LOCAL
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 Operation 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-square-
STERLING HEIGHTS
POLICE UNVEIL NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A ceremony was held to introduce the newest addition to the Sterling Heights Police Department — an electric Chevy Blazer pursuit vehicle.
“The department is excited to test this vehicle operationally, put it in service, see how it goes,” Interim Police Chief Ken Pappas said.
Pappas said the vehicle has a number of benefits, including reduced fuel cost.
“Officers spend a lot of time monitoring traffic that just burns gas,” he said. “At that point, there is no running of this electric vehicle.”
Pappas also mentioned that the vehicle will produce less noise than a normal police vehicle, which will
See ELECTRIC on page 17A
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.
A crowd gathered to listen to Sterling Heights Interim Police Chief Ken Pappas talk about the department’s new EV on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at the city’s Public Works garage.
Photo by Brian Wells
3A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • FEBRUARY 5, 2025
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.
NONPROFIT FITNESS CENTER WELCOMES PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
school, attending track meets with him, and even running alongside him.
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A Sterling Heights man has been found guilty on five charges related to 2023 sexual assaults following a jury trial.
On Friday, Jan. 17, after a four-day trial, Larry Devere Middleton, 32, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. The girl was assaulted on multiple occasions in 2023, according to the release.
Middleton was found guilty on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13, a felony punishable by up to life in prison; second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13, a 15-year felony; criminal sexual conduct-assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, a 10-year felony; and indecent exposure, a one-year misdemeanor.
STERLING HEIGHTS — What began with a student wanting to “fit in,” led to a fitness center that aims to include everyone.
Back in 2010, Mark Ralko was teaching a special needs class in the Birmingham Public Schools district when some parents approached him with a request. Their child was autistic and cognitively impaired, but he wanted to run track.
“And their mindset was they wanted their kid to be on the actual high school team. It wasn’t a separate team for kids with special needs. He wanted to be part of the main track team,” Ralko said. “It was a desire to integrate. The parents wanted him to be part of everyday inclusion — not just people with disabilities.”
Ralko, who holds a degree in special education — cognitively impaired, as well as a minor in adaptive fitness, saw an opportunity. He volunteered to train the student one on one after
“It’s about being able to adapt and modify the exercises but also showing them how to socially integrate so they feel like they’re part of the team,” Ralko said. “It’s not just exercise but socializing and working together.”
That first season was a huge success. Soon, the parents of other special needs students were approaching Ralko with their own requests. One student wanted to play basketball, for example. Another wanted to run with the cross-country team.
Ralko started working with each of them after hours, visiting their homes or meeting them at a local gym where the families had memberships. And the parents, in turn, saw improvements to their children’s self-esteem, sleep habits, attention spans, and overall health and happiness.
In 2012, Ralko’s mother suggested taking it
See FITNESS on page 8A
Sterling Heights man found guilty of sexual assault
Middleton
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Mark Ralko is the founder of the Inclusively Fit Foundation, a nonprofit that operates a fitness center in Sterling Heights. The gym offers low rates on personal trainers that work one on one with clients who have disabilities or special needs.
Thy Hoang, center, is pictured with Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, OU president, left; and Lori Walker, vice president, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Business Unit program manager, Comerica. Hoang is a junior double majoring in studio art and clinical and diagnostic sciences. Comerica sponsored Hoang’s Keeper of the Dream Scholarship. RIGHT: Aliyah Spears, center, is a junior dance major who is also pursuing a dance education certification. She is pictured with Pescovitz, left, and Lia McIntosh, representative for the Lynne & Lia McIntosh Scholarship. The Lynne & Lia McIntosh Scholarship sponsored Spears’ Keeper of the Dream Scholarship.
Residents named as Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award winners
STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights residents Thy Hoang and Aliyah Spears have both been awarded with Oakland University’s Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award.
Hoang received a $10,000 award and Spears received a $5,000 award. The award is given annually to Oakland University students who have demonstrated strong leadership in helping advance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission of promoting interracial understanding.
To qualify for the award, students demonstrated academic excellence, campus involvement and responsible citizenship. They submitted a resume, personal essay and letters of recommendation as part of the application process and were interviewed by a selection committee composed of OU faculty, staff and a past Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award recipient.
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.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH DINNER APPROACHING
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights African American Coalition will hold its second annual Black History Month dinner from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road. The evening will include a dinner provided by Chef Ty’s Catering, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, a keynote presentation by United Auto Workers Local No. 6000 President Kelly Barnett and more. For tickets and more information, visit sterlingheights.gov and click on the Black History Month line.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation and its scholarship sponsoring partners will award 12 scholarships totaling $19,000 to area college-bound high school seniors and current college students living in Sterling Heights and Macomb County. Applications for each scholarship must be received by March 14. For more information, visit sterlingheights. gov/748/Scholarships.
WANNA BUILD A SNOWMAN?
STERLING HEIGHTS — The city is looking for the cutest and most creative snowman.The Sterling Heights Beautification Commission is holding its annual snowman contest. The entries must include a name, address, telephone number and photo of your snowman or snow sculpture. The entry deadline date is Feb. 24. Entries can be mailed to cityhall@sterlingheights.gov. The Commission will announce the winner March 4. The contest winner will receive a $25 prize.
STUDENT ARTWORK SOUGHT FOR STATE OF THE STATE PROGRAM COVER
LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is holding an art contest for the 2025 State of the State program cover.
Michigan’s K-12 students are encouraged to come up with a creative design for the program cover following the theme, “Think Michigan.”
Students are welcome to use crayons, markers, paints, or any other materials. For design submissions, visit michigan.gov/artcontest and follow the instructions on the webpage. Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 14. The 2025 State of the State address is scheduled for Feb. 26.
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com Reporters: Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com
Szymanski
LEFT:
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 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 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.
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
Workers
from page 6A
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,
Assault
from page 3A
“This conviction reflects the bravery of the victim in coming forward and the commitment of our community to holding individuals accountable for their actions,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement.
Joshua Van Laan, Middleton’s attorney, said his client plans to file an appeal.
“As I told the jury in my opening statement, Mr. Middleton did not come into this trial claiming complete innocence. In fact,
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.”
at the very onset of this case, he admitted to the things he did wrong, even though he knew that those admissions would eventually be used to convict him,” Van Laan said.
“And while he has never denied his guilt as to the second-degree criminal sexual conduct claim, he has consistently maintained that his actions did not amount to first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Unfortunately, the jury saw it differently. Mr. Middleton will therefore pursue his right to appeal in the Court of Appeals.”
Middleton was scheduled to be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Sabaugh at 9 a.m. March 20.
Fitness
further, collaborating with the local YMCA. A deal with the Birmingham branch followed, with Ralko’s students meeting at that location. But demand continued to grow. So, in the summer of 2016, Ralko resigned from his teaching position and decided to focus full time on his training program.
The result was the Inclusively Fit Foundation — a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides individually tailored, one-on-one adaptive fitness programming for people who have disabilities and special needs, all at an affordable rate.
The group’s centerpiece is a fitness center, Inclusively Fit, located at 37980 Commerce Drive, Suite 1002 in Sterling Heights. The 5,000-square-foot facility is loaded with professional-grade equipment for every type of workout and staffed by 10 licensed trainers.
Currently, they serve about 125 clients, ranging in age from 6 to 60, averaging about 5,000 one-on-one training sessions each year. In addition, there are weekly field trips that include another 150 individuals from group homes and local school districts.
Their needs run the gamut. Some clients struggle with weight, while others have autism, attention deficit disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or other conditions. The trainers work with each family to properly understand the situation, as well as the client as a person.
“We always do a walkthrough assessment with a series of questions, like what is their communication level and behavioral level, how are they in a group setting rather than at home, and how do they handle changing routines. We want to know how to appropriately instruct the child,” Ralko said. “Parents get these questions all the time from teachers and therapists, so when they hear it from us, their comfort level increases. They see we’re taking the time to get to know their child. Parents can even watch the workouts or work out themselves at the same time. We can be training their child while they’re over on the treadmill.”
Donations to the group are tax deductible and allow the gym to keep its rates low. Even in the current economy, personal training sessions at Inclusively Fit are just $45 an hour — roughly half the rate typically found elsewhere. And the trainers at Inclusively Fit specialize in special needs.
“A lot of our clients already go to other therapies that are not covered by their insurance — psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, things like that. We understand their need, and we try to help them by keeping our rates low,” Ralko said. “And we’re
able to keep our rates low because of grants and the donors who support us.”
He explained that his clients have long been underserved by the health and wellness industry, in part because many physical trainers focus on able-bodied clients, and don’t learn about the more specialized needs of others.
Ralko also feels that the mental aspect is just as important, helping clients to feel good about themselves and to overcome any selfdoubt. The goal is to help them realize they’re capable of setting and meeting goals and being part of their community.
In a series of email interviews, clients shared their experiences with the gym.
“My son Dylan has been coming to Inclusively Fit for the last four months, and we have seen incredible progress and achievement,” said Klaudeta Goskolli.
She described how her son was initially shy about trying new exercises. At first, he couldn’t do the chest press machine with added weight, but now he can handle 40 pounds on the machine.
“Dylan’s strength has improved … (and his) confidence has also improved. He looks forward to coming to the gym now, and has increased the number of days coming in,” Goskolli said.
Stacy Duncan teaches special needs students at Warren Woods Tower High School. She has been bringing them to Inclusively Fit once a week for more than a year now.
“Our students are physically impaired, so this is such a meaningful experience for them,” she said. “It’s nice that they have this opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies. The trainers have all been amazing and accommodate tasks so that all students can participate in activities. It’s so wonderful to see the joy and happiness on their faces when they can play sports and work out.”
Ralko said that he hopes to open a second location later this year, possibly in Canton or Farmington Hills.
“The need is not only in Sterling Heights — it’s all around the metro Detroit area,” Ralko said. “I’ve seen clients become more outgoing, wanting to do activities instead of just wanting to go home all the time. I see them putting forth the effort trying to change their eating habits, and I hear from parents telling me their kids can now walk down the aisles at the grocery store because they have better endurance. To some, that may seem like a small change, but for others, it’s massive. We are making them blossom.”
Inclusively Fit is located at 37980 Commerce Drive, Suite 1002, in Sterling Heights. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sunday. For more information, call (586) 850-5004, or visit inclusivelyfit.org.
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE CARE, THERAPY FOR HOSPICE PATIENTS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A loved 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
See HOSPICE on page 12A
Tom Kallas and his dog, Kevin, provide pet therapy for hospice patients through Hospice of Michigan.
Photo provided by Hospice of Michigan
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 10A
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 and requires that 5% of the organization’s staff hours are volunteered across its teams, including administration.
Some volunteers are students in premed 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 endof-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, Moore-Lilly 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,” MooreLilly said. “You don’t have to have any special talents.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
early this year, when that agreement fell apart.
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
“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.”
Photo provided by Suburban Library Cooperative and the Sterling Heights Library
The Sterling Heights Operation Facility, its Metro Parkway entrance shown here, is set to close in August.
Photo by Nick Powers
Electric
allow officers to have an element of stealth and reduce the chances of suspects being alerted to the vehicle when it arrives at a scene.
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, who was also present at the ceremony, said the vehicle also has impressive performance.
“I’ve seen some videos online, and my brother had been riding in the vehicle for a while,” he said. “I could not believe how fast it can be accelerated, how quickly it can accelerate.”
Pappas added that the increased speed will allow officers to catch up to fleeing vehicles and arrive at scenes faster.
General Motors NCR Envolve Government Account Sales Manager MinDee Richey said between reduced maintenance and fuel costs, the vehicle is expected to reduce costs to the city by an average of 72%.
Richey added that it’s one of the first electric police vehicles in the state of Michigan.
The Sterling Heights Police Department unveiled its new EV during a ceremony at the city’s Public Works department.
“There’s nothing more important in Sterling Heights than our public safety, so we’re really excited about having this vehicle, testing it out and seeing if this is going to be something we can expand upon,” Taylor said.
The Blazer, which was unveiled during a ceremony Jan. 22, is the latest vehicle added to the Sterling Heights Electric Vehicle Fleet Pilot Program, an initiative aimed at bringing more sustainable and cost-effective methods of transportation to the city.
“With a focus on reducing operational costs, carbon emissions and maintenance expenditures, this program is set to transform the city’s vehicle fleet, making it more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable,” according to a press release.
The program was approved by City Council in October 2023 and began rolling out last spring, according to a press release. As part of the program, the city is introducing a variety of electric vehicles into the city’s municipal fleet, including the police vehicle, light-duty trucks, an SUV and a sedan.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Photos by Brian Wells
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
18A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • 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. 8
Down and Derby: Fundraiser hosted by Cub Scout Pack 92, adults compete in Pinewood Derby, also barbecue dinner, raffles and cash bar, doors at 5 p.m., racing at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, facebook.com/cubs92, packardprovinggrounds. org, story at candgnews.com
FEB. 11
Warren Senior Expo: Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free admission, health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., seniorexpousa.com
FEB. 13
‘Reducing Risks for Hurting Yourself in the Gardens and in Life in General’: Presentation by Ascension Injury and Trauma Prevention Coordinator Nancy Butty, hosted by Shelby Gardeners Club, 1-2 p.m., BurgessShadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, (586) 873-3782
FEB. 16
Widowed Friends lunch: Follows St. Malachy’s 11:30 a.m. Mass, Angelo’s Avenue Grille, 34834 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Elaine at (586) 2912471 by Feb. 13, widowedfriends.com
‘The Mill Builder and Inventor from Macomb County’: Presentation part of Historical Speaker Series, 1-2 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org
FEB. 21
Charity Vegas Night: Presented by Shelby Township Lions Club, includes roulette, craps, blackjack, 3-card poker, Texas hold ’em, money wheel, horse bet table and 50-plus slots, also timed raffle prizes, open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment, doors at 6:30 p.m. and final bets at 10:30 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, shelbylionsclub.org
FEB. 24
Black History Month Dinner: Presented by Sterling Heights African American Coalition, includes remarks by Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, keynote by UAW Local 6000 President Kelly Barnett and recognition of winners from BHM art contest coordinated through Utica Academy for International Studies, 6-8 p.m., Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, bit.ly/3C5We4i
FEB. 25
Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Kabob Hut, 37867 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471 by Feb. 21, widowedfriends.com
MARCH 8
‘Butterfly Gardens and Prairie Restoration’: Program presented by expert John Blair and hosted by Southern Michigan Daylily Society, 10 a.m., BurgessShadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, free but registration required, marietta.crabtree@gmail.com, (586) 612-1848, midaylilysociety.com
MARCH 9
Michigan Psychic Fair: Readings, guidance, energy healings, connections with deceased and more, noon6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 45555 Utica Park Blvd. in Utica, mipsychicfair.com/events
ONGOING
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, special events include Sensory-Friendly Sunday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 9, Date Night (couples get sweet treat) from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 14 and Princess Day from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), sterlingheights.gov/1650/dodgepark-ice-rink
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Victoria at (586) 566-7936, widowedfriends. com
Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, also lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/octds
Book clubs: Meetups for teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, and new book and movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights. gov/2136/library
Northern Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Monday of month, Leo’s Coney Island, 33577 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (248) 828-7481, samcrowl@comcast.net
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
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
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshops hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 18, free but donations
accepted, register at wellnessprograms@ageways.org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops or (833) 262-2200
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
STERLING HEIGHTS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
MEETING TO BE HELD AT STERLING HEIGHTS CITY HALL 40555 UTICA ROAD
A. PZBA24-0029 – Aris Alic
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance, which if granted, would permit an addition to a single-family home taller than two stories in height in an R-60 One Family Residential District.
Property Address: 34697 Forman Drive
Location: South of Fifteen Mile Road, west of Ryan Road
Current Zoning: R-60 One Family Residential District
B. PZBA25-0001 – Antonio Abro Building
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance, which if granted would allow for a reduction of onsite parking from 28 on-site parking spaces to nine on-site parking spaces, a reduction of 19 on-site parking spaces, in a C-3 General Business District and Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District.
Property Address: 4050 Fifteen Mile Road
Location: Southeast corner of Fifteen Mile Road and Ryan Road
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District and Traditional Mixed Use Development Node Overlay District
C. PZBA25-0002 - Big Pond Brewing Company
Requesting Board approval for a use variance, which if granted would permit a micro-brewery in a C-2 Planned Comparison District and Lakeside Overlay District.
Property Address: 43734 Schoenherr Road
Location: Northeast corner of Schoenherr Road and Canal Road
Current Zoning: C-2 Planned Comparison District and Lakeside Overlay District
D. PZBA25-0003 - Gordie’s Auto & Tire
Requesting Board approval for non-use variances, which if granted would permit 1) a front yard setback of 172 feet where 177 feet are required, a reduction of ve feet; 2) a minimum front yard parking setback of 103.4
177 feet are required, a reduction of 73.6 feet; and 3) a landscaped
when abutting an 18 foot parking space, a reduction of 1.5 feet in an M-1 Light Industrial District.
Property Address: 6331 Metropolitan Parkway
Location: North side of Metropolitan Parkway, east of Mound Road
Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District
E. PZBA25-0004 - Metropolitan Veterinary Center
Requesting Board approval for two non-use variances, which if granted would (1) allow a
to
constructed with a setback of 21 feet from Meadow View Street where a setback of 35 feet from the property
is required, a reduction of 14 feet, for the purpose of establishing a dog run and (2) allow a fence to be constructed with a setback of 24 feet from Mound Road where a setback of 35 feet from the property line is required, a reduction of 11 feet, for the purpose of establishing an outdoor patio accessory to the primary use in a C-3 General Business District, P-1 Vehicular Parking District, and Mound Road Innovation Support District.
Property Address: 36759 Mound Road
Location: West side of Mound Road, south of Metropolitan Parkway
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District, P-1 Vehicular Parking District, and Mound Road Innovation Support District
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 29, 2025
8. OLD BUSINESS
9.
NEXT MEETING DATE: March 25, 2025
Devin Koski, Chairman Zoning Board of Appeals
PLEASE NOTE: THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY REASONABLE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE MEETING UPON SEVEN DAYS NOTICE TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE AT 586-446-2470.
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 02/05/2025
Devin Koski, Chairperson John Fenn David Graef, Vice Chairperson Pashko Ujkic Stephanie Jackson, Secretary Derek D’Angelo Ben Ancona – Alternate Jaafar Chehab Saif Yousif – Alternate
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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.
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 estimated $10,000 worth of merchandise
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
Fraud
