3/7/24 Macomb Township Chronicle

Students shine in art show 3A

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

Panelists discuss Macomb County’s economic future

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

See FUTURE on page 8A

Crusaders sweep MAC Blue, earn first league title since 2019

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb L’Anse Creuse High School-North boys swimming has been on a tour of the Macomb Area Conference the past three years.

Since winning the MAC White in 2019, where LCN competed for the better part of the last decade, the Crusaders struggled in the White for two consecutive seasons, made a brief sprint in the Red in 2023 and finally dove into the MAC Blue this season.

See SWIMMING on page 5A

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.

Photo by Erin Sanchez Macomb L’Anse Creuse North freshman Evan Detrick competes in the 500 freestyle at the LCN Invitational Feb. 27 at L’Anse Creuse North High School.

Underground improvement plan approved by board

More studies approved for Broughton extension

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — It is not pretty nor cool nor flashy, but underground pipes are necessary. The Macomb Township Board of Trustees took steps toward ensuring the township’s water and sewer infrastruc-

ture remains in order by approving a fiveyear $53 million capital improvement plan at its Feb. 28 meeting.

An annual report from the township’s Department of Public Works, the plan outlines expected maintenance and projects to be undertaken in the next five years.

“The major projects we’re focusing on this year will be the Pump Station No. 1 replacement, which is the sewer pump station on Hall Road and Gratiot, the MA-01 meter pit project at Romeo Plank and 24

(Mile Road) where we’re bringing that above ground, the first phase of the Plum Grove Village water main project and the Romeo

said Kevin Johnson, the

See TRUSTEES on page 14A

Macomb County students shine in art 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

Photo provided by the Anton Art Center

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.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

Macomb Township trustees listen to Department of Public Works Director Kevin Johnson as he discusses the five-year water and sewer capital improvement plan at the board’s Feb. 28 meeting.

Plank water main project between 22 and 23 Mile (roads),”

Dr. Mark Berman and Associates

You Have Our Word

Someone, somewhere, reading this right now is thinking you wrote this for me. And you’re right, we did. You’re the one who just can’t bring yourself to pick up the phone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman, a man, a black belt in karate, or 90 lbs. soaking wet. You’re scared, embarrassed and just overwhelmed. We can help, we’re positive we can. We know the pain you experienced wasn’t just “in your head.” We will not lecture you and most certainly won’t make you feel “bad” about whatever is going on. No blame, no lectures, just the rst step on getting back your smile and health.

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Swimming

from page 1A

Even though LCN head coach Mike Owensby couldn’t wrap his head how his team found themselves in the Red in the first place, a clean sweep of the Blue with LCN claiming both the head-to-head dual meets and division meet championship, Owensby said the Red competition was exactly what his guys needed.

“A lot of it had to do with the boys’ attitudes,” Owensby said. “Last year, we moved up to the Red, which is the toughest division, after finishing at the bottom of the White for two years in a row. Why we got moved up, I don’t know, but it was okay with me because they got to see that higher level of competition.”

The head-to-head league title came down to LCN’s final meet of the season — a matchup against 4-0 Madison Heights Lamphere on Feb. 13 at Lamphere High School.

In a winner-take-all meeting, LCN dominated Lamphere 124-54, claiming first in nine of the 12 events courtesy of strong performances by sophomore Sam Johnson (200 free), junior Nick Redmerski (100 fly), sophomore Nick Vaughn (500

free), sophomore Kale Smith (100 back) and junior Arnel Tankic (100 breast) and a clean sweep in the relays.

Senior Joe Vaughn, older brother of Nick Vaughn, led LCN in 1-meter diving and will represent the Crusaders in the event at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state finals on March 8 at Oakland University.

It was the largest margin of victory for LCN on the year, and Owensby said his team was mentally prepared for the meet.

“In the last dual meet against Lamphere, they just went into that meet ready to win that championship,” Owensby said. “You could see it when they came out, and when I compare the best times from Lamphere with ours, we really shouldn’t have won any of the events, but we won almost all of them. They went in there to swim to win.”

North finished off the Blue at the division meet on Feb. 24 with a first-place finish from Redmerski in the 100 freestyle and LCN’s 400 freestyle relay group consisting of Redmerski, Joe Vaughn, freshman Kacen Lehl and sophomore Seth Gehrke.

North received silver medal performances by Joe Vaughn (1-meter dive), Nick Vaughn (500 free), Sam Johnson (200 free),

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NEWS & NOTES

GLWA performing water main work

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 will 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.

GREEN MACOMB PLANT SALE COMES TO CLINTON TOWNSHIP, ARMADA

MACOMB COUNTY — Macomb County residents looking to add a tree can find a variety available at the Green Macomb tree and plant sale.

Running until April 5 in partnership with the Blue Water Conservation District, residents are able to order shrubs and trees including arbor vitae, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, paper birch, redbud and red osier through bluewatercd.org while supplies last. Items can be picked up at the Armada Fairgrounds on April 22-23 and the Clinton Township Civic Center on April 25-26. A limited number of trees can be purchased on site.

“Our goal is to increase the tree canopy in Macomb County and the Green Macomb Tree and Plant sale helps us do just that,” said Gerard Santoro, program director for Macomb County Parks and Natural Resources, in a press release. “We created the sale seven years ago and so far the response from residents has been amazing. It’s a privilege to be able to provide homeowners the affordable means to spruce up their gardens this year, as well.”

Mount Clemens building including extensive electrical, lighting, painting and flooring improvements. Funds will also be used to purchase the rest of the building.

“The community center will support children with clothing and other essential items,” said Kevin McAlpine, volunteer and board chair of the Macomb Foster Closet, in a statement from the organization. “We will improve the outcomes of kids who need direct services by giving families that care for them the tools they need to be successful and to thrive. We will become a communal space for other youth-serving organizations to provide parent training, children’s activities, adoption events, direct social services and more.”

COME FLY WITH ‘PETER PAN’

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Grab a little pixie dust: It’s time for the Macomb Ballet Company’s premiere of “Peter Pan.” The talented group of dancers will perform the fan favorite at 7 p.m. April 26, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 27, and 2 p.m. April 28 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Center, 44575 Garfield Road.

The show is for all ages. The cast will have a

PROM CLOSET TOUR OFFERS FREE DRESSES

meet and greet after all four performances. The show is approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available online at macombcenter.com, in person at the box office or by phone at (586) 286-2222.

The Macomb Ballet Company is a nonprofit and is subsidized through fundraising, grants, ticket sales, sponsors and donations. Those interested in being a sponsor or making a donation can email info@macombballet.org.

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

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

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

from page 3A

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 opportunities.

“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.”

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 in-

Future

from page 1A

come down, but maybe the damage has been done. We’ll see if we are able to keep that in check with fiscal spending.”

According to the website usinflationcalculator.com, inflation was at 6.5% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2023.

Alongi was among the panelists who spoke to business leaders, manufacturing employees and school officials at the 2024 Macomb County Economic Forecast, held Feb. 23 on the South Campus of Macomb Community College.

The panel also included Ahmad Ezzeddine, vice president for Academic Student Affairs and Global Engagement at Wayne State University; Brian Parthum, an economist with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments; and Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County’s Department of Planning & Economic Development.

Through PowerPoint presentations displayed on two large screens, the panelists shared their knowledge and research. Much of the discussion centered on Macomb County. The Macomb County Chamber Alliance hosted the event.

“Despite all the news we get every year, some of it is not that rosy, there are always great things happening. Things are happening in the county, in the region, they’re happening in the state,” Ezzeddine said. “This is an opportunity for us to see how we can all work together and move on.”

Ezzeddine, who moderated the event,

would like to see WSU and MCC collaborate more with local businesses.

“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

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

“I want to see more collaboration of industry with the schools and you’re seeing some of it,” said Thomas Alongi, a partner with the UHY accounting firm, right. “The skills that are needed today will be different than the skills of tomorrow. When I look at 2024, we have more job openings than individuals.” Also pictured are Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County’s Department of Planning & Economic Development, left, and Brian Parthum, an economist with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, center.

FURNITURE BANK PUTS UNWANTED

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 metro Detroit at no charge, if these items can be placed in a garage or on a porch, or they’ll

See FURNITURE BANK on page 13A

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.

Future

from page 8A

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 com-

bined 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.”

Furniture Bank

from page 10A

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, en-

tertainment 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.

When you visit Dr. Je rey Teno, you’ll discover that his is not a typical dental practice. He believes patients deserve the best, and it’s precisely this dedication to the highest quality that sets him apart. Dr. Teno uses the latest dental techniques to ensure that his patients receive a brilliant smile and achieve excellent long-term dental health.

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Trustees

from page 3A

township’s DPW director. “Some additions we made this year … are that we’re looking to rehab the emergency connections we have with Clinton Township due to some emergency planning with Great Lakes Water Authority, so we need to update those, as well as adding the DPW roof as it needs replacement because it started leaking last year because of some severe storms.”

The project cost of all expected water and sewer work in the 2024-2025 fiscal year is just over $14.6 million. The next two fiscal years will have lower maintenance costs with 2026-2027’s work expected to go down to around $6.6 million until work in the 2027-2029 years brings work cost back up. Despite the high costs of upgrading and replacing infrastructure, Johnson told trustees this is all done to keep the water and sewer system manageable in the long run.

“Keep in mind these projects are necessary to provide continuous satisfactory service for both water and sewer services to the residents,” Johnson said. “We try to stay within the five-year (capital improvement plan) to make sure we’re on target and staying on budget with everything we’ve done

in the past. A lot of these projects do shift sometimes due to material delays, permitting issues or weather, but we try to make sure we stay on task as best as we can given those circumstances.”

More Broughton Road studies

Additional funds were added to the Broughton Road expansion project with the cost of traffic studies being increased to $100,500. The Macomb County Department of Roads requested the township order studies into how extending Broughton Road as a boulevard-style street would affect the flow of traffic to neighboring roads, with those initial studies costing $28,000 back in January. A grant from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments will cover $23,750 of the project, putting the township’s costs at $76,750.

This is the second increase in studies into the Broughton Road expansion, leading to questions from trustees about whether the number of studies into the road project is getting excessive and becoming a burden on the budget. Officials from the township’s engineering and planning departments responded that this project involves more studies than usual, but that the number of

Trustees

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studies for the project was not unexpected.

“We’re asking for something that is different from what the county normally approved; a two-lane road versus a boulevard that’s in a downtown area,” said James Van Tiflin, the township’s land development director. “They’re completely different roads.”

Township Supervisor Frank Viviano supported Van Tiflin’s assessment, reiterating the project’s uniqueness as the reason for the county’s concern.

“The intention of this project from the get-go was to build something in Macomb Township that was unique to all other places

in Macomb County,” Viviano said. “We’re pushing (the county roads department) out of their comfort zone, and they are being extra cautious in the information they are requiring to make sure we are not, I guess, infringing or impairing the traffic flow, which is their main concern.”

Though the board supported the increase, the idea of reconsidering the project if study costs got too big was mentioned. Trustees went on to accept the $5 million and $100,000 in state funds for the Broughton Road and Garfield Road expansion projects, respectively. Those funds were allocated to the township by state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe, in the state’s budget and required a procedural resolution from the board to accept.

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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 to-

gether to design temperature and moisture sensors to control when the heater is active in order to preserve the energy-saving benefits 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

Swimming

from page 5A

Smith (100 back) and LCN’s 200 freestyle relay group.

It was a commanding finish to a season kicked off with a brutal exhibition loss to St. Clair Shores Lakeview, the top team in the MAC White, but LCN remained intact and persevered.

“What’s been really successful this year for us has been our positivity being excellent,” Tankic said. “We weren’t really social or open to communication last year where we’re more friendly and open to each other this year.”

With Joe Vaughn being the lone senior on the squad. LCN will return a healthy number of starters this season in efforts to make a run at another league title.

Maybe it will be in the Blue or potentially LCN makes its return to the White in the 2025 season, but LCN swimming is in a great place right now, and Joe Vaughn said he expects the underclassmen and incoming juniors and seniors to keep the momentum rolling.

“Now that we have more positivity on the team and more people pushing themselves and trying to work and get to where they’re making PRs and close to breaking records, I think we have a great chance next year,” Joe Vaughn said.

• Evaluating an investigational Botox treatment for the relaxation of the Masseter Muscle Prominence.

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North sophomore Seth Gehrke competes in the 100 butterfly at the LCN Invitational Feb. 27 at L’Anse Creuse North High School. Photo by Erin Sanchez

from page 16A

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.”

Editor:

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 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,” Parnis 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.

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

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.)

Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com

Reporter: Dean Vaglia | (586) 498-1043 | dvaglia@candgnews.com

Sports:

Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

For retail ad rates:

Paula Stelzer | (586) 498-1076 | pstelzer@candgnews.com

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Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

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Automotive Advertising:

Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising:

Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

Art

from page 7A

clude the $500 DIA-supported Ken Hoover Best of Show Founder’s Award, the $250 award for best senior portfolio and the topthree and merit awards for outstanding work in each grade level.

The Macomb County Annual Sec-

ondary 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.

LEFT: “Butterfly” by Katia Denha, a Bemis Junior High School eighth grader, is in the 2024 Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show. RIGHT: “Dancing on the Waves” by Janae Miotke, a Regina High School 10th grader, is in the 2024 Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show.

Photo provided by the Anton Art Center

Seasonal

no

Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank

Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, April 12, 2024. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship. com, click on employment.

APRIL

APRIL

MARCH 16

‘Egg’ stravaganza: 10 a.m.-noon, Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., facebook.com/MacombTwpParksandRec, (586) 992-2900

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

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

EASTPOINTE

Cars stolen from repair shop

EASTPOINTE — According to a police report,

vehicle repair shop in the area of Eight Mile and Kelly roads was broken into overnight Feb. 10. Two vehicles that were left for service were driven through repair doors and stolen. Surveillance video was obtained. The stolen vehicles are a gray 2018 Dodge Durango and a gray 2017 Chrysler 300. Police were investigating.

Police say they stopped 2 scams at the same time

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — While investigating a possible scam in progress Jan. 21, officers with the Shelby Township Police Department believe they prevented a second scam from also being successful.

Police said they were aware of a suspected scam in which a person planned to come to an 88-year-old Shelby Township resident’s home to pick up $8,400 in cash. Detectives set up surveillance of the resident’s home and soon observed a woman driving for the ridesharing company Lyft pull into the resident’s driveway. Police detained the woman and then released her when they were sure that an unknown person was using the woman, who had no knowledge of the scam, to pick up the money.

Police said that they were continuing to investigate who was responsible for the attempted scam against the resident.

While the detectives were guarding against the $8,400 scam, they saw a suspicious Ram pickup truck slowly driving in the area. Police said that they saw the truck park in a driveway down the street and a man in his 30s talk to the homeowner, 84, in the driveway.

The two talked for a half-hour before they went in the home. Detectives went to the home and spoke to the homeowner to ask what was going on. The homeowner reportedly said that the man in his 30s randomly approached him and talked about doing cement repairs. Police said two more men were in the pickup truck.

men were identified as scam artists known to law enforcement in the metro Detroit area. Shelby Township police said that typically while one distracts a homeowner, another suspect enters the home and steals money and valuables. Shelby Township police said that they often target senior citizens.

Police arrested two of the suspects, one for a valid felony warrant and the other for soliciting without a permit, police said. One of the suspects, police said, had recently pleaded guilty to defrauding a senior citizen of more than $50,000, but the suspect was not sentenced to jail time.

Break-in reported ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:18 a.m. on Feb. 4, a report was made about a forced entry of a dealership that occurred at 2:50 a.m. on the same day in the 22000 block of Nine Mile Road.

Upon arrival, an officer observed a red vehicle in the middle of Lakeview Street. The garage door at the north entrance of the business was damaged.

The red vehicle was reported stolen out of Detroit, per dispatch. The officer then made contact with a 66-year-old man who stated he received a call from an alarm company. He initially thought it was just related to staff cleaning the location but checked out the scene anyway. The man observed the red vehicle blocking Lakeview Street with the engine still on once he arrived. The brother of the man arrived at the dealership and provided the officers with security footage showing the red vehicle traveling eastbound toward the north entrance garage. It then reversed and four suspects exited the vehicle.

They reportedly made entry into the business and attempted to steal one of the showroom vehicles. One of the suspects reportedly ripped the alarm system off the wall. The suspects then allegedly ran through the business rummaging through the offices before gaining entry to three vehicles that already had keys inside near the service entrance/exit. All three vehicles were driven toward the north entrance of the garage as one of the suspects held up the damaged garage door to let the others out of the business.

Inside the red vehicle were 34 stolen key fobs that were taken for evidence. An evidence technician processed the scene and the investigation was ongoing.

Police investigate fleeing and eluding, stolen vehicle ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:18 a.m. on Feb. 3, a report was made about a fleeing and eluding case and a stolen vehicle investigation near 11 Mile Road and Interstate 94.

reporting that a car hit a sign near the freeway at that location. The caller stated that when they were about to exit onto 11 Mile Road, the vehicle lost a tire. There was also a report that Eastpointe had similar circumstances with a recent stolen vehicle in that city.

Once on scene, officers didn’t see any property damage, but they did find a loose tire near the flower bed by the “Welcome to St. Clair Shores” sign. When they headed westbound on 11 Mile from Little Mack, they found a vehicle with its hazard lights on driving eastbound.

The vehicle was gold in color and was missing a tire. As the officers got closer, the vehicle proceeded to turn to enter an eastbound entrance ramp. The officers checked the license plate and it was indeed the stolen vehicle from Eastpointe. An officer activated the lights and aired the location on the radio. The vehicle initially pulled to the shoulder but when the two officers stepped out of their vehicle, the driver took off.

After a pursuit on the highway, the vehicle crashed behind a business at 12 Mile and Congress Street. The driver, a 22-year-old man, and two passengers, a 22-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, exited the vehicle and fled the scene. After a pursuit on foot, two of the men were found in two different backyards and one was found in a truck bed with the help of residents. There were two other passengers in the vehicle who stated they didn’t know the vehicle was stolen.

Leaf raker is possible suspect in breaking and entering GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Jewelry and other items were reported stolen from a home in the 500 block of North Brys Drive at around 2:15 p.m. Feb. 8. The victim discovered that someone had broken into the home through a back door and made off with the items. According to a police report, an unknown male was seen at the home raking leaves the afternoon of this incident, but no one at the home had hired anyone to do any yardwork.

Home invasion under investigation

GROSSE POINTE PARK — An unknown suspect is said to have tried to break into a home in the 600 block of Middlesex Road at around 8:55 p.m. Feb. 6. The victim, who discovered damage to the back door, told police that nothing appeared to have been stolen. Police said the homeowner might have startled the intruder upon returning to the residence. Police said a surveillance camera caught what might be the suspect lurking around the back of the house

ongoing.

Woman sought for using counterfeit cash

GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown woman is being sought by police after she reportedly used counterfeit money to make three separate purchases from a Village store in the 17000 block of Kercheval Avenue at around 11:10 a.m. Feb. 9. A police report states that the suspect made her purchases with fake $100 bills.

Driver found with gun, crack

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Police pulled over a 54-year-old Grosse Pointe Park man in the area of Mack Avenue and Broadstone Road at around 12:03 p.m. Feb. 10 after a check of his license plate showed that his registration was expired. Police asked the driver if there was anything in the vehicle they should be aware of and the driver said no, and when asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle, he also said no.

However, when police inventoried the contents of his vehicle before impounding it, they found what appeared to be crack cocaine, a burnt glass pipe, a handgun and ammunition. The driver was arrested and is facing possible charges including possession of crack and driving a vehicle without registration or insurance. Police said the driver’s gun was registered to him, but he didn’t have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Tequila swiped from liquor store STERLING 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 women entered the business, and one asked for Don Julio tequila. While the manager was preoccupied, the other woman allegedly stole a $32 bottle of Teremana Small Batch Tequila. The manager said the same two women returned to the store around a half hour later, and the manager reportedly locked the premises and confronted the women about the 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.