Upcoming budget sees losses to fund pensions
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A preliminary budget forecast for Clinton Township’s upcoming fiscal years shows general fund spending dipping into the red as a result of additional retirement expenditures. However, the city’s finances are expected to be back in the black within a few years.
On March 3, the Clinton Township Board of Trustees got its chance to look at the first presented draft of the township’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. The board also opened a public hearing to let residents and stakeholders comment about the details of the proposed budget.
Though no attendees took up the offer at the meeting — and the hearing was left open for residents to send in their thoughts ahead of the March 17 board meeting — Clinton Township Finance Director Mary Hein guided trustees through highlights of the budget as presented.
The general fund is expected to see expenditures outpace revenues in the upcoming budget, with a loss of $1.9 million expected on the back of $25.2 million in revenues and $27.1 million in expenditures. Part of the deficit is the result of
Baumgartner House to be nominated to national registry
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
FRASER — At its meeting on March 13, the Fraser City Council voted to approve the request to nominate the Baumgartner House to the National Register of Historic Places in a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Sherry Stein was excused for the meeting.
Members from the Fraser Historical Society as well as the great-great-great granddaughter of the Baumgartners, Amanda Baumgartner, were in attendance. Baumgartner said she’s excited to have her son in the next generation and that the nomination would help the whole city. Janet Calabrese, a Fraser Historical Society member, presented the item to the council. Calabrese said the nomination will give the house national recognition, putting it in a national historical database.
“It also gives us some city and community pride,” Calabrese said. “Because our historic properties tell the story of our city and community and there’s a lot of history there.”
With the nomination, the city will also be able to utilize grants from the federal government for work on the house and other things.
Councilwoman Amy Baranski asked what the See BAUMGARTNER on page 14A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Baumgartner House turns 150 this year.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
An F-22 Raptor of the 94th Fighter Squadron takes off from Selfridge Air National Guard Base on March 6. Pilots from the 94th, 27th and 71st squadrons flew into Selfridge as part of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race, a historic trophy first awarded to Selfridge-based units in the 1920s and 1930s, now revived as a cross-country training mission for the 1st Fighter Wing.
SELFRIDGE PLAYS HOST TO HISTORIC AIR RACE
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On the morning of March 6, six F-22 Raptor jets of the 1st Fighter Wing took off from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia on a mission nearly 90 years in the making.
Their target: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, an airfield located just off the shores of Lake St. Clair. Their goal: victory at all costs.
So began the 2025 edition of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race, a long-dormant test of speed and skill that traces its very beginnings to the Selfridge and the origins of United States air power.
“The race is an honor to our historical 1st Pursuit Group home — Selfridge Air National Guard Base — and the Mitchell Trophy Air Race actually began at Selfridge in 1922,” Tech. Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster of the 1st Fighter Wing said.
Named after the brother of military aviation advocate Billy Mitchell, the first Mitchell Trophy air races served as tests of speed and skill for the 1st Pursuit Group. According to a statement from Selfridge’s 127th Wing of the Air National Guard, six pilots commanded open-cockpit biplanes in a five-lap race over a 20-mile-long course marked by pylons. Lt. Donald Stace was the first pilot to complete the 100-mile chal-
See SELFRIDGE on page 10A
Clintondale senior wins Courage Award
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Clintondale high school senior Davon Ciesiolka has been named the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award male recipient for 2025.
The award was established in 2020 and has the goal of honoring high school basketball players that overcome adversity and make an impact on their community. This year, hundreds of student-athletes were nominated from around the country and Ciesiolka’s strength set him apart from the field.
“I honestly got an email about the award, and they said that anybody could nominate a student,” Clintondale high school
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann, 127th Wing
coun-
Photo provided by Courtney Carroll
Clintondale counselor Courtney Carroll and award winner Davon Ciesiolka posing with the Jersey Mike’s check and the Courage award.
See COURAGE on page 7A
NEWS & NOTES
FRASER HISTORICAL COMMISSION, SOCIETY SEEK T-SHIRT DESIGNS
FRASER — The Fraser Historical Commission and the Fraser Historical Society are hosting a T-shirt design contest for the 150th anniversary of the Baumgartner House.
The contest is open to both adults and students. First place will win $75, second place will win $50, and third place will win $25. The design must be unpublished, original and must include the Baumgartner House in image or words, “150th Anniversary 18752025” and “Fraser, MI.” The design is for the front of the shirt, and it must have one to three colors.
Multiple submissions are allowed, and the submissions will not be returned.
Submissions can be sent by email to frasermuseum@gmail.com or through the mail to 33000 Garfield Road, Fraser MI 48026.
For any questions, please contact Marti VanEenenaam-Iwanicki at martivani3@yahoo.com.
L’ANSE CREUSE BOARD MEMBER RESIGNS
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Andrew Parski, a trustee on the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education, announced his resignation from the board effective March 9.
The school board has 30 days to appoint a new board member and began accepting applications on March 11 from L’Anse Creuse district residents aged 18 years and older. Interviews for the position are scheduled to begin March 19.
A teacher for Center Line Public Schools by day, Parski was elected to the L’Anse Creuse school board in November 2024. Parski was the top vote-getter with 8,763 votes cast in support of him.
MACOMB COUNTY SPORTS FAN HONORED BY PROCLAMATION
LANSING — For years, Andy Isaac built camaraderie among his fellow Detroit sports fans through his @WorldofIsaac social media accounts. As sports fans and community members have mourned the Sterling Heights native’s death to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early March, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation dubbing March 8, 2025, as “Faturday” in honor of Isaac.
Isaac’s tradition of #Faturday posts highlighted various restaurants around the metro Detroit area, with the proclamation itself shouting out Sweetwater Tavern’s wings, and pizza from Michigan & Trumbull.
“Faturday celebrates not only a passion for food but also the vibrant fan culture that defines Michigan’s sporting spirit and brings Michiganders together,” the proclamation reads.
NEW TENANTS ANNOUNCED FOR PARTRIDGE CREEK
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Mall at Partridge Creek announced on March 12 that seven new tenants are expected to open up in the shopping center throughout early 2025.
“The Mall at Partridge Creek continues to expand the shopping and dining experiences available to our visitors,” said Carmen Spinoso, CEO of Spinoso Real Estate Group. “Partridge Creek offers an in-demand space where both innovative local entrepreneurs and established national brands can connect with customers.”
Stores and tenants planned to move in this year include Zumies, Bold Label, Klaysh Floret, Kiki Kafé, Masala Grill, Mr. Miguel’s Mexican Grill & Cantina and The B-12 Store.
EASTPOINTE-ROSEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEEKS F.A.M.E AWARDS NOMINATIONS
FRASER — According to a press release, The Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for its Fraser Academy Member of Excellence Awards. “Our goal is to recognize residents, schools, youth, and businesses for the dedication and service to the community in 8 categories: Student of the Year, Educators of the Year, Youth of the Year, ‘You’ve Made a Difference’ Award, Capital Improvement Award, Pioneer Award, Business of the Year, and Citizen of the Year,” the release states. The deadline for the award nominations is April 4. They can be submitted through the chamber website at erchamber.com, by email at director@erchamber.com or by mail to Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce, 24840 Gratiot, Suite C, Eastpointe, MI 48021. Awards will be announced at an honorary dinner on May 13. For more information, contact events@erchamber.com.
Valley High School students rehearse “The Curious Savage,” a production of the school’s drama club, on March 5. The student-led production marks the club’s return to the stage after a year off and a departure from its prior murder mystery plays.
‘Savage’
marks new ground for
Chippewa
Valley Drama Club
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — If it takes a village to stage a musical, a small team of Chippewa Valley High School students are setting out to prove it takes a club to stage a play.
Known for prior productions of murder mysteries “Clue” and “The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens,” the Chippewa Valley High School Drama Club returns to the stage with a student-run production of the midcentury comedy “The Curious Savage.”
Written by playwright John Patrick, “Savage” follows elderly millionaire widow Ethel P. Savage after she is placed in a sanatorium by her stepchildren as retribution for setting up a memorial fund rather than allowing them to inherit the money. Much of the play revolves around the stepchildren attempting to acquire the inheritance bonds from Ethel while the collective Savages deal with the eccentric residents and staff of the sanitorium.
The club was inspired by how the show questions the nature of “sanity” and how certain club members would enjoy putting it on. “Savage” marks the Drama Club’s first performance since 2023. Having fizzled out in the wake of initial COVID-19 precautions, rebuilding the club and its place in Chippewa Valley student life has been a key goal for students since in-person schooling resumed.
“We’ve been really focused on bringing it back and building it back up to something big again,” said senior Mackenzie Martin, director of the production and the Chippewa Valley High School Drama Club’s president. “We’re trying to do more events and less, ‘We’re having a meeting; come if you would like to come,’ and more, ‘We’re having a meeting; bring a friend. Bring two friends.’ Because we’ve been able to grow and get more involvement in the past few years, we knew we would be able to pull off doing a show.”
Through open auditions in January, the club was able to pull together a cast of eight students running the full range of ages and prior experience with theater.
“Some of our cast members, this is their first show,” Martin said. “And some of them, this is the first show where they’ve been featured as a lead, whereas in the past they’ve been ensemble in some of our musicals that we do.”
Senior Lilianna Moss, who plays Ethel Savage, has a wealth of experience on the Chippewa Valley and other stages. While “Savage” only recently became known to her when the club selected it as its spring production, Moss is glad that the more underground work is what the club settled on.
“I definitely think younger audiences will think it’s a little confusing at first, but there’s definitely some funniness that they’ll get along with well,” Moss said. “I think that
Photo by Dean Vaglia Chippewa
CLINTON TOWNSHIP PD TO HOST SOCIAL WORKER
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A plan to add a social worker to the Clinton Township Police Department’s headquarters was announced Feb. 28.
The announcement came several days after the Clinton Township Board of Trustees gave its approval to the department to subcontract with CARE of Southeast Michigan to provide a police social worker at the department’s 37985 S. Groesbeck Highway headquarters. The social worker position will be covered by a $675,000 Department of Justice grant awarded in 2023. Funding for the program is set for about the next four years.
Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem cited Laura Cardamone, former township trustee, as the inspiration behind the police social worker role.
Savagefrom page 5A
the audience will love this show. I think that they’ll feel for the characters, and I really do think that they’ll enjoy this.”
Students and club members have not only volunteered to perform in “Savage.” The Drama Club spends a considerable amount of time focusing on technical aspects of theater and has put those skills into practice building the set and getting ready to crew the show’s three performances.
“We built the set entirely ourselves,” Martin said. “The walls, the bookshelves, the window, the things you see through the window — that was all made by us. We came in during break and we were here every day from 10 to 4 o’clock just building, painting, putting stuff together, finding props, finding furniture, all that stuff. It’s been a big project.”
Senior Nina Como, an experienced stage manager on prior Chippewa Valley productions and the Drama Club’s vice president, has added assistant director duties to her plate for the run of “Savage.” Under her command are around 10 students handling lights, sounds and props, all of whom have been hard at work on the technical details during rehearsals. But compared to the large, rented sets of the school’s prior musicals, members of the crew have more manageable tasks ahead of them with the club’s production.
“It was nice, in a tech sense, knowing
“Laura believed that having someone on the backend with the right training who can call, listen, make assessments and, hopefully, ensure that individuals and families in crisis can receive the care they need by assessing the resources — that are often already available — could have a measurable impact,” Gieleghem said. “We also believe that this program can provide the added bonus of freeing up officers to be able to do what they do best: protecting public safety. But we also know that once they’ve left the scene, someone will be available to follow up and provide assistance.”
The social worker will be employed by CARE, which is currently looking for someone to fill the role. The social worker will be based at the Police Department on a fulltime basis.
“(The police social worker) will be embedded, meaning they will be sitting in the
See SOCIAL on page 12A
that (the crew) wouldn’t have to run,” Como said. “During ‘Cinderella’ (the club’s fall 2024 musical) we had a lot of big moving structures, so it’s definitely a show that’s a lot more lax and we have people backstage in case anything happens with mics or if the worst case happens.”
Martin believes a good run of “Savage” would open new doors for the club. Not only could it boost its relevance among students and let them know about an alternative to the school’s musicals, but it could also give the club the standing to do more activities.
“If we have a good three-night run — everything goes smoothly, we have audiences — that will open doors to opportunities and things that we’re allowed to do, such as trips going downtown and seeing a play (or) going to see a movie, because there have been so many movie adaptations of shows coming out,” Martin said. “It raises our funding that we have, so it gives us more opportunities for things we’re able to do, and it also opens the door to bigger productions that we’re able to do.”
The Chippewa Valley High School Drama Club’s production of “The Curious Savage” will play at the school’s theater at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3; 7 p.m. Friday, April 4; and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Tickets can be purchased at cvhsmusicals.org.
Chippewa Valley High School students interested in the Drama Club can find them in the auditorium on Wednesdays.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Couragefrom page 3A
selor Courtney Carroll said. “There were all of these qualifications of what they were looking for… Davon was the first and only kid that I really considered.”
Carroll is Ciesiolka’s counselor at Clintondale and was asked to write an essay about him and his story. The Atlanta Tipoff Club administered the award and wanted to drive home the point that the selection wasn’t based on player performance or GPA, but purely on the courage, perseverance and leadership displayed by the student-athlete.
“It was a lot to handle but it was fun to experience,” Ciesiolka said. “I’m glad I’m getting noticed about things I had hard times with… It was just a good moment in my life.”
Ciesiolka’s mother passed away in 2022 shortly after giving birth to his youngest sibling, which occurred just a few years after his family was displaced due to a house fire. Since his mother’s passing, Ciesiolka has been a caretaker of not only his younger siblings but also his two older brothers with special needs. He’s done that while also posting a 3.40 GPA, playing basketball, working part time to support his family and participating in robotics.
“I put a lot of work in,” Ciesiolka said. “It’s the attitude… I had to show leadership for my older brothers and my little brothers.”
Naismith is one of the biggest names in basketball, and basketball was a large part of Ciesiolka’s story. The support that his team-
mates provided him was vital in his time of need.
“(The team) means a lot,” Ciesiolka explained. “Having them in the process… It shows how much they really care for you and how much brotherhood we have.”
The impact that Ciesiolka has off of the court translates seamlessly to on the court as well. He’s someone that the roster relies on and looks up to on a daily basis.
“He’s our leader,” Clintondale basketball head coach Marquis Chavez said. “I think it really highlights to our young kids that are going through things at home that they have the same opportunities that he has as long as they put in the work.”
Putting this story on a national stage is also something that’s not lost on the community. News outlets, national media and big-name reporters are all looking at Clinton Township, and that’s impactful.
“It just sheds a light on our small community,” Chavez explained. “Most people don’t know where Clinton Township or Clintondale is located. So not only was it great for him, it’s great for our community.”
Jersey Mike’s donated $2,000 to the Clintondale basketball program and another $2,000 to Ciesiolka himself, while Naismith put together an event at the school to celebrate his achievement.
Ciesiolka is going to use this award and platform to help continue providing for himself and his family. He’s already started looking ahead at what type of opportunities will
Photo provided by Courtney Carroll Clintondale senior Davon Ciesiolka shoots free throws in a game earlier this season.
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
A RACE TO THE FINISH LINE
PERSONAL TRAINERS SHARE HOW TO PREPARE FOR A 5K
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
The first race for many runners, the 5K, is a tangible goal for just about anyone, if you commit to the proper training.
Because the 5K is one of the shortest race distances — at 3.1 miles — many say it’s a great choice for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
“Running a 5K is not an easy task — it’s achievable, but it’s not an easy task,” said Brian Gibes, personal training director for Champion Health Club.
The first, and arguably the most crucial, step is to make sure you have the proper footwear — including comfortable socks and a new, well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes.
“Running is very violent. It’s a lot of impact, so the proper footwear is important,” Gibes explained. “You lose that shock absorption with shoes that are two, three, four or
more years old.”
Shock-absorbing shoes are important because they help reduce the impact of each step on your body, preventing injuries and limiting the amount of force on your joints, bones and muscles.
To provide the best fit for your feet, Christine Utter, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach at YMCA Farmington Hills, recommends getting fitted for shoes at a running store.
Utter, who has trained many runners over the years, has competed in many races herself, including 5Ks, marathons, and her longest, a 50K.
She says it’s important to train for the race in your new shoes to help break them in.
“Wear the same gear you will wear on race day just to make sure there is no chafing or rubbing or anything that will be agonizing at the end,” she shared.
To conquer your first 3.1-mile race, you
See 5K on page 14A
the oxygen level at 5,000 feet above sea level.
recommends high intensity treadmill and cardio
We’re never done making health care better.
Jev Gasso, a trainer at Champion Health Club in St. Clair Shores, keeps track of Justin Gentner as he runs on a treadmill. Gentner is in training for the U.S. Border Patrol. He is wearing a mask that simulates
Gasso
exercises for runners.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Champion Health Club
Champion Health Club is a 24 hour a day, seven days a week full-service gym and workout center that supports the wellness goals of its members. With locations in Chesterfeld, Fraser and St. Clair Shores, Champion ofers over 100 monthly group classes catering to all ftness levels, steam and infrared saunas, a smoothie bar and all the other exercise equipment members would expect.
Owner Andre Balser takes great pride in the idea that Champion Health Club is a judgment-free environment that encourages all members from all backgrounds to experience an uplifting atmosphere that promotes motivation. Balser is also focused on providing the highest level of customer service and cleanliness at all three of his gyms.
Champion also ofers private 30-minute infrared sauna sessions to help aid weight loss, speed up recovery, assist in detox, and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Its group classes include Pilates, Zumba, crew, full body, yoga, cardio drumming and more, with new classes starting regu-
larly, stafed with experienced and enthusiastic trainers.
“We want to create an environment that it’s not just a motto but is the truth,” Balser says. “Your goals are our priority whether you want to exercise as part of a group, by yourself or both. ‘It’s a welcoming space of like-minded individuals characterized by positivity and support, all sharing a common interest in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.”
Te gym ofers numerous options for members to improve their strength, fexibility, and cardio ftness. It’s flled with the latest in cardio equipment, free weights and other related machines, but also ofer stand-up tanning areas for those who want to escape to sunnier, warm places. Members can also place their smoothie order before or after their workout as a healthy reward for a job well done.
Steam and infrared saunas highlight the therapeutic benefts of heat and infrared light waves aiding in the effective release of stored toxins. Tese state-of-the-art saunas positively impact muscles and revitalize skin to leave
members feeling rejuvenated. For those looking for more, personal training sessions are available.
Balser stumbled across the opportunity to run, and then own workout facilities several years ago. He understands frst-hand how exercising helps improve a person’s health and mental wellbeing. He believes that any type of exercise supports a healthy lifestyle, and that Champion is positioned to help members achieve their most important wellness goals.
“We strive to be a community that supports and encourages all members,” Balser says.
Monthly memberships start at $29 per month. Members also beneft from unique discounts available only to them from local retailers and restaurants. Call any of Champion’s three locations or visit Champhealthclub. com. Take advantage of a free tour and see for yourself why Champion ofers the best gym experience around.
back to Langley.
Selfridge
from page 3A
lenge, claiming the first Mitchell Trophy on Oct. 14, 1922. Mitchell Trophy races ran until 1936.
Nearly 90 years since the race’s last running, much has changed with American air power and the participating units. The United States Air Force is now its own branch of the military. The 1st Pursuit Group that formed the initial base of competitors has become the 1st Fighter Wing and moved to Virginia. It upgraded from biplanes to the state-of-the-art F-22. With a glass cockpit, supersonic capabilities, radar-absorbing surfaces, beyond-visual-range combat capabilities and supermaneuvrability, the F-22 is a far cry from the wood and canvas biplanes that made up Selfridge’s early fleets.
The rules of the air race have changed as well. Instead of laps around pylons that dazzle spectators, the race now tests pilots’ abilities to take off, land, navigate in the air and ready their aircraft with minimal support. The roster of competitors has remained the same with six planes in teams of two representing the 1st Fighter Wing’s three component squadrons — the 27th, 71st and 94th Fighter Squadrons — with one pilot tasked with carrying out the challenges and the second serving as support.
“Our wing’s intent with this is that 1st Fighter Wing airmen will face adversities that are resourced and determined to disrupt our techniques, our tactics and procedures at all phases of combat,” Coleman-Foster said. “Our airmen must be able to execute effective combat operations in dynamic environments that lack information and time; that is an overarching item that
See SELFRIDGE on page 11A
Budget
from page 1A
the township ramping up its additional contributions to the state’s Municipal Employees’ Retirement System pension program, which will see additional annual contributions in the range of $3 million for the next few fiscal years.
“The board has prudently elected to make additional contributions to fund the liabilities,” Hein said. “The projections assume the additional contributions will continue to be made through the (2027-28) fiscal year, after which we currently expect the unfunded liability will be paid and we can return to making just the required contributions.”
The additional MERS contributions are assumed to be equal to the required contribution amount for each year. Even with the expected loss, the general fund would have a fund balance of $21.2 million at the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year. This would roughly be a $2 million decrease from the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Losses are also expected in the police fund and capital improvement revolving fund. Gains are expected in the fire fund, sanitation fund, senior housing fund and the water and sewer fund.
To look over the full budget, visit clintontownship.com/129/ Agendas-Minutes where it can be found under item four in the March 3 meeting packet. Residents can contact the finance department at m.hein@clintontownship-mi.gov or by calling (586) 2869353 extension 8001.
The budget will be discussed and likely voted on at the March 17 meeting.
Inclusive playground plaque
Trustees also approved the placement of signs acknowledging donors to the township’s inclusive playground. The signs will be placed on the fence surrounding the playground.
“This was started as a committee that was formed by the board, but they said, ‘Go out and raise the money for it,’” Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said. “We started with private donations, received grant funding from the state and then, as the costs continued to escalate because construction costs were going up dramatically, the board … used federal infrastructure money.
“We did have a general fund commitment to the inclusive playground but, because this was a donor effort, the committee would like to recognize many of those big donors,” Gieleghem said. No budget amendments are required to install the signs, which Public Services Director Mary Bednar said costs less than $1,000.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann, 127th Wing
Members of the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base celebrate winning the 2025 running of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race on March 6. The race saw pilots from the 1st Fighter Wing navigate their way from Langley to Selfridge Air National Guard Base and
Selfridge
we try to stress ourselves on when it comes to training and preparing for doing what we need to do.”
The training nature of the modern air race means this edition was no spectator affair. While pilots from Langley often dazzle crowds with the F-22 Demonstration Team, the air race was strictly business with only a limited heads-up given to the public via social media.
Upon receiving their orders at Langley, the teams had to inspect, arm, fuel and launch their jets for the sprint to Selfridge. Once the pilots navigated their way to Selfridge without outside support, the main pilot was tasked with running two miles across the base in freezing temperatures and 30 mph winds to the Selfridge Military Air Museum to add their name to the guest register while the second stayed behind to inspect and refuel the jets.
Capt. “Marbro” of the 27th Fighter Squadron, identified by his callsign, was the first to mark their name in the register, followed by Lt. Col. “Devil,” commander of the 94th Fighter Squadron. “Devil’s” time at the museum was prolonged by shaking hands with about 20 bystanders before making his way back to the flight line. This, however, would prove no more than a speedbump for “Devil” and teammate, Capt. “Rizz,” as the team took off from Selfridge and became the first duo to make its way back to Langley, claiming the Mitchell Trophy for the 94th Fighter Squadron.
The air race was not the first time F-22s have been to Selfridge — the demonstration
team served as the headlining act for the base’s 2022 air show and open house — and 2025 is a pivotal time for Selfridge to play host to a contest for advanced fighter aircraft. While the 127th Wing’s refueling mission seems secure after the arrival of new KC-46A Pegasus tanker planes, the A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter mission has yet to find a suitable replacement once the planes are no longer part of the Air Force’s arsenal. Attempts to bring an F-35 Lightning II mission to the base have borne no fruit with Selfridge being passed up to host a foreign-customer training academy in 2023, and base supporters have since turned to finding other ways of attracting a replacement fighter mission to the base. Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation have been campaigning for a F-15EX Eagle II program to be stationed at Selfridge, and the state has allocated $13 million to expand the base’s runway to the north in hopes of attracting a fighter mission.
“The opportunity to showcase Selfridge’s capabilities during the Mitchell Trophy Air Race is a testament to the enduring fighter mission that’s been here for more than a century,” Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, commander of the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, said via press release. “As the largest Air National Guard installation in the United States, Selfridge is equipped to handle the most advanced aircraft and weapons systems in the military fleet.”
Plans for future runnings of the Mitchell Trophy Air Race remain up in the air at press time.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Friday, March 21, 2025 2:00 p.m.
Social
from page 6A
Police Department five days a week during a designated (schedule) to be able to support the runs of the police officers, whether it is that person going out to address an issue or the police officers are coming back and saying, ‘Hey, this happened, and this family or this household may benefit from additional support,’” said Dominique Schroeder, CARE chief program officer.
The social worker program is the most recent embedded community partnership made by the Clinton Township Police Department in recent years. The department began working with Mount Clemens-based anti-domestic violence organization Turning Point around four years ago, while representatives from the probation office are available on a weekly basis to provide assistance to residents currently on probation.
“Partnerships are critical to work together to have a positive impact on the community,” Clinton Township Police Chief Dina Caringi said. “The department needs these community partners to ensure we are using all of our resources to problem-solve and to help people live their best lives, and we know that we can’t do it alone.”
Courage
come his way due to all that he’s overcome.
“I think it’ll help me a lot with getting into colleges,” Ciesiolka explained. “Finish high school first, then go off to college and play football or college basketball.”
This award puts an exclamation mark on an impressive senior year for Ciesiolka on and off the court. Students, staff and parents around the community have come together to uplift him in these hard times.
“Davon is just such a great individual,” Carroll said. “You don’t have to be a victim of your circumstances. He did all of that not expecting anything in return, so to be able to give him some type of award for it was awesome.”
Understandably, Ciesiolka’s story has reached the national stage as he continues to inspire more people that learn about him. His impact on the community is permanent.
“A lot of kids could’ve given up or would’ve given up or gotten in trouble,” Carrol said. “He came out on top.”
needing assistance. Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
The female recipient of the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award for 2025 was Lily Dunlap of St. John’s School in Houston, Texas.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Clinton Township Police Chief Dina Caringi speaks at a press conference announcing the coming addition of an embedded social worker at the Clinton Township Police Department Feb. 28.
Caringi said the social worker may also receive referrals from the Clinton Township Fire Department when it encounters anyone
CALENDAR
MARCH 20
Medicare 101 seminar: Presented by Medicare Learning Services, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, also held May 22 and June 26, registration required, (586) 465-0588
MARCH 20-21
‘Stomp’: High-energy performance featuring wooden poles, garbage cans, hubcaps and other unconventional objects as percussive instruments, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com, (586) 286-2222
MARCH 22
Hula Palooza: Learn history of Polynesian dance, basics of hula and Tahitian dancing, and Maori poi ball skills, 2-4:30 p.m., Unity East Church, 23057 N. Nunneley Road in Clinton Township, (586) 295-7070, register to uec.hulapalooza@gmail.com by March 19, proceeds benefit UEC and Polynesian Arts Advocacy Council of Michigan
BritBeat: The Beatles tribute: Concert featuring six costume changes, multimedia backdrop and more, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter. com, (586) 286-2222
MARCH 23
Card party: Pinochle, euchre, dominoes and other games, also lunch, dessert, raffles, and door and table prizes, 12:30-3:30 p.m., St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 S. Nunneley Road in Clinton Township, (586) 791-6177 or (586) 791-9012
MARCH 26
Spaghetti dinner: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (or until gone), Lt. Wood-Cpl. Reid VFW Post #6691, 17075 Anita Ave. in Fraser, continues every fourth Wednesday of month, (586) 899-9883
Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Olga’s Kitchen, 43201 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Elaine at (586) 291-2471 by March 24, www. widowedfriends.com
MARCH 27
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors also focuses on elder abuse, guardianship, nursing homes, wills and more, 2-3 p.m., Lockwood of Clinton Senior Living, 24500 Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township, RSVP to (586) 790-1100 by March 24, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, (586) 469-5642, heather. esposito@macombgov.org
MARCH 29
Dog adoption event: Presented by Detroit Dog Rescue, adoption application, agreement and home
check (bring photos of inside and yard) required, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., City of Cars, 1695 Stutz Drive in Troy, see dogs at detroitdogrescue.com
APRIL 7
Macomb County Quilt Guild meeting: Fellowship at 6 p.m. and presentation about free motion quilting design at 7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave. in Clinton Township, macombcountyquiltguild.org
APRIL 17
‘From High School 2 College - FAFSA Facts’: Students in grades 6-12 can learn about Free Application for Federal Student Aid, parents/caregivers also welcome, 6:30-8 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, registration opens April 3, (586) 226-5070, cmpl.libnet.info/events
ONGOING
Fish fries: 5-8 p.m. March 21 and April 4, Saint John Lutheran Church and School, 16339 E. 14 Mile Road in Fraser, dine in and carryout, cash and check only, proceeds benefit Senior Youth Group trip to LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, stjohnfraser. org/fishfry
• 4-7 p.m. Fridays until April 11, St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church, 41300 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, dine in and carryout, spotknights.com
• 4-7 p.m. Fridays until April 11, St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 S. Nunneley Road in Clinton Township, stthecla.com
• Also shrimp and steak, 5-7 p.m. Fridays until April 18 and every second Friday of month during rest of year, St. Clair Shores Moose Lodge #1837, 33877 Harper Ave. in Clinton Township, dine in and carryout, (586) 792-1908, lodge1837@mooseunits.org, www. facebook.com/lodge1837
• Also shrimp and sides, 3:30-7 p.m. Fridays until April 11 and 3-7 p.m. April 18 (Good Friday), St. Pio of
Pietrelcina Church, 18720 13 Mile Road in Roseville, dine in and carryout, (586) 777-9116, stpioparish. org/special-events
Lenten Soup Suppers: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays March 19-April 9, Saint John Lutheran Church and School, 16339 E. 14 Mile Road in Fraser, freewill offerings support causes and class trips, stjohnfraser.org/ soupsuppers
‘Leading Ladies of Michigan’s Past’: Exhibit on display 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays until April 26, also presentations about “Great Girls in Michigan History” (11 a.m. March 19), “Michigan’s Most Dangerous Women” (1 p.m. March 29), “What She Left Behind: Uncovering the Stories of Rochester Women” (1 p.m. April 11 and 23), “Nancy Harkness Love: The True Story of a WWII Pilot” (1 p.m. April 12), “Conquering Heroines: How Women Fought Sex Bias at U of M and Paved the Way for Title IX” (11 a.m. April 25) and “Elly Peterson: Mother of the Moderates” (1 p.m. April
25), Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com
Book clubs: Find meetups about historic American figures (Presidential Book Club), solving cases (Mysteries & Munchies), quiet reading for adults and kids (Silent Book Club and Silent Book Club Jr), and recipes and sharing dishes (Cookbook Club), Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every second Monday of month, Big Boy, 16880 Hall Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471, widowedfriends.com
‘Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show’: Exhibit on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until April 12, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org
Baumgartner
from page 1A
consequences of getting the designation were.
“Because we have a lot of people talking about buildings being designated historical or not and so I think it’s important for everyone to understand what it means when it does get this designation,” Baranski said. “It’s not honorary and it’s not taken lightly.”
Fraser City Manager Elaine Leven said she does not know the full extent of what it means, but that it does include keeping up the exterior of the building in accordance with its history.
The Baumgartner House is on the northwest corner of the Masonic Boulevard and Kelly Road intersection.
“It might govern things like paint color, window replacement, those types of things,” Leven said.
Councilwoman Patrice Schornak said the Historical Commission first replaced the windows, but because of its designation as a historical property in Michigan, they had to replace them again.
“It is very particular on how it can be done,” Schornak said. “I know the society and the commission have done tons of work, always having to replace exactly what was there.”
Calabrese said there are no restrictions on the city for the property due to the historical designation. She said it’s already a historical property.
“If we started getting federal funding for different things, and then that would add a little bit more to it,” Calabrese said.
Councilman Patrick O’Dell thanked the groups who take care of the house.
“It is (a) major piece of history in our
from page 8A
need to commit to at least a two- to threemonth training program with a mix of stretching, strength training, cardiovascular exercise and rest days.
“It’s going to take a little bit of preparation, some focus, discipline, and that includes nutrition, hydration, proper footwear, and strength training. It’s really surrounding yourself with a support system and a good coach,” Gibes said.
An important piece of your routine is to start your workout — your practice run, your race run, or any strength training that you’re doing — with dynamic stretching.
“Dynamic stretching is a moving stretch where you are swinging your legs, running with high knees, or doing hamstring curls, also known as butt kicks,” Utter explained.
For the best results, racers should also commit to strength training two to three times a week, ideally with a personal trainer to oversee proper exercises and form.
“You should do strength training two, three times a week focusing on the lower body, since legs are used in the running — especially calves, which I think are most overlooked, but
are important for stability, propulsion and speed on runs. You also need to include upper body and core strength, because it affects your posture, your balance and your form,” Utter said.
In between strength training days, you can mix up easy runs, long runs and interval runs. There are many good running apps to help you train, including the classic, Couch Potato to 5K.
“These will give you increments, increasing the intensity to help you build your endurance, so following a program like that, you can go from a coach potato to a 5K in just a couple of months, if you follow the app,” said Utter. “And make sure you get a rest day or two in there as well. Rest is just as important. Your body has to recover.”
Following this plan — paired with the proper nutrition and hydration — you will gradually build up your cardiovascular and muscular endurance enough to conquer race day.
“You just need to take a couple of months to get your body accustomed to the endurance that’s needed to do the 5K, and strength training as well, to make sure you have proper form and don’t injure yourself,” said Utter.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Reporters:
Dean Vaglia | (586) 498-1043 | dvaglia@candgnews.com
Alyssa Ochss | (586) 498-1103 | aochss@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
area and I know a lot of work goes into it for not a lot of thank yous and things like that,” O’Dell said.
Mayor Michael Lesich called the house a gem.
“And the volunteers work tirelessly to make this thing work,” Lesich said.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com For retail ad rates: Paula Stelzer | (586) 498-1076 | pstelzer@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Fraser Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fraser City Hall Council Chambers at 33000 Garfeld Road, located at the southeast corner of Fourteen Mile and Garfeld Roads, Fraser, Michigan for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing and making a recommendation in regard to amending Chapter 32 of the City Code of Ordinances (Zoning) including Article I (In General) Section 32-3–Defnitions, Article VI (Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements) Section 32-92(10) – General Parking Requirements, and Article IX (Residential and Recreation Districts) Section 32-122(3) – Minimum Yard Requirements.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Fraser Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday April 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fraser City Hall Council Chambers at 33000 Garfield Road, located at the southeast corner of Fourteen Mile and Garfield Roads, Fraser, Michigan for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing and making a recommendation in regard to amending Chapter 32 of the City Code of Ordinances (Zoning) including Article I (In General) Section 32-3– Definitions, Article VI (Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements) Section 32-92(10) – General Parking Requirements, and Article IX (Residential and Recreation Districts) Section 32-122(3) – Minimum Yard Requirements.
The Planning Commission shall consider the above listed amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance. These changes would add a defnition for “driveways,” replace the existing residential off-street parking standards with updated requirements and specify maximum impervious surface coverage for RM and RL zoned properties.
The Planning Commission shall consider the above listed amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance. These changes would add a definition for “driveways,” replace the existing residential offstreet parking standards with updated requirements and specify maximum impervious surface coverage for RM and RL zoned
The proposed amendments may be viewed by emailing zoning@micityoffraser.com or at City Hall (33000 Garfeld Road, Fraser, Michigan) during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the proposed ordinance amendments in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time of the meeting. Questions regarding the proposed ordinance changes can be directed to the Planner at 586-293-3100. Written comments may be submitted to the Planner c/o Fraser Building Department at 33000 Garfeld Road, Fraser, Michigan 48026, or by email to the Planner at zoning@micityoffraser.com up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.
The City of Fraser will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon four (4) days’ notice to the Building Department at the phone number set forth above.
Published: Fraser-Clinton Chronicle 03/19/2025
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Six-figure scam
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Feb. 18 at around
5:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with an 80-year-old Harrison Township woman about scams she was involved in.
Several weeks prior, the woman received a text claiming a pair of headphones were purchased on her card. She called the texter’s number and was told by a man that she was flagged for “money laundering and drugs” and that he could help her because he worked for the FBI.
Over the next few weeks at the man’s instruction, the Harrison Township woman purchased numerous gift cards, made Bitcoin transactions, emptied her retirement accounts and bought 120 gold bars from Gold Cove in Roseville. She delivered the bars to someone behind the Roseville Chili’s on Feb. 14.
The woman said she wished to press charges against the scammer.
Fire engine hit
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Feb. 16 at around 3:40 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a scene on westbound Interstate 94 to assist the Harrison Township Fire Department with an incident.
Firefighters parked a fire engine across two lanes of the highway to control traffic. As firefighters handled the scene, a semi-truck struck the engine and did not stop. No firefighters were injured.
Suspicious visitor
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Feb. 14 at around 12:20 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 42-year-old Harrison Township woman about a suspicious person she encountered.
On Jan. 25, a man came to her door in the 27000 block of Willowood Drive. He claimed to be a private investigator and demanded she give him a package containing drugs and clothes or else he would call the FBI.
The man provided some identification when requested and fled after the woman threatened to call the police.
Gas pump hit at station
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Feb. 11, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Mobil gas station at 24701 N. River Road for a property damage report. At around 4:45 a.m., a gray GMC pulled into the gas station and reportedly struck a pump. Video footage showed the driver exiting the truck and entering the store, during which time the truck rolled forward and struck a garbage can and another pump. The man returned to his truck and drove off.
Breaking and entering reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 9:21 p.m. on Feb. 22, a forced entry complaint was reported in the 22000 block of Maxine Street.
Two officers met with the victim’s daughter who stated she was made aware of the situation by her mother, a 62-year-old woman. Before she arrived, the officers searched the inside of the residence with no results. They requested a K-9 and were told Roseville police would be dispatched.
The daughter had a video that showed two suspects exit the residence carrying bags. The victim arrived on scene and stated nothing seemed to be taken from the first floor, but it was ransacked. One of the upstairs bedrooms was similarly ransacked and many valuable items were taken from it. The other bedroom was also ransacked but nothing seemed to be taken.
The woman advised that she left to babysit at her other daughter’s house at approximately 3:30 p.m. and was notified of the break-in by the same daughter at 9:07 p.m. She called the police at this point.
The officers saw that the rear door of the residence was forced in. Tracks appeared in the snow and a small bottle of whiskey as well as sunglasses and a hammer were found in the backyard. The woman said the sunglasses were hers, but that the whiskey and hammer were not.
A K-9 conducted a search with negative results.
Retail fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 10:26 a.m. on Feb. 16, a case of retail fraud was reported in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.
An employee, a 44-year-old woman, told officers a suspect was seen concealing items in his jacket and bag. She confronted him, asking him to give the items back. He gave her several items including stolen meat. He then came back in the store to make a complaint about her before leaving again on his bike.
Another officer located the suspect, and he was searched. They found more bottles of liquor on his person and the bottles were returned to the store. The total value of the stolen merchandise was $285.25.
Carjacking suspect arrested
ST. CLAIR SHORES — According to a press release, a Detroit man was arrested for allegedly carjacking a man at Kroger in St. Clair Shores on Feb. 21.
The release states the suspect tried to steal a woman’s purse when another customer intervened, hitting him with her shopping bag. The suspect then allegedly got into the driver’s seat of a running vehicle and drove off with a male victim in the passenger side.
The suspect allegedly demanded the man give him all his money or he would shoot. The victim managed
pect with a fork, according to police. The suspect then fled to a nearby store where he was apprehended by St. Clair Shores police.
The suspect was charged with unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony, and unarmed robbery, a 15-year felony. He was arraigned in the 40th District Court and Judge Joseph Oster set his bond at $250,000 cash or surety only, no 10%.
Police arrest shoplifter
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 4:32 p.m. Feb. 9, Shelby Township police officers were dispatched to Meijer on Hall Road for a report of a known shoplifter inside the store. The suspect had about $2,000 worth of merchandise in his possession at the time of the call.
Dispatch updated the officers on the suspect inside the store with information from Meijer’s loss prevention employees. They advised that the suspect had left the store with the merchandise without paying for the items.
The suspect was apprehended once outside the store and was taken into custody. The Police Department said it was able to recover just over $2,000 worth of merchandise. The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department. A warrant was requested for first-degree retail fraud.
Welfare check
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Feb 15 at around 1:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home in the 54000 block of Malheur Drive for a welfare check. A resident in the area called 911 reporting that a neighbor, a 60-year-old man, had not been seen for several days. The caller had been around the man’s house earlier that day and heard what sounded like a cry for help.
After arriving at the house and not receiving a response at the door, deputies walked around the property and saw a man on the floor through a window. Deputies breached their way in and approached the man, who told them he had been on the ground for three days. The man was taken to a hospital.
Jeep taken
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — An unknown suspect is said by police to have stolen a 2015 Jeep from the driveway of a home in the 1900 block of Anita Avenue. The victim discovered the vehicle missing at 7:30 a.m. March 1 and reported it to police. The victim wasn’t sure if the vehicle was locked when it was taken. An AirTag in the vehicle showed that it was located on the east side of Detroit, but when police arrived at that location, they said they were only able to recover some stolen property but not the vehicle.
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A pair of unknown sus-
org or (248) 334-1323. For Macomb County residents, contact Amanda Layne at alayne@hom.org or (248) 568-7564.
Detroit Zoo’s Greenfest back in April
practices, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12-13 at the Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak. Greenfest is free with zoo admission, and free for members. Attendees can connect with local environmental groups and organizations, a sustainable marketplace shopping experience, sustainable food options, animal engagements throughout the zoo, hands-on and educational activities, live music, and more. In addition to the events, the zoo will be accepting old or unwanted electronics to safely recycle them during the annual e-recycling event that takes place at the 10 Mile Road parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon April 12-13. People who recycle electronics get a free ticket to the zoo. For more information on Greenfest, visit detroitzoo.org/ events/greenfest.
BOOK A TRIP...
According to a new
Photos provided by Hospice of Michigan
Photo provided by Macomb Ballet Company
