Volunteers help provide care, therapy8A
Legislators work to alter wage, sick leave changes
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Drastic changes to Michigan’s paid sick leave and minimum wage will go into effect Feb. 21.
Both of Michigan’s major political parties are currently trying to rein in these efforts in the Legislature.
Republicans hold a majority in the state House of Representatives, and Democrats hold a majority in the state Senate. This month Republicans passed a pair of bills in the House, and Democrats in the Senate have an alternate plan in its early stages. The whole issue began in 2018, when two petitions for increased wages and paid sick time received enough signatures to get on the ballot. To block this, the petitions were adopted and amended by Republicans in the state Legislature, dramatically changing what would’ve appeared on the ballot. In the Michigan Court of Claims, it
See WAGE on page 15A
Baumgartner House Museum celebrates 150 years of history
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
FRASER — The Baumgartner House Museum is celebrating its 150-year anniversary this year. Its rich history shows what Fraser looked like in the beginning.
Marti VanEenenaam-Iwanicki, a trustee of the Fraser Historical Commission, said it is most likely the oldest house in Fraser that they know of and that it was built by or for John C. Baumgartner, who emigrated from Germany in 1852.
Baumgartner met his wife, Samantha, and VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said they lived in Detroit for a while before moving to Fraser. According to VanEenenaam-Iwanicki, the Baumgartners had seven children — two girls and five boys.
“They bought 80 acres, kind of where the house is now,” VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said. “The
See BAUMGARTNER on page 18A
Baumgartner House Museum, located on Kelly Road and Masonic, turns 150 years old this year.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The
Presses to stop at printing plant in August
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The printing plant on the corner Mound Road and Metro Parkway, which has been cranking out papers since the early 1970s, is set to shutter in August.
A Jan. 21 Detroit Free Press announcement states that the Sterling Heights Op-
eration Facility runs 250 press jobs on a weekly basis, ranging from regional dailies to national publications like the New York Times. The approximately 700,000-squarefoot building sits on about 40 acres of land. Shuttering the plant eliminates 115 jobs. On Aug. 3, the last papers will roll off the presses.
See PRINTING on page 13A
BOAT SHOW SAILS INTO DETROIT
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — This year, the Progressive Detroit Boat Show is back with magnificent boats and activities for the whole family.
Ron Wilson, the owner of Wilson Marine, which has multiple locations, including in Harrison Township, said he’s been going to the boat show since 1975.
“And we’ve grown from a pretty small little display to the largest exhibitor in Cobo Hall,” Wilson said.
Wilson Marine will have around 75 boats down at the show, which runs Feb. 1-8. It will be See BOAT SHOW on page 19A
Wilson Marine will be at the Progressive Detroit
this February. The show itself offers a wide array of boats for eventgoers to browse and buy.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Boat Show
Photo by Nick Powers
The Sterling Heights Operation Facility, its Metro Parkway entrance shown here, is set to close in August.
THE ART OF HEALTHY EATING
Courtney Kerr, food services director of Clintondale Community Schools, leads a stir fry cooking demonstration to sixth graders as part of Southwest Foodservice Excellence’s Roving Chef program at Clintondale Middle School on Jan. 29. The Roving Chef program aims to teach students in participating schools about the importance of healthy eating by demonstrating how to prepare meals with fresh ingredients. Kerr’s demonstration was preceded by a talk by Stephen Ritz, New York-based educator and founder of Bronx Green Machine, about how they could grow their own fruits and vegetables using urban and indoor farming techniques.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Township acquires burnt property
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A firedamaged structure has entered the ownership of Clinton Township after a unanimous vote at the Jan. 27 township board meeting.
Trustees approved the acquisition of 21229 Vermander Ave. from the estate of John Brune, the homeowner who died inside after a fire broke out on the evening of Dec. 11, 2023. The home will come to the township after the estate abandoning it, through a petition in Macomb County Probate Court.
“If we waited for the county to foreclose on this property … it will take two to three years before the county will do the foreclosure,” Clinton Township Building Department Superintendent Barry Miller said. “In the meantime, we have a fire-damaged house with the gentleman who passed away in it. He’s gone, no heirs to it. The township … worked to force an estate. That estate has been forced and now they’re offering to basically give that property back to us.”
By acquiring the property through this manner, the township will take on the responsibility of paying the outstanding taxes tied to it. The ultimate goal of the purchase is to demolish the home and eventually get the land back on the market.
“That’s the whole idea here; it’s the revitalization of that area of town, of that lot (and) reuse of the property,” Miller said.
Miller expects the property will be a loss to the township due to the need to abate asbestos during the demolition.
Bathroom buildout
Trustees also awarded Fairview Construction Services LLC of Wixom the contract to remodel bathrooms and locker rooms at Fire Station No. 2 and Fire Station No. 3 for $203,382 after the waiving of permits fees and factoring in asbestos wrap abatement work.
The bathroom remodels update the facilities to reflect changes in the Clinton Township Fire Department’s personnel makeup since the stations were originally constructed.
“We have female firefighters that, at this current time, have no dedicated locker nor restroom facilities at fire stations No. 2 or 3,” Clinton Township Fire Chief John Gallagher said. “We have a process of locked doors, knocking, seeing who’s there, sliding doors, things of that nature, and just the appropriateness of a 21st century fire station is having those amenities available for all of our personnel.”
The remodel was first included in the 2023-2024 budget with a cost of $140,000. A total of seven contractors bid on the project.
Parliamentary procedures
An attempt to establish a set of board rules failed on a partly-line vote of 4-3 on Jan. 27.
The vote was a more decisive — though equal outcome — rejection of board rules than the 3-3 rejection-by-deadlock vote on the matter around the same time last year.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo provided by Clinton Township
The home at 21229 Vermander, damaged by a fire in December 2023, is set to become the property of Clinton Township. Plans for the site include demolishing the burnt structure to prepare the site for redevelopment.
Winter weather brings unique birds — if you can find them
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the air chills and days get shorter, it’s common for snowbirds to take their flights south.
But while our senior set heads for the Florida coast, some of nature’s feathered fellows find their way to Michigan from the Arctic.
These seasonal guests from the high north, along with being interesting company, make the winter a fascinating time for dedicated birders.
“A lot of people don’t necessarily think of a lot of birds being around in the winter,” said Stephanie Beilke, senior manager of conservation science at Audubon Great Lakes. “You hear more birds singing in the spring and summer and there’s more obviously around, but in the winter there’s still a lot of bird activity in Michigan.”
Winter birders keep their eyes out for a number of unique birds. Raptors, notably the snowy owl and various hawks, are some of the most famous winter birds. Another unique winter sight is the arrival of “weird ducks” with striking feather and beak patterns. Notable winter ducks include the bufflehead, northern pintail, common goldeneye and the ruddy duck.
“They’re looking for anywhere that just has open water because that’s all they need to find food,” Beilke said. “They’re looking for fish or plants that are underwater.”
Small birds, too, make southerly journeys for the warmer weather of frigid Michigan. Those birds, like the dark-eyed junco, can be best spotted at properly-equipped bird
feeders — one of the least chilly ways of winter birding. Finches also may make an irruptive migration south due to what kind of seed crops have grown over the year.
“True sparrows … like the dark-eyed junco like to feed on platforms, so getting a tray feeder or a larger hopper feeder where you’ve got an edge to it that they feel comfortable sitting on,” said Rosann Kovalcik, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Some bird feeders are enjoyed by being directly watched, while others use technology to catch visiting birds with camera feeders.
“What’s good about them is that you can be in your house, you can have the camera set to be transmitting to your laptop or
Photo by Lynette Spence, provided by Audubon Great Lakes
Female, left, and male redhead ducks are one species of waterfowl that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Photo by Barb Baldinger
A dark-eyed junco, spotted around 26 Mile Road, is a songbird that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
Birds
from page 6A
your phone and you can take pictures from that to help identify (birds),” Kovalcik said. “The camera feeder that we sell actually has identification built in it. There’s a huge surge of that going on. There’s still probably a much larger group of people that go out and they just want to look with their binoculars and they’re just getting into the hobby.”
For those looking to get more outdoors but still close to heat, car caravans organized by Audubon and Bird Alliance groups are a great way to seek birds out.
“What’s fun is just the discovery,” Kovalcik said. “What could I possibly see as I’m driving through this area of Macomb County near Algonac, and that day (Dec. 20, 2024) my partner and I had a screech owl, we had a bald eagle, we had a red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier. We had so many raptors that we could see that were out during the day or you could play tapes of and they’d call back. It’s such a treat to come across that and to see it and to know that I’m only going to get this (experience) this time of year.”
Locations close to water — such as Lake St. Clair Metropark, Belle Isle and almost anywhere along the Detroit River/Lake St.
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Clair coast — offer a wide variety of birdsighting opportunities due to optimal plants and prey. Wooded areas like the non-coastal Metroparks offer great opportunities to view birds. Kovalcik says not to discount open fields, such as in northern Macomb County, when planning your winter bird watch; songbirds like snow buntings will take to open fields to scour about for seeds and insects.
“And flying over them would be shortreared owls, which are also out because they are looking for voles and mice in the same fields,” Kovalcik said.
Those with technology on their side can stay up to date on the latest bird sightings throughout the region.
“(The website) eBird is a great resource for finding birding locations called eBird Hotspots, which provide up-to-the-minute information on the very best locations and what has been seen there,” Barb Baldinger, long-time birder and former vice-president of the Macomb Audubon Society, said via email. “Another place to check is the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail website, which has information about 38 bird viewing sites in St. Clair and Macomb counties.”
While coming across an exotic bird can be a cool experience, it is best for the birds to keep your distance.
“One of the best things to remember is to use good birding ethics to keep your
distance from any owl or other sensitive species,” Baldinger said via email. “Using your vehicle as a photo blind, if possible, is much less intrusive than walking too close to an owl and perhaps causing it to fly, when it needs to conserve energy.”
The largest birding event of the winter is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 5 every year. Groups like the Detroit Bird Alliance, the Oakland Bird Alliance and the Macomb Audubon Society organize field trips throughout the season.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Barb Baldinger
A snowy owl, spotted in St. Clair County, is a raptor that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
8A/ FRASER-CLINTON CHRONICLE • FEBRUARY 5, 2025
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE CARE AND THERAPY FOR HOSPICE PATIENTS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Aloved one’s decision to enter hospice care can begin a daunting and scary time for families, but volunteers providing supporting care for their loved ones can make it a little bit easier.
Ruth Moore-Lilly, Hospice of Michigan’s volunteer program coordinator, said volunteers give additional support to patients and families during hospice care.
“Providing companionship, caregiver relief — just a more personal side where the patient doesn’t really feel like a patient,” Moore-Lilly said.
Hospice is end-of-life care, or palliative care. The volunteers provide a wide range of services, including caregiver relief, pet therapy, music therapy and much more.
“It’s really just providing that extra special support at a very sacred time,” Moore-Lilly said.
Hospice patients range in age from infants to the elderly. Their diagnoses range as well, but all are terminal.
Families can request hospice through referrals by the patient or through a doctor.
“Once a patient’s on our service, the clinical team — the nurses, the social workers, the spiritual care advisors — they’re always assessing patients to see if they would desire something from
a volunteer,” Moore-Lilly said. “And they make those referrals to the volunteer coordinator, who then starts the process to match a volunteer with a patient.”
Volunteers can meet a patient at their care facility or at their home. Usually, only one volunteer visits at a time, but Moore-Lilly said they may have more than one volunteer visit each week.
Crystal Hickerson, the volunteer coordinator at Brighton Hospice, said it’s the job of the volunteer to provide companionship for the patient.
“It’s a nonclinical way to bring support to the hospice patient and to provide for the caregiver a little bit of relief,” Hickerson said. “Just knowing someone else is visiting with their loved one without it not necessarily being just someone coming to do a test or something like that.”
Hickerson said that hospice started as a volunteer service. Around the 1980s, regulations were put in place in the United States to require hospice organizations to provide volunteer support and services.
She said Medicare makes sure volunteers are utilized
See HOSPICE on page 11A
DISCOVER UNPARALLELED SENIOR LIVING AT ROSE SENIOR LIVING CLINTON TOWNSHIP
The warm, welcoming feeling of home and family. It’s what you notice frst at Rose Senior Living Clinton Township, and, you can be sure, it’s what you’ll experience every day.
Our independent living features exceptional services and amenities, maintenance-free living, wonderful dining, and comfortable spaces to gather with friends and family. Plus, the gracious helping hand of assisted living and memory care is available whenever you need it, all under the same roof. Now that’s a retirement life you can love!
At Rose Senior Living Clinton Township, we understand that home is not just a place; it’s an experience. From spacious apartments to cozy common areas, every inch of Rose
Senior Living is crafted with the comfort and well-being of our residents in mind.
We understand that every individual is unique, and so are their needs. Our range of services are designed to cater to the distinct requirements of each resident. Our compassionate and dedicated team is here to provide personalized care, creating an environment where residents can thrive, and families can fnd peace of mind.
Culinary excellence is at the heart of our dining experience. Our talented chefs craft delightful, nutritious meals that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The dining spaces are not just places to enjoy delectable cuisine; they are social hubs where residents come together, sharing stories and laughter over a beautifully prepared meal.
Choosing Rose Senior Living Clinton Township is choosing a lifestyle that prioritizes quality, comfort, and community. Here, each day is an opportunity for growth, connection, and joy. Our commitment to creating an environment that feels like home is what sets us apart.
Tom Kallas and his dog, Kevin, provide pet therapy for hospice patients through Hospice of Michigan.
Photo provided by Hospice of Michigan
Open House February 22nd 11:30am - 2:30pm
We invite you to come enjoy our hot chocolate bar and tour our community. Learn more about our specials that are so HOT you’ll forget it’s cold outside. While you’re here, don’t forget to enter our raffle.
Girl Scouts will also be here selling cookies!
WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913
With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.
Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.
“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”
Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at
ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.
Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.
According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”
In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”
From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.
Hospice
from page 8A
and requires that 5% of the organization’s staff hours are volunteered across its teams, including administration.
Some volunteers are students in pre-med or other medical-related fields of study. Hickerson said these students get firsthand experience in the end-of-life process.
“We want them as they go in their role as a physician to know about what the end-of-life services are and that hospice is available and what it’s really about,” Hickerson said.
She said that even though they might not go into a field dealing with the end of life, it gives them knowledge about the process and when to refer someone to hospice.
“And that’s crucial, because again, like I said, in America, it’s only been here since the ‘80s, so it takes a while for some physicians to understand, even though they’re in the medical field,” Hickerson said.
She said she always asks any volunteer why they chose hospice, because it is so specific.
“There’s so many regulations around it; it’s almost like a job,” Hickerson said.
She said volunteers stay because they learn a lot from their patients.
“Just being there for someone and the humanity of it all,” Hickerson said. “It’s really great when we have younger volunteers who go out and see our patients.”
Tom Kallas and his dog, a Newfoundland named Kevin, provide pet therapy to the patients they visit.
He started volunteering two years ago, after his wife found an article about pet volunteering.
“And she showed it to me. I was recently retired, and I contacted them, and I’ve been involved with them now for the last couple years,” Kallas said.
Kallas volunteers at other places with Kevin in addition to Hospice of Michigan. He said that after 40 years of working, he was in a place mentally to want to give back.
“I spent 40 years trying to accumulate enough wealth to be able to retire, and after I retired, I just had an inner urge to do some volunteering, to do some giveback,” Kallas said.
Kallas’ training prepared him for patient deaths. He said that over long periods of time, he’s created relationships with them and their families.
“When you lose that person that you’ve seen every single week for a year, you know, it’s tough. It’s really, really tough,” Kallas said. “At the same time, you have to have in your mind the fact that you know what you were doing is doing good for that patient, and you knew going into it what the outcome was most likely going to be.”
Kallas said visits are memorable when families get together with the patient and take part in the services. He said families are very appreciative of his company.
“You’ve never seen anybody appreciate something like the families that have hospice involved,” Kallas said.
He said some of the work his fellow volunteers do is incredible.
“It’s selfless,” Kallas said.
Moore-Lilly said she thinks volunteers provide their time and companionship unconditionally.
“Volunteers aren’t expecting anything in return. They
just have a heart to be with somebody,” Moore-Lilly said.
While she has worked in health care all her life, MooreLilly said it was not always with hospice. She started volunteering before she was employed by the organization. Hospice of Michigan and Brighton Hospice are just two of many hospice care providers in the state offering an array of services.
She reiterated that at the end of a person’s life, everything revolves around a patient’s diagnosis, and the volunteers allow them to be a regular person outside of their diagnosis.
“Volunteers always say that they take a piece of every person that they have visited with them in their own life,” Moore-Lilly said. “And it really, you know, for me, and I do speak for other staff members and volunteers, it changes our lives.”
She said it gives her a new appreciation for what she has. Moore-Lilly said the whole experience has been rewarding.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Moore-Lilly said. “This is where I’ll stay for the rest of my career.”
Volunteers must be 18 to participate, and training is provided. Future volunteers also must go through a background check, fingerprinting and a tuberculosis test. They can visit the Hospice of Michigan website at hom.org or Brighton Hospice at brightonhospice.com.
“If you have a heart for other people, then you can be a hospice volunteer,” Moore-Lilly said. “You don’t have to have any special talents.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
NEWS & NOTES
Macomb Home Improvement Show Feb. 15-16
WARREN — Homeowners thinking about updating their kitchens, redecorating their bathrooms or adding new landscaping should check out the Macomb Home Improvement Show.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center, located at 14500 12 Mile Road. Homeowners can take advantage of incredible “show only” discounts and enjoy savings on everything for their home. Local home improvement professionals will be on site to discuss the latest in kitchen and bath designs, room additions, roofing options, swimming pools, spas, siding, decks, landscaping, pavers and patio furniture. Attendees also can look at floor coverings, windows, doors and more. There will be a number of artisans offering unique handmade items for the home as well. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit yourhomeshows.com.
Entries open for State of the State program design contest
LANSING — Michigan K-12 students are called upon to submit entries for a State of the State Address program design contest.
Set to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26, students are asked to develop a design around the concept of “Think Michigan” using crayons, markers, paint or any other material. Submissions are accepted through the website www.somgovweb.state.mi.us/ ArtContest and are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.
MACOMB COUNTY STUDENTS PAINT PLOW
ANCHOR BAY — The handiwork of students from Anchor Bay High School will be seen throughout the county.
On Jan. 17, Macomb County officials and Anchor Bay students unveiled “Blizzard Wizard,” a snowplow painted by the students that will enter the Macomb County Department of Roads’ fleet this winter.
“Thanks to the talented students at Anchor Bay High School, we’ll be putting ‘Blizzard Wizard’ to work this winter to help keep the roads clear,” Macomb County Department of Roads Director Bryan Santo said in a press release. “The paint the plow program serves as a friendly reminder to the motoring public to drive safely and steer clear of snowplows during winter weather operations.”
The plow is the most recent entry in the Paint the Plow program. Prior plows have been painted by students from Switzer Elementary School and Collins Elementary School.
“This was such a cool opportunity for our students to see their work come to life in a real-world project,” Liz VanNuck, Anchor Bay High School graphic design teacher, said via press release. “They started with designs in Photoshop and Illustrator, which were voted on by the Department of Roads and their maintenance service center personnel. Watching Mr. Stump’s traditional art students bring the design to life was amazing. This is an experience our students will never forget. We enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this!”
Schools and teachers that are interested in participating in the county’s annual paint the plow program can contact the Department of Roads at (586) 463-8671 or geninfo@rcmcweb.org for additional information.
Former judge promoted to convention committee
MOUNT CLEMENS — David Viviano, former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, was appointed to the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority on Jan. 21.
Viviano fills the seat previously held by Marilyn Lane, who served as vice chair of the DRCFA.
“Dave has a proven track record of leadership and public service, making him an exceptional addition for the DRCFA board,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said in a press release. “His deep understanding of the law and commitment to our community will strengthen the Authority’s mission to drive economic growth and collaboration across the region.”
A lifelong Macomb County resident, Viviano served as a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court from 2014-2024, first being appointed by then-governor Rick Snyder before winning election in 2016. Prior to his tenure on the Supreme Court, Viviano served as chief judge of the Macomb County Circuit Court and Probate Court as well as a lawyer in private legal practice.
The DRCFA oversees management and operations at Huntington Place.
Advancing Macomb opens accelerator applications
MOUNT CLEMENS — Small to medium-sized nonprofits seeking to improve their performance are encouraged to apply for Advancing Macomb’s Nonprofit Accelerator.
Open to 501(c)(3) organizations based in or serving Macomb County, the accelerator is a four-month program that will teach 10 nonprofits about subjects including financial planning, communications, grant seeking, strategic planning and more.
Applications are accepted at advancingmacomb.com and are due by Saturday, Feb. 15.
12A/ FRASER-CLINTON CHRONICLE • FEBRUARY 5, 2025
Photo provided by Macomb County Department of Roads
Anchor Bay High School students and Macomb County officials pose for a photo with the snowplow “Blizzard Wizard.”
Printing
from page 3A
A photo in the Sterling Heights Public Library’s digital collection shows construction being done on the plant in 1971. The Evening News Association, which owned the Detroit News at the time, constructed the facility for $42 million. The description mentions that the facility, then called the Detroit News North Plant, was up and running by 1976.
Both The Free Press and The Detroit News are printed at the Sterling Heights facility. Gannett has controlled the business side of The Free Press and The Detroit News through a Joint Operating Agreement since 1987. The JOA is set to expire this December. The two papers have separate ownership: MediaNews Group owns The Detroit News and Gannett owns The Free Press. Other Michigan newspapers owned by MediaNews Group, including the Macomb Daily, are also printed at the plant.
Gannett sold the property to Ohio-based Industrial Commercial Properties in March 2023, according to
an ICP press release. The amount of the sale was not disclosed. Gannett leased the property from ICP to continue printing operations until early this year, when that agreement fell apart.
“Where our newspaper is printed does not impact our ability to deliver outstanding journalism,” reads a statement from Gannett. “The Detroit Free Press will continue to provide readers with quality, local content that matters most to them, and to connect our valued advertising partners with the customers they want to reach. We deeply appreciate the years of service our valued colleagues have dedicated to our Detroit facility and the local community.”
At the time of the 2023 sale, ICP CEO Christopher Semarjian said the facility would continue producing papers, though the release stated a 4-acre spot may be repurposed.
“We are very bullish on Detroit and the suburban markets,” Semarjian is quoted as saying in the release. “We own millions of square feet in the region and think it’s a great place to own long term.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Photo provided by Suburban Library Cooperative and the Sterling Heights Library
This photo shows the Sterling Heights Operation Facility when it was first being constructed in 1971. The plant is set to close in August.
was determined on July 19, 2022, that the adopted and altered acts were unconstitutional. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals but was ultimately upheld by a 4-3 Michigan Supreme Court ruling July 31, 2024.
The current minimum wage is $10.33, or $3.93 for tipped workers.
If nothing happens
If the revisions by Republicans or Democrats are not made, the court’s ruling will go into effect as planned in February.
All workers will receive a pay bump to $12.48 an hour this year, with tipped workers gradually reaching $12 in 2029. The final amounts will be determined by the state’s treasurer.
All employees, including part-time and temporary workers, are entitled to paid sick leave. Every 30 hours an employee works generates one hour of paid sick leave. Employees get 72 hours paid sick time per year at larger companies. However, employers with fewer than 10 employees need to only pay for 40 hours of sick leave a year.
Proposed Republican changes
Two Republican-led bills have passed through the Michigan House of Representatives that would augment the court’s ruling.
“These bills are now bound for the Senate where they will face another vote,” Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, said in a press release. “I urge each senator to consider the needs of the small business in their com-
munities and vote yes. It would be a massive win for Michigan if the Senate followed the example of the House and sent these bills to (the) governor’s desk.”
House Bill 4001, introduced by Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, would tweak the minimum wage changes. It was passed Jan. 23 with a 63-41 vote. Six House members sat out for the vote.
The bill would set the new minimum wage to $12, which is 48 cents less than what would go into effect automatically Feb. 21. The wage would increase by 50 cents in 2026, and then increase by $1 each Jan. 1 until 2029. Starting in 2030, the state treasurer would calculate the annual increase.
Tipped workers would receive 38% of whatever the minimum wage is for all other workers.
House Bill 4002, introduced by Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, would alter the paid sick time changes. It passed the same day as HB 4001 with a 67-38 vote. Five members abstained from the vote.
The bill excises the earned sick time for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Workers at larger companies would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, not including hours used as paid leave. Sick leave accrued can carry over from year to year, or an employer can pay the employee the value of the time. Employers do not have to allow more than 72 hours of accrued sick time in a year. They also don’t have to carry over more than 72 hours from one year to the next.
“We have heard again and again from thousands and thousands of restaurant workers whose jobs are at risk,” Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, said in a press
release. “The Legislature has both the duty and ability to protect this vital industry and its employees. But the clock is ticking; we need Senate Democrats to do the right thing and join us in the fight to save Michigan’s threatened hospitality industry.”
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association supported the changes in HB 4001.
“The House has acted to protect 1,000 independent restaurants from closing permanently,” Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, said in a press release. “Now
it’s critical for the Senate to follow suit and pass House Bill 4001 immediately. Every day of inaction puts more Michigan restaurant jobs and businesses at risk.”
While some Democrats joined GOP members in approving the votes, some cast a vote against them. Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said in a release following the vote that the bills could have been better.
“We need to support workers receiving wages and benefits they deserve — along with creating a positive climate for employers to thrive,” Tate said in a press release.
Shutterstock photo
Bills currently in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives address changes to the minimum wage and sick leave for workers.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FEB. 5
‘Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus — Live’: Stage adaptation of popular book about relationships, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com, (586) 286-2222
FEB. 10
Bad art night: Students in grades 6-12 compete to make worst/ugliest piece, 6 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5073
FEB. 12
‘1-2-3 Welcome to Neurodiversity’: Presented by Disability Network Eastern Michigan, 6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5073
FEB. 14
Tribute to Journey: Performance by DSB, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com, (586) 286-2222
FEB. 15
Garth Tribute Live!: Hear hits of Garth Brooks, 7:30
p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter. com, (586) 286-2222
FEB. 20
Medicare 101 seminar: Presented by Medicare Learning Services, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, also held March 20, May 22 and June 26, registration required, (586) 465-0588
FEB. 21
Mother-son dance: Inaugural event presented by Macomb Township Parks & Recreation, also includes buffet dinner, DJ, crafts and photos, for ages 4 and older, 6-9 p.m., Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, macombtwp.org/3BSjnHv
Toby Keith tribute: Performance by Hollywood Yates, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter. com, (586) 286-2222
FEB. 26
Spaghetti dinner: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (or until gone), Lt. Wood-Cpl. Reid VFW Post 6691, 17075 Anita Ave. in Fraser, continues every fourth Wednesday of month, (586) 294-1450
ONGOING
‘Leading Ladies of Michigan’s Past’: Exhibit on display 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays Feb. 24-April 26, also presentations about “Dynamic Dames of Detroit” (1 p.m. Feb. 28), “Women Engineers Moved the Motor City: Female Automotive Pioneers in Detroit” (1 p.m. March 8), “She Won, and Won, and Won: Women in the Michigan Legislature” (11 a.m. March 12), “Integrating Boblo: The Story of Sarah Elizabeth Ray” (1 p.m. March 15), “Great Girls in Michigan History” (11 a.m. March 19), “Michigan’s Most Dangerous Women” (1 p.m. March 29), “What She Left Behind: Uncovering the Stories of Rochester Women” (1 p.m. April 11 and 23), “Nancy Harkness Love: The True Story of a WWII Pilot” (1 p.m. April 12), “Conquering Heroines: How Women Fought Sex Bias at U of M and Paved the Way for Title IX” (11 a.m. April 25), and “Elly Peterson: Mother of the Moderates” (1 p.m. April 25),
Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com
Book clubs: Find meetups about historic American figures (Presidential Book Club), solving cases (Mysteries & Munchies), quiet reading for adults and kids (Silent Book Club and Silent Book Club Jr), and recipes and sharing dishes (Cookbook Club), Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every second Monday of month, Big Boy, 16880 Hall Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471, widowedfriends.com
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Wage
Senate Democrats weigh in Michigan Democratic senators have their own proposed legislation to counter Republican efforts. Sens. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, have introduced bills that would adjust the changes set to take effect in February. The bills are currently being discussed in their respective committees.
Senate Bill 8, introduced by Hertel, changes the schedule of the wage increases. The initial change in February would remain at $12.48. Each subsequent increase would happen Jan. 1. Next year it would be $13.73, and in 2027 it would rise to $15. After that, the treasurer would update the rate each year.
Unlike the Republican legislation, SB 8 would increase the wages of tipped workers. The first year tipped workers would receive 38% of the $12.48 minimum wage. The wage would rise in 2%-3% increments each Jan. 1 until hitting 60% in 2035.
SB 15, introduced by Singh, deals with paid sick time. This bill attempts to keep some of the court ruling’s original intent, while sanding down some of its edges.
Earned sick time would stay relatively the same as the Supreme Court ruling, though the threshold for a small business would change from fewer than 10 employees to fewer than 25.
Too much meddling?
The passage of the two Republican bills wasn’t met with enthusiasm everywhere.
“Today, in a bipartisan fashion, the Michigan House of Representatives caved to corporate lobbyists and betrayed Michigan workers by voting to gut the state’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws,” Sam Inglot, the executive director of Progress Michigan, said in a press release.
He said that the majority of Michigan residents supported the original changes as laid out by the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision. He urged the Senate to not make the two pieces of legislation into law.
“HB 4001 and HB 4002 strips workers of a well-deserved and overdue raise and strips too many workers of paid sick leave they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” Inglot said.
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber accused the GOP of “unconstitutional tricks” when adopting and amending the original petition. Bieber advocated for keeping the court’s decision in place.
“Now, less than a month before workers are about to finally get the pay and benefits they deserve, the new Republican majority is trying to pull the rug out from under working families,” he said in a press release. “Every legislator, regardless of their party, should be held accountable for their vote to cut the pay and benefits for workers most in need.”
Baumgartner
house is near the corner of Masonic and Kelly.”
Baumgartner’s 80 acres went from Masonic Boulevard to 14 Mile Road and then from Kelly Road to Groesbeck Highway. The house itself was built in a German style with rounded arched windows.
“The architecture is unusual for a private home,” VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said. “It’s usually something you’d see on big train stations or banks or municipal buildings, something like that.”
VanEenenaam-Iwanicki called John a gentleman’s farmer since he farmed and at the same time was a member of the school board and other boards.
“He was a little bit more of a wealthy farmer and so the house was pretty fancy for that time period,” VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said. “It was one of the only brick homes in Fraser.”
The house itself went through a couple of owners including one of John’s sons. Many modern accommodations were added such as bathrooms, separate rooms, different types of flooring and squaring off the rounded windows. The front room was turned into a gift shop for the museum with T-shirts and other memorabilia. VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said they plan on having a T-shirt design contest for the 150-year anniversary.
It was officially acquired by the city in the 1980s. The commission was founded to research the history of Fraser and develop a museum, VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said. It took several years of renovations for the house to be ready for the historic registry in the late 1990s.
Before the house was acquired, the city did not have a museum, VanEenenaamIwanicki said.
The property, which sits on about an acre, currently includes the Hemme barn, a garden, a depot and the house.
Tom Iwanicki, the Fraser Historical Commission’s vice chairperson, said the barn has a barn quilt which is one of the only ones on a barn in Macomb County.
“The barn quilt kind of represents not just our area but where the Baumgartners came from in Bavaria,” Iwanicki said.
The barn was established around 30 years ago while the quilt was put up three years ago.
The garden is a master gardener project, and they host volunteers from the Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener program. They’ve also had help from local high school students and scouts.
Iwanicki said they created a house in the German style because it was their culture.
“If you came there from Germany and you had a certain style of house that was popular at the time, that’s what you built,” Iwanicki said. “If you came from England or
Ireland or something else you probably had a little bit (of a) different style of house. It’s just the culture which you’re familiar with.”
Many historical artifacts decorate the home from coffee grinders to intricate stoves and more. Though most of the items are not original to the house, they represent the time the Baumgartners grew up in. It has examples of entertainment, hygiene, heat and other things of the time.
Along with that, the house shows that the Baumgartners were shorter in stature than modern day people with low ceilings and smaller furniture.
A celebration is scheduled for September this year in honor of the house’s 150year anniversary. VanEenenaam-Iwanicki also said they altered their barn sale sched-
ule. Usually they have sales in June, August, September and October. This year, they are hosting sales in June, July and August, which will be the last sale before the celebration in September.
“We want to have the barn cleared out enough so we can actually have tours in there so that’s our goal,” VanEenenaam-Iwanicki said. In December they also have a Christmas sale.
“And the old man himself tends to show up,” Iwanicki said.
For more information about the Baumgartner House, visit the historical commission’s page on the Fraser website at ci.fraser. mi.us.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 4981103.
CITY OF FRASER
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS
2025 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW
The Board of Review will be holding an organizational meeting at the City of Fraser City Hall, 33000 Garfeld Rd, Fraser MI 48026, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:00 AM for the purpose of receiving the 2025 Assessment Roll of the City of Fraser, Macomb County, Michigan.
Matters pertaining to the assessment of property may be brought before the Board of Review BY APPOINTMENT on the following dates: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thursday, March 13, 2025 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Appointments will be taken until 4:30 PM on Thursday, March 13, 2025, by calling the Assessing Department at (586) 293-3100. Appeals will also be accepted by letter. All letter appeals must be RECEIVED by 4:30 PM on Thursday, March 13, 2025, addressed to:
City of Fraser Board of Review 33000 Garfeld Rd Fraser MI 48026
The tentative assessment ratios and county equalization factors for the City of Fraser, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department, are as follows:
Several families have called the Baumgartner House home.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
The Baumgartner House Museum is filled with historical artifacts and information about the original family who built it.
Boat show
from page 3A
open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.6 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 2-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Wilson said it used to go nine days, but it was shortened because of the Super Bowl on that Sunday.
A press release from the Progressive Detroit Boat Show stated hundreds of boats will be available for viewing and purchasing.
“Like the Auto Show, new models and features debut making the show a must-see for current and new boaters alike,” the release states. “Unlike the Auto Show, the boat show is one stop shopping with financing and purchasing happening right on the show floor. Many dealers attribute up to half of their annual sales from sales and leads gained from this show.”
Other activities and events that will be available are a tiki bar, Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel, a kids zone, free boater safety courses and more.
Rob Kotowski, owner of Lake Shore Boat Top Company in St. Clair Shores, said they’ve been participating in the boat show for the last 25 years. He said the show is fun to do and helps kick off the boating season.
“It’s a good opportunity for people if they need any type of maintenance,” Kotowski said. “You know, if they’re looking to keep what they currently have and kind of refresh it. It’s a good spot to find different types of services that are available.”
Kotowski said eventgoers should bring photos of what they have.
“You’d be surprised how many people come by and they don’t even know the year of their boat and you’re trying to help them
out as much as you can,” Kotowski said. “But, you know, simple things like that, just having the knowledge of what they have.”
He said they should also bring a good pair of walking shoes and recommended that his customers come during the week because it gives them time to talk about what they need and what they’re looking for.
“During the weekends, there’s a lot of traffic coming through, so we try to do our best to help and cater to everybody,” Kotowski said.
Wilson said it’s the best place to buy a boat.
“Because it’s so well attended by dealers, and of course, the more dealers, the more competition,” Wilson said.
He said consumers benefit from the show because they don’t have to travel everywhere to find a boat.
“They come here and they can see everything that’s manufactured,” Wilson said. “But there is one thing that’s not well represented anymore, and that’s sail boats.”
He said patrons can find jet skis, cruisers, pontoons and much more at the show this year.
Wilson said the show is fun and that the entire family can enjoy it. A boat based on the Disney movie “Moana” and a “Barbie” boat are going to be available for viewing.
“It’ll get kids out of their bedroom and off the video games (to) just see really, really cool stuff,” Wilson said.
The boat show will take place at the Huntington Place, formerly known as Cobo Hall, at 1 Washington Blvd., on the riverfront in Detroit.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
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Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporters: Dean Vaglia | (586) 498-1043 | dvaglia@candgnews.com
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Suspects threaten delivery person
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Two unknown male suspects are facing possible strong-armed robbery charges after stealing a package from a Federal Express delivery person when the victim was trying to deliver said package to a home in the 200 block of McKinley Road at around 12:12 p.m. Jan. 7.
The victim told police that one of the suspects claimed to be the homeowner as he stepped out of the passenger side of a vehicle. When the delivery person asked the suspect for identification before handing him the package, he said the suspect wouldn’t provide any. The victim said the suspect tried to rip the package out of his hands.
The driver of the suspect then yelled, “Just give us the package and walk away.” When the victim didn’t comply, he said both suspects became enraged. The suspect who had emerged from the passenger side of the vehicle is said by the victim to have gone back to his vehicle and started rummaging through the back seat, asking the victim, “Is that package worth your life?”
The victim, fearing that the passenger was looking for a gun, finally left the package on the porch so that the suspect could take it.
Thefts reported at senior facility
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to be getting into American House apartments and stealing valuables from the senior residents there. In the most recent incident, a 90-year-old woman reported that between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, someone had apparently entered her unit and stole $16 from her purse. Other residents on the same floor have reported similar thefts. In other recent incidents, $40 was taken from a resident’s purse between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, and an iPad was stolen around Jan. 3 from someone else’s apartment.
The thefts are being classified as home invasions by police because they involve someone entering the apartments rented by the victims.
Prowler arrested
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 28-year-old Toledo man was arrested after he was seen on surveillance cameras peering into vehicles and trying door handles in the area of University Place and Maumee Avenue at 9:35 a.m. Jan. 19. The suspect was facing a possible charge for prowling.
Retail fraud suspects hit Lululemon again
GROSSE POINTE CITY — Two unknown female suspects are said to have stolen an
one of the suspects tried to distract store employees while the second suspect pulled out a trash bag and filled it with items. The suspects were last seen heading westbound on Kercheval Avenue. Police said the case was under investigation.
Package thief steals resident’s identity
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A resident in the 700 block of Westchester Road learned that an unknown suspect was using her credit card to rack up unauthorized purchases and collect those purchases from her front porch. The victim, who filed a report with police Jan. 14, discovered the criminal activity by watching her Ring doorbell camera footage, which showed the suspect going up to her porch and taking the packages at around 4:16 p.m. Jan. 14. The victim then found unauthorized charges on her credit card. The suspect is said to have driven away from the scene in a gray Ford Escape. The case was under investigation.
Larceny suspects arrested
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Two 22-year-old Detroit men were arrested after they were reportedly seen on the surveillance cameras of several Grosse Pointe Park homes entering vehicles and removing valuables at around 5 a.m. Jan. 12. The suspects are said to have targeted vehicles on Pemberton, Berkshire and Balfour roads and Beaconsfield Avenue. According to a police report, after they were arrested, the suspects confessed to the larcenies. Police said they recovered stolen property from the suspects.
Fox trapped
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 12, a resident in the 21000 block of John Drive called the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office about a fox caught in a fence.
Upon arrival, deputies saw several residents assisting the fox and noticed a trap around one of the fox’s legs. Deputies called the Detroit Animal Wildlife Group to free the fox for treatment and rehabilitation. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources was contacted about a possible poaching operation due to the trap.
Hit-and-run
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the corner of Garfield and 22 Mile roads for a hit-and-run collision.
At a red light, a 63-year-old Macomb Township woman apparently reversed her Ford Fusion into a Ram pickup truck. After stepping out of the car and interacting with the Ram’s occupants but not giving them any information, the woman drove off.
reportedly claimed that she did not see any damage on her car and assumed there was no damage to the Ram.
Gas station disturbance
MOUNT CLEMENS — At around 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 8, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Marathon gas station on West Gratiot to deal with a disturbance. According to a clerk, a 49-year-old Detroit man was asking people at the station for money and yelling at them. While the man was no longer at the station when deputies arrived, they were able to locate him on Park Street and informed him he was no longer welcome at the station.
Confused driver
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Jan. 6 at around 2:40 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the corner of South Gratiot and Church Street to perform a welfare check on the driver of a Chevy Equinox parked in the area.
The driver, later identified as a 66-year-old Westland man, was confused upon waking up and did not know where he was. He initially identified himself with a credit card and refused a field sobriety test. He agreed to a breath test and registered a 0.168 blood alcohol content, leading to his arrest.
Larceny reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 4:47 p.m. on Jan. 6, an act of larceny was reported in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.
Dispatch told officers a purse had been stolen by a suspect who returned to a restaurant after going to their car. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to an employee of the restaurant, a 49-year-old woman. The employee saw the silver vehicle the suspect drove and stated the purse on the driver’s seat was hers. She stated she placed it on the hostess stand as she was getting ready to leave when the suspect came in and asked her to seat her children while she went back to her car to get something. The employee and her coworker sat the kids and when they returned, the purse was missing.
Video surveillance shows the suspect leaving the restaurant with the purse and going to her vehicle before returning to the restaurant without it. Officers spoke to the suspect, and she claimed she thought it was left behind by someone and intended to take it to the police department. The woman denied taking anything from the purse and a search only showed personal items. The victim and fellow employees stated the suspect tried to flee out the back door when
physically saw a verbal confrontation break out while the suspect tried to leave out the back door. The victim got her purse back and found $250 missing out of the front pouch. The suspect denied taking it when asked by officers. The suspect was placed under arrest, handcuffed and placed in the back of a scout car. She was then transported to the police station.
Fraud reported
Dispatch informed the officer a suspect had tried to cash a fraudulent check at a bank. Upon arrival, an officer made contact with the branch manager, a 57-year-old woman. She stated the suspect tried to cash a check for $1,972. Any checks over $1,500
Vehicle theft reported HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 3 at
