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DECEMBER 17, 2025 • Vol. 36, No. 26

Communities, organizations respond to cryptocurrency scams

ALL IS BRIGHT

ABOVE LEFT: “A Sterling Christmas” brought the holiday spirit to Dodge Park Dec. 6.

ABOVE RIGHT: This Grinch didn’t steal Christmas, but instead made balloon art for children.

BOTTOM LEFT: During the evening, there was time for visits and photos with Santa Claus.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The Sterling Heights Dance Team performed at the tree lighting event.

BY DEAN VAGLIA AND BRIAN WELLS dvaglia@candgnews.com, bwells@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — It’s a new verse, same as the first. Much more digital and a fair bit worse.

As the limits of technology are pushed further, so too are the frontiers of scammers looking to make their money off of the misfortune of others. Yesterday, there were bad checks and a handshake. Today, people are tricked into turning their life’s savings into bitcoin or another cryptocurrency and sending it away to who knows where but a deceiver’s virtual wallet.

“We’re hearing about them all the time through our office,” said Sheila Cote, director of the Macomb County Office of Senior Services. “In fact, recently we heard of a family (where) the husband ended up getting involved in a crypto scheme and lost their entire life savings. They’re of retirement age and now they’re looking at trying to get

Photos by Erin Sanchez

See SCAMS on page 12A

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3A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Ceremony honors MCC graduates STUDENT SPEAKERS ENCOURAGE OTHERS

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

based personal injury law firm specializing in auto and truck accident cases. According to the statement published by the firm, the list is provided to help keep Michigan drivers safe by telling them where they need to use extra caution.

Topping the list is the intersection of 11 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren. According to the report, in 2024, the intersection saw 185 total crashes with 26 injuries reported.

Warren Police Capt. Paul Houtos, who leads the department’s Patrol Services Bureau, said the reason the intersection tops the list is due to the high volume of traffic.

“That intersection sees a heavy combination of commercial vehicles and personally-owned vehicles transitioning from

MACOMB COUNTY — Andrew Whited wants to let other people know that no matter how tough their situation might be, “Don’t dwell on the past. The future has so much in store for you.”

The 21-year-old Clinton Township resident is an example of someone who is beating the odds.

At press time, Whited was among three students who were scheduled to be the guest speakers at the Dec. 13 Macomb Community College commencement ceremony at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. Two ceremonies were scheduled, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. after the Sterling Sentry went to press.

Whited graduated with an associate of general studies degree and plans to work in criminal justice.

He is currently a police cadet with the Chesterfield Township Police Department.

“Graduation is a big deal for me. I became the first person in my family to graduate high school.

I became the first person in my family to graduate college,” Whited said. “Always having my best interest in mind, that kept me going. I knew I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to do good in school.”

Whited, who grew up in Monroe, has lived with the loss of his parents since he was a child.

“My dad died of a drug overdose when I was 5, right before kindergarten,” Whited said. “I was jumping on his back to wake him up.”

When his dad died, Whited’s education was

See INTERSECTIONS on page 9A

See MCC on page 4A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The second-most-dangerous intersection on the list, with 162 crashes and 12 injuries, is the intersection at 18 1/2 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights.The intersection is a roundabout serving as on and off ramps between Van Dyke Avenue, 18 1/2 Mile Road and the Van Dyke freeway, or M-53.

Intersections in Warren, Sterling Heights top ‘most dangerous’ list MACOMB COUNTY — Intersections in Sterling Heights and Warren top an annual list of the most dangerous intersections in Macomb County in 2024.

The list, published in November by Michigan Auto Law, used accident reports from the Michigan State Police to determine the 10 most dangerous intersections for the year.

“Our list of Macomb County’s most dangerous intersections reflects the latest car accident data available from 2024 on the top 10 interchanges with the highest number of reported car crashes,” the firm said in a statement.

Founded in 1969, Michigan Auto Law is a Michigan-

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owner and operator of a roofing and construction company for more than 20 years.

The St. Clair Shores resident wanted to make a change in his life and enrolled at Macomb.

He graduated with an associate of applied science degree in cybersecurity.

“I went from climbing roofs to designing and building secure networks, from managing crews to managing Linux processes,” he said in a prepared statement. “And let me tell you, starting over at 45 years old wasn’t easy.

But it was worth it.”

Jackson, 37, earned an associate of business administration degree in general business. The Detroit resident will continue her education at Walsh College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in operational management.

Jackson battled through chronic illness and mental health setbacks on her journey.

She credited Macomb for being a nurturing environment. She is also grateful for Michigan Reconnect for helping her achieve her goals. The program is open to state residents 25 and older and offers free in-district community college tuition.

Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road • Warren, MI 48089 • (586) 498-8000 candgnews.com

Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Photo provided by Macomb Community College

At press time, Andrew Whited was scheduled to address his fellow graduates during the Dec. 13 Macomb Community College commencement ceremony at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts on Center Campus in Clinton Township. Jason Boyd, of St. Clair Shores, and Annette Jackson, of Detroit, were the two other students scheduled to speak.

C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

Reporters: Brian Wells | (248) 291-7637 | bwells@candgnews.com Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com

Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post • Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry • Troy Times • Warren Weekly West Bloomfield Beacon • Woodward Talk • C & G Special Edition (Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.)

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put on hold, and he didn’t start school that year like as planned.

“I got held back,” he said. “I didn’t enter kindergarten that year. I started the next year.”

Whited struggled in school and didn’t have the tools he needed to be a successful student.

“My mom was grieving at that time,” he said.

In time, he lost his mother to a drug overdose.

“My mom died in seventh grade, in the middle of the school year,” he said. “When my mom passed away, a police officer came and gave me a huge hug. He gave me his card.

He emailed me once a week and taught me how life doesn’t have to be like that. I didn’t want to grow up around drugs. I’ve seen people overdose. I’ve seen drug deals go down.”

Whited was adopted, and he has a younger brother and a half-sister 10 years older than him. He knew he wanted to get an education and enrolled at MCC after moving to the area.

“I loved it,” he said of the college. “The professors only had my best interests at heart.”

He said the support of teachers throughout his life helped him accomplish his dreams. He also credits his girlfriend Anna Ciaramitaro for her support. As for his parents, “I know they would be very proud of me, 100%.”

Approximately 300 graduating MCC students were expected to participate in the two ceremonies with more than 2,100 degrees for the spring/summer and fall semesters, along with the granting of over 200 certificates. At press time, Jason Boyd and Annette Jackson were the other two graduates scheduled as guest speakers at the commencement ceremony.

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Police rescue woman from burning car, bystanders help

bwells@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — A 45-yearold man is facing charges for allegedly striking a school safety officer and principal with his vehicle in the drop-off lanes of Bemis Jr. High School.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, vehicles were blocking the bus lane at the school, on 19 Mile Road west of Schoenherr Road. According to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, when the school safety officer approached a vehicle being driven by Lemuel Young and asked him to move, Young refused.

When the officer walked in front of the vehicle, Young moved forward, hitting the officer’s legs with the vehicle. The principal was called to assist, and when he asked Young again to move, he refused, the press release states.

While the principal was in front of the vehicle, Young struck him three times with the vehicle, the release states.

Young was arraigned Dec. 5 by Magistrate Jean Cloud in the 41A District Court in Sterling Heights. He is facing two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, a fouryear felony.

Cloud set Young’s bail at $10,000 cash or surety, with no 10% posting available. If released, he is ordered to have no contact with the complaining witnesses, not to enter school property and not to possess any weapons.

Young is scheduled for a probable cause conference at 1 p.m. Dec. 11 and a preliminary exam at 9 a.m. Dec. 18, both in front of 41A District Court Judge Annemarie Lepore.

In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido called Young’s actions shocking and completely unacceptable.

“Using a vehicle as a weapon is extraordinarily dangerous and will not be tolerated,” he said.

Bemis Jr. High Principal Thomas Yaw sent a letter to the school community after the incident.

“The safety of our students, staff and families is our top priority at all times, this includes during arrival and dismissal each day,” he said. “We ask for your partnership in this endeavor by following the instructions of Bemis staff members and the designated traffic patterns that distinguish the difference between bus lanes and student drop-off/pick-up lanes.”

At press time, Young did not have an attorney listed in court records.

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skill and teamwork, along with the critical help from bystanders and our fire department partners, made the difference between life and death.”

At press time, Sterling Heights Police Capt. Mario Bastianelli said the woman was stable but remained hospitalized.

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In a statement, Sterling Heights Police Chief Andy Satterfield said the response exemplifies the very best of the department’s officers.

“These officers ran toward a burning vehicle without hesitation because someone’s life depended on it,” he said. “Their bravery,

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STERLING HEIGHTS — An elderly woman is safe after Sterling Heights police officers received what the department’s chief is calling “critical help” from bystanders.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Sterling Heights Police officers responded to a serious injury crash near 18 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue. When officers arrived, they discovered one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames and an elderly female driver trapped inside with a severe compound leg fracture and significant bleeding, according to a press release from the department.

With the help of bystanders, officers were able to pull the injured woman from the vehicle.

“Officers Devon Leonard, John-Mark Branch, Kevin Archer, Andre Basin and Sgt. Justin King arrived within moments of the

call,” the press release states. “With the vehicle fire intensifying and the driver unable to escape on her own, officers and nearby bystanders acted without hesitation.”

According to the press release, once officers recognized the severity of her injury and rapidly increasing blood loss, they applied a tourniquet and were able to stabilize her condition until the Sterling Heights Fire Department arrived. The Fire Department continued medical care and transported her to a nearby hospital, the release states.

In a body cam video released by the department, officers could be seen carrying the woman from the car after she notified them (that) she couldn’t walk. As she was carried away, she could be heard repeatedly thanking the officers.

“Their actions which were swift, decisive and undeniably courageous prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life,” the release states.

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BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

7A

STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 17, 2025

T

Season’s Greetings

hroughout the year, I am reminded of how truly special Warren Consolidated Schools is, and what a privilege it is to serve as Superintendent of this extraordinary school system. I am thankful for our dedicated staff members who give so much of themselves to our students each and every day, the parents and families who provide their love and support for their children, and the community members who support our students, staff, and schools. I am also grateful for our wonderfully supportive Board of Education who are committed to creating dynamic futures for all WCS students through student achievement, high expectations, and strong relationships.

Happy Holidays, and I look forward to the New Year!

John C. Bernia, Jr., Ed.D. - Superintendent of Schools 0147-2551

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8A/DECEMBER 17, 2025 STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY

‘I FEEL IT HAS EXTRA LOVE IN IT’ BAKING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven is a childhood memory for many who gather around kitchen counters with rolling pins, measuring cups and cooling racks to make their favorite holiday treats.

While growing up, Raychel Galba spent many Christmas seasons with her sister, Kristina, and cousins baking homemade cookies for the holidays. Their aunt, Tami Galba, started the tradition, where the cousins not only produced gooey and delicious treats of all kinds, but also a lifetime of memories that could fill a stocking from here to the North Pole.

“It’s been more than 30 years and my sister and I have kept it going.

The older you are, you get nostalgic,” said Galba, of Shelby Township.

“Normally we do it before our family Christmas party, which is the Saturday before Christmas.”

Galba and Kristina, along with Kristina’s children, Ben, 20, and Amilia, 9, will be “baking” spirits bright when they make about 15 dozen homemade cookies this month to give as gifts to family and friends.

“My mom puts them in tins,” Galba, 43, said. “Everyone loves the homemade cookies. It puts a smile on their faces. I feel it has extra love in it.”

One holiday staple for the Galbas are the sugar cookies they roll out, cut and decorate into different shapes of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and more. In recent years, the foursome added snickerdoodles and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies to their recipe collection.

“We do Almond Joys with coconut, and Christmas bark,” Galba said. “We change it up. We do varieties, dark chocolate and peppermint, graham crackers and milk chocolate. Sometimes I do a s’mores one.”

Galba’s all-time favorite Christmas treats are the Corn Flakes wreaths that melt in your mouth. The family puts on Christmas music while baking. The playlist usually starts with Elvis Presley, followed by traditional holiday tunes that fill the house with melodies. It can take the crew up to seven hours baking, decorating and visiting. The freshly baked cookies are made all in one day.

Across town, in Eastpointe, Patty Giorlando, her husband, Ken, and their six grandchildren will again bake batches of Christmas cookies this year. It’s a tradition they started with their own four children that has carried over to a third generation.

“We pick a weekend and a day for them to come over,” Giorlando said.

Giorlando, 60, said she gets the refrigerated dough ready ahead of time. The kids then roll out the dough and make stars, angels, snowmen, trees, gingerbread figures, a Christmas bell and a holly leaf. They put their own finishing touches on the sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles of green and red. Melting Hershey’s Kisses onto pretzels, snowballs and peanut butter blossoms are other family traditions.

“It’s fun to shop for the different candies and the different decorations. Sometimes we make Rice Krispies Treats and use cookie cutters to cut those. We go until they get bored and tired,” Giorlando said. “I love to bake and spend time with the grandkids. It’s building memories, but it also teaches them how to bake, how to have fun and how to be creative.”

See BAKING on page 15A

ABOVE: In a photo from a few years ago, Patty Giorlando with three of her six grandchildren — Ben, to her left; Addy, next to Ben; and Liam — make Christmas cookies. “I love to bake and spend time with the grandkids,” Giorlando said. “It’s building memories, but it also teaches them how to bake, how to have fun and how to be creative.”

LEFT: Ben, left, and Addy Giorlando use different cutouts to create Christmas cookies during a past baking session. The kids are older now but still bake every season.

Photos provided by Ken Giorlando

RIGHT: Amilia Galba, who is now 9, rolled out Christmas cookie dough a few years ago.

Amilia, her brother Ben, mom Kristina, and Aunt Raychel Galba have a family tradition of baking holiday cookies every season.

Photo provided by Raychel Galba

9A

STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 17, 2025

s r e t n i W y z Co Start Here!

Topping the list of the most-dangerous intersections is 11 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren.

According to a report published in November

by Michigan Auto Law, the intersection saw 185 total crashes with 26 injuries reported in 2024.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

from page 3A

the freeway speeds to slower local speeds,” he said in an email. “Combine that heavy traffic volume with drivers who are in a hurry, distracted or not familiar with the area and this leads to a higher number of rear-end and sideswipe accidents, especially during peak traffic hours.”

Drivers on Van Dyke can’t turn left onto the service drives, but some still make illegal left turns into the gas station at the northwest corner to avoid using the “Michigan left,” which has caused multiple crashes when they’re hit by southbound traffic, Houtos said.

Other causes, according to Houtos, stem from drivers in the dual right-turn lanes drifting out of their designated lanes and sideswiping other vehicles.

To make the intersection safer, Houtos said, would require a “multi-pronged approach,” including having the Michigan Department of Transportation study the engineering of the intersection.

“Van Dyke, or M-53, is a state highway so our department has been in contact with MDOT to have them study the engineering of the intersection,” he said. “I believe that better signage or lane marking may help, especially where multiple lanes are allowed to turn from the same direction.”

Houtos said the department has also considered using its drone team to record the intersection during peak hours to get information about choke points and what traffic violations are regularly occurring.

“The choke points can be resolved through engineering. Common or reoccurring traffic violations can be addressed by added enforcement and education,” he said.

The second most dangerous intersection on the list, with 162 crashes and 12 injuries, is the intersection at 18 1/2 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights.

The intersection is a roundabout serving as on and off ramps between Van Dyke,

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Despite being named on the list, Sterling Heights Police Lt. Aaron Susalla said it has the lowest percentage of crashes with injuries in the area.

“This roundabout moves a tremendous amount of traffic throughout the day and almost all of the crashes that occur are sideswipes with the vehicles moving in the same direction,” he said. “This is the reason injury rates from crashes at this intersection are so low.”

Susalla said the way the data is collected can be misleading. When the intersections are rated, the data shows the number of crashes that occurred without taking the injuries resulting from the crash into consideration, he said.

“I think the most important information to understand from this data is the fact that though the crash numbers may be high, our roundabout is not dangerous with the proof being a low injury rate on the crashes that occur here,” he said.

Despite not considering the intersection dangerous, Susalla said the department is taking steps to reduce the number of crashes, including education.

“Many of the drivers on the road did not have roundabout education in their drivers training curriculum, which is now part of that. So, to educate us more mature drivers, we have produced P.S.A. videos and social media posts on how to properly navigate a roundabout,” he said.

Most of the crashes that occur at the roundabout are caused by drivers who are unfamiliar with the correct navigation within the roundabout, he said.

A video created by the department about roundabout safety can be seen on the city’s YouTube page.

Other intersections on the list include 10 Mile Road and Interstate 94 in St. Clair Shores, 11 Mile Road and Hoover Road in Warren, and Hall and Hayes roads in Macomb Township. The entire list can be found at michiganautolaw.com.

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Radtke has served on the Sterling Heights City Council for eight years.

“I’m touched and honored by the recognition for my service to the voters of Sterling Heights,” Radtke said. “I’m working very hard to make Sterling Heights a better place to work and live. The best part of my job is helping people with simple problems and strategic planning for our city’s future.”

Radtke is a graduate of the University of Michigan with degrees in history and political science and also earned graduate degrees in international and world history from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. His professional background includes public relations, policy advising, and political communications. He currently leads Wolverine Strategies LLC, a firm specializing in crisis communications and political operations.

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STERLING HEIGHTS — On Dec. 5, Sterling Heights issued a press release to announce that Councilman Michael V. Radtke Jr. and Marketing & Communications Manager Marissa Russo were recognized as members of the 2025 class of Macomb County Chamber’s 40 Under 40.

This is the second year of the awards program, which is held in partnership with NextGEN Macomb. The awards celebrate people younger than age 40 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and impact within their respective fields and communities. A ceremony was held Nov. 20 at Zuccaro’s Chesterfield.

In her role as marketing and communications manager, Russo oversees citywide initiatives in strategic communication, branding and community engagement.

“A lifelong storyteller, Russo brings creativity and authenticity to her work, cultivating community pride and enhancing the city’s regional presence,” the press release states. “She also leads the Sterling Heights Youth Advisory Board, empowering the next generation of civic leaders to engage with local government and contribute to the community’s growth.”

“Growing up in Macomb County, this recognition feels especially meaningful,” Russo said via email. “To be included among so many talented and passionate individuals who are shaping our community gives me a

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Taste it. Feel it. Live it: The Rich Roots Behind Raíces Mexican Cantina When Maria Aldana chose the name Raíces, or roots in English, she wanted a word that explained the story behind her Mexican cantina and the deep traditions that guide every dish.

She has spent nearly two decades in the restaurant business, learning to cook on the job and growing from one small operation to several locations. During the pandemic, she opened a Mexican grill and later sold it, only to discover that she missed the kitchen and the creative work behind it. So she opened Raíces in May 2024.

“Mexican gastronomy is a beautiful process that comes from our seasonings, our herbs and the vegetables we serve,” Aldana explained, adding that many of her peppers and spices are sourced from Mexico, where drying, roasting and blending methods shape the flavors she wants to highlight.

Much of the staff built their culinary paths by drawing from the kitchens they grew up in. “Raíces is surrounded by everything it takes to bring authentic dishes to the table,” Aldana said.

Her menu showcases the magnificence of Mexican cuisine, presenting dishes with rustic character yet modern flair. Featured are mole poblano, fajitas, burritos, chimichangas and birria from her father’s recipe from Jalisco. The molcajete arrives sizzling with grilled meats and peppers, and her quesadillas and tacos are prepared with her special seasoning blend.

Consistency is key in her kitchen. All ingredients come from the same trusted sources. The bar follows that standard with cocktails made from natural ingredients and no artificial flavors. Frozen margaritas and traditional versions are made to order.

Taco Tuesdays, happy hour offers and occasional themed nights add energy to the scene.

For Aldana, Raíces is more than a restaurant. It represents her craft, culture and the trust guests place in her food. “I love what I do,” she said. “Knowing customers enjoy it, share it with others and come back is what makes my job meaningful.”

Come visit Raíces Mexican Cantina at 44805 Mound Rd. in Sterling Heights. For more information, call (586) 930-1821 or visit raicesmex.com.

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ABOVE: Cryptocurrency ATMs are a core part of scams using the digital currencies. Cities in Michigan are regulating crypto ATMs to fight back against scammers.

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Scams from page 1A

back to work. Unfortunately, it’s very common.”

According to Cote, these scams targeted at seniors prey on the vulnerabilities that come with being an older adult in society.

“They’re often isolated and they may be lonely, and the criminals that are targeting older adults are very skilled at convincing them that they’re their friends, that they want to help them, that they have a way of making them rich fast, that they should invest their savings in these situations,” Cote said. “There’s psychology behind it in which these criminals use to engage older adults … they are not necessarily skilled in terms of technology, so that puts them at risk as well.

There’s many variables that put older adults at risk, but isolation and loneliness tends to be high on the list.”

Scammers can take on almost any disguise online, pretending to be anything from a delivery company with a delayed package notification to a potential romantic interest asking for gifts and donations. When successful, the result of these scams can be devastating.

“We’ve had couples that have lost their house,” Cote said. “They need housing now.

They have to look at low-income or subsidized housing because they have lost so

much. For an older person, you can imagine the stress on their health as well as their finances. It really takes a toll on their quality of life.”

In light of the increasing frequency of scams using cryptocurrency, communities across the region are looking for ways to stop them or at least make sure seniors are aware that cyber fraudsters may be afoot.

At its Dec. 2 meeting, the Sterling Heights City Council voted unanimously to move forward with an ordinance aimed at protecting consumers against cryptocurrency scams.

The ordinance introduces new licensing and operational regulations for virtual currency machines, including the requirement to obtain a specialty license endorsement through the city clerk’s office, which must be done by March 31, 2026. Machines must also require a photo ID for transactions, display fraud warnings and disclosures, produce receipts and maintain a customer service hotline. Additionally, first-time users will face transaction limits of $1,000 in a 24-hour period to reduce risks.

The city must also be allowed to make yearly inspections of the machines, and a license must be displayed on the machine.

Sterling Heights Police Capt. Colleen Hopper, who introduced the ordinance, said the approach is focused on protecting victims, since most of the perpetrators of crypSee SCAMS on page 13A

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STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Scams from page 12A

tocurrency scams are overseas.

“We want to prevent our seniors and our residents from falling victim to these scams. We believe this ordinance will help do that,” she said at the Dec. 2 Sterling Heights City Council meeting.

In a press release sent by the city ahead of the meeting, it was stated that Sterling Heights has 27 machines operating within its borders. The Sterling Heights Police Department has investigated 23 fraud cases tied directly to the machines, with losses totalling more than $542,000.

Hopper said she was told this is the highest number of machines in any of the surrounding areas.

“The FBI notified me that this is the highest amount in any community in this area, Macomb County or Oakland County, and because of that we have more scams than any other city or county around us,” she said.

The Sterling Heights ordinance follows the lead of Grosse Pointe Farms. The eastern Wayne County community made history on July 14, 2025, by approving the state’s first ordinance regulating the depositing, signage and registration of cryptocurrency ATMs. The ordinance’s limits for new users include a $1,000 maximum transaction limit within the first 24 hours, a $5,000 transaction limit over a 14-day period and verbal confirmation for transitions over $500.

Mount Clemens City Commissioners have discussed the possibility of passing an ordinance similar to Grosse Pointe Farms following a Nov. 17 meeting where a Citizen Hero Award was given to a community member who intervened to stop a resident from being scammed at a cryptocurrency ATM. In Macomb County, the Office of Senior Services hosts the Macomb County Elder Justice Alliance. The group of over 80 professionals works to find out how and why elder abuse occurs in the county. It also supports committees that promote scam education and seniors that have fallen victim to scams.

“We meet regularly to look at cases and how to support the victim and wrap services around them so they don’t get scammed again or we can stop the bleeding and try to put holds on their accounts and really support them through the reporting and prosecution process,” Cote said.

The alliance is currently working to better educate law enforcement and other community members thanks to a four-year $750,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.

Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lu-

cido also runs scam prevention courses and provides a booklet about the issue titled “Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors.”

Lucido says that scam victims should report their case to authorities as soon as they realize it. Only one out of 24 cases of scams targeting seniors is reported, according to Cote.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Lucido said.

“Don’t be ashamed. Don’t be afraid … Time is of the essence, which means you have an obligation to get on the phone or go into your local law enforcement agency and report it. Even if it’s a family member or a loved one, and that happens a lot. It happens too much and too often. Please go in and report it. Let the people who identify these things get the information quickly and as clearly as possible so they can start work on a solution to get you your money back … If it is a family member and you feel like you’re being taken advantage of, then Adult Protective Services will step in and smoothly transition you out of a situation that’s bad and put you into a better situation to take care of yourself.”

Time is of the essence in scam cases due to the many technological hurdles that cases present to investigators and prosecutors seeking convictions.

“Just trying to go ahead and identify who the scammer is if it’s online is very difficult, because they could be scamming from around the corner of your house or they could be scamming from out of state or they could be scamming from out of the country,” Lucido said. “And then they go and set up these bank accounts or depositories where the money that you have goes into these accounts, and then they close the accounts out so you can never retrieve the money or have it traceable to whoever got the money …

We do look at IP addresses with computers to see who it traces back to and we try our best to hurry up and get those individuals so at least we have a fighting chance to try to nail down the individual and nail down the money.”

For Cote, the best way community members can prevent scams is to keep an eye on the vulnerable people around them.

“Are they suddenly not paying their bills?” Cote said. “Are they foregoing their medication? Do they look disheveled when they do see them? Just taking the time to ask more questions. It’s our responsibility as a community to protect and look out for our older adults … Not just law enforcement, not just Adult Protective Services, but all of us that come into contact with older adults.

Let’s not push them in a corner and not listen to them … Pay attention and if you see something, say something and report it.”

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The family listens to the sounds of the seasons as the cookies bake in the oven. Ken is usually in charge of the Christmas playlist with music that includes everything from country music to old-world music to the classics like Frank Sinatra and Ray Conniff. “‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ is one we play for sure,” Giorlando said. “Some songs they know and they sing along.”

The Giorlandos have another food tradition that occurs before Thanksgiving. They get together with relatives to make cannoli shells from scratch. Giorlando’s sister-in-law, Sharon Litz, made aprons for everyone to wear while in the kitchen. Spending time together is something they treasure.

Some students in James Ford’s culinary classes at Macomb Community College will bake holiday treats at home this season. One student is even making Grinch cookies that Ford can take to an event.

“In the classes I teach, the most popular cookies seem to be what Grandma and Mom used to make. The recipes were passed down from family,” he said. “Peppermint is a popular flavor this time of year.”

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Ford, a certified pastry chef and culinary professor at MCC, offered a number of tips to help bakers while whipping up treats.

“The main thing is to keep your kitchen organized. Have everything in its place,” he said. “I would prepare stuff ahead of time. It helps you be efficient.”

One recommended baking practice is placing the ingredients on a quarter-pan-size tray so they stay in one place. Ford advises keeping ingredients at room temperature unless something needs to be chilled. He also reminds bakers to check on how the butter needs to be for the recipe.

“Where butter is involved you have to watch the method: cold, melted or softened,” he said.

Wait for the cookies to cool to begin frosting them, and stay near the stove while baking so the cookies don’t burn.

“A lot of time, people get distracted at home,” he said. “Have someone back you up.”

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17A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Resident, business owner recognized with Nice Neighbor Award

Megan Turner

Helga Babich

STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights Nice Neighbor Award honors residents and businesses that go above and beyond to improve the quality of life in the community.

At the City Council’s Dec. 2 meeting, Helga Babich and Megan Turner were recognized for their extraordinary care and dedication to others, the city said in a Facebook post.

Babich received the award for helping to arrange a welfare check on a neighbor after noticing unusual newspapers and packages at the neighbor’s home.

“With the help of a neighbor who had a house key, they discovered the homeowner had been confined to bed for several days due to severe back pain and quickly called emergency services to ensure he received medical attention,” the post said.

Turner, who owns Old House Restaurant, received the award for her generosity, kindness and deep commitment to the community, the post said.

“After becoming owner in 2021, she preserved the restaurant’s welcoming, family-first atmosphere and led charitable efforts such as winter coat collections,” the post said.

ART EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY AT THE DIA DETROIT — Detroit Institute of Arts’ 17th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition opened Dec. 12 and will run until Jan. 11, 2026. Members of nine tri-county community groups are participating in this year’s exhibition and will display over 100 artworks.

Over the past year, DIA studio instructors worked with the Tri-County Community Group Program at the DIA artmaking studio as well as locations throughout the tri-county area. Projects included assemblage, individual paintings and group murals, photo collage, self-portraits, printmaking, clay masks and tiles, multi-media baskets, wood sculpture, and more.

The projects will be on view in the Learning Center at the DIA, adjacent to the DIA’s art-making studio, where most of the work was made. This year’s participating groups are: Macomb County Community Mental Health, pictured; ACCESS Hope House; CARE of Southeastern Michigan; Detroit Recovery Project; Hannan Center; the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center; Mariners Inn; Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program; and Soul Center (a division of Friendship Circle).

The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Ave. The museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. General admission is always free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. For more information, go to dia.org.

SHOW YOUR SNOW

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Beautification Commission is holding its 2025/2026 Snowman & Snow Sculpture contest.

Residents can enter their snow creations and include their name, address and phone number with a photograph of your snowman or snow sculpture by Feb. 23, 2026. Entries can be emailed to cityhall@ sterlingheights.gov, or by mail to: Community Relations Snowman Contest, P.O. Box 8009, Sterling Heights, Michigan, 483118009. The Beautification Commission will review all entries at its March meeting.

The winner will be announced March 3 and receive a $25 gift prize.

NATURE CENTER HOSTING HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Nature Center is hosting a Holiday Nature Celebration on Dec. 20.

Through the event, participants can learn how local wildlife prepares for the season. There will also be an opportunity to make nature-themed ornaments, play games and take part in guided walks held once every hour.

The program will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Nature Center, 42700 Utica Road in Sterling Heights. It is free and open to all ages, with no registration required.

RESIDENTS CAN RECYCLE THEIR CHRISTMAS TREES

STERLING HEIGHTS — The city will hold its 33rd annual Christmas tree recycling program this year. Residents can place their trees at the curb from Jan. 5 to Jan. 30. They will be turned into wood chips for later use.

Residents are asked to place trees at the curb with regular refuse by 7 a.m. on their normal trash collection day, and to remove all ornaments and decorations. Trees should be taken out of plastic bags. Trees placed at the curb after Jan. 30 will be picked up with regular refuse and placed into a landfill.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

18A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • DECEMBER 17, 2025

DEC. 17-21

Holiday Art Market: Find handmade gifts and seasonal decor (including some by young entrepreneurs), also see solo exhibit “Mary’s Garden” with 40-plus floral watercolors by Mary R. Hartman, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 17-20 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 21, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org, read story at candgnews.com

DEC. 19-21

‘Little Women’: Based on Louisa May Alcott novel about four sisters growing up in Massachusetts during Civil War, performance by Warren Civic Theatre, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19-20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21, Owen Jax Recreation Center, 8207 E. Nine Mile Road, guests encouraged to bring new unwrapped toy for The Bottomless Toy Chest (supports children receiving cancer treatment), warrencivic.org

DEC. 20

Christmas cookie walk: Free with donation, also Christmas decor for sale, 10 a.m.-noon, Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal Road in Sterling Heights, uticaumc.org Christmas Bird Count: Presented by Macomb County Audubon Society, get basic information on bird identification and ways to attract and observe winter birds, also hike around park, plus coffee, hot cocoa and doughnuts during free event, bring binoculars, 10 a.m.-noon, Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, shelbytwp.org/ our-township/christmas Winter Solstice Hike & Bonfire: Celebrate longest and darkest night of year by learning about cultural history, making mini yule wreath and taking luminary lit night hike, also hot cocoa by fire, for ages 12 and

older, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, registration required, shelbytwp.org/our-township/ christmas

in need, 6 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesdays of month, locations TBD on www.facebook.com/ sterlingheightsmikiwanis, (586) 676-8240 or (586) 713-3978, read story at candgnews.com

JAN. 11

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 Saturdays of month, Lakeside Bible Chapel, 39939 Hayes Road, find group on Facebook

‘The Production Czar of the Arsenal of Democracy’: Presentation by Chris Causley about Donald Nelson, 1-2 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, Historical Speaker Series continues with “The Polio Vaccine Story” Jan. 25, “Ocean to Ocean in a Model T” Feb. 8 and “The Life of Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen” Feb. 22, (586) 739-4800, packardprovinggrounds.org/all-events/historicalspeaker-series

ONGOING

Ice skating: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m.

Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), see holiday hours and special events in 2026 at sterlingheights.gov/1650/ dodge-park-ice-rink

Book clubs: Meetups for grades 3-5 with mentors, teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, and book and movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/library

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

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

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

Detroit Auto Show: Public hours run 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community meetings: New group dedicated to helping families

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Date, Time, and Location:

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm City of Sterling Heights – City Council Chambers 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Under Consideration:

PZBA25-0021 – Lorelei Cell Tower Requesting Board approval for non-use variances which if granted would permit the following: (1) a reduction in the required 155-foot setback from a residential use, (2) a reduction in the required 77.5-foot setback from a non-residential use, (3) a wireless communication tower within 1,500 feet of an existing wireless communication tower, and (4) a reduction in the amount of landscape screening on a property in the C-3 General Business District and Van Dyke Mixed Use District.

Property Address: 34510 Van Dyke Avenue Location: East side of Van Dyke Avenue, south of Fifteen Mile Road Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District and Van Dyke Mixed Use District

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the requests in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information related to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Office of Planning, during regular business hours. Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Office of Planning at 586-446-2360. Written comments may be submitted to the Sterling Heights Office of Planning, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, or to the City Planner at shplanning@sterlingheights.gov up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.

Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City’s Community Relations Office at 586-446-2370, seven days prior to the meeting date. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.

Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 12/17/2025

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

0315-2551

Jan. 17-24 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 25, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, detroitautoshow. com Macomb County Quilt Guild meetings: 7 p.m. (fellowship at 6 p.m.) every first Monday of month through June (second Monday if holiday), Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave. in Clinton Township, macombcountyquiltguild.org 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 Wild Lights: Nighttime strolls include 500-plus displays and millions of LEDs, also pop-up performances and music, Santa photos, seasonal drinks, eats and sweet treats, and more, select times and dates until Jan. 4, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights, read story at candgnews.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS Planning Commission Meeting Date, Time, and Location:

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

City of Sterling Heights – City Council Chambers 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Under Consideration:

PPCM-1363 – Dodge Park Condominiums Request for a special approval land use which if granted would allow for a single structure tri-plex with residential dwelling units on the first floor of a building in an O-1 Business and Professional Office District and Neighborhood and District Node Overlay District.

Property Address: 35459 Dodge Park Road Location: West side of Dodge Park, north of Fifteen Mile Road Zoning District: O-1 Business and Professional Office District and Neighborhood and District Node Overlay District.

PSP25-0034 – First Watch Nuisance Mitigation Plan Request for a nuisance mitigation plan for an outdoor patio space attached to an existing commercial plaza within the C-2 Planned Comparison District and Lakeside Village Overlay District.

Property Address: 14463 Lakeside Circle Location: Between Schoenherr Road and Hayes Road, south side of Hall Road Zoning District: C-2 Planned Comparison District and Lakeside Village Overlay District.

PSP25-0033 – Forum at Gateways Shopping Center (Walmart Expansion) Request to amend an existing Project Development Plan for the Forum at Gateways Shopping Center to allow for an expansion of the shopping plaza structures and addition of a gas station use in the C-4 Multi Use District.

Property Address: 44575 Mound Road Location: West side of Mound Road, south of Dobry Drive Current Zoning: C-4 Multi Use District

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the requests in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information related to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Office of Planning, during regular business hours. Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Office of Planning at 586-446-2360. Written comments may be submitted to the Sterling Heights Office of Planning, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, or to the City Planner at shplanning@sterlingheights.gov up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.

Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City’s Community Relations Office at 586-446-2370, seven days prior to the meeting date. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.

Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 12/17/2025

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21. *2025 MLB World Series winners 23. ____-tzu 24. C&H crop 25. Dunce 28. Western necktie 30. Catch in a snare 35. Ginger cookie 37. Master of his castle 39. Use a razor 40. British slang for donkey 41. Arch and ball locations 43. Winglike 44. March celebrants 46. *Arthur Sze, 2025 ____ Laureate 47. Dam-like structure 48. *BeyoncÈ’s “Cowboy ____,” 2025 Grammy winner 50. King Kong and Curious George, e.g.

52. Like a fox 53. What Pinocchio did 55. *Florida Panthers won this org.’s ‘25 championship 57. *”Wicked: ____ ____” 61. *Late environmentalist and chimpanzee expert 65. German submarine destroyer 66. *2025 Ryder Cup loser 68. Manuscript sheet 69. Brazilian coins 70. Roll-your-own one, for short 71. To the left, on a boat 72. Orpheus’ instrument 73. Geological time period 74. They are cut by Federal Reserve DOWN 1. At room temperature, bar order 2. Algae, sing.

3. Petri dish filler 4. Raise trivial objections 5. Ready to be assembled 6. Avian wader 7. Farm sound 8. China’s goodwill “____ diplomacy”

9. Collision, onomatopoeically speaking 10. *Taylor Swift’s “The ____ of a Showgirl” 11. Affirm solemnly 12. Third-person possessive pronoun 15. Makes broader 20. Why do they fall in love?

22. *Aryna Sabalenka’s seed 24. Auto contents 25. Pertaining to osmium 26. *2025 Academy Awards Best Picture winner 27. Faquir, alt. spelling 29. Pilot’s stunt 31. Spring event 32. Pneumonia symptom, pl.

33. Be of use 34. *Blue Origin’s 2025 singing passenger 36. Boll weevil, e.g.

38. *____Seek 42. Shorthand typist,

for short 45. Serfs 49. 2016 Olympics host, for short 51. Ram’s horn at a synagogue 54. Draw a conclusion 56. Parkinson’s disease drug 57. Roll up 58. Heed

59. Lion sound 60. Dorothy’s last name 61. *Lady of “The Mayhem Ball” 62. Tons (2 words) 63. Lira, pl.

64. Land parcels 67. *Gary Oldman received this honorific in 2025

4B - STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY, December 17, 2025

www.candgnews.com

EEK

F THE W O E M I R C • WEEK

HE T F O E M I R C • NEWSWORTHY OF THE WEEK INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS

Police complete DoorDash order

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Officers pulled over a 30-year-old Detroit man in the area of Lake Shore and South Deeplands roads for speeding — traveling 60 mph in a 35 mph zone — at 2:38 p.m. Nov. 15. Because the driver had an expired registration and lacked insurance, police needed to impound his vehicle. The driver — who was in the process of delivering a meal to an address on Sunningdale Drive for DoorDash — asked officers if they would complete the delivery, since he no longer had a vehicle. Officers agreed to bring the meal to the customer, who wasn’t far from the traffic stop, as a courtesy. The driver was cited and released at the scene.

Officers respond to injury accident

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Police responded to the scene of a personal injury accident in the area of Lake Shore Road and Fontana Lane at around 9:29 a.m. Nov. 5 after a 21-year-old Bloomfield Hills man is said to have driven his vehicle — a Ford Escape — inside a parked landscaping vehicle. Officers said they had to break the man’s passenger-side window to get him out of the vehicle through the window.

The driver, who was uninjured but still evaluated on the scene by medics, told officers that he had been taking a video of the lake with his cellphone when he crashed, showing officers the video he recorded.

Officers said they recovered orange traffic cones that the landscaping crew had apparently placed around the trailer that the driver pushed into the trailer with his vehicle. No one from the landscaping crew had been inside the trailer or landscaping truck when the accident occurred. The driver was cited for failure to stop within an assured clear distance and distracted driving causing an accident.

Speeder stopped

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Police said a 77-year-old St. Clair Shores man zipped past a patrol vehicle going about 50 mph in a 35 mph zone in the area of Lake Shore Road and Lake Shore Lane at around 5:43 p.m. Nov. 16. For reference, the public safety officer indicated in a report that he was driving 37 mph. The driver also failed to use his signal when changing lanes, police said. The driver was able to provide police with his license, registration and proof of insurance. He was given a warning, police said.

Larceny suspect sought

GROSSE POINTE PARK — An unknown suspect stole two RedMax leaf blowers worth $500 from a vehicle parked in front of a home in the 1300 block of Berkshire Road at around 12:50 p.m. Nov. 26. The victim witnessed a male suspect leave the scene in a white Ram 1500 Rebel pickup truck.

Broken bike rack

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 22 at around 10:15 a.m., a 69-year-old Macomb Township woman spoke with Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies about property damage that occurred in Harrison Township.

On the prior day, the woman parked her car at the Crocker Boulevard McDonald’s and went on a bike ride. When she returned from the ride, she found the bike rack on her car to be badly damaged.

The woman wished to be reimbursed if a suspect could be found.

Food truck scam

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 17 at around 4:10 p.m., a 49-year-old Harrison Township woman spoke with Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies about a fraud case.

The woman runs a food truck and finds vending opportunities online. On Oct. 4, she paid $220 to someone claiming to have a job for her at an event in Ferndale.

When she went to the Ferndale job on Nov. 15, she learned she did not have a spot at the event and sent the money to a scammer. The woman wished to press charges.

Hit and run

MOUNT CLEMENS — On Nov. 12 at around 11:50 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were sent to the 80 block of Beyne Street for a hit and run report.

Deputies spoke with a 60-year-old Mount Clemens woman who said her Chevrolet Malibu sedan was struck by a passing car. While she was getting bags out of her car, the suspect car drove south from Robertson Street and struck the Malibu’s door, pushing the woman inside of the car.

The woman wished to press charges.

12:30 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the corner of North Avenue and Ferrin Place for an incident.

Deputies spoke with a 30-year-old Clinton Township woman. The woman had previously been removed from county property due to being belligerent.

After being told by the deputies that she could no longer stay on the property, the woman kicked the grill of the Ford Explorer police cruiser. She was arrested and taken to the Macomb County Jail.

ed to the 55000 block of Shelby Road for a fraud complaint at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2. Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim, who said she was trying to update her YouTube TV subscription and used Google to look up the phone number. The person on the other line ended up being a scammer who talked the woman into providing sensitive banking information that allowed the scammer to scam her out of almost $4,000 from her bank account. Detectives were investigating.

Police seek caffeinated crook

Drunken men arrested for disorderly conduct after fighting in random backyard

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 10:03 a.m. on Nov. 28, a case of larceny was reported in the 22000 block of Amherst Street.

The victim, a 69-year-old man, visited the police station and stated a package was missing from his porch. He ordered a coffee machine, and it was reportedly delivered on Nov. 25. When he checked the front porch, however, it was gone.

The coffee machine was worth $99.

Man wanted for using counterfeit money

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers were dispatched to the CVS Pharmacy at 46960 Van Dyke Ave. for a counterfeit money complaint at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2. Upon arrival, they met with a store employee who said that at around 5:30 p.m., a man came in and paid for an item with $220 in counterfeit money.

The officer was able to get a vehicle description from video surveillance. Detectives connected the suspect to other counterfeit transactions out of Canton. The investigation was ongoing.

Police arrest drunken driver

MOUNT CLEMENS — On Nov. 12 at around 4:10 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 30 block of Rosebud Lane for an animal bite incident.

Deputies spoke with a 49-year-old Mount Clemens woman. At around 4 p.m., she was walking her brown terrier mix dog when an unknown white dog emerged before her, biting her and her dog.

A neighbor helped restrain the dog and helped deputies put the white dog into the patrol car. The dog was brought to Mount Clemens Animal Control.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — An officer observed a passenger vomiting while hanging out of a vehicle in the area of Mound and 23 Mile roads at 2:40 a.m. Nov. 27. When the light turned green, the driver accelerated at a high rate of speed and had a hard time maintaining the vehicle within the lines of the roadway. The officer conducted a traffic stop and met with the driver and passenger. Upon meeting the driver, the officer could smell a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle. The driver admitted to having two beers before driving, police said. The driver exited the vehicle to conduct roadside sobriety tests. After a preliminary breath test, the driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated, lodged at the Macomb County Jail and released once sober.

Kicking the cruiser

Woman scammed out of $4,000

Animal bite

MOUNT CLEMENS — On Nov. 12 at around

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer respond-

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police were dispatched to the 53000 block of Westwood Park, near 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue, for two men fighting at 3:10 a.m. Nov. 29. While en route, the caller stated that he did not know the two men fighting in his backyard. Upon arrival, the officer had to break up the fight. Both men had been drinking and showed signs of intoxication. They were both issued disorderly conduct tickets and transported home.

Check fraud

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 20 at around 1:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with an 84-year-old Macomb Township woman about a case of alleged check fraud.

On Nov. 6, the woman wrote a $150 check to a lawn care company. On Nov. 20, a man tried cashing a check at a Warren credit union using her checking details.

The check, for around $960, was confiscated as potential fraud.

Phone mailing scam

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Nov. 17 at around 1 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 71-year-old Macomb Township woman about a case of fraud she was reportedly caught in.

About a week prior to the report, the woman was contacted by a male caller claiming to be from a telephone company with an offer for a new phone.

Per his instructions, the woman purchased a $75 phone the following day and called the man to have it activated. The man told her to send him the phone in order to activate it.

When she asked the man on Nov. 13 about when the phone would be returned, the man told her shipping was delayed. It was at that point she realized the scam — buying a phone and sending it to someone — and ended her call.