Detroit sailor killed at Pearl Harbor laid to rest/5A
Pearl Harbor artifacts link back to day of infamy 83 years ago/6A
DECEMBER 12, 2024 • Vol. 36, No. 26
Two township bridges remain closed with fates uncertain
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The North Branch of the Clinton River slices through Macomb Township, serving as the main geographic feature to break up the township’s otherwise contiguous 36.4 square miles.
The river is spanned by several bridges, two of which are not currently passable: the east-west bridge on 25 Mile Road, and the north-south bridge on Card Road. Both bridges have issues that have led to their closure, which raises the question of when, or even if, either of these bridges will be brought back into service.
Officials say travellers of 25 Mile will, eventually, no longer have to be forced to detour onto Foss Road. The 25 Mile Road bridge was one of several bridges Macomb County announced they were planning to secure funding for in 2022, going so far as to hold a press conference at the bridge. The county’s plan in 2022 called for a full replacement with funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation coming as part of a bundle of bridge projects. Design work would occur in 2023 and construction would begin in 2024.
TRUSTEES SWORN IN, APPROVE GREENWAY PURCHASES
BY DEAN VAGLIA
dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — With the general election of 2024 completed, the new term of the Macomb Township Board of Trustees began on Nov. 26.
township’s trustees and full-time elected officials.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice David Viviano, the cousin of Macomb Township Supervisor Frank Viviano, swore in the
“Public service is a high calling, especially in local government,” David Viviano said during the pre-meeting ceremony.
“You’re on the frontlines of our democracy and it’s sometimes a thankless job, but I know that each of you will continue to serve and begin your public service career with
Photo by Dean Vaglia Barriers block traffic from passing the 25 Mile Road bridge over the North Branch Clinton River. Funding for a planned 2024 replacement project has been delayed.
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On the evening of Dec. 4, leaders and luminaries from throughout the region gathered inside the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts to address the State of Macomb County in 2024. Democratic Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel began the bulk of the address
with the theme of partnership being the No. 1 tool to get things done.
“Now that (the election) is over, can we just set aside the Blue vs. Red and the Rs and Ds?” Hackel said. “I’ve said this many times before and I think it’s starting to catch on in light of what I’ve been hearing recently: It’s time to stop reaching across the aisle. Let’s forget reaching across the aisle. It’s time to get in the aisle and get things done on behalf of
Cooperation key to ‘State of Macomb’
the people. And the way we get things done in Macomb County is not through partisanship, it’s through partnership.”
Examples of partnerships between the county and its stakeholders were discussed in relation to six categories: economic development, quality of life, roads and infrastructure, health and community services, public safety and education.
Gold coin gets dropped in red kettle one last time
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Lots of coins get dropped in the Salvation Army’s red kettles, but for 12 years one donation has stood out. On Dec. 2, a mysterious deep-pocketed donor dropped off a final gold Krugerrand coin at a Kroger in St. Clair Shores.
This year’s coin came with a note: “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I am sorry to say — this is my last (Krugerrand). Hoping there are others who have (Krugerrands) that can help keep up this tradition in the future to help so many in need during the holidays. God Bless!”
The donor’s identity has been kept secret throughout the years. The coin has been dropped at the Kroger near the intersection of Marter Road and Jefferson Avenue each year. According to Monex last week, the value of the coin is $2,642. Last year’s coin was valued at $2,031 when it was donated.
See KETTLE on page 15A
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel delivers the 2024 State of Macomb County address at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on the evening of Dec. 4.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
See MACOMB on page 14A
Detroit sailor killed at Pearl Harbor laid to rest
John Cuthbert Auld’s
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
DETROIT — While growing up, Richard Auld remembers his grandmother, Lillian, and his dad, Edwin, sharing memories about a family member named Jack.
But he wasn’t sure who Jack was, until one day he realized the stories were about his uncle, John Cuthbert Auld, who was nicknamed Jack. The U.S. Navy man, who grew up in Detroit, was killed during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, which killed approximately 2,400 American service members and civilians.
In time, Auld learned more about his uncle, a 23-yearold seaman 2nd class who was aboard the USS Oklahoma when naval and air forces of the Japanese empire attacked the American base on Hawaii’s island of Oahu. On the follow-
See SAILOR on page 10A
Photos provided by Public Affairs Office, Navy Personnel Command
LEFT: While serving in the U.S. Navy, John Cuthbert Auld, of Detroit, was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. At press time, he was expected to be laid to rest on Dec. 6 with full military honors at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sailors aboard the USS Oklahoma pose for a group photo.
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The belongings, material and personal, of Michiganders who were at Pearl Harbor on and around that infamous day continue to make their way home.
John Lind, director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum, has been able to secure several items from the USS Oklahoma and USS Arizona: a prayer book from either ship and four envelopes from the Arizona postdated Dec. 7, 1941.
The Arizona items come from the estate of a Michigan man, who Lind did not name, who was on his way out of the Navy on Dec. 6.
“This person went to the mail section on the ship and got these envelopes in advance,” Lind said. “The story is this gentleman here was transferred on Dec. 6, the Saturday before, because they conducted no business on Sunday. … He was going back stateside. He was done, his hitch was over, and he reached California and he said, ‘You know what? I’m going back in.’”
The unnamed Arizona sailor joined over 300,000 Americans who showed up to recruitment offices on Dec. 8, 1941. Lind says about 30,000 people volunteered at the Detroit office.
The Oklahoma prayer book, which is in a more fragile state than the Arizona book, was acquired from a separate sailor who reached out to Lind.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
An envelope from the USS Arizona postdated for Dec. 7, 1941, leans against prayer books from the Arizona and USS Oklahoma. See ARTIFACTS on page 17A
e holiday season is upon us, a busy time for us all. A time for re ection of the year gone by and a time for hope for the coming year. is past year has been a challenge for our country and in Michigan, a struggle for many. I want to thank all of my patients for the privilege of serv- ing you. e opportunity to make a positive di erence in the lives of others is a gift. Your loyalty, support and friendship allows me to follow my passion in dentistry. Please accept my very special holiday thank you from me and my devoted sta .
Yours for Better Dental Health, Dr. Berman
HOMES
8A/ MACOMB TOWNSHIP CHRONICLE • DECEMBER 12, 2024
WHEN SHOPPING AT HOME, BE ALERT FOR GRINCHES TRYING TO STEAL GIFTS AND INFO
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
The holiday season, while very much a joyous time of year, also is a time when criminals try to take advantage of others.
As many people will look to be charitable or purchase Christmas gifts for loved ones, a local bank and local police departments are offering advice to avoid package thefts and fraud.
Brian Dowgiallo, vice president of risk management at Genisys Credit Union, said the holidays tend to be their busiest time, as reports of fraud usually ramp up.
According to the banking institution, financial fraud can come in a variety of forms including identity theft, phone call and text scams, phishing scams, and fraudulent investment schemes.
People should be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls or text messages requesting personal or financial information. They should also verify the legitimacy of any organization or person before making financial transactions.
Dowgiallo has been aware of scammers who use Facebook groups or community pages to take advantage of others looking for deals.
Detective Lt. James Breuckman, of the St. Clair Shores Police Department, has seen this too, specifically with people trying to buy Detroit Lions tickets.
“People trying to buy tickets and it’s somebody’s Facebook account that’s been hacked, and then the hacked Facebook account is saying they got four tickets for sale or six tickets for $1,000 or $1,200,” he said. “They don’t find out until after they’ve already paid.”
Breuckman said common scams his office has been seeing target older people by stating that they owe money to the Internal Revenue Service. The scam artists convince their victims to pay through bitcoin or financial cards so they can’t be traced.
Breuckman also said there have been issues with people stealing delivery packages.
“People somehow or some way, they’re finding out deliveries of iPhone products and different stuff like that, and people are pretty much waiting to come steal them off the
porch as soon as they get delivered,” he said. “They know where they’re going somehow or another. That’s been a scam in the last, like, two weeks that’s been going on.”
On the subject of package delivery, Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi said people should take measures to make sure that porch pirates don’t have easy access to the delivered goods. He suggested networking with neighbors or installing doorbell cameras and other security cameras to help, or having packages delivered to one’s place of work.
“There’s a lot of things you can do as we enter the holiday season, but if you do find yourself a victim of package theft or the victim of a porch pirate, make sure you report it to the police department so we can follow up on it,” he said. “There may be an opportunity for us to actually catch the offenders, because they’re not just doing it to one person, they’re doing it to several. So it’ll help us track these incidents and maybe help us build a case and hopefully lead to an arrest.”
Emmi said fraudulent charities can pop up during the holiday to take advantage of people in the giving spirit.
“Just make sure that you vet the source,” he said. “If someone is reaching out to you, this could be a flag. I would be the one to initiate it if you do truly want to donate to a worthy cause. As a donor, I would initiate that contact and not go with a blind text or blind email. A lot of these emails, they look very similar to the official email of a charity, and they can be just a little bit off and you’re donating to a scam or a criminal.”
Dowgiallo also has seen scams where people have received calls from a number that showed it was a bank or credit union calling, but then the callers use scare tactics to get personal information.
“The member thinks that they’re talking to the credit union, and they think it’s a trusted source, and they start giving away all the information, and then just giving it to the scammer,” he said. “That turns into the scammer going in and taking over an account through an online account takeover, or they’ll just end up giving their debit card information and then they just start making a fake debit card or they potentially could try to use an Apple wallet or Android wallet to create a card on their phone. And then they start
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Local woman helps stray cats in need
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — A love for animals and inspiration from friends got this Harrison Township resident into making cat carriers to keep stray cats warm during the winter.
Jo Addington learned how to make the carriers around 10 years ago.
“A lot of them (cats) don’t have shelters,” Jo said. “They’re out in the cold. People dump them, leave them and they have nowhere to go all winter.”
Jo said she was inspired by her friend who got really involved with animal rescue work.
“She taught me a lot of things that I know,” Jo said.
Her husband, Don Addington, said Jo also is an animal lover who grew up with cats.
The cat carriers are made out of Styrofoam coolers, bubble wrap and plastic jugs for an awning to keep out the elements. Jo gets the coolers from a hospital where she works.
She also adds straw for more warmth. The carrier sits on a wooden pallet to keep it away from the ground.
There are two sizes; a small carrier and a bigger one that can house a mother cat and her babies. Jo said the number of carriers needed depends on the number of cats and if the cats get along with each other.
Jo first learned how to make them by going to a shelter-building class hosted by All About Animals.
“And then I learned as I went along,” Jo said.
Don cuts out the inside of the coolers.
“I couldn’t have done this without him,” Jo said.
This year alone, they’ve made around 115 cat carriers. Last year, they only made 50.
“It’s like an overwhelming response, you know,” Jo said. “You get more and more people.”
Jo told of various circumstances the people who get a carrier experience. She said there was a trailer park that had around 100 cats and another person had around 25 cats and 10 kittens behind her business.
“I try to do a little at a time, each place, just so everybody gets some,” Jo said. “Because I still have a long list. I mean, there’s still people wanting them.”
The cat carriers are given away on a
See STRAY CATS on page 12A
ing day, Dec. 8, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed Congress and asked for a declaration of war with Japan, which drove the United States into World War II.
“They rescued several sailors that day after the attack,” Auld said. “Everyone else was presumed dead. They didn’t have much hope. They always told me he died on the Oklahoma.”
While the family knew John didn’t survive, his remains were only officially identified after Auld provided a DNA sample in 2017. At press time, John was set to be laid to rest at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 with full military honors at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Auld, who resides in Albuquerque, said the cemetery was chosen because that is where Lillian and Edwin are buried.
“It will be an honor to have him with his mom and his brother,” Auld said.
Family members and friends were expected to attend the burial. John also was expected to receive military honors at the airport when his remains arrived.
Heart medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with fleet clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with bronze star, World War II Victory Medal, and American Campaign Medal.
‘It’s definitely a huge loss’
John was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on June 15, 1918. The family moved to the U.S. and settled in Detroit.
On Nov. 6, 1940, John enlisted in the Navy and underwent basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, in Illinois.
John’s seaman duties included painting, cleaning and polishing the vessel’s brightwork, equipment repair, storing and securing items, and assisting with cargo. The young man also stood watches as a lookout, telephone talker and messenger, and he was a member of a gun crew.
Richard Auld’s dad, Edwin, four years younger than John, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942-46.
wife, Esther, to New Mexico to work in the grocery business. Auld has some photos of his uncle and has been told there is a family resemblance.
A few years ago, Auld and his wife Karen traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to pay tribute to the 33 unaccounted for sailors from the USS Oklahoma buried with full military honors.
“Very emotional,” Auld said. “It was very moving.”
According to the Navy, since the ceremony, one more sailor, radioman 3rd class Frank Hoag Jr., has been identified.
Project Oklahoma
On Dec. 2, the Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office issued a press release that included information about Project Oklahoma, a disinterment and identification project through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
firm his uncle’s remains.
Through the process, 356 of the 388 service members from the USS Oklahoma who were originally unaccounted for have now been identified, according to Capt. Jeff Draude, director, Navy Casualty Office.
Scientists with the DPAA, in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, are responsible for identifying unaccounted for service members by matching the DNA reference samples from surviving family members. Other documents, including available medical and dental records, are also used.
The Navy Casualty Office’s policy for notification is to work directly with the primary next of kin with matters involving their loved one’s remains. Once the DPAA makes a positive identification, the Navy’s Casualty Office conducts an official notification to the next of kin.
For his service, John was awarded the following medals and decorations: Purple
“They were normal kids in a good family. It’s definitely a huge loss. I never got to meet him,” said Auld, who was born in 1960. “Every Dec. 7, we talked about him. I feel like I know him now after the Navy’s recovery efforts.”
During Project Oklahoma, the Navy’s POW/MIA Office contacted family members to ask for their participation in the Family Reference Sample Program. That is where surviving family members of a veteran killed on duty offer DNA samples that are used to determine if there is a match.
“When briefing families, we often hear Sailor from page 5A See SAILOR on page 12A
Auld’s dad moved the family, including
Immanuel Lutheran School
OPEN HOUSE
That is exactly what Auld did to con-
Once the identification brief has concluded, the family can decide to have the remains interred in a local national or state cemetery, a private cemetery, reinterred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii, or Arlington National Cemetery. Families may also choose to have the remains cremated and retained with the family.
radiate the love of Jesus daily in their words and actons. Sharing the love of Jesus is an important part of every class session.
Bridges
But as 2024 nears its end, construction has yet to occur. Bryan Santo, director of the Macomb County Department of Roads, says funding issues have set the replacement project back.
“Some of the money that was part of that bridge bundle through MDOT was pulled, as far as some of the federal funds,” Santo said. “They’re trying to supplement some of the money to replace what was lost as part of that bridge bundle. We’re pretty confident that it will be funded in some form or fashion in the future, just don’t know what year yet and what year (the bridge replacement) will take place.”
MDOT’s bridge bundling program sees the state give large amounts of state and
federal funds to bundles of local-level bridge projects. Macomb County was able to get a few bridge projects paid for with federal funds using MDOT’s bridge bundling program, with the 25 Mile bridge originally planned to be covered in a second phase of funding. That changed when, around early 2024, the county was informed some of the federal funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 were pulled, putting the 25 Mile Road bridge’s future in limbo.
“The state is looking to bolster some match monies on their side to get additional funding for the bridge bundling program,” Santo said. “I’m not part of those discussions … but we’re hopeful we’ll be able to supplement the monies that did have in a different form and fashion so they can promote that bridge bundle package moving forward,
At Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, we are transforming cancer care.
which would include, hopefully, 25 Mile Road as part of that process.”
Macomb Township Land Development Director Jim Van Tifilin believes construction will take place in 2026.
Elsewhere, the Card Road bridge rots away. Its sorry state has been the situation long before the careers of anyone in county and local government — Van Tifilin believes it was closed sometime between 1960s and 1980s— and there is little motivation from the Macomb Township government to see that change in the foreseeable future.
“While it would be nice to have another full north-south connection because it helps with our traffic problems elsewhere, it’s cost prohibitive for the township to participate with the county on that right now,” Macomb Township Supervisor Frank Viviano said. “Our funds are better spent working on
the other north-south roads and making sure the traffic flow on the roads that don’t need a bridge are as good as they can be at moving vehicles through the township. Until there is a real need … we probably won’t be pursuing replacing that bridge anytime soon.”
As Van Tifilin puts it, the county is faced with a very easy analysis on where to put its road funding dollars.
“We could pave miles of road for what it costs to replace that one bridge, and we still would have to pave Card Road from 24 to 25 Mile Road,” Van Tifilin said.
The township’s focus for road projects lies west of Card Road in the southern extension of Broughton Road and the widening of Romeo Plank Road. Those projects are expected to begin in 2027 and 2025, respectively.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
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Stray cats
mostly first-come, first-served basis. Jo said some people say they want a carrier but can’t get it until the next week.
“Well, it’s freezing out and there’s cats that need it, so this person is probably going to get it if they come today. You know what I mean?” Jo said. “And then I’ll eventually make more that they can have more. But I’d rather get them out there when it’s cold.”
“They’ll just go to the bottom of the list,” Don said. “(It’s) whoever comes first.”
Jo also said if there is an emergency, such as a mother cat who recently had babies, they get first priority.
“(It) just depends,” Jo said. “I try to keep a list of everybody, what they need and how many, and how many cats they have.”
Jo asks people to make a small donation when asking for a cat carrier. If they can’t, that’s fine as well.
Along the way, Jo made friends in the animal rescue world.
“It’s just amazing how many people are out there that do help and, you know, it’s just really nice that there are so many special people,” Jo said.
Some of the people who use the cat carriers will sometimes send her pictures of the cats using them.
“It’s kind of therapeutic to me,” Jo said. “I work full time, so I do this on my days off.”
Jo added that building the cat carriers is relaxing.
Don said that a large number of outside cats are not feral, but rather are cats that were dumped by their humans.
“A high percentage are feral, but a larger percentage is growing because people just move and they don’t take them or they can’t afford to feed them,” Don said. “And those are cats that aren’t used to being outside.”
The number of feral, unowned cats is tricky to nail down. A United States Department of Agriculture study from 2021 said 30 million to 80 million cats are unowned
Sailor
from page 10A
things like, ‘My family did not believe he was dead,’ or, ‘He probably was not on board the ship,’ or, ‘Maybe one day he would walk through the door,’” Draude said. “Being able to recover and identify the remains of these sailors aids in the closure to these families.
“It is especially important to the Navy to honor our sailors and Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for our country,” Draude said. “Often the no-
in reference to a 2013 study. This study also specified that a large portion of owned cats are considered “free ranging.” A study from the National Library of Medicine published in 2019 states there are around 70 million unowned cats in the United States compared to around 1.4 million to 2.4 million in Canada. A study from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimated there are anywhere from 60 million to 100 million “homeless stray and feral cats.”
Don and Jo said they both think others should start making the cat carriers. Jo even offered to show people how to make them.
Don often asks Jo why other people don’t make them.
“She’s like the queen of making them,” Don said.
To donate supplies to Jo, contact her on Facebook under the name Jo Sweeney Addington.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
tification and identification briefing can be emotional, overwhelming and relieving for the families. Most families we speak with cannot believe their loved one has actually been recovered and/or identified after so many years.”
The Navy covers all primary mortuary expenses: preparation of the remains, casket of choice, all transportation of remains from the lab to final resting place, and family travel and lodging for up to three family members.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Jo Addington poses with Sandy the cat who sits atop one of the cat carriers she made.
CRIME WATCH
Drunken damage
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 26 at around 2 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to The Hub on 21 Mile Road for a property damage report.
A 37-year-old Sterling Heights man noticed the rear window of his car was shattered. While he did not have issues in the bar, the man believed an intoxicated man that was kicked out earlier in the night was behind the damage.
Contest confirmation scam
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 21 at around 4:20 p.m., a 75-yearold Macomb Township woman spoke with Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies about a scam.
She received a Facebook message claiming she won a Publisher’s Clearing House contest for $120,000 and needed to verify her information. She sent the messenger pictures of her driver’s license and Social Security card but became suspicious after she was asked to send $1,000 in Apple gift cards as well.
Shopping
from page 8A
using their card and money without their knowledge.”
Dowgiallo’s biggest recommendation is that people set up alerts with their financial institution to notify them if someone is logging into their account or if there is a transaction with their card.
“If you have those alerts, and you’re a little bit more on top of your account, you’re going to quickly know when something’s not right,” he said. “Have those alerts in place so that when you feel confident or you think that maybe you clicked on something that you weren’t sure of, that you’re at least in the know on your accounts at all times.”
“No financial institution, including Genisys, will ever ask for your personal information,” he added. “They have that information, but we try to educate our members all the time. You know, you send these onetime codes, and it’ll say do not give this out, and Genisys would never ask for this information, but even if you think it’s a trusted source, just know that they shouldn’t be asking for that. They should have that informa-
Wreath thief
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 25 at around 7:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Home Depot on Hall Road by loss prevention about a man attempting to steal wreaths.
Store staff stopped a 63-year-old St. Clair man who left the store’s garden center with six wreaths, with a total value of $130, that he did not pay for. The man told deputies he planned to reenter the center to pay for the wreaths after browsing the garden center.
The man was arrested and taken to the Macomb County Jail.
The great grill swindle
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 18 at around 3:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 20000 block of Sleepy Hollow Drive to speak with a 73-year-old Macomb Township man about a missing grill.
The man told deputies that he had seen the grill at around 9 p.m. the night before. With its propane tank and cover, the grill was valued at around $400. He told deputies it would cost more to make an insurance claim than to buy a new grill and that he did not wish to press charges.
— Dean Vaglia
tion and to never give it out to anybody.”
Breuckman stated people need to be diligent and double check what they think they know.
“Don’t just immediately trust everybody,” he said. “You have to actually do your own diligence and figure out if you feel like something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Never be ashamed to actually ask another person if they think it’s OK or not before you buy something.”
Emmi stated that many of these crimes go unreported, and that’s the message he wants to send people: They need to report to police when these thefts or frauds occur. Many of the culprits reside outside the United States.
“So they originate from outside the country or from another side of the country, and really it’s near impossible to track down the suspects in a lot of these cases, but if you report it, at least we can share the means in which they are committing their crimes, and maybe we could … through (public service announcements), we can inform the residents to what to look for going forward,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Mik Koury at (586) 498-1077.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Township receives audit report
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Auditors from Plante Moran gave Macomb Township’s 2023-2024 financial statements the highest possible rating for financial reporting as part of its audit presentation at the Dec. 3 Board of Trustees meeting.
Plante Moran found that Macomb Township utilizes robust checks and balances to prevent inappropriate spending, has exceptionally strong fund balances to endure economic downturns and that employee retirement obligations were fully funded.
The audit showed a 6% downturn in township revenues ($44.5 million) due to the end of federal grants related to COVID-19 from the American Rescue Plan Act. Despite the end of these grants, the township’s fund balances increased by over 2% ($64.8 million) and record investments were made in roads, parks and public safety. Township spending on roads and sidewalks increased by 76%, park expenditures increased by 71% due to the construction of the new Pitchford Park and public safety expenditures increased by 7%.
“The audit confirms the priorities of the Board, which are better roads and sidewalks, increased public safety, and better parks while maintaining the highest level of fiscal responsibility,” Township Supervisor Frank Viviano said in a press release.
Historic building receiving state-funded renovation
NEW BALTIMORE — On Dec. 3, the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced a $1.24 million revitalization and placemaking grant to rehabilitate the Baker Building in New Baltimore.
The project will rehabilitate a long-vacant, 9,316-square-foot historic building into
a mixed-use building containing three residential units and commercial space. The cost of construction is elevated due to the work required to preserve the building’s remaining historic features and address structural issues. The development team has worked with the local government to secure a Commercial Rehabilitation Act exemption to help the future financial viability of the site.
“Restoring the historic Baker Building in New Baltimore will create more housing supply to drive down costs and make downtown a more attractive place to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer said in a press release. “We are focused on our comprehensive economic development strategy to help anyone ‘Make It in Michigan’ by supporting people, investing in places, and winning projects.”
The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements.
Santa Claus is coming to town
NORTH POLE — The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will again track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve Dec. 24. The program, based in Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, is in its 69th year.
NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. On Dec. 24, NORAD takes on an additional mission of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe.
The NORAD Tracks Santa website, noradsanta.org, launched on Dec. 1. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, web store and more.
The website is available in nine languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. Children awaiting Santa can count the days on mobile devices with the official NORAD Tracks Santa app, via social media and on Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and OnStar. — Dean Vaglia
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development showcased various projects throughout the county that were receiving country support: the redevelopment of Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, the overhaul of downtown Mount Clemens and the creation of General Sports and Entertainment’s new headquarters in Utica.
Related to economic development is the country’s financial position, which Hackel touted as strong due to the 14th consecutive year of a balanced budget and the recent increase in the county’s bond rating by Moody’s to “Aa1 with a positive outlook.”
“To quote the release, ‘The outlook is positive because the county will maintain robust finances and it benefits from prudent budget management,’” Hackel said.
Republican Don Brown, chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, believed this economic performance showed off the best examples of how the board and county executive have been able to partner on various matters.
“My board has a saying, ‘one team, one mission,’ and Mark Hackel is part of that team and understands that,” Brown said. “He’s worked together with everybody to raise everyone’s boats … We don’t agree on everything but when we don’t, we sit down to figure it out and talk about it. We’re working very well together. The financial picture he highlighted shows the result.”
Hackel’s next segment, quality of life, focused on the ways the county was supporting plans and programs to make Macomb County a desirable place to be. The Green Macomb and Blue Economy initiatives were highlighted as prime examples. Green Macomb’s goal is to expand the county’s tree canopy. The Blue Economy initiative is focused on developing and protecting Lake St. Clair, with its original mission of removing logjams in the Clinton River and eliminating Lake St. Clair beach closures.
Providing Harrison Township with a $1 million grant to build the Digger Odell Memorial Bridge over the Clinton River Spillway was Hackel’s biggest example, in terms of expense, of a community-led quality-oflife project receiving county support.
Roads and infrastructure were the next point of discussion. Much of the information about road projects was reviewed from the country’s “state of the roads” address, with Innovate Mound serving as a key example of a project that required partnerships between county and local — as well as state and federal — governments to be completed.
With the county owning the primary roads in townships, Republican Macomb Township Treasurer Leon Drolet made it clear that county-municipality partnerships
on road projects were not just important but required.
“The township doesn’t run its own roads, but we’re required to pay for a good chunk, usually about half, of road projects,” Drolet said. “Coordinating with the county and roads is not an option — it’s a necessity. We’ve had a great relationship with the county.”
Macomb Township’s work with the county and state, notably state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, has allowed for the funding of various road projects in the township.
South of Macomb Township is Clinton Township, where newly elected Democratic Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, the township’s former treasurer, has long been adamant that the mechanism for road funding needs to be changed. Gieleghem was no less spirited about the issue as he stepped into the Lorenzo Cultural Center for the Taste of Macomb reception after the address. It’s an issue Hackel would also like Lansing to address.
“Mark is absolutely correct that we need a lot more dollars from the state and a fair (funding) formula to meet the needs of our population,” Gieleghem said.
Health and community services focused on the various programs and initiatives the county operates to aid senior citizens. Examples included the Meals on Wheels program and the newly established Macomb County Elder Justice Alliance, which involves 80 organizations working together to combat elder abuse. A new community impact fund in the 2025 budget will see the county work with Advancing Macomb to target grants and philanthropic dollars for nonprofit development, parks and public spaces, small business innovation, senior citizen advocacy and childhood achievement.
Public safety showcased the central intake and assessment center project at the Macomb County Jail, as well as a mention of the Department of Justice L. Anthony Sutin Award, given this year to Hackel and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham for their community policing efforts.
Finally, a focus on education highlighted the county’s work with the Macomb Intermediate School District, local districts and Macomb Community College to advance educational programs throughout the county.
“Our way of doing things (in Macomb County) is just sometimes different,” Hackel said. “We believe in doing things together, not alone. We believe in bringing people in, not shutting them out. We believe in lending a hand, not pointing a finger. We also believe in giving credit where credit is due and not assigning blame. As I hope that I have shown you, we truly believe in the power of partnership.”
Call Staff Writer Dan Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Kettle
from page 3A
“(It was) very generous that someone was able to do that every year,” said Salvation Army Maj. Charlotte Hall, who oversees the organization’s Great Lakes Division.
When a coin is received by the organization, it is cashed in, and funds are distributed back to the unit that received the coin, according to Hall.
Hall said she has been stationed at Salvation Army locations throughout the country during her career and has seen gold Krugerrands donated.
“It’s amazing,” Hall said. “I was in Aurora, Illinois, and we had one donated while I was there.”
The donation came a day before Giving Tuesday, when all statewide donations to the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, up to $25,000, were doubled. This match also comes from an anonymous donor, according to a press release.
The Krugerrand started being produced in South Africa in 1967. It’s named after Paul Kruger, who was the president of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900.
According to a Los Angeles Times article, President Ronald Reagan banned imports of the currency in 1985 following pressure from Democrats to crack down on South Africa’s apartheid government. The article states that $600 million worth of Krugerrands were marketed in the United
From left, Warren Woods Christian School students Fisher McLeigh, 12, and Leo Duncan, 9, volunteer as bell ringers for the Salvation Army.
The pair are joined by Leo’s mom, Suzi, to get donations at the Kroger near the intersection of 13 Mile and Schoenherr roads.
by Patricia O’Blenes
States in 1984. A Seattle Times article states that the ban on importing the coins into the U.S. was lifted in 1991.
How are people giving?
This year, the Salvation Army is pushing its “Tap to Give” option. This allows donations to be made with a cash app, credit card and debit card at locations throughout metro Detroit. When giving, donors will be prompted with different amounts they can contribute.
“You can use your phone or any of your chipped cards,” Hall said.
Donations are down nationwide 40%, according to Hall, though she said the Detroit area holds its own in comparison to the rest of the country.
“Detroiters are known for supporting the Army,” Hall said. “They always come through for us and we really appreciate that.”
Galina Roehl, who does public relations for the Salvation Army, said donations are up from last year. Though, she said, donations to the red kettles themselves are down.
“They’re getting more money from mail and social media,” Roehl said, who added that these alternative sources include the “Tap to Give” option.
Hall said volunteer hours have been down this year. The organization is looking for those who can help to meet its goal.
“It really just takes an army of volunteers to raise $7 million,” Hall said.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up at registertoring.com.
Photo
Board
from page 1A
distinction and serve with integrity and with passion to do what’s best for the residents of Macomb Township.”
Notable among those sworn in is Ron Papa Jr., who won the Republican primary in August. Papa replaces Nancy Nevers on the board for the new board term.
“I want all of you to know what this position means to me,” Papa said after recounting his six campaigns for public office during his end-of-meeting board comments. “When you fight this hard for something you never take it for granted, and I will bring the same persistence, dedication and grit to serving.”
Greenway plan property purchases
Trustees later approved motions that, if plans fall into place, would lead to large steps being taken in creating the North Branch Greenway.
Trustees first approved the purchase of two parcels of land totaling 28.86 acres. Covered by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant of $742,500, the two parcels cost $490,000 and the DNR would require the township to match $147,000 as part of a 70-30 cost share.
Trustees then approved a motion to purchase two adjacent parcels along 23 Mile Road totaling around 18.14 acres for $700,000. However, the township is working with the county to secure a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that would cover the 23 Mile Road parcels and the match for the DNR grant, leaving the township’s total cost for all four parcels at $110,000. If the township is unable to get
the FEMA grant, the 23 Mile Road parcels will not be purchased.
The two approvals mean the township will at most pay $147,000 for two parcels without the FEMA grant or $110,000 for four parcels with the FEMA grant.
Upon purchasing, the parcels would become public conservation lands with parkrelated amenities being the only development allowed upon them. These lands would form part of the North Branch Greenway and serve as the Macomb Township segment of a recreation corridor running along the Clinton River between the Freedom Trail in Clinton Township to the Macomb Orchard Trail in Armada Township.
“The overall project will take decades,” Frank Viviano said. “It will take decades to secure enough property to make a contiguous greenway through the township. But it has to start somewhere, and these are really the steps to making that happen.”
The FEMA grant hinges on the township having a wetland-creation project that qualifies, which is what is planned to occur on the 23 Mile Road parcels. Successfully getting the FEMA grant, along with the successful acquisition of the DNR grant, is expected to help the township’s chances at getting more and larger grants in the future.
Recreation center repairs
Trustees also approved a contract, not
to exceed $10,000, with New Baltimorebased Brick & Level Masonry Restoration to make repairs to the recreation center.
“Back in roughly June of this summer, the recreation center was hit by lightning,” Department of Public Works Director Kevin Johnson said. “Some of the stonework in the northwest corner of the roof broke apart and fell to the ground because of the lightning strike, so this is the company that is going to come and do those repairs. It’s about 20-30 feet of brickwork that has to be done.”
The work will be covered by the township’s insurance.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Members of the Macomb Township Board of Trustees are sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice David Viviano before the Nov. 26 board meeting.
Artifacts
“He was on (the USS) Oklahoma,” Lind said. “He came back to the United States, was retrained and then he got on other ships throughout the war.”
Prayer books were commonly taken from ships while the envelopes were postdated sometime before Dec. 7.
The attack on Pearl Harbor is as much a story of what was not lost as it is about what was. While the battleships USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah were scrapped and the aircraft carriers assigned to the base were saved by virtue of being out of port, the lightly attacked support facilities — dry docks, maintenance shops and oil yards — allowed for the other damaged ships to be repaired and returned to service. Lind says that Michiganders were sought out to repair and retrofit the fleet.
“The Navy came to Detroit and took as many skilled trades (as possible) to go to Pearl Harbor to get Pearl Harbor back in shape,” Lind said. “If the Japanese would have concentrated on the rebuilding centers, the fuel farms, the maintenance shops, Pearl Harbor would have come back but it would have been years later. Instead, within six weeks basically, all the dry docks and maintenance shops at Pearl Harbor were back online.”
It is hard to determine how many Pearl Harbor veterans are still alive for the 83rd anniversary, though the number is certainly not many. Anyone serving in the U.S. military at the time would be a centenarian by now.
An Associated Press article about the 2023 commemoration mentions five survivors were in attendance with a sixth unable to make it due to health concerns. The Los Angeles Times reported nine Pearl Harbor survivors attended a ceremony at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans in January 2023. Lou Conter, the last surviving sailor from the USS Arizona, died in April 2024 at 102 years old.
According to NBC’s KNHL local news in Hawaii, at least one survivor was expected to attend this year’s commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of the attack at 104 years old.
The National World War II Museum in New Orleans says that of the 16.4 million Americans who served during World War II, around 66,140 were alive as of 2024. Of that number, 2,520 were Michiganders.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
18A/ MACOMB TOWNSHIP CHRONICLE • DECEMBER 12, 2024
DEC. 14
National Wreaths Across America Day: Local ceremony followed by laying of wreaths on graves of veterans, noon, Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, kcstraffon@comcast. net
‘Christmas in the Air’: Broadway-style song and dance revue featuring festive storylines and holiday classics, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
Mount Clemens Light Parade: See trees, storefronts and vehicles lit up, 7 p.m., participate in parade at bit.ly/3Cmi4A5, www.facebook.com/downtown mountclemens
DEC. 17
Cookie Decorating Contest: For grades 6-12, 7-8 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, (586) 226-5082, cmpl.libnet.info/events
DEC. 18
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., free but donations accepted, ageways.org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops
DEC. 19
NorthFlicks, Jr.: Watch “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), 5-6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, (586) 226-5082, cmpl.libnet.info/events
DEC. 20
’Twas A Night Before Christmas 1939: Lodge House tour, Santa visit, storytelling, make-and-take crafts and more, 5-9 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 739-4800, packardprovinggrounds.org/christmas39
DEC. 21
‘Holiday Hits Then & Now’: Performance by PRISM Chorus, 8 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com
ONGOING
Widowed Friends events: Breakfasts 10 a.m. every third Friday of month, Dimitri’s Opa! Restaurant, 50875 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, RSVP to Loree at (810) 335-2096
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.
• Breakfasts 10 a.m. every fourth Monday of month, Amore’s Grill, 53100 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, RSVP to Loree at (810) 335-2096
• Lunches 1:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of month, Moni’s Restaurant, 16600 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township, RSVP to Joanna at (586) 777-4651
Macomb Motivators Toastmasters Club: Meets 6:308 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, St. Isidore Church, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, www.6104644.toastmastersclubs.org
Holiday Market: Featuring nearly 100 Michigan artisans, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays until Dec. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, (586) 4698666, theartcenter.org/holiday-market
Santa photos: Select dates and times until Dec. 24, Cabin at the Creek at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, reservations encouraged for people and required for pets, www. shoppartridgecreek.com
Washington Art Guild: Learn about art, listen to demonstrators and speakers, practice art in workshops, and exchange ideas, meets 6:30-9 p.m. every first
Monday of month, Romeo Community Center, 361 Morton St. in Washington Township, washington-artguild.homestead.com
Dodge Park Ice Rink: Noon-9 p.m. MondaysThursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), sterlingheights.gov/1650/dodge-park-ice-rink
Ostomy peer support group: Meets 2-3 p.m. every third Sunday of month, Northside Church, 25600 23 Mile Road in Chesterfield Township, (586) 765-8976, ostomyinfo@yahoo.com, ostomysupport-macomb.org
Bereaved Parents of Macomb Support Group: Meets 7-9 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Washington Senior Center, 57880 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, neilflyer@yahoo.com, (248) 425-2999
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
HEIRITAGE LAW
22955 21 Mile Rd., Macomb Friday, December 13th 2024 4:30pm-7:00pm
• Meet & Greet with Santa Claus!
• FREE photos (Bring your camera or phone!)
• Storybook read by Santa at 6:30pm and lots of holiday fun!
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MOUNT CLEMENS — Around 2:50 p.m. on Nov. 11, a 52-year-old woman residing in the 4000 block of Riverview Circle received a notification that her yard gnome was being stolen.
Camera footage showed a man taking a garden gnome and antique lantern off her porch. The woman told Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies that she believed her 30-year-old neighbor was the culprit and she was just interested in getting the decor back.
Deputies spoke with the neighbor’s dad, who recovered the items, before summoning the 30-year-old himself to the screen door. He told deputies that the items were found in the garbage but, once confronted with video footage, said he did not remember everything due to the medication he was taking.
Man steals dog food
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, a suspect entered the Dollar General in the area of Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 17 and loaded a shopping cart with numerous large bags of dog food before fleeing the location on foot without paying. He was last seen in the city of Detroit before the caller lost sight of him. Police were investigating.
Laundry detergent taken
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the Family Dollar in the area of 10 Mile Road and Schroeder Avenue at around 1:15 p.m. Nov. 17 on a report of retail fraud in which two men allegedly entered the store and left with six containers of laundry detergent, fleeing in a black sedan of unknown make or model.
In a similar incident at around 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Dollar General in the area of Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, an older man reportedly entered the store and stole about $100 worth of laundry detergent before fleeing without paying. The suspect was said to have driven away in a gray GMC Sierra. Investigations were ongoing.
Accident happens in front of public safety building
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A 38-year-old Detroit man is said to have rear-ended another vehicle in front of the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department at around noon Nov. 17, an incident witnessed by one of the department’s officers. The suspect is alleged to have tried to flee the scene but hit a light pole instead, which is when police said the suspect took off on foot. The victim of the accident is said in a police report to have chased after the suspect, who was caught by police just blocks away.
but refused to take a preliminary breath test, so they sought a warrant to have his blood tested to determine his blood alcohol level. The suspect was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor, police said.
Retail fraud suspect arrested
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Police were called to a store in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue at around 7:26 p.m. Nov. 6 after a 35-year-old Detroit man allegedly tried to steal $119.92 worth of shrimp. Employees are said to have stopped the suspect after they said they saw the suspect walk to the deli area and try to leave with merchandise under his coat. One of the workers said he demanded that the suspect open his coat, and when he did, four packages of shrimp tumbled to the floor. The suspect, who was reportedly caught on the store’s surveillance cameras, is said by police to be facing third-degree retail fraud charges. Police said he was also wanted on a warrant out of Grosse Pointe Woods. The suspect was told not to return to the store or he would be charged with trespassing.
Seasonal décor used in vandalism
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Sometime between the hours of 10 p.m. Nov. 1 and 11:50 a.m. Nov. 2, an unknown suspect is said to have shattered the windshield of a 2020 Jeep Compass while it was parked in the 1100 block of Kensington Road. Police said they found chunks of broken pumpkin around the vehicle, leading them to believe that the pumpkin was tossed at the Jeep’s window.
Hacker intimidation
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — In September, a 68-yearold Macomb Township woman purchased a new laptop. She turned the laptop on for the first time on Nov. 8 at her home in the 51000 block Battonwood Drive and quickly encountered a pop-up window. The pop-up encouraged her to call a “Microsoft Support” phone number, which was answered by a man who claimed the computer contained child porn downloaded onto it. After the woman denied this due to not downloading anything yet, the man ordered her to open her online banking accounts. She refused to do so, and the man began moving her cursor, turned on the computer’s camera and brought up a pornography website, prompting the woman to close the laptop.
Scammed out of cash
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 8, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were summoned to
speak with residents about a fraud report.
An 85-year-old male resident reportedly received an email stating a fraudulent PayPal account was made in his name. Upon calling a number in the email, a man claimed $20,000 was wrongly placed in the account and, after hours of conversation, the resident agreed to give $20,000 in cash to a man at a gas station on the corner of Romeo Plank and 22 Mile Road. The man also deposited $9,700 in a bitcoin machine at a gas station on 22 Mile Road and Van Dyke.
Woman finds tracker on vehicle
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer from Shelby Township responded to the 50000 block of Scotland Boulevard, near 26 Mile and Mound roads, for a suspicious situation at 2:30 a.m. Nov. 6. The officer met with the caller, who advised that she had found a tracker on her vehicle.
The woman stated that she is in a relationship that is ending and believes it was placed on her vehicle by her soon-to-be ex. The caller stated that this is the second tracking device she has found on her vehicle in two months. This case was turned over to the detective bureau for further investigation.
Fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 12:33 p.m. on Nov. 14, a case of fraud was reported in the 32000 block of Harper Avenue.
A skimming device was found on an ATM at a business. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the owner, a 59-year-old man, and a machine technician, a 27-year-old man. The technician stated he came to the business and found the device attached to the ATM in the store. The device had two parts: a plate that covered the ATM insert card hole and a “Y” shaped device inserted in the card slot.
Both men had handled the devices prior to the officer’s arrival. Evidence was collected and photos were taken. The officer asked the owner to have employees take notice of suspicious behavior near the machine.
Suspect cited for attempt to steal groceries
STERLING HEIGHTS — On the night of Nov. 7, a man allegedly tried to steal a “large amount of groceries” collectively valued at $188.76 from Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave.
Police said store staff witnessed the suspect not scanning multiple items before trying to leave with the unpaid merchandise. The report added that the suspect had multiple carts filled with over 100-150
been paid for using an EBT card, other items were reportedly unpaid.
Police said they cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
Police investigate report of woman causing disturbance
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said they received a complaint about an elderly woman allegedly yelling and urinating on trash the night of Nov. 7 along Orleans Avenue, located near Van Dyke Avenue and 19 Mile Road. The woman was also accused of twice trying to enter the complainant’s vehicle.
Police said they found the woman, who seemed to be “mildly intoxicated but able to care for herself.” The woman reportedly told police she would return home. Police said the complainant’s car was undamaged.
Violent driver
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At around 5:20 a.m. on Nov. 11, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Shook Road area to locate a white 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe that at least two 911 callers said was driving erratically along Interstate 94. Deputies found the Tahoe on Shook Road and approached the driver, a 42-year-old Detroit woman — who presented them with a fake ID — who reportedly showed signs of intoxication. Deputies had the driver perform
EISENHOWER SHOW CHOIR IS TOPS AT FESTIVAL
in May. The group will sing at the Gala Concert at 7 p.m. May 8 at Fairchild Theatre on the campus of Michigan State University.
DOWNTOWN UTICA TO HOLD CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING UTICA — The city of Utica will host its 2024 Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Utica’s Memorial Park. The event will include Lori Barczyk, from the Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium, as the special guest. There will be visits and photos with Santa Claus, Jack Skellington and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” a fireworks spectacular, Vanessa Carr performing Christmas songs, the Utica High School Marching Band, a performance by The Dance Class
File photo by Erin Sanchez
