Volunteers help provide care and therapy
Suspect in disappearance of Warren mother facing murder charge
PROSECUTOR ‘OPTIMISTIC’ REMAINS WILL BE FOUND
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — The ex-boyfriend of a missing Warren mother is now facing additional charges after police said that DNA collected at what they believe to be the crime scene was matched to her.
Deandre Booker, 32, of Roseville, is facing a first-degree murder charge following the disappearance of Ashley Elkins, a Warren hairstylist and mother of two, who has been missing since Jan. 2.
Roseville Police Detective Sgt. Anthony Coraci said security cameras confirmed that Elkins arrived at Booker’s apartment, located near Frazho Road and Gratiot Avenue in Roseville, in the early morning hours of Jan. 2. Later that day, Booker was seen leaving in Elkins’ car with an unknown female. Booker is then seen returning with the unknown female without Elkins’ car.
Later, Roseville police executed a
See BOOKER on page 17A
ABOVE: Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Carmen DeFranco, left, speaks with Ashley Elkins’ mother, Monika Elkins, before a press conference at the Roseville Police Department Friday, Jan. 31. LEFT: Deandre Booker appears from the Macomb County Jail via Zoom during an arraignment Friday, Jan. 31. Booker is facing additional charges including first-degree murder related to the disappearance of Ashley Elkins, a Warren mother who has been missing since Jan. 2.
Recall petition for Warren mayor suspended
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — A petition to recall Warren Mayor Lori Stone citing her delayed action to establish a land bank in the city was suspended Jan. 21.
“This decision comes after careful consideration of the systemic challenges in Michigan’s recall process, as well as the troubling issue of signature fraud that has cast a long shadow over legitimate efforts like mine,” Paul Kardasz, the Warren resident who started the petition, said in a statement.
Stone offered “no comment” about the suspended recall.
Kardasz’s petition was approved Dec. 30 by the Macomb County Election Commission in a 2-1 vote.
This was not Kardasz’s first attempt to recall Stone. In November, another petition he started was voted down by the Election Commission. That attempt was spurred by the mayor’s appointment of a resident to the Warren Historical Commission who was
See RECALL on page 20A
Photos by Brian Wells
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 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 fi-
See WORKERS on page 18A
Local performing arts alum takes center stage in college play
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT— When Josiah Martelle was about 8 years old, he sat in the audience of the Warren Community Center watching the cast of Warren Civic Theatre perform “Seussical.”
“I was awestruck,” he said. “I wanted to do that.”
After attending a theater camp, Martelle began performing shows regularly with Warren Civic Theatre from 2014-2019. Since acting on stage was what came naturally, Martelle auditioned for the Warren Consolidated Schools Performing Arts School at Sterling Heights High School.
See MARTELLE on page 21A
Carbon monoxide detector saves couple’s lives
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — Tim Dail and his wife Christine are lucky to be alive.
On Jan. 18, the couple’s carbon monoxide detector went off. Tim started airing out the house and put in a call to his nephew, Warren firefighter Devin Rice, who called the Fire Department. The culprit was the couple’s furnace.
“We then shut off the furnace and they cleared the house of carbon monoxide till the levels were near zero,” Tim said at a Jan. 28 Warren City Council meeting. “You can say the carbon monoxide detectors saved our lives.”
Warren Fire Commissioner Wilburt McAdams said the carbon monoxide in their home was 140,000 parts per million. He said 40 parts per million will activate a detector.
“His reading was high, and it could’ve been lifethreatening,” McAdams said.
This is all a result of the family taking part in a Fire Department program for Warren homeowners last year. According to previous reporting from the Warren Weekly, the program is funded through a grant from State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer and his partnership with MI Prevention, the Warren Fire Department and Warren’s elected officials.
“So we choose to believe that the Warren Fire De-
See DETECTOR on page 7A
Tim Dail reads a statement detailing how the Warren’s program to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors saved his life and the life of his wife Christine.
Photo by Nick Powers
Detroit Mercy Theatre Company will perform “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams. The production features Warren resident and 2021 Sterling Heights graduate Josiah Martelle, left.
Photo provided by Sarah Rusk
‘SHE WAS JUST A GOOD PERSON’
VIGIL HELD FOR MISSING WARREN MOTHER
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Green and mahogany balloons floated above a large crowd that gathered in an apartment complex in Roseville. Police vehicles with lights on kept the streets blocked while officers walked through the crowd, offering condolences and support. People struggled to keep candles lit in the cold weather.
The vigil, held Saturday, Jan. 25, was in honor of Ashley Elkins, a 30-year-old Warren mother and hairstylist who’s been missing since Jan. 2 and is presumed dead. It was held at the Hampton Court apartments in Roseville, the last location her phone pinged before she disappeared.
“I know she’s here. I know this is where her soul left her,” said Monika Elkins, her mother.
The apartment complex near Frazho Road and Gratiot Avenue is where Ashley Elkins’ ex-boyfriend, Deandre Booker, lived. He was arraigned in the 39th District Court Jan. 9 on one count of lying to a police officer during a violent crime investigation, a felony that can carry up to five years in prison. Booker was later arraigned on Jan. 31 on four additional charges,
See VIGIL on page 16A
ABOVE: Ashley Elkins’ mother Monika Elkins, left, is interviewed by the media at a vigil in memory of her daughter on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Roseville.
RIGHT: A person wearing a pin supporting justice for Ashley Elkins attends a vigil in her memory. Photos by Brian Wells
Detector
from page 3A
partment and all of its many employees have saved our lives,” Tim said.
On request, the department will send members of its fire inspection division out to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for free. There are no income requirements to receive detectors.
“We enjoy going to a resident and helping them out with this situation before tragedy happens,” McAdams said. “It makes us feel good.”
McAdams estimated that the free program saves households about $250-300. He said installation typically includes five smoke detectors and one carbon monoxide detector. The department works around residents’ schedules to do the installations.
“Plus, we get up on the ladders and install them in the correct place,” McAdams said. “You don’t have to be 90 for us to do it. You can be 20. We will install and save you the trouble. We bring our own ladders, we bring our own tools.”
Tim singled out Rice, Lt. Eric Kamm, firefighter Dane Harvey and firefighter Nate Hayward for their efforts to assist them.
“It was stated by a couple of the fire people involved with this program that if it saved one life, it was well worth it,” Tim said. “It saved two.”
To request an installation from the department, call (586) 759-9320.
Urban Forestry Committee established
A new committee in the city will be tasked with improving its green spaces as a result of action taken at the meeting on Jan. 18.
The council did this by unanimously approving an amendment to chapter 38 of the city’s tree and vegetation ordinance, establishing the Urban Forestry Committee. It also allows the zoning department to issue tickets for failing to comply with the ordinance.
The committee deals with vegetation on public property. Things they’ll look at include tree removal standards; what shrub and tree species are permitted; guidelines for planting; preserving and increasing the city’s tree canopy; a survey of trees in public spaces; and developing a plan for forestry in the city.
In addition to the committee, the new amendment makes other alterations to the charter. It makes sure guidelines are followed for planting; requires a removed tree to be replaced; protects trees from vandalism, pollution and construction; keeps vegetation from overtaking the sight line of vehicles; and requires a utility company to obtain an
annual permit to do maintenance.
If a tree is removed, Warren Public Service Director David Muzzarelli clarified that the city will not force residents to replace it if it’s a hindrance.
“Certainly, if it’s a hindrance to an elderly couple or something we’re not going to force them to have a tree there,” Muzzarelli said.
Muzzarelli said tree planting would ideally happen in the fall. He also confirmed that care is made to make sure the trees are native and do not interrupt septic systems.
Those interested can also now “Adopt a Right-of-Way” through the Public Service Department. This allows for volunteers to landscape margin areas, between the lot line and the street, not adjacent to their property. Regulations for the maintenance set out by the committee have to be followed and a volunteer will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance with the abutting property owner.
Members of the council thanked Councilman Henry Newnan for spearheading the project. Newman highlighted the role of the ordinance in promoting more native plants in the city. He spoke to the change as an example of efficient government.
“I really think this is the new age of city government in Warren where everybody can work together,” Newman said.
Members of the new committee include the public service director, the parks and recreation director, the planning director, the city engineer and the public works superintendent.
All of these department heads have the option of assigning a designee to the committee if they choose not to be on it themselves.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
CANDGNEWS.COM
Warren police officers assist family in need
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — There was no one telling them they had to help out, other than maybe their conscience or lingering holiday spirit. Whatever it was, two Warren police officers went above and beyond their on-the-clock duties for a family in need.
“Watching a kid sit on the floor, not seeing any couches or beds or anything, I was kind of like, ‘Oh, this is a problem,’” Warren police officer Chad Rossow said. “We should fix this, because I wouldn’t want my kid sitting on the floor.”
Rossow and officer Brian Stanko met Lillian Holt in early January during a call, according to a Warren Police Department press release. Holt works the late shift at a factory and is raising two teenagers as a single mom. Rossow said the officers responded to a call about an argument with one of Holt’s sons. It stemmed from Holt selling the family’s PlayStation 5 gaming console to a pawn shop. Holt has since got the PS5 back, according to Rossow.
“We left the original call and we’re like, ‘We should do something about this,’” Rossow said. “Let’s just make some calls.”
“Deeply moved by Ms. Holt’s challenges and her hardworking spirit, Officers Stanko and Rossow knew they could not simply walk away,” the press release states. “These officers made the choice to become personally involved and serve as a lifeline for this family.”
The two officers gathered furniture donations from friends and family, which included couches and a bed. In addition, the officers gave a little bit, too. The release states they
See OFFICERS on page 9A
Officers
from page 8A
provided a king-size bed, dresser, TV and other furnishings. Rossow provided $300 in groceries for the family and, following a call, got Walmart to chip in with a twin bed set, sheets and other items.
In under a week, the two officers had loaded up a trailer with the items for Holt. Rossow and his girlfriend, Rebecca O’Connell, who is also a police officer, dropped the items at Holt’s house. Holt’s sons helped unload the items, starting with the groceries.
“She was kind of just stunned,” Rossow said. “She didn’t know what to think about it at first…She was very thankful.”
Rossow said the two officers were “glad they could help.”
“We get a lot of situations where we don’t get the opportunity,” Rossow said.
He said the donation was an opportunity to show a different side of police officers and build trust with the community.
“We’re a lot more than people who write tickets and do arrests,” Rossow said. “We’re here to help the community. Don’t be scared to ask for help if you need help. We
do a lot more than just put bad guys away. We do a lot with mental health. We do a lot of things.”
The release commended the officers for going above and beyond.
“Importantly, and a true testament to their generosity and humility, neither officer sought recognition for their actions,” the release states. “Their actions exemplify
the very best of what we want our officers to be: protectors, helpers, and compassionate members of the community who go above and beyond to make a truly positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”
At the Warren City Council’s Jan. 28 meeting, the two officers were recognized for their efforts with a resolution by council.
“We all know how hard our fire and
police work,” City Council Secretary Mindy Moore said at the meeting. “They are brave and work under bad situations sometimes. They are called to task many times. Sometimes they just go beyond the call of duty and that’s what happened with these officers.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Police officers Chad Rossow and Brian Stanko were saluted for their off-duty efforts at Warren City Council’s Jan. 28 meeting. Following the resolution, from left to right, Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins, Rossow, Stanko, City Council Secretary Mindy Moore and Councilman Gary Boike posed for a picture.
Photo by Nick Powers
PLAY BALL!
WINNING FUTURES STUDENT SCORES A HIT WITH THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The year 2025 is going to be picture perfect for Durell Thomas Jr.
At press time, the 2022 Harper Woods High School graduate had started his new position as an intern for the Arizona Diamondbacks, based in Phoenix. Thomas, 21, will document the team’s season taking videos and photos of Major League Baseball players.
As a content creator, he’ll capture all the highlights and those historic moments that will remain frozen in time: the star athletes at bat, in spring training, warming up at game time, hitting line drives, running bases, catching fly balls and more. Thomas also will chronicle those special moments of the team mingling with fans and celebrating big victories.
“I’m so excited,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.”
Thomas, who grew up in Detroit, moved to the Southwest about three years ago to enroll at Arizona State University in Tempe. He made several connections and landed an internship on the school’s sports media team where he creates video content for the university’s athletic games, including the ASU Sun Devils football team.
As a sports journalism major, Thomas started working as a content developer for the sports media company, TummClouTv Sports Media. His ultimate goal is to work for a professional sports team as a videographer in any of the four pro leagues: the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB. While football is “the sport I love the most, I just want to be able to create content for any professional team,” Thomas said.
See THOMAS on page 13A
Durell
Thomas Jr., left, learned many skills as a student in the Winning Futures Workforce Prep program with his mentor Clarence Martin, right.
Photo provided by Winning Futures
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,” MooreLilly 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,” MooreLilly 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 MooreLilly 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
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Kevin the Newfoundland is a therapy dog who provides comfort for hospice patients. Kevin volunteers with his handler, Tom Kallas.
Photo provided by Hospice of Michigan
Thomas is applying himself through the skills he learned in the Winning Futures Workforce Prep program when attending high school. Winning Futures connects high school students with local professionals who mentor them and help them develop life skills, learn job readiness strategies, explore career options, and set academic and career goals. Local businessman Sam Cupp started the program in 1994. He died in 2012, and others have carried on his legacy including President and CEO Kristina Marshall and Director of Engagement Chris Cahill.
Mentors undergo training and work with groups of students. Community High School in Sterling Heights, Warren Mott High School in Warren, Harper Woods High School, Hazel Park High School, Cass Technical High School in Detroit and Detroit’s Communication & Media Arts High School are the schools involved with Winning Futures.
During his sophomore year in high school, Thomas was paired with mentor Clarence Martin. For several months, Martin met with his group of students via Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At
first, Thomas didn’t seem very motivated and “not super excited.”
“He was in his bed and the lights would be off,” said Martin, a West Bloomfield Township resident. “There were those kids who made me try to really engage with them.”
Eventually, “His energy would pick up,” Martin said.
Martin, 50, brings his own experiences to the table when mentoring students.
“If I could talk to myself as a 10th or 11th grader now,” Martin said he would tell himself “You have to work hard when you’re young. Investing in yourself is the payment for the rest of your lifetime. When you have goals, time is your friend.”
That’s something he always stressed to Thomas. Martin also has the students make a dream board so they can “embrace and recognize the opportunities they have.” In 2014, Martin celebrated 10 years as a Winning Futures mentor. He is a senior advisor at LM Automotive, LLC in Detroit.
“He taught me the importance of setting goals, having discipline, finding my passion and to trust the process. I learned simple life skills,” Thomas said.
“Grind while you’re young,” was Martin’s catch phrase for Thomas and it stuck.
“I feel Winning Futures instilled confi-
dence in you to achieve and bring opportunities even if they feel out of touch,” Thomas added. The whole staff, they were like family to me.”
“None of us have gotten to where we are without help from someone else,” Martin said. “Why not return the favor? This is how we put good energy out. It’s very rewarding. The big wins are the wins.”
Thomas has always been a sports fanatic: football, basketball, baseball and hockey. One pastime was playing football as a kid and preteen. But during the summer after eighth grade, he underwent spinal fusion surgery and dealt with scoliosis.
“I couldn’t play football anymore,” he said.
But he got back in the game albeit in a different form: behind the lens. When he
came across a camera that once belonged to his dad, Thomas found a new passion. He soon began taking photos and videos of his friends as they scored touchdowns, dribbled basketballs and more.
“They were very supportive to take this full throttle,” Thomas said. “It’s just a love for the game.”
“We’re going to see a lot from Durell,” Martin said. “I think he’s going to be running that department in a short amount of time.”
To view Thomas’ work, visit jetsetdt. myportfolio.com/work.
The Winning Futures office is located in Troy. For more information about the nonprofit organization, visit winningfutures. org, call (586) 294-8449 or email Info@ WinningFutures.org.
• Invisalign and traditional braces
• Root canal treatment
• Implant restorations
• Children’s dentistry
• Zoom whitening
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Digital impressions
• Same Day Emergency
Hospice
from page 12A
volunteer service. Around the 1980s, regulations were put in place in the United States to require hospice organizations to provide volunteer support and services.
She said Medicare makes sure volunteers are utilized 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.
School board, city council receive update on bond projects
DECISION TO BE MADE ON ROOSE BUILDING DEMOLITION
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
CENTER LINE — Crothers Elementary in Center Line Public Schools is back.
After being closed to undergo a number of bond renovations and additions, the school reopened this school year with several changes, including a gymnasium and cafeteria addition, a kitchen addition, two classroom additions, and renovations to the Crothers’ media center, makerspace/computer lab, classrooms and corridors.
The district’s school board and the Center Line City Council received an update on Crothers and other bond projects during a joint meeting held Jan. 27 between the two entities at City Hall.
In November 2017, the school district passed a $53.95 million bond, and a $17 million capital improvement bond proposal
was approved by voters in May 2023. The majority of the Crothers projects were done under the 2017 bond while a few were completed with money from the 2023 bond.
A bond proposal is developed by the school district and presented to the voters for approval. When a bond proposal passes, the bonds are sold in the capital markets at a date determined by the district, a financial advisor and an underwriter. Upon closing, funds generated from the bond sale are deposited in the district’s construction fund and are available to spend for completion of the projects contemplated in the bond proposal.
PARTNERS In Architecture, PLC, based in Mount Clemens, are the bond project architects. The firm McCarthy and Smith, of Farmington Hills, is the construction manager.
See PROJECTS on page 19A
including first-degree murder, after a DNA test matched blood found in his apartment to Ashley Elkins.
At press time, Ashley Elkins’ body has not been found. Law enforcement agencies conducted a weeklong search of a Lenox Township landfill but were unable to find her.
“If (Deandre) is watching, please let us know where she is,” Monika Elkins said. “Whatever happened, it happened. Just give us closure … Just please let me know where she is so I can bury her.”
Monika Elkins described her daughter
as the life of the party. She loved her kids and her family, she said.
“She was just a good person. Everybody goes through things in life, but she was a good person,” Monika Elkins said.
At the vigil, Maurice Morton, her uncle, called on law enforcement to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
“Our young women, our mothers, should not have to be abused, should not have to be killed, should not have to be subjected to domestic violence at the hands of loved ones, ex-boyfriends, husbands, boyfriends and the like,” he said. “We need to make sure this is not normalized, and we have to recognize it for what it is. It’s evil. It’s wrong.”
Among the attendees at the vigil were
Roseville Police Chief Mitchell Berlin and several of his officers, who had worked at the landfill to try to find her body.
“We always try not to let things get personal on the job, but this got personal for a lot of us,” Berlin said. “These officers want to find Ashley to provide closure. Also, to provide justice in the form of life imprisonment without the chance of parole for the person that committed this crime.”
Berlin also commended the officers who had worked at the landfill.
“The operation at the landfill was intense and very difficult but each of those officers volunteered to be there,” he said. They volunteered to do this for one reason, because they truly care about the people they are sworn to protect.
“We have some remarkable officers and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” he added. Before releasing the balloons into the air at the conclusion of the vigil, Monika Elkins addressed the crowd.
“Ashley, we love you. May you rest in peace,” she said through a police loudspeaker.
A GoFundMe effort was started to raise money for Ashley Elkins’ family. At press time, it had raised $12,160 of its $20,000 goal.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
13650
E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
search warrant at Booker’s apartment.
“We conducted a search warrant on the residence and ultimately found what was believed to be a large crime scene with a substantial amount of blood in the bathroom,” he said. “DNA confirms that the blood did in fact belong to the victim.
“Since Jan. 2, the victim has not been seen or heard from, has not had contact with their family and no banking activity. This leads us to believe that the victim is in fact deceased and the defendant is responsible for her death and disappearance,” he said.
In addition to Booker’s existing charge of lying to police during a violent crime investigation — a felony that can carry up to five years in prison — Booker is now facing additional charges of first-degree premeditated homicide, a life felony; tampering with evidence, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; dismemberment and mutilation of a dead body, a 10-year felony; and concealing a death, a five-year felony.
Booker was arraigned on the new charges in the 39th District Court in Roseville Jan.
31. He is scheduled to appear before District Court Judge Joseph Boedeker for a probable cause conference at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 5.
Attorneys argue Booker’s bond
At a previous hearing, before the additional charges, Booker’s attorney, Robbie Lang, asked for Booker’s bond to be reduced. The judge ultimately denied the request.
However, at the Jan. 31 arraignment, Lang argued that Booker does not fit into a category where bond can be denied due to Booker not having any previous violent felonies or parole violations. However, if the court continued to determine Booker is a flight risk, it could deny bond, he said.
“I would reiterate that Mr. Booker would not be a flight risk,” Lang said.
Lang asked that the court give Booker a lower bond with the agreement that he would wear a GPS tether and have no contact with the victim’s family if released.
Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Carmen DeFranco asked that if the court does grant a monetary bond, it give him “something in the neighborhood of $5 million cash with no 10%.”
In the end, District Court Judge Alyia Hakim denied bond.
Officials discuss how evidence led to additional charges
At a press conference following the Jan. 31 arraignment, Roseville Chief of Police Mitch Berlin stated that officers had been working tirelessly to develop the case.
“This is an ongoing investigation that detectives continue to work tirelessly, develop more evidence and put together what I feel is an excellent case,” he said. “They’ve obtained enough evidence to present to the prosecutors, who went through it very thoroughly and authorized those charges today.”
While officials didn’t release information on other evidence, they stated the blood in the bathroom was analyzed by the Michigan State Police Crime Lab and it matched Elkins. However, they declined to say if blood was found anywhere else in Booker’s apartment.
“There was blood that was recovered. It was a match and it was enough to get the charges authorized today,” Berlin said. “We’ll leave it at that.”
While security camera footage showed Booker coming and going from the apartment with an unknown female, she is not believed to be involved, Berlin said.
“We believe he acted alone. There was
a video (showing) a second female; it was investigated thoroughly,” he said. “She was not involved.”
As of the Jan. 31 arraignment, Elkins’ body had not been located. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said that he believes they will be able to convict Booker.
“These cases are put together by the totality of the evidence, the statements, the digital evidence that’s provided, and because people who come forward, even during an investigation, may offer more testimony,” he said.
Lucido added that he’s seen a number of cases that have ended with a conviction without a body being located.
“There’s no other way sometimes to explain it when you don’t have a body, except all of the evidence that’s been accumulated,” he said.
Lucido ended by stating he feels optimistic that Elkins’ body will be recovered.
“I’m hopeful, I’m optimistic … but it’s only if somebody or evidence points to where that happens,” he said. “Somebody may cooperate in the investigation. Sometimes it takes a little bit, but I’m hopeful.”
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Workers
nal 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 trea-
surer 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 & Lodg-
NOTICE
CITY OF CENTER LINE BOARD OF REVIEW
The City of Center Line Board of Review will meet in the City of Center Line Municipal Offces located at 7070 Ten Mile Rd, Center Line, Michigan 48015, ** OR by electronic means if required by order. If electronic meeting is required public notice will be posted not less than 18 hours prior to the meeting at the City Hall and on the City website (www.centerline.gov). **
Meetings by appointment only on the following days:
Tuesday March 4, 2025 at 9:00 am for the organizational meeting (no appeals will be heard).
By appointment to hear appeals,
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday March 14, 2025 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
The purpose is to review the assessment rolls of Center Line. Matters pertaining to the assessment of property may be brought before the Board of Review. Appointments will be taken until 4:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025. Appeals will also be accepted by letter.
**All letter appeals must be received by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025. ** TENTATIVE TENTATIVE RATIO FACTOR
201
301
ing 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.
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 work-
See WORKERS on page 19A
CITY OF WARREN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
A petition to rezone land has been presented to the Planning Commission of the City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan, which petition affects property at the following location:
Property description for property zoned C-1, Local Business District, and R-1-C, One-Family Residential District to R-3, Multiple-Family Dwelling District
The lands referred to in this commitment are situated in the City of Warren, Macomb County, State of Michigan, as follows:
Ten (10) parcels of land located in Section 16, City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan; being described as:
PARCEL 1: 13-16-226-019, to be rezoned from “C-1” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB. LOTS 32, 33 AND 34 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR
PARCEL 2: 13-16-226-020, to be rezoned from “C-1” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOTS 35, 36 AND 37 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR.
PARCEL 3: 13-16-226-022, to be rezoned from “C-1” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOTS 41, 42 AND 43 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR
PARCEL 4: 13-16-226-061, to be rezoned from “C-1” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOTS 44,45,46 AND 47 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR L.8 P.89.
PARCEL 5: 13-16-226-026, to be rezoned from “C-1” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOT 48, 49 AND 50 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR L.8 P.89.
PARCEL 6: 13-16-226-044 to be rezoned from “R-1-C” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOT 68 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR L.8 P.89.
PARCEL 7: 13-16-226-045, to be rezoned from “R-1-C” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOT 67 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR L.8 P.89.
PARCEL 8: 13-16-226-046, to be rezoned from “R-1-C” to “R-3”
JOHN KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOT 66 EXC E 28 FT INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR L.8 P.89.
PARCEL 9: 13-16-226-047, to be rezoned from “R-1-C” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZAL’S ORCHARD PARK SUB LOT 65 AND E 28 FT OF LOT 66 INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR L.8 P.89.
PARCEL 10: 13-16-226-063, to be rezoned from “R-1-C” to “R-3”
JOHN S KONCZALS ORCHARD PARK SUB (L8, P89); LOT 63, EXC E 14.00 FT AND LOT 64, INCL 1/2 VAC ALLEY ADJ REAR.
Subject to any and all easements and/or right-of-ways of record or otherwise.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held at the meeting of said Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Monday, the 24th day of February, 2025 at the Warren Community Center Auditorium, 5460 Arden, Warren, Michigan. CITY OF WARREN PLANNING COMMISSION By Mahmuda Mouri, Commission Secretary
Projects
from page 15A
“It’s been an absolute privilege collaborating with Center Line Public Schools, helping to bring their vision for these spaces to life,” Michael A. Malone, AIA, principal with PARTNERS in Architecture, said in a prepared statement. “The design solutions enhance the learning environment and will provide positive impacts on students and staff for years to come. We are grateful for this opportunity of partnering together and can’t wait to see what’s next.”
At last week’s meeting, Brian Hinz, RA, project architect with PARTNERS in
page 18A
ers 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
Architecture, provided an overview of the completed projects and the upcoming projects for the summer of 2025.
Under the 2023 bond, the Eve Kaltz Academy 21 Special Programs Center — which houses the Academy 21 program, Early Childhood Special Education and the Great Start Readiness Program — also underwent bond updates. Crews built a secure entrance and vestibule and also updated the ECSE and GSRP classrooms, along with installing a playground. The building also received heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.
The Center Line High School tennis courts replacement was completed under the 2023 bond along with the kitchen reno-
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.”
CITY OF WARREN Board of Review
Pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan, and the City of Warren.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review shall convene on the 17th day of March 2025 and shall sit not less than three calendar days to review the 2025 Assessment Roll of the City of Warren and to hear complaints of persons considering themselves aggrieved by these values. Resident and non-resident taxpayers may fle his or her protest by letter without a personal appearance, unless applying for a poverty exemption. Poverty exemption appeals requires a personal appearance by either the applicant or their authorized representative.
The Board of Review shall meet in the First Floor Conference Center of City Hall, One City Square, Warren, Michigan.
March 17 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
March 18 – 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
March 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The tentative ratios and equalization factor for the City of Warren, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department are as follows:
vation. Under the 2017 bond, a new roof and masonry restoration was completed at the district’s transportation and maintenance building. Millwork improvements at Peck Elementary School also occurred under the 2017 bond.
According to Hinz’s presentation, officials have a number of projects planned under the 2023 bond that will undergo construction in the summer of 2025. They include a partial roof replacement, auditorium lighting and parking lot replacements and replacing the natatorium timing.
At Wolfe Middle School, crews will replace the north-east connector drive, and
also replace the asphalt play area at Crothers. Officials also will have to make a decision about the demolition of the former Roose Elementary School.
“Demolition is outrageous. We’re looking to be fiscally responsible and figure out what we’re going to do,” district Superintendent Joseph Haynes said. “Our sites and facilities committee will look at all the options and we’ll determine what we’re going to do with it. sometime later this year. That will go in front of the board.”
For a complete list of bond projects, visit clps.org and click on the bond listing.
CITY OF WARREN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC APPEAL HEARING
Notifcation is hereby being provided that the Hearing Offcer for the City of Warren has determined that a dangerous condition exists in violation of the Code of Ordinances and has ordered abatement of such condition on the described property. A formal notice has been posted on the property itself.
The property is described as:
Legal Description: 14217 Marshal – (13-36-133-020), Lots 107, HITCHMAN’S INDEPENDENCE PARK SUBDIVISION, as recorded in Liber 7, page 56 of Plats, Macomb County Records.
Condition: Extremely neglected vacant home one story (768 sq. ft.) with crawl space/no basement, detached garage (440 sq. ft.), remove all yard debris as well as tires in the rear yard.
In order to provide an appeal from the decision and order of the Hearing Offcer, the City Council has scheduled a public appeal hearing.
This hearing will be held as follows:
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: February 25, 2025
Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092
The City Council has the authority pursuant to the Code of Ordinances Section 9-171 thru 9-174 and 9-182 to approve/disapprove/modify the decision of the hearing offcer.
Published in Warren Weekly 02/05/2025
Board of Review appointments may be made by contacting the Assessing Department from March 3rd through March
0392-2506
CITY OF WARREN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC APPEAL HEARING
Notifcation is hereby being provided that the Hearing Offcer for the City of Warren has determined that a dangerous condition exists in violation of the Code of Ordinances and has ordered abatement of such condition on the described property. A formal notice has been posted on the property itself.
The property is described as: 7215 Jackson (13-33-477-022) - LOTS 123 – RIVARD’S GARDENS SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 4, Page 39 of Plats, Macomb County Records.
One story dilapidated vacant city owned house with basement (880 sq. ft.). Remove existing concrete slab from demolished detached garage area. Remove front decorative concrete block wall surrounding the front yard. Remove unsafe tree branches hanging over property lines from adjacent property that are marked and remove any debris.
In order to provide an appeal from the decision and order of the Hearing Offcer, the City Council has scheduled a public appeal hearing.
This hearing will be held as follows:
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: February 25, 2025
Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092
The City Council has the authority pursuant to the Code of Ordinances Section 9-171 thru 9-174 and 9-182 to approve/disapprove/modify the decision of the hearing offcer.
Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for participation in this meeting should contact the Warren City Council Offce at 586-258-2060 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to request assistance.
Sonja Buffa City Clerk
Published in Warren Weekly 02/05/2025
SONJA BUFFA WARREN CITY CLERK
Recall
from page 1A
accused of anti-Islamic messaging on social media.
In his statement, Kardasz explained he started the petition to hold the mayor “accountable for her blatant failure to fulfill the duties of her office.” This stemmed from the mayor failing to act to establish a land bank after the Warren City Council’s unanimous approval in August.
Members of the council have said Stone’s delay left anywhere between $700,000 and $1 million in grant funding on the table.
Stone approved the land bank Dec. 10.
“Let me be clear: This failure was not just a matter of oversight ... it was an egregious dereliction of duty,” Kardasz stated.
Kardasz said he received a positive response on social media about the petition.
“This overwhelming support proves two things. First, Warren residents have seen through Mayor Stone’s incompetence,” he stated. “Second, being the mayor of Michigan’s third-largest city demands more than simply holding town hall meetings.”
The method to recall an elected official is flawed, according to Kardasz.
“From the inflated signature requirement of over 12,500 valid signatures in this case, which is more votes than Mayor Stone received to win office, to the complex and restrictive timing rules, the process is stacked against grassroots organizers,” he stated.
Kardasz also cited “signature fraud by professional petitioning firms” as having a “chilling effect” on the process. He called for state oversight to prevent this.
Kardasz called the recall system “broken” and called on state legislators to remedy the issue by amending the state’s constitution.
“This amendment could establish a more equitable framework for recall processes, such as implementing a tiered system for signature requirements based on the office in question,” he stated.
Despite the suspension, Kardasz isn’t giving up his fight against the mayor.
“When you do not meet your mayoral duties in the future, I will continue to file recall language that passes the necessary clarity and factual hearings unrelentingly,” he stated.
Councilman weighs in on mayor’s land bank comments
At the Warren City Council’s Jan. 14 meeting, Councilman Jonathan Lafferty weighed in on comments Stone made in a Dec. 30 Fox 2 News report.
“I was hoping for a quiet Dec. 30-31, and then Fox 2 rolled up in my driveway asking for comment on a news story relative to the land bank,” Lafferty said.
Lafferty said he was “surprised” by comments from the mayor in the report. He said that when re-watching the clip, he was struck by the “callous” response from the mayor.
“The reason I want to bring this up is to examine what happened here and what the true result was,” Lafferty said. “The fact of the matter is that the state of Michigan Land Bank had funding upwards of $1 million available to the city of Warren if they had an eligible land bank agreement.”
City Council passed its part of the agreement with the state land bank in its Aug. 27 meeting. Stone did not veto the agreement in the 96-hour window provided, according to Lafferty. The council addressed this inaction at its Nov. 26 meeting, unanimously approving to give the mayor 72 hours to sign the agreement. This deadline came and went without a signature.
The council filed a lawsuit in Macomb County Circuit Court Dec. 9 against the mayor over the issue. The lawsuit was filed at a cost of $175 and was dismissed and closed Dec. 12, according to previous reporting in the Warren Weekly.
Lafferty said that when that opportunity passed, so did the opportunity for economic revitalization, causing the city to “start over” for 2025 funding.
“She chose to let that agreement rot on her desk for over 100 days, signing it on Dec. 10,” he said about the inaction following the August vote. “But by that time it was too late. The eligibility period had ended, and the state funding, as far as Warren was concerned, evaporated.”
On Dec. 11, Stone said in a press release that she thought forming a land bank would be a burden on taxpayers to the tune of $200,000 to $300,000 per year. She hoped to work with the council to find a way to ease that tax burden.
Most troubling to Lafferty was Stone laughing when asked if her inaction cost the city $1 million during the Fox 2 News report before saying “absolutely not.”
He continued that the mayor had six months to ask questions about the land bank, when the council introduced the matter in March prior to its August approval.
Council President Angela Rogensues questioned where the $1 million figure came from in the first place. She then read a letter from Michigan State Land Bank Authority Director Joseph Rivet.
In the letter, Rivet stated that each municipal land bank received a minimum of $700,000 in grant funding from the state. Warren missed out, since it did not have a
land bank established to receive the funds.
“While I agree with Mr. Lafferty, it is a shame that we’ve lost funding with this particular endeavor because we have waited so long. We were not guaranteed a particular pot of money,” Rogensues said.
The City Council unanimously approved a motion to receive and file Lafferty’s
comments.
Lafferty and Warren City Council Secretary Mindy Moore were unanimously approved to serve on the city’s Land Bank Authority’s board of directors at the Jan. 14 meeting.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Martelle
He was accepted into the program, where he remained until he graduated from high school in 2021. The murder mystery musical “Curtains,” the classic “Alice in Wonderland” and “Mamma Mia” featuring the music of ABBA were among the shows in which he performed his heart out.
The Warren resident is now a junior studying theater and business at University of Detroit Mercy. This month he will be center stage as one of the lead characters in the Tennessee Williams play “The Glass Menagerie” at the Marlene Boll Theatre, located inside Detroit’s Boll Family YMCA at 1401 Broadway Street in Detroit.
Performance times and days are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8; 3 p.m. Feb. 9; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-15; and 3 p.m. Feb. 16. At press time, the Feb. 7 show was sold out.
Set in St. Louis during the 1930s, “The Glass Menagerie” follows the hardships of Amanda Wingfield and her children Tom Wingfield and Laura Wingfield as Amanda tries to get Tom to find a suitor for Laura. Martelle was cast as Tom.
“Tom is a young man. We are roughly around the same age,” Martelle said. “His dad is absent, and he has to step up in his household. He has to be the breadwinner.”
Tom struggles with his obligations to his family while also feeling the need “to go find his purpose in St. Louis,” Martelle said. “He’s restless and on edge.”
Joe Bailey, artistic director of the Ringwald Theatre in Ferndale and a noted Detroit-based theater artist, is directing the show while University of Detroit Mercy 1994 graduate Karen Kron Dickson is taking on the role of Amanda.
“As a graduate of the University, it is an honor to be able to return as a working professional and share the ‘boards’ with these talented students,” Karen Kron Dickson said in a prepared statement. “Coming back home brings me full circle and I have found the process to be very gratifying. Amanda is a deeply complicated woman caught in between two worlds, that of her rich and vibrant past and the cold reality of her present. We watch her fantasy world unravel as she is challenged by having to face the struggles of both her children.”
Martelle is a junior at University of Detroit Mercy double majoring in theater and business. He plans to continue performing. There’s just something about hearing the applause from an appreciative audience.
“It’s nice to have a finished product
you are proud of and you put your work into,” Martelle said. “I just enjoy the process of getting to know the characters of the story. I like to consider how I would react to the situation.”
The thespian also loves the personal connections he makes with the other cast members. Another plus is to have his mom, dad and other family members come to his shows.
Martelle is part of an award-winning theater group. Detroit Mercy Theatre Company’s spring 2024 production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” (abridged) was selected to perform as a full production at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 3 Conference held Jan. 7-11 in Madison, Wisconsin.
The honor was extended to four productions from the region, which included Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and western Ohio. Respondents from peer institutions evaluated productions throughout 2024, and a panel selected the show to share with hundreds of students, faculty, and staff at the conference in early January.
According to a press release from DMTC, this was the fourth time since 1970 the theater group was invited to perform a full production at the festival, placing the program among the top collegiate theater programs in the Midwest.
The talented players received other honors. DMTC’s winter 2024 production of “Photograph 51” was recognized as an “outstanding production” in the school’s region. Performers were invited to act out a scene during the “Celebration of Associate Productions” at the Region 3 Conference.
DMTC’s fall 2023 production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” earned six Wilde Awards, given to professional productions across Michigan. The production shared “best musical” honors with six other productions; Sarah Rusk, managing director of DMCT, was among 11 honorees for best director of a musical; Luke Adamkiewicz and Alexander Knightwright, both 2024 graduates, shared best actor in a musical honor with 10 others; Department of Performing Arts professor Mary Elizabeth Valesano was one of nine people to receive a best costumes honor and Daniel Grieg was one of eight honored for his musical direction. More than 100 productions were reviewed for honors.
For tickets to “The Glass Menagerie” visit DetroitMercyArts.com or call the ticket office at (313) 993-3270.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
NEWS & NOTES
WARREN — Want to find out about the many drains in Warren?
WARREN GARDEN CLUB MEETING FEATURES DPW SPEAKER
The Warren Garden Club’s next meeting, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., is a good place to find out more. Macomb County Public Works Community Services Coordinator Steve Duchene is the meeting’s guest speaker. Duchene will discuss the hundreds of drains both above and below ground in Macomb County. He’ll also speak to water quality issues at the meeting, according to garden club member Carole Wiseman.
“It was called the impassable swamp,” said Madelyn Zamora, who does publicity for the club. “That’s the name the French settlers gave to the Warren area when they first came here for fur trapping because they didn’t want people settling here.”
The meeting is free to attend and will take place at the Warren Community Center cafeteria at 5460 Arden Ave. For more information, call (586) 215-4288.
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.
MACOMB HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW FEB. 15-16
Advancing Macomb opens accelerator applications
MOUNT CLEMENS — Small to medium-sized nonprofits seeking to improve their performance are encouraged to apply for Advancing Macomb’s Nonprofit Accelerator.
Open to 501(c)(3) organizations based in or serving Macomb County, the accelerator is a four-month program that will teach 10 nonprofits about subjects including financial planning, communications, grant seeking, strategic planning and more.
Applications are accepted at advancingmacomb.com and are due by Saturday, Feb. 15.
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.
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
City gets unmodified opinion on audit
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — Warren recently received an unmodified opinion on its annual audit.
While the audit for the 2023-2024 fiscal year was unanimously received and filed by the City Council, it didn’t mean there weren’t questions at the council’s Jan. 14 meeting.
Plante Moran did the city’s audit, with Bill Brickey and Josh Yde giving a presentation at the meeting.
“The city did receive an unmodified audit opinion again in the current year, which essentially means the financial statements are in compliance with all the rules and regulations and can be relied upon,” Brickey said. “It’s really the highest level of assurance that we can provide on a financial statement.”
Separately, Plante Moran did an audit on the city’s federal grants. The city received over $4.7 million in grants for the fiscal year. The audit specifically tested grants associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Brickey. Grants examined were from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program. Later in the presentation, Yde said $17.9 million in ARPA funds have yet to be spent.
“I am pleased to report that our testing did not identify any noncompliance issues,” Brickey said. “Our report that you have there just basically says you complied with all the rules and regulations related to those grants and spent the money appropriately.”
However, Brickey said there were changes required for the city’s capital asset calculation, as well as its grant revenues and receivables.
“When we identified these items and brought them to management they made the required corrections,” he said. “That’s why we’re able to provide you the unmodified audit opinion, but we are required to report that issue to you given your role as council.”
Brickey attributed the issue to turnover in the city’s finance office and getting new employees “up to speed.”
The thorniest issue was the general fund expenditures. Based on the presentation, the city came in under budget by $31.1 million. Yde said all departments remained within budget for the year. He attributed this to the timing of equipment purchases and variances in positions. The general fund balance increased by $6 million for last year, totaling $95,167,886.
Councilman Jonathan Lafferty, who
asked a number of questions on audit minutiae, asked about the gap.
“I’m curious if we should be focusing on you narrowing that field,” Lafferty said. “Should we be a little bit more conservative at budget time and pulling back 10-15%?”
“I would tend to agree with you typically,” Brickey said. “I would like to see that a little tighter, where you’re closer to where you were budgeted.”
Brickey suggested looking at budget amendments more carefully throughout the year to narrow this gap.
Later in the meeting, Richard Fox explained the difference.
“The largest portion of the difference was capital expenditures for equipment,” Fox said. “That was, I’m thinking, somewhere around $18 million and then the other balances are just each department didn’t spend all their dollars, which is what we want. We want them to manage their funds and save the city as much as possible.”
Councilman Henry Newnan also commented about the gap.
“I’m not trying to say that it’s good or bad, I’m just saying I think that our overall philosophy is that we’re in fairly tight economic times and we need to be very fiscally conservative,” he said. “I think that’s the consensus and I think that should be a major finding of this.”
Additionally, Council Secretary Mindy Moore pointed to a 12% decrease in licenses and permits as a “red flag.”
“We have to watch that because it looks like development is down and things like that,” Moore said. “I’d like to maybe see where we’re at this year with that to sort of track that to get an idea if that’s sort of a harbinger of things.”
Revenue for the city went up by over $9 million mostly due to increased property tax revenue, according to the presentation given at the meeting. This is a result of increasing property tax value in the city, according to Yde.
Increases in public safety spending drove expenditures up for the year. Public safety makes up 71% of the city’s spending for the year followed by general government costs at 12%.
Brickey said the city provides a financial report separately from what’s required and presents it to the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association, which is more than what’s required by the state. For the 19th year, the city received an award for its submission.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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