Sterling residents keep Taylor as mayor, elect Mijac to council
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights residents voted to retain their mayor and five incumbents on the City Council, with one newcomer replacing a councilperson who served more than 30 years.
In the Nov. 4 election, a majority of voters stayed with Michael Taylor as mayor. Taylor garnered 11,908 votes, or 65.17%.
Taylor, 42, served on the Sterling Heights City Council from 2009 until 2014, when he was elected mayor. He beat Matthew Ryan, a 27-year-old small business owner, who received 6,288 votes.
Taylor will serve a four-year term.
“First and foremost, I am so thankful and grateful to the voters for their support,” Taylor said. “I am really excited to continue the work of keeping Sterling Heights a safe, vibrant and welcoming city.”
In the City Council race, 12 candidates competed for six four-year terms.
While five candidates who were voted onto the next City Council are incumbents — Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski,
See ELECTION on page 14A
Rocking around the Christmas tree at Twinkle Town
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Talk about a “Winter Wonderland.”
On Nov. 6, Gardner White hosted its fourth annual “Twinkle Town” at its flagship store in Warren to ring in the holiday season.
Gardner White resembled the North Pole as families dashed through the store for the official lighting of the atrium Christmas tree, face painting, photo booths, cookies, cocoa and more. Also making spirits bright was the Detroit Academy of
See GARDNER WHITE on page 7A
TOP: The popular “Parade of Trees” returned to Twinkle Town to again deck the halls. The trees — decorated by local celebrities, businesses and influencers — are lined along Candy Cane Lane and designed to benefit a charity of the celebrity’s choice. ABOVE: Santa Claus greeted eventgoers at Gardner White’s Twinkle Town holiday event on Nov. 6.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
The 47th annual Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive will benefit the Community Food Bank of Macomb County. Several drop-off locations are available in the city. The food drive ends Dec. 17.
Food drive provides meals, honors employee’s memory
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — In the mid-1970s, Department of Public Works employee Ken Stempowski started a food drive to help local families in need.
The holiday tradition continued even after Stempowski passed away a decade later.
The city just kicked off the 47th annual Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive. This year, city officials are expanding the food drive by partnering with the Chaldean Community Foundation.
According to city officials, the food drive is continuing a decades-long tradition of supporting families in need, particularly because of the federal government
shutdown and the temporary suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
“Ken’s legacy reminds us that one person’s compassion can create lasting change,” DPW Director Mike Moore said in a prepared statement. “This food drive has always been about neighbors supporting neighbors, and this year, that support means more than ever.”
Stempowski worked at the DPW from October 1969 to January 1987. In the mid-1970s he heard through his church members were collecting food for one of the local area banks. He decided to start up the same type of collection of food for those in need in the city. He recruited the help of his fellow DPW employees to begin an annual food drive.
See FOOD DRIVE on page 13A
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the big screen
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Whether it’s a romantic comedy or a story that brings feelings of nostalgia, most people have a favorite holiday movie they watch every year that puts them in the Christmas spirit.
Several of those classics will jingle all the way to the big screen this Christmas season through the holiday edition of MJR’s repertory program, Big Screen Rewind.
MJR theaters across metro Detroit will show a number of holiday favorites until Christmas Day, Dec. 25. All movies are $5 a ticket per person, and several theaters will have different showings each day.
“There’s something truly special about seeing these holiday classics the way they were meant to be seen — on the big screen, surrounded by family and friends,” Director of Marketing for MJR Theatres Anthony Taylor said in a prepared statement. “Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, these films bring people together and create lasting memories.”
The first movie to kick off the Big Screen Rewind was the animated 2018 release of “The Grinch” from Nov. 1-6.
On Nov. 4, Breia Willis, of Harper Woods, brought her three children Wynter, 4, Jayla, 8, and Shakor, 6, to an afternoon viewing at the MJR the-
Photo provided by Marissa Russo
WSO TRAVELS ‘ACROSS THE SEA’ NOV. 23
WARREN — The Warren Symphony Orchestra will perform the concert “Across the Sea” at 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Warren Woods Middle School auditorium, located at 13400 12 Mile Road. Andrew Neer is the music director. The show will include pieces from Mendelssohn’s “Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage” and Britten’s “Four Sea Interludes.” For tickets, go to warrensymphonyorchestra.org.
Anti-bullying programming contest underway
METRO DETROIT — Detroit-area Planet Fitness franchisees, EPIC Fitness Group and Impact Fitness Group, and the Detroit Red Wings have again teamed up for its third annual Shut Out Bullying contest, offering one school or youth organization $10,000 in funding for antibullying programming.
The contest opened Nov. 2 and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 21. Educational institutions and youth organizations throughout Michi-
gan serving students in grades K-12 are invited to apply by completing a short entry form and answering questions about their current or proposed bullying prevention initiatives.
The 2026 winner will be honored during a special on-ice presentation on Jan. 18, 2026, prior to the Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. For full contest details, eligibility requirements, and the application form, visit DetroitRedWings.com under the Fans contest page. A direct link to the contest page can also be found here: DetroitRedWings.com/ShutOutBullyingContest.
MEDSTAR TO BEGIN CARRYING BLOOD
PRESENTATION ON THE UKRAINIAN HOLODOMOR GENOCIDE
WARREN — “The Ukrainian Holodomor Genocide: Russia’s Best Kept Secret,” by Doris Duzyj will be presented from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Warren Civic Center Library, located at 1 City Square. Duzyj is the curriculum chair of the U.S. Committee for Holodomor Genocide Awareness in Washington, D.C. The event will premiere the video, “Holodomor: Minnesota Memories of Genocide in Ukraine,” by director Zina Poletz Gutmanis. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Future movie makers sought
METRO DETROIT — Emagine Entertainment and Folktellers Studios have partnered to invite young readers to bring stories to life on the big screen in a storytelling and literacy initiative that blends reading, imagination, and movie magic.
The program invites students to dive into Josef Bastian’s awardwinning seven-book series, “Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook.” After reading the books, participants will create their own three-minute movie trailers inspired by the series’ characters, worlds, and themes. Folktellers Studios and Emagine will distribute program kits and connect with classrooms and community groups across the region to make the program accessible to as many young storytellers as possible. The program is open to elementary and middle school aged students and to educators, schools, and community organizations in Michigan. Program registration began Nov. 3 at folktellersforliteracy.com.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Medical transportation company Medstar announced it will begin carrying low-titer O-positive whole blood in Macomb County starting Nov. 6.
“Getting whole blood to shock patients saves lives,” Medstar CEO Kolby Miller said in a press release. “The published clinical data on the impact of pre-hospital whole blood for patients with significant trauma, obstetric or abdominal bleeding or other hemorrhagic shock is profound. The need for advanced airways is reduced by 25%, the time to surgical intervention is reduced by up to 30%, and the overall whole blood consumption during the hospital admission is reduced by 40%. This program gives every patient in Macomb County a fast path to whole blood when it’s needed most.”
According to Medstar, it is the first emergency medical services agency in southeastern Michigan to provide whole blood for trauma and shock patients outside of hospitals. Carrying whole blood brings Medstar in-line with other agencies around the country including those in Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Dallas and various EMS providers around Los Angeles County. These agencies have had whole blood pilot programs as early as 2024, and most since 2025. The blood will be kept in a cooler stored within the Macomb County EMS supervisor’s vehicle and brought to scenes as dispatched to perform in-field transfusions.
My approach, using advanced treatments, personalized care, and a commitment to saving limbs and lives, offers a new horizon for those afflicted with chronic foot wounds. If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of foot wound care, the opportunity to transform this struggle into a story of healing and hope is within reach. Call me for an appointment today.
Photo provided by the Warren Symphony Orchestra
De La Salle wins back-to-back soccer titles SPORTS
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
GRAND LEDGE/WARREN — Warren De La Salle Collegiate won the Division 2 boys soccer state championship on Nov. 1 at Grand Ledge High School with a 2-0 victory over Hudsonville Unity Christian.
De La Salle has now won a state title in consecutive seasons for the first time since the team took home the Class A championship in both 1992 and 1993.
“It’s our seventh state title. We’ve won five (division) ones and three in (division) two,” De La Salle head coach Thaier Mukhtar said. “We made the final four three years ago without a senior on the team… We work our tail off.”
The path to win the championship this year was com-
See DE LA SALLE on page 17A
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ABOVE: The 2025 De La Salle Pilots celebrate with the Michigan High School Sports Association Division 2 state championship trophy on Nov. 1 at Grand Ledge high school.
RIGHT: Warren De La Salle head coach Thaier Makhtar shows off his state title ring. De La Salle has now won the championship in consecutive seasons.
Photos provided by Mike Baldarotta
Gardner White
from page 1A
Arts & Science Choir with a performance that included “Get Ready,” “Someday at Christmas” and “Christmastime is Here.”
Someone bringing smiles to the kids’ faces was Santa Claus, who made a special appearance. With a “ho, ho, ho,” there was time for him to visit with children, who shared their gift wish lists.
“Merry Christmas. I’m wishing you all a joyous holiday season this year,” he told the crowd. “Here at Gardner White, have a wonderful time. Make sure to be good because Santa is coming very soon.”
The popular “Parade of Trees” returned to Twinkle Town to again deck the halls. The trees — decorated by local celebrities, businesses and influencers — are lined along Candy Cane Lane and designed to benefit a charity of the celebrity’s choice.
The public can vote online at gardnerwhite.com through Dec. 7 for their favorite tree. Voting can also be done in the store by clicking on the QR code located by each tree with signs that highlight details about the local celebrity. The winning participant’s charity will receive a $10,000 donation, and all the charities will receive a donation from Gardner White for their cause.
“It’s so wonderful to have everyone here tonight to celebrate our fourth Twinkle Town year. Thank you for joining us,” Gardner White CEO Rachel Stewart said. “These trees and influencers are the stars of
the show.”
Stewart read the names of each participant and their chosen nonprofit organization.
“You kept coming back and back and back throughout the week to make your trees beautiful,” Stewart said. “Thank you all for the amazing efforts.”
Also getting everyone in a festive mood was Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, whose charity tree will benefit Macomb County Animal Control.
“Let’s hear it, Macomb County. Let’s hear it,” Hackel said. “Let’s thank Rachel Stewart and the Gardner White family for inviting us into their home to check out their displays, but also these beautiful trees that were decorated on behalf of charities in and around this store. Make sure you vote for a tree. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Olu Jabari, community outreach director for Warren Mayor Lori Stone’s office, also joined in on the festivities.
“On behalf of our Mayor Lori Stone and the entire Warren community, we want to say, ‘Happy Holidays,’” he said. “Look around. Lights, families, laughter, the music. This is what the holidays (are) all about. Bringing families back together. A heartfelt thank you to Gardner White and all your staff for making this momentous occasion beautiful. You turned this place into a wonderland, and we thank you so much.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
The public is invited to vote online at gardnerwhite.com through Dec. 7. The winning participant’s charity of choice will receive a $10,000 donation.
This year’s “Parade of Trees” local influencers and charity partners are:
• Broadway in Detroit — Detroit Goodfellows
• Jasmine Brown, president, ACS GenNow Network
— American Cancer Society
• CBS Detroit’s Terrance Friday and Shaina Humphries — Alzheimer’s Association
• Clownie, The Parade Company — The Parade Company
• Melissa Coulier, co-founder, Live Well Lead Well — Gilda’s Club Detroit
• Detroit Grand Prix — Pope Francis Center
• Matt DoRight, @mattdoright — Neighborhood Service Organization - NSO Detroit
• Faro Imaging — Lighthouse
• FOX 2 Good Day Detroit — Gleaners Community Food Bank
• Britney Frederick, Britney & Co — Bottomless Toy Chest
• Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive — Macomb County Animal Control
• Shea Hicks-Whitfield, HGTV’s Bargain Block — Empowerment Plan
Eric Larson, CEO, Detroit Downtown Partnership — Detroit 300 Conservancy
LittleGuide Detroit — Children’s Foundation
Martin Manna, president, Chaldean American Chamber — Chaldean Community Foundation
Stephanie Masko, Thestyled.home — The Rainbow Connection
Haneen Matt, Haneen’s Haven — ChadTough Foundation
Sarah Michals, host of “Water Your Garden”
podcast — Detroit Dog Rescue
Bob Riney, president and CEO, Henry Ford Health
— Game on Cancer
Anastasia St. John, @anastasiamariediaries—|
The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center
Isaac TeSlaa, wide receiver, Detroit Lions —
Be Cafe
Anthony Tomey, CEO, Born in Detroit —
Jay’s Juniors
WDIV’s Live in the D — Lace Up Detroit
WXYZ Detroit — Forgotten Harvest
Learn history to a ‘T’ with Eastpointe’s antique 1921 fire truck
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Anyone who visits the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum in Detroit will see an important piece of Eastpointe history.
Eastpointe’s first-ever fire truck is among the many antique vehicles on display. The 1921 Ford Model T was purchased a little more than 100 years ago when Eastpointe was known as Erin Township.
A group of business owners pooled their money to buy the chemical fire truck. They were concerned about fires as the township grew and felt the horse and wagon used in town to douse flames wasn’t enough. The proprietors wanted a truck to carry more water and also allow for the pumping of water.
For the next five years, the red 1921 model will remain at
See FIRE TRUCK on page 9A
ABOVE: Samantha Wilkinson, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum operations manager left; retired Eastpointe Fire Chief Danny Hagen, center; and Eastpointe Fire Chief Jason Clark discuss Eastpointe’s 1921 Model T chemical fire truck.
RIGHT: Kim Schmidt, left, holds a photo of her husband, Donald Schmidt, a retired Eastpointe Fire Department captain, as he drives the fire truck in a Memorial Day parade.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Fire truck
from page 8A
the museum for public viewing. At the Aug. 19 Eastpointe City Council meeting, the council voted 4-0 to approve the automobile loan agreement between Eastpointe and the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum for five years, beginning Aug. 1, 2025, and expiring Aug. 1, 2030. Council member Rob Baker was absent.
Eastpointe Fire Chief Jason Clark said there was no exchange of money involved in the loan agreement, just that the museum will house and maintain the fire truck for the next five years. This is the second five-year cycle for a loan agreement.
“It’s still looking good,” Clark said. “They seem like they’re doing a good job taking care of it.”
On the late morning of Oct. 31, Clark, retired Eastpointe Fire Chief Danny Hagen, retired Fire Capt. Don Schmidt and his wife, Kim; and retired firefighter Joe Radzwion III toured Piquette with museum operations manager Samantha Wilkinson. Eastpointe Mayor Pro Tem Cardi DeMonaco Jr. and Eastpointe City Council members Harvey Curley and Baker joined them.
Eastpointe’s first-ever fire truck was used by the city’s firefighters until 1942. Although the vehicle ceased fighting fires, it remained in the city — which for decades was called East Detroit — for parades and other events over the years.
One memorable moment for Hagen came in 1981 when he and his bride, Mary, cruised in the historic truck on their wedding day. They drove from St. Jude Catholic Church, on Seven Mile Road in Detroit, to the Eastpointe Fire Station on Nine Mile Road near Gratiot Avenue, where they switched vehicles for the reception. The newlyweds drew plenty of onlookers.
“We went down Kelly Road and it started to rain. My wife was the best sport in the world,” Hagen remembered. “The people were going bonkers when they saw the truck.”
The museum provides informational signs for all the exhibited cars. According to the Eastpointe sign, the 1921 Model T chemical fire truck had 20 horsepower and weighed 1,439 pounds.
The truck was either assembled at the Ford Highland Park Plant or a branch of the plant. The gas-powered truck drove about 25 mph and came with a two-speed transmission. It was equipped with standard pneumatic non-skid tires, and hard rubber tires were optional. Hagen said there was a siren system in town to alert when there was a fire.
“There was one hose and they used axes to open the door and open the roof to let out smoke and gases,” Hagen said, adding that axes also were utilized “for quick entry” into the home or building. Firefighters did not have all the updated equipment and safety gear available now.
“There were no masks, no (compressed) air,” Hagen said. “It wasn’t in existence at the time.”
While on the tour, a group of local students crossed paths with the firefighters, who shared their experiences with the fire truck.
“Driving it is like driving a go-kart in the wind. It’s a big open vehicle,” Radzwion III said. “It was like an icon in every Memorial Day parade. It was awesome. You felt so proud.”
“I was one of the few that drove it,” Schmidt said of those fun city events through the decades. “It brings back so many memories.”
According to its history, the Eastpointe Fire Department and the East Detroit Historical Society together restored the truck and won awards at the 2008 Detroit Autorama. In 2009, the Michigan Historical Commission presented the Michigan Week Gov. John B. Swainson award to Hagen for his “outstanding contribution to the preservation of Michigan history.”
The Halfway Model T chemical fire truck contains a plaque dedicated to the founding members of the department in 1921: Fire Chief Lorenz Rein, and firefighters Cyril Derdaele, Ray Woodcock, Frank Schustler, August Zado, Fred Rader, Jess Hamner, WM Yuckey, Gottfried Eschmann and Richard Paetsch.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum is a Michigan historic site. Piquette was the first factory Ford Motor Co. built, and where models B, C, F, K, N, R, S and T were manufactured. Visitors can view antique cars that are from private collections or that the museum has purchased, including a 1903 Ford Model A Tonneau, a 1911 Hupmobile model 20 C, and a 1916 Studebaker.
The museum also has a replica of Henry Ford’s office, including a safe used to hide blueprints so corporate spies would not find them and a telescope for bird-watching. Ford, however, didn’t spend much time in his office, as he preferred to be on the assembly floor.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum is located at 461 Piquette Ave. in Detroit. Free parking is available in the paved courtyard lot next to the building, and in the gravel lot directly across from the museum on Piquette Avenue. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. It is closed on holidays. For more information, go to fordpiquetteplant.org.
TWO LOCAL WOMEN SHARE THEIR TRIUMPHS, TRIALS IN BUSINESS
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Colette Hughes of Warren and Jennifer Taylor Boykins of West Bloomfield credit being able to pivot as a key to their success.
Hughes is the owner, broker and coach of Virtual Real Estate Services, a full-service real estate company in Warren with clients all over the world. She started in real estate in 1988 as an office administrator and quickly moved up the ranks to become a real estate agent, making
herself valuable at the two real estate offices she worked at prior to starting her own business in 2015.
A year before starting her business, Hughes joined a Toastmasters International club in Warren and attributes this to contributing to her success.
Toastmasters is a nonprofit public speaking organization that trains speakers.
“I was the shyest person in Michigan,” Hughes said. “I was great working behind the scenes, but I couldn’t go up to people and talk
TOP LEFT: Colette Hughes, center, owner and broker of Virtual Real Estate Services in Warren, makes her clients a top priority in servicing all real estate needs.
Photo provided by Colette Hughes
BOTTOM LEFT: Jennifer Taylor Boykins, center, and her team at Nothing But Education, Nicole McDowell, left, and Kaylee Jackson have implemented literacy programs in school districts throughout the country.
Photo provided by Jennifer Taylor Boykins
Business
to them.”
Hughes credits Toastmasters for helping her to find her voice.
She was inspired to start her own business when she and a broker where she worked attended a real estate event.
“When it was time for me to be introduced at the event, I was left out,” Hughes said. “I cannot be left out when I am doing all the work. So I started my own business and could no longer be a secret agent.”
She left that real estate office and has continued to prosper even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hughes is a proponent of the power and support of women’s groups in business.
She is currently on the board of directors of the National Entrepreneurs Association and was named one of Career Masters’ 2025 Women to Watch.
“It’s a new day when it comes to women in business,” Hughes said. “Women’s groups help to empower them.”
Hughes also believes in the art of pivoting.
The holiday months are slow for real estate housing sales. As a result, she started a real estate holdings company, where she holds real estate licenses for those agents not making money from real estate currently but want to hold onto their license.
She pays all the yearly fees they would incur and negotiates sales on their behalf, sharing a portion of the commission with them.
“When I saw the help was needed, I started the holdings company,” Hughes said. In business, Hughes said, “Women have to yell louder, fight harder and stand taller.”
Nothing But Education in West Bloomfield was created to change the lives of children and inspire them by providing strategic thought, collaborative partnerships, industry best practices and resource sharing to school districts across the country and internationally in 2019.
Founder Jennifer Taylor Boykins is a former Detroit Public Schools teacher and vice president at Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, according to the company’s website, where she worked for more than 20 years. Less than a year after launching her
business, the pandemic hit.
When that happened, people weren’t talking as much and when they did it wasn’t an in-person meeting but by telephone. By the time she had the opportunity to use her marketing materials, they were out of date.
“From the early point of business, I learned you have to be able to pivot,” Taylor Boykins said. “What you think may be ideal in the marketplace, the marketplace can change…. Pivot is the name of the game when you are in business for yourself.”
That prompted Taylor Boykin and her team to develop materials that would promote continuous education while students were out of school during the pandemic or on summer vacation. It includes books, worksheets and journals.
The books are designed to engage the students. The worksheets are created to promote a deeper dive into the materials they read, and the journals prompt further reflection on what the student has read.
“Things to help them really think about what they are reading and why it is important,” Taylor Boykins said. “They received it (the materials) with open arms and joy.”
This program was first implemented in some of the Los Angeles area school districts four years ago and has been implemented every summer vacation since.
It was a huge, hard-fought project, and a major triumph for Nothing But Education. Being in contact with the students in their space “is the best part of the business,” she said. “The tales are always around the lives that you change, the lives that you touch.”
That led to her nonprofit, Bravehearts, which funds scholarships for high school seniors who are aging out of the foster care system. Students from school districts across the country have received scholarships. One student studied to be a graphic artist in Japan. Some go to college, attending toptier schools, while others have gone to trade school, including the field of cosmetology.
To date, Bravehearts has funded around 40 scholarships.
Taylor Boykins says a lot is put on women in business.
“They keep piling it up, she said. But sometimes you have to say, ‘Yes, I can do that for you but not now.’”
Taylor Boykins is also on the West Bloomfield Planning Commission and sits on the West Bloomfield Library’s Board of Directors.
Additional suspects arraigned in Macomb Township shooting
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office announced Nov. 3 that two additional suspects had been charged in connection to the alleged attempted murder of a Macomb Township businessman in October.
Rachard Huffman, 39, and Dawn Huffman, 44, both of Sterling Heights, were taken into custody on Nov. 1 and arraigned at the 41A District Court in Shelby Township on Nov. 3. Rachard Huffman was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit embezzlement in an amount between $1,000 and $20,000. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge. Dawn Huffman was charged with embezzlement of $100,000 and a related conspiracy count. She faces up to 20-years in prison.
Rachard Huffman was given a $1,000,000 cash or surety bond with no 10% payment option. Dawn Huffman was given a $500,000 cash or surety bond, with no 10%. Both would be required to wear a GPS tether if released on bail.
Rachard Huffman has requested a court-appointed attorney and Dawn Huffman has chosen to retrain counsel, according to court records.
Jasan Delanta Martin, 32 of Eastpointe, who was previously arranged as the alleged attacker on one count of assault with intent to commit murder and various weapons charges, also now faces the additional charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Investigators said previously that a suspect, later identified as Martin, snuck onto the property of Eddie Jawad, on 24 Mile Road near Wellington Valley Drive, at around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 14. The suspect fired seven shots at Jawad with a handgun at around 10:20 a.m. and then fled in a black Ford Escape SUV bearing a license plate that investigators said was stolen.
Jawad, who runs over 20 gas stations in the metro Detroit area, had minor injuries from the incident.
Food drive
from page 3A
According to Sterling Heights Marketing & Communications Manager Marissa Russo, Stempowski passed away after plowing during a snow emergency in January 1987 of a heart attack. In 1988, the employees of DPW kept the annual food drive alive in his memory and named it the Ken Stempowski Food Drive.
The food drive, which began Nov. 3, continues until Dec. 17. Nonperishable food donations and monetary contributions are both accepted. All donations benefit the Community Food Bank of Macomb County, which supplies food pantries and meal providers across Macomb County.
Drop-off locations are available at the following sites:
Sterling Heights DPW, 7200 18 Mile Road, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
City Hall/Community Relations Department, 40555 Utica Road, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road.
Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Road.
Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road.
Sterling Heights Police Department, 40333 Dodge Park Road.
Chaldean Community Foundation, 3601 15 Mile Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The city will also collect donations at its signature community event, Sterling Christmas, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Dodge Park, 40250 Dodge Park Road.
Rachard Huffman
Dawn Huffman
Election
Michael Radtke Jr., Henry Yanez, Maria Schmidt and Barb Ziarko — one newcomer will join them.
Robert Mijac, 54, who served as a Macomb County Commissioner from 1995 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2020, received the fourth highest number of votes, with 9.487, or 9.94% of the total votes cast. He will replace Deanna Koski, who has served on the City Council since 1989. She received 7,416, or 7.77% of the votes cast.
Mijac said that his victory left him feeling humbled. He added that he had big shoes to fill replacing Koski on the council.
“She’s a very good, honest public servant, and I’m sorry that she didn’t make it … Those are certainly big shoes to fill.”
Mijac said that he was proud of the campaign he ran, which he thinks resonated better with voters.
“My race, I kind of just stuck to some messages. I believe in having better ethics in city government. I didn’t take any money from people who do business with the city contractors, developers and such like that,” he said. “I think having better ethics resonated with voters.
Despite not returning to Council, Koski, in a statement, said she was proud of the campaign she led.
“While we came up short this time, I could not be prouder of the positive, community-focused campaign we ran. One centered on respect, integrity, and love for our city,” she said.
Additionally, Koski thanked everyone she’s served with on the City Council and
congratulated everyone who will be serving.
“This isn’t goodbye. It’s just the next chapter. I’ll always be here to support our city whenever and wherever it’s needed,” she said. “Thank you, Sterling Heights! It has been an honor to serve as your Councilwoman.”
In a text message, Taylor thanked Koski.
“I also want to thank Councilwoman Koski for her 36 years of dedicated service to the city,” he said. “It has been an honor for me to serve with her these past 16 years and I wish her the best.”
Sierawski, Radtke, Yanez, Schmidt and Ziarko received 10,948 votes, 10,295 votes, 10,267 votes and 8,410 votes, respectively.
In a Facebook post, the Warren City Council extended a congratulations to each of the candidates.
“Congratulations to Mayor Michael Taylor on his re-election, and to the returning members of the Sterling Heights City Council … on their re-elections,” the post said. “A warm welcome as well to newly elected Councilman Robert Mijac. We look forward to further opportunities for our communities to collaborate on shared priorities.” Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/sterlingheightssentry @candgnews candgnews.com
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In & Out Hibachi to hold ribbon cutting
The public is invited to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of In & Out Hibachi, 36669 Van Dyke Ave., at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14, hosted by Connect Macomb. In & Out Hibachi is a locally based, fast casual restaurant specializing in hibachi cuisine. The restaurant aims to bring great food at an affordable price and to both serve and employ locals who work, live and play in the city of Sterling Heights and the surrounding areas. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Carryout is available through DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats. For more information, call (586) 739-1010 and find @inandouthibachi on all social media platforms.
BUSINESS CLIP
Taylor Mijac
Movies
from page 3A
ater in Sterling Heights. It was somewhat of a reward for Jayla and Shakor for receiving all A’s on their report cards.
“I found out there was a newer ‘Grinch’ movie,” Willis said. “It was pretty good. We liked it.”
Jayla said the MJR theater is her “favorite place,” and her favorite character in the film was Max the dog.
“I like dogs,” she said.
Stephanie Wright, of Sterling Heights, brought her grandson Troy McDonald, 9, to the same showing of “The Grinch.” It was the first time they saw the movie.
“It was fantastic. It was very hearttouching and showed the meaning of Christmas,” Wright said. “It’s not all about the gifts but about showing love to one another. I think everyone should see it.”
McDonald, who thought the movie was “good,” said the Grinch was his favorite part of the film.
“I liked it,” he said. “It’s about showing love.”
Christmas movie fans can curl up with some popcorn at their local MJR theater with the following movies:
• “The Holiday,” Nov. 7-13.
• “Elf,” Nov. 14-20.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Nov. 21-25.
• “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” Nov. 26 through Dec. 4.
• “The Polar Express,” Dec. 5-11.
• The 2000 release of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” Dec. 12-18.
• “White Christmas,” Dec. 19-25.
Showtimes and tickets for MJR Big Screen Rewind’s holiday edition are available at mjrtheatres.com or the MJR App.
Other holiday movie happenings
Cambria Detroit Hotel’s Balla Ultra Lounge is also making spirits bright with the
help of Fork n’ Film, a hospitality company that is bringing holiday favorites and chefcrafted menus together. Amid twinkling decorations inside the lounge, each meal is designed to offer food and drink items timed to match the emotion with the film’s most memorable moments on the big screen.
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is set for Dec. 6 and Dec. 13. Fans of “Elf” can check out the film Dec. 19-20, Dec. 27 and Jan. 2-3, 2026.
Reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased online at Detroit.ForknFilm.com. Seating is limited to 40 guests per night. Dates and times are subject to change as additional shows and dates may be added. The Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown’s Balla Ultra Lounge is located at 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., in Detroit.
Elf Shelf - 53rd Annual, Juried Arts and Crafts Show
Te Troy Woman’s Association is proud to announce the 53rd annual Elf Shelf arts and crafs show. Coming to Troy High School the Saturday afer Tanksgiving, November 29th, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Te Show features 200 booths of handcrafed items. Troy High School is located at 4777 Northfeld Parkway, south of Long Lake between Crooks and Coolidge. A $3 donation benefts local charities. Te Troy Women’s Association is an all-volunteer, non-proft. Members raise money and support 30 diferent organizations in the community that beneft young and old. General membership meeting is held on the frst Tuesday of each month, at the Community of Christ Church, 3830 Crooks Road in Troy at 7:00PM. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our website www.Troywomensassociation.org or call 248-988-0426
Photo by Maria Allard
De La Salle
from page 6A
petitive, but Warren De La Salle was completely dominant. The team’s talented roster was able to get the upper hand on every opponent put in front of them.
“We outscored our opponents 32-2 in the playoffs,” Mukhtar said. “We had seven guys go all-state.”
One of the biggest factors in the program looking sharp in the postseason is how battle tested De La Salle was. The schedule that Mukhtar puts together every year is unmatched compared to other Division 2 schools.
“One thing you have to remember… Although we’re Division 2, our non-league schedule and our Catholic League Central Division are all Division 1 schools,” Mukhtar said. “I do that on purpose… and now we came back and won the state championship (again).”
Every bit of that preparation was needed against a 191-4 Unity Christian team that hardly allowed goals in the second half of the season, and won the Division 3 state title in 2023.
“We had the perfect gameplan against Hudsonville Unity,” Mukhtar said. “They’re very, very good and that’s a very good team… We trained for that.”
De La Salle prepared for the speed and talent of Unity Christian by training against the aggressive transition game that Hudsonville Unity had been successful at all season.
The result was a shutout in a state title game.
“They had never been behind in a game all year long. They had only given up three goals going into the playoffs,” Mukhtar said. “We scored two in a half… My boys did a great job.”
One of the two goals the De La Salle scored was on a penalty kick from Nikolai Zacharko just before halftime. Once the Pilots scored that goal, the team never looked back.
“I think it meant a lot, especially to all of the returning players,” Zacharko said. “Hopefully the younger guys that we played with, we left a good example for them.”
One of the many lessons taught by the seniors was how to balance the season. There’s time for work and a time for fun, and this year’s class found out how to get both out of the season.
“I think finding the balance between work and fun is something we started to figure out in training, Zacharko said. “The more that we work hard and the more that we stay focused, the more fun we have.”
The biggest message this team preached this year, however, was to play for the person next to you.
“Not playing for you, it’s playing for your teammates,” Zacharko explained. “You really saw that in the final game with the way we tracked back… it’s about playing for the guy next to you.”
One thing that’s clear, is that the team is already preparing to play for each other again next year.
“Andrew Corder… he won back-to-back championships and he talks about, ‘I want three, Coach.’ Mukhtar said. “He’s determined to win three and he’s pushing for that… that’s their mentality.”
All seven of De La Salle’s championships have been with Mukhtar at the helm, with his first coming in 1990. De La Salle has never three-peated in school history.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Photo provided by Mike Baldarotta
Senior James Spicuzzi scores and puts his hands to his ears to celebrate the first goal of the game with his teammates. The final score was 2-0.
HOMES
TIME TO GET THE LAWN AND GARDEN READY FOR WINTER
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@gandcnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Warm autumn days will soon be followed by winter’s frigid temperatures, frost on the plants and frozen ground. With this in mind, the owner of Red Chair Gardens and a consumer horticulture educator shared tips on preparing the garden for winter.
Each day, trees are dropping leaves that can be used to enrich the soil.
“We bag and throw away our leaves, and this is a great time to just mulch them into the grass, and it provides 25% of the fertilization your yard needs throughout the year, and it’s free,” said Louise Sloan, owner of Red Chair Gardens in Bloomfield Hills and a certified master gardener.
Sloan uses a push mower and slowly goes over the leaves multiple times until they are very fine and it forms a thin layer of mulch.
Studies have shown that in addition to fertilizing the lawn, this creates a mulch barrier in the spots in between the grass, preventing future weed germination, according to Sloan.
“After three years of using this technique, they saw a 100% reduction in dandelion production,” Sloan said. “It’s not going to get rid of all your dandelion seeds, but it will reduce it by a lot.”
Some gardeners cut back their ornamental grasses this time of year, while others leave them up throughout the winter and cut them back in late February or early March. It’s the gardeners’ choice, she said.
“I do that, so I can see something in the landscape,” Sloan said. “I found that it is really pretty when the snow falls on them.”
This is the time to plant spring bulbs.
“Daffodils are great because the deer don’t eat them. Hyacinths, also, deer tend to leave them alone and allium bulbs,” Sloan said. “Plant them now and come spring you’ll have some beautiful flowers to welcome you into the new year.”
The bulbs should be placed a couple of inches below the soil. They will not be damaged by the cold weather if they are planted correctly, according to David Lowenstein, consumer horticulture educator at Michigan State University Extension.
If there are old vegetables in the vegetable garden, Lowenstein suggests adding them to the compost bin or to get rid of them. This is to prevent spores from germinating and infecting the plants the next season.
“You don’t want to accidentally introduce any kind of fungus that might have been on the vegetables,” Lowenstein said.
Plants, shrubs and trees that are less than two or three years old should be watered regularly until the ground freezes.
According to Lowenstein, the current climate in southeastern Michigan is in a drought even though there have been a couple of days of rain.
“Just because we’ve had a frost already doesn’t mean you don’t need to water again,” Lowenstein said. “If the ground is not frozen and it has been dry, it’s a good idea to water those trees or plants in the garden that remain alive.”
According to Lowenstein, the lack of water is the reason plants and trees don’t do well the next season. For proper pruning, identify when the plants bloom and prune after that. Pruning is cutting off parts of the plant that are not growing in the right direction. It thins out the branches that are too rooted together. Although the plant will survive if pruned too early, the blooms will not be as plentiful, Lowenstein said.
“This is a great time of year to divide your plants that have outgrown their current locations,” Lowenstein said.
If the lawn has not been reseeded yet, wait until the spring.
“The seeds need about two-three weeks for the grass seed to germinate. The lawn has to be gently watered every day. If the lawn freezes in that twothree weeks, your lawn is not going to set well,” Lowenstein said.
Other tips include:
• Clean up the garden by removing weeds, dead blooms, leaves and vegetables.
• Don’t cover roses with the white container coverings. It can present a hot/cold differential in the environment, which is not good for the flowers, according to Sloan.
• Think about what went well in your garden this year and what you would like to replicate. Conversely, think about what didn’t go well and determine how you will change it.
• Clean and oil tools to reduce rust. Make sure they receive proper maintenance for another season.
“Once the ground freezes and there is a good snow cover, there is not much else to do,” Lowenstein said.
For gardening questions, the Michigan State University Extension gardening hotline can be contacted Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at (888) 678-3464.
Oakleaf hydrangea
and
ABOVE Instead of throwing leaves away, make a mulch which adds nutrients to the soil.
LEFT: Winter pruning involves cutting back deciduous trees and shrubs during their dormant period. Shutterstock images
ABOVE:
thrive
exude their brilliant colors well into November. BELOW: Ornamental grasses can serve as cover crops adding nutrients to the soil. Young trees and shrubs need to be watered regularly until the ground freezes.
Photos provided by the Michigan State University Extension
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
19A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • NOVEMBER 12, 2025
NOV. 13
Woody Workday: Help remove invasive species from Delia Park,volunteers only permitted to use provided hand tools, 10 a.m., 3001 18 Mile Road, hosted by city of Sterling Heights and Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, sterlingheights. gov, lakestclaircisma.com
‘Night Lighting Magic’: Presented by Shelby Gardeners Club, hear from Sue Grubba of Creative Scapes about illuminating gardens and pathways, 1-2 p.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, (586) 873-3782
NOV. 16
Wedding garage sale: Shop for gently-used decor, dresses, accessories, signage, centerpieces and more, 1-4 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org, (586) 739-4800
NOV. 22
Charity craft show: Also baked goods, benefits Neighbors United (nonprofit assists firefighters battling cancer), 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Disabled American Veterans Chapter #129, 47326 Dequindre Road in Shelby Township, free admission but donations appreciated, (248) 565-6357, kathyandmichellescreations@yahoo. com, walkforthered.org
NOV. 23
‘How The Packard Proving Grounds Was Saved’: Presentation by John MacArthur about his committee’s 2 1/2 year negotiation and eventual agreement with Ford Motor Land Development Corporation, 1-2 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, Historical Speaker Series continues in 2026 with “Ocean to Ocean in a Model T” Feb. 8, (586) 739-4800, packardprovinggrounds.org/allevents/historical-speaker-series
DEC. 7
‘Joy to You!’ holiday concert: Donations also being sought for Vets Returning Home, 3 p.m., Hope Community Baptist Church, 42259 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights, kidley@aol.com
DEC. 13-14
Christmas cookie walk and bake sale: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14 (also after 8:30 p.m. Mass Dec. 14 if not sold out), plus enter to win one of three professionally decorated Christmas cakes, Ss. Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 7266911
ONGOING
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.
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
Sterling Heights Skate Park: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. October-March, 40111 Dodge Park Road (between 41A District Court and Sterling Heights Public Library), sterlingheights.gov/1607/skate-park
Sterling Heights Fiber Frolic: Meetups for knitters, crocheters, handspinners and weavers, quilters, stitchers, and papercrafters ages 15 and older (8-14 with adult), bring own project, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every first and third Saturday of month, Lakeside Bible Chapel, 39939 Hayes Road, find group on Facebook
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, cash bar available, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
Book clubs: Meetups for teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, and new book and movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255
Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights. gov/2136/library
Northern Toastmasters meetings: Bi-weekly meetups to improve public speaking and leadership skills, 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Mondays of month, Leo’s Coney Island, 33577 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (248) 828-7481, samcrowl@comcast.net
MI Options Medicare Assistance Program: Get free unbiased counseling during enrollment period (ends Dec. 7), one-on-one appointments available by phone, virtually or in person, (248) 262-0545, find locations at ageways.org/calendar
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: Virtual 15-week program presented by AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services and led by registered dietitian nutritionist, free for first-time participants ages 60 and older, register at (833) 262-2200 or wellnessprograms@ageways. org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
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Driver hits cyclist
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 36-year-old Grosse Pointe City man was arrested after he reportedly hit a cyclist in the area of Kercheval Avenue and Washington Road at 5 p.m. Oct. 17. Police said the driver didn’t have a valid license. The cyclist sustained minor injuries during the crash. The suspect was cited and then released, a police report states.
Man leaves without paying for massage
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 31-year-old Detroit man was facing possible charges after reportedly booking a massage at a business in the 18000 block of Mack Avenue Oct. 16 and then leaving without paying the $50 he owed for his massage. The suspect is said in a police report to have exited the business quickly and was last seen walking westbound on Mack Avenue. Police said they know who the suspect is because he booked the massage under his own name.
Intoxicated driver flees crash scene
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Police who responded to a crash scene in the 2200 block of Hollywood Avenue at midnight Oct. 24 said that the driver involved in the crash fled as they arrived. Officers followed the driver, who they said eventually stopped in the area of Ridgemont Road and Harper Avenue in Harper Woods. According to a police report, the driver — a 36-year-old St. Clair Shores woman — smelled of alcohol, had glassy and bloodshot eyes, and had difficulty speaking and explaining what happened, leading police to believe she was intoxicated. Police said the driver was “belligerent and difficult” with them and admitted having had “a little” to drink that evening at a club. She refused to take any field sobriety tests — including a preliminary breath test — so she was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol and a warrant was obtained to have her blood drawn at a local hospital to determine her blood alcohol content. Police said the driver remained belligerent during her visit to the hospital, being “combative” with hospital and security staff.
Another larceny from Ram truck reported GROSSE POINTE PARK — In what has been a string of similar larcenies throughout the Grosse Pointes, an unknown person is said in a police report to have removed the infotainment system from a 2024 Ram pickup truck while it was parked in a driveway in the 600 block of Middlesex Road between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Oct. 17. The infotainment system is valued at $1,000, police said.
Wheel and tire theft reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 7:33 a.m. on Oct. 17, a theft of wheels and tires was reported in the 20000 block of Eight Mile Road.
The victim, a 56-year-old woman, stated she parked her vehicle in the apartment parking lot the previous afternoon. She went out that morning at around 6:50 a.m. to place items in her vehicle and noticed it was leaning. Closer inspection revealed all four of her tires and rims were taken off and the vehicle now sat on cinder blocks. The vehicle was locked and showed no sign of entry. At the time, the victim didn’t know how much it would cost to replace them.
Retail fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 17, a case of retail fraud was reported in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.
An officer responded to a retail fraud in progress and was told a man was seen stuffing liquor bottles in his pants. The officer and a sergeant went to the bathroom where the man was last seen and heard inside. The man exited the bathroom where the officer told him to raise his hands and place them on the wall. Two liquor bottles were found in his drawstring backpack. The man was homeless and arrested for retail fraud.
He was taken into custody without incident. The stolen booze was valued at around $22.13.
Truck stolen from apartment complex
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer from Shelby Township was dispatched to the 45000 block of Spring Lane, the Spring Hill Apartments, near West Utica and Ryan roads, for a stolen vehicle at 1:34 a.m. Oct. 24. The officer met with the owner of the vehicle, who stated he last saw the car parked in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The owner stated he still had both sets of keys for the vehicle, a silver 2016 Ram pickup truck. The vehicle was entered into a police database as stolen. Detectives were investigating.
ID theft reported
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A woman came into the Shelby Township Police Department to make an identity theft report at 1:37 p.m. Oct. 23. She had received a letter in the mail from Wells Fargo advising that a new account had been opened in her deceased husband’s name. The woman completed a credit check and found that there were several attempts at ID theft using her deceased husband’s Social Security number. The report was documented and the woman did not want any police action.
Domestic assault investigated
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers from Shelby Township were dispatched to the 45000 block of Utica Green West, near Mound and West Utica roads, for a domestic assault at 2:45 a.m. Oct. 18. The caller advised dispatch that his girlfriend had assaulted him before leaving the apartment. The caller said the woman slapped him at a bar in Royal Oak, according to police. After the man asked the woman to come to his apartment so she could get some belongings back, the man said the woman walked up to him again and slapped him across the face, scratched his neck and ripped his shirt. The officers on the scene attempted to make contact and have the woman return to the scene, but she refused to come back. The case was being reviewed for charges by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Discarded Jeep
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 11 at around 6:10 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the area of Hidden Meadows Drive and 21 Mile Road for an unoccupied Jeep in the road.
The owners of the Jeep, a 38-year-old woman and 43-year-old man living in the 22200 block of Woodlake Drive, had left the car in their driveway with the doors unlocked and keys inside.
Camera footage from the neighborhood shows the Jeep with a black SUV at around 1:45 a.m. that morning. The driver of the Jeep was seen exiting it and entering the SUV before leaving.
The Jeep owners indicated they wished to press charges.
Stolen Ford
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 9 at around 6:40 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 38-year-old Macomb Township man about his stolen car.
The man told deputies that he parked his Ford SUV outside of his home in the 17600 block of Hilldale Drive the prior evening, leaving a set of keys in the car. The car was noticed missing in the morning.
Security camera footage showed two people gaining access to the car overnight and driving away. Trackers on the car placed it in the 1500 block of Wayburn Street in Detroit.
Stolen Jeep
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — While following up on a report of a suspicious person checking door handles on cars at around 3:40 a.m. on Oct. 9, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted speeding vehicles traveling west along 21 Mile Road toward Interstate 94.
PACKARD PROVING GROUNDS HOSTS WEDDING GARAGE SALE NOV. 16
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site will host its next wedding garage sale from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 16. The sale will give couples the opportunity to resell décor from their special day while offering shoppers the chance to find unique wedding items at a fraction of retail cost.
DETROIT ZOO WILD LIGHTS BEGINS IN NOVEMBER
Jeep Wagoneer, by visiting the owner’s residence in the 48500 block of Park Place Drive. The owner, a 33-year-old Macomb Township man, said his wife last drove the Wagoneer and left keys in the car. Another Jeep at the residence appeared to have been rummaged through.
Tracking information from the Wagoneer indicated it was out of gas in the 19300 block of Hershey Street in Detroit.
Theft from trailer MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 8 at around 1:15 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 20100 block of 23 Mile Road for a larceny report.
Deputies spoke with a 53-year-old Macomb Township man who found his trailer’s lock cut and several items — a Honda generator, Yamaha ATV, some tools and a toolbox — were stolen. The man said he would like to press charges if a suspect is identified.
Misplaced mail
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 7 at around 10:50 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with an 84-year-old Macomb Township man about a misplaced letter. The man’s son received a letter from the Secretary of State on Oct. 6 for a commercial driver’s license for a 43-year-old Macomb Township man. The 84-year-old gave the letter to deputies, who brought it to the 43-year-old’s home.
Loose dog MOUNT CLEMENS — On Oct. 16 at
Damaged
at press time.
Couples who were married at the Packard Proving Grounds may participate at no cost. All other couples will pay a $25 fee for a selling space. These are not traditional vendors, but couples reselling items from their own celebrations — everything from table décor and signage to large mirrors, arches and floral arrangements.
“This event gives our couples more than just a way to pass along their décor,” Packard Proving Grounds Executive Director Mary Anne Demo said in a press release. “It’s also an opportunity to connect with other Packard couples and share experiences — what worked well, which vendors they used, or advice they’d offer for planning a wedding at our site.”
The sale is open to the public, with $1 admission for shoppers. For more information, visit PackardProvingGrounds. org/NovemberWeddingGarageSale.
REPRESENTATIVE
INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO HONOR DETROIT RED WINGS’ 100TH SEASON
UTICA/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 22, state Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, introduced a resolution in the Michigan House of Representatives to commemorate the Detroit Red Wings on their 100th season in the National Hockey League.
“For a century, the Detroit Red Wings have been a proud part of Michigan’s identity,” Robinson said in a press release. “Their legacy of hard work, determination, and perseverance reflects the values we hold, not just in Detroit, but across every corner of our state.”
The franchise was founded in 1926 and has evolved from the Detroit Cougars to the Red Wings. The resolution highlights Red Wings
milestones like the team’s 11 Stanley Cup championships as well as more than 3,000 total wins and more than 1,000 players who have worn the winged wheel. It also honors the team’s charitable contributions through the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, which has supported youth programs and community initiatives across Michigan.
“The Red Wings represent more than just championships,” Robinson said in a press release. “They represent community, tradition, and pride in where we come from. Generations of Michiganders have grown up watching this team and wearing that Winged Wheel with pride. Their story is part of our story.”
