COLLAGE OF CULTURES TO CONVENE/6A
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
Sterling Heights’ quest to keep its streets safer from speeders has taken another lap.
During the Feb. 20 Sterling Heights City Council meeting, city officials discussed an upcoming Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan study that will be performed for the city’s major roads and residential streets.
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
A new plan is germinating to grow a community garden at James C. Nelson Park by 2025, city officials recently revealed.Sterling Heights administrators un-
Viceroy
markings
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
NELSON PARK COULD SOON HOST COMMUNITY GARDEN
veiled the proposal during a Jan. 30 strategic planning meeting at the Sterling Heights Community Center.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Bahorski said a community garden provides environ-
mental, health and food accessibility benefits. He added that it would serve as a chance for seniors and apartment tenants to garden.
“Our proposed community garden purposefully goes beyond simply providing
a plot of land to grow plants in,” Bahorski said. “We have incorporated elements that will draw our residents into native plant and pollinator gardens, and to introduce what a microforest is and can do for the city’s tree canopy.”
Local firefighters, Macomb County officials and others recently moved into action to keep a semi-truck’s diesel spill from becoming a major environmental threat to local watercourses.
According to the Macomb County Public Works Office, the fuel spill happened in an industrial parking lot near 15 Mile Road, west of Van Dyke Avenue.
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said in a statement that the spill resulted from a thief’s attempt to steal the semi-truck — during which the vehicle reportedly ended up hitting a concrete abutment, damaging the fuel tank.
Miller said the semi-truck theft attempt happened the night of Feb. 25. According to Sterling Heights officials, the reported theft attempt, subsequent fuel spill and the arrival of city sewer division personnel all happened during the morning hours of Feb. 26.
The county estimates that 50-80 gallons of fuel could have entered the stormwater system as a result. But county officials credit the Sterling Heights Fire Department and the city’s sewer division for quickly deploying absorbent mats and spreading an “oil dry” substance around a storm drain, thereby keeping significantly more fuel from entering the Busch Drain.
ABOVE: Attendees look at a castle cake during Michigan Cake Wars 2024, a cake contest hosted at Villa Penna in Sterling Heights Feb. 29.
Police arrest 3 shoplifters at Kohl’s Police were called to Kohl’s, 44200 Schoenherr Road, Feb. 17 for a shoplifting report that five suspects were on the premises.
Police said they waited for three suspects — a woman and two men — to leave the store and approached them when they went to a Jeep Patriot with allegedly stolen items, including a “large amount of clothing items.” Police handcuffed and arrested the suspects for second-degree retail fraud.
Police said an officer also went inside the store to search for two more female suspects, though the women reportedly denied
knowing the three arrested suspects. The store reportedly asked police to evict the two women, so police did.
Vehicles stolen from Metro Parkway lot
Multiple Dodge vehicles were reported stolen Feb. 16 in the 7500 block of Metropolitan Parkway, near Van Dyke Avenue. According to police, a security guard said that after one vehicle was let through, some male motorists quickly rushed the gate and drove through around 8:30 p.m.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows a truck dropping off the suspects, who then entered the stolen vehicles and drove off with them.
Drink lobbed at car in Meijer lot
Police said they talked to a caller Feb.
16 who was in the parking lot of Meijer, 36600 Van Dyke Ave., when a woman allegedly yelled and tossed her beverage at the caller’s gold-colored Pontiac car.
The police report referred to the matter as a “road rage incident” and said the vehicle was undamaged. The caller reportedly indicated that she will dial 911 if she ever comes across the woman again.
Intoxicated woman tries to buy booze at market
Police went to a supermarket Feb. 16 in the 2000 block of 18 Mile Road, near Dequindre Road, after hearing that an intoxicated woman allegedly had entered the store and attempted to purchase alcohol. Store staff reportedly declined and alerted police.
Police said they spoke to the woman
and noted that she had slurred speech and difficulty moving without holding onto a shopping cart. Police reportedly couldn’t successfully do a preliminary breath test, so they took the woman to the hospital.
Suspect tries to shoplift food
Police reportedly cited a suspect for third-degree retail fraud at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave., Feb. 16 after staff reported that the suspect didn’t scan multiple food items while checking out.
Anyone who has more information about these events or general suspicious happenings is encouraged to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.
— Eric Czarnik
Sterling Heights’ annual evening of international cuisine and entertainment will be coming back to the Sterling Heights Community Center.
The city and its Ethnic Community Committee are inviting the public to the annual Cultural Exchange March 8. Various ethnic groups from around the world will present educational table displays, food, music, dances and more.
Ethnic Community Committee Chair Kelechi Anyaogu, in an email, called the Cultural Exchange a favorite event due to its demonstration of unity, fostering of understanding, and celebration of diversity.
“Understanding starts with exposure, education and shared experiences, and that’s what the Cultural Exchange is all about,” Anyaogu said.
According to Sue Giallombardo, one of the Cultural Exchange’s organizers, while many perennial performers will be back this year, there will also be a few new entertainment acts, such as the Malina Czech Folk Ensemble and the “Nova Nada” Croatian Folklore Ensemble.
“Other than that, we’ll have over 50 table displays and food from about 20-25 restaurants — appetizers and desserts,” Giallombardo said.
Flor Penner and Marissa Radowick coordinate the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan’s Hula Dance Team. Penner said this is the 18th year her estimated 20-member hula group will perform at the Cultural Exchange, and she said this year it plans to do a performance based on the song “Ha’a Hula.”
“It’s an upbeat one, and I think (the audience) will enjoy it,” Penner said.
Penner said the PACCM takes part in the Cultural Exchange because “there’s a lot of Filipinos in Sterling Heights,” and also because of the audience’s response year after year.
“They love it because of the costuming, and it’s not boring,” she said. “So that’s why we’re always invited by Sue every year.”
In addition to the celebration of global cultures, Giallomabardo said the Cultural Exchange will have a unique guest this year. Visit Detroit, a not-for-profit group that promotes tourism to the area, plans to at-
The Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance will host a Disability Awareness Workshop 6-8 p.m. March 20 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road.
The event will feature 10 exhibits that will demonstrate to attendees the difficulties that people with visual, auditory, mobility, cognitive or other impairments regularly face as a way to promote understanding and empathy.
Admission is free and open to all ages. Register in advance for this event on Facebook by visiting bit.ly/48mS16f. For more information, visit sterlingheights.gov and type in “Disability Awareness Workshop” in the search bar, or call (586) 446-2489.
The Sterling Heights City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 40555 Utica Road, will hold another Passport Walk-in Week for people — both residents and nonresidents — who need new passports without needing to make an appointment.
This time the event is March 11-16. Hours will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Learn more about fees and what applicants need to bring by visiting sterlingheights.gov/1984/Passports or by calling (586) 446-2420.
State Rep. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, spoke before the Michigan House of Representatives’ Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee Feb. 20 to support changing the name of a part of M-53 from 17 Mile Road to M-59/Hall Road.
House Bill 5151 would designate that portion as the Officer Leroy Imus Memorial Highway. Imus was a Sterling Heights police officer who was killed during a traffic stop in 1971.
“Sterling Heights police officer Leroy Imus was a dedicated man — not only to our country, but also our community. He served in the U.S. Navy and at the Sterling Heights Police Department as an officer for five years,” Shannon said in a statement.
“This designation is a way to commemorate his commitment to the safety of our community. With this bill, part of M-53 will stand as a reminder of Officer Imus’ courage and sacrifice.”
Learn more at housedems.com/nate-shannon.
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced that southbound M-53 was scheduled to close from M-59 to 18 Mile Road starting March 4, along with the eastbound and westbound M-59 ramps to southbound M-53. The reason for the closure is roadwork and bridge work, which are predicted to last around three months.
As a result of the construction, local closures will also take place where M-53 intersects Canal Road, 19 Mile Road and Utica Road, MDOT said.
A detour route will take motorists from westbound M-59 to southbound Mound Road, then to eastbound 18 Mile Road and finally to southbound M-53.
Learn more about MDOT by visiting www.michigan.gov/mdot.
from page 1A
Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois said Sterling Heights officials visited community gardens in Troy, Rochester, St. Clair Shores and Eastpointe for inspiration and guidance.
Lauren Moore, Sterling Heights’ special projects coordinator, explained that Sterling Heights’ conceptual community garden plans call for a fenced 1-acre gardening area, a microforest, a butterfly house, and a central plaza. She said the final result could be “an inclusive destination that all of Sterling Heights will be proud to see and utilize with maximum benefits.”
“Included in our master plan is the mapping of the concept to create a multifaceted attraction that is helpful, aesthetically pleasing, educational and fully engaging,” she said.
According to a presented city timeline, the city will undergo a bidding process for the project sometime between March and May. No project cost estimate was given at the meeting.
Moore said officials plan to formally present the plan to the City Council in April or May and then break ground in June, fol-
lowed by construction taking place through November. Officials hope to celebrate the garden’s grand opening in April 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski asked Langlois how officials will make sure the garden stays safe and that no one is putting harmful pesticides in there.
Langlois said that while some aspects of the community garden area, like the butterfly house, will be more open to the public, the actual growing spaces will be fenced, and sections of the garden will be reserved annually by residents using “a fob-type system.”
Langlois later explained that the garden could contain both raised planting beds as well as inground plots. When Councilwoman Deanna Koski asked about deer, Langlois said the garden fence might be about 6 feet tall as a deterrent.
“We’re not going to be able to keep out every pest or animal that could get into there,” he said. “We don’t want a 12-foot high fence — that really looks poor. So we’re looking to kind of provide that level of fence that will hopefully get us the protection, you know, for the plantings but still have that nice, aesthetically pleasing look as well.”
Councilman Michael Radtke said he liked that the garden is slated for Nelson Park.
“I think that we need to plan and do more amenities on the western part of the
city,” he said. “I think that — combined with the microforest, a butterfly house — this will be a tremendous amenity that’s been asked for by residents for years. So I say, start construction.”
James C. Nelson Park is located at 2775
15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights. Learn more about the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department by visiting myshpr. net or by calling (586) 446-2700.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
from page 1A
and March to evaluate proposals from consulting firms to facilitate the study. The administration hopes to present the final proposal to the City Council to approve March 19 or April 2.
Sterling Heights Assistant City Manager Jeff Bahorski said he has heard from City Council members that drivers speeding through neighborhoods is a top complaint that residents make.
“I think we are all frustrated by speeding, especially on our local streets,” Bahorski said. “That never seems to go away no matter how many tickets are written.”
City officials said the study, which will produce a comprehensive transportation safety action plan, will be made possible through a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. According to the city’s community relations director, Melanie Davis, the city obtained the $400,000 grant with a local match of $110,000.
City Engineer Brent Bashaw said the city wants to use the study to review its major intersections, focus on studying six miles of Ryan Road, and explore ways to calm traffic.
Bashaw added that the city has formed a committee for the study that’s composed of several city departments, including public works, planning, police and fire, engineering, purchasing, community relations and city management.
“Additionally, there’ll be a public involvement process once a consultant is brought on board,” he added, though no additional details were given.
During his presentation, Bashaw showed several charts of the most crashprone and dangerous intersections between 2018 and 2022.
Over that period, the top five crossings with the highest number of crashes were 18 ½ Mile Road at M-53 and the Van Dyke ramp with 564 crashes; Mound Road and Metropolitan Parkway, 276; Van Dyke Avenue and Metro Parkway, 256; 15 Mile and Ryan roads, 180; and 14 Mile and Schoenherr roads, 174.
The top five listed intersections with the highest percentage of injury crashes were listed as Dobry Drive and Merrill Road, 47%; Schoenherr and Canal Road, 41%; Van Dyke and Denwood Drive, 37%; 14 Mile and Hoover Road, 35%; and 18 Mile Road and northbound M-53, 33%.
The top five crossings with the most severe crashes were ranked as 14 Mile and Schoenherr; Mound Road and 18 Mile; Mound and Dobry; Mound and 14 Mile; and Van Dyke and Denwood, officials said.
“So all these charts contain important information, and they’ll be a great starting point for us and for the study to look for safety implementation ideas,” Bashaw said.
The top five roads — not intersections — with the highest percentages of injuries in crashes were Ryan, 27.8%; Dequindre, 25.9%; Dodge Park Road, 25.4%; 19 Mile Road, 25%; and 15 Mile, 24.6%.
Ordinance No. 278-204
The City of Sterling Heights has adopted an ordinance which amends the zoning map for Ordinance No.278-204 to change the zoning of the following parcels of property described below under the Zoning Ordinance:
The following land located in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, identifed by Parcel Identifcation No. 10-32-203-009 and described as:
LAND IN THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS, MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN, COMM AT N 1/4 POST OF SEC 32, T2N, R12E, SEC 32; TH N85*43’E 671.59 FT TO PT OF BEG; TH N85*43’E 149.7 FT; TH S01*49’30”E 470.4 FT; TH S89*56’W 149.12 FT TO NW COR LOT 5 IN S.P. SWARTZ LITTLE FARMS; TH N01*56’30”W 470.2 FT TO PT OF BEG. 1.6 A.
Subject to any and all easements and rights of way of record or otherwise.
Parcel Identifcation No. 10-32-203-009
Commonly known as: 5170 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, Michigan 48310
Common description: Southside of 15 Mile Road, west of Mound Road in Section 32, PZ23-0010 be rezoned from R-60 (One Family Residential District) to O-1 (Business & Professional Offce District) in accordance with the terms of a Conditional Rezoning Agreement between Nabu LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, and the City of Sterling Heights dated February 20, 2024, and that the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Sterling Heights and the Zoning Map be amended accordingly.
This amendment shall become effective seven days after publication of this amendment or a notice of adoption.
A copy of the ordinance amending the zoning map and the Conditional Rezoning Agreement can be inspected or obtained from the City Clerk’s Offce in City Hall, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313, during normal business hours.
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 03/06/2024
When talking about “re-imagining Ryan Road,” Bashaw listed possible solutions that the study will delve into, including roundabouts, medians and shortening lane widths.
Officials said the study will also evaluate a series of tools for calming traffic in speeding prone areas. Those options include planting more trees; adding markings or artwork to the road; installing medians and neighborhood entrances; extending curbs or adding curved paths called chicanes; or putting speed cushions or speed humps on a street, Bashaw explained. He mentioned that the city has already painted speed limit pavement markings on Viceroy Drive.
“There are many more unique and interesting ideas that can be brainstormed, analyzed and reviewed as part of a study to create a comprehensive traffic calming guidebook for the city of Sterling Heights,” he said. “In the meantime, the city will look to implement some of these ideas this summer as pilot ideas, in the same fashion as the
Viceroy Street painting (that) has occurred.” Councilman Michael Radtke said while he isn’t a fan of speed humps or bumps, he favors other ways of slowing down vehicles to make streets safer for pedestrians. He also asked if residential streets like Brougham Drive and Fox Hill Drive will get attention in the study, since they “receive quite a few speeding complaints,” Radtke said.
“As I’m sure my colleagues will agree, this is a major complaint that we receive frequently, and I know that we are all focused — hyper focused — on making sure our neighborhoods are safe,” he said.
Bashaw said the city is highly interested in reviewing those local roads for calming efforts too.
City officials said they expect the study’s final draft to be finished in time for a December presentation before the City Council.
Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS PUBLIC NOTICE
2024 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW
PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, AND THE CITY CHARTER OF STERLING HEIGHTS,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BOARD OF REVIEW SHALL CONVENE ON THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH, 2024 AND SHALL SIT NOT LESS THAN THREE CALENDAR DAYS TO REVIEW THE 2024 ASSESSMENT ROLL OF THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS AND TO HEAR COMPLAINTS OF PERSONS CONSIDERING THEMSELVES AGGRIEVED BY THESE VALUES. THE BOARD OF REVIEW SHALL MEET AT CITY HALL, CONFERENCE ROOMS 020 AND 028, 40555 UTICA ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN.
RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT TAXPAYERS MAY FILE HIS OR HER PROTEST BY LETTER WITHOUT A PERSONAL APPEARANCE, UNLESS APPLYING FOR A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO M.C.L. 211.7U. HARDSHIP EXEMPTION APPEALS REQUIRE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY EITHER THE APPLICANT OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE. ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXEMPTION REQUIRES THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE CITY ASSESSOR AND THE APPLICANT MUST MEET ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS 2024 HARDSHIP EXEMPTION GUIDELINES.
WRITTEN APPEALS WILL BE HEARD ON FILE. ALL PERSONAL APPEARANCES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. APPOINTMENTS WILL BE TAKEN BEGINNING MARCH 4, 2024 AND ENDING WITH THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW. PETITIONERS MAY CALL THE OFFICE OF ASSESSING TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN APPEARANCE BEFORE THE BOARD.
0397-2410
0015-2410
from page 6A
tend and promote the April 25-27 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. According to Visit Detroit, its “On The Clock Tour” is a free football-themed community engagement program that will run 6-8 p.m. A special van will be decorated for the NFL Draft and will be equipped with TVs and more.
“This is an exciting moment for our region, and we believe that the ‘On The Clock Tour’ will allow all residents to be a part of the experience and bring the Draft to their community,” Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said in a statement.
from page 3A
The county Public Works Office said it got involved in the multi-agency response after the Sterling Heights sewer division alerted the county about the problem. Meanwhile, Sterling Heights reportedly got an environmental services contractor to help contain the pollution and remediate the site, which included the placement of containment booms.
According to the county, Warren city workers also contributed and took precautions by setting up an absorbent boom at Big Beaver Creek, by 14 Mile — at the Public Works Office’s recommendation — to further stop any remaining pollution in its tracks.
Miller called the spill “very unfortunate,” but she praised the Sterling Heights Fire Department for its “quick action” and praised others who assisted too.
“It also showed how effective the emergency response can be when the multi-agency notification process is followed,” she said. “When everyone leaps into action like we did today, we protect water quality downstream — especially at Lake St. Clair — by containment and sopping up spills.”
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor credited the Fire Department and the DPW for their “proactive quick thinking.”
“Their responsiveness is unquestionably one of the best in the state, if not the best in the state,” he said. “I’m confident that they can address any of these issues that come up, and our public is well served by them.”
Giallombardo said Visit Detroit will promote the draft and have some hands-on activities in the Community Center’s parking lot.
“They wanted to try to promote it, so we said sure,” she said.
The Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, will host the 2024 Cultural Exchange 6-10 p.m. March 8. Attendees are asked to donate at least $1 in order to take part. Learn more by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Cultural Exchange” in the search bar or by calling (586) 446-2470. Learn more about Visit Detroit by visiting visitdetroit.com.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
Sterling Heights Fire Chief Kevin Edmond said in an email that his department’s priority is to keep the community’s people and environment safe.
“The incredible teamwork and rapid response from our dedicated firefighters averted what could have been a devastating fuel spill,” Edmond said. “The quick thinking and responsiveness of our firefighters are what make our department truly world class.”
Learn more about the Macomb County Public Works Office by visiting macomb gov.org/departments/public-works. Find out more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 4462489.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
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 15A
from page 14A
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.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Earning a league championship can create a sense of pride for a team, especially in Henry Ford II boys swim and dive’s case, where last year’s Macomb Area Conference White title was the school’s first since 1996.
The defending champion then sets their sight on becoming back-to-back winners, eventually sustaining a period of success in the league.
Not Ford.
Immediately following their successful season, Ford moved up to the MAC Red, the MAC’s toughest conference.
“There’s a lot more top-end guys in the Red than there is in the White, so our biggest thing this year was, ‘Let’s prove to everyone why we belong in the Red,’ and they were doing a good job of that,” Ford head coach Austin Bateman said. “They were winning meets, and then the mindset flipped to how we proved that we’re supposed to be here, but we need everyone to see us as a threat.”
Returning junior all-State swimmer Max Dexter, the Falcons made an immediate impact in the Red, finishing third with a 3-2 league record.
Dexter, a state qualifier in the 50 and 100 freestyle, defended his county championship in both events at the Macomb Coun-
ty Championships Feb. 3 at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North High School, leading Ford to a fourth-place finish in a field of 18 teams. Dexter was also the league champion in the 200 freestyle and runner-up in the 100 freestyle.
Coming off an eighth place finish at the Division 1 state finals, Dexter has elevated his skillset this season as one of the top swimmers in the state, and Bateman said his preparation for races has been a key change.
“This year, he has a better understanding of his races,” Bateman said. “Last year, we worked on the structure of his swimming, like having a gameplan going into every race instead of just letting things happen and reacting.”
Moving up required everyone to be at the top of their game, and a plethora of swimmers answered the call for Ford.
Six-foot-five senior Sean Miller, a threeyear varsity swimmer, was as consistent as they came in the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle for Ford. Miller ended his regular season swimming career with a first-place finish at the LCN Invitational Feb. 27 at L’Anse Creuse North High School, but has plenty left in him as Dexter, Miller, senior Owen Baker and senior Lucas Castillo are state qualifiers in the 200 medley relay set to race March 8 at Oakland University.
See SWIM on page 18A
from page 16A
Ford’s senior group brought everything a veteran group is supposed to as Baker, Castillo, Tyler Massmann and Grant Adams were all reliable contributors for Ford.
While putting up productive times throughout the season, Bateman said, Massmann’s role as a leader was immeasurable.
“He’s had two older brothers that have come through the program,” Bateman said. “Both of them were captains and leaders, and he’s been a captain for his junior and senior year. He’s done a good job of being an example-setter. Kids know that when they’re in the water, they work hard because Tyler (Massmann) works hard.”
The mentorship of the veterans showed early as Ford was home to a few breakout stars in junior Jaden House, junior Owen Mantie, junior Evan Cicilian and sophomore Tayshaun Wong.
House, who will be the primary diver with Castillo and Adams both graduating, put extensive focus into the weight room over the offseason. The preparation paid off for House as he and Castillo both qualified in the 1-meter diving event Feb. 29 at Oxford High
School, punching their ticket to the Division 1 state finals.
Only a sophomore, Bateman is tabbing Wong, who gained attention as a strong swimmer his freshman year, as the “one to watch for” next season as Wong was impressive in the 200 and 500 freestyle for Ford this year.
Bateman said confidence has been the key factor in the progression of each of his guys.
“Last year was the big switch in the mentality of our boys program,” Bateman said. “We weren’t just here to participate and, hopefully, get some relays to qualify for MISCA, but we’re here to compete, do something, and let the MAC know that Ford is one of the better programs.”
Ford will look to put a successful stamp on the 2024 campaign at the Division 1 state finals, but there’s a lot to like about where the program is headed.
With a talented incoming senior group and underclassmen looking to take the next step, the Falcons will look to once again be contenders in the Red.
“I am very excited for senior year and all of the opportunities, especially in leadership,” Dexter said. “I hope that I can bring the team closer together like we have been doing for the past two years.”
Editor:
C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry Troy Times • Warren Weekly West Bloomfield Beacon • Woodward Talk • C & G Special Edition (Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.)
Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com
Reporter:
Eric Czarnik | (586) 498-1058 | eczarnik@candgnews.com
Sports:
Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
For retail ad rates:
Dan Carroll | (586) 498-1024 | dcarroll@candgnews.com
Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Automotive Advertising:
Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024
MEETING TO BE HELD AT STERLING HEIGHTS CITY HALL
40555 UTICA ROAD
7:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. CORRESPONDENCE
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. PZBA24-0007 – Al Meer Hookah Lounge
Requesting Board approval for a use variance to permit a hookah lounge in a C-3 General Business District.
Property Address: 34766 Van Dyke
Location: East side of Van Dyke Avenue, south of Fifteen Mile Road
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District and Van Dyke Mixed Use District
B. PZBA24-0008 – Curious Little Minds
Requesting Board approval for a use variance to permit a child daycare facility in an R-80 One Family Residential
District that abuts single family residential district on more than one side.
Property Address: 37535 Dodge Park
Location: West side of Dodge Park Road, between 16 and 16 ½ Mile Road
Current Zoning: R-80 One Family Residential District
C. PZBA24- 0011 – Kroger – Allied Signs
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance to permit additional wall signage beyond the 200 square feet that is permitted.
Property Address: 43893 Schoenherr Road
Location: West side of Schoenherr Road, north of Canal Road
Current Zoning: C-2 Planned Comparison Business District
D. PZBA23-0027- TRACTOR SUPPLY
Requesting board approval for a use variance to permit the sale of motorized off-highway vehicles, ATVs and UTVs, on-site as a part of an approved open air retail use in the C-2 Planned Comparison District.
Property Address: 12020 Hall Road
Location: South of Hall Road, west of Delco Boulevard
Current Zoning: C-2 Planned Comparison District
E. PZBA24-0004– SHELL GAS STATION
Requesting board approval for a non-use variance to establish a rear yard setback of twenty feet where thirty-fve feet is required, a reduction of ffteen feet, in the C-3 General Business District and for a variance to erect an accessory structure (a dumpster enclosure) within the front yard setback between the building and Dequindre Road.
Property Address: 36950 Dequindre Road
Location: North of Metropolitan Parkway,
0398-2410
Software Engineer. A.G. Davis Gage & Engineering Co, Sterling Heights, MI. Reqmts.: Bachelor’s deg. in Software or Electrical Engineering (foreign deg. equiv. accepted), 2 yrs. exp. as Software or Electrical Engineer, Travel to co’s. plants in Canada & Mexico about 3 times per mo. for 1-3 days per visit. Qualified applicants’ direct resumes to Raymond Verdoodt at 6533 Sims Dr., Sterling Heights, MI 48313.
Help Wanted/Engineering 0360-2410
Help Wanted General CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES SEASONAL EMPLOYEES
Seasonal general laborer positions, $15.00 - $16.00 hourly, 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 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
MARCH 22
Bocce with the Brothers: Benefit for Capuchin Ministries also includes buffet dinner and desserts, beer and wine, cigar tent, live entertainment, and auctions, 5:30 p.m., Villa Penna, 43985 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights, registration required, boccewiththebrothers.org
Bethesda Christian Church, 14000 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, sterlingspeakers.org, (586) 221-0405
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, neilflyer@yahoo.com, (248) 425-2999
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
at 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, virtual and in person, room 102 at
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
alleged theft. Police said one of the women handed over a $100 bill to the manager and didn’t seek change. Then the women drove off in a white Chevrolet SUV, police said. Police regarded the case as a civil matter after the manager reportedly did not want to press charges. The manager reportedly still wanted police to know about what had transpired so that the women can be evicted should they ever return.
