Teen charged as adult following Roseville carjacking
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — A 16-year-old is charged as an adult with carjacking and other offenses for an incident that occurred in Roseville.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Jeremiah Collins allegedly stole a woman’s 2016 Jeep Patriot in the parking lot of a Roseville Applebee’s, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
A press release from the Roseville Police Department states that an investigation revealed that three subjects approached two women, and at least one of the subjects brandished an edged weapon and demanded the keys from one of the women, 67.
Officers spotted the Jeep Patriot on northbound Gratiot Avenue, but the driver fled when they attempted to stop it. Officers pursued it until it crashed near Sam’s Club.
“The vehicle fled for a short distance and
See CARJACKING on page 10A
Eastpointe lights up for Christmas
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
Acrowd gathered outside Eastpointe City Hall Dec. 3, singing Christmas carols, braving snow and cold temperatures, and waiting for Santa Claus.
In the plaza outside, Mayor Michael Klinefelt and Community Engagement Manager Juanita Waltower led residents in songs, while inside, local organizations and city officials handed out goodies.
After being dropped off in an Eastpointe Fire Department truck, Santa
flipped a switch, turning on the lights of the city’s Christmas tree.
In addition to the tree lighting, local businesses along Gratiot Avenue covered their buildings in Christmas lights and turned them on when the tree was lit as part of the Light Up the Night initiative.
See LIGHTING on page 11A
Santa Claus steps out of an Eastpointe fire truck during the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Photo by Brian Wells
On Nov. 20, the Michigan Department of Education released Pleasantview Elementary School, in Eastpointe, from the state’s partnership agreement due to an increase in academic achievement.
Pictured, from left, are first graders Elle Burton, Mamefatou Diouf and Monta’e Johnson participating in the school’s
Pleasantview taken off state’s partnership agreement list
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — Pleasantview Elementary School in the Eastpointe Community Schools district was identified by the state as being in the bottom 5% of academic performance for the 2021-2022 school year.
At the time, the school was identified for comprehensive support, which required a three-year partnership agreement with the Michigan Department of Education to improve academic achievement.
On Nov. 20, the MDE released the 2024-25 Michigan School Index accountability results that showed 68 schools, including Pleasantview, had been removed from the partnership agreement due to improvement within their schools after the three-year period.
“This achievement comes from years of hard work from our Pleasantview staff, students, and families. Keeping our focus on increasing student attendance and parent participation was key,” Principal Falicia Moreland-Trice said in a prepared statement. “With that being said, I could not ask for a more dedicated and hardworking group of educators, and we are successful because of the way our families support their children’s learning.”
A partnership agreement with schools is a formal collaboration designed to turn
around low-performing schools by bringing in various partners and resources. In the ECS partnership agreement, educators worked with the MDE and the Macomb Intermediate School District to improve achievement levels at Pleasantview. The educators identified a plan of support and interventions to improve academics. A number of goals were set for Pleasantview students and staff to achieve.
The students’ scores on NWEA and MSTEP assessments were among the factors that placed Pleasantview in the bottom 5% of academic performance. NWEA, which stands for Northwest Evaluation Association, is a nonprofit organization that assesses students in various academic studies. The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress is a computer-based assessment designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards.
Eastpointe Community Schools Superintendent Christina Gibson attributed some of Pleasantview’s low academic performance to the COVID-19 pandemic, in which students learned online rather than being in the classroom.
“I think we were missing some of our key instruction,” Gibson said. “We watched math and reading scores in the country completely plummet.”
In an effort to get off the partnership
See PLEASANTVIEW on page 8A
Dress to Impress Spirit Day.
Photo provided by Eastpointe Community Schools
Hackel looks back on new charter’s impact
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Though the usual “state of” address focuses on events and achievements within the past year, the 2025 State of Macomb County
speech celebrated 15 years of having a county executive.
Delivered Dec. 3 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, the 15th annual speech focused on how the adoption of the county charter in 2010 allowed Ma-
comb County to transform itself over the following decade and a half.
“We are marking a milestone here in Macomb County,” Hackel said. “Fifteen years ago, the residents of Macomb County voted for a new direction. They asked for
See COUNTY on page 6A
‘Marijuana has arrived in Eastpointe’
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — For the city of Eastpointe, recreational marijuana has been a long time coming.
In 2021, the City Council passed an ordinance allowing medical marijuana facilities to open in Eastpointe. In 2022, a committee was formed to review and approve three licenses, which went to Holistic Health Wayne, 21145 Gratiot Ave.; Moses Roses, 17375 E. Eight Mile Road; and Common Citizen, 24545 Gratiot Ave.
Even though they were granted medical licenses, none of the businesses opened.
Moses Roses was one of the three es-
tablishments granted a medical marijuana license in 2021. But according to Chris Aiello, corporate attorney for Moses Roses, by the time they would have been able to open, the industry had shifted away from medical marijuana.
“We won one of the three (licenses), but by the time we got through the Planning Commission a few years later, the industry had shifted to probably 97% of all marijuana sold in the state was recreational,” he said.
Aiello said this led to a lot of lobbying from the three recipients to have the city implement an ordinance to allow recreational marijuana, which was approved by City Council March 4.
Our next edition will come to homes Dec. 17. Stay current by visiting candgnews.com.
Investigation continues regarding bullets found at 2 Roseville schools
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Roseville Community Schools dealt with an incident last month that left staff and students unsettled.
Roseville police are conducting an investigation into bullets and shell casings that were found at Roseville High School and Green Elementary School last month.
Roseville police are investigating how several .22-caliber bullets and shell casings were found at Roseville High School and Green Elementary School.
“We’re dealing with the issue. We believe it’s a social media challenge,” Superintendent Mark Blaszkowski said. “Kids will think something is cool and want to show (classmates), ‘Look what I got.’ We filed a police report in all of these. We’re reviewing our protocol.”
Blaszkowski said, “We got word from another student” that a student had posted “I dropped the bullets” on social media. Because the matter is under investigation, Blaszkowski said before Thanksgiving that he could not comment further other than, “Currently, the student is not in school.”
Chris Aiello, corporate attorney, left; Nick Aiello, corporate operating officer; and Jessica Walter, operations manager, pose for a photo outside Moses Roses Monday, Nov. 24, in Eastpointe.
Photo by Brian Wells
Photo by Dean Vaglia Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel discusses the transformation of Freedom Hill at the 2025 State of Macomb County event on Dec. 3. Part of that discussion included a look back to the venue’s first concert, which Hackel said he attended.
BULLETS on page 10A
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
ABOVE: Santa Claus arrives in a special sleigh right down Santa Claus Lane during the 39th annual Roseville tree lighting and sing-along held Dec. 4 at the City Hall Complex.
RIGHT: The Roseville High School Choir leads the singing of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
NEWS & NOTES
Lions history to roar at Roseville Middle School
ROSEVILLE — Detroit Historical Society Director of Collections and Curatorial Jeremy Dimick will share his expertise on the story of the Detroit Lions during a presentation at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Roseville Middle School, 16250 Martin Road.
The event will examine the instability of the infant NFL and how the Lions (and professional football) won the hearts of Detroiters. Dimick’s presentation, presented by the Roseville Historical & Genealogical Society, will track the team from its small town roots through the 1950s and into the present. Check-in time to attend is at 5:20 p.m.
Sweet stroll
ROSEVILLE — The United Women in Faith group at Trinity United Methodist Church invites the public to its cookie walk Dec. 14 at the church, located at 18303 Common Road. The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until all the cookies are sold. For more information, contact the church office at (586) 776-8828 or via email at Rosevilletrinity@gmail.com.
Compiled by Maria Allard
Season’s greeting
ROSEVILLE — The artwork of Roseville High School junior Autumn Vollmer, right, is spreading Christmas cheer this holiday season. She created a winter scene that was chosen as Roseville Community Schools’ official Christmas card in 2025.
Vollmer was recognized during the Dec. 1 Board of Education meeting along with RHS art teacher Fiona Rawson, left. Vollmer received a monetary award and a stack of holiday cards for her family. School officials have held the card contest for 34 years. A variety of designs by students from throughout the district was submitted for consideration. Rawson has had Vollmer as a student since ninth grade.
“We kind of clicked right away. She’s an extremely talented young artist,” Rawson said. “I just can’t wait to see where she’s going to go next.”
The mystery behind ‘The Twelve Clues of Christmas’
ROSEVILLE — The Roseville Public Library Mystery Book Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 to discuss “The Twelve Clues of Christmas: A Royal Spyness Mystery,” by Rhys Bowen. The library is located at 29777 Gratiot Ave. in the City Complex.
However, because the library is under construction, patrons will want to park in the lot off Kelly Road, which is to the west of the building. For further questions, call the library at (586) 445-5407 or send an email to rsvlibraryservice@ roseville-mi.gov.
Ric Mixter will uncover Willow Run’s Missile Lab
EASTPOINTE — The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society will hold the presentation “Willow Run Missile Lab” with Ric Mixter at 2 p.m. Dec. 14.
Mixter will explore the lab, which was bought by the University of Michigan for $1 after World War II. Originally used to study the German V-2 rocket, the lab’s mission was to develop a missile-defense system to protect America’s northern states from air attacks. Mixter will uncover the lab’s groundbreaking research, its air-defense innovations, and the intense rivalry between the Air Force and Army over missile programs.
Mixter is an award-winning historian, author and documentarian specializing in Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime history. For more information on Mixter, visit lakefury.com. The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society is located at 16600 Stephens Road. For more information, visit mimths.org or facebook.com/MichiganMilitaryMuseum. The phone number is (586) 872-2581.
Photos by Maria Allard
from page 3A
fairer leadership and greater accountability, (a direction) that would provide us with the opportunity to act quickly, think long term and speak with a unified voice. This new structure, our structure, has allowed us to challenge ourselves, seize opportunities and plan for the future. And because of that, I believe Macomb County is stronger today than ever. We’re stronger because we have built this movement with everybody.”
These improvements over the past 15 years were attributed as much to the county’s partners as they were to the county itself with the tagline of “Macomb With Everybody” — a play on the “Vs Everybody” clothing line. The results of these partnerships were discussed in terms of economics, protecting its quality of life, infrastructure investment, promoting the county, and prioritizing issues of public safety, health and education.
On the topic of economics, Hackel began by championing the county’s ability to end the $13.5 million budget deficit and fulfill the $260 million retiree health care funding obligations that were outstanding in 2010.
“Working together with the Board of Commissioners, those deficits were immediately resolved and set the tone for sound fiscal management and transparency here in the county,” Hackel said. “Today, we can proudly say that we have delivered balanced budgets every year since, we have fully funded our retiree health care and pension
systems, we continue to add to our healthy fund balance, and we maintain a strong AA+ credit rating.”
Hackel’s optimism about the 2010 charter’s role in resolving the county’s woes from the start of the last decade was matched by another veteran of the era, Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Joe Sabatini.
“Finances (resonated the most) with me just because I’m an accountant at heart,” Sabatini said after the address. “When I was initially elected a commissioner, what Mark was talking about, we were in dire straits. The economy was going in a different direction, our finances were upside down, we didn’t have pensions funded correctly. You name it, we had a problem. Now we’re sitting on $130 million in our fund balance. I’m proud to say that I was part of that solution, and that did not just happen overnight, obviously. It took a lot of strategic actions and planning … I was here and I’ve seen where it’s gone to today, and it’s literally been a 180 whirlwind to where we’re at today.”
Speaking about the county’s economy, Hackel highlighted its strong ties with the defense and manufacturing industries. While much time was given to showcasing the new F-15EX fighter and KC-46 refueling missions at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Hackel drew significant applause by highlighting that the county now had its strongest production level in 200 years at $56.4 billion. The county’s gross production totaled $33 billion when the 2010 charter went into effect.
Hackel’s remarks related to quality of life in the county dealt with managing
natural resources and supporting projects in its communities. Among the projects highlighted were Mount Clemens’ multifaceted downtown and riverfront overhaul project; Macomb Township’s expansion of Broughton Road into a north-south, mixedused boulevard; Sterling Heights’ ongoing work to convert the Lakeside Mall site into a community; and Utica’s new headquar-
ters for United Shore Professional Baseball League owners General Sports and the LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium. The highlighted environmental projects included the Green Macomb tree canopy campaign responsible for 200,000 new trees since 2015, and various efforts to improve the health and quality of waterways like Lake St. Clair and
See COUNTY on page 8A
Photo by Dean Vaglia Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel highlights the state of defense contractors in the county during the 2025 State of Macomb County event on Dec. 3.
THAT’S A WRAP
Gift wrapping at Macomb Mall will benefit Arc of Macomb County
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Members from the Arc of Macomb County will be back at Macomb Mall this Christmas season to wrap gifts for shoppers.
For about 35 years, Arc staff — along with several volunteers — have neatly wrapped holiday presents and stocking stuffers of all shapes and sizes. Shoppers pay a suggested donation depending on how many gifts they have and how big or small the presents are.
Money raised from the donations go back into Arc. The nonprofit Macomb County organization helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, friends and the professionals who support them.
The Macomb Mall wrapping area, which somewhat resembles Santa’s workshop, has several stations. It will be set up by Hobby Lobby near the Santa Claus castle. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are accepted for payment; no Venmo or Cash App.
The crew is ready to get started and will
Macomb Mall gift wrapping hours to benefit the Arc of Macomb County are listed below. Macomb Mall is located at 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville.
• Noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 12.
• Noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
• Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14.
• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 15-18.
• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 19-20.
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 21.
• 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 22-23.
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24.
be there Dec. 12-24. Several volunteers are local students, including those in their school’s National Honor Society. Some gift wrappers really display their artistic flair.
“It is like an art form,” Arc of Macomb County Director of Development Christy Jane Courtney said. “It’s very festive. We have a great variety of wrapping paper of all different colors, bows, ribbons, name tags — lots of variety.”
Courtney said many shoppers are regulars who come back every year. Patrons can
That Gives You More GET AN AUTO LOAN
power. So choose a lender that gives you more. MSGCU gives you personalized guidance, plus a $100 bonus when you apply by December 31!
Anyone in Michigan can bank with us.
drop off their items and pick them up later in the day if that works better with their schedules. People also can make appointments to have their gifts wrapped at the Arc of Macomb County’s office, located at 44050 N. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township. Just call (586) 469-1600.
Photo provided by Christy Jane Courtney
Members from the Arc of Macomb County will wrap Christmas presents Dec. 12-24 at Macomb Mall in Roseville. Donations for the gift wrapping will benefit the nonprofit organization.
Pleasantview
agreement list, educators “tried to align all of our work to our strategic plan,” Gibson said. A school improvement team was assembled to target certain benchmarks.
One strategy was bringing in new math and English language arts curriculum for all K-12 students, including those at Pleasantview. Gibson also credited the leadership of Moreland-Trice for the school’s improvements. Parent support, too, was vital.
“Principal Moreland-Trice is really strong in trying to involve parents in their learning for their kids,” Gibson said.
Other factors were considered, including interventions for students in need of extra help.
“I think the Pleasantview teachers worked hard at the interventions with students who were struggling,” Gibson said. “We doubled down on our professional development in the core curriculum.”
During the Nov. 24 Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education meeting, Gibson informed the board and the public about Pleasantview’s news.
“Congratulations to Mrs. Trice. I know that was a lot of hard work to her team and to the executive team that Superintendent Gib-
County
from page 6A
the Clinton River, which make up a $1.7 billion “blue economy.” Hackel also highlighted the revival of Freedom Hill as an event venue, which hosted 31 shows and 161,000 attendees in the past year.
The final points of the address focused on public safety, public health and education. The COMTEC dispatch center, the year-old Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division headquarters, the underconstruction Central Intake and Assessment Center of the Macomb County Jail and Macomb County Community Mental Health all received shout-outs from Hackel. Progress at Macomb County Animal Control was given a particular emphasis, with Hackel highlighting the shift from its past as a high-kill-rate facility to one with a 95% “save rate.”
In October, Hackel discussed moving or improving Macomb County Animal Control’s facility. Sabatini said one of the biggest issues facing the county government is the age and maintenance of its buildings.
“Our infrastructure is a challenge for us right now because all of our buildings are 50-plus years old,” Sabatini said. “We have to make investments again into our infra-
son has put together,” Board Secretary Edward Williams said. “It’s a collaborative effort and it makes the whole district shine, so congratulations to the whole team and the district.”
Board President Chineva Early acknowledged Pleasantview parents and students for the school’s recent improvement.
“Those parents had to do something at home, read an extra book, say some encouraging words. Thank you to the students, who wanted to change, who wanted to try.” Early said. “Also I want to say thank you to Mrs. Trice and her team because they bought into it. They said we need to improve our students and they did it. They didn’t say they’re behind and they’ll always be behind or anything like that. They believed they could do it and they did.
“I just want to say congratulations to them,” Early said. “This took everybody to say what’s the right curriculum, how to present it, how to get help, professional development days, all the things that go on behind the scenes. It wasn’t just one thing. It was a whole lot of things coming together to make this successful.”
“We’re not done yet,” Gibson said. “We still have work to do.”
Eastpointe High School was placed into a partnership agreement at the same time as Pleasantview and still remains on the list.
structure. It’s challenging because when you have a building that’s 50 years old, a lot of the parts don’t exist anymore. The specialists that built that or the boiler operators and specific people (for operations and maintenance), there’s a shortage of those workers … Today when we look at the big picture, what we’re trying to do is work more efficiently and bring that infrastructure closer to our core. It’s a lot easier to manage. We’ve got 2 million square-feet right now of actual real estate that we manage and have to maintain.”
Possible building projects Sabatini discussed included moving the Macomb County Health Department’s southern facilities to the Robert A. Verkulien Building in Clinton Township and consolidating the county’s Mount Clemens footprint, possibly into a single building on the former parking garage site at the 16th Circuit Court. The county has contracted with professional services firm Plante Moran for a space assessment of its facilities.
As far as promoting the county, Hackel praised the “Make Macomb Your Home” brand for bringing outside eyes to the county and showcasing life across its communities.
He also focused on infrastructure investments, including work to improve the county’s roadways and the rehabilitation of the Chapaton Pump Station and canal in St. Clair Shores.
Photo provided by Eastpointe Community Schools
A group of Pleasantview Elementary School students work in the STEM classroom.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Adopt a family at Christmastime
METRO DETROIT — Anyone looking to give to others this Christmas season is encouraged to adopt a family through Volunteers of America Michigan.
The nonprofit organization is seeking residents to help give families, veterans and senior citizens in need a happier holiday season. Through Adopt a Family, participants purchase and deliver gifts to recipients in the program. When you sign up, volunteers can read the family’s stories and view gift wish lists.
For more information, go to voami.org/adopta-family. The adoption period ends Dec. 15, and no more families will be matched after this date. All gifts must be delivered to families by Dec. 19.
Santa Claus is coming to town
NORTH POLE — The North American Aerospace Defense Command will again track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve Dec. 24. The program, based at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, is in its 70th year.
NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On Dec. 24, NORAD takes on an additional mission of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe.
Wrapping
from page 7A
According to its mission statement, “The Arc is dedicated to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose where and how they learn, live, and work throughout their lifetimes in the community we share.”
“We are an advocacy group that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Courtney said. “I think it’s really important all people have the opportunity to be included in their communities.”
Through various services, the Arc assists children and adults to self-advocate for themselves by increasing their knowledge of personal choice, and advancing their independence. The Arc provides information and referral services, access to community resources, and access to training, as well as one-on-one advocacy in many areas.
That includes assistance applying for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, and adult home help; consultation for alternatives to guardianship, power of attorney, and guardianship support; housing resources; community inclusion and recreational services; community mental health; Medicaid fair hearings and more.
Katie Somers, of Macomb Township, is grateful to Arc of Macomb County for helping her to get her life on track.
“They changed my life,” she said.
The NORAD Tracks Santa website, noradsanta. org, launched Dec. 1. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, a web store and more.
The website is available in nine languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. Children awaiting Santa can count the days on mobile devices with the official NORAD Tracks Santa app, available on social media and on Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM and OnStar.
‘Enjoy the Holidays, Not the Debt’ workshop Dec. 12
SOUTHFIELD — Gesher Human Services, a human service agency in metro Detroit, is offering a free Zoom workshop to help people enjoy the holiday season without going into debt.
Participants will learn a number of steps to take to create a realistic holiday budget that includes strategic gift giving to find thoughtful presents without overspending. The workshop also will explore creative, low-cost alternatives for gifts, decorations, celebrations and more.
The “Enjoy the Holidays, Not the Debt” virtual workshop will take place at 1 p.m. Dec. 12. Register at geshermi.org/events. For more information about the workshop, email lcunningham@geshermi.org or call (248) 233-4422.
“When I was 18, I thought I knew the world and nobody could tell me anything.”
But then she began getting depressed, felt suicidal and was placed into a group home.
“I was not in a good state of mind,” Somers, now 37, said.
She was put under guardianship at Arc of Macomb County. She is forever grateful to the many staff members who helped her, including Mary Scarsella, licensed master social worker, community and advocacy director, now retired; Executive Director Lisa Lepine; Shelly Taras, community work incentives coordinator, representative payee director; and representative payee coordinator Jackie Thomas.
“They were wonderful, phenomenal. It only took me a couple years to realize Mary was not here to harm me, but she’s there to help me,” Somers said. “They made sure everything was done. Anytime I needed them, I could call them. They go above and beyond.”
Somers is no longer under guardianship.
“I’m really good,” she said. “I know how to budget. I know how to handle myself.”
Volunteers are still needed to gift wrap. If interested, sign up at SignUpGenius at signup.com/go/hodSRyp. Macomb Mall is located at 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville.
For more information on the Arc of Macomb County, go to arcservices.org.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Law and order
MACOMB COUNTY— Ahead of Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel’s State of Macomb County address on Dec. 3, the county’s jurists gathered for a selfie of sorts at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.
The photo was later shared on Facebook.
Photo provided by Steven Bieda
Bullets
from page 3A
On Nov. 19, Roseville Community Schools Deputy Superintendent Dave Rice sent a letter to parents that near the end of the day Nov. 18, two bullets/shell casings were found on the floor in the media center at Green. Roseville police were contacted, and students in the room at the time were interviewed. Police conducted a search in which no weapons were found. After the students were released, the K-9 unit was brought in and the building was searched. No weapons were found.
Later in the evening Nov. 18 during wrestling practice at Roseville High School, two more bullets/casings were found on the bleachers. Police were called. Participants at the practice were interviewed and police searched the entire building.
“No firearms or ammunition were found during this time frame,” Rice said in the letter.
On the following day, Nov. 19, two more casings/bullets were found in a shop class at the high school. School officials again contacted Roseville police. In the process, the school went into a shelter-in-place while teachers continued to teach. The police conducted interviews with the students
Carjacking
from page 1A
crashed into an uninvolved citizen that was not injured,” the press release states.
Collins fled on foot but was quickly apprehended, the release states.
According to the press release, the other two occupants fled on foot but were apprehended.
“As the area was being swarmed by Roseville uniformed and plainclothes police officers one of the two was apprehended after a foot pursuit with our officers,” the release states. “The lone remaining subject fled inside the Sam’s Club, which was quickly surrounded.”
While the business was being surrounded, officers entered and searched it and located the subject in the male restroom, where he was taken into custody without further incident, the release states.
Collins was arraigned Dec. 1 in front of visiting Judge Denis LeDuc in the 39th District Court in Roseville. Collins is charged with carjacking, a felony punishable by life or any term of years in prison; third-degree fleeing from a police officer, a five-year felony; two counts of malicious destruction of personal property — $1,000 but less than $20,000, a five-year felony; assault with a
who were in that area of classrooms, and the building was swept again using the K-9 unit. The shelter-in-place was eventually lifted.
“To this point, there has been nothing found as we continue to use an overabundance of caution for the safety of our students and staff,” Rice said. “Parents at the two schools were notified of the situation via phone, text, and email and were informed students would not be released at this time.”
RHS Principal Jason Bettin also sent a letter to parents Nov. 19 to let them know “that at no point were there any direct threats, or claims of threats being made towards students, staff, or the school.”
“Know that students we identify through our investigation will face severe Code of Conduct violations, including expulsion, as well as serious criminal charges,” Bettin said. “Please be certain to have a conversation with your children today about the very serious consequences they face for something the teenage mind thinks is a funny prank. We will continue to emphasize that message in school.”
Any threat that comes to the district, even if it’s a prank, is investigated.
“In today’s world with all the things going on, it creates a sense of fear. It’s disruptive to the students, teachers and learning,” Blaszkowski said. “We ask parents to help us.
dangerous weapon, a four-year felony; assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, a two-year felony; and operating without a license and failing to stop after a collision, both 90-day misdemeanors.
LeDuc set bond at $250,000 cash or surety.
The other two subjects, ages 14 and 16, who were detained following the incident, were released pending further investigation, a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office states.
Collins is scheduled for a probable cause conference at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 10 and a preliminary exam at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 17, both in front of 39th District Court Judge Joseph Boedeker.
In a prepared statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said it’s never an easy decision to charge a juvenile as an adult.
“It is a decision we approach with the utmost seriousness and careful consideration,” he said. “While our priority is always rehabilitation and the best interest of young people, there are circumstances when it is necessary to hold them accountable as adults.”
Collins’ attorney, Catherine O’Meara, declined to comment.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
They need to check their backpacks regularly. Make sure they know what their children are going to school with.
“The matter is still under investigation. We ask that if anyone hears anything about this incident to please contact their child’s principal or call the OK 2 SAY hotline number,” Blaszkowski said in a text message last week. “We understand that the bullets or casing can create fear to our community and therefore, disrupts the learning environment. We can’t afford this to happen. Learning is hard enough.”
Michigan’s OK 2 SAY program is a way
to confidentially report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at Michigan students, school employees or schools. The OK 2 SAY website is ok2say.state.mi.us. Email tips to OK2SAY@mi.gov; text tips to 652729; or report tips by phone at (855) 565-2729.
Students also are encouraged to let a parent or another adult know if they hear or see something suspicious, or call the Police Department at (586) 775-2100 or school district at (586) 445-5505.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Lighting
from page 1A
“I’m really big into building community, and this is something that some of the bigger cities have. Everybody gets together, and it kind of bridges the gaps between the community and commerce, businesses and residents,” said John Hofmann, a local business owner who spearheaded the initiative.
Ian McCain, economic development manager for Eastpointe, said Handy Mitten, a local company, helped install the lights for businesses.
This year, the city’s Downtown Development Authority renewed a grant for $20,000 to help businesses participate. The grant covered 12 businesses, including one that hadn’t participated before.
“If every year an additional business or two does it, eventually it becomes a big thing, right? Like Rochester Hills built up an entire event around it,” Hofmann said.
While this is the fourth year Hofmann has led the initiative, McCain said this is the third year the DDA has helped to sponsor holiday lighting.
“Every year, more businesses outside of the DDA are lighting up the night on Gratiot and around the gateway to Macomb County. Hopefully we can continue to expand our program with district businesses and board support,” he said in an email. “One day, every storefront near Nine Mile and Gratiot could be lit up for the holiday season.”
Hofmann said the businesses usually keep their lights on until Christmas.
“A lot of people drive through Eastpointe, going everywhere, from coming in from Detroit or going towards Mount Clemens, and it’s a nice, low-cost way to bring some attention to the businesses,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Photo by Brian Wells
A small crowd of people gather to watch the Eastpointe Christmas tree be lit during a ceremony Dec. 3.
Marijuana
from page 3A
Under the ordinance, it was required that all three establishments be ready to open by Dec. 31 to qualify for a recreational license. In May, Common Citizen LLC, one of the other establishments, presented a scaled-down site plan, which led to the City Council denying a special land use permit.
peal in the Macomb County Circuit Court.
Common Citizen LLC has filed an ap-
CRIME WATCH
Trial date set for shooting suspects
EASTPOINTE — A trial date has been set for two siblings who face charges related to a shooting in the parking lot of a Footlocker store.
Dejuan Taylor, 22, has been charged with tampering with evidence, a felony punishable by up to 10 years, and larceny less than $200, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days.
His sister Lakylia, 20, has been charged with second-degree murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison; assault with intent to murder, also a felony punishable by up to life in prison; tampering with evidence, a felony punishable up to 10 years; carrying a concealed weapon, a felony punishable by up to five years; and two counts of felony firearm, each a felony with a two-year mandatory prison sentence.
Both siblings are residents of Detroit.
The original incident occurred May 3 in the parking lot of Footlocker in Eastpointe. It is alleged that Dejuan got into a fight with another man, who was holding a registered
Eastpointe City Attorney Richard Albright said a lawsuit had also been filed against the city by Exhibit Cannabis Co. LLC, alleging that the ordinance violated state laws. According to court records, it was voluntarily dismissed in October.
Albright said the lawsuit filed by Common Citizen LLC had not yet been resolved.
Timothy Ferrand, an attorney with Clinton Township-based Cummings, McClorey, Davis and Acho PLC, who handled both lawsuits, did not return a request for comment by press time.
The third establishment, Holistic Health Wayne, abandoned their plans, Albright said.
Aiello said they invested at least $1.5
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporters: Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com
Brian Wells | (248) 291-7637 | bwells@candgnews.com Andy Kozlowski | (586) 498-1046 | akozlowski@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
handgun and had a valid concealed pistol license. Lakylia Taylor reportedly ran back to her car to retrieve her own handgun, and when she returned, she allegedly opened fire, shooting three men who had surrounded her brother, killing two of them. Dejuan Taylor then reportedly stood up, took a magazine from the ground, and fled the scene with his sister. Lakylia Taylor was not charged in the killing of one of the men, which the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said was a lawful act of defense.
On Dec. 1, in Macomb County Circuit Court, Judge Anthony Servitto held a hearing on a defense motion to quash and dismiss. After arguments, the judge denied the motion. The trial date has now been set for June 9, 2026.
“With the court’s decision today to deny defendant Lakylia Taylor’s motion to dismiss, we will move forward in our commitment to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their families,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a prepared statement.
Andrew Hubbs, the attorney for Lakylia Taylor, and Derek Miller, the attorney for Dejuan Taylor, did not provide a comment by press time.
— Andy Kozlowski
million in turning a former restaurant into the dispensary. The location was formerly the Bread Basket, but it suffered a fire several years ago and remained closed and boarded up. In the middle of the parking lot, Aiello said, was an oil change shop.
They plan to be the first recreational marijuana establishment in Eastpointe.
“To be the only one that’s operating in Eastpointe, it’s wonderful,” Aiello said.
Aiello said they planned to have the store open and operational by mid-December.
“Marijuana has arrived in Eastpointe,” he said. “It only took three and a half years, but marijuana has finally arrived.”
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
For retail ad rates: Mike Low | (586) 498-1079 | mlow@candgnews.com
Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Automotive Advertising: Jeannine Bender | (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com
Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE HOUSING COMMISSION PUBLIC NOTICE
The Eastpointe Housing Commission will hold its 2026 Annual Plan Public Hearing. The EHC intends to extend its Designated Housing as Elderly/Non-Elderly Disabled for two years.
Comments must be made in writing and received by the offce no later than the closing of business on Monday, February 23, 2026.
A PUBLIC HEARING regarding the plan will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the community room located at 15701 E. 9 Mile Road.
0165-2550
Published: Eastsider 12/10/2025
Photo by Brian Wells
Moses Roses, Eastpointe’s first recreational marijuana establishment, is expected to open at 17375 E. Eight Mile Road in December.
AROUND MICHIGAN
AUCTION
Huge Annual Online Tool Auction! Featuring Snap-on, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Craftsman and more! Welders, compressors, lifts, heavyduty power, and hand tools. Bid now through 12/15/2025 at Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com. Questions? Call Joe at 1-800-835-0495.
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS Statewide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi.com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989-600-1010 or 989-324-0035.
BUSINESS SERVICES
CHRISTMASIS COMING! Muchfurnitureandlotsof greatlimitedselectionsof items.Pricerangefrom $400-$25.00. Everythinginsuperb condition.Forexample: 10WinterCoatsat $20/ea.Two10speed bikesat$150/ea.Call Patrickforanappointment between9am-4pmany day,at 586-459-2176 HappyHolidays! DON'TMISSTHIS
Winter Sportsman Auction. Bidding open. 250+ fine firearms, vintage sporting, antique & modern ammunition, militaria, tools. This is a Great sale! Shipping available. Bid anywhere anytime @JohnPeckAuctions.com. Ofices Gladwin & Charlotte. Selling items like this? Call John Peck 989-345-4866.
POP CULTURE, VINTAGE and MCM TOYS, cast-iron mechanical banks, diecast cars, Star Wars Prints, vintage collectibles & more. Bid online now at BidItMi.com. Call Estate Auction Experts of Michigan, 313-600-5451.
BUILDING
AMISH-built storage sheds starting at $2,500. Custom sizes & colors. We deliver anywhere in Michigan! Call 989-832-1866. MyNextBarn.com
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! Custom sizes & colors. We deliver statewide. Call 989-832-1866. MyNextBarn.com.
METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.
FURNITURE
Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan. com. 989-923-1278.
An AMISH LOG HEADBOARD AND Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set. Brand new-never used, sell all for $375. Call anytime, 989-923-1278. DanDanTheMattressMan.com
WANTED
Old Guitars Wanted: All Gibsons. Especially Les Pauls, ES-175s/ ES-355s, SG/SJ models. All Gibson acoustics. Fender, Martin, Rickenbacker, Gretsch. TOP DOLLAR PAID! Call toll free 1-866-433-8277.
Created
Created
WEDDING
Created
Created
www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com
www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com
www.printingbypennylane.com
www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON COMMUNITY RELATIONS & MEDIA SERVICES DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY RELATIONS & MEDIA SERVICES DIRECTOR
Permanent full-time Community Relations & Media Services Director position $98,182 - $114,330 annually (40 Hours per week) includes beneft package. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Applications will be accepted until there are sufcient applicants to meet the Township’s recruitment needs. As such, interested applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038. Te Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download an employment application, please refer to www.clintontownship.com click on civil service, employment.
Basement
Waterproofng
ACCULEVEL.Your foundationrepairand basementwaterproofing experts.Whetherbasement,crawlspaceorconcreteslabweʼllguideyou ontherightpathtoa healthyhome.Actnow!
Upto$600off.Restrictionsapply.Callfora freeconsultation. 1-866-438-1859
Bathrooms
BATHROOM REMODELING
BasicBathrooms
Startingat:$10,995.00 Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988
Lic/Insured/References
Brick Work
MOUTON'S MASONRY
Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331
Carpet Cleaning
CARPET WAVY-n-LOOSE?
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow:Craddock's CarpetCare,Inc. 586-754-9222
Chimney Service CHIMNEYS,INC
$129/Sweep& SafetyInspection •Repairs•Dampers •Caps•CrownRepair Senior/MilitaryDisc. NextDayAppointment Available 586-431-0591
Cleaning Service
ROYAL EXTREMECLEAN
586-219-0335
AirDuct&DryerVent Cleaning,GasFireplace Tune-ups&Repairs, WoodBurningFireplace Cleaning&Repairs, Multi-ServiceDiscounts. Royalextremeclean.com
CLEANINGLADY withover20-yr experienceislooking forwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
VANTAGE
CLEANINGSERVICES: 3rooms+hallway $139.Deepcarpet cleaningforhomes andbusinesses. CallToday 586-922-6429
Drywall
LAKESHORE
DRYWALL &PAINTING
Over30Years Experience InteriorPainting Wall/CeilingRepairs DrywallFinishing Shon- 586-801-6190
Electrical
586-755-3636
Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch,License#6109094 SenDisc.V/MC/Lic./Ins.
CASTLEELECTRIC
586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, EVCharger, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
MASTER ELECTRICIAN JIM
586-582-9320 (Cell) Over30YearsExp. NewInstallationWork Repairs
Troubleshooting ElectricalUpgrades CodeCorrections
Electrical
PREPARE forpoweroutagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceivea FREE5-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It'snotjustagenerator.It'sapowermove.
Handyman Services
3Sons HandymanService 586-888-9031 (Call/Text) Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount
SAVEON Repairs,Installations &Construction, Carpentry,Plumbing, Electrical, 20+YearsExperience NoJobTooSmall. Licensed 586-838-4063
Hauling & Waste Removal
***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL
Wehaulitall!Demolition
Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING SnowBlowingDriveways LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Lawn Maintenance
586-489-9226
DON'S LAWNSERVICE -LeafClean-up -GutterCleaning -SnowRemoval Since1979!
Painting
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING WINTERSPECIALS! 10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
(586)229-4267
AmericanPainting FallSpecials!!! Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •DeckRepairs•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts
Hauling & Waste Removal
ATTIC,Basement, GarageorHouseCleanouts,WindowandWall Washing,Carpetand FlooringRemoval, LowestPrices,Shores Resident26years. Dave586-461-8812
BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188
586-610-1209
PaintingInterior/Exterior RemodelingKitchens, Bathrooms,Finish Basement,Tiles,Drywall, Repairs,Remove Wallpaper,Repairingand StainingDecks,Power washing.Free-Estimates.
TREBOR HANDYMANLLC. SoffitandFasciaRepairs, DeckStaining/Sealing, Interior/ExteriorPainting, Sheds/Foundations, PressureWashing, Insulation,Sealing, 10%off,Free-Estimates. 586-354-4910
Painting
ANDERSON Painting&Carpentry
CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates,Insured. Call586-921-3654
PAINTING
(586)795-8122
ChrisCronin Painting& StainingInc. Professionalquality. Interior-exterior. Power-washing, decksealing.Insured, References.Free-Est. MC/VI/DC/AXaccepted.
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
10-20%
35 Years in Business (Family Owned) MERRY CHRISTMAS!
• Master Painter
• Master Plaster/ Drywall
• Wallpaper Removal WE DO IT ALL! FREE ESTIMATES Licensed / Insured Cell Office 586.899.3555 248.566.6460 by
OFF COMPETITORS
Plumbing
586.524.6752 ANDY'SPLUMBING 33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
MASTER PLUMBER
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
WATERWORK Plumbing.com •DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022 SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
APEX PLUMBERSCORP 586-217-9002 35-YearsExp.Seniors/ Military/Multi-TaskDisc. Free-Est.•DrainCleaning •PlumbingRepairs/ Fixtures•SumpPumps/ WaterHeaters.Lic/Ins. apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243
Roofng
AA4DABLEROOFING
Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! WINTER-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE $225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial $88*GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards Over30-yrsexp. FamilyOwned 248-707-4851
Tree Service
BERGBROS.LLC. “FullyInsured, HighlyReferred.” SeniorDiscounts Tree-Removal,Stump Grinding,Tree-Trimming, Hedging,Shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates (586)262-3060
DAVE'STREE&SHRUB
30%-WinterDisc.Insured, SnowRemoval, EmergencyStorm Damage,LeafClean-up, Large-TreeRemovals, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Gutters,SeasonFirewood(100acord) (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
Home Improvement
