3/20/24 Madison-Park News

Hazel Park Mayor

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

MADISON HEIGHTS GETS MOVING WITH 5K/4A

Mayors tout investments, growth in State of the City speeches

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — A day after President Joe Biden gave his State of the Union address, the mayors of Madison Heights and Hazel Park spoke to each city’s standing in 2024.

The speeches took place March 8 in a spacious facility at defense contractor Navistar Defense in Madison Heights. The 2024 State of the Cities Addresses were organized by the Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce, along with Oakland Thrive and the Michigan Defense Center, part

of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Patriotic music blared from loudspeakers beside a podium set against a tapestry of red, white and blue curtains, flanked by a row of armored transports gleaming under fluorescent lights. Those in attendance included a who’s who of elected local and state officials, department heads and business leaders.

Mike Webb, the mayor of Hazel Park, spoke first, followed by Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights. Each said there was much to celebrate, with new investments spurring growth that will bode well for each town’s finances and quality of life.

Webb: Cooperation is the key to success

“2023 was another exciting year for the city of Hazel Park, and we expect 2024 to be even better,” began Webb. “We welcomed new businesses, and watched existing businesses grow. We received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, and we’re working to put those funds to use to serve our residents. We have exciting new recreation opportunities, and we are upgrading our community recreation center for the first time in decades. We are working collaboratively with other cities, as well as the state of Michigan and Oakland County government, to improve services and continue to be fiscally responsible with Hazel Park’s tax dollars.”

See WEBB on page 12A

Grafstein: Delivering on the ‘American Dream’

“I’m happy to report that the state of our city is strong,” began Grafstein. “We understand that investing in our community and working with residents and businesses are key to our long-term sustainability and success. With this in mind, we’re taking the time to make much-needed changes to update our zoning ordinance to make it more user-friendly, and include features to continue to make Madison Heights attractive for investment and development.”

She said the Madison Heights community is diverse with people of different religions, histories and cultures. Some came to America with dreams

See GRAFSTEIN on page 13A

Hazel Park Schools to receive $1 million state grant

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Public Schools has secured state funds to help revamp Longfellow Elementary with after-school and community programming.

The grant totals $1 million, and comes by way of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The so-called Community Center Grant is for what the state classifies as a “community school.”

“It’s a specific designation,” explained Amy Kruppe, the district’s superin-

See GRANT on page 14A

SPORTS

TOUGH AS NAILS

LAMPHERE DUO MAKES SCHOOL HISTORY AT GIRLS WRESTLING STATE FINALS

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — Don’t let the smell of perfume or the bright smiles fool you when you step into the gymnasium. These girls can wrestle.

Whether it’s facing the boys in a co-ed match or going head-to-head with another girl, there’s nothing lady-like about the fierceness and competitiveness girls across the state of Michigan have displayed with their wrestling ability at the high school level.

Since the Michigan High School Athletic Association added a girls only wrestling division for the 2021-2022 season, numbers have grown exponentially for numerous high schools across the state.

Girls have been wrestling for decades at the high school level, in small numbers,

See WRESTLING on page 10A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Longfellow Elementary, in the Hazel Park Public Schools, will be revamped with new after-school services and community programming, backed by a $1 million grant from the state.

FAR RIGHT: Lamphere freshman Allie Matheney wrestles at regionals on Feb. 18 at Birmingham Groves High School.

NEAR RIGHT: Lamphere sophomore Karina Witmer wrestles at regionals on Feb. 18 at Birmingham Groves High School.

Photos provided by Lamphere Wrestling

Madison Heights gets moving with ‘Run for the Health of It’ 5K

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — Each spring in Madison Heights, runners and walkers both casual and competitive meet up at the local nature center for the city’s annual 5K.

Called the Madison Heights “Run for the Health of It” 5K Run/Walk, this year’s event will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Red Oaks Nature Center, located at 30300 Hales St. in Suarez Friendship Woods. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m., with a $35 entry fee prior to race day and a $40 fee the day of the race. Attendees are asked to park at the Red Oaks Waterpark, across the street on the other side of 13 Mile Road west of Dequindre Road.

“Our 5K is one of the first major running events in the area each year,” said Sean Fleming, a member of the Madison Heights City Council. “This is a great way to start getting back outside with other people. It’s like a kickoff for the running community, and for people who just want to get back to exercising outdoors. It’s a great way to combat stress and clear the mind, helping with

mental health, and to break out of your wintertime blues.”

The park presents a scenic starting and ending point for a route that will take participants on a whirlwind tour of the city’s north end. From the nature center, runners and walkers will proceed north toward 13 Mile and turn left, proceed across the Red Oaks Golf Course, exit out and around the baseball complex at John Page Middle School, snake through the neighborhood into the Simonds Elementary parking lot, and from there take the nature center trail back to where the race started.

“I think the highlights of the route are the unique perspective you get on the city,” said Brooke Heisler, the city’s recreation supervisor, in an email. “You get to see the golf course, even if you aren’t a golfer. You can go through the baseball complex and not know how to throw a ball. You can walk or run and have your neighbors cheering you on. I think this course encompasses some of the best things Madison Heights has to offer.”

Anyone who is able to walk is eligible to participate. For those feeling competitive, there will be awards in different categories

for men and women, as well as a top three in a variety of age groups that begin with those 12 and younger and extend in four-year increments to those 75 and older.

Heisler noted that the city has held the 5K for nearly 20 years now.

“This event has always been very popular, with almost 200 walkers/runners (each year),” Heisler said. “We have made sure to update our shirts and add small things that make a big difference, such as different food and different vendors at the race.”

Rickey Busler, with RE/MAX First, has been the event’s naming sponsor for the last four years. In addition to helping fund the event, he shows up bright and early to help set up, Heisler said.

The Madison Heights Community Coalition donates the snacks. Volunteers show up before sunrise to set up and stay well after the event for cleanup.

Other groups that have consistently helped make the 5K possible include GFL Environmental, Madison Heights Chiropractic, and Team Rehabilitation, a physical therapy firm in Madison Heights.

“I would encourage anyone who wants

to come to give it a try,” Heisler said. “This is a zero pressure 5K, where you can walk with people in your community or challenge yourself to set a new goal and run the 5K. It’s a truly rewarding experience, and a unique way to see the city.”

Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, said the 5K is also an opportunity to appreciate the Red Oaks Nature Center — a hidden gem in the city of Madison Heights.

“Our nature center is a wonderful place where community members of all ages and abilities can enjoy fresh air and nature right in our backyard,” Grafstein said in an email. “It’s a safe place where everyone can explore at their leisure and connect with almost 40 acres of natural beauty.”

She said the park, shaded by old-growth trees, is a comfortable place to run and bike during the hot summer months. She also noted the abundance of wildlife to see there, including deer.

“The nature center also offers educational programs for individuals or groups,

See RUN on page 14A

SAFETY PROTECTION KEY TO VIEWING SOLAR ECLIPSE

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A near total solar eclipse doesn’t occur often, but when it does happen there are safety precautions people must take to prevent eye damage and behold its true beauty.

Bob Trembley, president of the Warren Astronomical Society, said a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun.

“There can be a partial eclipse. You’ll just see a bite taken out of it and it’ll look like a crescent, a crescent moon almost, but crescent sun,” Trembley said. “But if you’re in the right spot at the right time, the moon can cover the entire face of the sun.”

A solar eclipse will occur in parts of the continental United States on April 8. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s website, a partial eclipse will start in Cleveland, Ohio at around 1:59 p.m. EDT. Totality will begin at around 3:13 p.m. and totality will end at around 3:16 p.m.

What does that mean for Michigan?

Micheal Narlock, head of astronomy at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, said that people here in the metro area of Michigan will experience a 98% solar eclipse.

“If you stay in the metro area, you’re going to be in for quite a treat,” Narlock said. “Because the sun is going to be covered by the moon, not totally, but about as close to total you can get without it actually being total.”

The last total solar eclipse in Michigan was in 1954 and there won’t be another total eclipse in the area until 2099. The last total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. was in 2017.

Jon Blum, a member of the Warren Astronomical Society, said if a person would like to see a full eclipse, they would have to travel to a place along the eclipse path.

“There’s a line that goes across the country from Texas through a couple of other states

Ken Bertin poses with his telescope he uses to view solar eclipses. He is 77 years old and has loved astronomy since he was 6.

Photo provided by Ken Bertin

Drunken driver arrested

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a 67-year-old Lake Orion woman was arrested around 5:30 p.m. March 6 in the area of West Woodward Heights Boulevard and Palmer Boulevard.

Police found her slumped over the wheel of her black 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, which had a flat tire. She told police she was too drunk to drive, and that she had pulled over. She failed a sobriety test with a blood alcohol content of 0.115. Police were investigating.

If you know more about this crime or others, call Hazel Park police at (248) 542-6161.

Identity theft

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole $1,600 worth of merchandise across multiple locations between March 8 and March 11 using account information belonging to a 41-year-old Madison Heights man.

The owner of the account resides in the 800 block of Kalama Avenue. Police did not specify the locations where the purchases were made. Investigations were ongoing.

Electronics stolen from truck

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect broke out the window of a 2023 Dodge Ram belonging to a 41-year-old Florida man while the vehicle was parked in the 32000 block of Stephenson Highway around 8 a.m. March 9.

The suspect stole an infotainment system from the truck. Police were investigating.

Vehicle looted

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect entered a 2014 Ford vehicle by unknown means and stole personal property sometime between 11:30 p.m. March 6 and 6 a.m. March 7.

The vehicle was parked in the 1000 block of West Kalama Avenue at the time. The victim is a 33-year-old resident of Madison Heights. An investigation was ongoing.

If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights police at (248) 5852100.

— Andy Kozlowski

HAZEL PARK: Do We Really Need This Proposed School BOND?

Hazel Park School Bond

Proposal Language

Constructing, equipping and furnishing a new school building, erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing, and equipping instructional technology for school facilities; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic facilities, playgrounds and play felds; and developing and improving sites.

Our Message:

Our committee is taking a hard stance against this bond issue. Our focus is on providing education that keeps students in mind. This bond proposal is asking our community for a large amount with little description of how the funds will be spent. This means that we do not have any oversight or other means to hold school leadership accountable. The misguided information shared by school leadership has our committee concerned.

1. There was a 2021 facility assessment completed by a 3rd party. They recommended $36 million in facility improvements. The current proposal is asking for $150 million.

2. The building proposed to be replaced (Webster) is not the building that needs the most improvements.

3. The Hazel Park School District has not seen enrollment growth in 5 years. According to SEMCOG Hazel Park’s children population is projected to continue to decline.

Make an embroidery dish towel

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Public Library will host a workshop in the Creative Techspace where guests will create their own embroidery dishcloth. The event is part of the Maker Monday series and will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Monday, April 1. For more information, call the library at (248) 588-7763.

HABITAT BEGINS HOME REPAIRS

MADISON HEIGHTS — Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, in partnership with the city of Madison Heights, is launching a program to provide affordable home repairs for eligible homeowners.

Items include furnaces, hot water heaters, roofs, decks, porches, siding, kitchens and bathrooms. Homeowners with low to moderate income can qualify for grant funding, with an emphasis on addressing long-term health and safety concerns. Habitat will review applications with each owner, and also cross-reference other programs that may offer financial assistance.

Each property must be owner-occupied, and the property owner must be current on mortgage, homeowner’s insurance and property taxes, or current on a payment plan for delinquent taxes. Habitat must also deem the home in acceptable condition for the requested work.

The program is focusing on eligible homes in the southern end of the city, located south of Lincoln Avenue and north of Interstate 696 between Dequindre Road and Stephenson Highway.

For more information or to submit an application, visit habitatoakland.org, or contact Habitat’s Partner & Community Programs Team at (248) 338-1843, ext. 200.

Geocaching in the woods

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, will host a geocaching program for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11.

Geocaching is a form of scavenger hunt that uses GPS-enabled devices to locate the treasure. The event will also teach participants about the history of the hobby.

There will be two age groups: 6-9 and 10-13. The cost is $10 per child per session. Preregistration with payment is required by calling (248) 858-0916 during weekdays.

EGG HUNT IN MADISON HEIGHTS

MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights Recreation will host an egg hunt separated by age groups starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 30 and lasting until all eggs are gone. The hunt will take place around City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, and Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road. The age groups will include Group 1, for ages 3 and under; Group 2, for ages 4-6; Group 3, for ages 7-9; Group 4, for ages 10-13; and Group 5, for adaptive needs, ages 4-14. The cost is $5 per resident and $6 each for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. To sign up, email recreation@madison-heights.org.

PROM CLOSET TOUR OFFERS FREE DRESSES

ROSEVILLE — The nonprofit charity Sparkle Network is holding its ninth annual Prom Closet Tour for 2024. The organization offers a chance for high school students to receive a free dress and accessories for prom night. The Prom Closet Tour is open for seniors graduating in 2024 and for juniors graduating in 2025.

All participants must make an appointment ahead of time. To request an appointment, send an email to sparkle.network3@gmail.com. Students will receive a form, which must be completed.

The Prom Closet will be at Macomb Mall from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 13, and noon to 5 p.m. April 15. Macomb Mall is located at 32233 Gratiot Ave.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks is working with multiple partners throughout the year to offer free swim lessons at locations throughout southeast Michigan.

JUST KEEP SWIMMING: A SPORT FOR ALL AGES

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Jumping into a pool or lake for a swim isn’t only fun, it offers many health benefits and is great for people of all ages.

With so many opportunities for water recreation in Michigan, the most important step is learning how to swim.

“Swim and water safety are really important topics because we all live in Michigan, so we all live really close to water recreation opportunities — whether that be

pools or lakes or rivers. There’s lots of opportunities for residents to get in the water and recreate, but for a lot of people, if they don’t know how to swim, that can be a dangerous situation,” said Danielle Mauter, the chief of marketing and communications for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Although formal swim lessons may reduce the likelihood of drowning by 88%, studies show one of the biggest barriers to more people in the region learning to swim is the fees.

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is

Photo provided by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Swimming

from page 8A

working with partners to save lives by increasing access to free swim lessons and lifesaving water skills in underserved communities through the expansion of its Everyone in the Pool swim initiative. Through this fiveyear plan, the metroparks have committed to providing 6,000 free swim lessons each year for adults and children with support from existing and future partners and expand opportunities for lifeguard certification and staffing infrastructure. A fundraising goal of $1.5 million has been set to make this expansion possible.

Over the past three years, the metroparks have partnered with public and nonprofit organizations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties to collaborate on free water safety and swim lessons for more than 4,600 students at various recreation centers and facilities. Most lessons start in early June, and registration is already open for some, with additional registration opportunities continuing to open over the next few weeks on the metroparks website, www.metroparks.com.

After learning how to swim, it’s impor-

tant to keep practicing your skills in the water as you grow.

Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, but our state is also home to over 11,000 small inland lakes — and a host of private and public pools.

The Troy Community Center provides many opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the water year round — with both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools — including parent and tot classes, kiddie swim, swim lessons, open swim for all ages, water slides, lap swimming, water aerobics, a therapy pool and more.

From boosted heart health to muscle toning, experts say swimming and other water workouts offer many health benefits for children and adults.

“Research shows that swimming is good for your lungs,” said Troy Community Center Recreation Supervisor Morgan Thrasher. “You can swim, you can walk, you can move — there’s a bunch of different things that the water provides that you wouldn’t necessarily get on land.”

Swimming requires you to control your breathing, so it can strengthen your respiratory muscles, improve lung capacity and help build breath endurance. In fact, it’s often recommended that people with

asthma pursue swimming to build their lung strength.

Swimming can also alleviate stress, boost your mood, improve flexibility, and even improve coordination, balance and posture.

The low-impact exercise offers resistance, providing muscle strengthening and toning to keep you strong and fit as you age.

The OPC Social and Activity Center in Rochester allows its members, ages 50 and older, to use a therapy pool for water exercise classes, relaxing and massaging achy muscles and joints, and a lap pool for water exercise and lap swimming.

Mandy Mullins, the fitness and aquatics manager at the OPC Social and Activity Center, said a wide range of seniors use the aquatic facility, including the center’s oldest active swimmer, age 92.

“Some are just coming out of a therapy or a surgery and they are using the therapy pool to continue their rehab, all the way up to our folks who are still practicing for swim competitions,” she said.

Competitive senior swimmers — including one who is 79 year old — use the OPC’s lap pool to train for Michigan Senior Olympics and U.S. Masters swim meets.

“Some have been swimming all their lives and have continued on with all their

competitions, and some of them are just getting into it now as seniors — they found swimming and found a group of people who were athletes in some capacity before, and this has been a way for them to compete that’s not as hard on their bodies,” said Mullins.

“For the competitive swimmers, it’s kind of like having a club,” added Delaney Zaloga, a fitness and aquatics supervisor. “They all like swimming, and they all like pushing each other at their swim practice and getting better and better at all the meets.”

But not everybody has to swim to get the benefits of the water, Mullins explained.

“There are some doctors that will recommend the therapy and warm water pool type of class to just get started, especially if there are any balance issues involved. It’s a lot harder to fall over in the pool, so it’s a really great starting point,” she said. “We also have Aqua Zumba or other types of cardio classes that are in the pool where they aren’t necessarily swimming, but they are using that water resistance and the buoyancy and really getting their heart rate going in there without really having to do traditional swimming.”

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

Wrestling

from page 3A

but this was the first opportunity where girls were prioritized in the sport of wrestling.

In its first year, nearly 400 girls wrestled in the regional meet, which was split into just two regions prior to the state meet.

Now holding four regions consisting of nearly 800 wrestlers, and over 1,000 that competed this year in meets across the state, there’s hopes of potentially holding district meets — like the boys side does — next year because of the increasing numbers.

“It’s (numbers) almost tripled since last year,” Birmingham Groves wrestling coach Joseph Jones said. “It’s growing really, really fast.”

Jones and Groves hosted the first tricounty all-girls wrestling meet as schools from Wayne, Macomb and Oakland County went head-to-head. Local all-girls tournaments are becoming more and more popular in the surrounding counties whereas past years saw teams traveling two or three hours in order to compete.

The majority are learning the sport in high school. Some have seen siblings compete, but the one thing they all share is the love and passion for it.

As all-girls tournaments become more common, longtime coaches such as Warren Mott’s Paul Salyers, an assistant coach on the boys side and Mott’s girls head coach this past year, are still getting used to the environment.

“You go into a wrestling gym where a boys tournament is being held, and oh, my God does it stink,” Salyers said. “There’s BO (body odor) everywhere. You go into a girls tournament and it’s a cacophony of perfume. It’s hilarious to me. The girls will get down after beating the crap out of another girl, and with boys they’ll get done and they’re strutting around like they’re the king, but the girls will get done, get their hand raised, and go over and hug the girl they just beat up on and go, ‘Honey, this is what you need to do next time because I was able to do this because you were doing this wrong.’ It’s just funny. You don’t see that with the boys.”

As more girls continue to join, local teams are wishing upon a star that the popularity of wrestling and the success of their current girl wrestlers are signs of more wrestlers to come.

Madison Heights Lamphere

How about two underclassmen being the pioneers for Lamphere girls wrestling?

Sophomore Karina Witmer and fresh-

man Allie Matheney, who are the only two girls on the roster, became the first female wrestlers in school history to qualify for the state finals on March 2 at Ford Field as Witmer was a regional champion and Matheney took fourth.

Both girls have extensive experience in the sport of wrestling with Allie Matheney following in the footsteps of her older brother Austin, who was a state qualifier for Lamphere wrestling in 2020, and Witmer wrestling for nearly five years already under the Warren Lincoln Wrestling Club and Warren Woods Middle School in sixth grade.

“When he (Austin) was wrestling with me, she (Allie) was in the room practicing,” Lamphere wrestling coach Shane Dutton said. “She’s been on the mat since she was probably 6 years old. She grew up wrestling.”

For Witmer, this season was based on regaining the confidence in her ability she once had before tearing her ACL and meniscus. Witmer took off her freshman year due to the injury and her and her family’s concerns of possibly reaggravating it, but a regional title and state finals qualification have her confidence at an all-time high.

“It was really just memorable,” Witmer said. “It felt awesome being back after a twoyear knee injury. It just felt amazing to come back and achieve all of this.”

Both on the Lamphere swim and dive team, Witmer said Matheney talked her into joining the wrestling team this year.

Together, they were able to compile an impressive season as the lone representatives of girls wrestling at Lamphere, and Matheney said it built a bond for her and Witmer in the process.

“I think it brought me and Karina clos-

er together since we were in a room of 40 boys and there’s only two of us, we’re able to support each other and be closer with each other,” Matheney said.

Being around the sport for quite some time, both girls have seen the ebbs and flows of female representation in wrestling, and now they’re forging their own path at Lamphere.

Matheney said between regionals and the all-girl tournaments this season, the influx of female wrestlers has skyrocketed compared to when she watched her brother, who’s five years older than her, wrestle.

“It has changed a lot,” Matheney said. “Back when I first started, it was rare to see one girl at a tournament. Now that I’ve grown into the sport, it’s multiple girls and girl teams. It’s changed rapidly over the years.”

As numbers continue to grow, Dutton is hoping the success of Witmer and Matheney translates into more participation on the girls side.

“What’s happening in Michigan is really cool just to see the girls wrestling really exploding,” Dutton said.

To

Webb

from page 1A

He said that Hazel Park prides itself on being “open for business,” pointing to a five-star rating from the University of Michigan’s eCities program — the highest possible score in a comprehensive study that assesses the business climate in communities across the state. The study is specifically concerned with whether a community has businessfriendly policies.

The mayor rattled off a list of businesses that opened in the city last year, including Shredderz, Craft Salon, Chop Detroit at Viking Arena, United Staffing Agency and Flawless Fur, among others. BorgWarner, a major player in the electric battery industry, acquired Akasol, which operates out of the Tri-County Commerce Center at 10 Mile and Dequindre roads — formerly the Hazel Park Raceway — and continues to develop new technology in Hazel Park.

Webb also announced some good news for two established businesses: the awardwinning restaurant Mabel Gray and the environmental technology firm Exlterra. James Rigato, the founder and head chef at Mabel Gray, is planning an expansion in Hazel Park called “La Cave,” while Exlterra — which was cleaning up radiation at the Chernobyl disaster site prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — is working on new technologies the company says could revolutionize the agriculture industry.

Last year saw the sale of the city’s Viking Ice Arena to Black Bear Group for $2.9 million. Privatizing the ice arena will place the facility on Hazel Park’s tax rolls, Webb said, and the site should benefit from the new ownership of proven ice arena managers, who have pledged to keep the location operating as an ice arena in the community.

On the housing front, Robertson Brothers recently completed a 54-unit condo housing project, while Milford Singer & Co. has acquired the dilapidated Landmark Community Church property with plans to create a new 160-unit housing project featuring a mixture of single-family detached homes, attached homes and apartment options.

“Vacant residential lots are in high demand by developers, who are continuing to build new homes across our city,” Webb said.

The mayor noted that last year saw the city focus on Hazel Park’s south end, which recently had a road diet implemented that improved walkability in the area. He said that businesses such as Eastern Palace Club and Smoked Lotus — the site of last year’s State of the Cities Address — continue to be

successful, and that Hazel Perk Cafe — one of the newer venues in town — is gaining a popular following. Webb said that he is also looking forward to the rollout of Pop-Up Hazel Park, a grant-funded storefront opportunity for new startup businesses.

“This year, we will try to replicate some of that success on the north end of the community, as we implement a road diet to create a more walkable community in that area,” Webb said.

The mayor praised the work of city administration for finding new ways to fund pension relief, construction projects, tree plantings, recreational programming and city services.

“Our administration, led by City Manager Ed Klobucher, has been amazingly successful when it comes to tapping into an array of public and private grant opportunities in the past couple of years,” Webb said.

“Cooperation is key,” he continued, after a video presentation on businesses in the community. “Hazel Park’s legislative team worked to assist the Michigan Municipal League’s Legislative Relations team to achieve pension fund relief, and those efforts brought over $12 million dollars to Hazel Park’s MERS (Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan) pension program, which will hopefully blunt the impact of any future pension contribution increases, We were also able to achieve some modest replacement of revenue sharing payments, as well.”

He highlighted the city’s new partnership with Madison Heights, Ferndale and Royal Oak on a co-responder program that will enable trained mental health professionals to respond and follow up to mental health crises. He thanked Melissa Marsh, the city manager of Madison Heights, for her efforts mobilizing the four communities to implement the project. Webb also thanked Klobucher for his work with Dave Woodward — chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners — to secure county funds for the program.

“We also look forward to working with Madison Heights and our dedicated state representative, Mike McFall, to push the state of Michigan to secure federal funding to cover our EMS costs by participating in the federal Ground Emergency Medical Transport program,” Webb said. “The state’s refusal to participate in the program is costing cities in Michigan millions of dollars in reimbursements.”

Other grant opportunities have included multiple grants awarded from Oakland County to the city’s Recreation Department, including $300,000 for the recreation center

and $400,000 for Green Acres Park. The city recently completed construction on a new playscape at Green Acres Park that is set to open this spring.

“This is the first serious upgrade to Hazel Park’s largest park in over 30 years,” Webb said. “Our late county commissioner, Gary McGillivray, was instrumental in helping Hazel Park win these grants, as was County Executive (Dave) Coulter, Board Chair (Dave) Woodward, and Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward.

“Again, cooperation is key,” he continued. “The city of Hazel Park is also partnering with the Hazel Park school district to improve recreation opportunities for our community’s young people. The jointly funded Junior Vikings sports program has been wildly popular with our youth, restoring football and cheerleading programs, and helping fund our amazing youth wrestling program. Look for even more sports and recreation opportunities to be added in the near future — not just for our youth, but for people of all ages.”

On the topic of recreation, he noted that Hazel Park is also on schedule in the preconstruction phase of managing a federal grant-funded project that will transform the underutilized pole barn next to the Recreation Department into a new community meeting space.

“This project will add much needed space for community groups and events hosted in our area,” Webb said. “Speaking of community groups, we couldn’t run our city without our dedicated volunteers. I want to thank all the people of Hazel Park who donate their time to make our city a better place.”

He cited groups such as the Hazel Park Lions Club and the Hazel Park Eagles, as well as the public safety efforts of the po-

lice reserves, the beautification work of the Flower Club and others.

He also thanked members of the city’s administration, as well as his peers on the council.

“Hazel Park is the best place to work, live and raise a family,” Webb concluded. “The city of Hazel Park is strong, and we’re not going anywhere.”

After the speech, Andy LeCureaux — a long-serving member of the Hazel Park City Council who has held his role since 2001 — said the biggest highlight in his view is the development planned for the site of the former Landmark Community Church.

“That will be one of the largest developments in the history of Hazel Park,” LeCureaux said. “The property just changed hands, so there’s no permits pulled yet. They have to submit the plans, and then there’s the brownfield money and applications for that, and the permits to demolish what’s a big piece of property including the building and parking lot and school there. But we could see something start this year. When it’s complete, it will bring the property back onto our tax rolls. It’s a way to build our tax base through new construction. And there’s a real need for homes in the area.”

He also said he’s excited for the road diet on the north end of John R Road.

“Sometimes we hear negativity when things change, because people are nervous about that, but I think it’s good to look at the north end like we did the south end and consider new modes of transportation for walking and biking. It spurred development in the south; it encouraged people to walk more, and it benefited business in the area. Hopefully the north end will see similar results.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Grafstein

of a better life, she said, while others came here fleeing war or prosecution. She then shared her own story as an immigrant.

“I never dreamed 20 years ago when I moved from Canada to Madison Heights that not only would I grow to love the community, but that I would participate as one of our leaders, helping to bring forth positive growth and prosperity,” Grafstein said. She added it was an honor to say so on March 8, which was International Women’s Day.

She said her pursuit of the American Dream started in 2004 when she moved from Toronto and was married by the late Madison Heights Mayor Ed Swanson in what is now the dining space of the new Active Adult Center. The American Dream not only includes freedom, safety and security for all people regardless of background or social status, she said, but also securing new opportunities for future generations, and improving quality of life.

She described the range of capital improvements made last year as “unprecedented,” including upgrades to facilities, parks and infrastructure — chief among them, the completion of a multimillion-dollar reworking of Civic Center Plaza on 13 Mile Road west of John R Road, featuring a renovated City Hall and library, and the construction of a brand-new Active Adult Center. The same project also included improvements to Fire Station No. 2, located off-campus on John R Road.

spot between the library and City Hall and asked, ‘Why not just sell the property and build a new center there?’ Fast-forward five years, a global pandemic, many meetings with many public votes, a total of 12 different council members, a year and a half of construction, and $14.2 million later, and in the fall of 2023, we had our final grand opening and ribbon cutting — one that brought my mother in from Canada to help celebrate,” Grafstein said. “Ultimately, this project has not only helped to increase participation in programming, but is also decreasing our energy footprint.”

Grafstein said that Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will bring nearly $1 million in home repairs for eligible homeowners this spring as part of the “Rock the Block” program in partnership with the city. She said the city has been focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, with nearly 600 building permits processed by the city in 2023 — a notable increase from the year prior, she said — and with completed construction values reaching $4.6 million, nearly five times the amount recorded in 2022.

She said that a $75,000 grant from the state’s Housing Development Authority allowed the city to complete 16 minor home repair projects. She also lauded last year’s opening of Red Run Reserve, which added more than 130 homes for those ages 55 and older.

“Looking at the big picture, 2023 brought significant growth in residential and commercial development, demonstrating our commitment to creating opportunities for everyone,” Grafstein said.

“Next year, Madison Heights will be 70 years old, and there have been a lot of changes here in the last seven decades,” Grafstein said. “But through it all, in true American tradition, Madison Heights remains a place where community matters. Our local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, providing jobs and services that contribute to the vitality of our city.”

Last year also saw the start of a new streetscaping plan around 11 Mile and John R roads that aims to make the area more friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists.

“I can’t wait to see this area transform in the upcoming years,” Grafstein said.

She said she’s also looking forward to the new bandshell being built at Civic Center Park with a $250,000 grant from Consumers Energy. The goal is to have it operational in time for the Pre-Fourth of July Festival in the Park.

On the topic of holidays, she praised the nonprofit Madison Heights Citizens United for its work on the Juneteenth Celebration at Civic Center Park, saying it promotes racial reconciliation. She also commended other community groups such as the Environmental Citizens Committee with its ongoing tree plantings, and the Arts Board with its work on Trail Tunes, art installations and more.

from page 1A 13650

“In 2018, a year after I was elected to council and about a month after we appointed Melissa Marsh to be our city manager, she and I were in the library parking lot talking about some of the issues at our Active Adult Center. I looked to the empty

On the business front, she noted new additions last year such as the family friendly Dinoland, electric car company Rivian, and Feel Good Cookies. Others saw improvements, such as Celina’s Bar & Grill, which completed its new patio, and Natalie’s Bakery, which relocated and expanded.

She also recalled dedications of public facilities in honor of several key community members, including the youth library room named in honor of the late councilman Robert Corbett, the renaming of the pavilion at Monroe Park in honor of the late councilman Bob Gettings, and also the renaming of Twelve-Sherry Park after Gary McGillivray, the late Oakland County commissioner, who lived to see the dedication in August before dying in November.

On a less somber note, Grafstein said she was honored last summer to greet Jack Huffman as the military veteran neared the

end of a two-month-long cross-country walk raising awareness for the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund. The mayor presented Huffman with a giant check for more than $1,200 donated by local businesses.

“Standing here in a business dedicated to the defense of our country, I know that you more than others understand the importance of security and public safety,” Grafstein said in reference to the event venue, Navistar Defense. “Be it of our country or our city, everyone has the right to feel safe and secure.”

After the speech, Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem of Madison Heights, shared his thoughts.

“As Mayor Grafstein shared in her speech, Madison Heights is on a great path,” Bliss said in an email. “This hyperinflation has been incredibly difficult to manage, both with rising costs and less economic development projects in the pipeline. But we’ve met the challenge by leveraging more grants and business partnerships than we have in decades. Our volunteer organizations are also thriving … getting special shoutouts from Mayor Grafstein for their incredible efforts to bring free and low-cost programming to our residents.

“No year is ever easy on council, and the challenges we face now are unlike anything I’ve seen since I was elected (in 2013), with all of our monthly grocery bills looking more like a mortgage payment,” he said. “But our strategic plan keeps us focused and ready to take advantage of grant opportunities that will help our residents. There’s optimism in City Hall, and we’ll continue to do all we can to keep moving forward.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Warren, MI 48089

Grant

from page 3A

tendent. “’The status of ‘community school’ is about making schools the center of your community.”

Only five public school districts in the state received the grant, and Hazel Park Public Schools was the only one to receive it in the tri-county area. The district serves the city of Hazel Park and part of Ferndale.

Longfellow Elementary, located at 570 E. Mapledale Ave., has not operated as a school in recent years. A food service company has been renting its facilities to prepare meals for area schools.

Kruppe noted that the grant is specifically for infrastructure improvements, now in the planning stages at Longfellow Elementary.

The district originally applied for $2.5 million. While the district didn’t get the full amount, officials say the $1 million will still enable them to make significant headway revamping facilities at Longfellow Elementary, so that they can serve a variety of uses for the community.

While it won’t be implemented all at once, and the specifics are still being decided, the district’s vision is to ultimately provide items such as expanded counseling and mental health care services, with a psychologist available at Longfellow, and to work with agencies to provide medical and dental services there as well.

The district would also like to collaborate with the state’s Michigan Works program to provide career training services for adults, and to provide spaces for community members to hold meetings, give presentations and conduct workshops.

Longfellow Elementary could also provide spaces for recreational programs and

leisure activities aimed at senior citizens, Kruppe said, done in partnership with Hazel Park Recreation.

Another goal is to open up the school’s kitchen and cafeteria for cooking programs and healthy eating initiatives, and to use the gym for exercise activities such as yoga classes.

“It’s about giving people in the community access to utilize the facilities,” Kruppe said.

United Oaks Elementary is another school in the district that has community school status. In the case of United Oaks, the designation was achieved via a grant through United Way that allows the school to provide nutritious food and drinks for children all throughout the day.

Similar services are available at the other schools in the district, as are other services such as makerspace programs in the media center and tutoring for students.

“In a nutshell, it’s making sure our kids are safe and secure, health-wise and wholechild-wise,” Kruppe said. “We’re really excited that this infrastructure grant came up. We’ll be working to make all of these ideas happen.”

The grant is part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Make It In Michigan” initiative, which seeks to make strategic investments in people’s quality of life.

“Community centers anchor thriving communities across Michigan, offering Michiganders places to gather, connect, learn and access resources,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This funding for community centers will help us deliver on our ‘Make It In Michigan’ vision to revitalize cities and towns across Michigan by making them more attractive places to live, work and invest.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

ATTENTION HAZEL PARK RESIDENTS

To all owners & occupants of property within the City of Hazel Park, be advised that all weeds and grass in excess of 8” shall be removed and/or cut. Failure to do so will result in a citation being issued and upon conviction a fne assessed or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or both such fne and imprisonment. In addition, any property not cleared beginning May 15th through October 15th may be cut or weeds destroyed by the city and the owner and/or occupant shall be responsible for the cost thereof.

Published: Madison-Park News 03/20/2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAZEL PARK

0097-2412

from page 4A

with the ability to tailor programs for scouts or other groups. These programs promote a better understanding of the natural world, and help foster a sense of stewardship,” she said. “When my children were younger, we participated in scout events at the library, and one year we tapped trees (at the nature center) to make maple syrup.”

Fleming said he wants to see the city expand its recreational offerings this year,

especially for children in the community. He also said the late Oakland County Commissioner Gary McGillivray should be remembered for his work brokering the lease deal with the county that saved the nature center during the worst of the Great Recession, when the city could no longer afford operating it.

“It might be a neat idea to someday rename the race in Gary’s honor,” Fleming said. “He did so much for the nature center, and for all of the parks in our city.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a City Council meeting on March 11, 2024, the Hazel Park City Council adopted the following: Ordinance #02-24, an Ordinance to amend the Hazel Park Municipal Code, Title 5, Business Licenses and Regulations, Chapter 5.44 – Short-term Rental Licensing as Follows: Section 5.44.040 – Exceptions; Section 5.44.060 –Short-term Rental Regulations and Section 5.44.100 – Appeal Procedures. The effective date of this Ordinance is March 29, 2024. In addition to this Ordinance, the entire Hazel Park Municipal Code is available for inspection and/or purchase at the City Clerk’s Offce, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. Lisa K. Mayo, City Clerk, CMC.

0289-2412

Published: Madison-Park News 03/20/2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAZEL PARK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a City Council meeting on March 11, 2024, the Hazel Park City Council adopted the following: Ordinance #03-24, an Ordinance to Amend the Hazel Park Municipal Code, Title 17, Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.36 – Single-Family Residential Districts, as follows: Section 17.36.040 – Area, Height, Bulk and Placement Requirements; & Section 17.36.050 – Residential Design Standards. The effective date of this Ordinance is March 29, 2024. In addition to this Ordinance, the entire Hazel Park Municipal Code is available for inspection and/or purchase at the City Clerk’s Offce, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. Lisa K. Mayo, City Clerk, CMC.

0467-2412

Published: Madison-Park News 03/20/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission for the City of Madison Heights will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071, to consider the following rezoning requests:

Rezoning Request No. PRZN 23-02 by Isam Yaldo, 31000 Northwestern Highway #110, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, to rezone one (1) parcel of land located at 1035 W. 12 Mile Road (TM# 44-25-14-127-053) from B-3, General Business district, to M-1, Light Industrial district.

The application and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online after 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the meeting at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send your comments via email to: MattLonnerstater@madison-heights.org and your comment will be read into the record at the meeting. Written comments may also be mailed prior to the meeting to 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, 48071. All comments will be heard at the meeting.

MADISON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (248) 583-0831

Published: Madison-Park News 03/20/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

0421-2412

Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of the Madison Heights Zoning Board of Appeals will be held in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Oakland County, Michigan 48071 on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the following requests:

1. Case # PZBA 24-01: 32751 Concord Drive

REQUEST: The applicant, Aver Sign Company, on behalf of Antoun Property Group LLC (property owner), requests two (2) dimensional variances from Section 10.511(IV)(C) of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to signage: One (1) variance pertaining to the maximum height of a ground sign; and one (1) variance pertaining to the maximum area of a ground sign.

The subject property is located at 32751 Concord Drive (tax parcel #44-25-02-201-026) and is zoned B-3, General Business

The applications and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community & Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center after 4:00 p.m. on Friday before the meeting.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can send your comments via email to: MattLonnerstater@madison-heights.org and your comment will be read into the record at the meeting. Written comments may also be mailed prior to the meeting to 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, 48071. All comments will be heard at the meeting.

MADISON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

(248) 583-0831

Published: Madison-Park News 03/20/2024 0420-2412

Eclipse

from page 5A

and goes through Indiana and Ohio out to Maine,” Blum said. “If you Google eclipse path online, you’ll see what the line is.”

Blum said a total eclipse hits the continental U.S. every 10 or 20 years. Blum said there is no set number of years, however, and that when a solar eclipse occurs varies from time to time.

A NASA frequently asked questions post from 2017 states that solar eclipses of all kinds occur two to three times a year with two total eclipses occurring every three years.

During a total solar eclipse, Trembley said people can experience a temperature drop, the sounds of a few night time animals as well as the Belt of Venus, an atmospheric phenomenon visible shortly before sunrise or sunset.

“You’ll see that 360 degrees around you, not just in the direction of the sun,” Trembley said. “It’s very strange.”

Narlock said if you look at the sun unprotected, permanent eye damage can occur. People should use filtered glasses that cut down the intensity of the sun’s rays.

“You’ll still be able to see the sun, it will look like a yellow white disk through your

glasses, but you won’t be able to see much of anything else. That’s how much we have to cut down the light,” Narlock said.

He also said there are special filters for telescopes that can see only one wavelength of light.

During an eclipse people are more likely to stare at the sun, Blum said. It’s also easier to stare at the sun because the moon covers it, making it dimmer.

“On a normal day, on a sunny day, if you try to stare at the sun you’d say, ‘Oh, that’s awful bright,’ and you’d look away,” Blum said. “But on an eclipse the sun is partly covered by the moon so it’s not so bright. So it doesn’t bother you to look at the sun if you think, ‘Well, OK, I can just stare at

the sun.’”

Holding a colander up to the sun to see the shadow of the eclipse is a way to indirectly view it, Narlock said.

“The little holes in the colander will create essentially a little projection of the eclipse as it happens,” Narlock said. “People have also gone under a big tree and looked at the sunlight that comes through the leaves.”

Eye damage can still occur even when the sun is 98% covered like it will be in the metro area.

“Even if there is 1% of the sun showing, it’s still as bright as the entire sun, so you can blind yourself, so you have to have either solar glasses or telescopes or binoculars, or whatever, with appropriate solar filtering,” Trembley said.

Regular sunglasses will not do when viewing an eclipse and they will damage the eyes significantly, Narlock said.

Trembley said NASA’s “Solar System Ambassadors” have been shipping out solar glasses. Both Trembley and his wife are ambassadors. Libraries are also good places to check as well. Narlock said Cranbrook is selling the glasses and he also saw his optometrist selling them.

Both Trembley and Narlock warned people to be wary of solar glasses sold online. These glasses could not have the right lenses

or the lenses could already have damage such as scratches.

Narlock said solar eclipses are not something to goof around with.

“If you have children that are going to be looking directly at it, make sure that they’re wearing approved solar eclipse glasses that aren’t scratched. Make sure they don’t take them off their face while they’re looking at the sun,” Narlock said. “Because it just takes a moment and they could really damage their eyes.”

Solar eclipse viewing events are occurring all over at local parks and other venues.

Cranbrook is also holding an eclipse viewing event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trembley said to find an event near you, visit the NASA Night Sky Network at nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov.

“It’s a NASA program where they join up with astronomy clubs across the country and they post information on the clubs and events that the clubs are holding,” Trembley said.

He also said NASA Solar System Ambassadors will be hosting or attending events. A full directory of ambassadors can be found online by searching NASA Solar System Ambassadors.

You can check your local library’s website as well as city websites for further events.

Photo provided by Ken Bertin

This image of a solar eclipse was taken by Ken Bertin.

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Permanent part-time Park Maintenance Personnel position, $17.66 - $22.92 hourly (32 hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination(s) is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance, as well as possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, April 1, 2024. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on employment. 0295-2412

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29-year-old woman had obtained a box cutter and swung it at the man in an attempt to injure him. She was arrested for felonious assault and was lodged for arraignment. The man did not suffer any injuries. The case was forwarded on to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Officer for a warrant request.

Drunken driver crashes

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a 50-year-old Warren man drove a gray 2013 Chevy Traverse off the roadway at John R and Sonoma roads at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 27, striking a building. The driver had a blood alcohol content level of 0.157. He was taken to a hospital and issued citations for operating while intoxicated. The investigation was ongoing.

Man’s boss arrested after reportedly breaking into employee’s home, assaulting him

Woodward location. It was reported that a 35-year-old male suspect had stolen a prepaid cellphone and pulled a pistol from his waistband, threatening to harm employees when he was confronted. According to a press release, he exited the store and walked toward Woodward through the rear parking lot.

A Birmingham sergeant, who was already on foot patrol, saw the suspect and shared his path of travel with other officers. Officers found the suspect in the bushes along the brick wall on the east side of the Flagstar Bank parking lot. After obstructing and resisting officers, he was taken into custody.

An airsoft pistol and the stolen cellphone were found in the bushes where he had been hiding. He was to remain in custody until his arraignment.

Woman accused of threatening man with boxcutter in road rage incident

FARMINGTON — Around 11 a.m. Feb. 13, officers were dispatched to the area of Grand River Avenue and Halsted Road for a fight in progress.

Officers arrived and found a man and a woman in a verbal argument that had stemmed from a road rage argument on M-5. Officers learned that the

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the 100 block of Fontainbleau Court for an assault and home invasion at 7:47 a.m. Feb. 4. A man told police he had texted his boss, who pays a portion of his rent directly out of his landscaping paycheck, to let the boss know there was a text about owing the rent. The boss then allegedly went to the man’s home, kicked in the front door and assaulted him. Deputies located the suspect, a 53-year-old man from Rochester Hills, a few houses away from the victim’s house, and he was arrested for home invasion and assault and battery. He was lodged at the Oakland County Jail.

Suspect charged with stealing tires off disabled vehicle TROY — A 37-year-old Detroit man was charged with larceny from a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license after he was found stealing the wheels and tires off a disabled vehicle on Interstate 75, police said.

The incident took place at 1:41 p.m. Feb. 21 near the I-75 northbound offramp to Crooks Road. The owner of the disabled vehicle said he had left the vehicle on the side of the road that morning because it was overheating, and when he returned, he found the suspect removing the wheels and tires.

According to the police, the suspect claimed he was removing the wheels and tires because he worked for a tire shop. When the police arrived, the suspect was unable to provide any documentation to prove he owned or worked for such a business, nor did he have any personal identification, including for the vehicle he was driving. Police said both passenger side wheels/tires of the victim’s car were found in the subject’s vehicle, along with numerous other used tires.

MARCH 21 Reading

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MARCH 28

Play Pokémon Go: 6:30 p.m., Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. in Hazel Park, hazel-park.lib.mi.us

APRIL 6 Spring Fling Dance: Also pizza, dessert, drinks, DJ, photo booth and craft, for ages 14 and younger, noon-2 p.m., Clawson Senior Center inside Hunter Community Center, 509 Fisher Court, (248) 589-0334

APRIL 11

Geocaching Adventure: Part of Homeschool Series, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, registration required, (248) 858-0916

APRIL 20

Run for the Health of It: 5K race/walk, 8 a.m. (check-in at 7:15

a.m.), Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, loom.ly/IoTQ0KQ

APRIL 27

Earth Day activities: Recycle paper, scrap metal, electronics, paint and cleaners, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hazel Park Department of Public Works, 24211 Couzens, also park cleanups, 9 a.m.-noon, call (248) 5475535 to choose location, facebook.com/CityofHP

ONGOING

Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535

Book clubs: Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences, 6 p.m. every second Tuesday of month), LitWits (general club for avid readers, 7 p.m. every third Monday in March, May, July, September and November) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older, 1:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of month), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, (248) 588-7763

Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “On Retelling Greek Classics: An Exploration of the Modern

Epics” (7 p.m. March 21), “The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us — A Sweeping History of Food and Culture” (2 p.m. April 2),

20 to support changing the name of a part of M-53 from 17 Mile Road to M-59/Hall Road.

House Bill 5151 would designate that portion as the Officer Leroy Imus Memorial Highway. Imus was a Sterling Heights police officer who was killed during a traffic stop in 1971.

“Sterling Heights police officer Leroy Imus was a dedicated man — not only to our country, but also our community. He served in the U.S. Navy and at the Sterling Heights Police Department as an officer for five years,” Shannon said in a statement.

“This designation is a way to commemorate his commitment to the safety of our community. With this bill, part of M-53 will stand as a reminder of Officer Imus’ courage and sacrifice.”

Learn more at housedems.com/nate-shannon.

same shopping center, but in a space that is approximately 10,000 square feet, with the extra space allowing for perks such as dedicated party rooms. If things don’t work out for Marvin’s to remain in Farmington Hills, Yagoda may not have to worry about having other suitors, as, according to him, multiple municipalities have reached out to him about moving the business to their community.