BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — A 62-year-old man was found guilty by a jury Feb. 23 of murdering two of his neighbors at an Eastpointe apartment complex in 2022.
The jury found that on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, Dennis Carlton Evans fatally shot his neighbors, Dorian Mitchell and Christie Davis, outside their apartment complex on 10 Mile Road in Eastpointe.
At an exam hearing held in 2022,
ROSEVILLE — Every day, Roseville Middle School social worker Danielle Lewis works to make a positive impact on students.
“The goal is to create a safe and healthy environment for the students,” Lewis said. “It’s finding the right social and emotional support and creating a space for them to be who they are.”
Lewis primarily works with students who have an individualized education program, known as an IEP. For her commitment to the profession, the Michigan Association of School Social Workers named Lewis the 2023-2024 School Social Worker of the Year for Region M — Macomb County.
Members of the MASSW Region M and several district administrators, including Roseville Middle School Principal Christopher LaFeve, recognized Lewis during a brief presentation in the school media center on the afternoon of Feb. 16. Also present were Lewis’ husband, Darius, and their children, Darielle, 13; Darius Jr., 12; and Daniel, 5, who are students in Roseville Community Schools. A few Roseville Middle School students also came by to congratulate Lewis.
“I appreciate everyone coming out and for your support. I’m overwhelmed,” said
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an Eastpointe police officer testified that he arrived at the scene and located Davis in the back of a GMC vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds. Davis told the officer that Evans shot her, and Mitchell was found dead nearby, according to the testimony.
Before dying of her injuries several days later, Davis told Eastpointe Police Detective Brian Showers that she and Mitchell found Evans in the hallway of their apartment earlier in the day. Evans was upset because someone had broken
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ROSEVILLE — Roseville Community Schools staff members, along with students in grades three to 12, will start the 2024-2025 school year with brand-new computers.
At the district’s Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting, the school board voted 5-0 to purchase more than 4,000 new Dell computers. Board members Matthew McCartney and Kevin Switanowski were absent. The district’s technology director, Mike Antoine, and Paul Twigg, senior designer with Barton Malow, requested the purchase.
The new computers will be funded through the district’s $58.9 million bond issue that passed in 2018. About 544 teacher computers and approximately 3,800 student computers will be ordered through People Driven Technologies, based in Byron Center, Michigan. The total cost for the purchase, including a five-year warranty with additional accidental damage coverage, is $2,746,314.80.
Barton Malow, based in Southfield, is the construction manager of the bond projects. Partners in Architecture, in Mount Clemens, is the architectural firm.
WARREN — Although inflation has decreased in recent months, “I don’t know if we’re out of the woods,” said Thomas Alongi, a partner with the UHY accounting firm in Sterling Heights.
“Everything you touch, everywhere you go, prices are up 10% or 20% on everything,” Alongi said. “It’s come down, but maybe the damage has been done. We’ll see if we are able to keep that in check with fiscal spending.”
According to the website usinflationcalculator. com, inflation was at 6.5% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2023.
Alongi was among the panelists who spoke to business leaders, manufacturing employees and school officials at the 2024 Macomb County Economic Forecast, held Feb. 23 on the South Campus of Macomb Community College.
The panel also included Ahmad Ezzeddine, vice president for Academic Student Affairs and Global Engagement at Wayne State University; Brian Parthum, an economist with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments; and Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County’s Department of Planning & Economic Development.
Through PowerPoint presentations displayed on two large screens, the panelists shared their knowledge and research. Much of the discussion centered on Macomb County. The Macomb County Chamber Alliance hosted the event.
“Despite all the news we get every year, some of it is not that rosy, there are always great things happening. Things are happening in the county, in the region, they’re happening in the state,” Ezzeddine said. “This is an opportunity for us to see how we can all work together and move on.”
Ezzeddine, who moderated the event, would like to see WSU and MCC collaborate more with local businesses.
See ECONOMY on page 10A
Outside living spaces have grown in popularity over the years. As spring approaches, this is the time to start preparing lawns and gardens for “backyarding” fun.
“‘Backyarding,’ I think we came up with the term during COVID. It was the first time I heard it,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care of outdoor spaces from yards to parks. “It’s a verb meaning to champion the outdoors and creating the spaces for your particular needs.”
According to Kiser, lawns and backyards are no longer meant just to look pretty and provide curb appeal.
“We’ve worked with Realtors who have said, ‘Young people want outdoor living spaces,’” Kiser said.
These spaces are determined with a purpose in mind and tailored to
See OUTDOOR on page 11A
EASTPOINTE — A joint operation between county and state agencies led to the seizure of weapons and illicit drugs in Eastpointe and Detroit, as well as the arrest of a local man accused of distributing cocaine and oxycodone.
The suspect is Zerell Archie, 29, of Eastpointe. He was taken into custody Feb. 15 during a raid conducted by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team, which is also known as S.E.T.; the County of Macomb Enforcement Team, aka COMET; the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics unit; and the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team.
Together, they executed two search warrants for narcotics — one in Eastpointe and the other in Detroit — and reportedly seized about 8 grams of crack cocaine, nearly 120 suspected fentanyl pills, psilocybin mushrooms, two rifles, five handguns, multiple loaded gun magazines and ammo boxes, scales and packaging material for the drugs, a Ram pickup truck, and more than $1,000 in cash.
Authorities said that most of the firearms seized were loaded and unsecured, and that at one property there had been five children, ages 11 months to 14 years. Police said the children could have easily accessed the loaded guns.
Authorities did not specify where Archie was arrested, but said he was taken into custody without incident and has since been held at the Macomb County Jail.
Archie
Archie was arraigned Feb. 16 in Eastpointe’s 38th District Court, where he was charged with manufacturing and delivering cocaine, a 20-year felony; manufacturing and delivering oxycodone, a five-year felony; felon in possession of a firearm, a two-year felony; possession of psilocybin, a one-year misdemeanor; and fourth-degree child abuse, a one-year misdemeanor.
His bond was set at $75,000, 10% cash or surety. On Feb. 26, according to court records, he posted a surety bond. At press time, he had no attorney on record.
See ARREST on page 12A
ROSEVILLE — With the motto “bringing out the best in kids,” the Roseville Optimist Club has been helping children in the community since it formed in 1992.
From organizing backpack giveaways to being sponsors in the annual Roseville Community Schools Scholarship Foundation’s charity golf outing, Optimist Club members try their best to live up to the organization’s motto.
The club’s most recent donation will benefit students of Roseville Community Schools. At the district’s Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting, Board members Keith Jacobs and Dana Freers announced that the Optimist Club will donate $500 to each building in the district.
“This was made possible through the generosity of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce and County Commissioner Harold Haugh,” said Jacobs, who is also the Roseville fire chief. “Through fundraisers and other contributions, we try to help the kids when and where we can. With this donation, we do ask that the money be used in such a way that it benefits the students within your building.”
Freers, a past president, also encouraged staff to provide an article — about 200-300 words with photos — for the club’s newsletter explaining how the money was used and how many students benefited. Educators also can apply for other donations.
“Other funding may be available throughout the school year but will require a formal donation request and a little more information,” Freers said. “Some teachers that know of our club have been requesting assistance every now and then. These requests must go through our donation review committee and be voted on by the club’s board of directors.”
Freers added the request forms were sent to all the district’s building principals, and teachers can get the form from the principals. There are 10 schools in the district: seven
See DONATION on page 15A
ROSEVILLE — The Eastpointe Lions Club will hold its annual chili/soup contest from 3 to 6 p.m. March 16 at the Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub, 32456 Gratiot Ave.
EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Memorial Library, along with Community Economic Development Association of Michigan and Advancing Macomb, will present “Show Me the Money Day” from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 9.
The statewide event is designed to help community members take charge of their finances. There will be workshops on how to save money, library life hacks, homebuyer education, protecting and planning for your future, and basic financial information. The event is designed for people with lower incomes, but everyone is welcome.
Community resource vendors will also be available. There will be activities for children. The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave. To register, visit the circulation desk or call (586) 445-5096.
MACOMB COUNTY — In honor of National Volunteer Recognition Month in April, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners is accepting nominations of volunteers for its Volunteer Recognition Program. Chosen volunteers will be honored with a reception.
Nomination forms are available on the website bocmacomb.org. Click on the “What’s Happening” icon and then on “Programs & Events.” Send the completed form to bocadmin@macombgov.org or mail it to: Macomb County BOC Volunteer Rec. Program, 1 S. Main St., 9th Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043.
Nominees must be at least 18 years of age and have not received an award in the past five years. All applications are due by 5 p.m. April 5.
The cost to taste the food is $7 per person. To enter your special soup or chili, contact Debbie Richards at (586) 713-7618 or via email at lilellis@ameritech.net. There will be raffles during the event.
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 completed form, a picture identification and an email confirmation from Sparkle Network are required for the appointment to be considered booked.
The Prom Closet will be at Macomb Mall from 3 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.
EASTPOINTE — Bring your appetites March 17 for St. Basil the Great’s St. Patrick/St. Joseph celebration dinner. The event will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. in the social hall, and dinner will be served from 2 to 5 p.m.
The cost, presale or at the door, is $22 per person; dinner for children 5 and younger costs $5 each. The menu will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, kielbasa, carrots, rolls, coffee and tea. Carryout will be available. Dessert is available for a free will offering. Beer and wine will be available, pending license approval.
There will be a basket raffle and silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the parish general fund. The church is located at 22860 Schroeder Ave. Tickets are available after Masses.
The show is for all ages. The cast will have a meet and greet after all four performances. The show is approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available online at macombcenter.com, in person at the box office or by phone at (586) 286-2222.
The Macomb Ballet Company is a nonprofit and is subsidized through fundraising, grants, ticket sales, sponsors and donations.
a sponsor or making a donation can email info@macombballet.org.
ROSEVILLE — Roseville High School senior Archie Matthews was recently named as a $1,000 “Black History Makers of Tomorrow” scholarship winner.
The program, facilitated through the McDonald’s Owner/Operators, celebrates Black History Month and honors high school seniors who are making a positive impact in their communities. A total of 21 local students were named.
Matthews was nominated by his teachers. The recipients were recognized for volunteering in their neighborhoods, helping with their family needs, tutoring younger students, or taking on a job after school to save for college or help the family.
“Archie uplifts his peers daily through humor, leadership as varsity bowling captain, and positive attitude. His engagement in discussions and class participation, along with his commitment to connecting and supporting people of color, highlights his strong sense of responsibility,” a McDonald’s Owner/Operators press release states. “Archie’s ability to balance work, academics, extracurriculars, and family supportively demonstrates leadership and service, reflected in his membership in the National Honor Society and Student Assembly.”
EASTPOINTE — An investment adviser will help Eastpointe Community Schools with its $36.4 million bond issue that passed at the polls Aug. 8, 2023.
At the Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting, the school board voted 7-0 to adopt a resolution to appoint the advisory, tax and assurance firm Baker Tilly, which has locations across the country including an office in Southfield, as the district’s investment adviser.
At the meeting, Robert Carlesso, the district’s executive director of business and operations, said the bonds will be sold in two series. That’s where the investment adviser comes into play.
“The first (series) for $20 million occurred in January,” Carlesso said, adding that the proceeds were expected Feb. 28. “Once that money comes in, we want to put it to work and gain some interest. We’re not really going to start drawing on that money for a few more months, so in the meantime we’d like to invest it in safe but high-yielding investments.”
According to Carlesso, Baker Tilly
provides a portfolio called Michigan CLASS, which invests in commercial paper and other government obligations. CLASS stands for “Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System.” Commercial paper is a short-term, unsecured debt instrument often used for the financing of short-term liabilities.
“We’re going to monitor the interest rate environment because currently shortterm investment portfolios pay more interest than a one- or two-year investment,” Carlesso said. “So at such times that the market flips, then we’ll look at investing some of that money longer term. But for now the Michigan CLASS portfolio pays the highest interest rate that we could get for the next three to four years.”
“We basically have to do this type of thing anyways because we can’t just take this money and plop it in the bank,” school board President Jon Gruenberg said. “It would never be protected. We can’t just take the money they give us and plop it and let it sit there until we need to use it, because that money would not be guaranteed at the level of the amount of money that we’re putting in. This way we’re putting it into something that hopefully will turn into more money.”
“That interest that we earn on it can be
(put) back into the projects that the bond was intended for,” Carlesso said.
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 adviser 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.
Bond dollars will be used for safety and security improvements, facility upgrades and technology updates throughout the district. That includes everything from roofing to heating and cooling to playgrounds. Projects are scheduled for all nine buildings in the district, including four elementary schools, Eastpointe Middle School, Eastpointe High School, the Early Learning Center, the Alternative Center, and the operations and transportation building.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Spring — the season of renewal — is a popular time for people to remodel or redecorate their homes.
But what many may not realize is the old dresser or couch they no longer want could make life substantially better for a local family in need.
The nonprofit Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, which provides household basics like beds, dining tables and chairs to vulnerable metro Detroiters who are rebuilding their lives, is facing a serious shortage of furnishings at a time when demand for these items is spiking.
“Donations are down,” said Furniture Bank Board President Wanda Van Haitsma, of Redford. “We have about 180 families waiting for beds and other furniture, and that’s a big number.”
Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan Executive Director Robert Boyle, of Grosse Pointe Woods, said that’s three times the number of families waiting for furniture
at this time in 2021. At the same time, furniture donations have dropped; Boyle said that in 2022, they went on 4,600 pickups, but in 2023, there were only 3,800 pickups.
“At a time of high inflation, it would seem people would rather sit on their current couch than buy a new one,” Boyle said.
That same high inflation disproportionately hurts people on the lower end of the income spectrum. More than 80% of the people the Furniture Bank serves have incomes of $20,000 or less, and most are families with children.
“Now it’s even more difficult to cover basics like a bed for a child or a dining table to share a meal at,” Boyle said.
The Furniture Bank will collect essential items in good condition from homes across metro Detroit at no charge, if these items can be placed in a garage or on a porch, or they’ll charge a flat fee of $75 to collect any number of essentials from inside the home. Essential items include mattresses, box springs, dressers, end tables, nightstands, coffee tables, sofas/loveseats (excluding reclining sofas and See FURNITURE BANK on page 9A
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sofa beds), dining/kitchen tables (excluding glass or heavy marble), dining/kitchen chairs (in sets of at least two) and living room chairs. The Furniture Bank will also collect as essentials up to five bags or boxes of smaller housewares, such as towels, pots, pans, silverware, lamps, bedding and other basics; they cannot accept clothing.
Because there’s such a serious need for mattresses and box springs in good condition, the Furniture Bank is currently offering to pick up these items for free, whether they’re inside or outside the house.
For essential items that are structurally damaged, stained, torn or badly worn, they will haul these items away for $100 per item, whether they’re inside or outside of the home.
For fees ranging from $100 to $125 per item, the Furniture Bank will also pick up nonessential items from inside or outside of homes, including desks, bookshelves, armoires, china cabinets, buffets, sofa beds, reclining sofas, entertainment centers and treadmills. Proceeds from fees support the work of the Furniture Bank and enable them to hire professional movers to safely remove furniture.
“It’s such a great nonprofit,” Van Haitsma said. “We’re providing furniture and beds for people who are trying to get back on their feet.”
In some cases, the people helped by the Furniture Bank are individuals who are moving from a homeless shelter into their own apartment or home. In other cases, they’re people starting over after escaping from an abusive relationship.
Boyle said their clients are excited to leave shelters for their own dwelling — until they realize they were more comfortable in the shelter because, at least there, they had a bed.
“It’s stressful,” Boyle said of sleeping on the floor. “It’s not comfortable. It’s not good for your mental or physical health.”
Boyle said they’re trying to provide people with a stable, dignified life. Studies show there are higher rates of attention deficit disorder and obesity in children who don’t get adequate sleep.
“It’s really important that families get what they need when they need it and they don’t go through any more distress,” Boyle said.
To donate or for more information, visit www.furniture-bank.org or call (248) 3321300.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
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“We have great programs that start at Macomb Community College and finish with us,” Ezzeddine said. “Both institutions are very open and interested in partnering with all of you in the room here.”
As a member of UHY’s audit and assurance department, Alongi advises public and private clients regarding their finances and operations. Alongi specified the economy’s success rests on growing and attracting knowledge. Last year, Alongi predicted the economy would be like a rollercoaster, but it ended up more like a merry-go-round.
“The data that we presented showed a mixed bag,” he said. “It shows how resilient our economy is. We’re really excited we were able to drive through that. How did we make our way through that? The reality is that consumers were resilient. Demand could not be broken. It ties into a strong fiscal spending.
“We have some excess inventories to work off. When I look at ’24 and from what I have seen with our clients, backlogs are strong, releases are strong. We have more job openings than we have individuals,” Alongi said. “The data is showing a kind of return to normalcy this year. Manufacturing, every report I see is that employment is up and opportunities are up.”
Alongi indicated colleges and businesses owners need to come together.
“I want to see more collaboration of industry with the schools and you’re seeing some of it,” Alongi said. “The skills that are needed today will be different than the skills of tomorrow. When I look at 2024, we have more job openings than individuals.”
Parthum, who has studied economic trends in southeast Michigan since 1999, talked about electric vehicles. He said auto manufacturing is “critically important” and advised a dual growth strategy.
“It’s important that we, as economic developers, continue to help the automotive manufacturing in our region. It’s critically important to help them to continue the rapid change that is happening in the industry,” Parthum said. “At
the same time, continue to diversify your economy and leverage those knowledge-based jobs. Professional and technical services, financial activities, management of companies and information. These are jobs that mostly require a bachelor degree or more.”
He also said the county gained 24,000 jobs in the last three years.
“I’m not saying that’s going to continue three years into the future, but it’s really encouraging,” Parthum said. “When I looked at those numbers, what was actually growing were the knowledge-based jobs, information, financial activities, professional services and management of companies all combined added 15,000 to 16,000 jobs of those 24,000 jobs.”
With “some funding through the state of Michigan,” Rowinski said she and her team have been conducting a “talent attraction” campaign in an effort to attract people from out of state to Macomb County.
“We’ve looked at top engineering colleges throughout the country and which of those colleges are actually pro-
“I want to see more collaboration of industry with the schools and you’re seeing some of it,” said Thomas Alongi, a partner with the UHY accounting firm, right. “The skills that are needed today will be different than the skills of tomorrow. When I look at 2024, we have more job openings than individuals.” Also pictured are Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County’s Department of Planning & Economic Development, left, and Brian Parthum, an economist with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, center.
ducing more engineers, more professional severe degree individuals than there are jobs available in that area,” Rowinski said. “We also pulled together a roundtable with some of our business leaders that represent the aerospace industry.”
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, who provided the welcoming remarks, shared his thoughts on Macomb County’s manufacturing future. He said there are 1,600 manufacturing facilities in the county.
“I think our biggest challenge is making sure that we’re providing the talent for these facilities,” Hackel said. “That seems to be the void right now. How do we find people for the jobs that are available in manufacturing.”
“We knew the ‘silver tsunami’ was happening. This is looking at the number of seniors that are hitting retirement age,” Rowinski said. “Our youth, our Gen Xs, our millennials do not meet the number of retirees that are hitting 55 and up age.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
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the owner’s needs and desires: a Zen space, a cooking space or outdoor fun. When planning these spaces, one must factor in kids, dogs, deer and flowering plants.
Matching the right plant to the right place is the mantra of many gardeners and growers. To find the right match, homeowners must know their climate zone, Kiser said.
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently updated their plant hardiness map,” said David Lowenstein, consumer horticulture supervising extension educator at the Michigan State University Macomb County Extension Office. “Now everyone is in zone 6 in the Detroit metro area.”
“What the zone information describes is the average minimum winter temperature. Zone 6A, the average temperature is minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit,” Lowenstein said. “That means the plants can survive if temperatures get to minus 10 degrees.”
Combining the right plant with the right soil can yield thriving results. Common types of soil are clay, sand and loam, according to Lowenstein.
“We do tend to have a lot of clay soil in our area,” Lowenstein said about the soil in Macomb and Oakland counties.
The soil types can vary in this area depending on how close you are to a body of water, according to Lowenstein.
“Streams have been channeled, and they’re now underground,” Lowenstein said. “Where your house is now could have once been a wetland or had a stream nearby, and that can impact the soil type.”
The right plant for the right place is as simple as a couple of clicks of the mouse, according to Kiser. Homeowners can do research on the internet into the kind of soil they have and what plants are optimal in that environment. The MSU Extension Office also has soil testers that give the nutrient
composition of the soil. The testers are available in the office or online for purchase. For more information, see homesoiltest.msu. edu.
Kiser created an outdoor office during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to enjoy it today as it draws colorful migrating birds, butterflies and a fox.
“The office has turned into a bit of an interaction with nature,” Kiser said. “It’s a disturbance I like.”
“Whatever you have, work with it.” Kiser said. That can include everything from a potted plant on a terrace to sprawling acres with plants, bushes, flowers, fruit trees and vegetables.
A beautiful outdoor garden can attract unwanted visitors. Deer love tender young plants and flowers. According to Lowenstein, it is difficult to keep the deer away completely unless there is a high fence or other barrier.
Deer typically avoid holly and ornamental grasses, according to Lowenstein. Catmint also deters deer with its fragrant scent and fuzzy leaves. Deer usually do not eat plants with hairy leaves like lamb’s ear.
Lowenstein suggests covering new plants and flowers with a cage to keep the deer away, at least until the new plants have been in the ground a month or two.
A lush green lawn can be a highlight of a beautiful outdoor space.
“Lawns look green when their fertility needs are met,” Lowenstein said. “What I mean by that is, when there is a sufficient amount of nitrogen available to them.”
Fertilizer can add nitrogen to the lawn, but err on the side of caution and do not over-fertilize, Lowenstein said. Slow-release fertilizer can be used less frequently than the fast-release variety, because slow-release continues to release nutrients.
Although metro Detroit had some unseasonably warm days in February, according to Lowenstein, the time to seed and plant will be in April.
See OUTDOOR on page 15A
EASTPOINTE — Detectives with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office are trying to locate Briana Marie Hall, 23, of Pontiac, who went missing Jan. 19 after she left Common Ground.
Authorities believe that she might be in the Eastpointe area. However, Hall’s legal guardian — who hasn’t seen Hall since she left the shelter — told detectives that Hall also has a history of fleeing to Detroit, Flint, the Grosse Pointe area and Highland Park.
Hall stands about 5 feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds. She has brown eyes and short black hair. When she was last seen, she was wearing an off-white hooded jacket, gray pants and brown shoes.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts or who might have seen her recently is asked to call the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4950.
— Andy KozlowskiEASTPOINTE — According to a police report, sometime on Feb. 20, the animal control officer for the city of Eastpointe was contacted by a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
The resident shared three videos of a small gray pit bull puppy being violently dragged on its leash across cement by a male suspect. The man also yanked the puppy upward, launching the dog 4-5 feet in the air while pulling on its neck, slamming it back down into the cement. In addition, he reportedly slapped the puppy so hard on its back that both the impact and the dog yelping could be heard on the video.
Two animal control officers conducted a follow-up investigation, locating both the suspect and the puppy and taking the latter into protective custody. The city attorney is reviewing the case and might press charges against the suspect. Investigations were ongoing.
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at around 9:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the area of Cushing Avenue, near Oak Avenue, a homeowner noticed three bullet holes in his windows. The bullets had entered the
Arrest from page 5A
In a prepared statement, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham commended his team.
“The members of Sheriff’s Enforcement Team successfully oversee incredibly high-stress situations daily, including conducting extensive narcotics investigations, executing high-profile search warrants, apprehending dangerous fugi-
home and lodged in the wall. The homeowner had recently moved into the house and said he did not have any problems with anyone, and no suspects in mind, nor did he witness any suspicious behavior. Police were investigating.
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at around 8:45 p.m. Feb. 16, police were dispatched to the area of Nine Mile and Kelly roads on a report of shots fired.
Further investigation revealed that a black Chevrolet Malibu had stopped at a red light, northbound on Nine Mile Road, when a white Dodge Durango was seen pulling up in the area.
An unknown suspect exited the rear seat of the Malibu, and the Durango started driving eastbound through an adjacent parking lot.
That’s when the suspect reportedly reentered the rear seat of the Malibu, and a short time later began shooting at the Durango, the occupants of which returned fire. Both vehicles then fled the scene and were last seen driving toward Interstate 94.
An innocent victim was in the area and was shot in the hand. She was not involved in the incident but got caught in the crossfire.
An investigation was ongoing.
Anyone with more information can call Eastpointe police at (586) 455-9121.
— Andy Kozlowskitives, and assisting with major criminal investigations,” Wickersham stated. “This recent operation was highly successful in that SET removed a large quantity of highly addictive and dangerous drugs from circulation.
“Additionally, what was deeply concerning about this incident was the large number of loaded guns scattered throughout the house, easily accessible by the five children in the residence,” he said. “It is a miracle that none of these children were injured or became the victims of an even greater tragedy.”
MACOMB COUNTY — Macomb Community College students will see a tuition increase next year.
At its regular monthly meeting Feb. 21, the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees authorized a 1.8% increase in tuition rates for the upcoming academic year, which is fall 2024 through spring/summer 2025.
The rate for residents will increase slightly from $111 per billable contact hour to $113. Even with the increase, college officials maintained that Macomb’s tuition rates are lower than average.
Board members Roseanne DiMaria, Joan Flynn, Katherine Lorenzo, Shelley Vitale and Vincent Viviano voted in favor of the increase, while Frank Cusumano voted against it. When the roll call for the vote was taken, Kristi Dean voted “present.”
Macomb President James O. Sawyer IV weighed in on the board’s decision.
“Providing accessible, affordable and high-quality educational opportunities that connect to meaningful career pathways is one of our highest priorities,” he said in a prepared
from page 3A
“These staff laptops and these student laptops are for our refresh of laptops we purchased almost five years ago,” Antoine said. “As part of our bond issue, we are going to refresh these three times, the initial purchase, this purchase and one more five or six years down the road.”
Before bringing the request to the school board for approval, district officials conducted surveys with the teachers to see what their needs were. Staff tried out the computers and provided feedback to school officials.
“Teachers were given the opportunity to look, view, touch the computers and try them,” Twigg said. “Based on pricing, based on that teacher feedback, the Technology Department and district administration decided to go with Dell laptops as the standard for the next round of purchases.”
School officials worked with Barton Malow, which put together a bid specification. The district’s educators will receive laptops with a 14-inch monitor touch screen, backlit keyboard, Intel processor, more in-
statement. “This modest increase in tuition upholds our commitment to affordability while ensuring we have the resources to support our students’ success, to innovate and invest in emerging opportunities and to preserve the fiscal viability of the college.”
Tuition is one of the three primary sources of revenue for the college, comprising 35% of Macomb’s revenue, with local property taxes at 33% and state appropriations at 27%.
Here is the scope of increase per billable contact hour of the 2024-2025 rates:
• Resident rates increase from $111 to $113.
• Out-of-district rates increase from $208 to $212.
• Out-of-state/foreign rates increase from $265 to $270.
• Affiliate rates, which are students living in areas not served by a community college district, increase from $143 to $146.
• Early college/dual enrollment rates increase from $106 to $108.
According to college officials, 76% of the college’s students are Macomb County residents.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
ternal memory and longer battery life. The students’ computers can be used as either a laptop or a tablet. They will come with an 11.6-inch touch screen, Intel processor, more internal memory, world facing camera and longer battery life.
The staff computers will be ordered by mid-March so employees can have them by early May. According to Antoine, this will give them time before the end of the school year to transition to the new laptops and return their old computers to the district before summer break.
The student computers will be ordered around the same time as the staff computers and will be distributed in the early fall. Students will be able to take the computers home with them every day after school. The student computers will come with protective cases.
Before the end of the school year, the Technology Department will help the teachers as they transition from the old computers to the new computers. If there is a need for a form of training such as group, written instructions, or short video clips the department will provide the support.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
from page 1A
Lewis, who received flowers and a plaque. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be recognized. I feel there are so many deserving social workers.”
Lewis’ nomination highlighted “commitment,” “professionalism” and “collaboration” as some of her qualities as a social worker.
“Danielle exhibits the characteristics of a lifelong learner who is consistently attending professional development opportunities including recently becoming a trauma informed schools trainer,” her nomination form states.
Several people nominated Lewis for the award, including LaFeve, Kment Elementary School Principal Donovan Stec, school psychologist Les Deskins, parent Donna Whitmore, and Roseville Community Schools Director of Special Education Teresa Tomala.
“She’s engrained herself in everything we do here,” LaFeve said. “She’s always involved, in the hallways, in the lunchroom. She has connections with all the different kids. She’s amazing.”
Lewis has worked as a social worker in the district at Roseville Middle School and also at Fountain and Kment elementary schools. She’s also worked in other locations in Macomb and Wayne counties as a school social worker and administrator. She currently is the board president of the MASSW Region M.
“We are very proud of Ms. Lewis,” said Daniel Krsteski, awards chair for the MASSW Region M. “As our new president, she’s really taken it to the next level and gone
above and beyond her role.”
All the regional winners will now be considered for State Social Worker of the Year. The MASSW is a professional organization in Michigan dedicated to the advocacy and support of school social work services. There are 11 regions in total.
Lewis is being honored in time for National School Social Work Week, which is scheduled for March 3-9 this year. National School Social Work Week celebrates school social workers across the country by highlighting their role in helping students meet academic, social and emotional challenges.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
A Public Hearing will be held by the Roseville Planning Commission in the Roseville Civic Center Council Chambers, 29777 Gratiot Ave (VFW Memorial Drive), Roseville, MI on
Monday, April 1, 2024 6:30 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The City of Roseville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comment regarding rezoning of the property located at:
PP# 08-14-07-205-014
Vacant 13 Mile FROM B-1 to B-3
Copies of the proposal may be examined in the City Clerk’s Offce or the Building Department in City Hall during regular business hours. Written comments may be forwarded to the Clerk’s Offce or they may be submitted at the public hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer A. Zelmanski
City Clerk
Published: Eastsider 03/06/2024
NOTICE is hereby given that the 2024 Annual March Board of Review of the City of Roseville, Michigan, will be in session at the Civic Center, 29777 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville, Michigan on:
Monday, March 18, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Any matters that taxpayers wish to take up with the Board of Review relative to the assessment of their property for the year should be brought before the March Board of Review on the dates mentioned above.
The tentative ratios and equalization factors for the City of Roseville, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department, are as follows:
Ratio Estimated Equalization Factor
Commercial 47.17 1.06000
Industrial 45.29 1.10400
Residential 44.68 1.11907
Personal Property 50.00 1.00000
Appeals by appointment will be accepted Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by calling 586-445-5430. You may submit a written appeal accompanied by a completed Board of Review Petition form L-4035. The form is available at www.roseville-mi.gov under the Assessing Department. Written appeals must be received before the 2024 March Board of Review adjourns.
City of Roseville will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the Board of Review meeting upon 3-day notice. Please contact the Assessing Department of accommodations at (586)445-5430.
Brook L Openshaw, City Assessor
Jennifer A. Zelmanski, City Clerk
Published: February 7, 2024
February 21, & March 6th 2024
Published: Eastsider 03/06/2024 0435-2410
from page 11A
“We could still have days that could bring us freezes, frosts or even snow,” Lowenstein said. “You don’t want to be fooled by Mother Nature and plant too early.”
Now the lawn can be mowed and any debris cleared. In a few weeks, the lawn will be ready to aerate, which involves punching holes into the ground, and to scarify, which creates grooves in the soil for grass seed to penetrate, protecting it from birds, according to Kiser. Kiser said to order plants, hardscapes and pools and arrange for labor now, because they may be more difficult to come by later in the season.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
from page 1A
into his apartment and stolen drugs, and he blamed Davis and Mitchell, the officer said.
Mitchell and Davis left to run errands and get lunch, while Evans waited for them in the stairwell with a pistol, Showers said. When they returned home, Evans approached Mitchell outside the apartment complex, according to the testimony.
“She said, prior to shooting Mitchell, she was saying, ‘No, Dennis, no,’ and that’s after, subsequently, he shot Mitchell,” Showers said at the 2022 hearing. “And then after that, she retreated to the rear of the vehicle. He went around to that side of the vehicle. She stated to him, ‘You don’t have to do this,’ and he said, ‘Yes I do,’ and shot her.”
Evans fled to Texas, where he was arrested.
During a later interview, Evans allegedly told Showers that he had come to the conclusion that he had made a mistake and that Davis and Mitchell hadn’t broken into his apartment.
Later, Evans reportedly told Showers he had made a mistake.
“He stated that he didn’t believe that either one of them deserved to die,” Showers said at the hearing.
According to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Evans has previous convictions for second-degree murder.
On Feb. 23, after a three-day jury trial, Evans was found guilty on two charges of first-degree premeditated murder, punishable by life in prison without parole; three counts of felony firearm, second offense, and
from page 5A
elementary, two middle schools and one high school.
Currently, there are 68 members in the club. John Surhigh is the current president, Mike Batke is the secretary and Maggie Rollinger is the treasurer.
Potential members are always welcome. The Roseville Optimist Club meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in the training room of the Roseville Fire Station, 18750 Common Road. The organization also has a Facebook page.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
one count of felon in possession of a firearm, each of which are five-year felonies; and delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance 50 to 449 grams, a 20-year felony.
“Justice has been served for the victims and their families, and our community can find comfort in knowing that a dangerous individual has been held accountable for his actions,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a press release.
Evans is scheduled to be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Edward Servitto at 10:30 a.m. April 3 at the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.
Evans’ attorney, Jeffery Cojocar, did not return a request for comment.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Seasonal general laborer positions, $15.00 - $16.00
no benefits. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank
Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, April 12, 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.
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Storytime: 1:30 every second Wednesday of month, near Dick’s Sporting Goods at Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, shopmacombmall.com
Young Modelers Club: For ages 8-16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until April 20, Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, (248) 399-2386, mimths.org
Monthly book clubs: Booked for the Evening (every first Thursday) and
MARCH 23
Brush and Beyond:
New program featuring free interactive projects developed with Anton Art Center, first theme is Vincent Van Gogh, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., facebook.com/ RosevillePublic LibraryMI
Mystery Book Club (every third Thursday), both 6:30 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., (586) 445-5407, rosevillelibrary. org
Euchre Night + More: 6-8 p.m. every first Saturday of month, Metropolitan Church of the Nazarene, 18945 Frazho Road in Roseville, bring finger foods to share (drinks provided), www.metronaz.org/ adult-ministry-events
Gamblers Anonymous meetings: 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp., 27700 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, (586) 217-5899
Health workshops: For chronic pain, high blood pressure and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth. digitalsignup.com
• For high blood pressure (6-7:30 p.m. Mondays until March 11), diabetes (6-8 p.m. Mondays until March 11) and kidney disease (1-3 p.m. Wednesdays until March 20), free and virtual, nkfm.org/PATH, mihealthyprograms.org
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/ support-groups
Fire leads to discovery of mushroom grow operation
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, the Eastpointe police assisted the Eastpointe Fire Department on a structure fire Feb. 5 at a location in the 23000 block of Schroeder Avenue, south of Stephens Road, during which officers observed a mushroom grow operation in the basement. The Eastpointe Special Investigations Unit then conducted a search warrant and arrested one person for the manufacturing of psilocybin mushrooms, with about 1 pound of mushrooms seized. Investigations were ongoing
Cars stolen from repair shop
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, a vehicle repair shop in the area of Eight Mile and Kelly roads was broken into overnight Feb. 10. Two vehicles that were left for service were driven through repair doors and stolen. Surveillance video was obtained. The stolen vehicles are a gray 2018 Dodge Durango and a gray 2017 Chrysler 300. Police were investigating.
Police say they stopped
2 scams at the same time
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — While investigating a possible scam in progress Jan. 21, officers with the Shelby Township Police Department believe they prevented a second scam from also being successful.
Police said they were aware of a suspected scam in which a person planned to come to an 88-year-old Shelby Township resident’s home to pick up $8,400 in cash. Detectives set up surveillance of the resident’s home and soon observed a woman driving for the ridesharing company Lyft pull into the resident’s driveway. Police detained the woman and then released her when they were sure that an unknown person was using the woman, who had no knowledge of the scam, to pick up the money.
Police said that they were continuing to investigate who was responsible for the attempted scam against the resident.
While the detectives were guarding against the $8,400 scam, they saw a suspicious Ram pickup truck slowly driving in the area. Police said that they saw the truck park in a driveway down the street and a man in his 30s talk to the homeowner, 84, in the driveway.
The two talked for a half-hour before they went in the home. Detectives went to the home and spoke to the homeowner to ask what was going on. The homeowner reportedly said that the man in his 30s randomly approached him and talked about doing cement repairs. Police said two more men were in the pickup truck.
men were identified as scam artists known to law enforcement in the metro Detroit area. Shelby Township police said that typically while one distracts a homeowner, another suspect enters the home and steals money and valuables. Shelby Township police said that they often target senior citizens.
Police arrested two of the suspects, one for a valid felony warrant and the other for soliciting without a permit, police said. One of the suspects, police said, had recently pleaded guilty to defrauding a senior citizen of more than $50,000, but the suspect was not sentenced to jail time.
Break-in reported ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:18 a.m. on Feb. 4, a report was made about a forced entry of a dealership that occurred at 2:50 a.m. on the same day in the 22000 block of Nine Mile Road.
Upon arrival, an officer observed a red vehicle in the middle of Lakeview Street. The garage door at the north entrance of the business was damaged.
The red vehicle was reported stolen out of Detroit, per dispatch. The officer then made contact with a 66-year-old man who stated he received a call from an alarm company. He initially thought it was just related to staff cleaning the location but checked out the scene anyway. The man observed the red vehicle blocking Lakeview Street with the engine still on once he arrived. The brother of the man arrived at the dealership and provided the officers with security footage showing the red vehicle traveling eastbound toward the north entrance garage. It then reversed and four suspects exited the vehicle.
They reportedly made entry into the business and attempted to steal one of the showroom vehicles. One of the suspects reportedly ripped the alarm system off the wall. The suspects then allegedly ran through the business rummaging through the offices before gaining entry to three vehicles that already had keys inside near the service entrance/exit. All three vehicles were driven toward the north entrance of the garage as one of the suspects held up the damaged garage door to let the others out of the business.
Inside the red vehicle were 34 stolen key fobs that were taken for evidence. An evidence technician processed the scene and the investigation was ongoing.
Police investigate fleeing and eluding, stolen vehicle ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:18 a.m. on Feb. 3, a report was made about a fleeing and eluding case and a stolen vehicle investigation near 11 Mile Road and Interstate 94.
reporting that a car hit a sign near the freeway at that location. The caller stated that when they were about to exit onto 11 Mile Road, the vehicle lost a tire. There was also a report that Eastpointe had similar circumstances with a recent stolen vehicle in that city.
Once on scene, officers didn’t see any property damage, but they did find a loose tire near the flower bed by the “Welcome to St. Clair Shores” sign. When they headed westbound on 11 Mile from Little Mack, they found a vehicle with its hazard lights on driving eastbound.
The vehicle was gold in color and was missing a tire. As the officers got closer, the vehicle proceeded to turn to enter an eastbound entrance ramp. The officers checked the license plate and it was indeed the stolen vehicle from Eastpointe. An officer activated the lights and aired the location on the radio. The vehicle initially pulled to the shoulder but when the two officers stepped out of their vehicle, the driver took off.
After a pursuit on the highway, the vehicle crashed behind a business at 12 Mile and Congress Street. The driver, a 22-year-old man, and two passengers, a 22-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, exited the vehicle and fled the scene. After a pursuit on foot, two of the men were found in two different backyards and one was found in a truck bed with the help of residents. There were two other passengers in the vehicle who stated they didn’t know the vehicle was stolen.
Leaf raker is possible suspect in breaking and entering
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Jewelry and other items were reported stolen from a home in the 500 block of North Brys Drive at around 2:15 p.m. Feb. 8. The victim discovered that someone had broken into the home through a back door and made off with the items. According to a police report, an unknown male was seen at the home raking leaves the afternoon of this incident, but no one at the home had hired anyone to do any yardwork.
Home invasion under investigation
GROSSE POINTE PARK — An unknown suspect is said to have tried to break into a home in the 600 block of Middlesex Road at around 8:55 p.m. Feb. 6. The victim, who discovered damage to the back door, told police that nothing appeared to have been stolen. Police said the homeowner might have startled the intruder upon returning to the residence. Police said a surveillance camera caught what might be the suspect lurking around the back of the house
ongoing.
Woman sought for using counterfeit cash
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown woman is being sought by police after she reportedly used counterfeit money to make three separate purchases from a Village store in the 17000 block of Kercheval Avenue at around 11:10 a.m. Feb. 9. A police report states that the suspect made her purchases with fake $100 bills.
Driver found with gun, crack GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Police pulled over a 54-year-old Grosse Pointe Park man in the area of Mack Avenue and Broadstone Road at around 12:03 p.m. Feb. 10 after a check of his license plate showed that his registration was expired. Police asked the driver if there was anything in the vehicle they should be aware of and the driver said no, and when asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle, he also said no.
However, when police inventoried the contents of his vehicle before impounding it, they found what appeared to be crack cocaine, a burnt glass pipe, a handgun and ammunition. The driver was arrested and is facing possible charges including possession of crack and driving a vehicle without registration or insurance. Police said the driver’s gun was registered to him, but he didn’t have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Tequila swiped from liquor store
STERLING
