Shores City Council reviews capital improvement plan
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
The St. Clair Shores City Council reviewed the city’s capital improvement plan at their meeting on Jan. 21 and approved it in a 6-0 vote.
Councilman John Caron was excused from the meeting.
The plan is for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. In December, the draft was brought forward to council, approved and sent back with edits.
In the new document St. Clair Shores
City Planner Liz Koto said changes were made accordingly after meeting with each of the department heads.
“This is the three-year projection for each department,” Koto said. “So this is not a five-year plan.”
Councilwoman Candice Rusie said pre-
viously they had the justification sheets describing more of what the project is about and right now it is only a line item.
“So if this gets passed, this is a proposal only. It’s reflective only of that and we will be discussing these items more in depth and
See PLAN on page 19A
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 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 17A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Wilson Marine will be at the Progressive Detroit Boat Show this February. The show itself offers a wide array of boats for eventgoers to browse and buy.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Photo by Alyssa Ochss
St. Lucy Catholic Church turns 69
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
St. Lucy Catholic Church celebrated its 69th anniversary with parishioners and guests at their mass on Jan. 26.
St. Lucy was built back in 1956 and, according to the Rev. Jim Commyn, it was one of the parishes built during the building boom in the 1950s. It started as a mission for St. Joan of Arc Church. The city’s oldest parish, Commyn said, was St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church, which is no longer there.
“The chapel in American House is dedicated to St. Gertrude’s,” Commyn said. “So I think there’s a plaque there. That would have been the 1800s.”
St. Joan of Arc was built next followed by St. Isaac Jogues Catholic
School and St. Lucy and St. Margaret of Scotland Church. Commyn said the parishes in the northern end of St. Clair Shores would have been built later than that.
The church had an adjoining school which is now closed. Currently, the school hosts the St. Clair Shores Police Department and Fire Department administrative offices while construction is ongoing at their central buildings.
Commyn did not know how many parishioners the church started out with.
“But if it was like with most places, there were a hundred kids on every block and so everybody had a school at that point,” Commyn said.
He estimated there’s 513 families who attend the church.
See ST. LUCY on page 15A
Legislators work to alter wage and 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 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
See WAGE on page 14A
‘I KNOW THAT GOD HAS KEPT ME HERE FOR SOME REASON’
Shores resident celebrates 100th birthday
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
According to this St. Clair Shores woman, turning 100 makes her feel like a teenager once more.
At press time, Esther Tocco was preparing to turn 100 on Feb. 3. Through her lifetime, she’s owned a gym, styled hair and volunteered her skills for various organizations. She said she feels wonderful reaching this milestone and that she feels like a teenager.
“I don’t know how I got up there at that age,” Tocco said. “I didn’t know what a hundred felt like, but when people say you’re old, I don’t feel old. I feel that I’ve accomplished so much in my life.”
Tocco said she’s sure the rest of her life is going to be wonderful.
“I know that God has kept me here for some reason, which I still don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’s got something out there that he wants me to do before I leave this world,” Tocco said.
Her and her husband, John Tocco, always
lived in St. Clair Shores. They met on a blind date in Detroit. The couple were married for over 60 years before he passed away in 2005.
“Very good, happy, happy time in my life,” Tocco said about her husband. “We’ve had sad times, but I’ve also had good times.”
Tocco said they built their first house on Lange Street.
She has two daughters, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She is proud of her accomplishments as well, saying she became a hairdresser after one year of beauty school. It was a 50-year career and Tocco said if it weren’t for her knees, she’d still be doing it. Her hair salon was located behind Pat O’Brien’s Tavern on 10 Mile Road.
When she was younger, Tocco owned a gym, something she made headlines for. The gym was called Fitness Unlimited. She was also a painting instructor at Popke Paints and was a dancer.
“I babysat for my great-grandkids, Logan and Chloe, until I was 90 years old,” Tocco said.
With ladies at her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, she also sewed lap robes, baby blankets and more.
“I was always doing something in St. Clair Shores,” Tocco said.
Along with being a hairdresser, the things that stuck out the most to her is her involvement with her family.
Currently, her volunteer work stands out to her.
“When COVID hit, I used to sew face masks that some of them went to an air base up in Alaska where my great-grandson served,” Tocco said.
“I would say maybe, you know, the volunteer thing is the biggest thing in my life right now, but I’ve always been crafting,” Tocco said. “I’ve always done something as far as crafts.” Tocco’s church is also very important
See CENTENARIAN on page 11A
Photos provided
Esther Tocco turns 100 this year on Feb. 3. She says she still feels like a teenager.
Winter weather brings unique birds — if
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
•
them
A
owl,
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.”
See BIRDS on page 16A
Photo by Barb Baldinger
snowy
spotted in St. Clair County, is a raptor that migrates to Michigan during the winter.
NEWS & NOTES
6A/
Compiled by Alyssa Ochss
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.
AQUA FREEZE
OFFERED A COOL TIME
The Aqua Freeze festival was a hit. Patrons enjoyed music, food trucks and dazzling ice sculptures sponsored by businesses and organizations in the community.
Lake St. Clair 100% frozen
As of Jan. 29, according to data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Lake St. Clair is 100% frozen.
NOAA conducts research through a program called Coast Watch and uses digital mapping called the Great Lakes Surface Environmental Analysis. The photo shown was taken at the Aqua Freeze festival on Jan. 25 on the Blossom Heath Pier in St. Clair Shores.
Library to host historian
The St. Clair Shores Public Library welcomes back State Capitol Historian Valerie Marvin for a presentation about Michigan.
This time, she will focus on Detroit’s William Wright Company that furnished the interiors of many buildings in Michigan including the State Capitol, a release states.
“Their client list included the U.S. and state government, wealthy industrialists, opulent theatres, fashionable hotels, churches, businesses, banks, private clubs, and the occasional charity-funded hospital or special event,” the release states. “In 2018, over 200 pieces of art from the company were donated to the Michigan State Capitol Collection, including dozens of decorative ceiling and wall designs.”
The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the library. The library is located at 22500 11 Mile Road.
The program is available for patrons 12 and older. Registration is required and starts on Feb. 13. It can be done online at scslibrary.org, in person or over the phone by calling (586) 771-9020.
Senior expo will cover various topics
WARREN — Senior Expo USA will present the Warren Senior Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave. Admission is free. The event will include free health screenings, free refreshments, prizes and giveaways. Representatives will be on site to discuss Medicare coverage, assisted living, mobility solutions, independent living, veterans benefits, audiology, senior travel, health insurance, home care, medical equipment and hospice care. Attendees also will learn about financial planning, legal assistance, eye care, physical therapy and more.
Photo by Alyssa Ochss
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
PRESSES TO STOP AT PRINTING PLANT IN AUGUST
Photo by Nick Powers
The Sterling Heights Operation Facility, its Metro Parkway entrance shown here, is set to close in August.
Printing from page 7A
foot 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.
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 Ohiobased 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.
to her. She said she’s had every job she could think of at the church from its board of trustees to the choir.
Decorating Faberge eggs is also something she did earlier in her life.
“Where you take a chicken egg or ostrich egg or whatever and you put a design on it and then you carve it,” Tocco said. “And I’ve got some beautiful pieces that I’ve finished.”
Over her lifetime, she’s met many people through her various careers, church and volunteer work.
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporter: Alyssa Ochss | (586) 498-1103 | aochss@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
She’s had the same hairdresser, Jerry Asarao, for 50 years.
“He was not only that, but a good friend,” Tocco said.
The advice Tocco would give younger people is to not use substances such as alcohol and drugs. She also said to go to church and watch what you say.
“And plan a future. Plan on what you want to do. Get some education,” Tocco said.
“If you can’t, there’s a lot of free money out there. Get into something that you want to do, but that’s what I would advise young people. Get into the direction that you want to go.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099 For retail ad rates: Dave Rubello| (586) 498-1080 | drubello@candgnews.com Amy Carlisle | (586) 498-1056 | acarlisle@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
CRIME WATCH
Larceny reported on Little Mack Avenue
At 8:32 p.m. on Jan. 26, an act of larceny was reported at a store in the 25000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
The clerk, a 27-year-old woman, stated the suspect entered the store and requested scratch-off lottery tickets. As she was fulfilling the request, the man took six $50 lottery tickets while she wasn’t looking. He attempted to pay but his card was declined. He said he’d come back with the money, but he never did.
Surveillance footage inside shows the events as they played out. Outside footage shows the man returning to an apartment building where he was last seen walking into the darkness of the parking lot.
Vehicle theft reported on Elizabeth Street
At 5:51 a.m. on Jan. 27, a vehicle theft was reported in the 19000 block of Elizabeth Street.
An officer was dispatched to a theft in progress. Upon arrival, he saw three vehicles: a gray vehicle partially in the driveway, an-
other gray vehicle next to it and a white vehicle parked parallel to them. Two young men outside of the vehicles fled once they saw the officer: one on foot and the other in the vehicle. The officers advised dispatch of the incident. When they couldn’t get a K-9 unit, they followed the footprints in the snow until they ended at a driveway. A witness, a 53-year-old woman, stated she heard a car door close and observed four young men conversing around the cars.
Two got out and drove west on Elizabeth Street. She realized they were stealing her neighbor’s vehicle.
The officer spoke to the victim, a 72-year-old man, and he was advised his vehicle was recovered and currently stored at Official Towing.
Larceny reported on Ardmore Park
At 6:08 p.m. on Jan. 28, an act of larceny was reported in the 20000 block of Ardmore Park.
A 35-year-old woman stated her mother, a 62-year-old woman, had packages delivered to the daughter’s house. They do not live to-
gether. On the listed date, her mom called her inquiring about the packages, and she said she didn’t receive any. The mother stated the packages should have been delivered on Jan. 24. The daughter stated that she and her husband had not left the house since that date.
Their security camera was not working at the time. The daughter played a voicemail she received from the Oakland County Sheriff’s office regarding the packages. Several items were in the packages totaling $322.52. — Alyssa Ochss
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
13A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES SENTINEL • FEBRUARY 5, 2025
FEB. 6
Wild game fundraiser: Presented by Shorewood Kiwanis Club, includes dinner, craft beer, wine and liquor, and raffles, 5:30 p.m., Century Banquet Center inside American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, (586) 246-6317, eventbrite. com
FEB. 7
Death in the Stacks: Solve crime of how “Marian” the librarian died, puzzles based on wit and knowledge of St. Clair Shores Library (no phones to help), for ages 18 and older with maximum of six team members, snacks provided at 4:30 p.m., no admittance after lock-in at 5 p.m., 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 7719020, scslibrary.org
FEB. 10
Trivia night: Ages 18 and older can sign up individually or in groups of four, 6:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
FEB. 13
Galentine’s Day: Inaugural event sponsored by 9-Mack Merchants Association, features promotions, pop-ups and more at select St. Clair Shores businesses, 5-8 p.m., find list of participants at facebook. com/downtownstclairshores, read story at candgnews. com
FEB. 16
Daddy-daughter dance: 1-4 p.m. with lunch at 2 p.m., also DJ, photo booth, gifts, raffles and ice cream bar, Barrister Gardens, 24225 Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores, purchase tickets at Civic Ice Arena, 20000 Stephens Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 445-5350
FEB. 27
Learn about William Wright Company: Detroit firm furnished interiors of government buildings, theaters, hotels, churches, banks, private clubs and more, presentation by Michigan State Capitol historian Valerie Marvin at 6 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, registration begins Feb. 13, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
MARCH 2
Comic and toy show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (early bird at 9 a.m.), VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, also held May 18, June 8, Aug. 3, Sept. 21 and Oct. 5, keywellcollectables.com, facebook.com/dawnofthecollectors
MARCH 10
Yardeners of St. Clair Shores: Presentation about “Community Science,” 7 p.m., St. Clair Shores City Hall, 27600 Jefferson Ave., garden group also meets April 14, June 6, Aug. 2, Sept. 20 and Oct. 13, (586) 212-4179, scsyardeners@gmail.com
Home Care One Cares For Those In Need
Home Care One Owner Perry Calisi believes in honesty, integrity, and compassion -- and has offered such quality care through his home care business for the past ffteen years in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and Macomb Township in southeastern Michigan.
Home Care One provides assistance for seniors and patients in their homes, and helps with alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, hospital and nursing home sitting, interim care during hospice, physical and mental disability assistance for children and adults, and people recovering from surgery. Services also include full or part-time and 24hour care services, and daily living activities such as meal preparation, running errands, assistance with bathing, house cleaning, doctor visits and more.
as everything becomes more expensive,” he said. “In my experience, more people have done better living in their home rather than facilities; just by familiarity and independence.”
Perry said he entered the business by hearing that someone needed help.
“I just set up my own business model for what I would want for my own mother,” he said. “I would want someone honest and compassionate in the house.”
Perry wants to increase community awareness about how his company offers these personalized services to keep your loved ones living independently at home. Perry added that he and his staff go further than the next by helping clients stay as independent as possible.
“The public should look at home care as a way of staying independent, and in one’s own home --
ONGOING
St. Clair Shores Community Chorus: Open rehearsals for ages 14 and older at 7:30 p.m. every Monday, Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, 22360 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, spring concert featuring music from movies at 3 p.m. May 4, Lake Shore High School, 22980 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, scscommunitychorus.org
Activities for seniors: Crafting, movies, knitting and crocheting, dominoes, euchre, pickleball, and many more games, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens Road, (586) 445-0996
St. Gertrude Senior’s Club: Meets 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240
Silent Book Group: Bring own book, for ages 18 and older, socializing at 6:30 p.m. and silent reading at 8 p.m. every third Wednesday of month, St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary.org
Overeaters Anonymous meetings: 10 a.m. Saturdays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-0814
Storytime: 1:30 p.m. every second Wednesday of month, near Dick’s Sporting Goods at Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, shopmacombmall. com
‘Sky & Space’: Features works by Lakeside Palette
Club of St. Clair Shores and other local art groups, exhibit on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until Feb. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org
Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores: Open studio events from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Clair Shores Adult Education Center inside North Lake High School, 23340 Elmira St., (586) 944-8253, lpcofscs@ gmail.com, lakesidepaletteclub.org
Lakeshore Ukulele Strummers: Jam sessions for all levels from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Lakeshore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 321-9535
Young Modelers Club: For ages 8-16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until April 19, Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, contact Jim at (248) 574-3487, (248) 399-2386 or jimandkatie17@att.net
Ice skating: Noon-8 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until March 2, The Rink at Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, downtowndetroit.org/ experience-downtown/things-to-do/the-rink
Free tax preparation: For Macomb County residents with annual family income of $67,000 or less, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7 and 21, March 7 and 21, and April 4 and 11, see locations and documents needed at macombca.itfrontdesk.com/vita, appointments required, (586) 463-2537
Perry said he tries to match his roughly 18 employees’ personality types with patients. “It assures that there is going to be an assimilation of getting along,” he said.
Betty, a client, said she is “really lucky” to have caregivers take really good care of her. “I get all that pampering,” she said smiling. “They’ve been with me ever since. I haven’t been let down for anything.”
Betty’s caregiver, Theresa, said Perry cares about his clients and he cares about his employees as well. “He is good about matching an employee with a client, which is nice,” she said. “We all work together. He cares all the way around... that is him in general.”
For more information call 313-409-0120 or go to http://www.homecareone.net/.
Owner, Perry Calisi with Caregiver Teresa
Wage
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 communities 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 per-
Shutterstock photo
Bills currently in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives address changes to the minimum wage and sick leave for workers.
St. Lucy
from page 3A
“Most of them are older and they’ve been here for a while,” Commyn said.
He started at the church in 2005.
“I’ve been here almost 20 years and have watched everything sort of ebb and flow,” Commyn said.
He listed off events he’s seen affect the parish, including the housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve been through a great deal in my tenure,” Commyn said.
Though he’s seen hard times within the community, Commyn said it’s been interesting to see the church growing and evolving.
“I think we’re at a good point in our history as we kind of move forward,” Commyn said. He continued saying that St. Lucy — and other parishes in the area — need to remain conscious of welcoming others from the surrounding neighborhoods.
“St. Clair Shores itself is sort of regentrifying and so there’s all sorts of little kids and we just need to welcome them,” Commyn said.
St. Clair Shores Fire Chief James Piper said he knows the parish has been a big part of the community and that they’ve also been a great partner with the Fire Department. He said it was nice to be invited to their anniversary service.
“It’s always great that institutions like this can continue on for a long period and hopefully for many more years to come,” Piper said.
Rebecca Simms, a parishioner at St. Lucy, said she’s had a wonderful experience.
“Like I said, I grew up here. It’s always been a welcoming place, and everyone is always kind and caring and if you need anything you just ask and somebody will make it happen for you,” Simms said. “It’s been a wonderful, wonderful community.”
Cheri and John Schmidt, also parishioners at St. Lucy, married at the church in 2020. They’ve been a part of the community since 2012. Both said the experience has been wonderful.
“He is really very personable. He’s got easy sermons, you know, with a good message and all that,” John said about Commyn. “He’s got something to say and he’s getting all of us involved.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Birds
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 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. 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
from page 5A See BIRDS on page 18A
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.
Boat show
from page 1A
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.
In Memory of Terese Merry Smigels
Therese Merry Smigels (73) passed away peacefully on January 22nd 2025 at St John’s Hospital. She was born on December 13th 1951 to Dorthy and Thaddeus Burzynski in Detroit, MI.
Therese loved her St Joan of Arc community. Since the 1970s she has been an avid member of the church working and volunteering with the parish (forensics coach, girl scout troop leader/ trained leaders, spring fair, lunch mom, main ofice secretary and Gala supporter). Terri loved murder mystery novels and had a talent for crafting, making countless crochet & knit blankets. She enjoyed traveling especially visiting her children and grandchildren who lived out of town. One of her favorite requests has always been to have all of her children and grandchildren in one place sharing a meal together, especially in their backyard for games and a BBQ.
Therese Smigels is survived by her husband John; siblings Chris (Jack), Ted (Diana); children Eric, Rachel (Jason), Sarah, Luke (Jill), Jessica (Andrew); grandchildren Annabella, Brieanna, Damien, Evan, Felix, Jacqueline, John, Julia, Lucius and Skylar; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be shared at AHPETERS.COM
If you would like to make a donation in her memory please send it to the Heart Failure Research Foundation (https://hfsa.org/research/heart-failure-research-foundation).
“Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks.” — Bl. Solanus Casey
Birds
from page 16A
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.”
Wage
from page 14A
manently,” 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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Plan
from page 1A
maybe striking some out or adding some as we go through not only the budget creation season but the fiscal years following, correct?” Rusie asked.
Koto confirmed that was the case, with St. Clair Shores City Manager Dustin Lent adding that the plan can be changed and updated on a yearly basis.
“This will be part of our budget process that will be coming up in March and April and this can be modified, adapted,” Lent said. “And for this year’s coming up budget, they’ll also have the justification forms as well.”
Rusie also asked about a forfeiture in relation to the new police boat. She believed the grant money wasn’t going to be run through the forfeiture accounts.
“That segment that is coming from the grant probably should be put under the police budget as a funded, you know, source of funds grant, but not under forfeiture because we’re not running the funding we’re receiving through the forfeiture,” Rusie said.
Lent said the money will actually be put through the motor pool.
Rusie also said she thought that the city has issues making budgets with the forfeiture accounting for legal purposes.
“Because we don’t know how much money we’re going to be taking in via forfeiture,” Rusie said.
Lent said Rusie is correct and that for fiscal year 2026, a lot of items will come to the City Council.
“But we do have a fund balance even with that being in there,” Lent said.
Lent went on to say they are hoping money comes in, but they’re only projecting out.
Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Rubello wanted to reiterate that the document can change.
“This is hit or miss,” Rubello said. “And because the situation, the times, they (the projections) could change.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
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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
$10,000 worth of merchandise from The
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. Two other officers tried to question the adult children, but they fled out the back door before officers could question
Fraud reported
Vehicle
