GAULT PREVAILS IN DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR COUNTY BOARD
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — During the primary election Aug. 6, two Democrats squared off to be their party’s candidate for a four-year term on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners serving District 3, which includes Madison Heights, Hazel Park and parts of Troy.
Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein challenged incumbent Ann Erickson Gault, D-Troy, for the role. By the end of the night, Gault emerged victorious, claiming 3,427 votes and edging out Grafstein’s tally of 3,167. There were 17 unassigned write-ins.
“I am excited to win this race and have the opportunity to continue my work as a county commissioner for the people of Hazel Park, Madison Heights and Troy,” Gault said in an email the day after the election. “This was an important victory, and I look forward to the November election.
“My win would not have been possible without an army of volunteers and supporters who believe in me and know that I will represent District 3 with integrity and work to invest in our community,” she continued. “If I win in November,
Scenes from the July 30 fires on
in
Firefighters from Hazel Park, Madison Heights and Ferndale worked to contain the blaze, which was fueled by a burning gas meter between the two homes. Officials remind residents to have working smoke detectors, which are available for free at the fire station, located at 22830 Russell Ave.
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — When two homes caught fire on Muir Street in Hazel Park late last month, working smoke detectors saved the lives of the occupants sleeping inside.
The incident occurred July 30, mere weeks after another fire on the same street
Muir Street
Hazel Park.
Photos provided by the Hazel Park Fire Department
SECOND FRONT PAGE
VOTERS APPROVE MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL FOR MADISON SCHOOLS
MEASURE DOES NOT AFFECT TAX RATE ON HOMEOWNERS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — A millage renewal proposal for the Madison District Public Schools was approved by voters during the primary election Aug. 6.
However, the measure does not increase the school taxes paid by homeowners — nor would it have decreased their taxes if it had been defeated.
According to unofficial results from Oakland County, across all four precincts, nearly 872 voters said “yes” (58.72%) while 613 said “no” (41.28%).
The proposal was for a routine adjustment that the school district makes to offset automatic millage rollbacks caused by the Headlee Amendment.
Per recommendations by the state, the measure allows the district to levy the statutory rate of up to 18 mills on all property, except principal residences.
For the Madison Schools, this means levying an additional 2 mills to reach the full statutory amount of 18 mills on non-homestead properties. The school district collects $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s value, multiplied by the millage rate.
“I’m thankful to the voters for supporting this proposal,” said Mark Kimble, a trustee with the Madison District Public Schools Board of Edu-
An example of a shared lane marking, or “sharrow,” denoting bike lanes on south John R Road near the
Similar sharrows are being installed along the north end of John R Road as the road diet continues.
‘ROAD DIET’ NEARING COMPLETION IN HAZEL PARK
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — A “road diet” installing bike lanes and other safety features along John R Road, from Hazelcrest Place to 10 Mile Road, is on track to finish this fall.
The project includes pavement markings called shared lane markings (SLMs), or “sharrows,” which denote bike lanes on the roads. The sharrows are also all along Woodward Heights Boulevard. In addition, the project has made pedestrian and accessibility enhancements at the intersection of John R Road and Woodward Heights Boulevard.
“This will benefit our residents and businesses, and visitors will better appreciate our town,” said Mike Webb, the mayor of Hazel Park. “We’re not just a bypass for I-75. We’re a small town by a big city, and we have a lot to offer.”
A stretch of John R Road south of Nine Mile Road underwent a similar transformation in 2019, which led to a moderate surge in the number of businesses that opened along that portion, said James Finkley, the planning and community development director for Hazel Park.
See ROAD DIET on page 10A
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Eastern Palace Club.
IN THE MAC FOOTBALL LEAGUE, THESE ARE SOME PLAYERS TO WATCH
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
C & G Newspapers sports reporter Jonathan Szczepaniak looks at players to watch in the Macomb Area Conference.
Brady Hamby, Macomb Dakota
If Dakota needs a couple of yards to earn a first down, it knows who to turn to.
The Cougars’ Swiss Army knife, Hamby is one of the more versatile players in the MAC courtesy of his ability to run the ball down the defense, throw to an open receiver or just dominate an opposing team’s offense at the linebacker position.
In 2023, the Ferris State University commit posted 927 total yards and 16 touchdowns offensively while racking up 120 total tackles (75 solo), five sacks and 12 tackles for a loss defensively, earning first team all-state honors as a linebacker.
While Dakota’s quarterback, Jadon Ford, battled injuries throughout the year, Hamby stepped up and made an impact in the passing game like his older brother, Ethan Hamby, now a quarterback at Northwood University, used to do on the field for the Cougars.
Whatever head coach Greg Baur needs from Hamby, he’ll deliver. Hamby possesses a nose for the football and has great tackling mechanics and pursuit, making him one of the more polished tackles around.
Similar to his style of defense, Hamby is simply a bulldozer with the ball in his hands and the only time he stops is when he crosses the endzone.
Conner Temple, Utica Eisenhower
Eisenhower carried the best defense in the MAC Red last year by allowing only 15.6 points per game against league opponents, and Eisenhower will lean heavily on Temple to help anchor the defense again.
The Eagles graduated a slew of starting defensive players in 2023, but teams shouldn’t be eager to test the defense with Temple still leading the way.
A physical player in the secondary, Temple does a great job of tracking the quarterback’s eyes and reading the pass.
On the offensive side, he’s one of the Eagles’ premier weapons at the wideout spot, hauling in 790 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in 2023, earning all-MAC honors.
If Eisenhower is going to stay competitive in the MAC Red, Temple, who currently holds an offer from Grand Valley State University, will be a key reason why.
Joseph Celaj, Romeo
Kickers, especially at the high school level, don’t get enough love for what they can provide for their team.
In the case of Celaj, Romeo is always a threat to put up three points as long as it’s in the opposing team’s territory.
Currently a four-star ranked kicker by Kohl’s Professional Camps, a camp and evaluation resource for kickers, long snappers and punters, Celaj puts on a show with each kick.
He easily has the leg to make a 60-yarder and showed his
PLAYERS on page 13A
C & G NEWSPAPERS
PROJECTS THE STANDINGS FOR MAC FOOTBALL
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
It’s been some time since a Macomb Area Conference team hoisted a state championship title — Clinton Township Chippewa Valley in 2018 to be exact — but the MAC is still as strong as ever.
Below is C & G Newspapers’ projected standings for the 2024-2025 MAC football season (regular season and division records from last year in parentheses).
MAC Red Division
Macomb Dakota (8-3, 3-2)
Chippewa Valley (9-3, 4-1)
Romeo (4-6, 3-2)
Utica Eisenhower (9-2, 4-1)
New Baltimore Anchor Bay (2-7, 0-5)
Sterling Heights Stevenson (4-6, 1-4)
It will be a feeling-out year for the MAC Red with longtime Chippewa Valley coach Scott Merchant moving to Lawrence Technological University and Utica Eisenhower and Romeo each graduating a core of talent, but don’t be surprised if Macomb Dakota is league champion when it’s all said and done.
Chippewa Valley, who won a share of the league last year with Eisenhower, was the thorn in Dakota’s side both in the regular season and the playoffs, eliminating the Cougars in districts.
See STANDINGS on page 18A
Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse senior Donovan Rey celebrates after scoring a touchdown.
File photo by Erin Sanchez See
Roseville head coach Vernard Snowden leads his team during a game last season. File photo by Donna Dalziel
C & G NEWSPAPERS PROJECTED STANDINGS FOR CHSL FOOTBALL
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
The Catholic High School League is shaping up to have a memorable season on its hands with a slew of teams fighting for the top spot in the Central Division and movement between Intersectional 1 and Intersectional 2 teams shaking up the divisions.
Below is C&G Newspapers’ projected standings for the 2024-2025 CHSL football season (regular season and division records from last year in parenthesis):
CHSL Central Division
Warren De La Salle Collegiate (11-3, 5-1)
Toledo Catholic Central (16-0, 6-0)
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (3-6, 3-3)
Detroit Catholic Central (8-3, 4-2)
Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (0-9, 0-6)
Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (4-7, 2-4)
Similar to how the Macomb Area Conference Red or Oakland Activities Association Red operate, the CHSL Central Division is truly a dogfight each week, and expected improvements from Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s only makes it more of a gauntlet.
Warren De La Salle Collegiate, which lost to Muskegon in the Division 2 state finals, and Toledo Central Catholic, which won its sixth Ohio state title last year, are the two heavyweights hoping one of its league counterparts can do some dirty work and give one of the top teams a loss before DLS
and Central Catholic meet up on Sept. 20.
Central Catholic won the first meeting between the two schools 28-23 on their turf, but DLS will have the home field advantage this time around.
It’s always been about retooling a graduating class for DLS, but the Pilots return a healthy amount of all-Region talent in Jacob Hoffman (OL), Damion King IV (WR), Sante Gasperoni (QB), Jacob Tur (DL), Anthony Presnell (DL), Dalton Drogosh (LB) and Isaiah Jones (DB), who are not only motivated to regain control of the Central Division but to take back the D2 state championship.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (OLSM) and Detroit Catholic Central (DCC) are prime candidates for throwing a wrench in the plans of a DLS or Central Catholic, but the two schools are also geared up for another battle after a 16-14 DCC win over OLSM last year ultimately swung DCC to finish third and OLSM to finish fourth in the league.
This year will be on OLSM’s turf as the Eaglets host DLS and DCC in back-to-back weeks.
For Brother Rice, you hope the offseason splash of hiring former Southfield A&T football coach Aaron Marshall motivates the guys this year.
Marshall, who led Southfield A&T to its first state title in school history last year, can only improve on a record that saw Brother Rice go winless for the first time since 1963, but his squad will start out with an immediate test in Roseville, which blanked
MORE High School FOOTBALL COVERAGE AT CANDGNEWS.COM
Players to watch in the CHSL football league C & G Newspapers sports reporter Jonathan Szczepaniak looks at players to watch in the Catholic High School League.
Brother Rice 41-0 to open the 2023 season.
CHSL AA Division
Jackson Lumen Christi (13-1, 3-0)
Detroit U of D Jesuit (7-3, 2-1)
Dearborn Divine Child (6-5, 1-2)
Toledo St. Francis De Sales (1-9, 1-5 Central)
The CHSL AA Division is really in the hands of Jackson Lumen Christi, which is looking for its third-straight Division 7 state championship.
Lumen Christi outscored league opponents 105-19 en route to an unbeaten league record and 13-1 season.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
LEFT: Warren De La Salle Collegiate head coach Dan Rohn looks on during the Catholic High School League’s media day on July 31 at Farmington Hills Mercy High School. CENTER: Macomb Lutheran North head coach Garrett Wenzelburger speaks at the Catholic High School League media day on July 31 at Farmington Hills Mercy High School. RIGHT: Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice head coach Aaron Marshall smiles in his new uniform as he enters his first year leading the Brother Rice sidelines.
Live pottery firings, circus acts planned for Hazel Park Art Fair
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Nearly 100 artists and crafters will set up shop at Green Acres Park for the 2024 Hazel Park Art Fair, alongside other offerings such as pottery demonstrations, stilt walkers, aerial performers, yoga classes, and food trucks.
The fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. Green Acres Park is located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. Admission is free, and the event is suitable for all ages.
The fair has grown to be a popular summer tradition. Now in its 12th year, it’s organized by the Hazel Park Arts Council, a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and staffed entirely by volunteers.
Proceeds from vendor spaces are reinvested into the community through art scholarships, public art installations and future events.
“The fair is a great venue to get everyone out of the house, take a look around our park and enjoy a nice day appreciating dif-
ferent arts and cultures,” said Mike Webb, the mayor of Hazel Park. “Maybe you’ll do some shopping for unique things for your house or meet and greet other people in our community. That’s what these types of events are all about.”
Many one-of-a-kind art pieces will be exhibited and for sale. Attendees can look forward to a wide variety of hand-drawn illustrations, paintings, photographs, ceramics, glass pieces, woodworks, textiles, prints, jewelry, hand-poured candles, mixed-media art and even baked goods.
The Clawson Clay Guild will also be present, demonstrating the Japanese craft of Raku pottery with live “fire-in-the-hole” moments every 90 minutes, where artisans open the kiln to release pottery that glows red hot like lava, placing it in a combustion chamber where it then bursts into flames.
The technique dates back to the 16th century and results in unique glazed creations. Small, medium or large vessels to glaze can also be purchased and can be fired onsite by the guild’s Raku experts while you watch. The service will feature a 50% dis-
See ART FAIR on page 11A
Aug. 24-25.
File photo by Erin Sanchez
At last year’s Hazel Park Art Fair, sculptors from the Clawson Clay Guild competed in the fair’s first annual ‘Clazel Park’ Pottery Showdown, including a contest to see who could craft the tallest cylinder while blindfolded. The Clawson Clay Guild will return at this year’s event, set to take place at Green Acres Park the weekend of
CRIME WATCH
Drunken driver arrested with child in vehicle
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, at 8:49 p.m. Aug. 4, a Hazel Park police officer on patrol observed a white 2023 Cadillac SUV make a prohibited turn from southbound John R Road onto eastbound Eight Mile Road. The vehicle then turned southbound on Coventry Street and traveled at a high rate of speed before turning eastbound on Winchester Road — a one-way westbound road — and then southbound on Keating Road. The officer caught up to the vehicle and stopped it at Remington Avenue and Andover Street in Detroit.
The officer approached and asked the driver why she was driving so fast and recklessly, and the driver claimed she was trying to go home but was not from the area. The driver allegedly refused to hand over her keys and refused to exit the vehicle as ordered. She was arrested and placed in a police car. The officer then returned to the vehicle and found an adult woman in the passenger seat and the passenger’s 4-year-old in the rear seat with no child safety belt.
In addition, a red cup was found on the driver’s floorboard containing alcohol. The officer returned to the driver and conducted a drunken driving investigation, finding her intoxicated. A loaded .38-caliber revolver was also found under the driver’s seat.
The passenger and child were taken home, while the driver was taken to the police station and given a breath test showing a result of .137 breath alcohol content — more than 1.5 times the legal limit. The driver did have a valid CPL permit for the gun. The driver is being charged by the
Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office with operating while intoxicated — occupant less than 16 (a one-year misdemeanor) and carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence (a 93-day misdemeanor that revokes the CPL permit).
If you know more about this case or others, call Hazel Park Police at (248) 542-6161.
Bicycle stolen
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole a gray and red Nishiki bicycle from behind a property in the 32000 block of Stephenson Highway sometime between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. July 28.
The victim is a 27-year-old Madison Heights resident.
Police were investigating.
Stolen vehicle recovered
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, officers recovered a 2019 Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen out of Akron, Ohio. The vehicle was found in the 32000 block of Stephenson Highway around 6:30 a.m. July 28.
The vehicle belongs to a resident of Ohio. Investigations were ongoing.
Clothing taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, clothing belonging to a 34-year-old Warren resident was stolen from the 30000 block of John R Road around 9:20 p.m. July 25.
Police were investigating.
If you know more about these cases or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 5852100.
— Andy Kozlowski
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Walk in the woods
MADISON HEIGHTS — A naturalist will be giving guided tours of Suarez Friendship Woods at the Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16.
The hikes are a great way to get exercise and fresh air while learning about seasonal topics. Admission is free, but preregistration is required by calling (248) 585-0100 during business hours.
Movie in the park
MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights will host a summer concert followed by a movie at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.
Admission is free. At press time, the musical act and movie had not been announced. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs and snacks.
— Andy Kozlowski
McFall defeats Fouts in state House race
METRO DETROIT — Long-time political veteran and former Warren Mayor James Fouts was a candidate in the race for state representative in District 14, opposing state Rep. Mike McFall, who represented the former District 8 before redistricting. The district now encompasses Warren, Center Line, Hazel Park and Madison Heights. Both ran as Democrats. Fouts received 2,638 votes and McFall received 6,491. The uncontested Republican candidate Barbara Barber received 3,195 votes.
Fouts attributes his results to being a bipartisan candidate most of his political career, which include16 years as mayor and more than 20 years on Warren City Council.
In a telephone conversation with Fouts, he said, “My Facebook page explains it.”
“Based upon my understanding of the political process I cannot win this partisan election. I’m neither a partisan on either side but a bipartisan official,” Fouts stated on Facebook. Other reasons Fouts gave as to why his candidacy was not successful included Warren making up a smaller part of the district. The city councils and mayors of Warren, Madison Heights and Hazel Park supported McFall, who was also endorsed by the daily Detroit newspapers, according to Fouts.
McFall will oppose Republican Barbara Barber in November.
“I have three major goals. One of my top priorities I talked about with voters at their doors is pushing for more mental health resources. We need to continue doing that as a state. Another priority is holding utility companies accountable, especially with all the recent storms we’ve had, and the large number of power outages,” McFall said. “And to go along with that, we need additional infrastructure funding, like with the large amount of flooding we’ve had in Warren. We need to get a handle on that.”
— Gena Johnson and Andy Kozlowski
Mike McFall
Road diet
from page 3A
“Overall, road diets help us get closer to ‘complete streets’ that are safer and more accessible for all users,” Finkley said via email. “Some of the potential benefits of this specific lane reconfiguration include traffic calming, fewer lanes for pedestrians to cross, and more separation between motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Federal funds from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) were used for the project. Actual implementation has been handled by Hennessey Engineers and PK Contracting. The project has been in the works for more than four years, experiencing a delay due to the state’s construction work on Interstate 75.
A moving convoy has been used to install the sharrows. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, sharrows help legitimize bike traffic on streets, provide guidance on proper positioning for cyclists, and also serve as another form of directional and way-finding guidance for cyclists and motorists alike.
At the intersection of John R Road and Woodward Heights Boulevard, the east side
was closed June 10, and then the west side was closed June 25. Both fully reopened on July 8. All concrete work was completed July 31. Now, the overall project is slated to finish Sept. 13.
“This has already been very successfully implemented on south John R, which gave us the opportunity to work out some bugs in the system,” said Hazel Park City Councilwoman Alissa Sullivan. “The road diets we’re implementing are part of place-making, where you increase the places people can actively enjoy their community.
“In this case, we’re increasing walkability and overall safety by slowing down traffic and driving intentional traffic to our community,” she said. “We’re promoting new businesses and existing ones, and we’re improving visibility for any nonmotorized traffic with higher visibility walkways, pedestrian islands and curbs that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. All of this improves safety for everyone — including motorists.
“We’ve heard the same concerns then that we hear now, where people are worried about traffic backup and the flow of emergency services,” Sullivan added. “Those are legitimate concerns, but we have data from our surrounding communities and years of
implemented road diets across the nation that show those aren’t issues that will affect our community in any way. Sure, there are always some growing pains when traffic patterns change or construction occurs,
Editor:
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but those are expected. We have faith in the studies presented to us, which say this will make us safer and more inclusive.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
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Art fair
from page 6A
count,
to the Hazel Park Art Fair and
pottery contest with challenges such as blind throwing, speed throwing, best likeness and a surprise category. In the end, there will be an awards ceremony celebrating their artistic achievements.
of the Hazel Park Arts Council.
and
To keep everyone safe, only trained staff and public safety personnel are allowed within the 15-by-15-foot space immediately around the Raku kiln. Guests are encouraged to move upwind of the smoke whenever they hear the “fire-in-the-hole” announcement, watching from a safe distance.
Elsewhere during the event, teachers and students with the Clawson Clay Guild will showcase their skills at the pottery wheel in live demonstrations. There will also be a
As eventgoers walk the trails, they can also enjoy eats and drinks from food trucks such as We Juice, QueFellas BBQ and The Grilled Wrap, and they may also encounter strolling entertainers from D3 Circus, among them stilt-walkers and aerial performers.
On Sunday morning, starting at 11 a.m., there will also be the 2024 Body Party — a 60-minute outdoors yoga class suitable for all ages and skill levels, led by yoga teacher Hailey Zureich.
Amy Aubry, chair of the event’s planning committee, said the fair promises to
offer a diverse array of experiences. But of course, supporting and appreciating art remains a key focus.
“What’s great about the Hazel Park Art Fair is it reduces financial barriers for artists to try out the art fair circuit and see if it’s a potential path for them to get their work into the public,” Aubry said via email. “We have both experienced artists and new upand-coming artists that participate.”
Creating a stronger sense of community is another focus. One feature that made its debut last year and is returning this year is the Wishing Tree exhibit, spearheaded by Alissa Sullivan, a member of the Hazel Park City Council.
Attendees are encouraged to write down a wish on a ribbon and tie it to the display, and then make a mental note to return next
year to see their ribbons and others in the 2025 exhibit.
“It’s about realizing we’re all more connected than we may think,” Sullivan said. “You can look through the wishes others have written, and it’s very likely you’ll see similar wishes by other people. You might not know them personally, but you know their community. And when you see that they have similar wants, you realize we’re more alike than different. It’s a beautiful way to build community.
“Really, I think one of my favorite things about this fair is the interactiveness of it all, which is something our fair has that many other fairs don’t,” she added. “Things like the live clay demos and the performers wandering the fair, and yoga in the morning. It all speaks to the creativity of our city.”
‘It
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — In the mid-1990s, the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County was officially established, giving classic car owners the chance to relive the heyday of cruising the avenue in their souped-up vehicles,
muscle cars and vintage models.
Novi resident Robert Fridenberg has attended the Dream Cruise many times over the years, but his cruising days began long before — in 1979 — when he and a pal regularly drove up and down Woodward Avenue in his buddy’s “hopped up” 1976 Pontiac Trans Am.
They spent most of their Saturday nights cruising to the
tunes of Journey, ELO and the Cars playing on the radio. The young adults — who grew up across the street from each other in Southfield — often stopped at the Northwood Shopping Center at Woodward and 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak.
“It had a huge parking lot,” Fridenberg recalled. “Back in the day, that place was full of hot rodders. That’s where we
Novi resident Robert Fridenberg purchased his 1972 DeTomaso Pantera three years ago. The 1972 DeTomaso Pantera is painted mandarin copper metallic. Cruising Hines Drive in Wayne County is a favorite spot for Fridenberg.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Players
efficiency in 2023 by going 18/18 in PATs and 12/13 on field goals, hitting five from 40-plus yards (including a 49-yarder).
Only entering his junior season, there are a few state records Celaj has within his sights, such as the career field goals made at 39 (held by former Northville kicker Jake Moody) and the longest field goal at 59 yards (held by former Warren Woods Tower kicker Doug Kochanski).
Eric Slater, Roseville
Roseville has had an abundance of athletes the past few years under head coach Vernard Snowden, and Slater stands out among the crowd.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Slater’s size creates matchup nightmares on its own, but it’s his ability to catch in traffic and athleticism that separates him from other receivers in the MAC.
Earning first team all-state honors last year, Slater tallied 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns for Roseville and should be ready for another impressive season with Ferris State University commit Jordan Simes back at quarterback.
Get Slater in space and he will make teams pay, or throw it up and let his size and pass-catching ability go to work.
Mahti Gwilly, Utica
One of the more underappreciated players around the MAC, Gwilly hasn’t gained the type of traction on the recruiting trail as he should.
He’s only entering his junior season, but when you talk about elite-level playmak-
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Deshaun Lanier (WR), Chippewa Valley
Eric Thomas Jr. (WR), Chippewa Valley
Di’Mari Malone (LB), Macomb Dakota
Justin Bell (OT), Macomb Dakota
Jadon Ford (QB), Macomb Dakota
Isaiah Domey (RB), New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Gerry Hanson III (WR/DB), New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Jude Osanaiye (DE), Sterling Heights Stevenson
Andrew Knight (QB), Sterling Heights Stevenson
Jack Lupo (QB), Grosse Pointe South
Wyatt Hepner (DB), Grosse Pointe South
Vince Vachon (WR), Grosse Pointe South
Desmond Straughton (ATH), Roseville
Jordan Simes (QB), Roseville
Michael Chude (DE), Roseville
Bobby Clark II (OT), St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Nathan Wolschleger (OL), Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
Derek Grygorcewicz (WR/CB), Port Huron
ers who take over a game, Gwilly is that type of player.
He carries the same type of explosive speed and impact that his older brother, Numehnne Gwilly, a Siena Heights University commit and 2024 graduate, did for Utica the past few seasons, but now it’s time for the younger Gwilly to make his mark.
Posting 68 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble and fumble recovery on the defensive side, the edge rusher and hybrid linebacker was a force for the Chieftains defense.
He displays the type of speed not possessed by most edge rushers or linebackers, but brings a type of physicality only a threetime all-state powerlifter would know how.
On the offensive side, when given the chance to showcase his quickness, he tallied three touchdowns.
Gwilly is one of the more gifted athletes on the football field and it would be a surprise to no one if he’s a first team all-state selection soon.
Donovan Rey, Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse
Similar to Gwilly, Rey is a player who should be earning much more love on the recruiting trail than he currently is.
A do-it-all kind of player, L’Anse Creuse relies heavily on Rey to be its primary ball carrier and anchor for the defensive unit.
In 2023, Rey rushed for 1,126 yards and 12 touchdowns while tallying 52 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and four tackles for a loss.
He’s an all-around athlete who can make plays no matter where you put him, and a college coach is going to find a diamond in the rough if Rey is given a chance.
Mike Kronner (QB), Warren Mott
Amir Morelan (WR/DB), Port Huron Northern
Lincoln Watkins (TE), Port Huron Northern
Kameran Hayward (WR/DB), Warren Cousino
Corshaun Williams (WR/DB), Fraser
Michael Brown (QB/WR/DB), Utica Ford II
Evan Bainbridge (OL/DL), Grosse Pointe North
Demontae Edwards (WR/DB), Warren Fitzgerald
Aidan Grzesikowski (QB/DB), Madison Heights Lamphere
Ja’Sean Dean (WR/DB), St. Clair Shores Lake Shore
Amari Richardson (TE), Warren Woods Tower
Jawuan Kimble (WR/DB), Sterling Heights
Collin Gabler (TE/DE), Marine City
Mason Delor (LB/CB), Marysville
Masai Ali (RB), Center Line
Rafeal Payne (RB/LB), St. Clair Shores South Lake
Ben Farkas (QB/ATH), St. Clair
Montrell Parker (RB/DB), Hazel Park
Hunter Garrison (RB/DB), Clawson
Jeremiah Hutson (WR/DB), Warren Lincoln
Oakland County Parks proposes millage hike on November ballot
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County voters will see an Oakland County Parks millage proposal on the ballot this Nov. 5.
In a bipartisan vote at the July 18 meeting, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted 16-3 to approve a resolution to place a millage proposal on the general election ballot.
“My reservations are raising the tax 70% and making it a 20-year tax instead of 10 year. I’m absolutely outraged that they would do that. It’s not good government. It’s irresponsible, and if they want to promote that to the public, they need to put in the headline, ‘this is 70% tax increase,’” Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman said of his no vote. Commissioners Michael Spisz and Karen Joliat also voted no. “I support the parks,” Hoffman said. “I’ve always voted for every Oakland County Parks and Rec millage, but
this one I will not vote for. This is outrageous and an insult to the taxpayers.”
The new millage would replace Oakland County Parks’ current 0.35-mill levy set to expire in 2029 with a new tax rate of 0.65 mills that would expire in 2043. If approved, the 0.3-mill increased rate would generate $24 million annually for investment in parks, trails, recreation programs and conservation. For a home with a taxable value of $133,000 — taxable value being generally half of a home’s market value — the 0.3-mill increase would equal around an additional $40 per year on top of the current cost for the same home of around $30 annually. The 0.65 mill is equal to 65 cents per $1,000 of taxable value. According to Oakland County Parks, if the millage is approved, it would generate around $52 million in 2024.
“I think everyone in Oakland County has a great appreciation for our county park system. It’s one of the most robust park systems in the entire state, and I would even go as far as across the country. This millage proposal really puts us
poll, and Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, which played in Intersectional 2 after leaving Intersectional 1 in 2021, are the two unknowns for this league.
Toledo St. Francis De Sales will make the jump from the Central Division to the AA, but De Sales hasn’t shown enough to prove it’s a worthy challenger to the Titans.
Until Jesuit or Divine Child steps up, it will more so be about the battle for second as Jesuit and Divine Child continue to put on great matchups.
Our projected standings favor Jesuit this season, which has beaten Divine Child in six-straight matchups and returns a core of all-Region talent in Jacob Bellinger (OL), Elijah Dotson (WR), Zach Green (DL), Kasim Gozic (LB), and DaCari Gilkey (DB).
Intersectional 1 Division
Detroit Loyola (4-6, 0-3 AA)
Riverview Gabriel Richard (8-5, 2-2)
Macomb Lutheran North (9-3, 4-0)
Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (7-3, 4-1 Int 2)
Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (8-3, 3-1)
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (2-7, 1-3)
Aside from the Central Division, this may be one of the more fun league title races to watch for the upcoming year.
You could spend hours putting multiple teams in different spots to finish, and the likelihood is it will still be incorrect by the time the season is over.
Detroit Loyola, which is picked to finish in first in the Catholic League’s preseason
Loyola played one Intersectional 1 opponent last year in Cranbrook Kingswood, and they beat them 59-20, but that’s also a last place Cranbrook Kingswood team.
Liggett, on the other hand, is no stranger to Intersectional 1 play, but it would be better to have an elephant’s memory when trying to think about its tenure in the league.
The Knights were a bottom-half team, but the program is in a much better place than when the division last saw it.
Macomb Lutheran North and Riverview Gabriel Richard both return a core of talent that should have both teams contending again for a league title, but don’t count out Liggett to be a dangerous play each week.
Lutheran North is coming off a season where the program brought home its first district title and the most regular season wins in school history.
Lutheran North will travel to Riverview Gabriel Richard High School on Oct. 11, and Riverview Gabriel Richard has had Lutheran North’s number at home.
Since 2015, Riverview Gabriel Richard has four-straight wins over Lutheran North at home.
CHSL Intersectional 2 Division
Clarkston Everest Collegiate (9-3, 5-0)
Marine City Cardinal Mooney (6-5, 3-2)
Madison Heights Bishop Foley (1-8, 0-4 Int #1)
Allen Park Cabrini (5-6, 2-3)
on a course to make the needed investments today to maintain and preserve the enjoyment for folks today and long into the future,” Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman David Woodward, D-Royal Oak, said. “For me, it really comes down to three things. This millage is going to allow for better access for everyone to our county parks. It’s going to create new recreation opportunities for all, and it’s also going to lead to more nature preservation for today and future generations.”
Woodward added that if the millage passes in November, Oakland County residents will have free entry into Oakland County parks and dog parks, excluding pay-to-play attractions, such as golf courses, waterparks, campgrounds and off-road vehicle activities.
There will also be more opportunities for recreational use of major rivers, support for larger participation in school field trips to nature and farm education centers, expanded enrichment programs for park-goers of all ages, investment
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (3-6, 1-4)
Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (1-8, 0-5)
It’s Clarkston Everest Collegiate’s league and everyone else is just playing in it.
Everest Collegiate outscored returning league opponents 147-39 last year en route to an unbeaten record, which didn’t include Everest Collegiate’s second win over Cardinal Mooney in the playoffs.
You could make an argument that Cardinal Mooney gave Everest Collegiate its toughest test in the league, but returning only three players on offense and four on defense leaves a lot of questions that only its play on the field can figure out.
University Liggett was the only team to really make Everest Collegiate sweat in a
31-29 game favoring Everest Collegiate, but the Knights are no longer the concern of any Intersectional 2 teams.
Allen Park Cabrini and Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes hope their returning starters can help improve on last year’s finish with the CHSL preseason poll picking league newcomer Bishop Foley to finish ahead of both the schools in third while Cardinal Mooney is slated to be in second. It was a disaster year for Bishop Foley across the board in 2023, but it’s hoping to find its footing in Intersectional 2 play. Even in as tough of a position as Foley was in, it handled Shrine Catholic 33-6 last year, a Shrine Catholic team that had close losses with Cabrini (13-7) and Our Lady of the Lakes (28-21).
hung out, met girls and met up with some of our buddies.”
The following year, the duo were back at cruising altitude and that’s how Fridenberg met his future wife, Chris. She knew Fridenberg’s friend first, and when the couple married 33 years ago, he was best man at their wedding.
Three years ago, Fridenberg purchased a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera. He drives it every chance he can. Fridenberg first became familiar with the Pantera as a kid. When he headed to the bus stop each morning for school, he’d walk past a neighbor’s yellowhued model.
Several years back, Fridenberg owned a Porsche 911 Turbo, but after a while he wanted a different car. When looking to replace it, he turned to someone he knew who owned an exotic car consignment business. He hadn’t planned on owning a Pantera but soon changed his mind after spotting the vehicle on the business website.
“When I saw this, it kind of rekindled the memory,” Fridenberg said. “Having worked for Ford, the fact it has a Ford motor in it just kind of got me excited to arrange to buy one. We arranged a swap.”
Fridenberg’s Pantera was originally red, but a previous owner painted it mandarin copper metallic.
“It’s a Ford color. It was used on Mustangs and SUVs in the early 2000s,” Fridenberg said. “This color really makes the car pop. The metallic makes the lines show up more.”
The Pantera has the original body, but because the car sat for so long, Fridenberg did a lot of work to get it road-ready.
“When the Panteras were originally made and developed, the quality wasn’t very good. So over the years a lot of owners had to do upgrades,” he said. “I pretty much had to fix every system on the car. The cooling system had problems with overheating. The
horns didn’t work. The windows didn’t go up and down. The seats wouldn’t go back and forth. The brakes had to be rebuilt.”
With his automotive knowledge, Fridenberg was able to overhaul the car. He has also connected with other Pantera owners through clubs online, and has read up a lot on the car’s history. According to his research, the mid-engine sports car was made in Italy as a joint venture with the Ford Motor Co.
“As a retired Ford engineer, I was honored to purchase this car and show it off, as it is a unique part of Ford’s history,” he said. “The design is over 50 years old, but it’s still very modern.”
It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. He takes it out often, including in the wintertime if the weather is favorable and the roads are dry. It always draws interest at local car shows.
“Bakers of Milford is a big one, and I take it to some of the cars and coffees around here,” the classic car owner said.
But he’d rather drive than sit. One favorite spot is cruising Hines Drive in Wayne County.
“It’s slow, but it’s a nice drive to go on. I usually go up to Newburgh Lake or I’ll go as far as Ann Arbor Trail with it,” he said. “There’s a nice road if you take Seven Mile west, it dead-ends at Whitmore Lake. That road has a lot of nice twisties. It’s a beautiful ride.”
Because the Pantera is so low to the ground, “it feels almost like a race car.” Fridenberg drives it during non-peak traffic times.
“It’s loud, it’s hot, there’s no electronics. It’s more like an event when you go for a drive, because you worry something is going to go wrong,” he said. “It just makes it more of an experience to take it out and drive it. People will pull up next to me. I can see them on their phones. They’ll roll their windows down and say, ‘What is that? Is that a Pantera?’ Everywhere you go someone wants to talk about it.”
Gault
I want to help lead our county to achieve better mental health outcomes for residents, increase access to affordable housing, and improve public transit for everyone. I also intend to push for additional investment in our county and local parks, and to support programming to educate community members about gun violence prevention.”
Her opponent, Grafstein, also sounded a note of gratitude.
“I am proud of the honest campaign I ran based on my merits and accomplishments, and I appreciate everyone who supported me,” Grafstein said the day after the election. “As mayor, I will continue to advocate for our community at all levels of government, and I look forward to working with Ms. Erickson Gault to bring resources to our community.”
Gault had been appointed by the board to fill the vacancy left by the late Gary McGillivray, who had been a resident of Madison Heights. She is an attorney specializing in appeals and contract legal writing and research for individual and small-firm lawyers. Gault holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Manchester University and a law degree from the University of Toledo. She is also a past chair and member of the Providing Access to Legal Services Committee for the Oakland County Bar Association and does pro bono law work with the Family Law Clinic.
Her appointment to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in November 2023 came not long after she had been reelected to the Troy City Council, where she had served since late 2019. Gault is a 20year resident of Troy, where she resides with her husband Tom and daughter Eleanor.
The board also appointed Gault to fill McGillivray’s seat on the county’s Parks Commission. The parks were near and dear to McGillivray’s heart, and Gault said she is pleased to have overseen improvements in the county parks system, including the recent playscape at Green Acres Park in Hazel Park. She said she’s also pleased by the collaborative mental health co-responder program in which Madison Heights and Hazel Park are participating, and which Oakland County supports.
During her time on the board, Gault has also voted to fund multiple affordable housing projects through the county’s Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund, and she supported a resolution urging the state Legislature to pass a water affordability bill package. She also voted to approve a grant
application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund that would cover the creation of a new county park in Troy, named Turtle Woods. In addition, she hosted Hazel Park High students for this year’s Youth in Government Day, in February.
She cited her 26 years of experience in law as crucial to her ability to advocate and negotiate for projects and policies on the board, and she feels further qualified by her four years of service as a member of the Troy City Council.
As for Grafstein, she is a financial analyst who has lived in Madison Heights for 20 years and who has served on the Madison Heights City Council since 2017. Grafstein was first appointed mayor of Madison Heights in 2020, filling the vacancy created by Brian Hartwell when he became judge of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park. In 2021, Grafstein was elected to her first full two-year term, and is currently halfway through her second term.
“My top priorities will continue to be safety and environmental initiatives to enhance infrastructure and community quality of life,” Grafstein told C & G Newspapers in her election profile last month. “I will advocate for more resources for emergency responders, including full-time mental health co-responders. I will encourage sustainable development practices, seek private grants and sponsors for environmental projects, and focus on updating aging infrastructure. Additionally, I will invest in public-private partnerships to secure federal and state grants, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community improvement.”
In campaigning for the county board, Grafstein pointed to leadership experiences such as leading a multi-agency effort cleaning up the “green ooze” on Interstate 696 in early 2020, as well as coordinating vaccination clinics and instituting disinfection protocols during COVID. She also helped revive the city’s Environmental Citizens Committee, securing funds and arranging volunteers for different initiatives. Increasing public safety personnel has been another priority for her, with the city increasing its police and fire per-
sonnel by 20% during her tenure. Grafstein will now continue in her role as mayor, and Gault will advance to the general election this fall, where she will face the Republican candidate, Douglas MacLean of Madison Heights, for a seat on the county board. MacLean has a long history of service with the city that includes nearly 30 years as a Madison Heights police officer, retiring in 1995, after which he served on the Madison Heights City Council from 1995 to 1999. He also served 17 years on the Madison District Public Schools Board of Education, be-
ginning in the late ’70s.
In running for the county board, MacLean is campaigning on concerns of fiscal responsibility. He has criticized recent county investments into mass transit and property acquisitions as prohibitively expensive.
“The economy is going through a rough patch right now, experiencing inflation,” MacLean said previously. “And I feel we need to be more careful with how we’re spending the taxpayers’ dollars.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Gault Grafstein
July 12. In the earlier incident, no working smoke detectors were present and two people died. It was the city’s first fatal fire in more than 10 years.
By contrast, in the more recent fire, “Here we had two people who were asleep in their home, and they were alerted by the cheapest piece of insurance you can buy,” said Hazel Park Fire Chief Richard Story, referring to smoke detectors. “It saved their lives.”
He noted that his department provides smoke detectors for free to all residents of Hazel Park. Simply visit the fire station at 22830 Russell Ave., and show your ID.
The July 30 fire occurred around 3 a.m. in the area of Eight Mile and John R roads. Once the firefighters arrived on Muir Street, they found the two homes already ablaze. The chief described them as larger two-story farmhouse-style homes, likely built in the 1930s.
The two buildings only had about 5 feet of separation between them. One building was fully engulfed in flames, while fire
had spread to half of the other building. The house where the fire started didn’t have smoke detectors, but it was unoccupied at the time.
The chief said the blaze might have been caused by overloaded electrical systems, with too many items plugged in drawing power. He said older homes may have antiquated systems in need of professional inspection. He also discouraged the use of extension cords, noting they are only meant for temporary use. However, he said extension cords didn’t appear to be involved here.
“It looks like the fire originated in the kitchen area. There were no smoke detectors, and it was the middle of the night with no one home, so the fire went unchecked a good amount of time. The fire spread to the family room and consumed a sofa under a big bay window. The heat and pressure blew out the window,” Story said.
Unfortunately, a natural gas meter was right outside and caught fire.
“The flames from the original fire lapped onto the gas meter, causing internal failure that ignited the gas,” Story said. “That obviously adds fuel to the fire, making it even bigger.”
The fire began spreading to the neighboring home. The two occupants sleeping inside were jolted awake by their smoke detectors. They safely escaped without injury.
Firefighters from Hazel Park, Madison Heights and Ferndale responded. They began dousing the two buildings with water, knocking down the bulk of the flames on the exterior.
“That’s when we saw the gas meter was on fire, too, which is actually good, since it’s burning the gas and can’t explode,” Story said. “If we just had natural gas vapors in the air, there could have been an explosion.”
The firefighters immediately contacted Consumers Energy, which sent a representative while firefighters closely monitored the situation.
“The representative called in a dig crew from Consumers (Energy), so they could dig up the curb line and find the shutoff below grade,” Story said. “We spent an hour of just keeping a check on the gas meter fire while we waited for Consumers (Energy) to do their business in the street and shut off the gas, which eliminated the source of the fuel. The fire went out, and we were basically done.”
No other properties were affected by the fire.
Story commended the work of the fire crews who were faced with two fully involved structure fires in the middle of the night.
“Most people are sleeping at that time,” Story said. “I had an outstanding crew show up, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. Both structures are still standing — I don’t know if they’re repairable, but they didn’t burn to the ground. With the assistance of our mutual aid partners (in Madison Heights and Ferndale), we were able to get this done.”
He also noted that anyone who wants to help the victims of the July 30 and July 12 fires can contact the fire station by calling (248) 542-6000.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Standings
Like Eisenhower and Romeo, Chippewa Valley graduated four all-region players including longtime quarterback Andrew Schuster, who is now at Grand Valley State University.
Eisenhower lost its four-year starter at quarterback, with Preston Crum now with Merchant at LTU, while also graduating allregion players Hayden Bills, Devin Steele and Cody Raymond, who anchored a defensive unit that allowed 15.6 points per game against MAC Red opponents.
For Dakota, the return of senior quarterback Jadon Ford, who missed some action due to injury last year, will be a key boost along with the return of all-region players Brady Hamby (RB/LB), Nick Battaglia (OL), Tyler Torey (DL) and Michigan State University commits Di’Mari Malone (LB) and Justin Bell (OT).
It’s the MAC Red, so home field advantage and breather weeks don’t tend to exist in this space. Since 2010, Dakota leads the head-to-head series against Eisenhower 109, Romeo 12-6, and Chippewa Valley 13-9.
As much attention as the top four teams received last year, Anchor Bay and Stevenson were playing solid brands of football to put multiple league opponents on potential upset alert.
Stevenson suffered one-score losses to Romeo, Dakota and Eisenhower in three straight weeks after starting the season 2-0, while Anchor Bay had one-score losses to Chippewa Valley, Eisenhower and Dakota after starting its season 2-0.
You’ll never know how the tide might have turned if Anchor Bay or Stevenson squeaked out a win against one of the heavyweights to move to 3-0, but you certainly have to keep your eyes wide open for them this season in the MAC Red.
MAC White Division
Grosse Pointe South (9-2, 5-0)
Roseville (8-4, 3-2)
St. Clair Shores Lakeview (7-3, 4-1)
Utica (4-6, 2-3)
L’Anse Creuse (4-6, 1-4)
L’Anse Creuse North (2-7, 1-4 Blue)
Roseville was looking like an unstoppable force last year after beating Romeo in the second game of the season, but a loss to league rival St. Clair Shores Lakeview spun the Panthers’ wheels out of control.
That’s life in the MAC White, and Grosse Pointe South has owned the MAC White for the past two seasons, posting a 10-0 league record and back-to-back league titles.
Returning Jack Lupo (QB) and all-region talents Vince Vachon (WR), Lex Wilson (LB), and Wyatt Hepner (DB), South is retooled for another strong season in the league.
The only thing that stopped South’s reign in the MAC White was its two years in the MAC Red in ’20 and ’21, but prior to that, the Blue Devils were league champions for four straight seasons.
To put it in perspective, South last lost a MAC White regular season game on Sept. 4 of 2015 to Romeo, who is now in the MAC Red.
Until proven otherwise, the MAC White belongs to the Blue Devils.
Roseville still has impact players in Desmond Straughton (RB/DB), Eric Slater (WR) and Jordan Simes (QB), along with returners on the defense, and even got the better of South in the playoffs, but will have to make it happen in the regular season in order to be league champions.
Lakeview still has a puncher’s chance to make some noise, but graduating all-region players Branden Harris (RB) and David
Osagiede (DL) along with Corion Lattimore, Keonte Woolf and Tucker Weddle will make it tough.
MAC Blue Division
Port Huron (7-3, 5-0)
Warren Mott (6-4, 3-2)
Port Huron Northern (7-3, 4-1)
Warren Cousino (6-4, 4-1 Gold)
Fraser (4-5, 2-3)
Utica Ford II (2-7, 0-5 White)
Going for its fifth straight MAC Blue title, Port Huron continues to put on a clinic in league play.
Warren Mott gave Port Huron a run for its money, but ultimately ended up on the losing side of a 32-31 affair.
Port Huron is 2-0 against Warren Mott since Mott rejoined the MAC Blue in 2022, but Port Huron Northern will look for its rubber match against Mott this season as both schools are deadlocked at 1-1.
Cousino, who tied with Grosse Pointe North and Warren Fitzgerald for first in the MAC Gold last year, is intriguing because the Patriots have a chance to rewrite a rather disappointing finish to their time in the MAC Blue in 2019, when a winless season dropped Cousino to the MAC Gold.
MAC Gold Division
Grosse Pointe North (7-4, 4-1)
Warren Fitzgerald (4-6, 4-1)
Madison Heights Lamphere (7-3, 3-2 Silver)
St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (3-6, 2-3)
Warren Woods Tower (2-7, 1-4)
Sterling Heights (0-9, 0-5 Blue)
Grosse Pointe North was able to extend its league-winning streak to two, tying with Warren Cousino and Warren Fitzgerald for first, but it has to be kicking itself for not winning it outright after falling to Warren Fitzgerald in the final league game of the
season.
North would eventually eliminate Fitzgerald in the first round of districts, but it was just the type of loss you shake your head at after North beat Fitzgerald 50-0 a year prior.
Warren Fitzgerald has athletes and is going to give North another fight this year in the league, but keep tabs on Madison Heights Lamphere, who has posted four straight seasons with seven or more wins.
MAC Silver Division
Marine City (9-2, 5-0)
Marysville (8-3, 4-1)
Eastpointe (1-8, 0-5 Gold)
Center Line (3-6, 2-3 Bronze)
St. Clair Shores South Lake (3-6, 1-4)
St. Clair (2-7, 0-5)
Marine City has won five straight MAC Silver titles with its last regular season league loss coming on Sept. 14 of 2018.
Marysville will likely put up a fight and have people wondering if this will be the year Marine City goes down, but until proven otherwise, the MAC Silver belongs to the Mariners.
MAC Bronze Division
Hazel Park (4-5, 3-2)
Clawson (7-3, 5-0)
Warren Lincoln (5-4, 4-1)
Clinton Township Clintondale (4-6, 2-3 Silver)
New Haven (1-8, 1-4)
Madison Heights Madison (0-9, 0-5)
The MAC Bronze could have one of the more exciting finishes this season with four teams potentially fighting for the top spot in the league.
Hazel Park has hung around the past two seasons and given Clawson a fight when they play, but you can’t count out Warren Lincoln or Clintondale either as teams who could make some noise.
Millage
from page 3A
cation, the night of the election.
In the run up to the election, officials repeatedly emphasized that the proposal would not affect taxes paid by homeowners either way. The millage only applies to nonhomestead properties.
In effect, the measure serves as an override on the Headlee Amendment, generating an estimated $300,000 per year in additional revenue from non-homestead properties.
Patricia Perry, the district’s superinten-
dent, previously said that while the millage renewal would not have any effect on the taxes paid by homeowners, it will make a difference in the services that the district is able to provide.
“Madison District Public Schools needs this Headlee override ballot proposal to fulfill our mission of preparing all students for the next phase of their lives,” Perry said via email.
The school district is still recovering from a costly public corruption case where a previous board president, Albert Morrison, accepted more than $560,000 in bribe money from his friend John David, and in turn awarded $3.1 million in maintenance and
construction work on school properties to David’s company, Emergency Restoration, without the board’s knowledge or approval.
Morrison, who was board president from 2012 through 2018, was convicted in federal court Nov. 9, 2023, and sentenced to 45 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Morrison began his prison sentence in January 2024.
He also did not file a federal income tax in any year during his time as board president except for 2014. In this way, he avoided paying the government roughly $118,200 in taxes. Because of this, he was also ordered by the court to pay $118,200 in restitution to
the Internal Revenue Service.
As for David, he was also convicted in federal court for his part in the scheme. He was sentenced on Aug. 14, 2023, to two years in prison.
In each case, the school district not receive any compensation for the loss suffered. This made it all the more imperative that the district get its millage renewal approved.
“I’m glad the homeowners of this district understand that this is not a tax on their properties, and that it’s vital for the continued operation of our schools,” Kimble said.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
in equipment and facilities designed to be accessible for all regardless of age and ability, new and expanded regional trails and improved maintenance of existing trails, and the preservation and protection of natural habitats, wetlands and green spaces.
Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward said that the current millage was approved for renewal in 2020 to address ongoing budget constraints that led to disinvestment in the county park system.
“Things were getting older and deteriorating,” he said. “In some cases, we had to remove certain amenities. So we were in a bit of a downward spiral there that as we disinvested in things, they were less attractive for people to come to. We had less sales, which then led to greater budget constraints. We had more than $20 million in deferred maintenance projects or existing park facilities and infrastructure.”
Ward said that the increase and renewal in 2020 allowed the department to “climb out of that hole” and more than double the amount of money spent per year on maintaining existing assets.
Ward said that Oakland County received $244 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan. Oakland County Parks put together a proposal for $15 million that the Board of Commissioners approved that was centered on urban recreation and the revitalization of urban recreation spaces, which included agreements with local governments where OCP took over operating and managing existing city parklands that were underutilized because of lack of investment, as well as providing grants to Oakland County governments.
“For instance, we built a playground for Royal Oak Township,” he said. “Built
a playground in Hazel Park as well. Southfield’s using some of the money to create some improvements at Beech Woods Park. Oak Park’s building a farmer’s market. So it was a combination of things, but it was all pretty much centered in the urban population centers of the county.”
The potential $100 million investment from the new millage would bring major capital improvements to improve the recreational use of all 15 parks, trails, recreational attractions and the Oakland County Farmers Market, officials said.
“What we’ve looked at here is a combination of not only maintenance but creating a system-wide update to our park system, which is going to be 60 years old in two years. We do have some major projects that need to be done to refresh those spaces to create amenities and features that are more responsive to the current needs of the public and make those spaces more attractive for people to come and enjoy.” Ward added.
He explained that the goal is to continue to partner with local governments. The Oakland County parks system will expand from 15 parks to 19 in the next two or three years with the addition of the Southfield Woods Nature Preserve at the existing Beech Woods Park; Oak Park Woods, which will take a portion of Shepherd Park; Turtle Woods in Troy; and the 100 acres south of the courthouse in Pontiac that Oakland County transferred to the park system.
“About 55% of the county right now lives within a 10-minute drive of one of our parks,” Ward said. “This partnership model, where we work together with local governments, we think has tremendous potential for us to move the dial on that from 55% to 90% in a few years by acquiring and developing new properties together.”
He added that if the millage is approved, OCP plans to enter into a partnership with Rochester Hills to develop
Nowicki Park and a partnership with West Bloomfield Township to collaborate on the development of Pine Lake Park. Ward mentioned Turtle Woods in Troy as an example of the challenges the county park system faces when acquiring new properties for nature preserves and parks. He said that currently, OCP is in the process of reapplying for a grant from the Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, and if denied again, the millage would allow them to move forward with work at the site regardless of whether that grant is obtained. Ward also mentioned that the unpaved parking lot at Catalpa Oaks in Southfield is another great example of a major improvement needed at an existing park. Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights needs more than $10 million in investments to update outdated and deteriorating facilities. He explained that the cost of public water supply for the irrigation of the Red Oaks Golf Course is
more than $100,000 annually. Oakland County Parks is working to address this issue by developing a system to utilize and recycle stormwater for irrigation and aims to address the lack of sufficient parking at the park.
Since its inception in 1966 with one park of 190 acres, the Oakland County parks system has expanded to 15 parks, with more on the way. The department has more than 7,000 acres, 80 miles of trails and nearly 2 million visitors annually.
“We are always looking for new opportunities, new things that we could do to reach more people and provide a chance for people to have fun, get active and enjoy the outdoors,” Ward said.
For more information about the proposed millage, visit OaklandCountyParks. com and select the tab labeled “2024 Millage.” Residents can share their feedback by emailing info@OaklandCountyParks.com.
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ranch home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished basement and 2 car garage. Call Patrice Carey 248-259-4735 for more information.
737 E. Hayes, Hazel Park, $179,900
Well-kept 3 bedroom bungalow built on a basement is move-in ready. Detached garage, finished wood floors, much more. Please call Bill Hitchcock 248-789-6223 for more information. COMINGINSEPTEMBER
This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath fully remodeled home with a full basement will be available in September. Situated on a dead end street. Call Trish Krasinski 248-635-4389 for more info.
Completely remodeled 3 bedroom bungalow. Gorgeous new kitchen, updated bath, Beautifully refinished hardwood floors, full basement and detached garage. An absolute must see! Call Bill Hitchcock 248-789-6223 for more information
For
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
AUG. 16-17
Woodward Dream Cruise: Officially held 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 17, participating cities along 16-mile radius of M-1 include Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Pontiac, more events for both days at woodwarddreamcruise.com
AUG. 17
Golf fundraiser: Benefits Hazel Park Promise Zone (provides local graduates tuition-free path to associate’s degree), includes 18 holes, drink tickets, lunch at turn and dinner, also 50-50, contests and trophies, 7 a.m. check-in and 8 a.m. shotgun start, Rammler Golf Club, 38180 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (313) 348-8515
AUG. 24-25
Hazel Park Art Fair: Artists, musicians and food vendors, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 24 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 25, Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., artfair@hpart.org
AUG. 29-SEPT. 2
Michigan State Fair: Activities include live music and entertainment, midway rides and games, agriculture and livestock showcases, Shrine Circus, Beginning of Life exhibit, 5K, racing pigs and Rock-N-Roll K-9’s, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 29-30, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and 10
a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 2, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, michiganstatefairllc.com
SEPT. 6
Veterans & Community Resource Event: Free lunch, gun safes, gift cards, suicide prevention discussion, veterans affairs connectivity and mental health resources, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Madison Heights Active Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 858-1210, oaklandchn.org
SEPT. 14
Rev’n in the Heights: Car show, awards, raffles, live music, food trucks, BBQ competition and family activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Madison Heights City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, madison-heights.org
SEPT. 21
K-9 demonstration: See Madison Heights Police Department lead
VIEW MORE! Visit candgnews.com/ calendar or use this QR code
CLASS REUNIONS
Franklin School - all alumni and family/friends: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 1 at Franklin Historical Museum, 26165 13 Mile Road, open house 2-4 p.m. at former Franklin School (now Huda School & Montessori), 32220 Franklin Road, and happy hour 4-6 p.m. at Franklin Community Association Park, 26495 Carol Ave., RSVP for happy hour by noon Aug. 31 at fcamichigan.org/form/m/284879
Mount Clemens High School — all alumni: Cash food and refreshments, 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact Ron Hiestand at (586) 463-6386 or drron82@ yahoo.com with questions
Harko in basic obedience, agility, article search, simulated criminal aprehension and mock narcotics search, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Rosie’s Park, 1111 E. Farnum Ave., facebook.com/cityofmadisonheights ONGOING
Red Oaks Waterpark: Open select dates until Sept. 2, 1455 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, (248) 858-0918, redoakswaterpark@ oakgov.com, oakgov.com
Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/ Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book groups, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/CityofHP
Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops and events include Harvesting and Biological Insect Controls (Aug. 14), Fruit Tree Pruning and Berries Care (Aug. 28), Harvest Festival Potluck (Sept. 11), Beekeeping 102 (Sept. 25), Composting (Oct. 9), Vermicomposting (Oct. 23), Putting the Garden to Bed (Nov. 13), and Bug and Bat Houses (Nov. 27),
WANT TO SEE YOUR OWN EVENTS ONLINE & IN PRINT — FOR FREE?
With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a CitySpark account.
Input the details, upload a photo and select “Review Changes,” then “Submit and Finish.”
Events should appear online within 2 hours, and will appear in print as space permits. There’s no limit as to how many you can submit.
Osborn High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes dinner and open bar, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 20, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, osborn1974.com
Cousino High School Class of 1969: 55-year reunion, classes of 1967-1971 also welcome, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Roger’s Roost, 33262 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Larry Wilk at lwilk@ comcast.net
noon, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 546-7000, facebook.com/HPBeautification
Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of self-improvement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/Book-Clubs
Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “The Golden Ticket to College Admissions Is Not What You Think” (2 p.m. Aug. 15) and “An Exploration of Friendship, Reckoning, and Hope” (7 p.m. Aug. 21), “Capturing the Human Drama Through History” (2 p.m. Sept. 10), “Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World” (2 p.m. Sept. 18) and “A Deep Dive in Character Development” ( 2 p.m. Sept. 21), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/ mhlibrary/upcoming
Michigan Renaissance Festival: New activities include House of Dragons, Barbi Mermaid, and crow’s nest and barrel rides, themed weekends include Pirates & Pups Aug. 17-18, Highland Fling Aug. 2425, Vikings Invasion Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Wonders
michrenfest.com
For questions, email calendar@candgnews.com
SOUTHFIELD — At 1:30 p.m. July 11, a guest heard a knock on the door of her hotel room in the 27000 block of Northwestern Highway. When the guest opened the door, there was a man with a gun pointing at her.
The guest ran out of the room and to the front desk, and the gunman fled the area. Nothing was taken and no one was injured during the incident.
Guitar stolen from car
SOUTHFIELD — Someone had their guitar stolen from their vehicle between 1:30 and 9:40 a.m. July 8 in the 26000 block of Berg Road, according to a police report.
$1K stolen in home invasion
SOUTHFIELD — Between 9 a.m. and 11:34 p.m. July 13, a resident discovered that her front door had been damaged, according to a police report. Approximately $1,000 in cash was taken from the home, located in the 26000 block of West 12 Mile Road.
Witness reports car stolen
SOUTHFIELD — A caller told Southfield police that they observed four to five males break out of a window of a 2023 Kia Forte at 12:37 a.m. July 14 in the 25000 block of Grodan Drive. The caller said the men started the car and left.
Police apprehend car thief
SOUTHFIELD — A 2021 Mazda CX-9 was stolen from the 28000 block of Franklin Road at 9:38 p.m. July 11. Officers located the stolen vehicle as it was leaving the immediate area, and a chase ensued.
The chase resulted in the suspect exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot, but officers apprehended him.
Vehicle theft outside restaurant
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9 p.m. July 12 and 3 a.m. July 14, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from his parking spot in the street at Hop Cat at 430 S. Main St.
Intoxicated driver found asleep outside Sunoco
TROY — Officers on patrol saw a suspicious vehicle at the Sunoco gas station at 5012 Rochester Road at 3:18 a.m. July 12.
and
and
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Officers awoke the driver, a 56-year-old Macomb man. While speaking with him, they noted that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his speech was slurred, and there was an odor of intoxicants emitting from his person.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and the officers noted that he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of a 0.14% blood alcohol content.
He was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup, where he agreed to submit to a chemical breath test, with a result 0.175%. He was issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.
Fraudulent U.S. Immigration letter results in check scam
TROY — In December 2023, a Troy resident reportedly received a letter supposedly from U.S. Immigration, demanding a check payment of $137.20.
The resident sent the check to the address provided, but did not notice it had not been deposited.
In July, the resident was notified by their bank about an overdraft alert. Upon contacting their bank, the resident discovered an unknown suspect had altered the check, changing the payee and increasing the amount to $9,500.
Shoplifting incident reveals possession of illegal substance
TROY — On July 19, at 11:05 a.m., police officers were notified by Kohl’s loss prevention officers of a retail fraud in progress and responded to the store at 500 John R Road.
The suspect, a 42-year-old Detroit man, was observed exiting the store with a duffel bag full of unpaid merchandise. Officers detained him, and he was escorted back to the security office.
Loss prevention officers inventoried the stolen merchandise and found 24 items worth $1.011.24 total. During a pat-down of the man, officers located a glass crack pipe in his pants pocket.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup facility. During the booking process, lockup staff observed a brown powdery substance in the suspect’s sock. The substance later tested positive for heroin.
The suspect was charged with retail fraud and possession of a controlled substance.
Inebriated driver found slumped over in 7-Eleven parking lot
TROY — Officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven at 3982 Crooks Road after a caller reported a tan
the driver appeared to be slumped over the center console at 1:41 a.m. July 18.
Upon arrival, officers knocked on the vehicle’s window and awoke the driver. While speaking with her, officers noted a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from the vehicle.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and the officers noted she performed poorly. She submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.185% blood alcohol content.
The driver, a 47-year-old West Bloomfield woman, was arrested. During the impound of her vehicle, officers noted both the front and rear passenger tires were flat.
The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate charges.
Suspect fraudulently orders products using another person’s account
TROY — A resident of Dorchester Road reported July 13 that an unknown suspect gained access to his Amazon account.
The suspect ordered $450 worth of products to be delivered to an address that the resident was unfamiliar with.
The resident became aware of the fraud when he received an email from Amazon notifying him that his purchases had been delivered.
Attempted Vehicle Theft
NOVI — A man parked his rental car in a lot on Haggerty Road at 5 p.m. July 15, and when he returned to the vehicle at 7 a.m. the next day, he found that the rear passenger side window of the Dodge had been broken out and that some of the electrical components under the glove box had been tampered with. When officers arrived, they noted shattered glass inside the vehicle and on the ground. Officers also said in the report that a control module under the glove box had been pulled out and “obviously” tampered with. The center console tray had also been taken. Police searched the area but there were no cameras that would have recorded the incident.
Police make arrests for alleged fraud
NOVI — A man and a woman reportedly were caught making fraudulent transactions at 8:25 p.m. July 18 at Walmart in Novi. The couple was seen at the self-checkout attempting to commit fraud with an exchange of gift cards. In order to prevent the couple from leaving, the police officer handcuffed both of them pending investigation.
After viewing the security footage, police advised the couple that they were under arrest for fraud. They
released with a court date.
Purse snatched
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an 85-year-old Troy resident had a purse stolen from a shopping cart in the 32000 block of John R Road between 4 p.m. and midnight July 13. Police were investigating.
AirPods stolen
BERKLEY — A 38-year-old Hazel Park man was suspected of retail fraud July 8 at a cellphone store at 27861 Woodward Ave. According to the report, police were called to a T-Mobile store at 12:42 p.m. July 9 for a report of a larceny the day before. The manager told police a man came in and purchased items on his T-Mobile account. It was discovered after the man left the store that a pair of Apple AirPods had been taken.
Security footage showed the suspect removing the AirPods from the box and placing them in his pocket without paying. The suspect only paid for a SIM card and