4/24/24 Fraser-Clinton Chronicle

Trustees air concerns about Flock cameras, approve installation

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees, at its April 15 meeting, OK’d the reallocation of funds from vehicle purchases to the purchase of eight traffic cameras for the Police Department’s special investigations unit to use.

The cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety, would help law enforcement locate vehicles based on license plates or other identifying markers like bumper stickers. The cost of the cameras would be $34,000.

The police would also utilize CLEAR, a data collection database by Thomson Reuters, with license plate readers for $16,632. In a letter to the township ways and means committee, Sergeant Robert Nielsen stated that CLEAR would be an improvement over the current system Accurint in scope.

“By harnessing a broader spectrum of data sources, CLEAR enhances the depth and accuracy of information available to investigators and will provide more data and ensure its accuracy,” Nielsen said in the letter. “CLEAR is the superior choice, and sole source, which

See CAMERAS on page 14A

‘WHAT AN ICON HE WAS’

From testifying at the O.J. Simpson civil case in 1996 to offering his perspective in the Chappaquiddick incident that involved Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, Werner Spitz was widely known for providing his expertise on the witness stand.

The prominent forensic pathologist was sought after in the court system for his knowledge in forensic evidence and his testimony regarding many high-profile murders that drew public interest and media attention.

The longtime chief medical examiner — who performed or supervised more than 60,000 autopsies during his career — died April 14 at the age of 97. He was a resident of Grosse Pointe Shores. Many in the community are remembering the well-known forensic expert.

Warren City Council member Mindy Moore felt “very sad” when she learned Spitz died. Moore, a freelance court reporter, has known Spitz since the late 1970s when he was the chief Wayne County medical examiner. She was present for many depositions he provided over the years.

“What an icon he was. He was quite brilliant and so effective,” she said. “He had a way about him. His whole career was fascinating. When he spoke, all eyes were on him. You knew what he would say would be impactful and very impor-

Dr. Werner Spitz was for many years the chief medical examiner in both Wayne and Macomb counties. He died April 14 at the age of 97.

Photo provided by Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University

Main: (586) 498-8000

Editor: Brian Louwers brianlouwers@candgnews.com

News: Nick Powers npowers@candgnews.com

Dean Vaglia dvaglia@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak sports@candgnews.com

Community Calendar: calendar@candgnews.com

Classifieds: (586) 498-8100

Legals & Obits: (586) 498-1099

Artroom: (586) 498-1036

Retail Advertising: Paula Stelzer pstelzer@candgnews.com

Karen Bozimowski (586) 498-1034

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor pkaspor@candgnews.com candgnews.com

facebook.com/candgnews @candgnews instagram.com/candgnews

Residents raise concerns about changes to wood disposal

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — At the Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting on April 15, some residents made it known that they wanted to keep the wood chipping service the township provided. The discussion started with the announced discontinuation of the Department of Public Service wood

Selfridge museum restoring warbirds

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At one time they were the knights of the skies, and soon they will be teachers from the ground.

The Selfridge Military Air Museum, at Selfridge Air National Guard base, is restoring two historic planes: a Vought F4U Corsair, and a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny. While both planes will share a hangar for static display and are expected to be completed this autumn, their histories before coming to the Selfridge museum could not be any more different.

Although the Corsair was built for combat in the Pacific theater, design issues meant it would serve much of the war as a groundbased fighter for the Marines before it was

ready for carrier-based duty for the Navy. Corsairs remained in service and production into the 1950s but were replaced by jet fighters by the end of the decade.

The phasing out of the Corsair saw one arrive at Selfridge. Although it never served in combat, the military did not give the plane an easy life in retirement.

“The plane came to the museum in the middle 1970s, and before that it was used as a gunnery target out at the Army proving grounds in Mesa, Arizona,” said Steve Sibal, Corsair restoration team leader. “It was pretty shot up when we received it. The Navy on the base here did a quickie restoration. Primarily they filled all of the bullet holes with automotive body filler, quick and dirty job, threw

Screenshot taken from Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting broadcast George Westerman provides specific examples of places where the wood chipping service is needed during Clinton Township’s Board of Trustees meeting on April 15.

Photo provided by Selfridge Military Air Museum

The Curtiss JN-4 Jenny as it arrived at Selfridge on Aug. 11, 2023. Volunteers unloaded the broken plane as it arrived by truck, just as the base’s first JN-4s arrived in 1917.

See SELFRIDGE on page 12A

See WOOD on page 10A

Eagle Scout honored by Board of Trustees

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees recognized Aiden William Turner, a freshman at Henry Ford II High School, for earning his Eagle Scout rank at age 14.

Turner was recognized for community work like using a bowling fundraiser to raise funds to build garden boxes at the Senior Life Center in Clinton Township.

“I have done this many times, but I have never seen an Eagle Scout that wasn’t a big success in life,” Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said at the board’s April 15 meeting.

“I want to thank my parents, my grandparents and the senior center for letting me do my project,” Turner said.

Summer career academies at MCC

MACOMB COUNTY — Students in grades 6-11 looking to stay busy this summer may want to attend a summer career academy at Macomb Community College.

Nine hands-on career academies will be offered and are designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of career fields, ranging from health and law enforcement to automotive design and media arts.

There will be camps focused on healthcare, crime scene investigation, media arts, architecture, culinary arts and more.

For more information, to see a selection of the camps and to register, visit wce.macomb.edu and select youth programs under personal enrichment, then choose career academies.

CMPL hosting May 4 events

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Librarians wish The Force to be with you with activities planned for May 4 at the Main Branch, located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, guests can stop in for a free comic book while supplies last, while participating in any of the crafts and video games set up for a celebration of comics and “Star Wars.” A class will be held at 11 a.m. to teach children how to draw their own comic books. No registration is required.Other events include the Living Well at CMPL event on Thursday, May 9 at the Main Branch. This event for people 55 years and older will see vendors come through from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. to share ways to make the most out of senior living. On Wednesday, May 22, master gardener Cheryl English will visit the North Branch at 6:30 p.m. to discuss how to incorporate native wildflowers into gardens. The North Branch is located at 54100 Broughton Road. Visit cmpl.libnet.info/events for more events and registration.

VFW dedicates tree to veterans who have died by suicide

FRASER — On April 20, members of the LT Wood-CPL Reid Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6691 dedicated a tree to veterans who have died by suicide.

Shannon Tennant, auxiliary president of VFW Post 6691, said at the dedication it’s estimated that 22 veterans commit suicide every day. She said women have a higher rate of suicide rate than men, adding that overall numbers could be on the rise.

“Better mental health care is a must,” Tennant said. “Removing the stigma of mental health is a must.”

VFW Auxiliary Department President Sara Manke, whose father passed away from suicide, came up with the idea for the tree dedication.

Chaplin Bob Juszczyk said a prayer before and after the ceremony.

The red maple that was planted at the VFW, near 14 Mile and Garfield roads, was planted the previous Thursday.

“Figured something with a little color, to help it stand out a bit,” said Cecile Gordon, VFW veterans & family support chair.

Tennant said compassion, kindness and respect are key. Listening is also critical.

“Lending an ear, providing a shoulder, or even just sitting with someone who may be battling with emotions can do immense good,” she said.

— Nick Powers

Photo by Nick Powers Attendees at the April 20 tree dedication for veterans who died from suicide pose for a photo.

Clinton Twp. man charged in state’s largest fentanyl bust

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A Clinton Township resident who owns a gas station in Detroit has been charged with possessing over 40 kilograms of fentanyl.

Barry Willis, 55, was indicted in U.S. District Court for possession of over 400 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment if convicted in federal court.

“This case represents the largest law enforcement sei-

zure of fentanyl in the state of Michigan to date,” U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison said in a press release. “We are incredibly proud of our law enforcement partners who conducted this investigation and recovered these deadly substances before they could harm members of our community.”

The charges come after an investigation by the Livonia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Michigan State Police and the Clinton Township Police Department lent a hand with the investigation.

According to the press release, Willis mainly lived in Clinton Township but had a stash house in Detroit. In the Detroit house’s basement, officers found the pills and the

means to manufacture them (scales, presses, recipes). In addition to the drugs, officers found guns at the gas station and both houses. Over $100,000 in cash was found at the Clinton Township house.

“This major seizure of fentanyl has saved lives,” Livonia Police Chief Thomas Goralski said. “The great partnerships we have with law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels in southeast Michigan, enable us to make these types of investigations successful.”

Willis’ attorney, Steven Scharg, said he had no comment at this time given where the case is at.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

MEIJER RECEIVES AWARD FROM FOOD PANTRY

UTICA — The Mejier store on Hall Road in Utica recently received an award from the St. Paul of Tarsus Church Food Pantry for donations through the store’s Simply Give program over the last 10 years.

“You’ve helped us feed over 18,000 families over the 10 years,” said Marc Rybin-

Meijer Store Director Bruce VanMaele holds up a plaque from St. Paul of Tarsus Church Food Pantry for donations the Hall Road store made. To the left of him is Meijer human resources representative Melody Read. Marc Rybinski, deacon at St. Paul of Tarsus, is in the center with Florence Hogan, far right, and food pantry coordinator

Yaklin.

ski, deacon at St. Paul of Tarsus.

Rybinski presented Meijer Store Director Bruce VanMaele and human resources representative Melody Read with the award April 16. He said that Meijer was the biggest donor to the pantry.

According to a press release from the

pantry, it served 2,406 families last year. In 2022, it served 2,675 families, and in 2021, it served 1,349. The release states that all donations go toward those in need.

The pantry, located at 41300 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, serves Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Har-

rison Township and Fraser.

For more information about the pantry’s hours and requirements, call (586) 2281094.

— Nick Powers

Joyce

Photo by Nick Powers

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

Jessica

Mark D. Berman, D.D.S.

Spitz

from page 1A

tant. He certainly was one of a kind.”

Sometimes the evidence presented in court could be very technical, and Moore said Spitz was always able to explain it “so any lay person could understand him.” One deposition that stands out was the time the forensics expert testified in a case to determine whether a man committed suicide or was murdered. With the unloaded firearm in his hand, the pathologist laid on the floor to demonstrate that the deceased man could not have killed himself at the particular angle in which he died.

Despite the gruesome work he did, Moore, at times, saw the medical examiner in another light.

“He had a really good sense of humor,” she said.

According to his resume, Spitz practiced forensic pathology for more than 50 years. He was the chief medical examiner in Wayne County from 1972-88 and in Macomb County from 1972-2004. He also served as a deputy chief medical examiner in Maryland.

He received his medical training at the Geneva University Medical School in Switzerland and the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem. His resume states he was an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University, and that he worked for the Department of Legal Medicine at the University School of Medicine in West Berlin.

Throughout his lifetime, Spitz served on various committees investigating the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. He testified at vari-

ous trials in the U.S. and Canada including the “Preppy Murder” in New York, the talk show host Jenny Jones case, the Crown vs. Truscott in Toronto, music producer Phil Spector’s murder trial and the Casey Anthony murder case. He also consulted with the police in Boulder, Colorado about the death of JonBenét Ramsey.

Steve Bieda, a 37th District Court judge in Warren, recalled how when he was in the

Michigan Legislature as a state representative and senator, the elected officials often contacted Spitz for advice regarding criminal justice issues.

“He was highly regarded and would be asked to weigh his opinions based on his expertise,” Bieda said. “He was iconic in the sense of high-profile crime.”

On a personal level, Bieda followed Spitz’s work on the Oakland County child

killer case in the 1970s and his work related to President Kennedy’s death.

“He was a fascinating individual and very charismatic,” Bieda said.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel met Spitz in 1981 when he worked as a dispatcher on the midnight shift for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. On his first night, Hackel took a call from a Macomb Township

See SPITZ on page 15A

Dr. Werner Spitz testified in many high-profile cases. Photo provided by Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University

Suspect in Fraser stabbing case killed in crash

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A crash involving three vehicles left an 18-year-old man dead on April 16.

The teen who died was Collin West, who had previously been involved in a Sept. 13, 2022, stabbing incident that left two hospitalized and one dead in Fraser.

The sudden death was surprising to West’s attorney.

“I could not have been more shocked or saddened,” attorney Jeffery Cojocar said. “Just horrible, absolutely horrible.”

West originally faced assault with intent to murder and first-degree home invasion charges in district court. In February, he pleaded guilty to charges of assault with the intent to do great bodily harm and second-degree home invasion in Macomb County Circuit Court. The guilty plea dismissed the original charges. West was to be sentenced on April 26, 2024.

Cojocar, who represented West throughout his case, said his client was hopeful about his future. He said West

Andiamo opening new location at Partridge Creek

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Andiamo is coming back to Hall Road.

The Italian restaurant is set to open a new location at the former Brio Italian Grille at The Mall at Partridge Creek. Andiamo owner Joe Vicari said the mall reached out about the location.

“We think that there’s a market for sure for Andiamo, for a good Italian restaurant,” Vicari said. “We like that location.”

According to Vicari, the chain had a restaurant on Hall Road for 17 years. The location closed in 2020. Portillo’s bought the building and knocked it down to build its own structure.

“We wanted to get back in that market,” he said. “This opportunity came, and we liked it.”

While it’ll feature favorites the restaurant is known for, it’ll have a different focus. The new restaurant will be called Andiamo Pasta & Chops. Because Andiamo owns Joe Muer Seafood, Vicari said it’ll also specialize in those items.

Photo by Nick Powers Andiamo owner Joe Vicari said a new location for the restaurant chain, Andiamo Pasta & Chops, is set to open this July at The Mall at Partridge Creek. The space was occupied by Brio Italian Grille previously.

14A

Wood

from page 3A

chipping service by the board at its Jan. 22 meeting. It came as a recommendation from the township’s Budget Ways & Means Committee. Board members Bob Cannon, Kim Meltzer, Mike Keys and Julie Matuzak voted to end the service; trustee Tammy Patton voted no. The discontinuation is still set for May 13, 2024.

At the April 15 meeting, trustees Patton and Dan Kress led the charge to rescind the service’s discontinuation.

Patton said the money for the service ($250,000) had already been allocated. She said she would have preferred to have the conversation at a meeting of the trustees rather than at the budget ways and means committee meeting.

“People weren’t at budget ways and means,” Patton said. “I think that is something we could’ve opened up here before we abruptly stopped the service, which many people use.”

Following the meeting, Treasurer Paul Gieleghem said the $250,000 figure in the budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year had been reduced to $62,500 for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The money allocated would account for severe weather events. In these cases, the township would be able to still provide the chipping service.

“This is not an elimination of the chipping service,” Gieleghem said. “This is an elimination of chipping service on demand, meaning we have an active program that goes all around the township and picks up anything anybody puts at the curb.”

The members who originally voted to discontinue it at the Jan. 22 meeting wanted to send it back to the committee, following analysis with DPS. This view won the day. Cannon, Meltzer, Gieleghem, Keys and Matuzak voted yes; Patton and Kress voted no.

“The financially responsible thing is not to continue doing it like we were doing it,” Matuzak said. “I would like to see public works come up with a different plan.”

Keys said the overtime costs were often a problem with the service. Prior to the meeting, he said that the township already has it within its GFL refuse contract to put out bundled tree limbs as long as they meet certain requirements.

According to the township’s website, limbs must be cut down to 4 feet in length. These can be tied into bundles not exceeding 50 pounds or they can be put in a 32-gallon container marked as “compost.” Branches from private contractor work are not part of that collection. The branches are picked up on regular trash days.

A firm date has not yet been set for the next committee meeting where the matter will be hashed out. Meetings of Clinton Township’s Budget Ways & Means Committee are open to the public. Meltzer encouraged the public to attend to be heard on the issue.

During public comment, Resident Dana Dugger brought up how Harrison Township offers a similar service.

Harrison Township provides chipping service through its GFL contract once a month, according to its website. Tree branches cannot exceed 2–3 inches in diameter or 12 feet in length.

Resident Donald Aubrey lives on a portion of Moravian with old-growth trees. He stressed the importance of the service in places like this in the township.

“Just in the last two days, I’ve been picking up branches, trying to clean up the area,” Aubrey said. “These are not branches that will fit in any waste management or GFL container. These are huge branches that you need a chipper for.”

George Westerman, a former township superintendent for public works, said the service was used often. Though he said it may have changed in recent years, it still was

necessary. He listed numerous spots where large, fallen tree limbs are still an issue. He also said having the service transferred to a contractor like GFL would be a greater cost to the township.

“We choose to live in Clinton Township because of the amenities that are here,” Westerman said.

Trustees and residents said the service could include better restrictions to limit abuse.

“If there is someone who is abusing the process, well, don’t sit there and come after a resident who’s paying close to $8,000 in property taxes,” Aubrey said. “Go after the person or company that’s abusing it.”

Patton said there was a contractor that was known to abuse the township-provided service. She said these abuses should be reined in.

“It has to be better managed,” Patton said. “But to eliminate it completely, that’s not fair.”

Supervisor gives update on explosion investigation

At the April 15 meeting, Cannon said that the investigation for the field portion of the March 4 Goo Smoke Shop explosion has been completed by the township’s police and fire departments. He said that was the investigation at the site of the explosion itself. The other part of the investigation, he said, would be wrapped up on April 21.

“The overall investigation is ongoing,” Cannon said. “There are videos to review, financial records to go over and many interviews to conduct. This is the criminal portion of the investigation. We will be updating the prosecutor with what we have.”

Cannon said patience is needed to make sure the investigation is done right.

“This might seem like an eternity to the public, and to the board, but the most important priority is that we investigate completely and properly,” Cannon said.

Garden to honor indigenous communities

The board also approved a new garden honoring the region’s indigenous history on April 15. The garden will be at the Civic Center in Clinton Township, between Romeo Plank Road and the pond.

“We want to ensure that, before the project is begun, the funding is in place,” Cannon said.

Following some discussion between Cannon and Keys, the motion was amended and unanimously approved to not start construction until funding is in place.

Nethanya Fonseka, a sophomore at the International Academy of Macomb, had the idea for the garden. In a history class, her classmates were doing papers or making plaques for a land acknowledgment project, but she thought more could be done.

“I thought we could do a living, tangible memorial for the native people that occupy these lands,” Fonseka said at the meeting.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — The wait is over. Around four months after its prior director left, the Anton Art Center announced on April 5 that Matt Matthews was selected to serve as the new executive director.

“So far it’s been great,” Matthews said, about a week after he began the role on April 2. “(I’m) learning a lot and have a wonderful team to work with.”

Matthews comes to the Anton Art Center after spending the last five years as the associate director of Playworks Michigan, an organization that aims to increase physical activity opportunities for elementary school students.

“After college I worked at Northwest Missouri State University for several years, moved back to Michigan in 2010 and sort of fell into nonprofit work, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 14 years,” Matthews said.

The 14 years of nonprofit work was only part of what set him apart from other candidates for the role, according to Peggy DiMercurio, the Anton Art Center’s education & community engagement manager.

“His vibrancy, his energy, all the work he had done with other nonprofits and his ability to be able to transfer what he was doing right to the art center and really hit the ground running and be able to reach out to the community to help us build our presence

Anton Art Center announces new director

even further,” DiMercurio said. “He was really looking for a place to call home that was mission-based, and the Anton Art Center is very mission-based.”

It is still early in Matthews’ tenure at the Anton Art Center and much of his time so far has been spent getting used to the center and learning the Mount Clemens community, but he plans to capitalize on opportunities once settled.

“There is so much opportunity for the art center to be a center and a hub of art and culture in Macomb County and in southeastern Michigan, and we’re excited to bring folks in some different ways and share this space in different ways with folks in the community that have not had an opportunity to experience the Anton Art Center,” Matthews said.

The first exhibition Matthews will open is the Macomb County Biennial Primary Student Show, which will showcase the works of Macomb County primary school students from April 27 to June 1.

Matthews took over the executive director position after Phil Gilchrist left for a similar opportunity at Advancing Macomb in December 2023. Gilchrist worked with the Anton Art Center for 14 years, serving as executive director for eight. DiMercurio served as the interim director while the center’s board of trustees searched for a new executive director.

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

New Anton Art Center Executive Director Matt Matthews, left, stands with education & community engagement manager Peggy DiMercurio. Photo by Dean Vaglia

Selfridge

from page 3A

some paint on it and it was then parked outside for 35 years.”

After the Marines told the museum to either fix the Corsair or kiss it goodbye, work began in 2014 to properly restore it in a presentable state. Small teams of volunteers — nine working at most and currently five — have spent the past decade taking the plane apart, sourcing or fabricating new parts and are now putting everything back together.

“Part of the difficulty we’re running into now trying to put the plane together is in 2014 and 2015, as we started disassembling the aircraft, there were a number of people involved with (disassembly) that are no longer here,” Sibal said. “As a result, we’re learning how to put this airplane back together. Primarily by looking at drawings, just trying to figure it out.”

Recently, the team has incorporated 3D printing into its fabrication process. Parts, such as rudder pedals, have been 3D printed by volunteer Fred Joyner.

Although the Corsair was never stationed at Selfridge, the final plane will be modeled after one used by VMFA-251. The Marine fighter squadron flew Corsairs out of the Philippines in World War II and was later based out of Grosse Ile. Three mannequins will accompany the plane: one as a pilot, and two as ground crew members maintaining the engine and loading the plane’s guns.

Sharing the hangar with the Corsair will be the Jenny, which is a Selfridge plane through and through. Curtiss Jenny aircraft were mass produced in the early 1900s and used as trainer planes, going on to teach Selfridge’s first pilots how to fly in 1917.

Selfridge’s Jenny originally visited the

base in 2022 for that year’s airshow under the ownership of Dorian Walker, who restored the plane to an airworthy state and took it to shows around the country. Museum staff left a good impression on Walker while he was in town, which worked in the museum’s favor after Walker and his copilot suffered a hard emergency landing outside of Bowling Green, Kentucky that broke the plane. Walker offered the plane to the museum for $65,000. Although the museum raised funds to reach Walker’s price, it was a donation from FreeStar Financial Credit Union that helped bring the pioneering airplane back to the base.

Under the watch of Fred Lobeck, the Jenny restoration team leader, volunteers peeled away the fabric body, wholly unprepared for what damage lay beneath the buffcolored cloth.

“Once you got the fabric off, then you could find out all the damage that was underneath,” said Fred Lobeck, Jenny restoration team leader. “We found a lot of broken cables.

The wings and the fuselage are being built separately by a team of eight people. Woodworking and cloth-stitching are the primary tasks being performed, with each volunteer playing a part to restore the plane to be as cutting edge as it was in the 1910s.

“It’s going to be designated as a Selfridge Air Force Base plane to replicate what was here originally,” Lobeck said.

Neither plane will be airworthy once finished, but both the Corsair and the Jenny are expected to be completed and dedicated this September.

For more information on the museum, visit selfridgeairmuseum.org.

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

The Vought F4U Corsair was used by the Marines in the 1940s and 1950s. Its large propeller required the fuselage to be lifted above the wings.

Photos by Dean Vaglia

Lacking its cloth skin, the fuselage of the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny reveals its wood beam and metal cable innards. The plane’s prior owner was able to bring the 110-year-old plane into airworthiness before it was broken during a hard landing in 2023.

LET FREEDOM RING

The “Freedom Confirmed” exhibit is running through April 27 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. The program series focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Civil War and other events that shaped American democracy and freedoms. For more information, visit lorenzoculturalcenter.com or call (586) 445-7348.

ABOVE: A cross and heart pendant from 1863 and 1862, a “housewives” sewing kit from 1861, and a photograph of Asa Sprague from 1861 are all on display. LEFT: The exhibit features Capt. Charles Henry Curtiss’ coat and line officer’s sash from the 7th Michigan, 1861.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Andiamo

from page 9A

“We’re going to expand our steaks and our chops,” Vicari said. “I live in that area, and it’s underserved for a good seafood/steakhouse.”

Vicari said items customers can expect are steaks; veal, pork and lamb chops; ribeye steaks; and bone-in filets. He said the restaurant will try to provide sides with the meals, unlike some steak restaurants.

“Just things you would see at a high-end steakhouse,” Vicari said. “But we’re going to keep the prices affordable.”

He said he hopes the location will be open sometime in July. The restaurant is estimated to have 175 seats for dining and 20 seats at the bar.

“We’re doing some extensive remodeling,” Vicari said. “The biggest thing we’re doing is moving the bar from where it was and putting it in the middle of the restaurant. We’re going to have seating on either side of the bar. The bar is going to be the focal point.”

Andiamo has seven locations in the metro Detroit area, including the new one. It also has a restaurant in Las Vegas.

Andiamo is not the only new restaurant moving into the mall. Grand Rapids based HopCat, owned by BayFly Ventures, is set to move into the former BurgerFin space this summer.

“After opening two locations in Metro Detroit last year, we’re thrilled to be joining the Macomb County community and increasing our brand presence in this thriving market,” Ned Lidvall, CEO of BarFly, is quoted as saying in a press release. “It was easy to see the opportunity at The Mall at Partridge Creek — a vibrant and walkable destination. We’re confident about our decision to invest in this location as the home of our 10th Michigan HopCat restaurant.”

The release states that the location can accommodate 250 guests and has features like a wrap-around bar, a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a private event space for up to 50 people.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

Cameras

from page 1A

will offer Clinton Township investigators access to a wealth of information essential for their operations.”

Clinton Township Police Department Capt. Brandon Blake said that the cameras are only used to help an investigation move forward.

“These Flock cameras have been very useful in locating missing or endangered children,” Blake said at the meeting. “It’s also beneficial in our homicide investigations.”

Trustees Dan Kress, Tammy Patton and Mike Keys were concerned about the civil liberty issues that could come up from the cameras capturing data not related to investigations.

“One of the scariest things I saw with this technology was after Roe v. Wade was overturned,” Keys said. “Different governors talked about using this technology to monitor who’s leaving and entering the state.”

“I’m really not comfortable with Big Brother coming to Clinton Township,” Kress said. “I am comfortable with the fact that surrounding communities have it already.”

“I am worried about that third-party thing,” Patton said. “Because there are so many things out here that people can get their hands on, and they can ruin your life.”

Kress advocated for the department’s

Clinton Township mother pleads no contest in son’s death

MOUNT CLEMENS — A 25-yearold Clinton Township mother pleaded no contest to an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of her son on April 15.

Derricka Fleming allegedly left after putting her 5-year-old son to bed. During the early morning of Jan. 23, 2023, the child was found outside the apartment in a park close by. Her son was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.

traffic division to be reinstated. Treasurer Paul Gieleghem said the staffing and resources aren’t available for that currently, so the cameras are the next best thing.

“How do we utilize law enforcement technology to be able to do a better job with the resources we do have that we can allocate,” Gieleghem said.

Blake said that the cameras are needed because neighboring communities already have them. Clinton Township would not be able to utilize these communities’ cameras. Blake said Sterling Heights cut off Clinton Township’s access a couple of months ago. He said all municipalities in Macomb County have this technology already, except the township.

“Part of this system is playing nice,” Blake said.

At the end of the meeting, Blake said that Flock does not sell to third parties.

Resident Sam Buschell questioned the civil liberty issues with the new tech, specifically the large amount of information CLEAR provides access to.

“I personally think this is a very bad idea,” Buschell said. “It’s one of those slippery slopes.”

The cameras were approved. Kress, Keys and Clerk Kim Meltzer voted no; Julie Matuzak, Patton, Supervisor Robert Cannon and Gieleghem voted yes.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

Fleming’s attorney, Macomb County Assistant Public Defender Noel Erinjeri, said he had “no comment” on the outcome of the case.

Fleming is scheduled to be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. on June 12, 2024, by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Viviano. She could face up to 15 years in prison for the felony charge.

— Nick Powers

“Today’s no contest plea brings some measure of closure, but it can never fill the void left by the loss of a precious life,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido is quoted as saying in a press release. “Our hearts ache for the innocent child whose potential was tragically cut short.”

Spitz

from page 8A

man who reported that his neighbor killed his wife and children. But the caller “was the guy that did it,” Hackel said. “That’s when I first got to know Spitz, who left an impression.”

“He was the guy that could tell you what happened just by looking at the body,” Hackel said. “He tried to put himself in their place. He wanted to know the circumstances of how they died. I don’t know of a time when he wasn’t spot on.”

Hackel said many law enforcement officers he worked with over the years were interested in what Spitz had to offer. Hackel said Spitz was always kind when speaking to families of the victims.

“I am so sad about his loss, but I am fortunate to have known him,” Hackel said. “He was the forefather of pathology. I don’t know if you will see another like that.”

During his career, Spitz taught at different colleges, including pathology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

“He was a great teacher and a huge contributor to the field of pathology and forensics,” said Dr. Wael Sakr, dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “He had a huge presence and was a consultant on many big profile cases across the country. Before I knew him, I had a lot of admiration toward him.”

Spitz returned to the school on occasion to present seminars to students.

“He was interested in human life and, sadly, was trying to solve death, particularly in trauma, accidents, homicides and burns,” Sakr said. “He had a love for the discipline in what he did and was meticulous in his approach.”

Sakr will definitely feel his loss.

“I enjoyed his friendship and his support for the department,” Sakr said.

Spitz’s legacy includes the nearly 100 scientific publications he authored, the Dean’s Award for service to the Medicolegal Community and Wayne State University of Medicine, awards from Wayne County and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for outstanding service, and from various police departments and the FBI.

Fatal crash

from page 9A

had plans to become an electrician.

“We worked out a resolution,” Cojocar said. “There was going to be a HYTA plea. The issue that was pending was how the sentencing was going to be.”

Cojocar said that because of West’s age, the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act was applicable to his case. If a defendant pleads guilty with a HYTA plea, it’s not a conviction. It wouldn’t go on the defendant’s record and is nonpublic. If probation is successfully completed, which can be up to five years, the charges can be dismissed. Sometimes, imprisonment can be associated with HYTA, but Cojocar said they weren’t pursuing this.

The attorney said that his interactions with West were nothing but positive.

“From the day I met him he was always respectful, humble and was compliant with every court order put in front of him,” Cojocar said.

His lawyer made sure to mention his supportive family.

“He was a wonderful young man, truly,” Cojocar said. “Not just because he was my client.”

According to a press release from the Clinton Township police, the crash happened at

Groesbeck Highway near Macomb Industrial Drive at about 7:14 a.m. It involved a white 2013 Chevrolet Impala, a silver 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and a gray 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. The police are not currently releasing where the other occupants of the vehicles were from.

“The preliminary investigation showed that the silver Blazer was merging into the center lane of Groesbeck preparing to turn southbound onto North Avenue,” the release states.

“The Impala was traveling northbound on Groesbeck approaching North Avenue when the driver crossed into the center lane striking the Blazer. The Impala then continued into oncoming traffic on southbound Groesbeck and crashed into the Chevrolet Silverado.”

West was transported to McLaren Macomb Hospital where he died from his injuries. The 38-year-old woman driving the Blazer was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. The 49-year-old driver of the Silverado was treated for injuries and released at the scene.

Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, according to the release.

The Clinton Township Police Department is still investigating the incident. Witnesses can call (586) 493-7802 with any information that may help.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 4981059.

discussion about volunteer opportunities, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - Main Branch, 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5050

MAY 10

Join Pokémon Academy: For ages 7-12, 4:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5073

MAY 12

Remembering Mom on Mother’s Day: Create memory ribbon, pick up prayer card and seed packet, and enjoy coffee and doughnuts, also florist selling single carnations, roses and more, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-9020

ONGOING

Baumgartner House Museum open houses: Free tours on first Sundays of each month (except January and July), 18577 Masonic Blvd. in Fraser, see times at facebook.com/BaumgartnerHouse

Spaghetti dinner: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (or until gone) every fourth Wednesday of month through October, Lt. Wood-Cpl. Reid VFW Post No. 6691, 17075 Anita Ave., (586) 294-1450

com, (586) 307-4708

APRIL 29

Create Mad Lib poems: Part of National Poetry Month, for ages 7 and older, 4:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 2265073, cmpl.org

MAY 2

Run for the Roses Dinner and Comedy Hour: Kentucky Derby-style food, entertainment, stand-up, silent auction and more, prizes for best-dressed couple, hat, bowtie and outfit, 5:30 p.m. doors, 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:15 p.m. laughs, Mirage Banquet & Event Center, 16980 18 Mile Road in Clinton Township, proceeds benefit Right to Life Northwest Macomb, registration required, nwmacomb4life.org, info@nwmacomb4life. org, (586) 306-7718

MAY 8

Preplanning seminar with Resurrection Cemetery: 6 p.m., Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, registration required, mtelliott.com/ res-seminar

MAY 9

Living Well: For ages 55 and older, includes community vendors, ice cream social, dogs from Macomb County Humane Society, library program talks and

Farmers market: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every second Saturday of month until September, John F. Kennedy Knights of Columbus Council #5460, 33320 Kelly Road in Clinton Township, (586) 610-2990

Monthly book clubs: Presidential Book Club (every first Monday) and Mysteries & Munchies (every second Thursday), both 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fraser Public Library’s temporary location, 15260 15 Mile Road, fraserpubliclibrary.org

Crafts and games: Craft-making for adults and older teens, 6-7:45 p.m. every third Thursday of month, and board games for all ages, 5:30-7:45 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Fraser Public Library’s temporary location, 15260 15 Mile Road, 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

• 10 a.m. every third Friday of month, The Pantry, 44945 Morley Drive in Clinton Township, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536

Men overcoming loss of partner/spouse: Meetings 6-7:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, virtual and in person, Hospice of Michigan, 39531 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, wlawton@hom.org, (586) 263-8514

Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709

POWERWASHING, GUTTER&WINDOW CLEANING Veteran/Firefighter Owned/Operated championwindow cleaning.net 248-765-0613

GUTTERS