MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Kids of all abilities will get a chance to have fun as the Macomb Township Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a new accessible playground
for Waldenburg Park at its Sept. 11 meeting.
“It is our goal to make this a boundless playground,” Macomb Township Parks and Recreation Director Salvatore DiCaro said.
“To do this, 70% of the play activities must be accessible to serve children with physical disabilities. That is the case with this plan that you
have before you.”
New playground coming to Waldenburg Park
Coming in at just over $726,800, the playground exceeds the 70% threshold by being 84% accessible with 20 elevated and 13 ground-level activities. The rubber playground surface will be replaced with turf. Equipment is rated for both children ages 2-5 and 5-12 with
Hamby, Dakota defense fight off Stevenson in 24-9 win
Dakota improves to 2-0 in MAC Red
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Macomb Dakota senior Jacob Bajis had made his mark on the defensive side of the ball all night on Sept. 20. Bajis led the Cougars with five solo tackles as Dakota (4-0) sealed a 24-9 win against Macomb Area Conference Red rival Sterling Heights Stevenson (3-1) at Stevenson High School.
And when the Titans attempted an onside kick with just under three minutes left to play, Bajis, a hybrid linebacker/defensive back, showed off his breakaway speed as he corralled the ball and jetted down the left side of the field for a 50yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
“I’m a linebacker and I don’t get to play offense a lot, so once I got that ball, I knew I had to make a play,” Bajis said.
Dakota coach Greg Baur said it wasn’t exactly the game plan he had in mind for his recovery team, but said he couldn’t argue the results.
“I was hoping he was going to catch it and fall on it, but then I saw him running down the sideline,” Baur said. “I didn’t think he had enough to get there. He surprised me a little bit there.”
Bajis’ score sealed the victory for Dakota, beating a Stevenson team the Cougars last suffered a loss to in 2021.
The story of the season for Dakota so far has been the impressive play of senior running back/ linebacker Brady Hamby, and he continued to show why he’s one of the most physically domi-
capacity for 250 kids.
The playground was purchased from Ohio-based Midstates Recreation and is expected to be installed by May 2025. Midstates Recreation recently provided the playground equipment for Pitchford Park.
Sheriff
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Sterling Heights Stevenson senior Graham James is tackled by Macomb Dakota senior Jacob Bajis.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Board David Woodward, left, and Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash address questions about the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin on Sept. 18.
Michigan Supreme Court clarifies decision on wages
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court, following a request for clarification by the state of Michigan, provided a more definitive ruling Sept. 18 on the changing minimum wage and earned sick time in Michigan.
The court confirmed that the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act will both go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025. Changes to the wage rates will occur each year on Feb. 21 after this point. Rates for the upcoming year’s increase will be published by the state’s treasurer Nov. 1.
Oakland County pushes back over
Red Run sewage dumping
OFFICIALS SAY COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW DUMPS ARE ‘FULLY TREATED’
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Oakland County officials have pushed back against accusations that the county has been dumping untreated sewage into the Clinton River and, ultimately, into Lake St. Clair.
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim
Nash provided a rebuttal of claims made by officials in Macomb County at a press conference at the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin on Sept. 18. Nash called the facility “state of the art” and said it meets all the requirements from the state. He said claims made against it by officials in Macomb County and, most recently, Clinton Township, were false.
“It’s important to understand water quality issues in Macomb County are longstanding and they’re not caused by this facility,” Nash said. “We follow all environmental laws, especially the Clean Water Act, and work closely with EGLE (the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) to make sure we meet or exceed these standards.”
See RED RUN on page 5A
The minimum wage this coming February will be $10 plus the state treasurer’s adjustment for inflation, which according to information in the motion for clarification will bring it to $12.48. The additional adjustment will be made using July 31, 2024, as an endpoint. Tipped workers must make at least 48% of this.
These wages will continue to incrementally rise. In 2028, the minimum wage will be $12 plus the treasurer’s adjustment for inflation, which the motion indicated will be $14.97. The tipped workers minimum hourly wage rate must be at least 80% of minimum wage in 2028. From this point forward, the treasurer will need to determine the wage. By 2030, the minimum wage gap between tipped and nontipped workers should be closed.
The rate of inflation was also questioned by Nessel. The court clarified that the treasurer would bring the minimum wages in the Wage Act current to July 31, 2024, through an inflationary catch-up beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
Justice Brian K. Zahra wrote the dissenting opinion Sept. 18 and adhered to his reasoning for initially
See WAGES on page 15A
Photo by Nick Powers
The P Promise
Jessica T. Phan, D.D.S.
Mark D. Berman, D.D.S.
Red Run
from page 3A
Who’s polluting?
Macomb County officials, including Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, have referred to combined sewer overflows from the basin into the Red Run as being partially treated. Nash said this is false.
“All the water that leaves this facility is fully treated,” Nash said.
Nash went on to say that the water goes through a screening process and is treated with bleach. He said the water from the basin is not polluted and has been examined in third-party scientific studies. According to Nash, the water is safe enough to swim in but not to drink.
In a video before the meeting, Miller questioned the status of the water.
“How can you say with a straight face that dumping billions of gallons of partiallytreated and, in some cases, untreated sewer water on your neighbor is OK?” Miller said. “If it’s OK, why doesn’t Oakland County just take care of it themselves? Why dump it on us, on their neighbor?”
She said there was a recent discharge where the E. coli count was 80,000.
“Remember, they close beaches when the E. coli count is 300,” Miller said.
Nash lays the blame at Macomb County’s feet, saying the city of Warren’s water recovery facility has, over the course of 18 years, spilled 1.4 billion gallons of raw sewage into the Red Run.
In a 2020 video, Miller points out sanitary wipes strewn around the Red Run, pointing to this as evidence of Oakland County dumping partially-treated combined sewer overflows.
Nash said this was a spill from the Dequindre Interceptor, which is a sewer interceptor that goes down the road of the same name. He said this interceptor is separate from the basin and the water never goes through it.
“This was out at the end, beyond our facility,” Nash said.
When there is an overflow
Nash said the basin sends sanitary sewage into the Red Run to keep sewer water from getting into the basements of homes in the area.
“If we’re dumping sewage in their basements, we’re not protecting the health and safety of the citizens,” Nash said.
Nash said a discharge violation in May, which is being investigated by EGLE, hap-
See RED RUN on page 14A
Stink bugs: The bumbling pest
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the days get shorter and the air cooler, the telltale signs of fall emerge: cider and donuts, gourds, pumpkin spiced lattes and, of course, the great stink bug hibernation.
Homes throughout metro Detroit will be breached and besieged by the bumbling but harmless brown marmorated stink bug this fall and winter, seeking safe shelter over the darker months.
“When we get about less than 13 hours daylight, there is a chemical change within the stink bug that makes it move from reproducing and feeding to searching for a place to spend the winter,” said David Lowenstien, a Michigan State University Extension consumer horticulture educator. “Naturally, stink bugs will spend the winter in leaf litter or tree bark, but where there’s a lot of homes or barns or sheds, that can be a more protective place to spend the wintertime.”
Making their way inside through the smallest of cracks and crevices, brown marmorated stink bugs choose to spend their time doing as little as possible. The daylightinduced chemical change prohibits them from reproducing, and they cannot find food indoors, so they spend the months do-
ing as much as they can to save their energy.
Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species of stink bug. It was first detected in the United States in 1996 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, possibly arriving stateside by hitching a ride in shipping containers from either China or Japan. They then spread across the eastern U.S.
“Around the 2000s was when the midAtlantic fruit growers really became very alarmed by them and had a lot of fruit damage in their orchards,” said Julianna Wilson, a Michigan State assistant professor of tree fruit entomology.
Brown marmorated stink bugs have a long straw-like mouth, which they use to suck the juices of fruits, vegetables and other plants. This leaves a lumpy, brown and corklike plant drained of its juices, potentially ruining whole crop yields. As the bugs made landfall in Michigan in 2010, finding a way to manage the stink bug was a top priority for agricultural scientists.
Ultimately however, the brown marmorated stink bug never became as much of an agricultural threat as it was on the Atlantic coast. For one, there is a large variety of food sources for stink bugs in Michigan, allowing the bugs to spread out and not target only a select few crops. Parasites have also played
See BUGS on page 8A
LEFT: Brown marmorated stink bugs arrived in the United States from Asia in 1996, spreading from Pennsylvania into Michigan in 2010.
Photo by Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org
RIGHT: The samurai wasp uses brown marmorated stink bug eggs to lay its own larvae, providing a check on the brown marmorated stink bug population.
Photo by Guido Bohne, Bugwood.org
Bugs
from page 6A
a role in managing the brown marmorated stink bug. A microsporidian, or parasitic fungus, found to infect native stink bugs has made the jump to the brown marmorated stink bug, reducing the bugs ability to lay eggs when populations grow too large.
Another nonnative insect species from Asia, the samurai wasp, has made its way to the U.S. and preys on brown marmorated stink bug populations. The tiny one-eighth of an inch long black wasp specializes in attacking brown marmorated stink bug eggs, using the eggs to lay their own larvae. The samurai wasp is incapable of stinging humans and has not been observed targeting native stink bug eggs.
“(The samurai wasp) came here (and) we haven’t seen any big effects other than with this particular stink bug, which it does really well on in its native host range,” Wilson said. “It has not become the pest that we thought it would become.”
While research into brown marmorated stink bug management is still ongoing, the species has largely found its place in the environment.
“We have the tools we need when they’re needed to be able to combat this pest,” Wilson said. “We’re not in the, ‘Oh no it’s an invasive species’ stage anymore. It’s here and established and we know how to deal with it, so it’s not an emergency or big concern like it was.”
In the home, the biggest threat brown marmorated stink bugs post to humans is increased irritation. A stink bug sighting is commonly marked by the brown guitar pick-shaped creature slowly stumbling out
from a windowsill or curtain or some other hiding place. Perhaps once disturbed they will take flight, flapping wings and meandering through the air with all the subtlety of a 747. And should you try squishing one, its namesake cilantro-scented pheromone will stink up the air around where it is struck down.
“They’re a moderate garden pest,” Lowenstien said. “The main issue with brown marmorated stink bugs are nuisance issues in the fall when they might congregate inside or outside of people’s homes … The only risk would be squishing them on fabrics; I would not recommend squishing them on furniture or squeezing them indoors, because they will release that smell, and they can stain furniture.”
To get rid of stink bugs indoors, Lowenstien recommends drowning them in soapy water or sucking up stink bugs with a vacuum cleaner. Stink bugs can be trapped into drowning by placing a light over a pan of soapy water; the light will attract the bugs, causing them to fall into the pan.
Keeping stink bugs out of the home, however, is a futile effort. Checking for openings and gaps in walls is the most that can be done, as stink bugs will get inside though any little crack they can find. Stink bugs may congregate on the west and south sides on the exterior of homes in the fall, and spraying them with water or vacuuming them up is enough to remove them.
“Having them inside of your house doesn’t mean that you have failed to protect your home in any way,” Lowenstien said. “Insects are very smart at finding small gaps and cracks to make their way indoors, because they know that winter is coming, too.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
MONDAY:
FRIDAY:
SATURDAY:
Photo by Jack Rabin, Rutgers NJ Agric. Expt. Station, Bugwood.org
The brown marmorated stink bug is a pest for farmers, but a harmless nuisance in homes.
Board
Trustees also approved an ordinance establishing policies and procedures for handling violation complaints submitted to the township ethics board.
As approved, the ordinance states a complaint must be filed in writing to the ethics board via mail or in-person delivery. The human resources director will receive the complaint unless the complaint is made against the human resources director, in which case it is to be received by the township supervisor. The ordinance goes on to state how complaints are to be formatted, outlining the procedures for why and how a complaint is dismissed, how hearings will proceed and other procedural steps. Should any criminal offenses be implicated in a complaint, the ethics board or human resources director must notify the township attorney for review and/or transmission of the complaint to law enforcement.
The ordinance does not include an official appeal process if the ethics board does not rule in a complainant’s favor. Responding to a question about the matter from Trustee Frank Cusumano, Township Supervisor Frank Viviano said a complainant is allowed to address concerns before the Board of Trustees during a meeting.
“My concern was not to disparage the current board or the supervisor, but the history has been with these ethics complaints that people have alleged the politicalization and weaponization of the process,” Cusumano said. “So, I wanted to make sure that my understanding that there is recourse to the full board is in fact the policy of the township.”
The Macomb Township Board of Ethics was created in January 2021 by the then-newly seated board in reaction to a long line of corruption scandals involving members of township government. Viviano says the board has not received a formal complaint.
2024 Pathway Gap Closure Program
Trustees awarded the 2024 Pathway Gap Closure Program contract to JSS-Macomb LLC for $489,510.
JSS-Macomb was one of five firms to bid on the project and has been contracted to perform the work in the past.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
A diagram of the new accessible playground at Waldenburg Park is superimposed over the existing playground. The new playground is expected to be installed in spring 2025. Image provided by Midstates Recreation
DAILY HOMEMADE SOUPS:
MONDAY: Chicken Pot Pie
TUESDAY: Italian Wedding
WEDNESDAY: French Onion
THURSDAY: Turkey Lasagna
FRIDAY: Chicken Tortilla
SATURDAY: Loaded Baked Potato
FALL SPECIALS
CMPL gears up for TeenTober and Halloween
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — October is for the teens at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library as the library celebrates TeenTober, which recognizes teens services at libraries.
Teenage-geared CMPL events this October include a monster guts bookmark activity on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the South Branch; blackout poetry at the South Branch on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.; a tech take apart on Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Branch; and a haunted art activity on Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the North Branch.
Those interested in learning how to cook at home can visit the South Branch to learn about cooking with fall flavors. On Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m., Nicole Seals will visit to present a program on fall flavors and fall appetizers while on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m., Mary Spencer from Taste: A Cook’s Place will demonstrate how to make healthy skillet dinners.
Librarians are getting ready for the spooky season with all types of events. Families are invited to the South Branch on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. for a notso-spooky, family-friendly magic show with A2Magic. A Halloween party for children is being held at the South Branch on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m., where costumes are encouraged. The North Branch will host author Tobin Buhk on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss true crime tales of Michigan’s most dangerous women.
For more information about events and to sign up, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events.
Garfield segment opens to public
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Two new miles of Garfield Road were recently completed by the Macomb County Department of Roads, which announced traffic could begin driving on it on Sept. 17.
Costing $8.27 million to construct with $3.31 million from the county and $4.96 million from the township, the road work extends Garfield between 23 Mile and 25 Mile roads with new traffic lights, utilities and drainage infrastructure.
“We’re very excited to have another main road that connects our north and south borders,” Macomb Township Supervisor Frank Viviano said in a county press release. “With every completed road project, our community gets a little bit safer and less frustrating to travel through. Opening Garfield is a big step forward for Macomb Township, but we know there are many more ahead of us. We look forward to working with the Macomb County Department of Roads on future improvements in our Township.”
The first phase of the $4.5 million Garfield Road extension project between 22 Mile Road and 23 Mile Road was completed on time and on budget in 2023. The total construction cost included $1.8 million from the county and $2.7 million from Macomb Township.
Cruising in chesterfield
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Going for over a decade now, the 2024 North Gratiot Cruise & Craft Fair is taking place along M-3 in Chesterfield Township on Saturday, Sept. 28.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with check-ins for the Chesterfield 5K, beginning at the Value City Furniture at 50400 Gratiot Avenue. The craft fair kicks off at Value City at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m., with around 40 crafters expected to show off their wares.
Cruisers can check in at the Kohl’s at 50500 Gratiot Avenue to get registered for a shot at their share of prize cash, including the $1,000 best in show prize.
Funds raised by the cruise organization benefit local charities.
“Over the years we’ve paid out about $100,000 to various small organizations,” said Donna Weatherby, head of marketing for the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “We don’t give it all to one organization because we feel like there’s so much need with these little groups.”
For more information about the cruise and to sign up for its events, visit cruisegratiot.com. Weatherby can be reached at (313) 510-8340.
Advancing Macomb hosts summit at Metro Beach
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Mount Clemens-based nonprofit Advancing Macomb is hosting its second-annual Community Engagement Summit at the Welsh Activity Center at Lake St. Clair Metropark on Friday, Sept. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“We are excited to host the second annual Community Engagement Summit and invite business, community and civic leaders from across Macomb County and metro Detroit to join us on September 27,” Phil Gilchrist, executive director of Advancing Macomb, said in a press release. “Attendees will gain valuable insights and powerful tools to help address community challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.”
The event aims to help people better engage with their communities by offering tools and strategies to do so, while learning about why community engagement is essential for community development, improving quality of life and encouraging economic growth.
Jeanette Pierce, founder and president of the City Institute in Detroit, will serve as the keynote speaker. Pierce founded the City Institute to help cities attract and retain residents through fostering an understanding and appreciation of their local environments.
General admission tickets for the event are $50 and may be purchased at www. advancingmacomb.com.
Macomb County moves WIC office
WARREN — The Macomb County Health Department recently relocated its Women, Infants, and Children program from the Max Thompson Family Resource Center on Hupp Avenue, in Warren, to the Southwest Health Center located at 27690 Van Dyke Avenue. The new office, which is also in Warren, reopened on Sept. 16. According to Lauren Cody, public health services manager, the move to the Southwest Health Center provides residents improved customer experience and co-locates department services. The move places WIC services in the same building as the family planning, immunization and STI/HIV programs. WIC appointments are available five days a week.
13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
Red Run
pened because of a door that is part of the chlorine treatment process. He said this was a result of human error and that measures were taken to make sure it never happens again.
“The door that did that froze up and didn’t work. That is why we had that violation,” Nash said. “Before we even got a response by EGLE when we reported it, we fixed the problem. They recognized there was a violation but, since it was fixed before they really did anything about it, this is the kind of thing you don’t even get an issue with. They just recognized that you had a problem.”
He claims the output from the basin is only 1% of the total flow into Lake St. Clair.
“Many federal, state and regional entities have shown there is no link between our facility and beach closings or the muck on Lake St. Clair,” Nash said.
He attributed the problems to runoff from animal waste, fertilizer and invasive species.
Nash said Macomb County drains go directly into the Red Run and impact the water quality. He cautioned against separating storm water and wastewater systems.
“Let me be clear: Separating our systems would cost our residents many billions of dollars, years of infrastructure and economic disruption and offer no tangible benefits to water quality in Lake St. Clair or anywhere in Macomb County,” Nash said.
Passed due permit
In a press release before the press conference, Miller’s office said the basin was operating under an expired permit.
Nash said no enforcement action has been taken against the basin in its history, adding that when there is a problem it gets cleared up “immediately.”
“We submitted all required documentation to EGLE months in advance of the expiration renewal date for our permit,” Nash said.
“EGLE acknowledged the receipt of those submissions and current regulation by EGLE spells out that such facilities as ours continue their operations under an old permit while a new one is being processed. This is routine and should not be misconstrued as a sign of noncompliance with clean water standards.”
Nash confirmed that the permit was not in limbo because of any corrective actions that need to be taken by the basin.
Politics?
The issue has been picking up steam in Macomb County. Municipalities including Sterling Heights, Warren, Center Line,
Clinton Township, Harrison Township and Mount Clemens have passed resolutions criticizing Oakland County for its combined sewer overflows. The Macomb County Board of Commissioners has also passed a resolution.
Nash traces the accusations back to politics.
“This accusation is an example of a classic political scapegoating tactic, shifting attention away from the real issues at hand: Macomb County’s own costly infrastructure challenges,” Nash said. “For over a decade, Macomb County has failed to address recommendations from EGLE designed to protect the residents and Lake St. Clair.”
Nash touted off-site storage as the largest in the country and green solutions like its rain barrel program to limit combined sewer overflows. Macomb County recently introduced a similar pilot program in Roseville.
At the event, Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Board David Woodward provided a full-throated defense of the county’s water management.
“When Macomb County points fingers at Oakland County, and they’ve been doing it for a while, you can bat it away as a distraction of covering up for the fact they’re not making anywhere near the level of investments we are here in Oakland County,” Woodward said.
However, recent accusations by the county have “crossed the line” for Woodward.
“The staff of the Public Works Commissioner in Macomb County knows it’s wrong, the state of Michigan knows it’s wrong and enough is enough,” Woodward said.
Woodward challenged Macomb County.
“It’s time to step up, do your part and meet us halfway,” Woodward said.
Following the press conference, Nash said the Red Run Intercounty Drain Drainage Board would be one avenue through which to hash out some of these details. One of the meetings, which happen monthly, was before the press conference. Members of the board can include “surrounding County Public Works Commissioners wherein the drain traverses,” according to the county’s website. Miller did not bring up these concerns at the meeting.
“She has never brought this up to the board that controls this system,” Nash said. “That seems odd to me.”
He said the county collaborates regionally on many different things. He said this, in the case of Macomb County, is an exception.
“They’ve never come to us with these complaints directly,” Nash said. “If she really wants to solve it, we should solve it together.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
dissenting to the July 31 opinion. He was joined by Justice David F. Viviano.
“A majority of this Court has no authority to rewrite unambiguous statutory provisions in pursuit of its subjective understanding of ‘equity.’ Such power is vested with the Legislature, not the judicial branch, and no case available to the Court in Michigan or any other jurisdiction in this nation has adopted or condoned the extraordinary remedial actions taken in this case by the Court, both in the initial opinion and in the instant order,” Zahra states.
“I respectfully note that the time to relitigate the opinion’s merits has passed,” Justice Elizabeth M. Welch said in part in her concurring opinion.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel set Sept. 15 as a deadline for the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify aspects of its initial ruling on the Wage Act. This deadline came and went, but the court had the ability to provide clarity prior to the state treasurer publishing the final wage calculations on Nov. 1.
This all comes after the court made a 4-3 bombshell ruling on the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick
Time Act on July 31, affecting the state’s laws governing minimum wage and sick time.
The ruling was years in the making. It’s the result of wrangling to keep the issue off the ballot in Michigan by legislators against the changes.
It started with two petitions in 2018 that received the required number of signatures to potentially appear on the ballot.
One petition would have given workers gradual wage increases until the minimum wage became $12 in 2022. After 2022, the wage would be increased each year, as determined by the state, according to inflation. The minimum-wage gap between tipped workers and all other workers, 38% in 2018, would be eventually closed by 2024.
The other petition required employers to give employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked per week.
The Legislature adopted the unaltered initiatives in September 2018. This kept them off the ballot and allowed lawmakers to alter them.
They did this in two bills. One caused the minimum wage increases to not exceed $12 until 2030 and removed the increases for tipped workers. It also removed increases to the wage based on inflation. The second made changes to sick time. It exempted employers with under 50 employees from providing
paid sick time. It reduced the amount of paid sick time hours for larger businesses from 72 hours to 40.
The changes, led by Republicans, were approved along party lines by margins of 6048 in the Michigan House of Representatives and 26-12 in the state Senate in a lame duck session in December 2018. They were signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder and went into effect March 29, 2019.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined that the Amended Wage Act and the Amended Earned Sick Time Act were unconstitutional on July 19, 2022. This was
reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals, but was ultimately upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court’s July 31, 2024, ruling.
After the July 31 ruling, Nessel made a motion to clarify the ruling on Aug. 21.
“Respectfully, the Michigan Department of Treasury has read this Court’s opinion in earnest and believes there exist ambiguities as to how to interpret and implement this Court’s directives in accounting for inflation for the graduated wages for the 2025 through 2028 time period,” the motion states.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
ON SENIOR LIVING
MOVING INTO THE MULTIGENERATIONAL-LIVING ERA
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Multigenerational housing is making a comeback.
Studies by the Pew Research Center indicate that the concept has grown for the past five decades, and there is no sign of peaking.
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of people living in multigenerational homes quadrupled since 1971, reaching 59.7 million in March 2021.
Shaun Shaya, of Shaya Realty in Birmingham, works closely with the senior community, helping them sell their homes or move into assisted living arrangements. He said moving into a multigenerational household can provide plenty of emotional benefits for the older generation.
Having a senior move into a home with their adult children or grandchildren means more accessibility to caregiving and a sense of social inclusivity. But the change between living on their own and moving in with family can be difficult.
“I think they are in a place where they have a lot of stress in their life. It is stressful because it is change. They have lived in their home for a long time,” he said. “But on the other side, you know that it is easier.”
Shaya has seen first hand the positive impact living with other people has on the senior community while helping seniors move into assisted living homes.
See HOUSING on page 33A
ABOVE: Jennifer Tommajin, of Real Estate One in Troy, designed this home that showcases the amount of space and functionality a multigenerational home could use. The 6,938-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, four full baths, and one half bath.
Photo by Brian Kurtz
LEFT: One of the benefits of extended families living together is strengthening bonds between generations. Shutterstock image
Westwood Inn Senior Living Community
Located in Macomb Township, Westwood Inn Senior Living Community ofers a full range of services and activities that appeal to a wide range of residents. With independent and assisted living opportunities for individuals and couples and memory care services, Westwood Inn is dedicated to helping its residents fulfll a lifestyle where they are treated with dignity and respect in a home setting where they are equally valued and recognized.
As a luxury senior living complex, Westwood Inn focuses on assuring residents and their fami ly members that compassionate and safe care is constant. Team members aim to highlight the facility’s core values — treating residents with the respect they deserve while building a sense of trust. Tis is paramount to creating an atmosphere of comfort and care that all residents want, no matter their situation.
and the fact that live music is also performed.
In fact, the list of events developed by Westwood Inn each year is impressive, especially since the senior living campus frst opened in 2021. Tere are other musical events throughout the year and one or more main resident parties, where family members are invited to enjoy a themed event. You might even see a Hawaiian luau! Tis year’s large family gathering had a carnival theme and was held right in the Westwood Inn parking lot.
“We do everything we can to cater to our residents’ wants and needs,” said Sonia Mosey, who works in sales and marketing. “We all need to celebrate our lives to the fullest, and that’s a part of our goal every day.”
Westwood Inn has the staf to accomplish exactly that, including an activities team that is constantly coming up with unique ideas to keep residents as active as they want to be while giving them options for the life they want to lead. Westwood Inn hosted its third annual car show in mid-September, drawing classic and muscle cars from all around Macomb County. It has become one of the facility’s featured events and is a favorite with residents because of the memories it provides
Part of building a highly respected senior living facility is creating a collective understanding that all residents have their own preferences and requirements. Mosey says the staf takes the time to get to know residents so that they can provide the best care possible for individual needs. Trough its life enrichment programs and personalized care, Westwood Inn strives to cultivate the mind as well as care for the body.
“It takes a whole village to make this work, but we are focused on doing what’s best for our residents,” Mosey said.
Although Westwood Inn is at nearly full capacity, a few openings remain in its independent and assisted living areas and memory care units. Ask about special ofers for all-inclusive memory care services.
You can have peace of mind that you or your loved one will fnd their future home at Westwood Inn. Learn more by visiting westwoodinnseniorliving.com or calling (586) 267-9500. You can also email Sonia at smosey@westwoodinnseniorliving.com or Marissa at mwest@westwoodinnseniorliving.com with questions.
New Move-In Specials
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• Replacing lightbulbs, locks and faucets
• Installing window shades, storm windows and weather stripping
• Cleaning appliances, carpets, windows and washing walls
The program provides non-continuous assistance with tasks such as: Eligibility: The person must be at least 60 years of age and a Macomb County resident Macomb County Office of Senior Services’ Handy Helpers program is here to assist seniors needing minor home maintenance.
• And much more!
Don’t let age stop you from Volunteering
Volunteers are the heart that drives any outreach program. There’s no better example of this than the volunteers of the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program. On Aug. 1, the program celebrated 50 years of making a difference in the lives of the homebound, isolated, or lonely seniors living among us.
Helen Hall represents the ideal of volunteering in this program and how serving others benefits her life as well. Hall, 90, has been serving for 13 years with the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion program at the Costick Center in Farmington Hills. She maintains that the reason she volunteers is that she loves to help others and enjoys giving back to the community-while remaining active herself.
Companion Program and asked if this was something I would be interested
“I retired from GM and I was tired of sitting around. I went to the Costick Center for the exercise class and noticed the volunteers helping out the participants in the adult day center. I asked a Lady in the program what they were doing? She explained that she was part of the Senior Companion Program and asked if this was something I would be interested in? I always wanted to be a nurse and take care of others. This gives me the opportunity to fulfill that dream in a different way.”
“I enjoy helping others and want to make a difference in folks’ lives.” Hall,
a volunteer since 2011, explained. “I love doing it.” Carmela LaCommare, the program manager, said the program is funded by AmeriCorps Seniors and the state of Michigan. “Our volunteers, who are 55 or older, they go out and they visit isolated, homebound adults in the community and try to keep them socialized and engaged. They also offer respite care for family members and caregivers,” LaCommare said. Those interested in volunteering can contact Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan by phone or email. There is an enrollment process. For those seeking to arrange companion visits, there is a simple intake procedure and a process for matching area volunteers with local seniors. “My volunteers are amazing,” LaCommare said. “We service both Oakland and Macomb counties. Many of our volunteers serve anywhere between 20 and 30 hours a week. “They found purpose with this program,” LaCommare added. “That’s the number one thing they tell me.” For more information about the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program, go to ccsem.org or call (248) 5373300 #3937
hours a week. “They found purpose added. “That’s the number one thing they tell me.” For more information about the Catholic
Take part in a free program for those 55+ looking to serve their community in meaningful ways.
Become a friend and help someone remain independent
To learn more contact: ext. or
Funded by AmeriCorps, Michigan’s Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration, and support from the community.
Helen Hall
WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913
With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.
Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.
“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”
Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at
ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.
Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.
According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”
In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”
From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.
Young Mustangs have ‘something special’
Lutheran North soccer moving toward
‘great things’
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The annual Paul Bartoshuk DCDS Invitational at Detroit Country Day High School wasn’t welcoming to Macomb Lutheran North head coach Anthony Vani in his first two years.
The invitational holds the first three games of the Mustangs’ regular season, and Vani, stepping into his third season this year, looks at it as a measure to see where his guys are compared to other teams around the state.
In 2022, Lutheran North was 1-2 with both losses coming in 1-0 fashion (one being a shootout) while 2023 was an improvement, posting a 2-1 record with its only loss coming at the hands of the host, Country Day.
With a roster loaded with underclassmen while still maintaining a healthy num-
ber of senior veterans, Vani was intrigued to see what the invitational would hold this time around for his squad, which went 9-10-1 in 2023 and lost at districts.
“The biggest difference between this year and last year is the kids have all bought in for the most part,” Vani said. “The strategy, like I’ve told them before, is if we all
pull the rope in the same direction, good things can happen. If everyone loses focus and is pulling it in all different directions, no matter how good or strong you are, it just doesn’t work. The boulder doesn’t move.”
Allowing only one goal and posting a 3-0 record with wins against Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe South, and Country Day, it’s safe to say the Mustangs launched the boulder out of its stagnant position.
Lutheran North also showed resilience by overcoming shootouts against South and Country Day to grab the win.
It may only be three games out of an entire season, but senior Marcello Vitale said it gave his teammates all the confidence they needed.
“Winning that tournament was something special for us, and it really showed us how much potential we have to do something big this season,” Vitale said. “Anything is possible for us.”
Apparently a red-hot start to the season was very possible for the Mustangs as their 11-1-1 record has Vani’s squad ranked
Altermatt Farms
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Macomb Lutheran North sophomore Julian Gibbs controls the ball during a game against Dearborn Divine Child on Sept. 21 at Lutheran North High School.
Football
from page 1A
nant backs in the state.
Rushing for 150 yards on 16 carries and a score, Hamby got Dakota on the board first with a 5-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes left in the second quarter.
A 28-yard rush by Hamby in the middle of the third quarter would set up a 32-yard touchdown connection from senior quarterback Jadon Ford to sophomore wideout Elijah Goins to give Dakota a 14-3 lead.
Every time Hamby’s number was called to convert on a big run, he got the job done, which is why Baur said he feels he’s one of the top players around.
“He’s our horse,” Baur said. “He’ll do whatever it takes to win, and he’ll play every snap if we ask him to. Hopefully we don’t have to ask him to, but he’s one of those guys that, I think, is a player of the year candidate in Michigan. Some other guys have these five-star offers, but if you want to win a football game, Brady Hamby is the guy you want on your team.”
Defensively, the Cougars’ front seven didn’t allow Stevenson junior quarterback Andrew Knight Jr. to have a second of comfort, collecting 4.5 sacks courtesy of senior Di’Mari Malone (1), senior Tyler Torey (1), senior Logan Criteser (1.5), senior Dylan Beitelshees (.5), and Aidan Lindsay (0.5).
Malone also forced a fumble as he exploded off the right side and went untouched towards Knight as Lindsay jumped
Macomb Dakota senior Brady Hamby carries the ball during a 24-9 win against Sterling Heights Stevenson on Sept. 20 at Stevenson High School.
on the recovery.
Anytime you’re facing a dual threat like Knight, there’s an extra emphasis on strategizing defensively, but Baur said he trusts his veteran group to get the job done.
“You got to contain Knight; he’s electric,” Baur said. “Our D-line is our strength and we kind of rely on that. Our front seven is our strength, and we feel like we can stop the run against most people. Trying to contain him is a chore, but we did the best we could.”
The Stevenson offense had its opportunities throughout the night, but the leg of junior kicker Pawel Surowiec would be the only points the Titans offense would see as he buried field goals of 21, 43, and 48 yards.
Down 17-6 with five minutes left in the fourth, Knight scrambled down the left sideline for a would-be 43-yard touchdown run, but a Titans’ holding penalty would force Stevenson to settle for three.
When the Dakota defense needed to anchor down, they made it happen while the Stevenson offense simply struggled to get into the end zone.
Dakota junior kicker Austin Aranowski had a 43-yard field goal of his own in the win.
Dakota, now tied with Utica Eisenhower for first in the MAC Red at 2-0, will next host Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (13) while Stevenson will look to rebound in a home matchup against Utica Eisenhower (4-0).
Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
No. 4 in Division 4 soccer.
The tie was a “tough pill to swallow” as Vani described it, but it didn’t seem to faze a Lutheran North team that came back and shutout Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard and Dearborn Divine Child in back-toback games, outscoring them 8-0.
You can point the finger at just about any facet of Lutheran North’s game as to why it’s surging right now, and also at the top of the Catholic High School LeagueAA division, but six shutouts in 11 games immediately gravitates the attention toward its backline play.
Junior William Pruzinsky, who led Lutheran North in the DCDS Invitational with two shootout wins and two clean sheets, has anchored the net since his freshman season.
“He got called as a freshman two years ago when our main goalie got hurt, and he’s just grown every year,” Vani said. “Will (Pruzinsky) has grown into a heck of a goalie. Two weeks ago, against Cranbrook, he saved two PKs to hold on for the 2-1 win against Cranbrook.”
The backline also deserves a ton of credit as junior Jayce Van Hevel was tasked with filling the void of third team all-state honoree Brandon Avery.
“He stepped into Brandon’s role and has done great,” Vani said. “He’s been very, very solid and clean. He seems to be in the right place at the right time a lot.”
Senior Landon Nilson, senior Nathan Vani, and junior Peter DiLella have been impressive on the backline.
On the offensive attack, take your pick as to who you want to score because the Mustangs have an abundance of guys who can take over the game at any second.
The Gibbs brothers of Julian (sophomore) and Luca (freshman) have already announced their presence on the high school soccer scene as underclassmen alongside sophomore Matteo Vitale and freshman
Leo Vani. Senior Stavio Daman is the older brother of the group, helping the younger guys navigate on the attack.
“Me, Julian, Matteo, Luca, and Leo play really well together,” Daman said. “We all play a high level of club soccer, and I think we link up pretty well in the final third (closest to the opponent’s goal). I’ve known Matteo and Julian for a decent amount of time, so in the summer we would train on our own to be ready and prepared for what has to come our way.”
Lutheran North, which hasn’t made it out of districts since the 2020 shortened season, has turned heads but the confidence-building and personal growth from each player is what Vani said he’s enjoyed seeing the most the past three seasons.
The 2025 senior class is an important one for Vani because they’ve set the tone for what he wanted to establish throughout the program.
“It’s my third season as head coach, so it just takes time for when a new administration comes in to build that confidence into the program,” Vani said. “Now, my seniors were my sophomores, so they don’t have some of the preconceived notions of how it was done before. There wasn’t anything wrong with how they did it before, but it’s just about how they perceive that we have a plan.”
The plan now is to do something Lutheran North has never done before – win a state championship.
Regional titles, district titles, and league titles have taken up too much space on the Mustangs’ banner, but “2024” slotted under a state champion heading would be the ultimate send-off for a culturechanging senior class, and they have all the confidence in making it happen.
“This definitely feels like the year we could do it,” Vitale said. “We’ve started the season strong, and we want to finish it that way. We have great players and a great team, and we know we can do great things.”
Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
DETROIT — “Forming Function” is “a design podcast for everyone.”
On the Detroit-based podcast, co-hosts Brian Moore and Sam Malott Brown cover everything from barber poles to Prince to toilets. Pairing history with architecture, the duo set out to uncover the origins and meaning behind everyday design in each episode using Moore’s background as an architect and Malott Brown’s education in anthropology and historic preservation, which is only fitting considering that the pair met while working at an architectural firm in Detroit.
The podcasters share a charisma and curiosity that allows for easy listening as they delve into their biweekly design fascination.
“I have a running Google sheet that I’m just continuously adding ideas to every time I’m out in the world, and I’m like, ‘Wonder what that’s about. Let’s add it to the list,’” Moore said.
“I feel like I come at it almost from a backward perspective of Brian, where he’s like, ‘OK, here’s the problem. What is the design solution that can resolve that issue?’ Whereas I’m like, ‘Oh, here’s the solution that they came up with. What was this used for? What was the problem?’” Malott Brown said.
Moore explained that he had wanted to do a podcast since 2015, but nothing came to fruition until COVID-19 hit and he was hosting a “quarantined lawn happy hour” at his house.
“I don’t even remember how the topic came up, but I started talking about how I wanted to do this. I actually think someone brought up barber poles at the happy hour. I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve been wanting to do a podcast episode about this.’ Sam’s husband, Jeff, said, ‘Oh, well, Sam’s been wanting to do a design podcast too. You guys should do something together,’” Moore said.
“Jeff kind of pawned me off on Brian,” Malott Brown joked.
She explained that at one point, she tried to convince her husband to do a podcast with her because she wanted to do something creative during the pandemic.
After discussing the plan for about a year, Moore and Malott Brown picked a name and secured the Michigan Architectural Foundation’s Damian Farrell Architectural Awareness grant. The grant provides “financial assistance to organizations and individuals that organize, sponsor and promote events, lectures, publications and experiences that increase awareness of architecture.”
In 2024, the MAF Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants Committee and the MAF Board of Trustees approved a total of $15,000 to be awarded to architectural awareness efforts like the Forming Function podcast. Moore and Malott Brown did not disclose the
COME CHECK OUT THIS SPRAWLING RANCH
in the highly sought-after Shelby Twp, Cedar Lakes Subdivision. Boasting an open concept layout, this residence features stunning custom woodwork and crown molding throughout, enhancing its elegant charm. Additional highlights include, oversized private yard, hardwood flooring in the bedrooms, custom closets, Anderson windows, partially finished basement, newer AC unit, central vacuum system, and first-floor laundry. This home seamlessly combines luxury and comfort, making it the perfect place to call home.
ABOVE: Sam Malott Brown and Brian Moore record a “Forming Function” podcast episode Sept. 17 on the design behind footballs.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
LEFT: Moore and Malott Brown delve into the why behind design with their Detroit-based podcast, “Forming Function.”
Photo by Lindsay Hansmann
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.
End of Watch
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Car buffs who attend this year’s Jammin’ at the Junction will have the opportunity to pay their respects to four Roseville police officers who died in the line of duty.
The annual car show will be held from 8 a.m. to 5
CHEVY CAPRICE CLASSIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN ROSEVILLE OFFICERS
p.m. Sept. 28 on Utica Road between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road in Roseville. The event is open to the public and free to spectators.
During the day, car owners will display their soupedup muscle cars, classic models, coupes, convertibles and more. The festivities also will include live music, food vendors and awards.
One car that will catch the public’s attention is a 1977
Chevrolet Caprice Classic, which Roseville City Manager and Police Commissioner Ryan Monroe owns and maintains. He purchased the vehicle with his own money a few years ago to honor the dedicated Roseville patrolmen who died while serving and protecting the residents of the city.
“I plan to have the car there,” said Monroe, a former police officer. “When you work the road, that is your of-
LEFT: This 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is scheduled to be on display at Jammin’ at the Junction from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 on Utica Road, between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road, in Roseville. The car pays tribute to four Roseville police officers who died in the line of duty.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
See CAPRICE on page 34A
ABOVE: This display plaque lists the many local businesses and Roseville police officers that helped restore the 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic on their own time at no cost to the city.
Photo by Maria Allard
Five Things You Need to Know About Pat Sierawski
Pat Sierawski is Experienced
1
Pat Sierawski has served his entire legal career as an Asst. Prosecuting Attorney for Macomb County as Chief of the Internet Crimes Unit, Chief of the Human Trafcking Unit, Chief of the Environmental Crimes Unit and Deputy Chief of the Juvenile Division. He has handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases.
Pat Sierawski is Trusted
Pat Sierawski has already earned the endorsement of Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, Sherif Anthony Wickersham, Prosecutor Peter Lucido, Treasurer Lary Rocca, Chairman of the County Board Don Brown, Supervisor Rick Stathakis, Mayor Mike Taylor, Mayor Gus Calandrino and Trustee Peter Lucido III. Also endorsed by Justice David Viviano and over 50 Elected Ofcials and Judges.
Pat Sierawski Respects Veterans
Pats’ Grandfather served in World War Two in the Pacifc at the Battle of Okinawa and received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Father few C-130’s in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and received Air Force Air Medal. Twin brother currently serves as a Major in the Marine Corps and was deployed twice to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pat Sierawski is Highly Trained
2 3 4 5
Pat Sierawski is a graduate of Saint Lawrence School, De La Salle Collegiate High School, University of Michigan with a BSA in Political Science and received his Juris Doctor Degree from Wayne State Law School.
Sierawski Equals Service
Pat’s Father, Chief Judge of the 41-A District Court, Stephen Sierawski has served the people of 41-A District Court for over 25 years. Chief Judge Sierawski served over 20 years in the United States Air Force. Pats’ mother, Mayor Pro Tem of Sterling Heights, Liz Sierawski has served as Mayor Pro Tem for the past eight years. Pats’ twin brother, Anthony Sierawski, has served over thirteen years in the United States Marine Corps.
Pat, Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, Mother and Father.
Pat and Sherif Anthony Wickersham
Pat and Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido
Treasurer Larry Rocca (Navy Veteran) and Pat
Father Chief Judge Sierawski, Pat and Mother Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski
Macomb County prosecutor providing information to seniors about scams
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Macomb County prosecutor has been holding special events and providing booklets for seniors to learn about scams.
The goal is to promote safety and equip seniors with the knowledge to prevent their exploitation. Recent scams include fraudulent emails or phone calls from individuals impersonating police officers, fake flyers about setting up lockboxes or garage codes, phony invoices for technical support, and deceptive loan or account approval emails.
Additionally, some scams involve callers posing as relatives in distress or using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones’ voices. The Prosecutor’s Office reminds seniors that it’s crucial to avoid sharing personal informa-
Design
from page 26A
amount of the grant since it is a competitive application process. They explained that they were not profiting from the grant and that it helped them purchase equipment to streamline the editing process. Under the grant agreement, they did eight episodes in the first season and agreed to do 12 episodes this season.
“One of the requirements we made with them on the funding was that every season we would have at least one episode about Michigan architecture. And so, in the first season, we had an episode about the GM Tech Center. This season, we’ll have Northland Shopping Center, which is a very significant work that contributed to architectural movements across the country as a whole,” Moore said.
In April 2023, Moore and Malott Brown launched their first episode, “What’s White and Red All Over?” which focused on the gruesome history of barber poles. Moore said that becoming a podcaster made him adjust to explaining topics in more detail.
“I was giving someone a preview of the story. I talked about bloodletting and moved on. And they were like, ‘Whoa, wait. What’s, what is bloodletting?’ I just assumed people knew what this was. So I went and rewrote my whole story, and there’s now a 10-minute segment about what that is and why they did it. And that actually became kind of the crux of the story.” he said.
Malott Brown explained her process for storytelling on the podcast.
“If the structure is always the same, it gets a little bit stale. So, trying to figure out how to tell the same story in a way that peo-
tion over the phone or via email with unknown sources.
“S.C.A.M.S. — Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors” is a booklet the Prosecutor’s Office has put together and made available at various events.
The next scam prevention presentation with Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido will take place 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 9 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township. Register for the program at lorenzoculturalcenter.com/ events.
The free scams booklet will be available at the Sterling Heights Fall Senior Expo 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane Drive.
“Through free presentations and S.C.A.M.S. booklets, we arm our vulnerable seniors with the knowledge to prevent fraud. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
ple will get something out of it, but in maybe new ways, with different perspectives and different angles, that keeps it fresh,” she said.
Lindsay Hansmann is a former coworker turned friend of Moore and Malott Brown. Hansmann has done photography for the podcast and appeared in the second episode of season two, “Potty Language,” which discusses the history of toilets and the evolution of sanitation systems.
Hansmann remembered when they asked her to do the episode.
“I was very honored. I showed up to record, and I was telling Brian how nervous I was,” Hansmann said.
Hansmann said that Moore reassured her.
“What I didn’t say out loud back to him, but what I thought was, ‘No, I’m nervous that it’s just not going to be as good as when it’s you two.’ Because they just have such a great flow. Thankfully, they are exactly who they are. And he was correct. Within a few minutes, we were talking like we would if we were out to grab a bite.”
In addition to Hansmann’s appearance in episode two of season two, listeners can look forward to topics such as the designs behind footballs, tarot cards, witches and Northland Mall. Malott Brown encouraged listeners to share their curiosities with them at formingfunctionpodcast@gmail.com.
“We do like to answer people’s questions,” she said. “So, if there’s anything that people are curious about, we definitely want them to send that to us so that we can answer those questions. Because we’re only two people, our curiosity can only expand so far. So, if there is anything that people are wondering about, we definitely want to help satisfy that for them.”
is committed to safeguarding your golden years,” Lucido said.
Heather Esposito, Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office outreach coordinator, said she loves working at senior expos with Lucido.
“It’s always a highlight for me, and I make a point to remind my parents and their friends about the event because they look forward to it just as much. Each time they attend, they uncover new insights and resources that make a difference in their lives. It’s gratifying to see firsthand how our office, and the many dedicated vendors, positively impact our senior community,” she said.
For more information or to preregister, visit seniorexpousa.com/2024-sterling-hts-fall-attendee.html or contact Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or heather.esposito@ macombgov.org.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
Students must be at least 18 years old (as of July 1)
Students must show a driver’s license, Michigan ID, passport, or U.S. visa and MI proof of residency at registration Visit Facebook.com/UCSESL or Facebook.com/UCSAdultEducation for more information
CRIME WATCH
Theft reported at Meijer
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 6 p.m. on Sept. 9, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Meijer on 24 Mile Road. Loss prevention at the store had detained a 69-year-old Macomb Township man who allegedly stole $15 in goods through the self-checkout.
Loss prevention shared several other instances of theft tied to the man, totaling to over $400.
Upon speaking with deputies, the man said he had dementia and that he had a hard time remembering to do things, including paying for merchandise at the self-checkout. He reportedly said that he did not intend to steal the goods.
The man was cited for third-degree retail fraud.
Weapons found in traffic stop
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 6:50 p.m. on Sept. 8, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies performed a traffic stop at the corner of Hall Road and Gratiot Avenue for an improper plate.
The driver, a 44-year-old Detroit man, identified himself and presented an ID, which a police database identified as suspended since 2018. The driver was arrested without incident for driving with a suspended license.
Further investigation found that the license plate was not registered to the driver’s car. A hunting knife and leather slap-jack weapon were also found.
DUI fender bender
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a car crash on Heydenreich Road near St. Martins Avenue involving a Freightliner semi-truck and a Porsche Macan SUV at around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 7.
The Porsche driver, a 51-year-old Macomb Township woman, reportedly told deputies to take her to jail because she had been drinking. A can of vodka-based seltzer was found in the Porsche’s cup holder. The woman said she did not see the semi-truck prior to the crash.
After failing a field sobriety test, the woman was transported to a hospital for a blood draw and treatment.
Taken tablet
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the
15200 block of Walden Court by a 67-yearold resident reporting a missing tablet.
The resident said he left the tablet in the front seat of his car and, after he searched his home, believed the computer was stolen from the car. He said he accidentally left the vehicle unlocked overnight.
Couples crash
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the scene of a crash between a GMC work van and a Jeep truck at the corner of 25 Mile Road and Laurel Drive.
While no drivers were located upon arrival, a 42-year-old Macomb Township woman identified herself as the Jeep driver, saying she was turning left from Laurel Drive onto 25 Mile Road but did not remember what happened after that. She provided deputies with her ID but no proof of insurance.
Mail addressed to a 47-year-old Macomb Township man was found in the van, who the woman confirmed to be her husband. Deputies contacted the man to confirm their marriage and found out he was driving the van at the time of the crash.
Gift card fraud
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to the home of a 56-year-old woman in the 50800 block of Russell Drive for a fraud report.
The woman told deputies she received a call from someone claiming to be a cable provider offering her a discount on three years of a new package if she paid for the first year with over $1,300 in Target gift cards. The woman purchased the gift cards but refused to turn over the card numbers when the caller could not recite her billing address.
Engine fire
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about a Chevrolet work van on fire at Macomb Centre Plaza along 23 Mile and Romeo Plank roads.
The van’s driver, a 47-year-old Detroit man, had noticed smoke from the engine and pulled over to check it out. Opening the hood revealed that the engine was burning, and the man attempted to put the fire out with extinguishers from the plaza’s businesses.
The Macomb Township Fire Department ultimately had to put the fire out.
— DEAN VAGLIA
Housing
from page 16A
Seniors in assisted living homes experience more social interaction and less stress of taking care of themselves. Shaya said multigenerational housing provides the same effect.
“The key is the emotional well-being of the seniors that choose to live in multigenerational housing,” he said. “As you get older, it becomes very isolating, and socializing becomes more of a challenge.”
Jennifer Toomajian, of Real Estate One in Troy, said she sees a lot of multigenerational living situations in Troy and the surrounding areas of metro Detroit.
“Multigenerational homes are huge in areas that have diverse populations,” she said. “I think our population is different today, so you have people that live in the areas that are culturally used to taking care of their grandparents or their parents.”
To accommodate the current wants or needs for multigenerational homes, Toomajian said that the housing market is beginning to build homes specifically for multigenerational housing.
“Developers have been adjusting new construction floor plans to accommodate
multigenerational families,” she said via email. “Adding first-floor full bathrooms with showers and first-floor flex rooms that have a multi-purpose: guest room, bedroom, playroom, gym, or an office.”
Creating homes that are designed for the purpose of multigenerational family living situations opens up the doors for saving money in other aspects of life, according to Toomajian.
“What ends up happening is today’s home prices are so high that both parents have to work,” she said. “Then if both parents are working, who is home with the kids? Then grandma moves in to help take care of the kids while the parents are working.”
Shaya said that the desire for a single family home and land will never diminish, but multigenerational living is the most attainable option as he believes that housing affordability will not change anytime soon.
“Economics will sort of dictate that a different model will be more efficient and more welcome for a lot of people,” he said. “I think that multigenerational housing is going to be an integral part of that model to help with the housing availability issue that many people face.”
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586)-498-1081.
Caprice
from page 28A
fice. It’s a nice thing for the department and community to have the police vehicle at Jammin’ at the Junction. People like it.”
When shopping around for a commemorative car, Monroe “looked at all kinds of vehicles.” While the ’77 model was never a police car, Monroe felt the spacious and comfortable sedan was the best representation for the officers who lost their lives.
The honored patrolmen are: Albert O. DeSmet, Robert Alfred Young, William Oliver and Lawrence Cooney. All four men are remembered on the Officer Down Memorial Page website at odmp.org. The website tells brief stories of the law enforcement officers and the circumstances in which they died.
DeSmet was killed when his patrol car was struck during a high-speed pursuit Nov. 5, 1987. DeSmet, 44, was survived by his wife, son and two daughters.
According to the website, Clinton Township police were pursuing a vehicle traveling into Roseville after the driver had rammed and hit two vehicles. DeSmet and his partner, James Edwards, activated their emergency lights and pulled onto the
southbound lanes of Gratiot Avenue when the vehicle struck them from behind.
DeSmet’s patrol car slid into the median and he was killed while Edwards was reportedly injured. The driver continued on until he crashed at an intersection. As time went on, the driver of the vehicle was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state hospital for four years and released.
Young’s “End of Watch” occurred Feb. 18, 1978, when he suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after pursuing a suspect on foot. The 51-year-old officer was assisting an ambulance crew that was having trouble restraining a man. The suspect then broke free and ran from the scene.
Young chased after him, tackled and handcuffed him and returned him to the ambulance. After a few minutes, the patrolman collapsed. The married father of three was transported to a local hospital where he died.
The Officer Down Memorial Page states that Oliver and Cooney — on duty together June 15, 1937 — died by gunfire after they apprehended a youth who was under arrest for burglarizing a local gas station.
The suspect and a second juvenile were handcuffed and being placed into a patrol car when one of them grabbed Oli-
“I wanted to acknowledge those officers and draw attention to the police and city. I think it’s so important to remember their sacrifices.”
— Ryan Monroe, Roseville City Manager and Police Commissioner
ver’s handgun and shot him. When Cooney heard the gunshots, he rushed to the scene and was shot at by the suspects.
“He began to chase the suspects and as he rounded the corner he was shot several times,” the website states. “Although wounded, he continued to fire at the suspects.”
Cooney drove himself to the police station and collapsed. A milkman passing by took him to a local hospital, but he did not survive his injuries, leaving behind his wife and two sons. Oliver succumbed to his wounds about one month later on July 12. He was survived by his wife and four children.
The 19-year-old suspect in the shootout was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, he was paroled Jan. 25, 1963.
“I wanted to acknowledge those officers and draw attention to the police and city,” Monroe said. “I think it’s so important to remember their sacrifices.”
Many local organizations have offered their time to help restore the Chevy without any cost to the city of Roseville or the Police Department, as no city funds were used for the project.
“The Roseville Auto Shop was generous to give it a good tune-up and make it road ready,” Monroe said. “Lafata Auto Body helped with some of the body work.”
Other contributors listed on a display plaque include Automotive Color Supply Inc., in Roseville; Van’s Towing & Transport in Roseville; US Farathane, of Sterling Heights; ABS Storage Products in Detroit; Majik Graphics in Clinton Township; and Roseville officers Brian Dobrzycki, David Lukasavage, Matthew Lesperance and his dad, Dennis Lesperance. The police officers volunteered on their own time.
The Caprice Classic is stored in a city building and taken out on occasion for events, including parades.
“It’s a pet project of mine,” Monroe said. “It’s more for the police and the city of Roseville.”
For more information on Jammin’ at the Junction or to register your car, visit roseville-mi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=58.
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 5:03 a.m. on Aug. 30, a report was made about an armed robbery that occurred in the 25000 block of Jefferson Avenue.
The night shift store clerk, a 34-year-old woman, stated she was alone in the building when a man came up to the register and told her to give him the money in the cash register. The woman misunderstood what he said and asked him again. The suspect repeated what he said and reportedly lifted up his shirt revealing a black handgun in his waistband. The clerk then took around $340 out of the cash register and gave it to the man. He stuffed the cash in his pockets and then left in an unknown direction.
The clerk called her manager before she called the police, which she said was a couple minute delay. The clerk stated the man came in before wanting to buy cigarettes earlier in the morning, but then changed his mind. Video surveillance shows similar events to what was described.
A DNA swab was done on the door and the counter.
Larceny from lockers reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:54 p.m. on Aug. 8, a report was made about a larceny that occurred at a business in the 20000 block of Eight Mile Road.
The manager, a 23-year-old woman, stated that several patrons had told her a person had stolen money from their lockers. Four men reportedly had money taken from their locker ranging in value from $60 to $200 stolen from each locker. One man said the suspect left him around $15. All victims had locks on their lockers and reported that only their lock and cash were missing. The manager stated that the suspect has hit multiple other locations in the area including Ann Arbor and more.
The suspect was taken into custody by the Plymouth Police Department. He has a history of crimes, is a wanted person in Illinois and is a listed sex offender in Wisconsin. There were no convictions in Michigan on his record. A warrant was requested through the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office after investigators reviewed the evidence and the request was authorized on four counts of larceny.
Larceny reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At around 11:42 a.m. on Sept. 1, a report was made about a larceny that occurred in the 23000 block of Euclid Street.
The victim, a 34-year-old woman, parked her vehicle in her driveway at around 7 p.m. Aug. 31. She went to bed at around 1:30 a.m. and was awakened at around 3:30 a.m. by fraud notifications from her finan-
SEPT. 27
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
the car overnight, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and entered.
When she checked her car, her purse was under the rear tire and her credit cards and her boyfriend’s credit cards were missing. She went to CVS, where three transactions were recorded, and they told her she must file a police report for them to turn over the surveillance footage to law enforcement.
Attempted vehicle theft reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 9:19 p.m. on Sept. 3, a report was made about an attempted vehicle theft that occurred in the 22000 block of Visnaw Street.
The neighbor and witness, a 32-year-old man, stated he heard a noise and looked outside his window. When he looked, he said he saw a man looking into his neighbor’s car. The witness yelled, “Hey, what are you doing?” The witness then observed a gray vehicle slowly pull up to the victim’s driveway.
The suspect slowly walked to the vehicle and got in before speeding off on westbound Visnaw. The victim stated his vehicle had been stolen before and anti-theft devices were installed when it was recovered. Both men said their neighbor might have security cameras facing the driveway.
Retail fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:46 p.m. on Sept. 3, a report was made about a case of retail fraud that occurred in the 23000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
The president of the business, a 60-year-old woman, stated the suspect pulled into the rear of the store and had employees assist him in loading sod into his vehicle. When the sod was loaded, the suspect left the store, but he never came in to pay.
The woman stated she lets customers load sod before paying because they don’t know how much they will need. After some digging by employees, they managed to find the business that was on the side of the vehicle. The woman called the business with no answer. The amount of sod stolen was worth $276.92.
Shoplifter attempts theft of kids items
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police learned Aug. 25 about a reported shoplifting incident at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave. According to store staff, a suspect paid for some but not all merchandise at the self-scan checkout. Upon then allegedly trying to leave with unpaid items, the suspect was caught by staff. The stolen items included kids clothing, kids shoes, a bag and milk bottles, police said. Police cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
IVC charity golf outing: Supports Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, includes continental breakfast, 18 holes, lunch, steak dinner, refreshments, auctions and prizes, 11 a.m. shotgun start (9:30 a.m. check-in), Cracklewood Golf Club, 18215 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township, (586) 757-5551, ivcinfo.org
Garth Tribute LIVE!: Homage to country music star Garth Brooks, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
SEPT. 28
North Gratiot Cruise & Art Fair: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., includes two routes from Hall Road to 23 Mile Road, also parade at noon and awards at 4 p.m., Kohl’s parking lot, 50500 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, plus 5K at 9 a.m. and craft fair from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Value City Furniture parking lot, 50400 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, cruisegratiot.com
Plant exchange: 11 a.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, (586) 226-5082, cmpl.libnet.info/events
World of Possibilities: Special Needs Expo: Free event featuring 60plus vendors and resource tables, hot dog lunch, cider and doughnuts, touch a truck, exotic zoo and petting farm, magician, and goodie bag and book giveaways, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 228-3458, lmiskelly@misd.net, misd.net/sehome/ expo
SEPT. 30
Michigan Central Station: Learn about revival by Ford Motor Company after 30 years and future of historic site, 7 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road in Macomb Township, registration required, (586) 226-5040, cmpl.libnet.info/ events
OCT. 4
Blood, Sweat & Tears: Hear latest incarnation of famed jazz-rock
swimming pool argument
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a hotel in the 36000 block of Van Dyke Avenue Aug. 24 upon hearing that some patrons had been arguing with a worker.
According to police, guests from two rooms had reportedly been celebrating a birthday party at the swimming pool, and a worker reportedly told them that too many people were in that area. This reportedly made several patrons mad, and they allegedly yelled and “got into her face,” according to staff.
Police said a hotel manager wanted the patrons to leave, so police passed on the message, and they followed the order. Police took no further action.
Vehicle stolen from outside SHAP
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 38111 Van Dyke Ave., the night of Aug. 23 upon hearing that a silver Honda Sonata had been stolen there sometime between 2 and 10 p.m. Police said the vehicle’s owner still had the vehicle’s keys.
Moped wheelies reported
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a complaint the evening of Aug. 23 about two mopeds doing wheelies along a trail in the area of Dodge Park, near Utica Road. Police did not say in the report what sort of action they took in response.
Teen bothers waitress at restaurant
STERLING HEIGHTS — A male teen was allegedly bothering a waitress Aug. 23 at a restaurant near 15 Mile and Schoenherr roads. Police said the suspect had left the restaurant by the time they got there, and they told staff to call again if he returns.
Vehicle taken
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A white 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the 15500 block of Mack Avenue at 7:18 a.m. Sept. 7. A surveillance camera captured the incident, which police said
Worker arrested for embezzlement
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An 18-year-old
semble, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
OCT. 5
Team JBird Golf Classic: Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Reseach Hospital, 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. check-in), includes 18 holes with cart, food at turn and dinner, Bello Woods Golf Course, 23650 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, (586) 949-1200, www.13forever.org/ events
OCT. 6
Macomb Symphony Orchestra: Concert about folklore and celebratory tales, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
OCT. 9
Concert: Featuring 9-time Grammy nominated Christian artist Matt Maher, hosted by St. Kieran Catholic Church and St. Isidore Church, 7 p.m., St. Isidore, 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township, stkieran. org, stisidore.church
OCT. 13
Fire department open house: Fire hose and safety demonstrations, explore station and trucks, free food and more, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Macomb Township Fire and Rescue Station 3, 47711 North Avenue, facebook.com/MacombTwpParksandRec
Chic & Unique Vintage Market: 100-plus small businesses expected, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org
OCT. 14
Vaccinations for seniors: Includes pneumonia vaccine for ages 65 and older, RSV, shingles for ages 50 and older, flu, tetanus, meningitis, hepatitis and COVID-19, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Macomb Township Senior Center, 51210 Alma Drive, free but bring prescription insurance card, registration required, (586) 992-2900 (ext. 2800), macomb-mi. gov/rec
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.
Check fraud under investigation
Stolen vehicle recovered
Porch
OCT. 16
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Chesterfield Community Center, 48400 Sugarbush Road in Chesterfield Township, (800) 803-7174
OCT. 19
Halloween Spooktacular: Free events include trick-or-treating, trunkor-treating inside parking structure, kid-friendly haunted hallway, cake walk and more, noon-3 p.m., also Rosco the Clown show at 1 p.m., downtown Mount Clemens, facebook.com/DowntownMountClemens, (586)469-4168
OCT. 20
Packard Proving Grounds fall open house: Car show, Packard taxi rides, bake sale, food trucks, vendors, live music by Belgian American Association Band and more, 1-5 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org ONGOING Macomb Motivators Toastmasters Club: Meets 6:30-8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of month, St. Isidore Church, 18201
