5/22/24 West Bloomfield Beacon

Calling it a career

KEEGO

POLICE

CHIEF SET TO RETIRE

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

KEEGO HARBOR — Keego Harbor Police Chief John Fitzgerald recently reflected on avoiding having to make a tough call approximately four decades ago.

After playing football at Grand Valley State University, Fitzgerald recalls getting a phone call one morning when he was in the police academy.

An average, mundane phone call this was not, as on the other end of the phone was “one of the player personnel people from the Detroit Lions.”

The call was in regard to a potential try-out with the Lions. For as fantastic of an opportunity as that might seem like, Fitzgerald said that he was torn.

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — At this point, West Bloomfield baseball head coach Josh Birnberg must think the full-circle feeling is never-ending.

A 2014 West Bloomfield graduate, Birnberg was a standout shortstop for a Lakers baseball squad that surprised everyone in 2014, knocking off Bloomfield Hills

WB baseball’s ‘lethal combination’ of arms looks to make some noise in state tournament

Brother Rice, one of the top teams in the state at the time, and reaching the regional championship game under head coach Eric Pierce, now the athletic director at West Bloomfield.

“I always told him (Pierce) when he was coaching at the time that I’d come back and coach,” Birnberg said. “I was half serious and half joking, but it was always something I wanted to do at some point. I didn’t necessarily

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

After an approximately 38-year career in law enforcement, Keego Harbor Police Chief John Fitzgerald is set to retire.

West Bloomfield senior pitcher Jon Beard delivers a pitch during a matchup against Rochester High School May 15 at Rochester High School.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The Beacon is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties since 1981. We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

Sheriff hosts town hall to address high-end home robberies

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — A recent town hall

meeting drew more attention to an issue that has been a source of concern for some Oakland County residents going back at least as far as last year.

More than 200 people attended a meeting at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills May

13 to address concerns about international organized gangs that have been targeting affluent neighborhoods in the county, according to a press release from state Rep. Donni Steele.

“Obviously, the Bloomfields have been very much in the crosshairs, Birmingham, Novi, Franklin, Farmington, Hills, Oakland Township, Rochester. I mean, you can name a bunch of them, but, obviously,

State rep raises alarm on oily spill on Square Lake Road

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — According to a press release from the West Bloomfield Police Department, at around 1 a.m. May 7, an oily substance was discovered on Square Lake Road, between St. Joseph Street and Pine Ridge Road.

“A preliminary examination of the oily substance determined it was not harmful. However, the road conditions are still too slick for traffic to pass through. As a result, the affected stretch of Square Lake Road, between St Joseph St and Pine Ridge Road, is closed until further notice while cleanup efforts take place,” the release states.

According to the release, motorists were being advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Noah Arbit, who is the representative for state House District 20, which comprises all of West Bloomfield, shared an update about the incident via a press release that was sent May 10.

“Late Monday evening, the West Bloomfield Police Department closed multiple roadways near Square Lake and Middlebelt roads after an oily substance appeared to be dumped intentionally on the road and throughout the neighborhood,” the release states.

According to the release, Arbit has been in contact with residents, as well as

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard addresses a May 13 town hall meeting at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills.

NEWS & NOTES

4A/WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • MAY 22, 2024

WLCS bond proposal passes

WALLED LAKE — Voters in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ district approved a $250 million bond proposal May 7.

With a reported total of 12,186 residents voting, 7,449 voted yes for the proposal, with 4,737 voting no.

According to a press release from the district, areas of emphasis for the bond include safety and security, technology, programs and infrastructure.

“Approval of this bond proposal is a testament to the strength and unity of our community,” John Bernia, who is the superintendent of schools for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, stated in the release. “We are dedicated to fulfilling the promises made in this proposal and continuing to uphold the high standards of excellence that define Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.”

According to the release, the 2024 “Building Opportunities, Ensuring Tomorrow” bond will help support the district’s efforts to enhance facilities, expand educational opportunities and “ensure a nurturing environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

For more information on the bond, visit wlcsd.org/ bond.

MORE CONCERTS ANNOUNCED

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Those who enjoy free outdoor concerts have something to be excited about, as there are four scheduled during the month of July at Marshbank Park.

On each of the scheduled dates, food service is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and the music at 6 p.m.

The performance schedule includes:

• Dan Rafferty Band-Rock and Pop Hits July 10.

• ThunderBeards-ZZ Top Tribute July 17.

• Detroit Retro Society-Soul, Funk, R&B & more July 24.

• Mobile Dueling Piano interactive musical comedy July 31.

A variety of food trucks will be available.

Each of the events is scheduled to go until 8:30 p.m., with the exception of July 17, which is set to go until 8:15 p.m.

Concerts are held in light rain, according to information released about the event. Visit the WB Parks Facebook page to check for any cancellations. Due to limited available parking, carpooling is suggested.

For more information, call (248) 451-1914 or send an email to mtehako@ wbparks.org.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for new resource center

LOCAL BUS DRIVERS AWARDED BY OAKLAND COUNTY

WEST BLOOMFIELD — According to a press release, Durham School Services team members Anne Albarran and Amanda DeMar were awarded the 2024 Oakland County Excellence in Transportation Award by the West Bloomfield School District “for their dedication in providing safe, quality service to their students and community.”

According to the release, the award is peer-nominated and presented to individuals who “exemplify excellence in providing or supporting the safe transportation of students.”

After a thorough review of nominations, winners are selected by an awards committee, the release states.

“With unwavering loyalty, Anne has been a steadfast presence since 1989, while Amanda brings her passion and commitment to every ride since 2019,” Jamie Stottlemyer, who is the assistant superintendent of facilities and operations for the West Bloomfield School District, stated in the release.

Stottlemyer stated that Albarran and DeMar are “invaluable members of our team.”

WATERFORD — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 25 for the Open Door Outreach Life Skills Resource Center in Waterford. The center opened to help people with topics such as financial literacy, managing budgets, interview skills, resume writing, smartphone tips and more. Work stations and computers are available on designated days and times. For more information, send an email to ddanhausen@opendooroutreachcenter.com or call (248) 360-2931.

Senior-led WB squad takes second in League of Legends at esports state finals

and running, but they’re one of my better teams.”

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

As exciting as the spring season was for West Bloomfield esports head coach Francis “Buddy” Muylaert and his program, it’s bittersweet for the school’s highly touted League of Legends squad.

Featuring a team of all seniors, the League of Legends team not only carried an array of veterans, but also leaders who were influential in the creation of the esports program at West Bloomfield.

“My heart breaks this year losing these guys,” Muylaert said. “Not only were they instrumental in helping get the esports up

On April 30, West Bloomfield’s League of Legends team, named the “Grievous Gators,” earned second at the Michigan High School Esports League State Championship, falling to No. 1 ranked East Kentwood High School.

For those unfamiliar with the popular video game, League of Legends is a 5v5 game where players fight for control of different areas in efforts to get an advantage over their opponent. Throughout the game, players can collect minions, remove turrets from the enemy, and eliminate their opponent’s characters. Players can then power up their character and take control of their enemy’s terri-

Macalino Jamal Duru Doroslovac Tran

West Bloomfield Fire Department teams with Families Against Narcotics

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Families Against Narcotics, a Macomb County-based nonprofit, and the West Bloomfield Fire Department have teamed up on an initiative to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder.

Hope and Healing is a hospital- and fire-and-rescue-based version of FAN’s flagship Hope Not Handcuffs program, which has connected people to addiction treatment more than 11,600 times since its launch in 2017, according to a press release.

The program “aims to bring community organizations together to find viable treatment options for individuals seeking help to reduce their dependence on prescription medications, heroin, alcohol, and other drugs,” the release states.

Anyone who is battling substance abuse can go to any Hope and Healing affiliated fire department or community partner to ask for help.

“They will be greeted with support, compassion, and respect,” the release states.

A trained FAN volunteer will meet with them and work with FAN’s call center to get

Families Against Narcotics, a Macomb County-based nonprofit, and the West Bloomfield Fire Department have

them the treatment they need, according to the release.

Individuals can also access treatment

by calling FAN’s “Hope Line” at (833) 2024673.

The stations that are a part of the pro-

gram are Station 1, 4601 Orchard Lake Road.; Station 2, 6925 W. Maple Road; See FAN on page 19A

Photo provided by Families Against Narcotics

teamed up.

KEEGO HARBOR POLICE CLOSE IN ON HIT-AND-RUN CASE

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

KEEGO HARBOR — The Keego Harbor Police Department has shared an update from a hit-and-run incident that occurred earlier this year.

According to a previous report from Keego Police Chief John Fitzgerald, at approximately 7:40 p.m. Feb. 16, a resident was intentionally hit by the driver of a black Mercedes Benz outside of El Camino Restaurant, located at 2807 Orchard Lake Road.

The vehicle’s occupants, reported to be a white male and a white female in their mid-tolate 50s or early 60s, had been inside the restaurant, and after having a dispute about the bill and the service, left without paying.

As the vehicle started to drive away, one of the restaurant’s servers went outside to confront the pair in the vehicle.

“According to the server, the couple laughed at her when she told them they had to pay the rest of their bill,” the report stated. “The vehicle was stopped as she was standing in front of it. The driver backed up and maneuvered to drive around her. She placed herself in front of the vehicle again, at which time the driver knocked her down with the vehicle, ran over her legs and proceeded to flee southwest-bound on Orchard Lake Road, towards the city of Orchard Lake.”

A partial license plate was given. The server was transported to a hospital, where it was learned that she had suffered serious injuries to her legs.

A recent Keego Police Department Facebook post reports that over the course of the last several months, Detective Robert Barnes has been sorting through dozens of vehicles matching the suspect description, eliminating all but one, and has been able to develop a prime suspect.

See HIT-AND-RUN on page 9A

e Whole-Body MRI Debate: Are Doctors Missing Something?

(South eld, MI) e recent buzz around full-body MRI screenings has sparked a lot of debate. While some question this approach, the controversy itself signals an advance in how we think about proactive health. It means we’re not just waiting around for symptoms when it might be too late.

Full body screenings use MRI technology to scan from the top of the head through the pelvis looking for potential abnormalities and early signs of diseases like cancer.

Tyler, age 52, lost his grandfather to lymphoma, so when the results of his full body MRI highlighted enlarged lymph nodes in his chest it gave him concern. “I felt completely healthy, but I wanted to be proactive so I did the scan. My results were concerning, so I saw an oncologist who ordered additional testing.”

e controversy comes from MRI body scans producing false positives. ese ndings are eventually proven

to be benign. Critics claim that false positives create unnecessary worry for people and needless follow up tests.

Tyler says he would rather be safe than sorry. “I hear some doctors on TV saying not to do get full body screenings, but why wouldn’t you? It’s about taking control of your health and being proactive. I had some follow up tests to make sure I don’t have cancer – big deal. But what if it turned out to be cancer?

en it’s caught as early as possible, and without this scan I never would have known until it was too late!”

Proponents of MRI full body screenings say that false positives should not outweigh the bene ts, stating that early detection is key to easier treatments and better outcomes.

“Early detection saves lives,” says Ryan Ringold who leads the MRI full body screening center in South eld, called Bionicc Body Screening. His father, the late Dr. Ringold, founded the company after battling cancer – twice. “My father

became short of breath one day and discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs inside of him. He endured brutal treatments and never wanted to see others su er because of late detection,” says Ryan.

MRI does not replace annual physicals nor routine screenings like a colonoscopy or mammogram. Although, it may be surprising to learn that routine screenings only cover 29% of cancers and 71% of cancers occur in other areas.

“ is is an additional tool to be proactive. MRI can reduce the enormous blind spot where cancer may be silently growing. ere are no routine screenings for areas like the pancreas, liver, brain, chest or abdomen,” says Ringold. “My father was oblivious to hundreds of tumors growing inside his body and his story is not unique. You rarely hear of someone getting diagnosed with stage one pancreatic cancer because nobody knows until they have symptoms. By that time, it’s almost always stage

four.”  In addition to tumors, MRI can detect hundreds of abnormalities like brain aneurysms, MS, fatty liver and spinal disc disease to name a few. “It’s quite remarkable,” Ringold adds.

Robert B. credits his scan to saving his life. A full-body MRI caught the kidney tumor his CT scan missed. “I consider it a lifesaver,” he says. Stories like these highlight the power of MRI body screenings.

For a limited time, you can request a $200 o coupon when you visit their website at BioniccBodyScreening.com. Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC. 0065-2420

The debate over full-body MRIs heats up as some doctors criticize the scans, while others quietly get them done.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

8A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • MAY 22, 2024

Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?

Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.

The club meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Gratiot Coney Island, 28560 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville.

Dodge Super Bee 1970 creates a buzZ

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — If you were to dig into Mike Mazelis’ vehicle history, you’d find someone who, at one time, had an interest in off-road trucks.

“I was always going out into the mud and mud-bogging and things like that,” he said. “I was always breaking the truck. Every time I’d come back, I’d have to fix something new.”

Eventually, the Warren resident switched gears and found a new pastime: muscle cars. In 2008, while perusing Craigslist, Mazelis found out about a 1970 Dodge Super Bee for sale in Hazel Park. He decided to check out the car, but when he did, it didn’t look like much.

“It was just a shell. There’s nothing on it but wheels. There’s no interior, there’s no engine,” he said. “The engine, transmission and all these boxes were just next to the car.”

Even though he “didn’t have any tools or knowledge” of restoring the car, he purchased the vehicle anyway.

“Everybody’s like, ‘How are you going to do this?” Mazelis, 51, said. “‘How are you even going to put this car together?’”

Mazelis learned from friends, watched YouTube videos and did plenty of reading to learn how to build the Super Bee.

“I spent almost every day of two years to get the car on the road, learning as I went, buying tools as I went,” Mazelis said. “A lot of trial and error.”

He made the car his own, including the sublime green paint job and addition of comfortable seats.

“It’s got a five-speed manual transmission in there. It had an automatic before. I

When Warren resident Mike Mazelis found his 1970 Dodge Super Bee in 2008, “It was just a shell.” Mazelis created the Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club on social media.

Photos by Maria Allard

Hit-and-run

from page 7A

The investigation has reportedly led to the identification of the suspect vehicle, a suspected driver, and an identification from another eyewitness aside from the victim herself.

“The recently located witness got a good look at the driver and was able to identify the suspect,” the post states. “Detective Barnes is expecting to request arrest warrants in a matter of days. The case will be submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for

a determination of proper criminal charges.”

Anyone with further information can call Barnes at (248) 682-3030 or send an email to barnes@khpd.org.

“This is just a reminder that cases don’t get solved in an hour like on TV crime shows,” the Facebook post states. “It takes a while, with diligent effort, to put it together the right way. We are relatively confident one of those jail cell beds will become occupied due to the hard work of Detective Barnes with the assistance of Officer’s (Robert) Alonzi and (Kevin) Oliver.”

The Facebook post included a picture of the inside of a jail cell.

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SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITIES & NONPROFITS

Foster Care Month highlights need for loving homes, support for foster children

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

Around 10,000 children in Michigan are currently in foster care, but the need for loving homes remains constant.

Foster mom Michele Austin decided to open up a foster closet in her own home in 2013 to give other foster families access to items that she knew foster kids needed.

“When my very first foster child came to me, he didn’t have anything, so I started talking to family and friends and opened up the closet in my home to help other foster families,” she said.

The closet grew by leaps and bounds, and in 2018 the Oakland County Foster Closet opened as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and expanded into an office building. Today, the Oakland County Foster Closet, a nonprofit based in Farmington Hills, offers supportive services, supplies and aid to children in the foster care system and to those in crisis situations at no cost.

“We offer all of the basic essentials that kids need in life: hygiene items, clothing, socks, underwear, school supplies — everything that

they would need, and we do that absolutely for free for our foster kids and for low income,” she said.

The closet is currently in dire need of hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion toothbrushes, toothpaste and more.

“We’ve seen a significant amount of need, because people are really struggling right now,” said Austin.

The Oakland County Foster Closet also has many volunteer options available, including one-time, once-in-a-while, and weekly opportunities for individuals and groups. For more information, call the Oakland County Foster Closet (248) 419-4487.

“It’s a really fulfilling type of volunteering because you’re seeing the impact and feeling the impact,” Austin said.

May is Foster Care Month, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel said she is thankful for the thousands of families across the state who have already opened up their hearts and homes to care for youth in foster care, but she said more foster families are needed to provide temporary care while the state works to reunify kids with their parents.

“There continues to be a need for more foster families to provide stable and safe family homes for children of all ages in the state’s care,” Hertel said in a statement.

Many foster children have been victims of abuse and neglect, and officials say they need a nurturing environment until they can be safely reunified with their parents or — in a smaller number of cases — until they can find adoptive homes if it’s not safe for them to return home.

In Michigan, the first step to becoming a foster parent is contacting a “foster care navigator” — experienced foster parents who can answer questions, help individuals find an agency that’s right for them, assist families with the foster home licensing process and provide guidance along their journey to becoming a foster parent. A foster care navigator can be reached at 855-MICHKIDS or www.Fcnp.org.

Spaulding for Children — a private, nonprofit child welfare agency located in Southfield — was established in 1968 to find permanent and safe families for children.

Spaulding for Children President and CEO Melissa Jenovai said there is an increased

Te Zekelman Holocaust Center: Preserving history and educating future generations

Founded in 1984, Te Zekelman Holocaust Center reaches more than 150,000 people annually through teacher trainings, virtual museum experiences, virtual programs and in-person visits to the museum.

According to Director of Curatorial Afairs Mark Mulder, the center’s mission is to engage, educate and empower by remembering the Holocaust.

“In memorializing the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, we teach the importance of choice and that people have free will and are capable of committing acts of good and evil,” Mulder said. “We teach that therefore history isn’t inevitable. Te Holocaust was the catastrophic result of a series of choices by ordinary people at all levels of society, including government, to perpetuate violence against their neighbors, or to stand by and do nothing, or in rare instances, to resist.”

Mulder noted that the most impactful exhibits are those that focus on individual stories. “When the storytelling and focus is narrowed to individual experiences, we fnd again and again that our visitors connect more meaningfully to the topics,” he said, adding that the center’s new permanent exhibit uses these stories throughout to draw visitors in and make meaningful connections with those who experienced the Holocaust frsthand.

Mulder continued, “When we recognize and understand the roots of antisemitism and how it manifests itself, we can call it out. Te Holocaust teaches important lessons in critical thinking and recognizing propaganda, and the importance of drawing legitimate facts to have conversations.”

Mulder, whose graduate work was focused on Holocaust representation in museums, considers the work that Te Zekelman Holocaust Center does to be some of the most meaningful and important work there is. He oversees all exhibits with a focus on preserving and sharing the stories of Michigan Holocaust survivors

through their testimonies and artifacts.

Te exhibits are intentionally focused not on the general events of the Holocaust but on individual experiences. Each section was designed to express what it was like for those who lived through it and places personal narratives front and center.

Refecting on one particularly moving story, Mulder shared, “Janny Blom, a Christian in Amsterdam and a dental assistant to a Jewish dentist, immigrated to Michigan after the war. When the Germans occupied the Netherlands, she hid the dentist and his family in her home. For three years, they lived in a small room, reading and playing chess during the day, and only coming downstairs at night. To keep the secret the Bloms hid the Jewish family from their 3-year-old son. During this time, Mr. Blom became a captain in the underground resistance. Because of the Bloms’ courageous actions, their Jewish friends survived the Holocaust and stayed in Amsterdam after the war.”

In addition to the tens of thousands of visitors who come through the museum, the center hosts in-person and virtual programs throughout the year and ofers customized educational experiences for adults from every sector of society. A traveling exhibit is in the works, to reach parts of Michigan that are too far for a feld trip or an easy museum visit.

“Using the same techniques as our permanent exhibit, we will tell the history of the Holocaust through the lens of various forms of resistance, incorporating frsthand testimony,” Mulder said.

Te organization also ofers public tours at 1 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and a Survivor Talk every Sunday at noon.

Coming Summer 2024: Sweet Home Sweet: A Story of Survival, Memory, and Returns. Tis photography exhibit opens in June and explores the complex relationship Holocaust survivors have with their country of origin. Visit holocaustcenter.org to register for public programs.

Te Zekelman Holocaust Center is located at 28123 Orchard Lake Rd. in Farmington Hills. For more information, call (248) 553-2400.

Volunteers assist at the dessert table during a past Spaulding for Children holiday party for foster families at First Baptist Institutional Church.

Photo provided by Spaulding for Children

Foster

from page 10A

awareness of the need to search out relatives for foster children in Michigan.

“If we can’t prevent them from coming in, we know the next best place for them to go would be with a relative,” she said. “We have put a lot more effort into searching for those relatives up front, and the outcomes tend to be much greater for children and youth who are placed with their kinship families — there’s more stability, and there are better mental health outcomes for those kids.”

But, oftentimes, kids who enter the system don’t have a family member available, so the need for nonrelative foster homes remains constant.

“It can take a person, on average, seven years from the time they inquire about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, all the way up until the point that they decide to take that step and become one,” Jenovai noted.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides foster families a daily rate to help with the care of foster children based on the age and needs of the child. Foster families also receive a semi-annual clothing allowance, and many families qualify for reimbursement for the costs of day care, according to state officials. Children in foster care are

eligible for Medicaid, which pays for medical, dental and mental health care.

Spaulding for Children offers monthly online orientation classes for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive family. In June, orientation sessions will be held 6-7:30 p.m. June 12 and 1-2:30 p.m. June 20. Register by contacting Stacey Oakes at (248) 443-0300 or soakes@spaulding.org, or visit www.spaulding. org.

“Coming to an orientation does not commit you to anything. It really just helps you to learn about the need, and maybe if you decide this isn’t something for you, then you can encourage others to reach out and provide support or learn about it to eventually become an adoptive or foster parent,” Jenovai said.

Those who aren’t ready to become a foster or adoptive parent can still offer support to foster children through monetary donations to organizations dedicated to helping those in the system, volunteering during an event and more.

“We really believe that the more opportunities that we involve the community in and offer our families these positive experiences that in turn helps offset some of the trauma that our kids and families have experienced over the years. The more positive events we can have, the better outcomes we hope to be able to provide with our kids and our families,” Jenovai said.

To learn more about foster care, visit Michigan.gov/HopeforaHome.

us for a special lunch and learn event with Rose Senior Living Farmington Hills, a brand-new senior living community in your neighborhood.

CRIME WATCH

Driver hits light pole, flees

KEEGO HARBOR — On May 2, at approximately 4:25 a.m., an unknown driver reportedly struck a city light pole in Keego Harbor, near the corner of Beachland and Cass Lake Road.

“Did anyone happen to notice a neighbor, family member or friend’s car with a great deal of front-end damage? The vehicle was most likely a Volkswagen sedan,” a Facebook post from the Keego Police Department states.

The driver reportedly drove the vehicle over a curb and onto a sidewalk, “several feet off the roadway,” the post states.

The incident reportedly “completely” destroyed the pole.

Anyone with information can call (248) 682-3030 or send an email to barnes@ khpd.org.

Wedding ring allegedly stolen

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Police officers were reportedly dispatched to the 2200 block of Middlebelt Road on a larceny report May 2.

The reporting party informed officers that a wedding ring and engagement ring were stolen sometime between May 1 and 2 by an unknown person who may have worked as an in-home health care worker.

No further information was provided.

Trading cards allegedly taken from vehicle

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On May 1, a resident went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report that after leaving a set of trading cards in a vehicle parked at home overnight April 22, the resident later discovered the cards were missing from the vehicle.

No further information was provided.

Identity theft reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On May 3, a resident went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report that Social Security checks were deposited to the resident’s debit card.

It was discovered that an unknown person had canceled and replaced the individual’s debit card with a new one.

No further information was provided.

Anyone who has information about these crimes or others is asked to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-9200.

— Mark Vest

Esports

from page 5A

tory, destroying their base to secure the win.

Throughout the season, and for the past few years, West Bloomfield has been interchangeable between the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked spot in League of Legends, but East Kentwood continued to be the thorn in their side.

“It would just have to be from a skill level, I would say,” senior Ryan Doroslovac said. “They’re (East Kentwood) very synchronized, and they have a lot of unity through their team. They go in with a game plan and they execute it very well.”

Doroslovac, who earned all-state honors this year, was the founder of the League of Legends team three years ago after a conversation with Muylaert during class.

The West Bloomfield esports program began with only two teams in League of Legends and Mario Kart, but with the recruiting power and advertising leadership of Doroslovac and others, West Bloomfield now features six-seven teams a season.

“I played it before the esports team was formed, and it was just something that I did for fun and I loved,” Doroslovac said. “I was just sitting in class one day and Mr. Muylaert was talking about how an esports team was formed. I think he mentioned League of Legends, and my little head perked up and I said, ‘Oh, I’d do that.’ I talked with him and just helped initiate esports, did some advertising work with some posters, and we came up with a team. The first year it was just me and my buddy Promise (Duru), and it was three other seniors. The second year, we incorporated some players that me and Promise knew better, and that’s really when

the team unity came to be.”

With experienced players such as Doroslovac, Duru, and senior Kram Jamal, who have all been playing the video game for fivesix years, West Bloomfield jump started an elite-level team that did not miss the playoffs in all three years of its existence.

Alongside the three, seniors Jevron Macalino, Steven Tran and Ryan Norred were key contributors to the state runner-up squad, leading West Bloomfield to a bye as the No. 2 seed and taking down Grandville High School in the semifinals.

In a game where every player relies on each other in efforts to lead the team to victory, Doroslovac said their chemistry was the difference maker this season.

“The first year we were just hitting the ground running and trying to find out what was the best way to set up stuff and communicate with our team,” Doroslovac said. “The second year was really applying what we learned from the first year, which was team skills, team communication and team synchronization. This last season we did was our best season by far.”

Anytime you lose a team that was banded together from day one, it’s impossible to just replace their production with the push of a button.

Luckily, the esports program’s success only continues to keep numbers steady as esports as a whole has grown rapidly throughout the state.

It brings a new meaning to what a high school experience is all about, and it also forms friendships in the process.

“It’s a fun thing to do with your buddies,” Jamal said. “It’s very cool, and something you guys share in common. Even outside of esports, we play for fun every now and then.”

Spotlight on business...

As the years go by, many homeowners nd themselves facing the daunting task of downsizing. Moving from a longtime family home to a smaller, more manageable space, independent living facility, or assisted living can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming.

Enter Shaun Shaya, Associate Broker at KW Domain in downtown Birmingham and lifelong resident of the area, who has dedicated much of his real estate career to making this transition as smooth as possible—especially for seniors. He also holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation, providing him with additional training and resources to better serve his elderly clients.

With over seven years of experience in real estate, Shaun specializes in residential single-family homes and condos.

“I help both buyers and sellers,” he added. “Being both a listing agent and a buyer’s agent is valuable to my clients because I have the experience and insight into what each party is looking for.”

In today’s competitive market, this dual experience helps Shaun navigate negotiations and resolve the issues that invariably come up during a real estate transaction.

“I connect really well with seniors and have noticed a growing need for specialized services catering to their needs,” he said. “ ey tend to face common challenges when downsizing. Whether they’re choosing to move or circumstances force their hand, they often say, ‘I’ve lived in my home for 30-plus years—where do I even begin?’ At this point, it’s not just about getting their home sold. It’s about sorting through the decades of memories and accumulated belongings, some that hold real sentimental value and are hard to let go of, as well as helping them come up with a logical plan to work through this process in order to move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

Shaun said the key to working with seniors is to understand where they are in their process and develop a tailored plan from there. Oftentimes, their adult children are involved.

“It’s crucial to understand their goals and timing and provide the level of service they need based on that understanding,” he explained. “When selling a downsizer’s home, we do everything we would normally do to market a home and get maximum value for our clients, including repairs, cleaning, staging, professional photos, a thorough marketing plan and more. But rst, we need to handle all of their accumulated belongings.”

He goes beyond traditional real estate services and o ers a full suite of assistance designed to address and coordinate every aspect of downsizing. From helping clients declutter and stage their homes for sale, planning for an estate sale, coordinating with movers and even lining them up with services that help set up their new living spaces, Shaun ensures that no detail is overlooked. “I have a network of referral partners who specialize in each of the required areas,” he explained.

“Most people don’t realize the value an agent experienced in this area can add, thereby minimizing the stress on the homeowner and their loved ones. I feel like I wear a couple of di erent hats in these circumstances: working as an agent and as a consultant to help them through the process.”

When a home is over lled with many possessions, that is not ideal for marketing. His referral partners can help address this issue. For example, the homeowner may be planning an estate sale after closing. By starting early in the process, they can assist the homeowner and their family with pre-packing items not needed daily. ey also consolidate items to keep them out of view for staging and photos, ensuring they are available for the estate sale. Items that have no sentimental or commercial value will be removed or donated. Shaun emphasized that every situation is unique and, therefore, he plans accordingly.

For seniors considering downsizing, Shaun o ered this advice: “It’s never too soon to start planning or talk with a Realtor, even if your move is a year away. Having a solid game plan tailored to your needs will make the process less stressful and more successful.”

KW Domain is located at 210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Suite

in Birmingham Michigan. For more information, call Shaun Shaya at (248) 408-6656 or visit his website: shayarealty.com

page 3A

the Bloomfields have been very much part of the targeting,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said at the event.

He said that two teams have been arrested in Oakland County.

“All seven were from Chile and violated the Visa Waiver Program.” He said that just the Chilean gangs alone are estimated to have more than 100 teams in the country of three-six people each. He said they study homes with cameras and trail cams to research their targets.

“Sometimes they’ve used trackers on cars, and sometimes we’ve now seen drones. … So they try to determine when you move, when you come and go, when you’re out of town, when you’re out to dinner, what your patterns of life are.”

He said Michigan has seen mainly Chilean crime gangs, but other parts of the U.S. are seeing gangs from Columbia.

The Chileans criminal crews are contact averse and will flee if they see someone at the home, Bouchard said.

“Columnbians are not so contact averse, so they have been more violent in other parts of the country. We’ve seen mostly the Chileans. … That has been a pattern, but it’s not something we can count on. We know for a fact that Columbians were in our county two weeks ago.”

He said the Visa Waiver Program is part of the problem because it does not include vital safeguards. Currently, it is only offered for Chile.

“We’ve asked the (Biden) administration to shut the VWP off until there’s some kind of handle on how many teams and people are coming here, because that doesn’t mean they can’t come visit — just have to get a traditional visa. … But so far that program has not been terminated or even put on pause, and in fact, Columbia has an application pending now for the VWP. So that’s a concern to us, because we can’t get a handle on how many teams are operating here and we may catch a team or two or three or even 10, but if there’s a 100 and 100 more in the pipeline — because they’re well trained.”

He said that the crews come in with equipment to breach the home, jam the wireless alarm systems and carry out heavy safes.

“They’re all ninja’d up,” he said.

He recommended having a hard-wired motion detector on every floor, considering a safety deposit box instead of a safe, and putting the home’s police department number in your phone contacts so you can call the right number if you see someone on cameras

while you are out of town, since a 911 call would route to the vacation-area police. He also said people should not announce their tips on social media.

“One of the best ways to prevent yourself from being a crime victim is to be situationally aware and to know steps you can take to better protect yourself and your family,” Bouchard said in a press release. In December, Bouchard organized a task force of more than 20 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies — the Southeast Michigan Capture/Arrest/Prosecute task force — and the town hall event was sponsored by Michigan Realtors, the North Oakland County Board of Realtors, and the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors.

The meeting was hosted by Bouchard, with Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallager and Bloomfield Hills Police Department Capt. Tom Van Simaeys.

Last September, Bouchard held a news conference about a transnational crime ring consisting of organized and trained thieves targeting certain areas of the United States and breaking into homes, with the intent of stealing cash and jewelry, and high-end clothing, purses and products.

Teams of criminals from Central and South America have reportedly targeted wealthy homes, stealing millions of dollars worth of jewelry, cash and other items, according to the release.

Last year it was reported that the thieves had begun targeting homes with the highest net value in Oakland Township.

Bouchard reported that the belief is that the thieves have entered the country illegally across the southern border or through the Visa Waiver Program.

They typically break in around 5-9 p.m., preferring homes that are isolated and

back up to wooded areas, trails and golf courses, and in which nobody is home.

Bouchard reported that the thieves purchase fake identifications, often overstay their visas and cancel their return dates.

At the townhall meeting, Bouchard warned that international gangs arrive in teams sent intentionally for robberies, with each gang member having a backpack with specialized equipment, including breaching tools, alarm jams and more.

“I don’t think people realize the full extent of what’s happening in Oakland County,” Steele stated in the release. “The number of people at the town hall showed just how scared people are. Homeowners in Oakland County are living in constant fear that their homes may be next on the hit list. This is the kind of fear that makes you jump at every shadow you see in the window and go to sleep with the lights on.”

Steele said she supports a House Republican plan to target criminals illegally entering the country on behalf of transnational criminal organizations. House Bill 5650

would increase penalties for crimes committed to benefit transnational crime organizations and for felonies committed by individuals who return to the country illegally after being deported, according to the release.

“We’re not talking about kids stealing stuff out of a garage,” Steele stated. “These are professional criminals who illegally entered our country to wreak havoc on our communities.”

The bill was referred to the House Government Operations Committee, according to the release.

Making sure that home security systems are on and tested, with quality cameras and layered systems throughout a home, along with securing valuables in a heavy-duty safe that is anchored, are some measures that homeowners can take.

Residents are also encouraged to contact law enforcement if they see something suspicious.

Staff Writers Mary Genson and Mary Beth Almond contributed to this report.

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

Concerned residents line up to speak at the event. According to a press release, nearly 200 people attended the town hall meeting that focused on robberies that have taken place of high-end homes in Oakland County.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Super Bee

page 8A

added the wheels that I wanted. I added some suspension upgrades. That’s a custom hood that’s on there. It’s a steel hood with a fiberglass scoop,” he said. “I’m still modifying, adding parts, doing things to the car. People that have classic cars, they always say they’re never done because they’re always fixing things.”

One change Mazelis recently made was the engine.

“The car had a 440 six pack in it. That

was getting pretty tiring,” Mazelis said. “I recently put a 512 cubic inch stroker engine in there, so it makes 650 horse (power). At least 600.”

Mazelis’ main goal was to drive the car as much as possible. During the summer, most Sundays are spent cruising Lake Shore Drive with his wife, Stacy; daughter Alaina, 15; and son Evan, 11. They’ll stop for lunch somewhere or grab an ice cream.

“It’s a special thing. It’s just quality time,” Mazelis said. “I like being able to share it with my family, driving around and going places.”

The eye-catching vehicle has been fea-

tured in many shows, including Detroit Autorama. The farthest trip he’s taken in the Super Bee was an 11-hour drive to Wisconsin for a car show.

Looking to connect with other car buffs, Mazelis created the Twisted Axle Car Club on Facebook and Instagram in 2013. At first, 30 people joined the group, and then 70 car enthusiasts came aboard. After a while, the pages went global as they reached car owners in Germany, Australia and Canada.

“Now it’s 50,000 people,” Mazelis said.

From that, Mazelis started the Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club on social media. He also has a presence on social me-

dia with Dynamic Detroit Mopars on Facebook.

“A lot of these people became my best friends. The car community’s just great, always trying to help each other out,” Mazelis said. “Metro Detroit is very diverse. You have all different kinds of cars, all cars that span decades. It’s just a very rich culture that we have here.”

The Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Gratiot Coney Island, 28560 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville. All are welcome. Car enthusiasts are also encouraged to check out the website twistedaxlemotorsports.com.

“I wanted to play pro football, but I also wanted to be a police officer,” Fitzgerald said. “If I left to go try out and I didn’t make the team, I’d have to wait a whole nother year to go to the police academy again. And then, talking with the Lions, they really didn’t need a 225-pound defensive lineman. … That solved the problem right there — I had lost weight since the season had been over.”

Not being quite as big as what the Lions were looking for helped allow Fitzgerald to continue to focus on the career path he was in the midst of pursuing.

The exploration of that career path began during his time at Grand Valley State, as according to Fitzgerald, a friend suggested that he take a criminal justice class.

He took his friend up on that suggestion, with that decision eventually leading to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and the opportunity to be a part of Grand Valley State’s police academy.

“And then I did an internship with the Kentwood Police Department, over by Grand Rapids, and when I got into that internship, I was like, ‘This is it. This is exactly what I wanna do.’ And I knew it from there on out: That was the career I wanted to have.”

Fitzgerald’s aspiration came to fruition, as he has spent approximately 38 years in law enforcement.

Despite the satisfaction that has come from his career choice, Fitzgerald recently decided that the time has come to retire, which he is set to do June 3.

“I’ve been trying to do it for the last six months, but I still love my job so much I couldn’t walk down the hall and do it,” Fitzgerald said. “But the deadline was coming up for my wife retiring too, so just about three weeks ago is when I made that decision. … When you’re in a career that you

love as much as I do, it’s hard to walk away. I think I feel right about it now.”

Fitzgerald said that he began his career working as a police officer for the city of Hillsdale in 1985. After spending approximately two years there, he accepted a position with the Southfield Police Department, where he worked for approximately 29 years.

After serving in a variety of roles, he was the deputy chief when he left that department. He said that he “had to go” due to the way the retirement system was set up there.

After taking some time off, Fitzgerald said, a fellow Southfield Police Department retiree, Joe George, who at that time was the chief of the Orchard Lake Police Department, called him to let him know that the chief’s position was going to become available at the Keego Harbor Police Department.

Fitzgerald took his shot at it and began in that role in January 2018.

He said that it has been a “great job.”

“The guys I work with have been a bunch of great officers,” Fitzgerald said. “Every chief’s job has its challenges, and a small department has a different set of challenges (than) a larger department like Southfield, so you just have to adapt and overcome. … We have some part-time positions here, and a lot of the officers that take part-time positions are still looking for full-time work, so they come and they go, and you have to keep working to replace those spots.”

Despite Keego not having as high of a pay scale as larger departments, working in a small city can have other advantages.

“It’s a small community, so you get to know a lot of the people around here,” Fitzgerald said. “You can stop in the businesses and say hi, and drive down the streets and talk to someone raking their leaves or cutting their grass or shoveling their driveway and get a chance to know some of the citizens face-to-face.”

Keego City Councilman Joel Ross said that police officers in Keego are “neighborhood-friendly” and look out for the residents.

Ross thinks that attribute is a reflection of their chief. He recalled a role that Fitzgerald played prior to Roosevelt Elementary School being closed approximately two years ago.

“He’s a gentle giant,” Ross said. “He’s an imposing figure … but he is accessible, and I know he (spent) a lot of time when Roosevelt had kids coming and going – the chief was there supervising their safe arrival to school or return home.”

According to Fitzgerald, it is not yet known who will take over his position.

From Ross’ perspective, whoever that is has a tough act to follow.

“It’s going to be tough to find someone to fill (the) chief’s shoes,” Ross said. “I’ve enjoyed many conversations with him – everything from city business to things on a more personal level, and I really hope that our next chief meets the standard that Chief Fitzgerald has set for the city.”

Robert Barnes has been a detective with the Keego Police Department during Fitzgerald’s entire tenure with the city. He has observed a chief who is smart about police work, fair, and respected by the community.

For Barnes, one of the things that stood

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Baseball

from page 1A

think it would be so early in my coaching career, per say, but it’s definitely something that’s been a full-circle moment for me and something that’s been very cool.”

Now in his fourth season as the frontman for where it all started for Birnberg, West Bloomfield is rolling as the No. 3 ranked team in Division 1 and winning the Oakland Activities Association White with a 12-3 record. West Bloomfield last won the OAA White in 2022 and finished second in the OAA Red last year before moving back down.

The Lakers have all the makings of a team ready to make a run in the Division 1 state tournament — only problem is a team Birnberg is all too familiar with will stand in its way.

West Bloomfield is slated to face North Farmington June 1 to open up district play, but will be faced with the winner of Bloomfield Hills vs. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice in the district finals.

Brother Rice, the unanimous No. 1 ranked team in Division 1 and ranked No. 12 nationally according to MaxPreps, will once again be an obstacle for a Birnberg-led squad as a heavy favorite and the Lakers as the underdogs.

“It’s almost as if the person who is making it has something against it,” Birnberg said. “That’s the only explanation I can think of for how hard they make it for us every year. They put the hardest team in the state in our district every single year.”

Under Birnberg, the Lakers have been eliminated in districts by Brother Rice, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Lake Orion, with each team reaching the regional finals or higher.

If Birnberg remembers anything from the 2014 team, a pitching staff can make all the difference in the state tournament.

West Bloomfield surrendered just over three runs per game during its 2014 run, while also scoring nine or more runs its first three games.

A strong rotation has always been the Lakers’ calling card, and the 2024 staff consisting of junior Slade Moore (University of Michigan commit), senior Myles Sorn (Lansing Community College commit), junior Cam Laflamme, senior Mitchell Rebtoy (Macomb Community College commit), senior Quinn Lewis (Albion commit) and junior Stevie Fountain is only carrying the tradition. Senior Jon Beard, senior Dylan Jordan and junior Brady Scheidt have also contributed innings this season.

“A very deep pitching staff has definitely

carried us all year long,” Birnberg said. “Since I’ve been here at West Bloomfield, we’ve relied on pitching heavily every single year. This year is more of the same.”

From top to bottom, West Bloomfield’s array of arms has been nearly unhittable, with each guy having the ability to take the mound and dominate.

In a league-clinching matchup, Sorn, a complete-game maestro and Detroit Catholic Central transfer last year, went seven strong innings as the Lakers edged Birmingham Groves 3-2 May 2 to clinch the OAA White.

Sorn said he prides himself on attacking the zone and challenging hitters, and he said his ability to do so is based on the rest of the pitching staff’s analytical work.

“We chart all of our pitchers and all of their pitches throughout the series,” Sorn said.

“On Monday, Slade Moore usually pitches. We’ll chart all of his pitches and where they were in the zone. The next day, we’ll attack that. If the leadoff hitter struggles with hitting outside fastballs, we’ll try and dominate on the outside half of the plate. All of our pitchers really look on each other.”

The offensive unit doesn’t get a ton of love because of how impressive the rotation has been, but the seniors carry the weight as the experienced leaders in the lineup.

Seniors Jaxon Stapf (Macomb Community College commit), Max Gross, Fountain, Jordan, Laflamme, Sorn and Rebtoy can set the table for the lineup to take off at any given time, with junior Brody Pikur also contributing.

“We have a lot of JUCO (junior college) guys, which some people look down on JUCO, but a lot of our hitters are absolute

dogs. I feel like the senior class leads by example, which causes everyone else to step up.”

West Bloomfield seniors Andre Landau (Lansing Community College commit) and Ari Klinger (Albion commit) are both players expected to make a name for themselves on the college level.

Currently 24-4 overall and with the state tournament nearing, West Bloomfield could still have its eyes on the regular season win record the program set in 2022 with 32 under Birnberg.

West Bloomfield has the talent to do so, but the focus of the team with the league out of the way will be preparing for the gauntlet district play is set to bring.

The Lakers last made it out of districts in 2015 with their season ending shortly after, but, hopefully, Birnberg’s full-circle tenure can include a trip to East Lansing in the process.

“We got a really confident team,” Sorn said. “Everyone knows their job and everyone knows we have a chance to make a far run in the playoffs, so we’re just trying to get better every day. I think that’s what we really emphasized in the preseason, which was coach Josh (Birnberg) saying we have a chance to win a state championship. I think everyone bought in and is doing their job.”

Call Sports Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

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West Bloomfield junior Slade Moore takes a swing during a matchup against Rochester High School May 15 at Rochester High School.

Oily spill

from page 3A

officials from West Bloomfield Township, the Road Commission for Oakland County, the West Bloomfield Police Department and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, known as EGLE.

“I am deeply disturbed by the oil spill that occurred north of Pine Lake this week; the idea that an individual or entity would intentionally and recklessly harm West Bloomfield’s environment, including our lakes, is abhorrent,” Arbit stated via the release. “As a resident of this neighborhood, I have been in touch with concerned residents, visited the site and taken steps to monitor the response efforts,” Arbit said. “I’m grateful for the vigilance of residents who immediately reported the incident, and for the immediate, coordinated response of WBPD, RCOC and the township to investigate, clean up and work to contain any environmental impact.”

The release stated that Pine Lake will require careful monitoring by EGLE following conflicting results from on-site testing of the oily substance conducted by the HAZMAT team and the Pine Lake Association, and that Arbit’s priority is to monitor the area and take appropriate action to ensure the oil does not spread to contaminate Pine Lake.

“Residents in the area, including me, are rightfully concerned by the potential impact on our neighborhood. I have been in contact with EGLE to ensure an aggressive response by the state and will follow the results of both the environmental health assessment and criminal investigation closely. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure an appropriate response, and keep residents updated on any developments,” Arbit stated.

The latest report from the WBPD states that the roadway is open.

According to an email, EGLE is not the lead agency involved in investigating the incident, as the response is “being handled by the local road commission and local hazmat.”

However, according to the email, EGLE was on-site in a supporting role.

“The Road Commission put together a team to address cleanup, and has applied absorbent material to soak up any remaining product on the roadway and hand swept the area,” the email from an EGLE representative states. “Two booms were set — one in a nearby culvert and one in a small drainage ditch near Pine Lake. EGLE has not taken any samples. The Hazmat team did analyze the material and it was not petroleum based or a solvent.”

CITY OF SYLAN LAKE

ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Sylvan Lake has amended the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30, and Chapter 34, to amend open burning [and to provide penalties for violation thereof]. Effective Date.

The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby ordered to take effect ten (10) days after adoption by the Sylvan Lake City Council.

Enactment.

This Ordinance is declared to have been enacted by the City Council of the City of Sylvan Lake at its meeting duly called and held on the 8th day of May 2024, and shall be given publication in accordance with applicable law.

This is a summary of the ordinance. A true copy of this ordinance is kept at the Sylvan Lake Clerk’s offce, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320, and may be reviewed, inspected and/or obtained during normal business hours.

Dennise Dryden, City Clerk Publish:

CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR NOTICE OF BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024 7:00 P.M.

The City Council of Keego Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to discuss the proposed 2024 - 2025 City budget. Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

Copies of the proposed 2024-2025 City budget will be available at City Hall for review the week before the hearing. Please contact City Hall at (248) 682-1930 to receive a copy. Public comments, oral or written, are welcome at the hearing of the proposed City budget.

Tammy Neeb City Clerk

Square Lake Road, between St. Joseph Street and Pine Ridge Road.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Retire

from page 16A

out about Fitzgerald is that he didn’t immediately try to impose his will upon his arrival.

“He didn’t come in and cause chaos and stress everybody out,” Barnes said. “Every jurisdiction has its own personality, its own thing going on, but Keego not only has that, it has its own culture going on. So he observed that and molded to it and kept everything nice and steady and un-chaotic, and for the most part, drama-free.”

Barnes called the decision to hire Fitzgerald a good one.

Along with Rob Kalman, John Fletcher is the only member of Keego’s City Council who held that position when Fitzgerald was hired.

He said that Fitzgerald was a stand-out candidate who turned out to be a fantastic chief.

“He’s changed the perception of our Police Department,” Fletcher said. “He’s totally transformed it so it is a community-based police department that patrols the neighborhoods, and community policing is the top priority, so that’s made all the difference in the world. Ticket writing was put secondary to patrolling the neighborhoods and just having friendly relations with the community as a whole. I think that’s the biggest impact that John made and has made, and you could see it in the interviewing process, that he understood that’s what we needed.”

Fletcher also added that, “He’s the type of man I would want as my neighbor. I just don’t think we could’ve ever found a better person for the job.”

Kalman recalled some of the characteristics that helped set Fitzgerald apart.

“When he first came to Keego Harbor and the selection committee identified three candidates for the City Council to review,

FAN

from page 6A

Station 3, 3340 Green Lake Road.; Station 4, 5842 Greer Road.; Station 5, 5425 W. Maple Road.; and Station 9, located at 3300 Orchard Lake Road in Orchard Lake.

Fire Chief Gregory Flynn said that the program is an opportunity for those seeking help with drug addiction to start the process of connecting with a counselor “to navigate to wellness.”

“To this date we don’t have any surrenders or anybody coming in to turn any paraphernalia in or to seek any kind of assistance, but we want to be a beacon for people

our city manager was in the process of narrowing her decision and asked for some input, and he stood out in his leadership and his knowledge of police work and his demeanor – clearly it showed us that he was the right person for the job at the time. I like that he’s community-minded; I like that I’d see him driving around Keego Harbor … to talk to members of the community, to see what was going on in the city.”

Fitzgerald graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. He has been married for nearly 30 years and has two daughters.

He thanked his wife and children for the support that they have given him over the years.

“They were able to tolerate and stand by me as I worked the midnights and I worked the weekends and worked the holidays,” Fitzgerald said. “To have them support me all the way through, I’m really thankful for them.”

Traveling and playing golf are among the activities that Fitzgerald would like to partake in during retirement.

Fitzgerald described the department that he is set to retire from as “pretty solid,” with officers who “care about their community that they’re working for.”

“I hope that I left it better than I found it,” Fitzgerald said. “I thank everybody for their support and their encouragement and the fact that I got to be here and serve the community.”

Fitzgerald further reflected on the tough call that he didn’t have to make about whether or not to try out for the Lions and his friend’s suggestion that he take a criminal justice class.

“God has a plan for us and, hopefully, we follow His plan,” he said. “I think it worked out for me.”

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

in the community that are looking for a safe place to initiate recovery,” Flynn said. “We’re measuring our efforts to partner with other stakeholders to provide an opportunity for recovery from addiction, and we think that’s a positive way of engaging those partners and our community. … We fundamentally believe at the WBFD that addiction knows no socio-economic boundaries, and so having these kinds of resources to connect those that are battling addiction and looking for counselors for recovery – we want to bridge that gap and make that bridging of those resources as accessible as possible for the community.”

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

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PIPEFITTER APPRENTICESHIP

PIPEFITTER APPRENTICESHIP

The JATC for the Pipefitting Industry and Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Local Union #636 of the United Association will be accepting applications for our Construction Apprenticeship beginning Monday June 10th, 2024, through June 27th, 2024. Application days and times will be as followed: Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 PM. Saturday June 15th, 2024 and June 22nd, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

– Qualifications necessary for an applicant to be considered are:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Complete the application and return to the Pipefitting Industry Training Center with:

b.

a. A valid driver’s license.

b. High School diploma or high school equivalency (GED) certificate.

c. There is a $45.00 OR $100.00 testing fee that will be collected when turning in application.

This is a drug free Program. An individual tentatively selected for entrance into the Program after testing and interview will be required to submit to a drug test, which will include testing for marijuana. ThePipefittingIndustryTrainingCenterislocatedat636ExecutiveDriveinTroy,MIbetween JohnR.andDequindre north of E. 14 mile Road. PH: 248-585-0636 Noresumesplease. For more information please contact our web site at: www.pipefitters636tc.org.

Electrical

CASTLEELECTRIC

POBLETECEMENT BrickPavers,LLC. •Driveways•Patios •Porches•Steps •Stamp•Color •Exposed•Floors•Walks •Licensed/Insured 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)

ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING 10%OffPre-Spring! •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Sidewalks Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791 Cleaning Service

CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830

Decks/Patios 2024SPECIALS CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218 Electrical BEST-Price-Period Licensed/Insured. Additions,Remodels, Basements,Kitchens, 30-yrs.-experience. Callforfree-estimates. Open7-daysaweek 24/hrs-day. HotchkissElectric 586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028

586-755-3636 Father&Son MasterElectricians Dr.Electric Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting, ElectricVehicleChargers BackupGenerator TransferSwitch, License#6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC/Lic./Insured

586-634-1152

(directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359

PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It snotjustagenerator.Itʼsapowermove. Fence Service COPPER COUNTRYFENCING SpecializingInAll FencingNeeds. CustomWood/Gates, Chain-link,Vinyl,Aluminum,SteelandComposite AllRepairs.Insured. CallForFreeEstimate 313-828-4062

Gutters

A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998

*”STEVE'S

SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111

ELIMINATE gutter cleaningforever!LeafFilter,themostadvanced debris-blockinggutter protection.Schedulea FREELeafFilterestimate today.20%offEntire Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709

POWERWASHING

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

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Handyman Services

AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCredit CardsAccepted 586-822-5100

& Waste Removal

JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall! DemolitionBig&Small Residential/Commercial RubberWheelDumpsters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction Material,Small-Moving, Appliances,Furniture& More!LowestRates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/MilitaryDiscounts 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com

ABLEJUNK REMOVALAND DUMPSTERS Since1991. 5-starGooglereviews. Driveway-safedumpster trailers.Fullyinsured. Junkremovalexperts. 248-333-3933 ablejunk.com

BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188

**CLUTTERGUY'S** Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas EfficientCourteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEEDCLUTTER REMOVED? LETUSDOTHEWORK! 586-258-6672 Heating & Cooling AFFORDABLE HeatingandCooling Greg'sHeatingLLC Familyowned company 89$servicecall 79A/Ctuneup SeniorDiscounts 586-422-8528 Home Improvement GOLDENBUILT CONSTRUCTION New-garages/additions &dormers,New-siding/ roofingandallrepairs, Interior/exterior-renovations,Supportingwallsremoved/rebuilt,Seamless gutters/downspouts, Concrete-sidewalks/ driveways/foundations. Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764 Home Repairs EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 Roofing,Siding, GuttersandMore! Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops MR.BACKSPLASH ·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES ·CUSTOMKITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS *Granite*Quartz* ·CustomBathrooms ·TILEREPAIRS *FREEESTIMATES* 586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com

Landscaping & Water Gardens

ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202

DOLL'S LANDSCAPING SPRINGCLEAN-UPS! Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Powerrake,Aeration, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033

TOTALBRICKPAVING LANDSCAPINGPROS 586-420-3531 Brickpaving,Patio, Walkways,Driveways, Porches,Repairs, Powerwash,Rock Installation,Mulch,Sod, CompleteLandscape Design.

Lawn Maintenance 2024SPRING 586-260-5218

Commercial/Residential *Landscaping *Decks *SpringClean-Ups *LawnCutting *LicensedFertilization *Aerating&Thatching VisitFacebook: BrightHorizonServicesInc.

SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS SpringClean-up LawnMaintenance, Landscaping,Paver, Patios,RetainingWalls, CementWork,Shrub/Tree Trimming&Removal, Mulching,35Yearsin Business,Free-Estimates 586-727-3924

Painting (586)229-4267

American Painting •Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •Clean-outs •HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.

PEAKPAINTING Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. 30-yr.-exp.*WillBeat AnyOtherReasonable Estimate! Senior-Disc. Insured.Credit-Cards Accepted.References. 586-722-8381 Painting 2BROTHERS PAINTING CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable ANDERSON Painting&Carpentry CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates

MAY 22

What’s Cooking?: This month’s demonstrations and samples provided by Vitality Bowls, 7 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, events@ wblib.org, wblib.org

MAY 23

D&D Club: Play “Dungeons and Dragons,” no experience required, 7-8:30 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Westacres Branch, 7321 Commerce Road, (248) 363-4022, wblib.org

JUNE 1

National Trails Day: 8 a.m., meet and park at Walnut Creek Middle School, 7601 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, then walk West Bloomfield Trail to Sylvan Manor Park with naturalist, wbparks.org/ event/trails-day

JUNE 5

Michigan Board of Cantors concert: Musical revue pays tribute to Jewish influence in hit songs, 7:30-9:30 p.m., The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 406-6677, theberman@jccdet.org, registrations.jccdet.org/ cantors-concert JUNE 9

and game, timeslots at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., pier on Cass Lake at Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, kids and adults register at wbparks.org/event/go-fish

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JUNE 20

Kids Komotion: Free interactive concert featuring Children’s Theatre of Michigan, 10 a.m.-noon, also inflatables and Optimist Club of West Bloomfield selling snacks and refreshments, Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, next and final event Aug. 22, (248) 451-1900, wbparks.org/series/kids-komotion-concerts

ONGOING

Farmers markets: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through October, Casey J. Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake.us

• 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through end of December, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 858-5495, ocmarket@oakgov.com, oakgov.com

Game nights: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, sylvanlake.org/community_center, (248) 6821440 • 5-6:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday

Township Community Library, 180 E. Commerce Road, (248) 6698108, commercetwp.com/library

Perennial plant exchange and sale: Hosted by Sylvan Lake Garden Club, 10 a.m.-noon June 1, Memorial Park at intersection of Pontiac and Garland, call Tina at (248) 406-4858 or Julie at (248) 941-7801

Lakes Area Amputee Support Group: Meets 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of month, Ropp Clinic, 2075 E. West Maple Road, Suite B-207, in Commerce Township, register at (248) 669-9222

Live music: 7-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 4000 Cass-Elizabeth Road in Waterford, (248) 791-3256,

Waterford man points toy gun at people

BIRMINGHAM — On May 5 at approximately 3 p.m., officers were dispatched to North Old Woodward and Harmon for an individual in the street waving a fake gun at people.

They found the suspect, a 58-year-old man from Waterford, standing near a restaurant in the 500 block of North Old Woodward.

Police recovered a green-and-red toy gun in a search of the man, and they noticed signs that he was intoxicated. Multiple witnesses at the scene reported seeing the suspect point the toy gun and a phone at passing people and vehicles and pretend to shoot. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation for disorderly conduct.

Novi man causes disturbance

BIRMINGHAM — On April 29 at approximately 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Hamilton Row, where an individual was causing a disturbance.

The suspect, a 38-year-old Novi man, had previously been escorted out of the business on multiple occasions for disruptive behavior and was no longer allowed there.

A check of records confirmed that Birmingham officers had been called to the business three prior times for similar issues with this suspect. When officers began to question him outside the shop, he caused a disturbance and was arrested and issued a citation for trespassing.

Speeding vehicles flee police

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8 p.m. April 25, officers on patrol identified two vehicles going approximately 72 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Officers initiated their overhead emergency lights in an attempt to pull over one of the vehicles, which continued to drive beyond the speed limit. The driver was driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, and did not stop for the police officers. An investigation was ongoing.

Bowling bag stolen from unlocked car

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between midnight and 6 a.m. on April 22, an unknown person stole a bowling bag containing the complainant’s shoes and multiple bowling balls from the complainant’s unlocked car in the 200 block of South Wilson Avenue, near East 11 Mile and South Campbell roads.

Man reportedly stops traffic, arrested

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, officers were called to the area of Eight Mile Road and

gate a report of an aggressive man who was stopping traffic while drinking beer. He was stopped by police and found to have warrants.

When told to put his hands behind his back, the man allegedly pulled away from officers and began to flee on foot. An officer stumbled to the ground briefly, but the police were ultimately able to capture and arrest the man. The officer later went to the hospital, having suffered a broken finger.

The suspect, 32, of Detroit, faces a felony charge for allegedly resisting and obstructing a police officer. An investigation was ongoing.

Woman steals beer, baby wipes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A woman stole beer and baby wipes from a drugstore in the 6500 block of Telegraph Road at 6:45 p.m. April 15. According to reports, a woman loaded two 12-pack cases of Stella Artois beer, two six-packs of Stella Artois beer, and one pack of Huggies baby wipes into a cart and left the store without paying. The suspect was seen loading the merchandise into a U-Haul box truck before leaving the parking lot. Police were investigating.

Man staggering in traffic found with meth

FARMINGTON — Officers were dispatched to a welfare check for a man seen staggering into traffic in the area of Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road at 12:30 p.m. April 26.

Officers made contact with the man and conducted an investigation, leading to the discovery of methamphetamine. The case was to be forwarded on to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for warrant consideration.

Woman calls 911 after truck begins repeatedly ramming her vehicle

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to Adams Road and Walton Boulevard for a white Tesla being rammed by a black truck at 5:11 p.m. April 16.

While on 911, a 43-year-old woman from Rochester Hills told police the truck was ramming her vehicle. She stated that the truck behind her began flipping her off, then making gun gestures at her.

She had her daughter in the vehicle and called 911. The truck rammed the Tesla four or five times and drove onto the Oakland University campus. When deputies arrived on the scene they could not locate the vehicle, or the suspect.

Woman reports indecent exposure at gym

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to a

report of indecent exposure at 7:38 p.m. March 30. The caller, a 21-year-old woman from Rochester Hills, told dispatchers that an unknown man who had been on the treadmill pleasuring himself in the presence of other gym members was attempting to leave the gym in a black Dodge Charger.

Deputies located the Dodge Charger in the parking lot, occupied by two males, who were detained and investigated.

The caller was located, interviewed, and provided video of the incident.

Gym managers said they would provide interior video of the incident at a later date.

Per video review, the driver of the Charger, a 23-year-old man from Clarkston, was identified as the suspect. He was transported to the Rochester Hills substation for processing and was released pending further investigation.

Shot fired at condo as man cleans rifle

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to 1600 block of Oneil Circle on a report of a shot fired from a condo at 6:49 p.m. April 19.

The round went through the ceiling of another condo unit. Deputies contacted the occupants of both units. The upstairs resident, a 54-year-old man, said he had been cleaning his rifle and moving it from the kitchen to a bedroom when the rifle went off.

The round went through the floor and ceiling and then fragmented, causing no further damage. No injuries were reported at the time of the investigation. The man was interviewed and released pending further investigation. The rifle was recovered and transported to the police property room. The investigation was ongoing.

Teen throws plate at school security guard, resulting in concussion, stitches

ROCHESTER HILLS — School resource officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Dequindre on a report of an assault at Ace High School at 11:42 a.m. April 15.

School administrators told police that an 18-yearold male student had become agitated in class. When the principal and security personnel arrived to deescalate the situation, the student threw a ceramic plate toward staff, hitting a 62-year-old male security guard in the forehead.

The Rochester Hills Fire Department arrived at the scene and rendered aid to the guard, who was transported to the hospital. He had a concussion and suffered a laceration to the head that required stitches.

The student was taken into custody for felonious assault and was transported to the Oakland County Jail.

Victim drives suspect’s vehicle to police station to file report

SOUTHFIELD — A man stated that he was approached by an unknown male in the 26000 block of Telegraph Road at 7:31 a.m. April 27. The victim perceived that he was being robbed and noticed that the suspect had left his vehicle running with the door open. The victim got into the vehicle and drove it to the police station to file a report.

Driver hits construction equipment

TROY — Officers responded to Coolidge Highway and Wattles Road for a vehicle crash at 2:48 p.m. April 26 in which a Buick SUV had struck a piece of construction equipment.

The driver of the 2017 Buick Encore, a 63-year-old man from Troy, could not explain how he had ended up crashing into the construction equipment in an active construction zone.

Police discovered the driver did not have a valid license, and they noted that his eyes were watery and bloodshot and that there was a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his vehicle.

The driver did poorly on field sobriety evaluations. He submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.193% blood alcohol content. He was arrested, and the case was turned over to the Detective Bureau.

Fraudulent Best Buy email leads to $2,500 gift card scam

TROY — A victim from Alisop Place received a presumably scam email from what he believed was Best Buy’s