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JANUARY 7, 2026 candgnews.com
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers
City Council looking at cryptocurrency protection ordinance BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
Intersections in Sterling Heights, Warren top ‘most dangerous’ list BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
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-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 See INTERSECTIONS on page 10A
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
ABOVE: 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. TOP: 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.
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights City Council is taking steps to make sure consumers are protected against virtual currency scams — a move the city said is happening just in time for the holidays. At its Dec. 2 meeting, council members heard the introduction of a new ordinance aimed at adding new licensing and operational regulations for virtual currency machines, including cryptocurrency kiosks and bitcoin ATMs. Though the machines offer users an easy and often anonymous way to convert cash into digital assets, they have also become a fast-growing target for scam artists posing as government officials, tech support or distressed family members, a press release from the city states. “These scams typically begin with an unsolicited message or call designed to create panic, pressuring victims into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a cryptocurrency ATM. Once converted, the funds are often irretrievable,” the press release states. According to the release, the city currently has 27 machines operating within its borders. The Sterling Heights Police Department has investigated 23 fraud cases tied directly to the machines, with losses totaling more than $542,000. Sterling Heights Police Capt. Colleen Hopper, who introduced the ordinance at the meeting, 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. This led to the department forming a crypto task force to combat the issue. Additionally, through a collaboration between city administration, the Police Department and the city attorney’s office, a new ordiSee CRYPTOCURRENCY on page 5A
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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Dron Datta, a senior at Stevenson High School and the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology, considers the effects of AI — as it pertains to the computer science career path — in his research that was recently published and presented at the IEEE International Conference on Data Mining in Washington, D.C.
Students involved with Henry Ford II High School’s automotive repair program will be able to work with updated equipment thanks to a grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
Utica Community Schools senior gives insight on AI at international symposium
HIGH SCHOOL’S AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM RECEIVES $43,000 GRANT FOR EQUIPMENT SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS/ UTICA — A $43,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation has been given to Henry Ford II High School’s automotive repair program, which will help update equipment. “We are fortunate to have such an extensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in UCS that includes our automotive program,” Utica Community Schools Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said in a press release. “This partnership with the Margaret Dunning Foundation
serves as an investment not only in UCS students, but in our community as a whole as our students are able to gain real-world experiences through the support of this grant.” The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Dunning in 1997. Dunning, who had lived in Plymouth since the 1920s, had been supportive of many Plymouth nonprofits during her lifetime, including the Plymouth District Library and the Plymouth Historical Society. She was also a collector of classic cars. She died in 2015 at the age of 104, and her estate provided additional funding for the Margaret Dunning Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests.
UTICA — Dron Datta, a senior at Stevenson High School and the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology, published and presented his research based around Artificial Intelligence at a workshop at the IEEE International Conference on Data Mining in Washington, D.C., last month. Datta currently works as a software engineer and writes code for a company in Novi. His research is based
See GRANT on page 8A
See DATTA on page 9A
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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Drug court offers a new start in St. Clair Shores BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
ST. CLAIR SHORES — In St. Clair Shores, the 40th District Court offers a drug court program to help prior offenders leave substances behind and change their lives. The program was started by Judge Mark Fratarcangeli 12 years ago. Participants attend the program for 18 months with probation for a maximum of two years in the district court. Fratarcangeli said the journey starts for participants when an attorney or a judge makes a referral for a treatment court after a criminal action. There are multiple courts throughout Macomb County that deal with offenders charged with drug- and alcoholrelated offenses. Fratarcangeli said he saw the need for a treatment program in St. Clair Shores around 15 years ago. He saw the benefits of the court while filling in for a judge at the 37th District Court in Warren. “I wasn’t sure we had the need at the time or the volume of cases in St. Clair Shores and then gradually I determined that, yeah, there was definitely a need, and we went through the process to get certified to provide that service,” Fratarcangeli said. During the treatment court, participants talk about their daily lives and how they’ve been doing without using drugs and alcohol. It’s a calm atmosphere, though Fratarcangeli said participants are nervous when they first arrive due to the nature of the court system. Previous participants have come back to the court to provide updates on their lives.
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Ca u o Y
FEEL R E T T E B
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Judge Mark Fratarcangeli gives a drug court participant his certificate for completing phase four of the program on Dec. 3. “That’s the best feeling in the world,” Fratarcangeli said. “It’s happened very frequently.” He went on to say it’s a family atmosphere and participants have brought their babies and others tell of reconnecting with loved ones. Participants have to be willing to do the program, and it is voluntary. “And unless someone is really gung-ho about doing it, I don’t allow them in the program,” Fratarcangeli said.
Other requirements of the program include a self-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, counseling and other forms of treatment. It currently has three peer mentors participating in the program who are contracted out. The court also has counselors, peer recovery coaches, law enforcement officers, probation officers and more. Anthony Mattarella is currently a peer recovery coach and was hired on by the court. He previously experienced treatment court
as an offender. After a sports injury, he was given Vicodin to deal with the pain which turned into an addiction. Mattarella was just 14 years old at the time and at around 20 he started using heroin. He used the drug until he turned 26, before he became homeless and got arrested because of the addiction. “I did 60 days in jail and got released to do the treatment court in 41B and I’ve been sober ever since,” Mattarella said. “It’ll be 10 years March 21.” Mattarella said it’s awesome to see individuals recovering from their addictions. He said one man graduated from the court, got married, started his own business and is doing well. “It’s really cool to see stuff like that,” Mattarella said. Participants have described the treatment court as a family and have a freeing feeling when they no longer have to rely on drugs and alcohol. “Wendy” is a current participant in the program and was thankful for it, saying later her approach and attitude has changed. “This program has given me my safe place,” she said.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
Cryptocurrency from page 1A
nance was created aimed at creating a balanced framework that preserves access to the machines while enhancing protection and public safety. The ordinance creates several new provisions, 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. They must also allow the city to make yearly inspections of the machines and display a license on the machine. Hopper said the approach is focused on protecting victims, since most of the perpetrators of cryptocurrency 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. According to City Attorney Marc Kaszubkski, the ordinance would be en-
forced through regular inspections and renewal of licenses. “To get licensed they have to come into compliance with what we’re asking,” he said. Councilman Michael Radtke Jr. said he considered the ordinance to be a good idea, even though the transaction limits might create “roadblocks” for residents. “Any kind of regulatory regime creates roadblocks, but here I think the roadblocks make a heck of a lot of sense,” he said. “If you’re a new customer putting thousands of dollars into a machine, I’m going to be asking you why.” Councilwoman Maria Schmidt also said she was in favor of the ordinance. “There’s some really bad people out there doing some really sick things, and they do target the seniors,” she said. “Whatever we can do to help minimize that, I’m all for it.” Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Ziarko said she was in favor of the ordinance but suggested having some form of education available for the residents. “You hear it on the news all the time. You can tell people over and over again that it’s a scam, but they still get involved for whatever reason, and that’s why I think the education on it is really important,” she said. The City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the ordinance.
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6A/ JANUARY 7, 2026 C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/ GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS SHARE TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A HOME INSPECTION MARY GENSON
LEFT: A home inspection can uncover major and minor issues in a house, such as water damage, mold, termites and more. BOTTOM LEFT: Make sure the home is clean so the inspector can access all the necessary areas for the home inspection. BOTTOM RIGHT: It is important to declutter a home so inspectors can access the attic, furnace, electrical panel and other key areas of the home. Photos provided by Kevin Stripling
mgenson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A home inspection — which can bring attention to major issues in a house that the buyer can request that the seller repair before closing — is an essential part of the buying and selling process that ensures buyer satisfaction and safety. As a seller, the idea of one’s home being inspected might be daunting — especially knowing that the report directly impacts the sale. Cleaning and fixing simple repairs are some of the ways that sellers can prepare for their inspection to help minimize the issues. A local real estate agent and a local inspector shared insights on how sellers can best prepare for an inspection to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Ensuring access and decluttering
A seller can try to eliminate surprises during the inspection by evaluating all areas of the house — even the ones that are hard to reach. For example, attics are a place that many sellers might not regularly go to, which can result in an unpleasant surprise if an issue is found during an inspection. “My No. 1 tip is for the seller to go up into their attic and make sure there isn’t any moisture up there, because that can be an expensive thing on a home inspection if See INSPECTION on page 7A
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Inspection from page 6A
the buyer wants it all remediated,” said Michelle Carey, a Clinton Township real estate agent from Century 21. President and CEO of Home Inspection Professionals Kevin Stripling said it is also important that the attic is accessible. For homes where the attic access is in the garage, it is ideal for cars to be parked elsewhere. “Keep in mind that we have to go into the attic. So attic access-wise, we like it when the closets are cleared out so we can set the ladder up and we can go up inside the attic areas,” Stripling said. In addition to attics, Stripling said it is important to make sure that clutter is cleared from all important areas such as furnaces, hot water heaters and crawl spaces. Before an inspection, a seller can ensure convenient entry into all parts of the house by tidying up clutter. Though the seller is not usually present for a home inspection, the buyer usually is present. Even though the buyer has already put in an offer, it is important to keep up the positive image of the home for the buyer. A seller should make sure the house is as clean as it was when it made its first impression on the buyer. “Just as you would for a showing of your home, have it looking really good and clean, because the buyers come for the home inspection. … It is important for the house to be looking its best, because you don’t want the buyer to come and all of a sudden, it doesn’t look as good as it did when they wrote the offer,” Carey said. Another important tip from Stripling is to make sure pets are caged or kenneled. Even though he said they try to be cautious and keep the doors closed, it is possible for pets to accidentally get out during an inspection. It can be exciting when a house goes under contract; however, the inspection is an important step in securing the sale. Before packing boxes, a seller should think about how to prepare ahead of a home inspection. 0064-2551
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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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.
from page 3A
“During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful business woman, philanthropist and civic booster,” a press release from Utica Community Schools states. Students in the automotive program in UCS earn certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, with many already employed in private auto repair businesses. The students work on all aspects of cars, including brakes, suspensions, electronics, fuel injection and diagnostics. They learn how to use technology as part of their diagnostic tests to identify issues. “Students will be learning using equipment and technology that mirrors what they will encounter in real-world automotive shops and dealerships,” Henry Ford II career and technical education automotive teacher Brett Orlowski said in a press release. “This alignment gives them a competitive edge both during and after their post-secondary education.” With the help of the grant, Orlowski said the equipment will be updated to industry standards to keep students on pace with evolving technology and equipment changes. Andrew Boice, a Henry Ford II senior, is currently enrolled in CTE Advanced Auto and the CTE Automotive Technologies Capstone. He plans to pursue a career on a NASCAR or IndyCar team after completing trade school at the Universal Technical Institute.
“I feel that it is very important that students take this course due to the handson side of it,” Boice said in a press release. “You’re learning something new every time you enter the shop. If there is a student that does not know what they want to do as a career, this class is great to get a feel for what you may want to do later in life.” Garrett Gurnow, another Henry Ford II senior, takes the auto class, as he is a dyno technician for Stellantis. “This class is actually where I started my automotive career, it helped me figure out where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do with my life,” Gurnow said in an email. “I feel like the class would help kids understand the automotive field and get them hands-on in specific chances. This could either help build a later career, or even some general information to keep on saving money.” Henry Ford II senior Sergey Sas enjoys the automotive program’s hands-on learning experience and real-world skills to use outside of school. “It makes me feel proud and grateful that the program received $40,000 in grant funds,” Sas said in an email. “This shows that the district cares and knows the importance of learning how a car works and how to work on one. Having this money helps us get tools and newer technology to make working on cars easier and more fun.” For more information, visit margaret dunningfdn.org.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
Datta from page 3A
on how the rise of artificial intelligence could affect computer science jobs, and his paper is titled “Evaluating the Code Generation Capabilities of Popular Large Language Models for Front-End Web Development using Neighborhood Pixel Similarity.” Front-end web development is the development of the graphical user interface — the part of a website that a user sees and interacts with. His interest in the topic started at the University of Michigan, while he was studying through a generative artificial intelligence program in 2024. “I listened to a panel of Computer Science professors, where a question was asked about the concern about how artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to replace fields in computer science, particularly one of the most popular and demanding fields, Software Engineering,” Datta said in an email. “As an avid coder building softwareengineering projects like my Google Extension WebBarrier, which is now used in 77 countries worldwide, and a current contracted Software Developer at Michiganbased company Disc Replay, I was very in-
trigued about the future of the field that I am currently working in.” Datta began his project over a year ago in his Advanced Placement research class. His first step was to look at the research in the field and conduct over 200 tests with six of the most popular large language models — artificial intelligence tools that generate code. The models include ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, Pixtral, and LLaMa. “My research involves evaluating the code generation capabilities of the six most popular large language models for front-end web development using my new custom algorithm that tests two images’ general similarity called Neighborhood-based Pixel Similarity,” Datta said in an email. “My research question specifically was: Which popular large language model is best capable of replacing front-end web developers based on its performance on overall webpage design translation? After (it was) conducted, I was able to get a ranked list of all six models, using their averaged similarity scores across different experiments and revisions, (and the results) stated that the LLM Claude 3.5-Sonnet was the best with an 84.75% score.” As part of his study, Datta created his own algorithm to evaluate how well LLMs
can generate code. “A feat, usually expected by a collegiate researching student with advanced mathematical notations, complex understanding in image processing and in computer science, took enormous planning, hours of testing, and multiple accounts of trial and error, but ended with a magnificent research paper,” Datta said in a press release. His teachers are not surprised by his accomplishments, as they’ve noted that Datta is considered a hardworking and dedicated student. “I’ve taught Dron in Honors 10, AP Research, and now in AP European history. Dron holds himself to the highest standards of excellence, and his continued success is a hallmark of his dedication, effort, and abilities,” Stevenson teacher Michael MacLeod said in a press release. Datta said his experiences in UCS have been instrumental in his success, particularly his classes with MacLeod and computer science courses offered at the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology with Rebecca Watterson. “The experiences I have had in the UCS district have definitely helped inspire my journey with my studies,” Datta said in a press release.
Datta hopes his research project inspires other UCS students. He also believes his algorithm can make a difference by speeding up website development and allowing companies to more effectively evaluate the AI they use for code generation. “I hope my story and achievements in my early computer science career inspires the next generation of students in this district to continue furthering the STEM fields and generating knowledge that advances society,” Datta said in a press release. STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and math.” He plans to pursue a career in the field of computer science with a goal of becoming a research scientist or professor. “I also plan to work with professors in the future, with more resources and training, to continue on with my study and furthering the field of large language models’ automation in front-end web development,” Datta said in an email. For more information, visit uticak12. org.
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Intersections from page 1A
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 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 intersec-
tion 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, 18 1/2 Mile and the Van Dyke freeway, or M-53. 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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Even on the coldest days, the warmth of community shines at Waltonwood Lakeside Here, you can enjoy the perfect balance of independence and support, with more opportunities to connect, fewer daily responsibilities, and a truly carefree lifestyle. And for those who need a helping hand, assistance is always close by. • Spacious, pet friendly apartments • Life enrichment opportunities and Forever Fit programs • Chef-prepared meals with local flavors
Call and schedule a tour today. 586-532-6200
Independent Living, Licensed Assisted Living & Memory Care 14750 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com
0293-2550
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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“So many people don’t have support and I think all of us need connection.” — Pam VOLUNTEER at the helm After retiring, Pam was looking for things to do to help make her life more meaningful. She now volunteers for The Helm as a Friendly Reassurance Program caller. Pam regularly checks in with homebound seniors to talk about overall well-being and help alleviate feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
Interested in volunteering at The Helm? Scan the QR Code. 313.882.9600 Life’s a journey. Find your way.
visit: helmlife.org 0002-2551