Lamphere Schools seek voter approval for $85 million bond this May
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Residents in the Lamphere Schools will vote on a tax proposal May 6.
If approved, the bond will raise $85 million over a 30-year period, paying for security features, building upgrades and other features in the district.
Under the bond, residents would see their tax rate increase by 4.15 mills. The district collects $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value, times the millage rate.
As such, a home with a market value of $200,000 and taxable value of $100,000 would pay an extra $415 each year. The increase would first appear on the tax bill this summer.
Not including the bond, residents already pay 12.909 mills for the schools’ operating millage, and 2.9297 mills for its sinking fund millage. The bond would bring the total to 19.9887 mills.
See BOND on page 4A
A TASTE FOR SUCCESS
ABOVE: The Hazel Park Public Schools held its 3rd Annual Family Resource Extravaganza & Chili Cook-off at Hazel Park Junior High School Feb. 3. Attendees sampled 10 different chilis and voted for their favorite in the contest. Throughout the gym, vendors and groups held exhibits on different services. Games were also available for kids to play.
RIGHT: Ashley Krill, from Chartwell’s Discovery Kitchen, cooks up nut-free basil pesto over penne pasta, zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Discovery Kitchen visits schools to teach kids about how to cook healthy meals.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
City board continues to build bonds between neighbors
HUMAN RELATIONS AND EQUITY COMMISSION HAS THREE OPEN SEATS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Human Relations and Equity Commission has been busy this year, staying true to its goal of bridging gaps between different groups in the city.
Current projects include diversity-themed book talks for February for Black History Month; communication
boards installed at local parks to assist nonverbal individuals; an Asian food and lantern festival this spring; Juneteenth scholarships for high school seniors this summer; and the second annual Revin’ in the Heights, featuring a car show and barbecue cook-off this fall.
“The overall goal of the HREC is to help the city be more inclusive, and to make sure that all of our residents feel like they have a voice and are represented, not only in the
See BOARD on page 8A
Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run
accident
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — A man waiting for a bus to arrive was killed when a driver left the roadway and struck him. The suspect then fled the scene, only for police to track him down.
Jalal Salim Safah, age 30, of Detroit, was arraigned in Madison Heights 43rd District Court on Feb. 1, charged with one count of leaving the scene of an atfault accident resulting in death, which is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Safah was also given a $10,000 bond.
According to records with the Madison Heights 43rd District Court, Robert Mouradian is the attorney representing Safah. Mouradian did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
The incident occurred shortly after 4:50 p.m. Jan. 29. Officers were dispatched to southbound Dequindre Road north of 11 Mile Road on report of a hit-and-run accident.
“The road was moderately busy at the time,” said Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler in an email. “First responders were able to respond within three minutes.”
When first responders arrived, they found the victim unresponsive on the ground. He was identified as Sammie Baker, 67, of Detroit. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he then died from his injuries. Police came to learn that Baker had been waiting at a bus stop for his ride to arrive when the vehicle hit him. The car was identified as a 2003 Toyota Camry that sustained front-end damage after leaving the roadway and striking Baker. The driver fled the scene, driving south on Dequindre Road.
“Detectives conducted a thorough investigation that included many different law enforcement resources, including surveillance videos,” Koehler said. “There
Members with the Madison Heights Human Relations and Equity Commission discuss projects while at the Madison Heights Public Library Feb. 11. From left is Aaron Brown, vice chair; Heather Hames, staff liaison; Quinn Wright, council rep; and Alec Yu, chair.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Bond
Kelly Fredal is a Madison Heights resident who lives in the district. She has mixed feelings about the proposal, and thinks the exact amount should be reconsidered.
“I think a smaller bond proposal that just focuses on maintenance would be more reasonable,” Fredal said. “The economy is too tight right now, but building repairs are important.”
What’s in the proposal
In an email, Lamphere Superintendent Dale Steen said the district has been “extremely fiscally responsible with the taxpayers’ money.” He noted the district last ran a bond for $35 million in 1997, which was paid off seven years early. Since then, the district has been debt free.
For the new bond, the district identified more than $150 million worth of projects, which staff and community members narrowed down to a list of high-priority items totaling $85 million.
Among the projects are additional security cameras, and new entry points for each school that route visitors through a secure
AVAILABLE
front office with no direct access to the building. Anyone trying to break in would be delayed by new safety glass that doesn’t shatter into sharp fragments when broken.
Parking lots would also be redone at each school to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and streamline drop-off and pickup times.
In addition, the bond would replace rooftops and upgrade mechanical systems such as boilers and classroom HVAC units, improving reliability and energy efficiency while increasing comfort.
“Most of the boilers in our buildings are 50-plus years old, and are reaching the end of life,” Steen said. “Upgrading the heating and cooling systems will allow for an upgraded control system that will provide cost savings for the district. Larger roofing repairs and replacements will be included with the bond to keep our buildings safe, dry and energy efficient.”
More items
Other projects include the creation of a robotics learning lab at Page Middle School that would be used by students districtwide; upgrades to the auditorium stage, dressing
See BOND on page 5A
The following is the language of the Lamphere Schools bond proposal, as it will appear on the ballot when residents vote May 6:
Shall The Lamphere Schools, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Eighty-Five Million Dollars ($85,000,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds, in one or more series, to pay the cost of the following projects to create a modern learning environment for students and for health, safety, security, energy, conservation and other purposes:
Remodeling, equipping, re-equipping, furnishing, re-furnishing school buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields and other facilities;
Erecting and completing secure entryway additions at school buildings, a gymnasium addition at the high school and additions to other facilities;
Acquiring and installing instructional technology infrastructure and equipment for the robotics program at the middle school building; and
Preparing, developing and improving sites at school buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields and other facilities?
The maximum number of years any series of bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of refunding, is not more than thirty (30) years; the estimated millage that will be levied to pay the proposed bonds in the first year is 4.15 mills (which is equal to $4.15 per $1,000 of taxable value); and the estimated simple average annual millage that will be required to retire each series of bonds is 3.81 mills annually ($3.81 per $1,000 of taxable value).
If approved by the voters, the bonds will be guaranteed by the State under the School Bond Qualification and Loan Program (the “Program”). The School District currently has $0 of qualified bonds outstanding and $0 of qualified loans outstanding under the Program. The School District does not expect to borrow from the Program to pay debt service on these bonds.
The estimated computed millage rate required to be levied to pay the proposed bonds may change in the future based on changes in certain circumstances.
(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, repair or maintenance costs or other operating expenses.)
Bond
from page 4A
rooms and technology at Lamphere High; the replacement of worn-out playground equipment at each elementary school; enhancements to the music and art classrooms at all grade levels, including new music equipment; new furniture, storage and equipment for STEM classrooms at the elementary schools; and the conversion of Lamphere High’s shop area into a 3D art studio for the fine arts program.
The superintendent also said that the district intends to construct a new auxiliary gymnasium at Lamphere High.
“For the size of our high school and the number of sports teams and students participating in athletics, a second gymnasium is not uncommon, and is highly recommended,” Steen said. “Due to the lack of gymnasium space, we currently have teams practicing early in the morning and late at night, as well as utilizing the cafeteria and hallways for practice space.”
A matter of timing
Residents may recall that the district
has had a site sinking fund in place for 14 years. It was last renewed in 2017 for a 10year period at a rate of nearly 3 mills, and will be up for renewal again in 2028. The superintendent explained that those funds wouldn’t cover the bond projects.
“Sinking funds are used for small-scale facility upgrades and updates, and ongoing technology purchases. It is very common for districts to have sinking funds for smaller projects, and go out for bonds for larger long-term projects,” Steen said. “It does not affect the number of mills we are seeking with the bond, as they are two different funding sources.”
Fredal said she sees value in many of the ideas, but questioned the timing of the proposal.
“My concern is for all the people struggling with inflation,” Fredal said. “This just isn’t the right time for the schools to be asking for this much money.”
Residents in the Lamphere Schools can share their thoughts on the tax proposal by emailing akozlowski@candgnews.com. Comments may be included in a future article.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Interim superintendent appointed at Hazel Park Public Schools
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — An investigation is underway at the Hazel Park Public Schools, looking into whether violations of board policy occurred under Amy Kruppe, the superintendent.
In the meantime, Kruppe has been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave, per a unanimous 7-0 decision by the HPPS Board of Education on Jan. 27.
Since then, an interim superintendent has been appointed to fill her role. Catherine Cost was approved for the temporary position, 4-3, during the board meeting Feb. 3.
Voting in favor of Cost were Beverly Hinton, board president; Deborah Laframboise, board vice president; Darrin Fox, board secretary; and Heidi Fortress, board treasurer. The three opposing votes were trustees April Beaton, Nathan Becker and Monica Rattee. The group was divided on whether the selection process was thorough enough.
Cost began serving as the interim superintendent the very next day, Feb. 4. She brings with her nearly nine years of experience as superintendent of Wyandotte Public Schools.
Her history also includes eight years as assistant superintendent of Farmington Public Schools and six years as principal of Troy Athens High, as well as four years as an assistant principal and five years as a math teacher, both in Farmington Public Schools.
The Oakland Intermediate Schools helped the board determine Cost as a potential candidate. Prior to her becoming interim superintendent, the acting superintendent had been Tammy McHenry, principal at Hazel Park High School.
As for the investigation, Hinton declined to offer specifics about possible violations, but she said that it’s entirely possible Kruppe will return to her position once the findings are complete.
When pressed further, Hinton deferred to Nicole Hunter at the Allen Law Firm, which is handling the investigation. Hunter
did not return a request for comment by press time.
For her part, Kruppe also declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
“I cannot speak regarding the non-disciplinary leave,” Kruppe said. “I can tell you only as a community member of Hazel Park that Hazel Park is a great place to work and to go to school.”
In a statement by the district, Hinton said that the board remains committed to transparency, and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
“While the district is undergoing some change, the Board remains optimistic, and will be guided by our fiduciary duty to protect and educate our students as they pursue their goals,” Hinton stated. “The Board appreciates all feedback from the school community and the families that we serve.”
In an interview after the meeting, Hinton said she’s confident the board will resolve the matter, and that the investigation won’t negatively impact school operations.
“We have very committed staff and
teachers here at the district. We really do. I’m confident that our schools are running just fine because of our staff. They wouldn’t let the kids down,” she said. “There may be ups and downs sometimes, but I know I can count on them.
“The students, of course, always come first,” Hinton continued. “Parents should know that they can count on us to be attentive to their needs. And again, if parents want to reach out to us with any questions or concerns they may have, they’re welcome to do so. I just want them to feel reassured that we’re working through this, and it will work out.”
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NEWS & NOTES
Hazel Park Drama presents ‘James and the Giant Peach’
HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Drama, part of the Hazel Park Public Schools, is preparing for its upcoming musical, “James and the Giant Peach,” based on the classic novel by Roald Dahl.
The play will be performed at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13; at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14; and at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15. The venue is Hazel Park High School, 23400 Hughes Ave.
The story follows an orphan sent by his evil aunts to chop down an old fruit tree, only to discover a magic potion that yields a massive peach. What follows is a globe-trotting adventure featuring human-sized insects, sharks and more. More than 70 students in fourth through 12th grade will be featured. The musical comedy includes handmade puppets, zany dance numbers and elaborate costumes.
Tickets start at $18. The doors open 30 minutes before showtime. The play is suitable for ages 7 and older, and has some mature themes and cartoonish violence. The play also features water-based fog, flashing light and sudden loud noises.
The showing on Saturday will also feature a pre-show workshop for kids eager to learn more about musical theater performances. For more information, visit www. hazelparkdrama.org.
MADISON HEIGHTS BASEBALL
MADISON HEIGHTS — Registration is now open for Madison Heights Baseball, for kids 7-18. In order to guarantee a roster spot for the 2025 season, players must be registered by March 21. After this date, registration will remain open only to fill remaining spots.
Specific divisions and costs include “Midget” (ages 7-8) at $105; “Peewee” (ages 9-10), $105; “Majors” (ages 11-12), $130; “Pony” (ages 13-15), $140; and “Bronco” (ages 15-18), $140.
Practices start in early April, with Opening Day set for Saturday, May 17, and the season starting Monday, May 19.
Games are played Monday through Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m. (Fridays only if necessary). Most games will be played at the Page Middle School Complex, but some games will be played in Clawson (ages 7 and older), Troy (ages 11 and older), Royal Oak and Waterford (ages 15 and older).
The league is also looking for volunteers willing to help create a fun environment for the sport. This includes opportunities to coach, be an umpire, help at events or join the board. For more information or to register, visit www.madisonheightsbaseball.org.
2025
After an 11-day run that included ride-alongs, celebrity appearances and visits from some of the greatest cars to grace the silver screen — including the Ferrari from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” — the Detroit Auto Show drew in 275,000 visitors with an estimated $370 million financial impact on the region.
Auto Show has estimated $370 million impact
DETROIT — After an 11-day run in January, organizers of the Detroit Auto Show announced on Feb. 5 the show drew in 275,000 visitors with an estimated $370 million financial impact on the region.
“The impact the Detroit Auto Show has had on our remarkable region cannot be overstated — with hundreds of thousands of Detroiters and visitors experiencing the best we have to offer, supporting our economy and dining in our amazing restaurants,” Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, said via press release. “Every year the Detroit Auto Show is one of the most important and influential mobility events in the world, shining a light on the city and creating experiential opportunities with the brands and technologies that define us as the Motor City.”
The show’s black-tie Charity Preview drew 7,000 attendees and raised $1.7 million for six children’s charities in the region, while bringing the total funds generated since 1976 to over $125 million.
Black Lake sturgeon season lasts 17 minutes
LANSING — Nearly 800 anglers descended upon Black Lake in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties on Feb. 1. After 17 minutes of hooks and spears plunging beneath the lake ice, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources gave the word to 790 anglers to go home empty-handed.
A lucky seven anglers secured their place in history.
The Black Lake sturgeon season is a highly regulated annual harvest limited to six fish every year between Feb. 1-5, as agreed to by the state and tribal governments; seven fish are allowed if simultaneous harvests occur.
The hard limits on the Black Lake sturgeon angling season support the rehabilitation of lake sturgeon in the Cheboygan River watershed by the DNR with the support of the Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon For Tomorrow, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership, the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Anglers on the lake were notified of the season’s quick end by text messages and shanty visits by DNR officials, getting the word out within minutes that the season’s quota was reached.
Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
This season’s harvested Black Lake sturgeons ranged in size from 43.5 inches to 64 inches long and weighed 18.2 pounds to 78.3 pounds.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Board
from page 3A
way we govern but also in our programs and activities,” said Madison Heights City Councilmember Quinn Wright, who serves as the council representative for the HREC. Councilmember Emily Rohrbach is his alternate.
In addition to the two council members, there are seats for eight citizen members, three of which are currently open. Anyone interested in serving on the HREC can apply at the city website, https://madison-heights.org, under the “Government” tab.
Wright suggests attending one of the group’s meetings first. The HREC meets the third Thursday of every month inside the Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, typically in the Breckenridge Room starting at 6 p.m.
“Even if you’re not a voting member, you can still be part of the conversation and participate,” Wright said. “We would like to have residents who are looking for a way to get more involved.”
The board’s purpose is to make the city a more fair and inclusive place for all. Wright said this begins with listening to people of different races, sexualities, gender identities, creeds and more.
The HREC explores this concept with its book club, “Novels with Neighbors,” which meets at the Madison Heights Public Library. One can check with the library for dates and times.
At each meeting, members discuss books about the experiences of different communities. With February being Black History Month, the current theme has been the Black community.
“We want people to share their experiences with their neighbors, to have those conversations that can sometimes be uncomfortable,” Wright said.
Communication is key, but it can take many forms. For individuals who are non-
verbal or have limited speaking ability, the HREC is preparing special boards that will be installed at Rosie’s Park and Civic Center Park. The boards will feature visuals indicating different emotions and commands, such as “stop” and “go.” The boards will be installed once the weather is warmer.
“The idea is that it can be a tool for adults or kids who are non-speaking due to disabilities or special needs. The boards can aid them in communicating with others and expressing how they’re thinking and feeling,” Wright said. “The idea actually came from one of our members (on the HREC) who deals with ADA topics (the Americans with Disabilities Act). We felt there was an opportunity to make sure we’re supporting our ADA community members through our parks.
“Often when we think about DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), we don’t understand or appreciate that it considers all people. That’s why this board came about,” he continued. “Even DEI hiring is misunderstood. DEI is meant to make sure we consider all people. It doesn’t advantage or disadvantage anyone. It just recognizes there are people who are qualified for things, but who might otherwise not have the chance to be considered. It’s about making sure we’re considering all options, so that we have the best folks in the places where we need them.”
He said cultural immersion is another way to bridge the gap between groups. The HREC is planning an Asian food and lantern festival for May. The exact date hasn’t been finalized, but it will take place at the city’s new bandshell at Civic Center Park.
“Madison Heights has an eclectic range of eateries and other unique businesses, as well as residents that span across all of the Asian panhandle. So getting to celebrate that is great,” he said. “The event will also feature Asian-style lanterns. We’re planning to partner with local businesses to put those together.”
On Sept. 13, the HREC will hold an-
See BOARD on page 11A
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF HAZEL PARK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a City Council meeting on February 11, 2025, the Hazel Park City Council adopted the following: Ordinance #01-25, Title 17, Zoning Ordinance. The effective date of this Ordinance is February 28, 2025. The entire Hazel Park Title 17, Zoning Ordinance, is available for inspection and/or purchase at the City Clerk’s Offce, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. Lisa K. Mayo, City Clerk, CMC.
0365-2508
Published: Madison-Park News 02/19/2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the City of Madison Heights will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 to consider the following Special Land Use requests: Case # PSP 25-01 – 31691 Dequindre Road
The applicant, Ogeen Kada, on behalf of 31691 Dequindre, LLC, property owner, requests Special Land Use approval per the procedures set forth in Section 15.05 of the Madison Heights Zoning Ordinance to operate a Major Auto Repair and Service business at 31691 Dequindre Road (PIN 44-25-01-426-028). The property is approximately 2.24 acres in size and is zoned M-1, Light Industrial.
The applications and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online after 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the meeting at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send your comments via email to: MattLonnerstater@madison-heights.org and your comment will be read into the record at the meeting. Written comments may also be mailed prior to the meeting to 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, 48071. All comments will be heard at the meeting.
MADISON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (248) 583-0831
Published: Madison-Park News 02/19/2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
0309-2508
Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of the Madison Heights Zoning Board of Appeals will be held in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Oakland County, Michigan 48071 on Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the following requests:
1. Case # PZBA 25-01: 27351 Dequindre Road
REQUEST: The applicant, Image 360 Brighton, on behalf of property owner Henry Ford Health, requests a dimensional sign variance from Section 12.03 and 12.07 of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the maximum size of a temporary sign, per the procedures set forth in Section 15.06 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located at 27351 Dequindre Road (PIN 44-25-13-426-031) and is zoned O-1, Offce.
2. Case # PZBA 25-02: 29305 John R Road
REQUEST: The applicant, Hang Phonrath d/b/a Kim Nhung Superfood, Inc., on behalf of property owner William Gershenson, requests a dimensional sign variance from Section 12.07 of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to maximum wall sign area allowances, per the procedures set forth in Section 15.06 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located at 29305 John R Road (PIN 44-25-11-476-022) and is zoned B-2, Community Business.
3. Case # PZBA 25-03: 32275 Stephenson Highway
REQUEST: The applicant and property owner, Ahmad Nassar, requests a variance from Section 8.05.5 of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to fence materials, per the procedures set forth in Section 15.06 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located at 32275 Stephenson Highway (PIN 44-25-02-101-036) and is zoned MUI-1, Mixed-Use Innovation 1.
The applications and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community & Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center after 4:00 p.m. on Friday before the meeting.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send your comments via email to: MattLonnerstater@madison-heights.org and your comment will be read into the record at the meeting. Written comments may also be mailed prior to the meeting to 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, 48071. All comments will be heard at the meeting.
MADISON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (248) 583-0831
Published: Madison-Park News 02/19/2025
0310-2508
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FEB. 21
Daddy-daughter bowling night: Also food, pop and prizes, for ages 5 and older, 6-8 p.m., Madison Park Bowl, 25023 John R Road in Madison Heights, (248) 541-9305
FEB. 22
Stop, Drop and Bowl: Supports Hazel Park Youth Assistance and Hazel Park Firefighters Charity Fund, includes two games and shoe rental, also 50-50, raffle and T-shirts for sale, 4 p.m. (check-in at 3 p.m.), Madison Park Bowl, 25023 John R Road, facebook. com/cityofhp
Royal Oak Whiskey Fest: Includes 10 cocktail/beverage samples, commemorative glass, keepsake photo and music by Cosmic Groove, event produced by K9 Charities, 7 p.m. (VIP with extras at 6 p.m.), Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, royaloakwhiskey fest.com
FEB. 27
Yoga series: Bring own mat to last session, all levels welcome, 7 p.m., Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., (248) 547-5535
MARCH 12
‘Super Seniors: How to Live Better, Longer’ series: Free presentation from 10:30-11:30 a.m., refreshments provided, Madison Heights Active Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, also held April 9, (248) 545-3464
MARCH 15
Royal Oak St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Family-friendly event featuring bands, floats, sports teams, scout groups and more, noon, starts at Royal Oak Middle School (709 N. Washington Ave.) and travels south on Washington Avenue before heading west on West Seventh Street, royaloakstpatricksdayparade.org
ONGOING
Coffee Concerts: Doors at 5:45 p.m. and performances at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 (Jimmy Auquier Duo), Feb. 26 (Balduck Mountain Ramblers) and March 5 (Matt Watroba), also refreshments, Madison Heights Active
Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, (248) 545-3464
‘Echoes of the Earth’: Artwork by Steffanie Samuels created during or inspired by her time focusing on climate change in Canary Islands, solo exhibit on display 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Feb. 28, Color | Ink Studio & Gallery, 20919 John R Road in Hazel Park, (248) 398-6119, colorinkstudio.com
Social clubs: Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of month), Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month) and various book groups, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail. com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Speaker Series: Includes “Power of Reset and How to Change What’s Not Working” with author Dan Heath (2 p.m. March 12), “How Women’s Liberation Transformed America” with journalist and author Clara Bingham (2 p.m. March 20), and “Dreams We Chase” with novelist Jennifer Weiner (7 p.m. March 26), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/ mhlibrary/upcoming
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/ cityofhp
Book clubs: Find groups for ages 50 and older, grades 5-7, lovers of romance novels, LGBTQIA+ themes, fiction and nonfiction, and more, Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/ book-clubs
‘Golden Foxes’: Comedic play about queer men who save friend from homophobic assisted living facility, 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m.
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.
Sundays March 7-24, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
Ice skating: 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Sundays, Warren City Square outside City Hall, 1 City Square, facebook.com/warrenparks, (586) 268-8400
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
FEB. 28-MARCH 2
Detroit Autorama: 72nd annual event includes more than 800 customs, trucks and motorcycles, Megamorph Transforming Robot Car, Barbie Pink Cadillac Convertible, appearances by Danny Koker and Kevin Mack from “Counting Cars,” Miss Autorama Pinup Girl contest, and more, noon-10 p.m. Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. March 1 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 2, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, autorama.com, read more at candgnews.com/news/auto
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other event: Revin’ in the Heights. Now in its second year, the event at Civic Center Plaza will once again feature a car show and barbecue cook-off, with a panel of judges choosing the winners and awarding prizes, while attendees get to enjoy a variety of tasty meals and drinks from food trucks.
“Last year’s event was phenomenal — we had over 500 people come out — and what’s great is we heard from many people who hadn’t come out to any other events in the community prior to (Revin’ in the Heights),”
Arrest
were two witnesses to the incident, both of whom are cooperating with the detectives.”
Investigators were then able to identify Safah and locate him on the west side of Detroit, where he was arrested. They also recovered the vehicle that had been involved in the incident.
When asked if the driver had been driving while distracted or under the influence, Koehler said it’s currently unclear.
“There is no indication of what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway at this time,” he said.
What is clear, however, is the fact that the suspect did not stay at the scene of the accident, which is required by state law. Koehler said that if a driver is involved in an accident, they must stop and identify the other individuals involved, which includes providing their license, registration
Wright said. “It was great to bring people together around something that everyone loves and connects over, which is food.”
One other project in the works are scholarships for graduating high school seniors themed around Juneteenth, the national holiday that commemorates the day the last slaves were freed.
“The rubric is still being created right now. We’re in the initial stages of putting that together,” Wright said. “We’re still figuring out the eligibility criteria, how they will be awarded and the amount. But the goal is to award it at the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration. It’s an opportunity to learn more about Juneteenth, to have those conversations
and insurance information if they were driving.
State law also requires that a report must be filed if any injuries are incurred, or if the damage exceeds $1,000 in value. Drivers should also make sure they pull off the roadway when possible before engaging in any conversation. They can also contact 911 or the local police department’s nonemergency number.
Koehler said the Madison Heights Police Department extends its condolences to the family of the victim. He also reminded the public to be vigilant when on the road.
“When operating a motor vehicle or bicycle on the roadway, the operator should be paying attention to the roadway. They should minimize distractions by staying off their phones, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, utilizing turn signals and obeying the speed limit,” Koehler said. “Also, it’s just as important for pedestrians to pay attention to the traffic around them.”
and discover that part of our nation’s history.”
Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein said in an email that she’s proud of the good work being done by the HREC.
“Following the example of the Madison Heights Arts Board, which raised funds for park murals, the HREC continues to show how community-driven events can enhance public spaces,” she said. “With a limited city
budget, it’s great to see the HREC carrying on this tradition.”
If you would like to support the HREC with a donation, you can send a check made payable to the city of Madison Heights, with “HREC” on the memo line, to Madison Heights City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, MI 48071. All donations help fund HREC initiatives.
CRIME WATCH
versity Avenue, as well as near Lorenz Street and University Avenue.
No victims came forward to report being shot, and no damaged property was located.
“At this time, we believe there is no danger to the public,” said Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler, in a statement.
of
Officers were dispatched to the area, where they discovered numerous gunshots had been fired near Osmun Street and Uni-
Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident, and are asking any witnesses or people with more information to contact the Madison Heights Police Department by calling (248) 585-2100.
Madison-Park News
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23. Division of time
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53. Ill-mannered one
55. Hawaiian welcome wreath
57. *Ford’s pony car
61. *Assassinated president
65. “____ death do us part”
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68. Hindu caste
69. Moonshine maker
70. *Spock’s was pointy
71. Comforter stuffng
72. Ruptured
73. Ground cover
74. Coach-and-four
DOWN
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2. Hokkaido language
3. Network of nerves
4. Mojave plant
5. Go away
6. March Madness org.
7. *____ of Pigs, failed military operation
8. Madison Square Garden, e.g.
9. Command to Fido
10. Designer Boss
11. Copycat
12. Sinister side in “Star Wars”
15. Garment-making
20. Yogurt-based dip 22. Benevolent one 24. Hall order keeper
25. *Joplin of “Summertime” fame
26. Foolish
27. Same as boatswain
29. Tropical tuber
31. Auto pioneer
32. Brownish gray
33. Something yummy
34. *Certain march starting point
36. Backgammon predecessor
38. *Place for a fower
42. Part of mermaid’s tale
45. Cricket umpire’s call (2 words)
49. Not, prefx
51. Optical devices
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56. Arctic people
57. Necessary thing
58. Archaic preposition
59. *Bob Marley’s hit “____ It Up”
61. Kurdistan native 62. Cocoyam
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67. *Zedong of Cultural Revolution
60. Fresco piece
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