side No Kings demonstrators
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES/DETROIT — Over 1,000 people are estimated to have taken part in a No Kings demonstration on both sides of Mack Avenue around Cadieux Road Oct. 18 — well over the 200 to 300 organizers said they had been expecting.
Hosted by the Eastside Alliance Indivisible and Grosse Pointe Harper Woods Democracy Coalition, the No Kings protest was organized to show opposition to what protesters say is the increasingly authoritarian nature of President Donald Trump’s policies and those of his administration.
Voters to consider school district bond proposal that won’t raise millage rates
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES/HARPER WOODS — Along with mayors, city council members and municipal court judges, residents who live within the boundaries of the Grosse Pointe Public School System are being asked to weigh in on a bond issue during the Nov. 4 election.
The district is hoping voters will approve a $120 million bond proposal aimed at addressing needs as identified by district officials and consultants along with needs identified through community input. These include upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems, new boilers, modern classroom furniture and learning equipment, relocation of the Grosse Pointe South High School office for safety, installation of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant elevator at Pierce Middle School to make the second floor and its science labs accessible to all, and repurposing of the Parcells Middle School pool space, among others.
The proposal — which was unanimously approved for placement on the ballot by the Grosse Pointe Board of Education — represents no tax rate increase to residents, as it would keep the millage at or below 3.14 mills. That’s lower than the millage rate of many peer districts, including those in Birmingham, Troy, Northville, Novi, Ann Arbor and West Bloomfield.
“Through strong financial stewardship the District was able to lock in lower interest cost than anticipated on the 2018 bond proposition,” Grosse Pointe Public School System Superintendent Andrea Tuttle said in an email interview. “The lower interest cost together with stronger taxable value growth allowed the District to structure
TOP: Over 1,000 people are estimated to have taken part in the No Kings protest along both sides of Mack Avenue near Cadieux Oct. 18.
LEFT: Lori Zurvalec carries a sign with the message of the day.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
First time’s the charm for City beautification winners
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
CITY — Obtaining — and maintaining — a lovely lawn and graceful garden is no easy task, so every year, the Grosse Pointe City Beautification Commission recognizes some of the city’s prettiest properties with a Beautification Award.
Seven homes were selected for awards this year, which were presented Sept. 24 in City Council chambers.
And while there are some homes that get recognized more than once, that wasn’t the case this time.
“All of our winners this year are first-time winners, and all received unanimous support from (Beautification) Commission members,” Commission Chair Jeff Swantek said.
Winners George and Karen Yoo, who live in the 300 block of Lakeland Street, have been in their home for about 11 years.
“We were very grateful,” Karen Yoo said of the award. “I think it’s a nice thing that they do.”
The Yoos said they redid their front yard about seven years ago.
“We just kind of refined it to more of a classic look,” George Yoo said of the tweaks they’ve made since then.
The perfect perpendicular lines in the manicured lawn of Mike and Jackie Horgan’s house in the 500 block of St. Clair Avenue would be the envy of anyone. An enthusiastic Mike Horgan said the couple was “super pumped” to receive the award.
See WINNERS
Park named for late Shores philanthropist to create
riverfront recreation for all ages
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
DETROIT — One of the signature projects of the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, will mark its grand opening this weekend with special events for all ages, including a concert by The Jacksons.
Named after late businessman and philanthropist Ralph C. Wilson Jr., who lived in Grosse Pointe Shores, the 22-acre park is lo-
cated at 1801 W. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Detroit. The grand opening — which will include the Detroit Harvest Fest — will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 26. More than 30 food trucks will be on hand for people to purchase food and beverages, children can don Halloween costumes for trick-or-treating, there will be games and crafts as well as live entertainment including dancers and concerts, and much more. Family-friendly and free activities will
See PARK on page 11A
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park will open to the public with special events for all ages Oct. 25 and 26.
Photo provided by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
NEWS & NOTES
SYMPHONY STARTS SEASON
The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 2025 to 2026 season with a concert of works by Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Schumann at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. A preconcert talk by Davis Gloff, of WRCJ-FM, will take place at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for regular admission, $15 for seniors and veterans, $5 for college students and they are free for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The War Memorial or at the door. Seating is general admission. For more information, visit gpsymphony.org.
GET RID OF OLD ELECTRONICS
CELEBRATE DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS WITH ALTAR MAKING, BALLET
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Lorenzo Cultural Center has several Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) events scheduled Oct. 30 through Nov. 6. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on the Macomb Community College Center Campus at 44575 Garfield Road.
Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — is generally celebrated in Mexico Nov. 1-2, with variations observed in other Latin American countries and different parts of the world. The holiday celebrates the lives of the deceased through decorative altars of sugar skulls, candles, water, bright-colored tissue paper, flowers and photos.
One of the events is an altar-making workshop at 1 p.m. Nov. 1 Under the guidance of the Anton Art Center, participants will make their own altars to honor loved ones who have passed away. All are encouraged to bring photos or keepsakes. There will be limited craft materials on site.
On Nov. 2, the cultural center will present “Brunch & Ballet with Ballet Folklorico” at 1 p.m. Traditional Mexican folk dance — with influences from indigenous, African and Spanish cultures — will be performed in authentic regional costumes. Brunch-styled refreshments will be provided.
To register and to view the complete list of Día de los Muertos events, visit lorenzoculturalcenter.com. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 through Nov. 6.
Residents of Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park and Grosse Pointe Shores are invited to get rid of unwanted electronic items during an electronic waste drop-off day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Windmill Pointe Park, 14920 Windmill Pointe Drive in Grosse Pointe Park. Acceptable items include cellphones, home phones, computers and computer accessories, TVs, fax machines, printers, radios, stereos, DVD players, Blu-ray players, game consoles, photocopiers, typewriters, word processors, and almost anything else with a power cord.
Unacceptable items include household hazardous waste, appliances, trash, tires, weapons, ammunition, compressed gas cylinders, paint, medication, syringes, radioactive waste, industrial and commercial waste, explosives, fireworks, flares, and anything containing Freon.
Attendees will need to show their driver’s license for proof of residency. For more information, visit your city’s website.
ANNUAL RIVALRY GAME COMING UP
The annual matchup between the football teams at Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South high schools will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at South, 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. in Grosse Pointe Farms. Attendees are invited to arrive early for tailgating from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit gpsouthathletics.com.
Tour local schools
Parents and community members are invited to visit schools in the Grosse Pointe Public School System during the district’s annual open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 2 at all its schools. Meet with educators, find out about special programs and more during this event. For more information, visit gpschools.org.
As the chill of fall arrives, The Helm at the Boll Life Center is inviting local residents to enjoy new indoor games — including a pool table, dartboard and air hockey — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Helm also has table tennis, cornhole, Jenga and board games.
In addition, new and substitute players are needed for canasta, bridge, euchre and pinochle.
The Helm is located at 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. Registration is required for all programs. To register or for more information, call (313) 8829600.
photo by Deb Jacques
CRIME WATCH
Vehicle stolen
PARK — Sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. Oct. 8 and 6:15 a.m. Oct. 9, an unknown person is said to have stolen a 2024 Ford Bronco from the driveway of a home in the 1000 block of Harvard Road. The victim told police that the vehicle was locked at the time. Police found no evidence, such as broken glass, at the scene. Anyone with more information can call (313) 822-7400.
Fake cash passed
CITY — An unknown woman is being sought by police after she reportedly passed a $100 bill that was marked “for motion picture use only” at a store in the 300 block of Fisher Road at around 7:42 p.m. Oct. 14. According to a police report, the suspect is said to have been given $57 in change from her purchase. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Entertainment system stolen
CITY — Between the hours of 10 p.m. Oct. 13 and 11 a.m. Oct. 14, police said an unknown suspect removed the entertainment system from the dashboard of a 2020 Ram 1500 while the vehicle was parked in
the 800 block of Lincoln Road. Police said the suspect broke the rear driver’s side window to get inside the vehicle. Anyone with more information can call (313) 886-3200.
Credit card fraud reported
CITY — A Grosse Pointe City resident filed a report with police Oct. 9 after discovering that an unknown suspect used the resident’s credit card to purchase a Louis Vuitton purse for $641 online. The suspect is said to have had the purse sent to an address in California.
Red light runner arrested
PARK — Police arrested a 47-year-old Detroit woman after they said she failed to stop for a red light in the area of Mack Avenue and Whittier Road at 1:55 a.m. Oct. 7. The woman was arrested after police said they also found her to be driving with a suspended license.
Speeder lacks license
PARK — A 22-year-old Detroit woman was pulled over in the area of Mack Avenue and Maryland Street at 2:25 a.m. Oct. 12 after police said they caught her speeding. She was taken into custody after police discovered that she was also driving on a suspended license.
— K. Michelle Moran
Main Office: 13650
Winners
page 3A
“We’ve been late to many events because Mike’s been cutting the grass,” Jackie Horgan said with a laugh.
Longtime City resident Mary Kay Crain was also happy to receive an award.
“It’s quite an honor. … It only took us 40 years to get it,” Crain joked.
Other awardees included Cathy Victor and Tom Podgorski, of the 900 block of Loraine Street; Jim Houff and Eileen Devine, of the 300 block of St. Clair Avenue; and Marc and Karen Hollerback, of the 300 block of Rivard Boulevard.
For the second year, the commission saluted someone with an Architectural Award, which is given to new buildings, buildings that have undergone a significant restoration or buildings that have gotten an addition. The home of Lucas and Caitlin Bogard in the 400 block of Lakeland Street was this year’s Architectural Award winner.
“This is an honor,” Caitlin Bogard said. “This was a long project for us.”
To create a new garage with a secondstory addition that would blend seamlessly into the existing house, Caitlin Bogard said they saved the bricks from their old garage and had them used for the new one. The project took about a year to complete.
Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak said the result was “a spectacular job.”
After the ceremony, Tomkowiak said these awards are a way to acknowledge residents who take pride in their property —
A poster was on display during the Grosse Pointe City Beautification Awards Sept. 24 showing a photo of each winning home this year.
and nudge others to do the same.
“We want to encourage people to invest in and take care of their homes,” Tomkowiak said. “We have beautiful, old, wonderful housing stock, and it’s important to celebrate that.”
City Councilwoman Maureen Juip, the council liaison to the Beautification Commission, concurred.
“So many of us love the city of Grosse Pointe, and we love our neighborhoods, and it’s such a joy to be able to celebrate people who go above and beyond,” Juip said after the ceremony. “It’s a bunch of people who love being in the city and love improving it.”
Besides the annual awards selection and presentation, the Beautification Commission plants pots at Neff Park each year before Memorial Day, Swantek said. He said anyone is welcome to volunteer to assist with planting.
For the annual awards. Swantek said the commission divides the city into six sections, with each commission member responsible for looking at every home in that section for award nominees. As chair, he said he walked through the entire city to look at every home. People can also nominate their own home or a neighbor’s home for consideration, he said.
Swantek said an opening on the commission is expected in March 2026, in case any City residents might be interested in applying to fill it. For more information, visit the city’s website at grossepointecity.org.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
CANDGNEWS.COM
Photos provided by Grosse Pointe City
Bond
the existing debt to provide a step down in the debt payments in 2025/2026 which allows the District to issue $120 million of new bonds without increasing the debt millage to taxpayers from what they currently pay. It is structured to remain at or below 3.14 which is still among the lowest of our peer districts.”
The sinking fund voters approved in November 2024 was to tackle safety and security, along with districtwide instructional technology upgrades. The bond would address infrastructure needs at the district’s facilities.
Even after the sinking fund was approved, the district still had $198,250,000 in needs, of which $60 million are deemed critical, Tuttle said.
“If the bond does not pass, the district will have to rely on general funds to pay for the costs of the identified capital needs,” Tuttle said. “Please note that 84% of our general fund budget is currently allocated to personnel, including our teachers, administrators, and support staff. The remaining 16% covers everything else, from books to facilities.”
Other projects the bond would address include investment in art, career and technical education spaces, Tuttle said.
The district also hopes to use bond proceeds to upgrade the performing arts center at Grosse Pointe North High School — which is used by the whole district, as well as by the community — along with classrooms where people practice and rehearse for plays and concerts. The Elworthy Field tennis courts in Grosse Pointe City — where Grosse Pointe South tennis players practice and compete
— could also be rebuilt with post-tension concrete and new lighting. Turf practice fields at both high schools are on the list of projects the district hopes to improve with money from the bond.
Along with $60 million in critical needs are what Tuttle said are “$60 million in projects (that) were identified by a diverse crosssection of our community representing every school and city on a Bond Advisory Committee (BAC). The BAC identified projects that would help us attract and retain students and staff.”
During a Sept. 22 Board of Education meeting at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe Farms, Kevin Nugent, of Pointers for Academic Excellence, said that organization was in favor of the bond. Pointers for Academic Excellence was founded by board member Sean Cotton and his wife, Nancy.
Nugent said Pointers for Academic Excellence “commends the administration for the work that went into the bond” and for making sure “no school is left behind” by it.
“We’re committed to strengthening our public schools,” Nugent said.
The Alliance for Grosse Pointe Public Schools is behind the bond as well.
“A yes vote for school funding is an investment in our students, schools, and community,” it stated on its Facebook page.
Board of Education President Colleen Worden thanked district administrators for putting together multiple informational meetings in the community to explain the bond and answer questions from voters.
“I think more than anything, people just need to know what our bond is all about,” Worden said.
For more information about the bond, visit gpschools. org/2025bond.
Photo by K. Michelle Moran
ON CAR CARE
Local, state professionals share tips to get your car winter ready
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Between scraping your windshield and navigating snowy roads, winter driving isn’t always easy. But taking a few minutes and some easy steps can help prepare your vehicle to keep you safe in Michigan’s winter.
Rick Killewald, a master mechanic at Snappy Oil in Clinton Township, suggests drivers check some of their wear-and-tear parts, such as hoses and belts, in preparation for winter.
He also suggested drivers check parts such as wiper blades, and make sure their battery is holding a charge. It’s also important, he said, to check tire pressures and make sure they aren’t dry-rotted or bald.
“Usually on the driver’s door panel, inside the door, it tells you what the tire pressure is supposed
to be,” he said.
Killewald said the shop he works at is available to help drivers get their cars ready for winter.
“We check the tires, check the brakes, make sure the battery, hoses, belts, wipers are good,” he said. “That’s basically what we check for winter, just to make sure they’re all good for winter.”
In a press release, the Michigan State Police also told drivers to remove all snow and ice before driving.
“Snow, ice and dirt buildup can dim the beams of lights and reduce visibility, and snow and ice from the roof can fall onto your windshield and block your view of the road,” the release states.
The release also states drivers can be hit with a fine if snow or ice from their vehicle impairs the visibility of other drivers by hitting their windshields, the road or the shoulder.
See CARS on page 9A
Experts say drivers should check some of their wear-and-tear parts, such as hoses and belts, in preparation for winter.
Photo by Brian Wells
If drivers don’t have an ice scraper, they can use items such as an expired credit card or gift card, an old CD or CD case, a dustpan or plastic kitchen utensils. However, drivers should avoid using metal tools to scrape ice as it can scratch the glass, and warm water can crack the glass if used to clear ice.
The press release also states drivers should keep their gas tank at least half full to help prevent the fuel lines from freezing, and
emergency winter supplies should be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Some of the items recommended include flashlights, hand warmers, toilet paper, high-calorie foods such as nuts, granola bars and dried fruit, and extra mittens, hats and socks. Blankets and shovels can also be useful.
The press release also states drivers should allow plenty of time to reach their destination.
“Allow plenty of time to reach your destination so you won’t be tempted to drive faster than you should,” the release states.
Protest
from page 1A
“No Kings Day is a celebration of people power,” Dana Saxon, a lead organizer with Eastside Alliance Indivisible, said in a press release. “It’s a reminder that democracy doesn’t belong to kings, corporations, or autocrats — it belongs to us.”
The eastside demonstration was one of the more than 2,000 that took place across the country Oct. 18, including one at Roosevelt Park in Detroit.
“It’s really important to stand up for our democracy while we still can,” said Vivian Sawicki, of Harper Woods, who’s also a member of the Harper Woods City Council. “It’s good to see this level of support, too.”
She said that many motorists honked and waved to the protesters as they drove by.
“I’m really excited that the Pointes are represented in this,” said Lori Zurvalec, of Grosse Pointe City. “We need to speak up.”
Protesters carried signs with messages such as, “Love thy neighbor,” “We the people means everyone,” “Democracy rules” and “He wants a throne, we want a republic.”
Rosy Knapp, of Grosse Pointe Farms, held a sign that read, “Education is the key to democracy,” with the word key depicted by the drawing of a door key.
“I’m a fervent supporter of public education, and I believe what this administration is doing to buck the Department of Education and target vulnerable children goes against the democratic values of our country,” Knapp said.
One attendee carried a tote bag that read, “Gulf of Mexico,” a reference to Trump’s renaming of the body of water as the Gulf of America.
The Pointes didn’t host a No Kings demonstration when the first one took place in cities across the country in June, so this marked a first for the community.
Police from Detroit and public safety officers from the Pointes were on hand to respond, if needed, but the event was peaceful.
“It’s been pretty good,” Grosse Pointe City public safety officer Andre Jones said. “Everything’s in order.”
Fellow City officer Mark Dombrowski said the biggest problem was a few complaints about the lack of parking in the area.
“They’ve been good at keeping it (orderly),” Dombrowski said of protest organizers.
A number of families were in attendance. Christine Jacobs, of Grosse Pointe Farms, and her husband, Neil Sroka — a member of the Farms City Council — were in the crowd with their daughter, Frances Sroka, 8. Jacobs and Frances Sroka were
Donna Carloni’s red, white and blue outfit and sign reading, “True patriots are here,” was intended to show that the protesters love the United States.
dressed as suffragettes, who famously fought for women to have the right to vote. Jacobs said the period costumes started out as their Halloween costume, but the No Kings event gave them another reason to don these outfits.
“We thought it would be symbolic to wear this,” Jacobs said. “We want to make sure we retain and promote rights for all future generations in America.”
The federal government shutdown — which was still in effect at press time — has had an impact on federal employees like Pat Alexander of Grosse Pointe Farms, who works for the Department of Defense and has been furloughed, along with her coworkers.
“I work with a lot of younger workers,” Alexander said. “They’ve got families.”
Her sign urged people to call their senators and representatives in Congress to end the furlough, stating, “They’re still getting paid while we’re not.”
Alexander is facing financial challenges as well, having to cover the cost of a needed surgery at a time when she isn’t getting a paycheck.
“Every federal employee takes an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution, even when we’re furloughed,” Alexander said. “People seem to forget that. We the people deserve better.”
Not everyone was a supporter of the No Kings demonstration. One of the more visible signs of that was a pickup truck with multiple Trump flags on display that drove through the area several times. Other local Republicans were also dismayed by the event.
“The latest by the far left appears to be nothing but astroturf demonstrations funded by George Soros and attended by people who have nothing better to do (than protest) anything and everything Trump,” said Renee Strobl, chair of the Eastside Re-
publican Club.
Republican leaders across the nation sharply criticized the protests, with some accusing participants of hating America.
No Kings participant Donna Carloni, of Grosse Pointe Farms, who wore a patriotic outfit of head-to-toe red, white and blue, disagreed.
“The whole idea is, we are patriots, too — not just the other side,” Carloni said. “In fact, (we are) more so.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Photos by K. Michelle Moran
Park
run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and include a Pick-and-Take Pumpkin Patch where children ages 12 and younger can select a free pumpkin to take home or decorate onsite. There’s no admission cost and the park is open to the public.
The Jacksons — featuring original members Marlon and Jackie — will perform at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 on the Summit Main Stage.
“When Ralph Wilson Park opens … it will be a world-class gathering place for all,” Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan said in a press release. “The park’s design has been community-led since the beginning, and Detroiters of all ages have contributed ideas and inspiration that have come to life in this park. We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this public space during the weekend of October 25 & 26. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
While parking isn’t normally expected to be a problem for park visitors, the large crowds expected for the opening weekend means some people will have to look for something other than a spot on the street. Attendees can use the JOE parking garage or park anywhere along the Detroit People Mover route and get off at the Water Square station. Rides on the People Mover are free. Visitors can also park at the Michigan Central Train Station — located near the other side of Wilson Park — and enter from that side.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board Chair Matt Cullen, of Grosse Pointe Shores, said the entire riverfront project “has been transformative to Detroit,” but the park is a special piece in that transformation. He credits the generosity and vision of Wilson and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation with making the park possible. Cullen said other sponsors have stepped up as well.
Wilson Park features a 5-acre play garden with a 23-foot-tall bear-shaped slide, the William Davidson Sport House with athletic facilities such as two regulation basketball courts, and a 2.5-acre water garden with a lagoon that will be a quiet spot to see wildlife like the minks and herons that have already taken up residency there. The lagoon is fed by the Detroit River and the water cycles quickly, Cullen said. There is soft engineering across the length of the park along the river — as opposed to a metal or concrete seawall — and it’s been designed to be more conducive to fish and other wildlife. Cullen said a couple of areas in the park are designated for fishing, so anglers will be able to take advantage of these conditions.
“It’s much more ecologically friendly,” Cullen said of the park’s design.
With the park’s completion, Detroiters and visitors will be able to move from Belle Isle to Eastern Market to downtown Detroit to Michigan Central traversing the Riverwalk and associated greenways, such as the Dequindre Cut and the Southwest Gre-
ing them inaccessible to all but the homeowners — but as the projects of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy demonstrate, the scenic beauty of a water view can be shared by private residents as well as the general public. As Cullen noted, their projects are coinciding with housing and hotels.
“You can have a beautiful waterfront that’s available to everybody and (still) create economic opportunity,” Cullen said.
He said the Great Recession enabled the conservancy to purchase long-vacant factories and silos that had occupied the waterfront, creating an opportunity to replace the industrial facilities with scenic public space.
“There aren’t a lot of places that will have what we have — 5.5 miles of access along the riverfront,” Cullen said.
enway.
“The parks (on the river) are amazing, but the connectivity is even more important,” said Cullen, noting that the Joe Louis Greenway goes all the way into Hamtramck and Highland Park.
Waterfront properties often get gobbled up by developers for pricy housing — mak-
Construction on the park started in the summer of 2022. Like Belle Isle, Wilson Park is expected to become a destination for Detroit residents and visitors from outside the city.
“I think it’s going to be a place for every generation to come together and for the whole community to come together,” Cullen said. “And I don’t think we’ve ever had anything like that before.”
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Photo provided by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
The park includes a play area for children with a bear-shaped slide and a lagoon that’s conducive to attracting local wildlife.
Meet the inspiration for World War II memorial’s Rosie the Riveter statue
FRANCES MAURO MASTERS IS 103
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The image of Frances Mauro Masters, 103, of Chesterfield Township, will be immortalized as the symbol of the Greatest Generation’s homefront workers when a bronze statue made in her likeness as a Rosie the Riveter will be added Nov. 11 to the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak.
Mauro Masters, better known as “Rosie Fran,” grew up in Detroit during the Great Depression. As one of five children born to Italian immigrants, she was taught the value of hard work to support not just herself, but her family. When she graduated from high school in 1940, her first priority was to find a job to help support her family.
While working at a local grocery store and taking night courses to learn to use a comptometer, Mauro Masters learned of a job at the Ford Willow Run Bomber Plant.
“I had two brothers in the service, and my future husband, he joined the Marines at 17, and I thought, ‘I want to work to help win the war,’” she said of her reason to apply.
Mauro Masters and her two sisters, Angeline and Josephine, were all hired on the spot for the plant. She said they all worked in different departments, as they were not allowed to work together.
“Out of the three of us, I was the only riveter. They worked in small parts, but I was the only riveter,” Mauro Masters said. “I worked in small parts for the wing (of B-24 Liberators), on a press, riveting.”
Mauro Masters worked at the plant for the duration of the war. She said her greatest challenge with the position was actually getting to the plant.
She recalled having to take a streetcar from her family’s Detroit home near the city airport to downtown Detroit, and then caught a bus similar to a Greyhound bus that was privately owned by Ford Motor Co. and was sent for the Rosies. She said it took well over an hour for her to get there.
“It took us an hour to get there and an hour to get back, and a lot of us slept on the bus. Thank God for my mother having supper ready for us,” she said. “We would just go to work and come home. We didn’t go out because we had to get up early in the morning to go to work. We worked six days, sometimes seven days.”
Mauro Masters said that she worked eight hours a day. She would have to be there
at 6 a.m. and said she got up very early to catch the bus, but said she liked it because she was able to go part of the way to work with her father, who worked at Eastern Market.
She said she had very little training when she started working at the plant. The employees had approximately one hour of training and then were on their own.
“No training. No. Just you do it this way and do it that way. When I was on the press, some of the rivets got crooked and you had to drill the rivets out and start over and put new rivets in,” she said. “I never complained, never made a mistake; I just did what they told me to do.”
The position at the plant paid $1 an hour. She said they were given a check each week, which she gave to her mom to help pay for their family house and expenses. She recalled that the house provided shelter for many family members who were in need, as money was hard to come by and they were the only ones that had a house.
“We didn’t keep any allowance,” she said.
Her son, John O’Brien, said he only found out about 20 years ago that his mom was a Rosie the Riveter.
“We knew my mom worked at Willow Run, but who cared? You know, as teenag-
ers, who cared? I mean, she worked at Willow Run, ‘Oh, thank you, Ma.’ Because she worked her whole life when we were kids,” O’Brien said.
He said he found out when he and his brother took their mother to Willow Run after seeing an ad in the newspaper that they were opening up the plant to show the planes.
“We were totally shocked when we saw all the crowds, and I said, ‘Ma, are these the planes that you worked on?’ And she said yeah, and some young woman heard that and then she told her friends and they all took my mom and swept her away. I said to my brother, ‘What the heck is going on?
What is this big deal?’ Well, as time went on we learned. We recognized that mom built these planes that were used in the war,” O’ Brien said.
Mauro Masters said she doesn’t know why she never told her kids, but she was proud of it. However, she didn’t think it was as important as some things her family members had done during the war, such as her two brothers, one of whom, Salvatore Mauro, was killed during the Battle of the Bulge. However, now she realizes her work during the war was very important.
“Now I always tell my friends when they ask what she did in the war, I say, ‘She
See MAURO MASTERS on page 14A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
“We can do it!” Rosie Fran, 103, does the traditional Rosie the Riveter pose in her Chesterfield Township home Oct. 10.
SPORTS WEEK 9 PREP FOOTBALL GAMES TO WATCH
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — High school football teams around the state are preparing for the most dramatic game of the season this weekend. This will be the final regular season game of 2025 for most teams and the games feature rivalries, playoff implications and seasons on the line.
Marquee matchup of the week
Birmingham Groves at Birmingham Seaholm — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
One of the biggest rivalries in the metro Detroit area is Seaholm versus Groves, and Seaholm will host this year’s showdown. Both teams are having solid seasons and will finish toward the top of their respective divisions. Two seasons ago, Seaholm defeated Groves in the regular season and in the postseason, but Groves returned the favor by accomplishing the exact same feat in 2024. That puts these rivals as playoff-caliber teams that are 2-2 in the last four meetings, and it should make for an electric Friday night at Seaholm High School.
Games to watch
Berkley at Madison Heights Lamphere — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
The season will end for both of these teams with an out-of-conference game, but a competitive one nonetheless. Berkley finds itself in second in the Oakland Activities Association-Gold, and after starting the season 1-3 is now playing with the chance to make the postseason. Lamphere is third in the Macomb Area Conference-Gold and will be looking to secure a 6-3 season.
Oxford at Macomb Dakota — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
Oxford ends the season with two difficult out-of-conference opponents after a Week 8 matchup against highly ranked North Farmington. The team is in a battle for second place within the OAA-Red and will be looking for a strong finish. Dakota is aiming to finish 2025 with just two losses and become a threat in the postseason.
St. Clair Shores Lakeview at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
This crosstown rivalry will be a great way to end the season for both teams. Lake Shore has had a rough season but can go out on a high note with a win over a rival to end the year. Lakeview, however, has made a playoff push after a 2-2 start to the season and a big win over Lake Shore before postseason play could be great for momentum.
Utica at Warren Cousino — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
This matchup features two of the best teams in the MAC as Utica is tied atop the MACWhite and Cousino will finish in second in the MAC-Blue. Cousino’s only division loss this year is to MAC-Blue champion Port Huron Northern, and both of these teams will be looking to go into postseason play with an emphatic regular-season finale win.
Grand Blanc at Romeo — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
Grand Blanc may not be a local team, but it’s impossible to look at this week’s games and not highlight this one. Romeo finished the season with a perfect 5-0 record in the MAC-Red and won the division, while Grand Blanc is on the hunt for an undefeated season. Grand Blanc will have to get through Romeo after getting through then-undefeated Davison to achieve a 9-0 record in 2025.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Mauro Masters
from page 12A
killed Hitler,’” O’Brien said.
The job not only enabled her to help with the war effort, but also provided her with a skill that would grow into a career for her. Her first husband died young, at 40, leaving her with three young children. But unlike many other single mothers, Mauro Masters was able to get a job at the Chrysler plant as a riveter in an era when the factory jobs were a male-dominated profession, thanks to her experience as a Rosie the Riveter.
“It opened up the workforce for women,” O’Brien said.
“It was interesting, very interesting,” she said of her experience.
During the war, the plant produced more than 8,000 planes. Mauro Masters said they made one plane per hour.
She said she got to see President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he toured the plant. She also noted that Marilyn Monroe and Betty White were also Rosies.
“Marilyn Monroe was a riveter in California. A lot of people didn’t know about that,” Mauro Masters said. “But one of the presidents discovered her, and I said, ‘Well, why didn’t they come and get me?’ That was my joke.”
Bette Kenward, the Michigan director for the American Rosie the Riveter Association, said that Monroe was a Rosie, the collective term for the women who worked on the home front in the factories, but was actually a spray painter.
When the war ended, Mauro Masters said it was announced over the loudspeaker that it would be their last day of work, but they were allowed to finish their shift.
The memorial in Royal Oak at Memorial Park, 31100 Woodward Ave. at 13 Mile Road, is being commissioned in segments as the statues are funded. It will have a statue to represent all the different groups that helped to win the war. Mauro Masters’ likeness will be the second statue. The first is of Joe, a soldier. The memorial is being placed in the park where a group of trees were grown from acorns that were given to the U.S. by the British as a thank-you for American efforts in winning the war.
“They say the Royal Oaks in England saved the monarchy, so it was kind of a tribute to that,” said Judith Maten, a member of the memorial’s board of directors.
The acorns were nurtured by the Detroit Zoo until they could be planted in the park in an oval shape, and the memorial is designed to fit into the oval.
Maten said that Mauro Masters has
been involved in the memorial from the beginning and was a natural choice to be the likeness for the statue.
“She has just been kind of the face of the homefront for us. It’s not that we haven’t had other Rosies involved, but Rosie Fran has always been there,” Maten said.
“The thing that strikes us whenever we talk to the World War II veterans or the homefront workers is their humility — the idea that they would do it all over again if they had to,” She said.
Mauro Masters said that she just likes to work and would gladly take a job even now if it were offered to her.
“I would do it again. I would. I want to work. It’s in my blood, I think,” Mauro Masters said.
The board is still working to raise funds to complete the memorial, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million to $3 million. Each statue costs about $100,000 and the black granite wall costs about $300,000. The memorial board is still raising money for one piece of the plane panel for the Rosie Fran statue. The piece that they still need to commission is expected to cost $30,000. To donate to the memorial, visit michiganww 2memorial.org or email John Maten at john. maten@michigan ww2memorial.org.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Mementos and tributes are displayed on the wall.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
15A/ GROSSE POINTE TIMES • OCTOBER 23, 2025
OCT. 23
‘Real Talk About Marijuana: Find Out All the Facts’: Hear doctors discuss medical and societal implications of usage, 6-7:30 p.m., The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, free but registration required, (313) 882-9600, helmlife. org
OCT. 24
Flu shots: Administered by Henry Ford Medical Center-Grosse Pointe, appointments available 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 882-9600
OCT. 24-25
‘Improvised Cops: This Time it’s Scripted’: One-act comedy about six characters vying for title of “World’s Greatest Cop,” 8-10 p.m., Planet Ant - Ant Hall Stage, 2320 Caniff St. in Hamtramck, planetant.com
OCT. 25
An Evening of Gratitude: Fundraiser for FOCUS Detroit (provides resources to those experiencing poverty, homelessness and housing instability in city), gala includes hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music, silent auction and dinner, also appearance by Fox 2 News anchor Charlie Langton, 5 p.m., Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores/Grosse Pointe Woods, (586) 779-6111, amurphy@focusna. org, focusdetroit.org/gala
Legends of Grosse Pointe: Presented by Grosse Pointe Historical Society, interactive show features music, dances and stories by group Trois Bouffons, also exhibits and cider and doughnuts, bring chair or blanket, 7-9 p.m., lawn of Grosse Pointe History Center, 375 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms, event moves indoor if inclement weather, gphistorical.org
Little Goblins: Non-scary event for toddlers and preschoolers includes hayrides, candy, lawn games, straw maze and more, costumes encouraged, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events/ little-goblins
OCT. 26
Halloween organ concert: Performance by Grosse Pointe Memorial Church organist and minister of music Logan Hamilton, reception with light refreshments follows, 3 p.m., 16 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, free but donations appreciated, (313) 882-5330
Hear Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. (pre-concert talk with Davis Gloff of WRCJ-FM at 6:15 p.m.), The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, season continues Dec. 7, March 8 and May 3, gpsymphony.org
Halloween Spooktacular: Features indoor trick-ortreating, outdoor pumpkin patch and decorating, themed stage shows, crafts and games, petting zoo, food stand, spiced cider for adults and more, noon-3 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, event benefits TWM’s Children’s Enrichment Scholarship Fund, (313) 881-7511, warmemorial.org/events/spooktacular
Treats in the Streets: Sensory-friendly trick-ortreating from 1-2 p.m., public hours from 2:30-5 p.m., Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., detroithistorical.org/events
OCT. 30
Hallows’ Eve Masquerade: Includes seasonal threecourse dinner, dancing (with pointers from ballroom dance expert) and live music by string quartet, complimentary masks provided, 6:30-10 p.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, (313) 881-7511, warmemorial.org/events/ hallowseve
NOV. 1
Artisan market: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Harper Woods Library, 19601 Harper Ave., (313) 343-2575, fortunam@libcoop.net, hwl@libcoop.net
NOV. 1-2
Clothing drive: Donate new and gently used clothing, coats and shoes for children and adults to support
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
St. Vincent de Paul, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, tkesteloot@stpaulonthelake.org, (313) 885-4816
NOV. 2
Masquerade Ball: Black tie event includes music, dancing and treats, 5-10 p.m., The Henry, Autograph Collection, 300 Town Center Drive in Dearborn, www. danikacommunitydev.org
NOV. 5
Authors to the Pointe: Hear from Elizabeth Gilbert and get autographed copy of new book “All the Way to the River,” 7-8:30 p.m., presented by Grosse Pointe Public Library, hosted at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, warmemorial.org/ events, grossepointelibrary.org
NOV. 8
Wild Wildlife: Includes themed hands-on activities and interactive performances for young kids, 9-11 a.m., The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, Second Saturdays events continue Jan. 10 (Space Explorers Blast Off!), Feb. 14 (We LOVE the Olympics!) and March 14 (Red, White & Blue Celebration), (313) 881-7511, warmemorial.org/ events/wild-wildlife
ONGOING
Farmers market: 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays year-round, Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., easternmarket.org
Book club: Nearly a dozen hosted by Grosse Pointe Public Library at various branches, restaurants and on Zoom, grossepointelibrary.org/book-clubs
Indoor Walking Club: 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, 158 Ridge Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, helmlife.org
Teen Leadership Council: Meetings for kids in grades 9-12 every first Wednesday of month, pizza and snacks provided, 6-7 p.m., Grosse Pointe Public Library - Woods Branch, 20680 Mack Ave., (313) 6404775, grossepointelibrary.org
‘Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos’: Day of the Dead exhibit features 12 altars by artists from Michigan, Los Angeles and Mexico City, on display from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays until Nov. 2, Detroit Institute of the Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., (313) 833-7900, dia.org, read story about Warren man’s tribute at candgnews.com
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AND NOTES NEWS
CLAIR SHORES — The “Sandsbash” is back with live entertainment, food and dancing, all to support a great cause. The event this year is held from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Nov. 8. Tickets are $60 until Oct. 24 and $70 at the door. The bash will be held at Barrister Gardens located at 24225 Harper Avenue. This year, the event supports Wertz Warriors benefiting the Special Olympics. The event features live entertainment, an open bar, a “family style” dinner and more. The color scheme is “Red Accent” with the press release stating a touch of red goes a long way. For more information or to purchase tickets until Oct. 24 contact Al Melfi at (586) 489-6220, Dinghy Concepts at (586) 879-3061, April Sikes Fish at (586) 405-5131 or Marty Sikes at (586) 5304072.
ROCHESTER — Rochester Christian University is seeking donations for its new Professional Clothes Closet, which will provide current students with free access to professional clothing appropriate for interviews, internships, networking events, conferences and career fairs. The type of clothing needed is modern professional suits and suit separates (jackets/blazers, pants, skirts, and dresses); button-up shirts and blouses; and gently used/like new dress shoes and belts. All items must be recently cleaned, with no rips, tears, missing buttons, or stains.
Rebekah Pinchback, dean of the School of Business and Technology, started the initiative to help remove financial barriers for students and empower them with free career wear, so they can step into professional opportunities with confidence.
“It has become evident that not all students have access to necessary career wear. Our goal is to help our Warriors feel confident, professional and prepared when making a positive first impression,” Pinchback said in a press release.
The closet is size-inclusive, and all clothing is provided at no cost to students. Students also receive free resources and information on the importance of dressing professionally and the different types of professional attire in the workplace.
To support this initiative, email Pinchback at rpinchback@rcu.edu to contribute clothing; purchase item(s) from the closet’s Amazon wish list; or direct funds to this university gift fund.
Matt Dion, a 2008 alumnus and owner of Closets by Design,
Franklin prepares for another Franklinstein Frenzy
FRANKLIN — Main Street Franklin will hold its annual Franklinstein Frenzy on Saturday, Oct. 25. This Halloween-themed celebration invites the community to dress in costume and enjoy treats and activities.
There will be a Halloween parade to kick off the event at noon. Free trick-or-treat bags will be provided by the Franklin Baseball League for kids to use while collecting candy at the local businesses on Main Street. Trick-or-treating starts at 12:30 p.m.
Arts and crafts for kids will be provided by the Franklin Public Library. At 12:45 p.m., the Pumpkin Roll, sponsored by Novak Real Estate Partners and Max Broock Realtors,
p.m. there will be “Spooktacular Merchant Savings,” according to a press release. Learn more about this free event at MainStreetFranklinMi.com.
email rpinchback@rcu.edu.
EVENT IS A SWEET TREAT FOR THE TOTS
McMastor,
Photo provided by the village of Franklin
ACROSS
1. Eye affliction
5. Nickname 8. Christmas tree variety 11. Not we 12. Use a whetstone 13. Lyric poem 15. New Haven University 16. Unrivaled 17. Buenos follower 18. *Number one pumpkin-growing state
20. Phishing attack
21. Dead to the world
22. Albanian money 23. *”One, two, ____’s coming for you”
26. Harasses
30. Bloodshot
31. System of newsgroups on Internet
34. Muscular strength
35. Not odds
37. Zedong of China
38. Do penitence
39. Form of wrestling
40. Certain Native American dwelling
42. Cleopatra’s cause of death, supposedly
43. *____ O’Rourke of “Poltergeist”
45. *Silver ammo, useful against werewolves, sing.
47. Rooster’s girlfriend
48. Seattle’s ____ Needle
50. Sportscaster Andrews
52. *One of two first ever fun size candy bars
55. Unbroken mustang
56. In ____ of 57. Lash mark
59. Missouri River tributary
60. Chooses
61. *Rice of “The Vampire Chronicles” fame
62. “____ the fields we go”
63. Turkish title of respect
64. Oxen’s harness DOWN
1. Hog haven 2. Like certain ice tea
3. Holler 4. Pupil protector
5. Driver’s license sticker 6. Dark 7. #63 Across, pl.
Forum, pl.
Previously mentioned, acr.
Hi-____ monitor
Pooh’s repast, pl.
Drawing support
*Bobby ____ of “Monster Mash” fame 19. River in India
Tag in the bag
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 30 at around 6:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 21500 block of Dupont Drive for a suspicious circumstances report.
Deputies spoke with a 44-year-old Macomb Township woman, who said she found an Apple-branded tracking device in her son’s backpack. She had not placed the device in there herself and, after discussing the situation with deputies, suspected it could have been done mistakenly by another parent.
Breaking and entering
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 30 at around 12:10 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 46500 block of Chelon Court for a breaking and entering report.
Deputies spoke with an employee of the property’s ownership company, who said a mobile home had signs of prying around its doorframe, discarded fake nails around the inside and a burn mark on the carpet toward the rear of the unit. Deputies confirmed the damage and litter upon inspecting the home.
The employee said the property management firm would like to press charges.
Narcotics stop
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 29 at around 7:50 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated a traffic stop around Hall Road and Gratiot Avenue.
While pulling into a convenience store, deputies checked the license plate of a parked car and discovered the driver had a suspended license. After the driver, a 70-year-old Macomb Township man, left the property, deputies initiated a traffic stop.
After confirming the suspended license and arresting the man, deputies conducted an inspection of the car and found a medicine bottle with four suspected rocks of crack cocaine within it.
The man was taken to the Macomb County Jail.
Damaged car
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 28 at around 9
a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 45700 block of Morceau Drive for an unlawful driving away report.
Deputies spoke with a 54-year-old Macomb Township woman who said around 8:50 a.m. she found her car in the street with a broken rear window. Deputies inspected the car, noticing what appeared to be blood on the door and damage to armrests and the center console along with the initially reported glass damage.
The woman told deputies she was having trouble with her coworkers, one of which threatened her by
she drove. The woman wished to press charges.
Arrestee suspected in multiple larcenies
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 29-year-old Detroit man who was identified through what police said were “investigative leads” was in custody after he was arrested for a larceny in the 1300 block of Buckingham Road Sept. 29. Police said the suspect was on a GPS tether at the time, which placed him in the location of several other previous larcenies in Grosse Pointe Park. According to a police report, the suspect was charged with multiple felonies, including larceny over $1,000, fleeing and eluding, use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony and habitual offender. His bond was set at $500,000 and he was in the Wayne County Jail.
Stolen vehicle recovered
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. Sept. 20 and 7:30 a.m. Oct. 1, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a 2021 Mercedes Benz from the driveway of a home in the 1000 block of Berkshire Road. Police said the key fob was left inside the vehicle, which is how it was stolen. The vehicle was later recovered in Detroit, but it was unoccupied when police found it.
Vehicle broken into
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Sometime between the hours of 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6:45 a.m. Oct. 6, an unknown suspect is said to have broken into a black 2025 Ram while it was parked on the street in the 400 block of Moran Road and stolen the in-dash screen and control system. Police said the suspect smashed out the rear driver’s side window to gain access to the vehicle.
Child’s bike stolen from backyard
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Home surveillance footage is said to show an unknown man walk into the backyard of a home in the 400 block of McKinley Road at around 11 p.m. Oct. 5 and steal a child’s orange bicycle. The suspect was last seen heading south on McKinley toward Chalfonte Avenue.
Wrong-way driver found to be intoxicated driver
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 35-year-old Grosse Pointe Woods woman was facing a charge of operating while intoxicated after she was stopped by police in the area of Mack Avenue and Kerby Road at 12:19 a.m. Oct. 9 for driving the wrong way on Mack. Police asked the driver if she knew she was going the wrong way, to which she reportedly responded, “I don’t know — I’m
the driver began scrolling through her phone. She had a blood alcohol level of 0.206% in a preliminary breath test, police said. She was arrested and her vehicle was impounded.
Suspects pay with counterfeit cash
GROSSE POINTE CITY — Three unknown suspects are said to have worked as a team to pass three counterfeit $100 bills at The Village Lululemon store Sept. 30. Police said the same trio — two men and a woman — pulled the same scheme at other Lululemon stores in metro Detroit and Ohio. Police were still investigating this incident.
Stolen truck located
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 2 at around 1 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 24600 block of North Elda Court for a possible stolen vehicle. The Harper Woods Police Department was looking for a Penske-brand rental truck that was reported as stolen. Deputies located the truck at the end of North Elda Court, noting the vehicle to be in good condition. The truck was reported as found and a towing company was called to recover the vehicle.
Car borrowing was unauthorized
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 30 at around 1:20 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 37900 block of Townhall Street for a joyriding report.
Deputies spoke with a 43-year-old Harrison Township man who said an 18-year-old Brooklyn, Michigan, man he let stay the night took his car. The Harrison Township man spoke with the suspect, who said he took the car to transport a friend to a hospital in Detroit.
Deputies spoke with the suspect over the phone, and he confirmed taking the car in order to drive a friend to the hospital. The man said he would return the car within the day.
Disorderly incident
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Sept. 22 at around 5:15 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Shell gas station at 12 Market Street for a disorderly person report. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a 61-year-old Fraser man who was holding his eyes and placing ranch dressing on his face. The man told deputies he was sleeping on the property when a 44-yearold Mount Clemens man pepper sprayed him.
Deputies spoke with the 44-year-old, who said he had told the Fraser man to leave the property multiple times. On the final attempt to get the Fraser man to
(the 44-year-old’s) face.” The 44-year-old man then sprayed the Fraser man with pepper gel.
Bicycle banditry
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Oct. 2 at around 5 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 140 block of North Willson Boulevard for a larceny report.
Deputies spoke with a 43-year-old Mount Clemens woman who said her electric bike was stolen from her porch sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. The woman wished to press charges if her bike was found.
Theft reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 9:36 a.m. on Oct. 7, a report was made about a theft that occurred in the 25000 block of Little Mack Avenue on Sept. 29.
The manager of the establishment said on a previous date a suspect walked in carrying a small dog. She allegedly took two packages of a product and dropped one package into her pocket as she approached the counter. She reportedly told the clerk she forgot her wallet, set one package on the counter and left. On the report date, the same woman came into the store, the manager recognized her and told her to leave. The manager caught a picture of the license plate before she left. Larceny