3/6/24 Shelby-Utica News

Students shine in art show 20A

PANELISTS DISCUSS MACOMB COUNTY’S ECONOMIC FUTURE

Gardner White, Henry Ford Health, American Heart Association host hands-only CPR and AED training

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

— Gardner White, Henry Ford Health

Heart Association teamed up Feb. 22 to mark

Gardner White store on Hall Road in Shelby Township.

Two Henry Ford Health CPR-certified trainers were on-site to teach attendees how to properly administer hands-only CPR techniques and demonstrate the use of AEDs that could one day help the attendees to save a life. Attendees older than 12 years of age were allowed to participate.

See CPR on page 16A

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

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

See ECONOMIC on page 14A

LEFT: Mallory Applewhite, vice president of community impact with the American Heart Association in Michigan, leads a free hands-only CPR training session at Gardner White in Shelby Township Feb. 22.

BELOW: A student learns the right technique using a training manikin.

Photos by Erin Sanchez

Kiwanis Club’s annual pitch competition to conclude later this month

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — The Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club’s pitch competition once again is offering an opportunity for young entrepreneurs and celebrating their achievements.

The Kiwanis Pitch, initiated by the Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club, is a community service project encouraging Key Club and high school students ages 14-18 to explore

and present innovative business and social venture projects.

Those participating in Kiwanis Pitch form teams of one to four students with an adult adviser and create original works that are judged on feasibility, growth potential and wow factor.

Submission requirements included written narratives, a video and a pitch deck, which is a presentation meant to raise capital. The competition offers both in-

See KIWANIS on page 22A

Henry Ford II basketball players volunteer at Grace Centers of Hope

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA/STERLING

HEIGHTS — Utica Community Schools varsity basketball players from Henry Ford II High School in Sterling Heights volunteered at a Pontiac-based nonprofit organization, Grace Centers of Hope, to help prepare and serve dinner to participants in the one-year Men’s Life Skills program Feb. 8.

The 13 girls were accompanied by their coach, Matt Joseph.

Grace Centers of Hope is one of the leading faithbased nonprofits in southeastern Michigan, supporting men, women and children who are impacted by homelessness, addiction, poverty and abuse. On any

See VOLUNTEER on page 10A

Photo provided by Marc D. Alexander

The Kiwanis Pitch, the finals of which will be held March 23, is a community service project initiated by the Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club that encourages Key Club and high school students ages 14-18 to explore and present innovative business and social venture projects.

Vanessa King, Makenna Bettys and Ella Olson cut up potatoes.

Photo provided by Kevin Hines

Sparkle Network announces annual Prom Closet Tour with Utica stop

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Sparkle Network, a nonprofit organization, has announced its ninth annual Prom Closet Tour.

The charity offers a chance to receive a free prom dress to help make it possible to celebrate the special night. This program is for juniors (Class of 2025) and seniors (Class of 2024).

The tour will be starting the weekend of Easter because all the local prom’s will take place in May. For some Oakland County schools, prom will take place in the early part of May.

Moe Lietz, board president and creator of Sparkle Network, said it is important for the public to know that they will not be accepting dress donations during the tour.

“One very important thing to mention is we do not take donations during the publicity of the tour. We announce on our website and social media platforms when we do take items,” she said.

The tour will have five stops around the area:

• March 29 and 30 at T-Tech Solutions in Troy.

• April 5 at Meadowbrook Center for Learning Differences in Rochester.

• April 6 at Children with Hair Loss in South Rockwood.

• April 7 at Front Door Housekeeping in Utica.

• April 12-14 at Macomb Mall in Roseville

An appointment is needed. Those interested can find the application form and appointment times at sparklenetwork.org/ prom-closet-project. A completed form, a picture of student identification and an email confirmation from Sparkle Network is required for an appointment to be considered booked.

Marlaina Trevino, a photographer for Sparkle Network, said Lietz does an incredible job of making these events come to life for the teens.

“Not only does she scope out the best locations and work with local businesses, but she ensures each girl has a large range of options to choose from, and she even does

background on what styles they typically like. So much detail and planning goes into these events, and it is all for these girls so they can enjoy their prom,” she said.

She said Lietz is hands-on the entire time, and helps the girls and moms choose just the right dress.

“I had the pleasure of seeing this firsthand, as my photography studio was one of

the ‘favored spots.’ Hosting Moe and these families was one of my favorite days of the year,” she said.

For additional information about upcoming events, visit Facebook, follow on X @sparklenetwork and Instagram at @spar kle.network.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

The Best Floor, Tile, and Carpet Company in Shelby Township

SCHOOL BRIEFS

for the school district’s chess tournament

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA/ STERLING HEIGHTS — Registration is now open for the 25th Utica Community Schools chess tournament April 13 at Henry Ford II High School, 11911 Clinton River Road in Sterling Heights.

The UCS chess tournament is designed to be a good first tournament for all K-12 students.

Check in will be at 8 a.m. with five rounds occurring between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Depending on registration, there will be nine sections for competition: kindergarten; first grade; second grade; third grade; fourth grade; fifth grade; sixth grade; seventh and eighth grades; and ninth through 12th grades.

Register by April 1 for the $15 entry fee; the cost increases to $20 after.

Visit the tournament website for the registered player list, to download the entry

form and other information: ucschesstour nament.weebly.com.

Utica High School senior earns finalist spot for scholar-athlete award

UTICA — Utica High School senior Sarah Fromm is a multisport varsity athlete and a future Grand Valley State University soccer player. Earlier this year, she earned one of the 120 finalist spots statewide for the 2023-24 Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Scholar-Athlete Award.

Sarah Fromm

According to the MHSAA, the organization received more than 1,600 applications for the award. Fromm was not chosen as one of the 32 scholarship winners when they were announced in late February.

— Kara Szymanski

TIME TO GET OUTDOOR SPACES READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — 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 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, Kaiser 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.

Photo by Rebecca Finneran

BELOW: “Backyarding” champions the outdoors and creates the spaces for one’s particular needs. Photo

Outdoor

from page 6A

“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.

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.

“Meteorologically, we are still in the middle of winter. 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.”

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

LEFT: Ornamental grass absorbs rainwater and deters deer. Photo provided by David Lowenstein

provided by TurfMutt Foundation

MCC TUITION RATES TO INCREASE NEXT YEAR

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

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 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.

Shelby, Utica oppose proposed legislation that would add $2 monthly to water bills

UTICA/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At the Feb. 13 Utica City Council meeting, Utica adopted a resolution to express opposition to legislation in Lansing that if approved would tax every water meter across the state $2 to $3 per month with the goal of using the money to pay for the bills of people who can’t afford their water bills.

Macomb County already has a program called the Water Residential Assistance Program, or WRAP, which provides assistance for people who need help paying their water and sewer bills. Utica currently has three residents who utilize this program, according to Mayor Gus Calandrino.

“It seems redundant. We already have a program and it, at least as far as Utica goes, and that’s the data I have, it’s very underutilized already,” Calandrino said.

Council voted to adopt the resolution 5 – 1. Council member Brad O’Donnell voted no and Council member Faith Terenzi was absent.

Back on Jan. 16, the Shelby Township Board of Trustees also supported a resolution to oppose the legislation with a 7-0 vote. The township has approximately 30,000 meters and 31 metered customers who are receiving financial assistance. The current total annual cost of that assistance is approximately $11,400, according to the meeting minutes. If all 30,000 meters were taxed $2 per month, it would take $720,000 annually from Shelby Township water customers.

The legislation is House Bills 5088 to 5093 and Senate Bills 549 to 554.

Utica schedules second Vanker sidewalk town hall

UTICA — Due to the unexpectedly large turnout at the first town hall in February regarding sidewalks along Vanker Avenue, the city of Utica wants to make sure all residents have a chance to voice their opinions.

Recently, several residents requested that the city install sidewalks on Vanker Avenue and McClellan Street to make the area more walkable for children attending Flickinger Elementary school.

A second town hall meeting will take place at 6 p.m. March 12 at City Hall. The regular City Council meeting scheduled that day will directly follow the town hall meeting.

Organizers plan ‘Love to You’ concert

ROMEO — “Love to You, a spin-off of the annual “Joy to You concert held in December by professional musicians, youth and dancers, will take place at 3 p.m. April 28 and gather donations for local shelters and Ukrainian refugees.

The location of the event will be new, Romeo’s “The Abbey on Main,” 102 Church St.

Organizers are collecting paper hearts from people from all over the world. The hearts will be part of a creation by artist Christina Haylett for the concert. If you’d like to contribute a heart, email kidley@aol.com. Hearts will be due by March 24.

Organizers said they will continue to collect, purchase and donate the following items: personal hygiene items; household cleaning supplies; school supplies, baby items; bathroom and facial tissue; storage bins and containers; nonperishable food items; and gift cards for gasoline, Uber, Target, Walmart, Kroger, Meijer and Home Depot. Those interested in contributing or starting a collection through family, friends, clubs, workplaces, churches, schools and more should email kidley@aol.com.

GLWA performing water main work SHELBY TOWNSHIP/MACOMB TOWNSHIP —

Crews from the Great Lakes Water Authority will perform condition assessment work along 11 1/2 miles of its 36-inch water main along 24 Mile Road between Gaskill Court West in Shelby Township to Fairchild Road in Macomb Township.

Work was scheduled to run from March 4 until early May. The GLWA expects the work to affect traffic along 24 Mile Road with traffic shifts allowing crews to access the main beneath the eastbound lane. Service disruptions are not expected.

The 36-inch main underwent two failures in 2023, leading to the pipe being inspected as part of the GLWA’s Linear System Integrity Program. The program will inspect and repair over 100 miles of the GLWA’s network in six years.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP POLICE ADVISE LOCKING UPSTAIRS WINDOWS

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — According to the Shelby Township Police Department, there has been an increase in the number of thieves breaking into homes using ladders so that they can gain access to unlocked and unguarded second-story windows in the metro Detroit area.

The thieves know that many people don’t lock upstairs windows, and many alarm systems only cover ground-level windows, so the thieves are using ladders to gain access to elevated levels of homes.

While police have not seen any cases like this in Shelby Township, Shelby Township police said there have been some reports of these types of burglaries in neighboring communities. Lock and secure all windows and doors, and police advise residents to report anything suspicious in their neighborhoods.

Volunteer

from page 3A

given night, according to the nonprofit organization, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150 to 200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year.

Joseph said it was great to help cook and serve the residents.

“I feel it is important for our kids to give back to the community, and our basketball team is such a helpful and giving group that it was a perfect fit. We also adopt a family every Christmas and visit the home with me playing Santa and our players as Santa’s helpers. They have fun and enjoy serving others less fortunate than them,” he said.

Kevin M. Hines, the volunteer coordinator at Grace Centers of Hope, said the organization greatly appreciates the girls from Henry Ford II High School coming out to lend a hand.

“The team did a super job assisting with dinner. The girls varsity basketball team was here on Feb. 8 to help prepare and serve dinner to the men in our one-year Life Skills program at Grace Centers of Hope. They were a huge help, and we had a lot of fun. We are looking forward to having them all out again soon,” he said.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 4981029.

ABOVE: The Henry Ford II High School varsity girls basketball team takes a photo with coach Matt Joseph while volunteering at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac last month.

LEFT: Violet Anderegg, Tyra Wright, Lilah Earl and Clarie O’Brien prepare ingredients as part of the meal to be served at Grace Centers of Hope Feb. 9.

Photos provided by Kevin Hines

FURNITURE BANK PUTS

NONPROFIT REPORTS SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF FURNISHINGS

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — 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

See FURNITURE BANK on page 19A

ABOVE: Families served by the Furniture Bank are happier and healthier because they have a comfortable place to sleep and have a meal together.

LEFT: Over the last year, the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan has supplied more than 800 children in metro Detroit with beds, including Nehemiah, of Pontiac, who’s thrilled with his. Photos provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan

The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods

Nothing transforms a property and makes it shine brighter than a fresh coat of paint. It’s simply the best and most cost-effective investment you can make for your home draped in the colors of yesterday.

The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.

“We specialize in just exterior painting, and the reason why we do that is we believe that repetition is the mother of all skill,” said owner Brian Scott. “For 20 years, that’s all we’ve been doing is outside work. When it comes to that, we do wood replacement and siding replacement. It makes us the perfect fit for homeowners who don’t want to re-side their whole house.”

The Exterior Painters replace damaged siding and boards as needed, but they’re not looking to push for a full siding replacement.

“It gets people by another 10 years and transforms the look of the house, bringing it to the next color trends of today,” Scott said.

“Another thing we do that makes us unique, we have a full-time color consultant,” Scott added. “For most people, that’s the hardest, most stressful part, choosing what color they want. Our consultant comes out and

meets with the homeowners and gives them an idea of what the new color trends are so they can make a good color choice that complements their landscaping, brickwork and architectural features.”

The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.

“A lot of younger people are buying houses. We’re taking it from grandma’s house of the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s and bringing it to that HGTV look,” Scott said.

Power washing the siding — and for an additional charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.

charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also transformed through fresh paint,

Scott said his crews often see their work spread from house to house in a neighborhood as the properties are transformed through fresh paint, siding repairs and much-needed washing.

you’re getting a bigger bang for your buck.”

It’s a win for everyone, from the crews The Exterior Painters employ and pay well to the homeowners who see their neighborhoods transformed. The company paints 30 houses a week on average in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties, and boasts a five-star Google review average.

“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said. “We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going

“It’s the cheapest home improvement you can do without breaking the bank,” Scott said. “Compared to other home improvements,

“It’s the cheapest home

to get.”

The Exterior Painters are located at 2365 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. To request a quote or for more information, call (248) 844-8888.

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.

“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 producing 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.”

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

From left, Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County’s Department of Planning & Economic Development; Brian Parthum, an economist with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments; Thomas Alongi, a partner with the UHY accounting firm; and Ahmad Ezzeddine, vice president for Academic Student Affairs and Global Engagement at Wayne State University, discuss the current state of the economy.

CPR

from page 1A

Every year, the American Heart Association estimates, more than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting, including 23,000 children. Immediate, effective CPR can double or even triple someone’s odds of surviving, and it is a skill that a child as young as 9 years old can learn, according to the association.

Rachel Stewart, president of Gardner White, said the organizers were thrilled by the interest from the community to learn these lifesaving skills.

“As a proud 112-year-old Detroitbased, family-owned company, we are deeply dedicated to providing a wide variety of free events and opportunities for our communities,” she said.

In terms of turnout, nearly 200 registered to take part in the training.

Sal Giacona, from Henry Ford Health, said he was there for the entire event and can say that it was “a huge success.”

“We had dozens of registered and walk-

Main

in participants learn hands-only CPR from our Henry Ford Health nurses and the Southfield chapter of the American Heart Association’s (vice president) of community impact, Mallory Applewhite. Henry Ford Health is proud to have partnered with Gardner White and the American Heart Association to provide our communities this opportunity to learn lifesaving skills,” he said.

He said that since three out of four cardiac arrests happen in the home, the skills that participants gained might help them save a loved one.

“It was well attended and received. Most people I spoke with were very grateful for the opportunity to learn hands-only CPR and for the HFH/GW/AHA partnership that made it possible. We hope this event helps raise awareness about the importance of knowing how to perform hands-only CPR, and that it becomes a springboard for more educational opportunities in the future,” he said.

For more information, visit gardner white.com or heart.org.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

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Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

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Spotlight on business...

Detect to Protect: Full-body MRI scans now available in South eld

Early detection is crucial when it comes to cancer because screening for early signs of disease not only creates opportunities for e ective treatment but also signi cantly improves survival odds. Yet many individuals only discover they have cancer after symptoms develop, and that often means it has already progressed to Stage 3 or 4, or possibly metastasized to other parts of the body.

at’s exactly what unfolded for the late Warren Ringold, M.D., founder of Bionicc Body Screening — and the reason why he became passionate about helping others avoid the su ering he faced due to his own late-stage cancer diagnosis.

“My father was a family physician for over 40 years, and he started a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) clinic that focused on imaging for sports and auto accident injuries,” said Ryan Ringold, who joined the company as director last September with a mission to carry on his father’s legacy. “He became short of breath while he was at work one day in 2018, left for the hospital, and was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. It required aggressive treatment, which led to cruel side e ects but, thankfully, put the disease in remission for a year. en it resurfaced as a brain tumor, and he faced another brutal battle that resulted in a second remission. My father was a ghter, and we were blessed to have had a lot of extra moments to cherish with him, but he contracted pneumonia and passed away last summer.”

Back around the time of his cancer treatment, Dr. Ringold started hearing about companies in Canada that were performing full-body MRI screenings. Ryan recalled that this piqued his father’s interest, and he wondered what his outcome might have been had he gotten into his own MRI machine a year earlier and discovered his cancer in the early stages when it was much more treatable.

at realization compelled Dr. Ringold to convert his MRI clinic into a place where people could get preventive full-body MRI screenings.

“Full-body MRIs screen from the top of the head to about mid-thigh,” Ryan explained. “ e technology is capable of detecting tumors as small as a pea, or from 1 to 1.5 centimeters. It also detects early signs of multiple sclerosis, aneurysms, kidney stones, degenerative disc disease of the spine, liver disease — literally hundreds of di erent abnormalities. e hope is to detect early so that the prognosis is better.”

It is crucial, however, to understand that MRIs are

an additional tool and not a replacement for routine screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms. Even with the advancements in full-body scans, the screenings ordered annually by a patient’s physician remain irreplaceable for comprehensive health monitoring.

“People tell us they’ve been waiting for something like this and cannot believe full-body MRIs are nally available right here in Michigan,” Ryan said. “My father was determined to make this service available to anyone who wants it. He was a very beloved man, and his spirit is de nitely still with us.”

Call before March 31 and get a $200 discount on a full-body MRI screening.

Bionicc Body Screening is located at 26550 Northwestern Hwy. in South eld. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (833) 246-6422 or visit bioniccbodyscreening.com.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Another group of students learns hands-only CPR at Gardner White in Shelby Township with teachers from Henry Ford Health and the American Heart Association.

Roads department trials new traffic light technology

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — Despite some odd winter weather, cold-weather traffic safety concerns have not melted away.

The Macomb County Department of Roads has teamed up with Sterling Heightsbased manufacturer JVIS USA to pilot a new piece of technology to keep road users safely moving in snowy weather. Three intersections along Jefferson Avenue have had half their traffic signal lights outfitted with JVIS CoreHeat heaters around the lights, which aim to keep snow and ice from blocking the signals.

“Unlike the incandescent light bulbs that were in traffic signal lights predominantly up until a few years back, the new lighting systems are all LED-based,” said Bryan Santo, director of the Macomb County Department of Roads. “The incandescents previously generated heat when they were plugged in and working. The LED lights that we’re using now are more energy efficient, more reliable, but they do not produce any heat source.”

Primarily a builder of heating components for cars, JVIS came across the problem for the LED traffic lights and found a new way to apply its technology. Development on the traffic light heaters brought the company’s electronic engineering groups together to design temperature and moisture sensors to control when the heater is active in order to preserve the energy-saving ben-

efits of LEDs.

“As you can imagine, they don’t want to have their cost savings, their energy savings with the new LED lights they just installed taken away by a heater that is wasting energy,” said Bill Parnis, electrical business unit manager for JVIS. “This thing only turns on when there’s snow present in the visor, so it’s only using power when it’s really needed so they still have these huge energy savings with the LEDs.”

JVIS reached out to the county, having established relations with its leadership after meeting officials at the 2022 auto show, and arranged to have heaters tested in Macomb County. Department of roads workers installed the heaters in November with JVIS representatives on-site, placing them in signals at intersections in Harrison and Chesterfield townships.

“We’ve enjoyed the partnership and the collaboration,” Santo said. “I think it’s a great thing that they’re looking at and we’re looking at. We always continue to explore the latest technologies to make our roads as safe as possible for both the resident motorists and the visitors traveling through our county.”

As both parties wait to find out how the heaters perform, JVIS is working on different applications for the heaters. The Michigan Department of Transportation has taken interest in the technology and is working with JVIS on a louvered signalcompatible heater, while other versions of technology are being tested in Illinois and

CITY OF UTICA

Board of Review

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review shall convene on the 13th day of March, 2024 to review the 2024 Assessment Roll of the City of Utica and to hear complaints of persons considering themselves aggrieved by these values. Resident and non-resident taxpayers may fle his or her protest by letter without a personal appearance, unless applying for a poverty exemption. Poverty exemption appeals require a personal appearance by either the applicant or their authorized representative.

The Board of Review shall meet in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 7550 Auburn Road, Utica.

MARCH 13 9:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.

MARCH 14 1:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.

The tentative ratios and equalization factors for the City of Utica, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department are as follows:

February 25th. Petitioners may be

Published: Shelby-Utica News 03/06/2024

Pennsylvania. If the trials prove effective, JVIS believes the heating technology can be incorporated into new signals and eventually become an industry standard.

“This is a safety issue that we’re trying to resolve, and if the solution can be standardized, then now it can be implemented in a widespread fashion and at a low cost,” Par-

nis said. “That’s really the goal here. There really has been no solution to date that has worked well or worked well enough. This is the exception. This works very well, and our goal is to get it as a written standard and can be used on a national level.”

Santo says the pilot program is occurring at no cost to the county.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING PROGRAM – FY 2024 RESIDENTS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY

A Public Hearing has been scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. in the Shelby Township Municipal Building, 52700 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, Michigan 48316.

The purpose of the public hearing is to present the Township’s initial investigation into the Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant received for Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Planning. The initial fndings will be presented, citizen views & opinions will be obtained and community planning opportunities & direction will be vetted for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and future EV infrastructure needs in anticipation of the anticipated growth and popularity of Electric Vehicles.

The Charter Township of Shelby has been awarded a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development. With this grant, the township, along with Anderson, Eckstein, & Westrick (AEW) and Peter Basso & Associates (PBA), are preparing a planning investigation to evaluate and guide future EV needs within Shelby Township.

The program takes into consideration both municipally owned sites as well as major transportation corridors within the township for EV charging opportunity and feasibility. EV charging will be evaluated and discussed for public use with infrastructure put in place for future expansion to accommodate the increasing frequency of EV vehicles. Additional consideration has been given towards specifc municipal sites, such as the Fire Stations, Police Department, and Department of Public Works for future EV municipal feet needs and benefts.

Other aspects of the program include:

➢ Evaluation of EV needs along major corridors such as M-59 and M-53

➢ EV and E Bike charging at Park and Trail system

➢ Electric infrastructure capacity and future expansion

➢ Evaluation of different level chargers, makes, and costs

➢ Templates of charger confguration and location for both normal and accessible charging

➢ Ordinance recommendations and inclusion to promote EV charging infrastructure

➢ Cost of EV Charging Station and recovery of capital costs

Citizens who own an EV or are interested in future EV infrastructure are encouraged to attend and participate.

Arrangements to reasonably accommodate special needs, including handicap accessibility or interpreter, will be made upon receiving 72-hour notice. Contact

Shelby Township Clerk’s Offce at (586) 731-5102 for special services.

If you cannot attend this meeting and would like your views known, please contact Julijana Misich-Rasawehr in the Planning and Zoning Department at (586) 726-7243.

Published: Shelby-Utica News 03/06/2024

A Macomb County Department of Roads worker installs JVISmade heaters on a traffic signal light in November 2023.

Photo provided by JVIS USA

Furniture Bank

from page 12A

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 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) 332-1300.

Photo provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan Janith Bryson — one of the 2,000 local individuals and families helped last year by the Furniture Bank — can now have visitors because she has furniture.

Macomb County students shine in art show

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — Nearly 200 art students across Macomb County will feel the joy of success as their work adorns the walls of the 2024 Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show.

Hosted by the Anton Art Center, the exhibit will showcase the works of 196 Macomb County students from March 9 through April 14.

“The Secondary Student Show is a show that’s been going on for almost as long as the Art Center has been an organization,” said Stephanie Hazard, Anton Art Center exhibition director. “It started in its very early years and has continued to the present day. Where our early records are not quite clear how many years we’re on, it’s estimated that we’re near the 50th year.”

Over 600 pieces of art were nominated for the show by art teachers at public, private and charter schools across the county. Entries and awards are divided between the grade levels ranging from seventh to 12th, each work being judged by a panel in order to determine if it would make the show.

“Portfolios are for seniors only and they are allowed between five and 10 individual submissions in a portfolio,” Hazard said.

Each work has to have been completed in class under the supervision of the submission instructor, leading to a wide variety in the kinds of art on display.

“I think that the countywide student art exhibit is a meaningful experience for

students, but also the teachers, their families and the visitors,” Hazard said. “It really brings a different energy to the space and transforms the space into a whole different experience from what we have going on at different times of the year. It becomes a very impressive presentation of the emerging talent across Macomb County.”

Every step of getting into the show presents the student artists with learning op-

portunities.

“It’s a really great chance for them to understand what it takes to take proper photos of artwork and the proper steps you need in order to enter an art show like this,” said Lauren May, a Utica Community Schools art teacher who has nominated students for the show for the past three years. “It doesn’t just happen automatically.”

See ART on page 22A

Photos provided by the Anton Art Center

ABOVE: Nearly 200 pieces of artwork from Macomb County students will be featured at the Anton Art Center during the 2024 Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show. TOP RIGHT: “Sugar Skull” by Natalia Rogowski, a Malow Junior High School seventh grader, is in the 2024 Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show. BOTTOM RIGHT: “Butterfly” by Katia Denha, a Bemis Junior High School eighth grader, is in the 2024 Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show.

Kiwanis

from page 3A

person and virtual events with emphasis on a positive learning experience. Participants grant limited rights for promotional use.

The young entrepreneurs, as contestants, network with fellow community members, business leaders and educators who share a passion for empowering youth. The competition final will take place March 23 in Sterling Heights.

Theresa Farmer, secretary of the Utica Shelby Kiwanis, said the pitch competition allows high school students to showcase their new ideas to help solve real-world problems.

“The Kiwanis Pitch is our flagship event, empowering high school students to turn innovative ideas into tangible projects. This year’s live pitch event on March 23, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable showcase of creativity, community engagement and youth leadership,” she said.

Marc Alexander, the president of the Utica Shelby Kiwanis Club, said to forget the $10,000 prize, as the “Shark Tank”-style Kiwanis pitch competition is about so much more.

“It’s about investing in the boundless

potential of our high school entrepreneurs right here in Michigan. This isn’t just a contest; it’s a platform for our youth to showcase their brilliance and ingenuity while gaining invaluable exposure to local leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. They’ll learn firsthand what it takes to be a dynamic changemaker in their community. As a winner of multiple pitch competitions, pitch coach and entrepreneur, the Kiwanis Pitch is near and dear to my heart, as I see this as a gateway to success for so many of our Michigan students,” he said.

Alexander said the event is focused on ideas and nonprofit collaborations that drive sustainable, impactful change.

“And with Kiwanians, leaders and entrepreneurs from across the state converging right here in Macomb at the Velocity Center, the stage is set for an electrifying event that promises to ignite passion, creativity, and positive change statewide,” he said.

The event will take place at Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.

For more information on the event or to get free tickets, visit uticashelbykiwanis. org/event/the-kiwanis-pitch.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

from page 20A

Students learn how to evaluate the craftsmanship of their work and how to ensure they’ve used their materials to the fullest. Staging photographs of the art involves lessons in lighting, perspective and shot composition, with photography being one aspect of documenting and submitting work. Being able to sell their work as part of the show means students learn how to appraise their work, too.

Of course, nothing beats the feeling of getting your work put on public display.

“It’s exciting,” said Leen Al Sharak, a Stevenson High School senior with two pieces of three-dimensional art in the show. “It’s nice to see that my art has developed so much and that all my practice has been paying off, and also that my art is getting into competitions and my art is being seen. I feel really happy.”

Along with the recognition and bragging rights of getting into the show, 39 awards with $1,200 in cash, gift certificates and art supplies are up for grabs. These include the $500 DIA-supported Ken Hoover Best of Show Founder’s Award, the $250 award for best senior portfolio and the top-three and merit awards for outstanding work in each grade level.

The Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show runs from March 9 through April 14 on the first and second floors of the Anton Art Center. Admission is free and the center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays and select Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed on Mondays.

For more information, visit theartcen ter.org or call (586) 469-8666.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Looking for new ways to

savings?

Seasonal

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 Rd., 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.

0384-2410

Send cover letter, resume, & 3 work references to ckasprzak@ oaklandtownship.org Full details

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MARCH 8

Drag queen bingo fundraiser: Benefits American Cancer Society

Greater Shelby Township Relay for Life, 6 p.m. doors, 6:15 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. show, Shelby Gardens, 50265 Van Dyke Ave., Hawaiian theme, 21 and older, (810) 217-1484

MARCH 11

Avoid insurance pitfalls: Preparedness program featuring guest speakers, 9:30-11 a.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, www.packardprovinggrounds.org/ preparing-for-disasters

MARCH 23-24

Wood Carving Show: Presented by Metro Carvers of Michigan, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 557-3712, sharon0229@att.net

APRIL 11

Shelby Gardeners Club: Presentation about bee behavior and providing bee friendly habitats in gardens, 1 p.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, (586) 823-8555

ONGOING

Fish fries: 4-7p.m. Fridays until March 29, Old Settlers VFW Post 4659, 8311 Wilson St. in Shelby Township, facebook.com/vfw4659, (586) 781-9109

MARCH 16

Lucky Leprechaun Race: 5K and Green Mile runs/walks, also virtual options, 10:30 a.m., costume contest at 10:15 a.m., starts at Shamrock Pub, 7715 Auburn Road in Utica, runsignup.com/Race/MI/Utica/TheLuckyLeprechaunRace

48115 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, RSVP to Victoria at (586) 566-7936

Open mic: Hosted by Shelby Music Society, 7 p.m. every second Saturday of month, doors at 6:30 p.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, shelbymusic society@yahoo.com

Bereaved Parents of Macomb Support Group: Meets 7-9 p.m. every first Thursday of month, Washington Senior Center, 57880 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township, (248) 425-2999

Confident Communicators Club: Virtual meetings 8-9:30 a.m. every first and third Wednesdays of month, confidentcommunicatorsclub. com

every first Friday of month, Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, uticalibrary.com

Shelby Township Fine Art Society: Meets 6:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month, Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, facebook.com/ShelbyTownshipArt

Widowed Friends events: Breakfasts 10:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of month, Pancake Factory, 13693 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township, RSVP to Ellen at (586) 489-2569

• Cards, games and friendship, 1-3:45 p.m. every fourth Friday of month, bring snack to share and own beverage, St. Therese of Lisieux,

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 HEIGHTS — Police said they investigated a potential shoplifting case at a liquor store in the 35000 block of Mound Road, near 15 Mile Road. According to the store manager, on Feb. 2 two