4/17/24 Sterling Heights Sentry

SOFTBALL SEASON IS IN FULL SWING/3A

City prompts residents to complete master plan survey

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

Sterling Heights residents and stakeholders have a chance to serve the city and its future by filling out an online survey.

From now until the end of April, the city of Sterling Heights is looking for public feedback for its community survey regarding the updating of its master land use plan. The survey asks for input on topics such as commercial development, residential development, transportation, environmental sustainability and quality of life.

People who live, regularly visit, work or do business in Sterling Heights are encouraged to contribute, and the survey is estimated to take around 20-30 minutes to finish. Officials hope to get at least a few thousand responses, which will guide their approach to drafting an updated master plan by the end of this year.

“We are over halfway to our goal, but no number of responses is enough for a City that has as many residents and as many businesses as Sterling Heights. Community engagement is important and ensures that our Master Plan is reflective

See SURVEY on page 5A

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The spirit of independent record stores will make music on Record Store Day, set for April 20 this year.

Record Store Day, held internationally, was launched in 2007 to give employees and customers the chance to gather and celebrate the culture of the

indie record store, including those that sell used and new titles.

The event can trigger feelings of nostalgia for anyone who grew up listening to vinyl on their parents’ turntables or met up with friends at the neighborhood shop in their youth.

It’s also a day on which artists release new music or re-release albums and CDs that have been out

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Stallions softball: One Pileri graduates and another emerges, returning vets lead young cast

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

By all accounts, Sterling Heights softball put on a showcase last year in the Macomb Area Conference Silver, winning the league with a perfect 14-0 record and earning the school its first league title since 2008.

Senior Aisalynn Pileri was dominant on the mound as the ace of the rotation, and junior catcher/utility Ella Hyatt was an allleague honoree last year for the Stallions, but last year’s success has quickly become this year’s acclimation to life as defending league champions.

Pileri has since graduated, Hyatt is now a senior captain leading the 2024 squad, and with five seniors graduating last year there’s plenty of voids for young ballplayers to fill, with eight underclassmen — five freshmen and three sophomores — on the roster.

“Coming in, it was, obviously, different from last year,” Hyatt said. “It’s tough losing five seniors, but we have a lot of freshmen that came in and have really been pulling their weight.”

The rotation was a point of emphasis for the Stallions last year with Pileri taking the circle any chance she could get, tallying numerous no-hitters throughout her high school career.

Replacing production like Pileri’s doesn’t just come every year, but the emer-

Falcons softball reloads, muscles up for upcoming season

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

Aside from the offseason preparation high school softball teams do together with indoor practices and conditioning, every player can go about their personal offseason training differently.

Some may see a hitting or pitching coach, while some might be playing another sport to help with their strength and conditioning.

Utica Ford II, on the other hand, its varsity softball program took a different approach to preparing for the season.

Competing for the coed high school powerlifting team, the Falcons, who were already flexing their muscles metaphorically last season, are preparing to be the strongest team physically in the Macomb Area Conference this year.

“You can tell we’re a physically stronger team, and when you’re physically stronger, I think, your confidence level rises,” Ford head coach Matthew Joseph said. “I think that’s what I’m seeing. I’m excited to see where that takes us.”

The Falcons were nothing short of dominant at the plate last year during their Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state tournament run, scoring five runs or more in four of their five matchups, including a 20-run showing in the regional semifinals.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Utica Ford II softball huddles around the pitcher circle during a matchup against Macomb Dakota April 9 at Dakota High School.

See FALCONS on page 8A

Photo by Erin Sanchez Sterling Heights freshman Alina Pileri pitches during a matchup against Madison Heights Lamphere April 10 at Sterling Heights High School. See STALLIONS on page 20A

The exhibit displays photos and teaches over a century’s worth of farming history in this area, including a copy of a news announcement from former President Andrew Jackson about the sale of land.

Learn more about the Historical Commission by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “Historical Commission” in the search bar, or by calling (586) 446-2665.

Dodge Park to host Earth Month event

CommUNITY Alliance to run ‘Human Library’

The Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance will host its annual Human Library event 6-9 p.m. April 17 at the Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road. The event’s purpose is for people to meet and learn from people of different backgrounds who will describe their experiences as “open books.”

According to organizers, the invited guests are expected to include a transnational adoptee, an Asian American immigrant, someone with a physical disability, a transgender person and a Muslim woman, among others.

“If we don’t open ourselves up to the perspectives of others, we don’t learn and grow as a human race, but it’s not always easy engaging with others who seem very different than us,” CommUNITY Alliance Chair Cindy Bjornson said in a statement.

“The Human Library gives people the chance to have that engage-

Two Sterling Heights groups, the Beautification Commission and the Sustainability Commission, are organizing a Think Sterling Green Earth Month 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 27 at Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road. According to organizers, the event will include a scavenger hunt, tree planting, food trucks, crafts and free seed packets.

Learn more by visiting sterlingheights.gov and search for “Think Sterling Green Earth Month Event” in the search bar or by calling (586) 446-2700.

DPW TO HOST RECYCLING, WASTE DROP-OFF DAYS

The Sterling Heights Department of Public Works, 7200 18 Mile Road, is hosting a few more spring cleaning events for residents 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on select days over the next few weeks.

April 20 will be a Household Hazardous Waste Day to drop off items such as paint, antifreeze and kerosene. April 27 will be an Electronics Recycling Day to dispose of old computers, TVs and certain gadgets with electric cords. And Clean-up Saturdays will be held May 11 and 18 to drop off items such as tires, dirt and furniture.

Learn more about what types of items will be accepted at each event by visiting sterlingheights.gov and typing “DPW Spring Clean-Up Days” in the search bar, or call the DPW at (586) 446-2440.

ment in a safe space where honest conversations occur, and learning happens.” Admission is free; RSVP by visiting bit.ly/3PBUy62, or learn more by visiting shpl.net and clicking the “Programs” button, or calling (586) 446-2665.

City to host neighborhood cleanup SHINE Day

Sterling Heights will hold its annual Spring SHINE Day event May 4. Attending volunteers will gather at 9:30 a.m. at First Church of Sterling Heights, 39400 Dequindre Road, and then disperse to help spruce up the yards of neighborhood homes. The event is designed to reduce blight and keep up property values. Learn more by sending email to cityhall@sterling-heights.net or by calling (586) 446-2470.

Photo provided by the city of Sterling Heights

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

File photo by Erin Sanchez

from page 1A

of the community’s long-term goals,” City Planner Jake Parcell said in an email.

“We also have an Art Contest underway we are looking for submissions for so that we can include the youth of our community equally as well.”

The art contest, open to creative young residents from 5 to 18 years old, encourages them to draw, paint, snap a photo or write poetry about someplace they find particularly special in Sterling Heights. The submission deadline is May 6, and winners will have their work featured in the master plan document.

In a statement, Mayor Michael Taylor said the master plan will be stronger and more effective with broad input from the community.

“We want to hear from everyone – families, young people, seniors, local businesses, community organizations — because everyone’s voice matters in shaping the future of

our city,” Taylor said.

Fill out the survey by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/shmp24. Learn more about the master plan and how to apply for the related art contest by visiting engage. giffelswebster.com/sterling-heights-masterplan. For additional questions, send email to shplanning@sterling-heights.net or call (586) 446-2360. 13650

City Council passes resolution supporting world peace

PUBLIC SPEAKERS CALL FOR CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

Repeated public comments at Sterling Heights City Council meetings over violence in the Middle East recently prompted the council to pass a resolution that promotes peace and laments violence throughout the world.

During an April 2 meeting, the Sterling Heights City Council unanimously passed a resolution in its consent agenda that affirms

“their commitment to an end to violent conflicts worldwide, the humane treatment of all people affected by those conflicts, and peaceful resolution of disputes.”

The resolution affirms the city’s stated commitment to welcoming residents of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, national heritages and religions. It also says the city aims to encourage “peace, mutual respect, and acceptance of all persons” and condemns “violence, bigotry, hate speech, discrimination, and racism, in any form, in any place, and against anyone.”

The Sterling Heights City Council “further recognizes that violent conflicts and the resulting loss of life, destruction of

homes and property, and humanitarian crisis impacts our residents, whose loved ones are impacted,” the resolution states.

It also says that “acts of hate, intolerance, and violence go against the core values of humanity and the fabric of the Sterling Heights community.”

The resolution also supports people’s rights to “engage in civil dialog and advocacy, without threat or intimidation” and calls for “collective resilience against divisiveness, hatred, and misunderstanding.”

A copy of the resolution will go to Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. John James, officials said.

The resolution comes after public

speakers and activists — who mainly supported Palestinians or denounced Israel — spoke at multiple City Council meetings and implored the council for a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

During the March 5 City Council meeting, one speaker, who didn’t identify herself, said, “God is in solidarity with the marginalized and the oppressed.”

“God takes sides. God is not neutral, and God’s solidarity should become our solidarity. If God takes sides, so should we,” she said, later continuing:

“It is not enough to just pray for peace.

See RESOLUTION on page 16A

Falcons

from page 3A

Now returning as regional champions for the first time in nine years and with Brooke Williams, Samantha Yantus, Jenna Walters, Jillian Walters, Gabby Mecca, Jade Kupsky, Addison Hill and Samantha Norrito all fresh off a powerlifting season, Ford will be an intimidating offense each game.

“I think doing powerlifting in the offseason really helped, because it improved our bats too,” Kuspky said. “Everyone is hitting what would’ve been singles into doubles and everything like that.”

A 29-12 season last year and nine returning players is only icing on the confidence cake for Ford as Kupsky and Jenna Walters headline a stout pitching rotation.

Kupsky has been a mainstay in the Falcons’ rotation, while Walters was a sophomore sensation in 2023.

Both have the ability to be the go-to arm on any given day as Joseph considers them to be the Falcons’ “1A” and “1B” pitchers in the rotation, but Ford will also receive innings contributions from junior Emily Leusby this season.

On the offensive side, Ford had to account for the loss of graduating seniors Eli-

ana Karas, Jenna Nilson and senior Rylee Hesske, who paced the offensive effort.

Now, Joseph turns to his core four seniors — Hill, Kupsky, Mecca and Yantus — to continue to build off of the foundation the 2023 seniors layed.

“They’ve (the seniors) taken that role on, and it’s nice because they learned from some great seniors from last year, and they’re just carrying those traditions on,” Joseph said. “Those four have such a great work ethic. To me, that’s the most important. When your better players and your leaders are your hardest workers, it really makes my job a lot easier, because they just follow.”

Outside of the senior group, Williams is poised to take over the center field position after a strong spring showing, while junior Grace Polega and Norrito are both expected to be everyday players for the Falcons.

Polega excelled at the plate in the spring, while Norrito, who split time between varsity and junior varsity last year, will look to find her footing with a full season of varsity softball under her belt.

Ford will have their work cut out for them in a MAC Red conference that showed Joseph’s squad no favors last year, leaving the Falcons near the bottom with a 5-7 league record.

The Falcons play one of the more dif-

WHY ALL THE HOUSEHOLD DUST?

I’m Keith Meadows, owner and operator of Power Vac Air Duct Cleaning. For years I’ve been improving our communities health one family at a time. By now we’ve all heard the statistics: 50% of all illness is a direct relation to dirty indoor air and that it’s 90 times more polluted than outdoor air. Yet, 90% of the calls that I receive everyday are from people complaining about dust, they tell me they dust the TV on Friday but by Sunday they are pushing the dust out of the way again so they can watch America’s Got Talent and none of them know exactly where it’s coming from. Well I’m here to tell you that it’s not because you’re a bad housekeeper. I tell people that by simply having their air ducts cleaned will drastically reduce household dust. The reason is your cold air returns. Cold air returns suck in dirty air and over time it builds up until you have the same type of debris that you would find in your vacuum bag. Cold air returns are also the reason new homeowners are experiencing dust. While your drywall was being sanded, your air returns sucked all of the dust through the system. To prove it, go down to your basement and look for the thin sheets of tin nailed between your floor joists, these are your cold air return lines. Now give them a good pounding, you’ll see pufs

of dust seeping from the edges. That my friends is the reason you have uncontrollable Dust issues. This debris can not be removed without a professional. Which brings me to my next point- choosing an air duct cleaning company. We have the equipment that is powerful enough to get the job done right, a Power Vac truck. Its the most powerful equipment in the industry. The truck motor actually powers the equipment and its able to generate 16,000 cfms (cubic feet of air per minute) of vacuum. Most competitors opt for the cheaper, portable equipment attached inside of a van that’s only capable of moving 4,000 cfms. To put things into perspective your furnace moves 2,000 cfms. So basically what’s coming out of your register. The power vac trucks we invest in ofer quadruple the amount of vacuum than most other companies.

Power Vac is family owned and our crews are trained to arrive on time, work with a smile and respect people and their belongings. Call today at 248-656-0600 and receive $100 of for the next week.

Visit our website CALLPOWERVAC.COM where you can watch a short video on the cleaning process and what to watch out for while price shopping.

ficult schedules in the state with their MAC Red schedule, and both Algonac, who made the state quarterfinals, and Warren Regina, who Ford beat in the regional finals, on the schedule as well.

Currently 1-1 on the season with a loss against Macomb Dakota, a MAC Red rival, and a win against New Baltimore Anchor Bay, a MAC Red rival, Ford is looking to show that last year was anything but a flash in the pan.

“I think our mindset coming into this year was having the opportunity to show people that we’re no longer the underdogs,” Hill said. “We, obviously, had a great season last year, so we’re excited to build on that. Since we have so many returners and have been together for so long, we have a lot of trust in each other on and off the field. We’re just excited to prove who we are this year.”

With new pieces in place but an array of returning players, Kupsky said the senior Falcons want to end their high school career at Michigan State University, where the state semifinals and finals are played.

“We definitely learned that anybody can beat anybody,” Kupsky said. “That’s one of the quotes our coach always says. I think we’re really taking that in this year and we want to be back where we were and get further than we were really bad.”

April and Keith Meadows help keep indoor air clean with their local business, Power Vac.

Photo by Erin Sanchez Utica Ford II right-handed pitcher senior Jade Kupsky pitches to a Macomb Dakota batter.

Records

from page 1A

of print or previously weren’t available. That could include music from current bands and also from groups no longer together. Some titles are limited releases.

From the mainstream to the obscure, Record Store Day will have artists from all genres: classic rock, rap, blues, jazz, punk and country. Each individual record store owner decides what titles to order.

Several metro Detroit stores will participate in Record Store Day. It has become a tradition for record collectors to wait in line before the stores open for the day in hopes of getting that one special title they have been patiently waiting for.

“People make a day of it,” said Todd Fundaro, owner of Flipside Records in Berkley, which will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on April 20. “It’s the busiest day of the year by far.”

Flipside Records will offer discounts on used merchandise. Customers may even get a chance to see their favorite bands live this year as Fundaro will have ticket giveaways to 14 different upcoming concerts, including Santana, Green Day and Incubus.

The alternative rock group Paramore was crowned as the Record Store Day 2024 ambassadors. The musicians will pay tribute to the Talking Heads with their version of “Burning Down the House” on 12-inch vinyl; on the B-side will be Paramore’s song “Hard Times,” performed by David Byrne.

“That’s been getting some buzz,” Fundaro said.

As Record Store Day approaches, pop music’s biggest star right now — Taylor Swift — will drop her new album the day before. Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is set for release April 19, and Fundaro expects “a bunch of Swifties” to go record store shopping to pick up the new release. “Dark Matter” from Pearl Jam is due out April 19, which could prompt fans of the Seattle rockers to hit the stores on Saturday.

Music from many other artists will come out on April 20 including selections from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Doors, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, The Offspring, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, The Sisters of Mercy and many, many more. There are singles, full albums and picture discs. A list of new releases also can be found on recordstoreday.com.

‘There are a lot of good releases this year’

“We always have a great turnout,” said John Lehl, who owns Village Vinyl in Sterling Heights, which will open at 8 a.m. April

“I enjoy everything about music. It’s always exciting to see what people will buy and what people will bring in. We see a little bit of everything.”

— John Lehl, Village Vinyl owner

20. “There are 300 releases, and we should have most of them.”

For Lehl, the Mudhoney box set “Suck You Dry: The Reprise Years”’ is the title he’s most interested in. Village Vinyl recently moved from its digs on Chicago Road in Warren to its new spot at 34230 Van Dyke Ave., between 14 Mile and 15 Mile roads. Something Lehl always notices about Record Store Day is the camaraderie between customers.

“It’s a lot of people talking music and having a good time,” he said. “I think people are on the move all day bouncing from store to store. Every store has different sales.”

One piece of music people have been asking about is the release from folk-pop performer Noah Kahan.

“There’s a regular release and a split with Olivia Rodrigo, which is going to be pretty big,” Lehl said.

Village Vinyl has been in business for seven years.

“I enjoy everything about music,” Lehl said. “It’s always exciting to see what people will buy and what people will bring in. We see a little bit of everything.”

Melodies & Memories, located at 23013 Gratiot Ave., in Eastpointe, will get into the vibe of the occasion by offering a 20% discount on used merchandise all day. The store will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We do Record Store Day every year. A lot of the people are our regular customers,” said Dan Zieja, who owns the business with his wife, Denise. “There are a lot of good releases this year.”

Over the years, vinyl records have been the biggest seller for the Ziejas. They’ve also witnessed a recent resurgence of 45 RPM sales, and plans are underway to start stocking vintage T-shirts. Melodies & Memories recently celebrated 36 years in business.

“We’re like an old slipper,” Zieja said. “We’ve been here a long time. People know our store from all over the world.”

According to Zieja, past shoppers have included rappers Eminem and Kanye West, and Motown great Martha Reeves.

“Aretha Franklin used to shop here,” he said. “Questlove (from) Jimmy Fallon’s show was just in here.”

Record Store Day is held twice a year, in April and every November on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

According to the website recordstoreday.com, the following stores in the C & G Newspapers coverage area are participating in Record Store Day:

• Dearborn Music-Farmington, 33025 Grand River Ave., Farmington.

• Found Sound, 234 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale.

• Ripe Records Detroit, 15212 Charlevoix St., Grosse Pointe Park.

• Weirdsville Records, 61 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens.

• Blast in the Past, 28071 Gratiot Ave., Roseville.

• Solo Records, 30148 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.

• The Detroit Record Club, 28834 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.

• UHF Music, 512 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak.

• Media Reload, 13285 Hall Road, Utica.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Photos by Donna Dalziel

Photo by Barbara Ogar

CRIME WATCH

Bras stolen in self-checkout

Police investigated a shoplifting report March 22 at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave. Police said video footage showed a suspect scanning two bras in a self-checkout but holding four of various colors and tags.

Police arrested the suspect, determined that $23.96 worth of bras had been stolen, and cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.

Panera disruptor evicted

During the night of March 22, police went to Panera Bread, in the 36000 block of Van Dyke Avenue, upon hearing that someone was disturbing the restaurant. Police said they learned that a man seated in a booth often visits to yell and ask for free food. Police said the man told them he was leaving and took his stuff with him, and police let him know he could be cited if he ever returns.

Window broken in Durango theft attempt

Police went to the 43000 block of Burlington Drive, near Canal and 19 Mile roads, upon hearing about an attempted theft of a Dodge Durango that reportedly happened overnight sometime between March 23 and 24.

According to the report, a rear passenger-side window was smashed in the attempted theft, but nothing was stolen. Police said they didn’t find fingerprints or other clues that could identify a suspect. Front-door camera footage shows headlights around 1 a.m. but no discernible vehicle or suspect, police added.

Disorderly suspect arrested at adventure park

Police said they went to Urban Air Adventure Park, 12050 Hall Road, March 23 and saw a security guard arguing with a man. Police were told that the man had been evicted and was threatening staff.

Police said the man showed signs of intoxication, and he reportedly accused the staff of not treating his kids nicely. Officers said they later were told that the kids had been instructed not to jump from a platform due to safety issues, and when this happened, the man allegedly grew angry and started yelling. Police said they ultimately arrested and cited the man for disorderly conduct.

Man cited for disorderly conduct at market

Police were summoned to a supermarket near Dequindre and 18 Mile roads March 22 after hearing that a male suspect was angry and yelling after he wasn’t allowed to make a financial transaction.

Police saw the suspect raising his voice and recording another customer. Officers said they took the suspect out of the store while he was still cursing at people.

The man reportedly said he couldn’t cash a check because staff said his alleged prior conduct made him unwelcome there. Police said they saw video footage that allegedly showed the suspect threatening to knock someone out. Store staff also reportedly told police that the man had yelled and cursed at a worker late last year.

Police told the suspect he wouldn’t be allowed back in the store and also cited him for disorderly conduct.

Anyone who has more information about these events or general suspicious happenings is encouraged to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.

— Eric Czarnik

FLOWER SEASON APPROACHES AS WEATHER IMPROVES

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT— The weather has been slowly getting warmer in Michigan, which means homeowners can start planning their flower beds for their properties.

The first thing people should think about when getting their flower beds ready, said Brad Wethy, manager for the Oakland County Farmers Market, is how to prepare the beds, what needs to be removed, what needs to be deadheaded and cut down, and what can last through the wintertime.

“It’s gonna be cleaning up that flower bed, making sure that when things do want to actually sprout through the ground, that they’re not having any extra obstacles such as branches, piles of leaves from the previous fall, things of that nature,” he said.

Wethy also recommended adding things to the soil that will help with plant growth, such as compost.

Matt Colonius, co-owner of Piechnik’s Greenhouse & Garden Gate in Oakland Township, said that people moving into newly built homes have to mend the soil.

“You buy a new house and it’s just an empty lot. The foundation that they dig, they bring up the old soil from the job,” he said. “They usually don’t replenish

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Flowers

from page 14A

the topsoil. So you’re stuck with this topsoil. It’s just not got any nutrients or anything in it. So it takes time the first year to establish your plants when you’re buying a new house. You have to add topsoil and nutrients.”

The best way to clean the flower beds, Wethy said, is to use simple gardening tools.

“You don’t need to go too in depth with it,” he said. “You don’t need power tools, nothing of that nature. A simple trowel, a simple … rake and just knowing what to remove and what not to remove can do leaps and bounds for your garden.”

Colonius said that if homeowners are cleaning up the yard, they should do a walkthrough to see if anything was damaged over the winter.

Items for homeowners to search for include broken branches caused by the weather and rodent damage.

“Be careful, if you have any perennials, not to disturb the perennials. Leave the mulch around them until the danger of frost is over, which is usually the beginning of

May, but it can be as late as Memorial Day,” he said.

As for what to plant right now, Colonius said flowers including pansies, daffodils and tulips would grow well.

“You might want to consider whether you have deer in your yard or not,” he said. “When you make the choices, you want some deer-tolerant, cold-tolerant plants. So you know pansies are wonderful. They can take the cold but … there’s a lot of problems with the way the deer have cohabitated with us and it’s causing a lot of issues with landscapes in the area.”

Besides sun and water, Wethy said the best way to keep the flowers healthy is to keep an eye out for pest and fungi issues, and issues with overcrowding.

“I even had issues with overcrowding. … As I removed certain things from the garden or gave them more space, they were actually able to flourish better,” he said.

He said it’s important to know the space and light requirements for plants — what needs more space, what grows in shade and what grows in direct sunlight.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

Resolution

We must work for it. This means advocating for policies and resolutions that promote peace and justice, both locally and globally. Therefore, I urge the council to support a bilateral cease-fire resolution for the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”

Another cease-fire advocate who didn’t identify herself urged the council to be proactive toward Gaza.

“The ongoing genocide has led to profound humanitarian suffering and loss,” she said. “Tens of thousands of innocent women, children and men have been killed unnecessarily.”

When it was Mayor Michael Taylor’s turn to address the topic, he called it a “very complicated” one over which people often disagree.

“You can think that a genocide is happening, and somebody else can think it’s a justified attempt to defend themselves,” he said.

Taylor criticized some of the public speakers’ tone and bristled at statements alluding to God being on their side, adding that there are Jews in Israel who believe the land was given to them because they believe “God is on their side,” while there are Muslims in Palestine who believe “the absolute opposite way — that Allah is on their side.”

“When you have God on your side — when you believe that you’re not just a human being with human emotions and human frailties and human errors, that you are actually carrying the word of God, the most powerful, most divine — then you are capable of doing absolutely anything you want. You no longer have to consider what the other person is thinking,” Taylor said, later concluding:

“At a minimum, you don’t know what God wants you to do. You don’t, and when you use God as a justification to come and take any position … you can do some really terrible things with that mentality.”

Taylor said he could personally support a general resolution against “needless killing.” But he said he didn’t support a ceasefire resolution without knowing what happens afterward, such as the status of hostages seized by Gaza’s Hamas organization, which the U.S. government classifies as a foreign terrorist organization.

Taylor referenced what transpired Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led operations invaded Israel, killed an estimated 1,200 people and took an estimated 250 hostages.

“Let’s say a cease-fire happens. What happens on Day 2?” Taylor asked.

“Are the hostages returned? You know, are they? Why aren’t they returned right now? … What is stopping Hamas from saying, ‘Stop killing us, we caused this problem, we’re sorry, we made a mistake, here’s your hostages back. What are your terms of peace?’”

At the March 5 meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski mentioned that the city tried to arrange a chance for residents to speak to members of Congress about the issue, but the plans fell through. She asked city officials to review other communities’ resolutions on “peace and an end to violence in the Middle East,” particularly Warren’s, and then put together a resolution for the council to consider.

During the April 2 meeting, multiple speakers during public comment expressed their dissatisfaction with the city’s resolution, with some calling it vague for not specifically mentioning Gaza or for not calling for a cease-fire in that war.

Meanwhile, resident Paul Smith took a different perspective and sardonically commented on the resolution before its passage.

“The city has very belatedly put an end to violence in the world,” he said. “And, you know, we’ve been a city for 55 years, and 4 1/2 million people have been killed in wars and violence, and the City Council could have ended world violence long ago, and it’s about time.”

Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.

• Chef-prepared dining experiences

• A variety of Life Enrichment programs

• Personal care services available when needed

•

• Scheduled transportation

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

A Sterling Heights resident has been accused of murder following the death of his pregnant girlfriend, according to county prosecutors.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office believes that the suspect, identified as Damarion Goler, 31, stabbed Talic Mersina, 31, near their apartment’s door March 24. The attack reportedly ended up killing Mersina, as well as her unborn child, prosecutors said.

The Prosecutor’s Office said Goler was discovered with Mersina in her vehicle, which was reportedly at a parking lot by a Clinton Township apartment complex that is home to Goler’s mother.

“The defendant allegedly chose to take the life of his pregnant girlfriend, someone who trusted and loved him. Justice demands that he face the consequences of his crimes,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement. “These acts are not merely crimes against individuals but against the very fabric of humanity itself.”

Prosecutors said Goler was arraigned March 27 in 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights before Magistrate Michael Piatek. The suspect was charged with four counts: a life felony of seconddegree murder; a life felony of assaulting a pregnant individual, intentionally causing miscarriage; a 10-year felony of evidence tampering; and a five-year felony of concealing an individual’s death. Bond was denied, and Goler was reportedly sent to Macomb County Jail.

According to prosecutors, Goler’s next scheduled court dates include a June 5 status conference before 41-A District Court Judge Kimberely Wiegand. Goler’s listed attorney, Gary Francis Kennedy II, did not respond for comment by press time.

Anyone who has more information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office by visiting macombgov.org/departments/prosecutorsoffice or by calling (586) 469-5350.

Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.

Troy welcomes new semi-pro women’s team

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI

Some of the area’s best and brightest soccer players will be hitting the field in Troy with the start of a new semi-professional soccer team, the Troy City Women’s Football Club.

The team was begun by coach and trainer John Arndt. The team will play games at Troy High School or the Evolution Sportsplex in Auburn Hills.

“It’s a semi-professional team,” explained Arndt. “We’re playing in two leagues: the United Women’s Soccer League and the Michigan Premier Soccer League. We’ll play about 20 games this summer. … We got sponsorships. The girls put in a certain percentage of money, but sponsorships and fundraising brought in most of the money. We had about 10 sponsors from in and around Troy.”

Arndt wanted to begin the team because he saw a lack of opportunities for young women to play in the area.

“I’m a soccer trainer, and I train out of Five Star Sports in Troy, and John R Training is the name of my business,” said Arndt. “I train a lot of high school and college girls, and there was always a call for a soccer

Photo provided by John Arndt

A new high school and college semi-professional team starting in Troy, the Troy City Women’s Football Club, will begin this year.

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Stallions

from page 3A

gence of senior Stella Juncaj, a first-year player, has softened the blow for the Stallions.

“We lost a pitcher (Pileri) who pitched for us for four years, and out comes Stella (Juncaj) who pitches too,” Sterling Heights head coach Dale Erickson said. “We were very fortunate there to have her come, but replacing Aisalynn, who had nine or 10 nohitters in her career, is kind of hard to do.”

Juncaj is on everyone’s radar as a breakout candidate this year in the MAC Silver, but how about another Pileri coming into the fold?

Freshman Alina Pileri, younger sister of Aisalynn Pileri, is slated to lead the Stallions rotation alongside Juncaj, picking up right where her sister left off as a lethal arm ready to take over the league.

Both Pileris are their own individuals, so let’s hold the comparisons for the moment, but Alina Pileri has the talent to be an ace for Sterling Heights this year, especially with her older sister serving as an assistant coach on the staff.

“When I look at her (Alina) and I watch her throw, she’s very intent on throwing strikes,” Erickson said. “She’s a very, very focused person. Out on the mound, she’s a focused person and very competitive. She doesn’t accept less than perfection, and sometimes that needs to be settled down.”

With the Stallions’ rotation shored up, the lineup shows some veteran presence with Hyatt, senior outfielder Makalia Perkins and junior captain Chloe Taylor pacing the offense along-

side a core of underclassmen looking to break out.

Sophomore Liza Galley, a speedy, left-handed hitter, headlines the young Stallions group with sophomore Elizabeth Galadik, freshman shortstop Rachel Reimer, and freshman Alexandra Horvath all expected to consistently contribute this season.

Hyatt is the type of veteran hitter any coach would dream of having in their lineup around their younger players, for she puts together productive at-bats and hits the ball just about as well as anyone in the MAC.

Sterling Heights’ batting order will sport a completely new look without the production of Aisalynn Pileri, Julia Heilman, Lilian Furman, Chloe Papesh and Elizabeth Tymoszek, but Taylor said the team’s ability to help one another will be pivotal in the growth of their younger teammates.

“It’s just easy to communicate with each other,” Taylor said. “We’re not holding back, because we’re all comfortable with each other.”

Sterling Heights, which is currently 0-1 with a season-opening loss to MAC Gold’s Madison Heights Lamphere, will look to defend its league title this season while progressing each game before districts rolls around.

The Stallions have struggled in district play, suffering shutout losses in their last three appearances, to Warren Regina twice and Fraser once.

If their veterans can continue to produce and the underclassmen grow as ballplayers throughout the season, there’s no telling the potential for Sterling Heights softball this year.

Either way, Erickson said, the main thing he wants to see is his squad playing as a cohesive unit.

“They’re doing everything for everyone,” Erickson said. “It’s

not a ‘me, me’ or ‘I, I.’ It’s a very team-oriented environment, and that’s not something we want. It’s something we expect. We tell them all the time, ‘You win as a team and you lose as a team.’”

Photo by Erin Sanchez Sterling Heights senior Ella Hyatt gets onto third base safely during a matchup against Madison Heights Lamphere April 10 at Sterling Heights High School.

Soccer

from page 18A

team in the city. It’s very popular with people here. There wasn’t one before, and I think it’s a great time for women’s soccer right now. I sent out a form, and about 120 people responded. This is a soccer-rich community.”

Among the players on the team and those who Arndt has trained is Keira Boskovich, a sophomore at Lourdes University.

“I’m one of the team captains. … I’ve actually been training with John for about five years,” she said. “He’s helped me through a lot of injuries. I had a horrible experience playing on a summer team last year, so when we brought it up that he might coach a team, it was something that a lot of young women in the community jumped on.”

Updates on the team are available on Facebook by searching “Troy Women’s Football Club.” Ticket prices at games are estimated at $5.

“I’m looking forward to the first year and I hope we can support our players. I want to get the word out that this is something new that they should support,” said Arndt. “It’s a semi-pro team. They don’t get paid. It is college girls that are coming back from their college teams so they can get games in during the summertime. It helps them prep for their college teams in the fall. There are a few high school girls on the team as well.”

Each league’s standing is based on statistics, particularly the number of wins from each team.

“You play a specific amount of games. Depending on the stats, you can play for a first-place position,” said Boskovich. “The MPSL, you win a trophy based on those stats earned throughout the season. Your win-loss ratio is, obviously, the most important stat. For the other league, it’s a similar system.”

Boskovich hopes the team will keep her skills on point during the offseason but also hopes to build something special with the Troy City Women’s Football Club.

“Personally, I kind of hope to stay up on fitness and build the team into something. As a captain, it’s important to encourage the younger girls. I want to learn a lot that I can apply to my college team as well,” she said. “I hope we achieve the best we can. It’s a long summer, but we’ve all put in the work.

I want to create a bond and keep playing together and maybe open some doors. I hope we win. I hope we succeed, but I hope we can achieve more together as well.”

She added that, so far, community response to the team has been incredibly positive.

“Just from the sponsors we’ve spoken to and the community who have responded, people are excited to have a women’s team here. The established teams are either far away or not accessible,” said Boskovich. “I think John wanted to have this opportunity here for people who weren’t getting what they needed from what was currently established. I’m from Clinton Township, but this allows me to play in a way I wasn’t able to before.”

Boskovich credited Arndt with being a strong leader for a team and praised his skills as a trainer.

“I think the level of closeness sets this apart. He opens up his training to everyone. He takes the time to come to our games before we were on his team. He is very encouraging and posts about our achievements. A lot of players have gotten close to each other through him,” she said. “John is one of a kind when it comes to coaching. He has built this all by himself. We help him, of course, but he took this on and made it into something incredible. The time and energy he puts in is amazing. I cannot wait to get to a coaching session with him. I don’t think he’s coached college or club, but he is a great coach. Other coaches are just on their phones or don’t care about their players’ personal lives or their mental health. John does.”

Arndt believes there’s a definite need for a women’s team like this in the community and says he knows just the squad to meet that need.

“I want the public to come out and support and empower these women,” Arndt said. “As athletes, we have combined our efforts. There is a men’s club as well, Troy United Football Club. It’s been around at least five years. We are brother-sister clubs, so we will be coordinating together and giving back in the community together. We want the city to support us. Nowadays, with Title IX being around for 50 years or so, supporting women is a huge deal. They deserve the same recognition as the men.”

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

Photo provided by John Arndt

The Troy City Women’s Football Club will offer local players on high school and college teams a competitive team in which to play during their off seasons from their school teams.

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