on her account and had the call transferred over to an “FBI agent Dan Murphy.”
“Murphy” told the woman her account was being used for money laundering and instructed her to purchase $4,400 in gift cards and ship $14,800 via UPS to a California address.
When the woman was speaking with Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies at her home in the 46000 block of Breckenridge Drive, “Murphy” called her back. Deputies answered the phone, leading to “Murphy” quickly hanging up.
Troy Community Chorus to perform ‘Yuletide Dreams’
TROY — The Troy Community Chorus will present its holiday concert, “Yuletide Dreams,” at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the auditorium of Athens High School, 4333 John R Road.
The program, under the direction of Jonathan Lowrie and accompanied by Min Sook Chung, will be a combination of traditional and contemporary songs of the season.
Advance tickets cost $12 for ages 13-62, $10 for seniors and ages 6-12, and they are free for children younger than 5. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 each. To order tickets, contact Gina Sweet at (248) 762-6862 or ginasweet@gmail.com. Will-call tickets will be available for pickup at 7:30 p.m. the night of the concert.
Attendees can win a variety of items by participating in a fundraising basket raffle. The Troy Community Chorus is a non-audition choir consisting of more than 90 members ages 24-85 from across metro Detroit. It was founded in 1978. For more information, visit www.troycommunitychorus.com.
PANTRY ACCEPTING DONATIONS
BERKLEY — The city of Berkley is partnering with the Berkley Cares Food Pantry to help those in need. Through Dec. 12, the city is collecting nonperishable food and toiletries to benefit the food pantry. City Hall, the Public Safety Department, the Community Center, the library and the Department of Public Works each have a collection box to drop off donations.
Nonperishable items that can be donated include canned fruits, vegetables and proteins, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, dry and wet pet food, granola bars, pudding, and kids’ lunch snacks like pretzels and chips, canned soups, ravioli, pasta, pasta sauce, and mashed potatoes. Other suggested items include formula, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, laundry detergent, feminine products, dish soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. For questions, contact communications@ berkleymi.gov. A monetary donation also can be made at berkleycaresfoodpantry.com/give.
DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER CELEBRATES ANNUAL HOLIDAY WINDOW CONTEST
ROCHESTER — Nearly 20 local businesses will participate in the Holiday Window Contest in downtown Rochester, which has a “Winter Wonderland” theme this year. The community event encourages businesses to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit by transforming their windows into a winter wonderland display. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 4, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the downtown area and text their vote for their favorite holiday window display. People can cast their votes by following the voting information displayed outside each participating business’s window. A complete list of participating businesses and a map are located at www.downtownrochestermi.com/holiday-win dow-contest. The winner will be announced onstage at the Kris Kringle Market Friday, Dec. 6. For more information, including a complete list of events, visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com.
ADACHI WINS BURGER CONTEST
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Shopping District’s inaugural BirminghamBURGER recently wrapped up. During the month of October, 18 Birmingham restaurants participated in a competition of who can make the best specialty burger. Throughout the contest, there were a total of 2,900 burger ratings. Adachi’s burger, titled “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover,” received the highest ratings and won the competition.
Executive chef Lloyd Roberts and executive sous chef Eppie Marie created this Japanese-inspired katsu burger. While the burgers for BirminghamBURGER were created for the event, this burger will remain on Adachi’s lunch menu. “We congratulate Adachi on receiving the people’s choice of Best BirminghamBURGER! We were thrilled to have such incredible participation from our restaurants and the local and regional community for this first-time event! We experienced significant engagement both in-person at many of our restaurants and on our voting platform and social media channels during the event. We look forward to this event returning in October 2025 and cannot wait to see what our local chefs dream up next,” said Erika Bassett, BSD executive director, in a press release.
Photos provided by the Birmingham Shopping
