Farms Public Safety awards Employee of the Year to newly minted school resource officer
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
FARMS — The Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department’s Employee of the Year is someone who’s making a difference in the lives of many of the teenagers in the community.
Officer James LaBeau became the school resource officer at Grosse Pointe South High School in April 2024.
Since then, he has grown this “newly minted position into a dynamic and multilayered program, which has been well received by students, parents, faculty and administration,” Public Safety Director John Hutchins said during a March
See OFFICERS on page 6A
Stretch of Charlevoix Avenue among spots slated for paving in Park
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
PARK — Grosse Pointe Park’s paving program this year will focus on a couple of larger projects in the city.
This spring and summer, the city plans to pave Charlevoix Avenue between Three Mile Drive and Berkshire Road, as well as the rear parking lot at Windmill Pointe Park.
During a meeting April 14, the Park City Council unanimously approved a low
bid from Oxford-based Birmingham Sealcoat Inc. to do the work for $569,904.
The low bid came in “5% below the (engineers’) estimate,” Mayor Michele Hodges said.
Jenny said all the bidders came with good recommendations as well.
“Birmingham Sealcoat, Inc. was recom-
“We’ve had four really good bids,” Public Works Director Tom Jenny said. “It was pretty competitive.”
on page 10A
See CHARLEVOIX
From left, Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Director John Hutchins congratulates officer James LaBeau — the school resource officer at Grosse Pointe South High School — as he receives his Employee of the Year award during a March 10 Farms City Council meeting.
Photo by K. Michelle Moran
Whether it’s enjoying a hobby, stretching your knowledge or letting your creativity flow, our monthly calendar is always filled with exciting and interesting programs. There’s something for everyone! Visit us online or head to The Helm to see all the ways we can help.
Lifelong learning this spring at THe Helm
•French or Spanish
•Guitar Lessons
•Ballroom Dancing
•Electronic Device Tutoring
•Lunch & Learn - A.I.
•China Cultural Exploration
MAYORS’ PRAYER BREAKFAST SPEAKER TO ADDRESS FINDING FAITH
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
SHORES — Keynote speakers for the Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast are often people for whom religion has played an important role for their entire lives.
For this year’s speaker, though, that’s not the case. In fact, Eric Backman — the speaker for the 39th annual Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. May 1 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe Shores — was once a nonbeliever.
Backman is now an active parishioner at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe
Farms, where he serves as vice president of vocations for Serra Club, which fosters vocations in the priesthood and religious life. He’s also an adviser to the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, chairs the board of Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Clinton Township and is an adviser
May 7, a
A REAL ID will soon be required for domestic air travel
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Starting May 7, in order to board a domestic flight within the United States, a REAL ID or a compliant document will be required. C and G Newspapers recently explored some of the pertinent facts.
Why
Requiring that passengers have a REAL ID is based on a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, according to Jessica Mayle, who is the regional spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.
“Identity verification is such an important part of TSA’s mission, knowing who is going through the checkpoints,” Mayle said.
“With 50 states issuing 50 different (driver’s) licenses, we wanted one baseline set of security standards, so we knew that all (driver’s) licenses
issued from any state met minimum security protocols.”
Who
According to the Transportation Security Administration’s website, only adults 18 and older are required to have a REAL ID when boarding a plane traveling within the United States. Passengers are encouraged to check with airlines about specific ID requirements for children, according to the site.
What
A REAL ID is a driver’s license that has an image of the state of ID holders, with a star in the middle. An Enhanced Driver’s License is automatically REAL-ID compliant, whether or not it displays the star, according to the Michigan Department of State website.
A REAL ID, or compliant documents,
Starting
REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documents will be required to board a domestic flight in the United States.
Photo provided by the Transportation Security Administration
Backman See PRAYER on page 10A
NEWS & NOTES
LEARN JAPANESE PAPER CUTTING
Nobuko Yamasaki will teach a class in kirie, the Japanese art of paper cutting, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association studio at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. Students should bring a simple design they hope to create, along with a red ballpoint pen, tape, a ruler, colored pencils and carving knives. Yamasaki will have some carving knives available for anyone who needs to borrow them. To register or for more information, visit grossepointeartcenter.org or call (313) 881-3454.
Ford House to host ‘Stand Strong’ program
The WeGP program, “Stand Strong: Pathways to Support, Solidarity, and Rights” will take place at 5:30 p.m. April 30 at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores. The panel discussion will include legal experts, organizers and advocates who’ll be discussing civil rights today. This program is free. To register or for more information, visit fordhouse.org/events/wegp-stand-strong.
PROGRAM TO EXPLORE MENTAL HEALTH
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods will present Mental Health Matters — a program on reducing stress, optimizing mental health and prioritizing well-being — from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 7 at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. Speakers will include Frank Wilberding and Cass Ghiorse. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested and can be made by sending an email to hello@FamilyCenterHelps.org. For more information, send an email or call (313) 447-1374.
Arbor Day Fun Run planned for Shores
Grosse Pointe Shores’ 22nd annual Arbor Day Fun Run/Walk — a 1-mile, 3K or 5K course open to Shores residents — will start from Osius Park at 9:30 a.m. May 4. A $5 entry fee includes a T-shirt. This event is usually followed by Arbor Day activities at Osius Park. For more information, call city offices at (313) 881-6565.
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporter:
K. Michelle Moran | (586) 498-1047 | kmoran@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Wayne
Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
| (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
Last concert for the season planned
The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra will close out its 2024 to 2025 season with a concert at 3 p.m. May 4 at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The program will include selections from Bach, Mozart and Schumann, with a solo by violinist Greg Staples. Attendees are also invited to a free preconcert talk at 2 p.m. by WRCJ-FM host Davis Gloff to discuss the selections. For advance tickets or more information, visit gpsymphony.org.
Student art competition gets a new spin
Longtime Village event Paint the Windows is becoming Paint The Village this year. Open to school-aged children in the Grosse Pointes, this year’s contest works will be created on paper.
Paint The Village will take place in person from 3 to 7 p.m. May 1 at the Plaza on St. Clair Avenue, near Starbucks. Art kits containing crayons, colored pencils and special paper will be sold to participants for $10 each to make their creations, incorporating this year’s theme, The Village in Bloom. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each grade category, and all first-place winners will see their artwork turned into banners that will be displayed on light poles in The Village.
During an April 21 Grosse Pointe City Council meeting, Main Street Executive Director Cindy Willcock said all the student artworks will be matted for display in Village businesses throughout the month of May.
Because space is limited, participants need to register. To register or for more information, visit thevillagegrossepointe.org and click on the Paint The Village tab.
REAL ID
will also be required for entrance into some federal buildings.
For a list of other compliant documents, visit www.tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/identification.
When
Although May 7 is the date when the REAL ID requirement begins, Secretary of State offices will continue to issue REAL IDs moving forward, according to Mayle.
“Maybe you’re not traveling until June or July,” Mayle said. “That gives you a little more time.”
How
To schedule an appointment at a local Secretary of State office, call (888) 7676424 or visit https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/ TAP/_/.
The documents that are needed at an appointment include a driver’s license or state ID card, a birth certificate with a raised seal of stamp issued by a governmental agency, a valid unexpired U.S. passport or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.
According to the Secretary of State Michigan website, faxes or photocopies of these documents won’t be accepted.
Married women who have taken their husband’s last name should bring a marriage license or other supporting documentation to verify the name change, according to Mayle.
Sarah Webb is currently gathering the required documents for herself, along with
helping her clients navigate the new requirements.
Webb is a certified dementia practitioner and care partner.
Although some effort is required to get a REAL ID, from her perspective, going to the Secretary of State is more convenient than it used to be.
“It is so much easier now that you can make appointments at the Secretary of State, rather than wait in line for an indefinite time,” Webb said.
Andy Howell owns a travel agency in Farmington Hills. He shared that only one client has asked about a REAL ID.
“Most of the people I deal with already have the REAL ID,” Howell said.
Howell advised his client as to what documents to take to a Secretary of State appointment.
Other Tips
Although domestic travelers may still be able to board a plane without a REAL ID, according to Mayle, those who don’t have one can expect delays, as they may have to sign identity-verifying documents.
According to Mayle, the TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight when domestic travelers have a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documents. However, more time should be factored into travel plans when they don’t have those documents.
“(The) TSA is going to take a phased enforcement approach, but we don’t really know what that’s going to look like,” Mayle said. “It’s just important you take care of this before any trips you have planned after May 7. … This is something you need to get done sooner rather than later.”
Officers
from page 1A
10 Farms City Council meeting.
LaBeau was one of numerous officers honored during a public presentation of the department’s merit awards for 2024, which recognize outstanding actions taken by members of the department.
Hutchins said LaBeau’s responsibilities have included campus security, counseling and mentoring students, working with young offenders through the public safety diversion program, speaking to classes, serving in the Leaders of Tomorrow and Face Addiction Now programs, and attending school events like dances and athletic competitions.
“Jim has stepped into his new role with pride and purpose, reveling in the challenge of building what will hopefully endure as an integral part of life at Grosse Pointe South High School,” Hutchins said. “His commitment to the mission, easygoing demeanor and unbridled enthusiasm have made him a successful student resource officer and recipient of the 2024 Employee of the Year.”
LaBeau, who has been with the Farms Public Safety Department for the last 10 years, is a father to son Weston, 7, and daughter Harper, 5. He’s now also getting an opportunity to influence high school-age youths. He said he loves his new role and the high school.
“I truly love going to work every day, connecting with the kids,” LaBeau said before the meeting. “I try to be the mentor the kids need.”
Many other members of the department were honored as well. Officer William
Madsen received a citation for a March 20, 2024, traffic stop and arrest of the driver that led to the discovery of credit cards belonging to others, resolving cases of identity theft committed against victims in West Bloomfield and San Diego. Hutchins commended Madsen “for his attention to detail and follow-up in this case.”
A director’s unit award was presented to Deputy Director Andrew Rogers, Detective Lt. Antonino Trupiano, Lt. Wes Kipke, Detective Roger Wierszewski, Detective Derek Lazarski, and officers Keith Colombo, Jason Newberg, Paul Reygaert, Jonathan Ross, Mark Laquere, Paige Thomas and LaBeau. Hutchins said the award stemmed from a June 2024 investigation — led by Lazarski — into a criminal enterprise in which suspects were selling stolen vehicles with illegitimate vehicle identification numbers. An
undercover operation June 26 led to arrests, including of one suspect who had already served 11 years in prison for carjacking.
Lazarski, Colombo, LaBeau and Thomas were given a departmental commendation for apprehending a suspect who, on July 11, is said to have exposed and fondled himself while following a minor as she walked down Moran Road.
“Their decisive actions took a predator off the streets before he could prey on other unsuspecting children,” Hutchins said.
Officer Mike Ryan received a citation for a Dec. 8 incident in which he successfully used the department’s drone to locate three of five suspects wanted for a series of larcenies from vehicles after the suspects fled on foot from their vehicle. Hutchins said the remaining two suspects were arrested in Grosse Pointe Shores by Shores officers after
they rang the doorbell of a resident in the middle of the night, causing the resident to call the Public Safety Department.
“Ryan is recognized for his skill in drone operations while assisting officers in apprehending multiple suspects involved in over a dozen larcenies from vehicles,” Hutchins said.
A departmental commendation was presented to Wierszewski and reserve officer Ted Roney for their work on a case involving a suspect who pulled a gun on a Village Market employee on Feb. 15, 2024, when the employee confronted the suspect for reportedly stealing bottles of alcohol from the business. Roney remembered a suspect with a similar description as having been caught on a Ring doorbell camera days earlier taking packages from a porch, which was posted to the Neighbors app. The app also said the suspect was squatting at a vacant home on Cadieux Road in Detroit. Wierszewski contacted the owner of the Cadieux home, who told the detective that no one should have been inside and gave police permission to enter. On Feb. 18, Hutchins said, members of the Special Response Team raided the home and arrested the suspect, who was wearing the same jacket and shoes police said he had been wearing when he stole the liquor. The suspect — who police said was in possession of a black BB gun that looked like a real pistol — was found to be a seventime convicted felon and was charged with armed robbery as a habitual fourth offender, Hutchins said.
A citation was awarded to Wierszewski, Sgt. Veronica Cashion and officers Richard Rosati, Brandon Coats and Ryan Orlowski for apprehending a suspect who had trig-
Photo by K. Michelle Moran
From left, Farms public safety officer William Madsen listens as Public Safety Director John Hutchins reads his department citation.
gered a burglary alarm at Enterprise Rental July 23. The suspect was founding hiding underneath a truck and arrested. A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect was wanted in connection to a string of Jeep Wagoneer thefts from the Warren Stamping Plant.
“These officers are commended for their prompt and thorough efforts in a multilayered investigation and arrest,” Hutchins said.
For saving a suicidal woman with a knife from harming herself during an incident at a church Dec. 5, officers Ross, Newberg and Kristopher Desmadryl were given a
departmental commendation.
“These officers are commended for their assertiveness and professionalism in preventing self-harm to a person in distress,” Hutchins said.
Mayor Louis Theros said this marked his 24th Merit Awards ceremony, calling it his “favorite” council meeting each year.
“We appreciate what you do every day (by) protecting our city and our citizens,” Theros told the officers.
He also thanked the loved ones of the officers, who “let us have our public safety officers.”
Besides officers and city officials, many family members and friends of the award winners were on hand for the ceremony.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
8A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • APRIL 24, 2025
APRIL 24-26
‘The Little Mermaid’: Musical features students from multiple Grosse Pointe schools, 7 p.m. April 24-25 and 1 and 7 p.m. April 26, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpsouthchoir.org , read story at candgnews.com
APRIL 25
Memorial tree planting: Held in honor of local urban forester Brian Colter, 1 p.m., Patterson Park, 16006 Essex Drive in Grosse Pointe Park
Detroit Barley, BBQ & Beats: Fundraiser for Hospice of Michigan’s Open Access program (provides end-of-life care), includes barbecue, cocktails from Michigan distilleries, and live music from “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues” Thornetta Davis and Al Bettis, plus meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey as emcee, 5-9 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress St. in Detroit, hom.org/bbb-det
APRIL 26
Suicide Prevention Walk & Mental Health Fair: Hear personal stories from community members and students from Grosse Pointe Public School System before 1.5-mile walk, 20-plus vendors also on site in tent (event held rain or shine), 10 a.m.-noon, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, maryjo@familycenterhelps.org, familycenterhelps.org/coalition
DSO’s Neighborhood Concert Series: Hear Detroit Symphony Orchestra perform music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Carlos Simon, 8 p.m., Our Lady Star of the Sea, 467 Fairford Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, (313) 576-5111, dso.org
Book sale: 1-4 p.m., Harper Woods Library, 19601 Harper Ave., (313) 343-2475
Earth Day event: Includes activities related to Belle Isle, seed-based craft project and more, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., also performance by Detroit storyteller Madelyn Porter at 11 a.m., Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, 100 Strand Drive in Detroit, free admission with registration, detroithistorical.org
APRIL 27
Peace and Justice Forum: Monthly gatherings with leaders discussing various topics, also potluck dinners, 5-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, continues May 18, RSVP required, gpmchurch.org/peace-andjustice-forum
APRIL 29-30
Community yoga: Free but bring mat and water, 7-8 p.m. April 29 and 9-10 a.m. April 30, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, register to maryjo@familycenterhelps.org
MAY 1
Vet-To-Vet: Free gathering with coffee, breakfast treats and camaraderie, presented by The War Memorial’s Veterans Committee, 8-9 a.m., 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar
MAY 3
Derek Dexter Memorial 5K: Run/walk at 8 a.m., Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway in Harrison Township, proceeds benefit students who ran cross country and/or track in high school and are entering college for engineering, derekdexter5k.com
MAY 4
Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra concert: Hear selections by Bach, Mozart and Schumann, pre-show lecture at 2:15 p.m. and performance at 3 p.m., Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, gpsymphony.org
Grosse Pointe Community Chorus concert: 3 p.m., St. Clare of Montefalco Church, Whittier Road and Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, grossepointecommunitychorus.org
MAY 8
Grosse Pointe War Memorial Veterans Club dinner: 6 p.m. with food served at 7 p.m. and social time until 9 p.m., Waves Restaurant, 24223 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (313) 881-4125
MAY 12
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Communities United in Diversity: Meeting from 6-8 p.m., Monteith Elementary School, 1275 Cook Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpschools.org
ONGOING
‘The Secret Garden’: Musical based on 1911 children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, presented by Grosse Pointe Theatre - Mainstage, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays May 2-11, Parcells Middle School, 20600 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods, (313) 881-4004, gpt.org
Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for kids in grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public Library - Woods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., (313) 640-4775, grossepointelibrary.org
Book clubs: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, grossepointelibrary.org/book-clubs
Grosse Pointe Community Chorus: Open rehearsals 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Grosse Pointe North High School, 707 Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, grossepointecommunitychorus.org
Nooks & Crannies: Guided tours of private staircases, hidden spaces and more at Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Tuesdays-Sundays through May, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, find times and register at fordhouse.org/events
Art exhibits: “My Favorites” includes works by Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, also “blues” featuring pieces by 86 artists inspired by color, both on display 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaysSaturdays until May 2, Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery inside The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, grossepointeartcenter.org
‘Branches & Twigs: Ode to the Mother Tree’: On display 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays or by appointment through July 13, opening reception with light refresh-
ments and jazz by Matthew Daher Trio from 7-9 p.m. April 25, Grosse Pointe Congregational Church Arts Ministry Gallery, 240 Chalfonte Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, arts@gpcong.org, (313) 884-3075
Indoor Walking Club: 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, helmlife.org
Restorative Yin yoga: 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 1, 15 and 29, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, registration required, (313) 882-9600, helmlife.org
Spanish for beginners: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays until May 13 and 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays until May 14, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, registration required, (313) 8829600, helmlife.org
‘Jurassic Park: The Musical’: Parody of 1993 hit movie, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays April 25-May 10, Ant Hall, 2320 Caniff St. in Hamtramck, planetant.com
Detroit Historical Museum changing exhibitions: “1984 World Series Street Portraits: Photography by Carlos Diaz,” “Detroit Diesel Power,” “Detroit Lions: Gridiron Heroes,” “Detroit’s Brewing Heritage” and more currently on display, “2025 DAM Annual Scholarship Awards & Exhibition” open April 26 and “Heroes Vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story” opens May 3, 5401 Woodward Ave., detroithistorical.org
‘Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family’: See skeleton casts, fossils and life-size displays, also multiple interactive elements, exhibit extended until May, Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St. in Detroit, mi-sci.org
‘Tales from the D’: Watch Emmy-nominated public television series about Detroit musicians and hear live music, also reception with cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres, episode #3 features Dave McMurray (music by Kasan Belgrave Quintet) April 25 and episode #4 features Don Was (performance TBA) May 30, 6-9:30 p.m., Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., detroithistorical.org
CRIME WATCH
Vehicle taken from driveway
WOODS — Sometime between the hours of 10 p.m. April 6 and 8 a.m. April 7, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a 2017 Audi from a driveway in the 700 block of Canterbury Road. The victim said a key fob might have been left inside the vehicle. Anyone with more information can call (313) 343-2400.
Stolen vehicle recovered
PARK — Between the late-night hours of April 6 and 9 a.m. April 7, police said an unknown suspect stole a 2015 Jeep Cherokee from the 1400 block of Maryland Street. The vehicle was recovered, albeit without any occupants, by the Detroit Police Department April 8. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Another stolen vehicle recovered
PARK — Before the owner even knew the vehicle was missing, police said a 2019 Dodge Challenger that was stolen during the overnight hours of April 10 from the 900 block of Beaconsfield Avenue was recovered by Detroit police. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Retail fraud suspect sought
CITY — A suspect described in a police report as a bald man wearing a black jacket is being sought by police after he allegedly stole an unknown amount of makeup and liquor from The Village CVS store in the 17000 block of Mack Avenue at around 4:20 p.m. April 7. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Larcenies from autos reported
WOODS — While it wasn’t known at press time whether the incidents were related, police were investigating three cases of larcenies from autos that took place within roughly the same time span from vehicles parked on Brys Drive.
Between the late-night hours of April 6 and 8 a.m. April 7, an unknown suspect is said to have entered a vehicle parked in the 1500 block of Brys and rummaged through the center console, taking some of the items that had been inside it.
Also during the same time period, a vehicle parked in the 1500 block of Brys was entered and the suspect took $5 in change, the victim told police.
And a resident in the 1400 block of Brys
discovered that her boyfriend’s vehicle had been rifled through sometime before noon April 7, and a wheel lock was taken from the vehicle. In that incident, police said a camera on a neighbor’s home captured the possible suspect — a male who was seen entering the victim’s vehicle at 3:15 a.m. April 7.
Anyone with more information about any of these incidents can call (313) 3432400.
Suspect arrested after foot chase
PARK — A suspect who was wanted for reportedly committing a felonious assault against a police officer in Detroit was arrested in the area of Charlevoix Avenue and Buckingham Road in the Park at around 9:35 p.m. April 8 after what police said was a brief pursuit on foot. The Park Public Safety Department was assisting its Detroit police colleagues after Detroit Police Department officers chased the suspect’s vehicle into the Park. The suspect is said to have abandoned the vehicle to run from police instead.
Suspect sought after fleeing from police
CITY — Police said they’re looking for a 29-year-old Detroit man who they said fled northbound on Cadieux Road from Mack Avenue “at a high rate of speed” after multiple officers attempted to pull over the driver at around 12:45 p.m. April 13. The suspect is said to have been driving a 2005 Chrysler minivan. Police said their investigation was ongoing at press time. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Speeder arrested
PARK — A Detroit man was arrested after police said he fled from a traffic stop in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Bedford Road at around 11:30 a.m. April 11. A police report states that the suspect was traveling “at a high rate of speed” when he was pulled over. Police said the suspect then drove off, and after a brief chase, the pursuit ended. When officers in Grosse Pointe Shores saw the same vehicle driving through their jurisdiction, they picked up the pursuit, following the suspect into St. Clair Shores, where the suspect is said to have crashed into another vehicle and a light pole before fleeing on foot. The suspect was later apprehended by St. Clair Shores police.
— K. Michelle Moran
Wolverine Lawn Equipment
Prayer
for Regina Caeli Academy, a classical homeschool hybrid academy for Catholic families.
“I will be sharing the story of my journey from atheism to faith — how my attempt to disprove Christianity ultimately led to a conversion and a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ,” Backman said by email. “My message will focus on the power of truth, transformation, and the hope found in the Gospel.”
Backman, who lives in Grosse Pointe City, has four children with his wife, Carrie: Michael, Anne, Helen and Mary Rose.
This event marks the National Day of Prayer, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952. Past speakers have included Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, a Republican senator from Kentucky; and Detroit Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell.
“The Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast is an important tradition because it stems from
Charlevoix
from page 1A
mended by Tim Waker at Farmington Hills as cooperative, easy to work with and constructed roads with good rideability during their asphalt rehabilitation program,” wrote City Engineer Patrick Droze, of OHM Advisors, in an April 1 memo to City Manager Nick Sizeland. “Other references that were contacted had worked with BSI for on maintenance projects, such as crack sealing, although that is not part of this project, the feedback regarding the company was positive.”
The bids were all close to one another, with the highest bid coming in at $617,041.10.
Jenny said they’re not doing the whole Windmill Pointe Park parking lot; the outer edges of the lot — where leaves are stored after being collected in the fall — aren’t bad.
“Price,” Jenny explained to the council of the decision to not do the full lot. “It comes down to price.”
City Councilman Timothy Kolar said the city needs to “always be cognizant of” keeping residents in the loop with regard to the Charlevoix project, including updates on what’s happening and when. The stretch of Charlevoix slated for roadwork this year doesn’t include the business district, but drivers headed to that area might want to avoid the construction areas en route to their destinations.
a desire to bring together community leaders and citizen for a spiritual reflection and renewal,” Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce President Jenny Boettcher said in an email interview. “The event’s aim is to provide a space for individuals from various backgrounds to come together for prayer and fellowship.”
She said about 200 people usually attend and the breakfast “is typically sold out,” so attendees should get their tickets as soon as possible.
Backman is a certified planner who founded Backman Wealth Management, which operates on a faith-based investment model so clients can funnel their resources into investments that align with their values.
“Eric’s authentic testimonial about faith, family and service is inspiring and impactful,” Boettcher said.
For tickets or more information, stop by the GPCC office at 106 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, visit grossepointe chamber.com or call (313) 881-4722.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
A residential stretch of Charlevoix Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park is slated for roadwork this year. The business district roadway will be done later as part of a major streetscape project.
File photo by K. Michelle Moran
How much racism is the right amount?
This question has been with us from the beginning.
The early European settlers arrived with the prevailing assumptions about race. Which was the belief that “race” is a real thing, not a self-serving social construct and that among the “races,” whites were “superior” in every way.
Soon enough, they racially justified brutal territorial seizures of land occupied by the non-white people who were already here. AND there was the overlapping construction of a violent racialized system of chattel enslavement.
Closing museums and other institutions that accurately portray this history doesn’t change what happened then or where we find ourselves now.
CHANGE IS THE POINTE believes there is far too much racism. We understand that many people think there isn’t enough. And that others are fine with however much there is at any given moment.
In CITP’s two recent Webinars, we explore how this question has played out right here since Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 speech in Grosse Pointe. Scan the QR code to the right to find links to the Webinars on our Facebook page.
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Source Booksellers welcomes Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to commemorate Malcolm X's 100th Birthday! And to celebrate Dr. Kendi’s new book “Malcolm Lives,” a book about Malcolm X's youth. The event will be held on May 16th. To learn more, scan the QR code on the left.
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Paid for by Grosse Pointers Saja Barnes, Mary Anne Barnett & Frank Joyce, Joe Corrado & Sunanda Samaddar Corrado, Kathy Fulgenzi, Elisa Gurule, Jim Jacobs, Clarence Jones, Jackie Kalogerakos, John Kalogerakos, Moira Kennedy-Simms, Elizabeth McQuillen, Donna Miller, Beth Pellegrini
The font used in this ad is from Vocal Type Co. Read their story at: vocaltype.coince we advocate confronting racism, it seems a good fit.
