The flex lanes on Interstate 96 in Oakland County are now open.
The Michigan Department of Transportation issued a press release that the I-96 Flex Route, which goes along I-96 between Kent Lake Road and the Interstate 275/In-
terstate 696/M-5 interchange, would open March 19.
“Flex routes make use of the current road infrastructure to address directional congestion (heavy commuter traffic in one direction in the morning, then the other direction in the evening) at a much lower cost than building new lanes and shoulders, as well as widening bridges/ overpasses and purchasing all the needed right of way to make room for such expansion,” MDOT said in the press release.
ABOVE: The flex lane digital display on eastbound Interstate 96 at Novi Road clearly indicates that the lane is closed on Monday, March 17. The I-96 Flex Route was to officially open March 19, after press time.
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
Madeline Gazzarari, of Novi High School, was crowned the Division 1 girls individual bowling state champion for the 2025 season.
The individual state tournament was held Saturday, March 1, See BOWLING on page 7A
with the Michigan High School Athletic Association state champion sign after winning the 2025 individual state title at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park March 1. See FLEX LANES on page 11A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Novi High
Photo provided by Michael Scopone Novi senior Madeline Gazzarari poses
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Record-breaking diver meets with Novi’s previous record holders
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
Novi High School diver Drew Reed broke two records this year that had stood for approximately 20 years and then had the opportunity to meet with the previous record holders.
“It was really cool because, obviously, I love my sport. So, it really shows (that my) hard work over the years has paid off,” Reed said.
Reed, 16, started diving during his freshman year of high school, because he wanted to try something new. He is now a junior.
“I like flipping. I grew up on the trampoline and I was kind of fading away from baseball, so I just wanted to try something new, and I really started to love it,” Reed said. “I love how creative you can be with your dives, and I love always having someone to beat.”
“He’s easily improved more than anybody else in the state this year,” Novi High School dive coach Don Mason said. Mason described Reed as simply a good kid.
Reed said that he was not focused on breaking records this year at all. However, he dove well and ended up breaking both the dual meet (six-dive) and invitational (11-dive) records.
He said he had his own goals that he set for himself this year, but he ended up going above and beyond those goals. Reed said his goal for the six-dive was a score of 250, but he ended up scoring 281.25, which he said ‘blew him away.” In the 11-dive category, he said his goal was 440 points, but he achieved 466 points.
The previous records were set by brothers Steve and Chris Alberty in 2001 and 2006, respectively. Steve Alberty set the previous record with a score of 273.95 and Chris Alberty had held the 11-dive record with a score of 454.55.
Reed scored 281.25 in the six-dive and 466.10 in the 11dive, making him the new record holder for both categories.
“We’ve had a lot of really good divers, so it’s impressive to take down a record,” Mason said.
Reed was so focused on achieving his own goals that he
See DIVER on page 12A
Drew Reed takes a practice dive into the Novi High School pool on Monday, March 17.
‘EMMA JV’ SET TO ROCK NOVI MIDDLE SCHOOL STAGE
LEFT: Emma Woodhouse takes a photo of Harriet Smith while Jane Fairfax looks on during a scene rehearsal for “Emma JV” at the Novi Middle School auditorium March 17.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
Theater students at Novi Middle School are set to rock the stage with a performance of the musical “Emma JV” on Friday, March 21. Set to pop music, “Emma JV” puts a modern day musical spin on the classic Jane Austin novel. The approximately one-hour play takes place in a “preppy” private high school.
“I think ‘Clueless’ from the ’90s is prob-
ably the closest relation to that, I would say,” Director Joe Green said. “It’s a way to take that old story and make it more approachable and make the characters a little bit more understandable and relatable for a younger audience..”
“I really like ‘Emma (JV)’ because it’s very, like, ‘poppy’ and I feel it is not like every other musical,” said Sydney Waananen, a seventh grader at Novi Middle School.
Although the content of the play is geared
See EMMA on page 8A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Husband to serve life without parole for the murder of Novi Schools employee
BY CHARITY MEIER AND BRIAN WELLS cmeier@candgnews.com
bwells@candgnews.com
A Commerce Township man will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 murder of his wife, an employee of the Novi Community School District.
Vincent Vuichard was found guilty of murder by an Oakland County jury on Nov. 26, 2024, for the 2021 killing of his wife, Tatiana Vuichard, 59. On Feb. 25, Judge Jacob James Cunningham sentenced Vuichard to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Tatiana Vuichard’s body was discovered wrapped in a red carpet on the bathroom floor of the home she shared with her husband, after her Novi Community School District colleagues became worried about her when she did not show up for work on May 17, 2021, and contacted law enforcement. Staff, during Vuichard’s preliminary
examination in late 2021 in 52-1 District Court, recalled that he seemed to be stalking his wife and would frequently drive up and down Taft Road and park across the street from where she worked.
“(Tatiana) does not miss work,” said Anne Hansen, Novi Community School District director of early childhood services, during her testimony on Dec. 14, 2021. “She took her job very seriously.”
When Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies knocked on the doors and windows of the Vuichard residence May 17, 2021, Vincent Vuichard eventually answered the door.
Deputy John Jacobs testified that he noticed several scratches on Vincent Vuichard’s face and asked how he got them. Vincent Vuichard replied that he “got into it” with his wife, Jacobs said.
After gaining entry into the residence, Jacobs and another deputy searched the
See MURDER on page 14A
SPRING BUG HUNT COMING UP NEXT MONTH
Living Providence Park earlier this week, are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and are asking former members to join them in singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during their annual spring concert. The concert theme this year is “music brings us together.” The concert will take place at the Novi Middle School auditorium May 10. Former members are asked to reach out to the group via the group’s Facebook or Instagram pages, or send an email to novi.choralaires@gmail.com.
Registration is now open for the annual Friends of the Rouge Spring Bug Hunt, scheduled for April 12. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Schoolcraft College Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia, and then proceed as directed to visit sites throughout the headwaters of the Rouge watershed and search for aquatic invertebrates. The event is scheduled to go until 4 p.m. It is open to those who are 8 and older. For more information or to register, see the QR Code.
ART SCHOLARSHIP
The Art Leaders Gallery is accepting applications from Oakland County high school students for its inaugural Young Artist Scholarship Competition. According to a news release, the competition aims to allow “high school artists to have a chance to display their artwork among internationally acclaimed professional artists.” Students also will be competing for scholarships totaling $2,250.
Applicants can submit up to three pieces of art. The deadline for submission is March 31. For more information, visit artleaders.com/young-artist-juriedexhibition.
Correction:
The photo on page 15A of the March 6 edition of the Novi Note should have said that Stewart Reich, project manager for Kingscott Associates, gives members of the community a tour of Novi High School and rooms they would like to upgrade, including the robotics room.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Bowling
from page 1A
at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park and saw 56 girls from all over Michigan competing for the trophy.
“I worked so hard for all of my life just to get to that point,” Gazzarari said. “You hope to win, but you never know if it’s going to actually be a possibility. … It’s surreal.”
Gazzarari saved her best bowling for the end. She won 430-385 in convincing fashion over Rockford sophomore Sofia DeLuccia.
“The last couple of frames, you knew I would probably come out with the win,” Gazzarari said. “I just really tried to enjoy the last two frames because it was going to be my last in high school as a senior. … I just really wanted to have fun.”
Her path to the championship, however, was not for the faint of heart. Fifty-six bowlers start the day, but after six games, only the top 16 scores qualify for the final bracket. Gazzarari finished in 14th and was just 30 points ahead of Isabellah Asaro, from Lapeer, in 17th.
“I was struggling and I got a little nervous … but that was only (the first) three games, and I knew I still had three (games) left, so you can make anything happen,”
Gazzarari said. “I was real close to the cutline … so waiting for the results was stressful. I couldn’t even eat my pizza.”
In the final bracket, she won her first matchup by a convincing score of 406-242 and then followed that up with a 386-329 victory in round two. Then, in the semifinals, things got stressful again.
“I was down 15 pins (at the end of the
first game), so I got a little more nervous,” Gazzarari said. “But I knew as long as I kept it within a certain range I could just come back with a good game. So that’s what I did, luckily.”
After dropping game one 178-163, Gazzarari took game two 222-176 for a 385354 semifinal win.
never done making health care better.
Photo provided by Michael Scopone
Gazzarari bowls during the state tournament March 1 at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park.
CALENDAR
MARCH 21
Donate blood for research: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Michigan Blood Collection, 46430 Peary Court in Novi, register at bit.ly4bgSt9g, (734) 656-8229
MARCH 21-23
Backyard Pool & Spa Show: 3-8 p.m. March 21, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. March 22 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, suburbancollectionshowplace.com
MARCH 22
Hands-only CPR and AED training: Presented by Novi Fire Department, 1-3 p.m., Faith Community Presbyterian Church, 44400 W. 10 Mile Road in Novi, RSVP required, (248) 349-2345, faithnovioffice@gmail.com
MARCH 25
Widowed Friends movie and lunch: Show and times TBD, Phoenix Theatres at Laurel Park Place, 17310 N. Laurel Park Drive in Livonia, and Archie’s Tavern, 37714 Six Mile Road in Livionia, RSVP to Peggy at (734) 744-5580
MARCH 28-29
Handcrafters Markets: Craft fair celebrating 46th year, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 28 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 29, Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Livonia Novi, 19525 Victor Parkway in Livonia, hcshows.com, info@mercmarketing.com
MARCH 28-30
The Novi Home and Garden Show: Noon-7 p.m. March 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 29 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 30, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., suburbancollectionshowplace.com
MARCH 29
The Red Event: Hosted by Tatiana Gutsu’s Empowerment Zone, features women sharing stories about overcoming challenges and achieving dreams, guest speakers include authors, athletes, self-help experts and more with 8-time Olympic gymnast Oksana Chusovitina as headliner, 5-11 p.m., The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel, 27790 Novi Road in Novi, tatianaggutsu.com
APRIL 1
Livonia/Canton/Northville Spring Senior Expo:
Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free admission, health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia, register at www. seniorexpousa.com for chance to win gift card and more
ONGOING
Simple Suppers: Meals during Lent include grilled cheese, meatless soup and cheese pizza only (no fish), 5:30-6:45 p.m. Fridays until April 11, St. James Catholic Church, 46325 10 Mile Road in Novi, free-will donations support different charity each date, (248) 347-7778, stjamesnovi.org/simple-suppers-lent
Fish fries: Also pierogi, pizza and macaroni and cheese, 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays until April 11 and 3:30-7 p.m. April 18 (Good Friday), Monaghan Banquet Center, 19801 Farmington Road in Livonia, dine in, also call (248) 476-8383 for carry out starting at 4:30 p.m.
Bowling
from page 7A
Not too many people can say that they won a state title in the last game they ever played at the high school level, but Gazzarari can.
“I get the win and everyone’s coming up to me and hugging me and congratulating me,” Gazzarari said. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”
This story is also one of redemption. Two seasons ago, when Gazzarari was a sophomore, she was just a few pins away from possibly becoming state champion that season. Now, she gets to put that behind her and call herself a champion.
“Two years ago she came in third place,” Novi bowling head coach Michael Scopone said. “She threw a good shot that got a bad break. She easily could’ve been a two-time Division 1 champion.”
In her post high school career, the 2025 state champion is expected to bowl for a Division I collegiate program. At press time, she hadn’t made a decision yet, but she will be a big-name addition wherever she ends up.
“I don’t see any reason why she wouldn’t start on any varsity women’s team
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
in the country,” Scopone said. “She’s very well sought after. You got all kinds of people beating her door down.”
Novi bowling has taken strides forward over the last couple of seasons. Scopone is family friends with Gazzarari, and her uncle and grandfather help coach the team.
“I know she was stressed out, but I think me and her uncle were just as stressed watching,” Scopone said. “I thought her uncle was going to wear a hole in the carpet.”
Ultimately, the mark that Gazzarari will leave on Novi bowling is permanent. A state champion and a well-known bowler of her caliber doesn’t come along very often, and she’ll be remembered in program history.
“I’ve been coaching for eight years, and I’ve taken four girls to the (state tournament),” Scopone said. “She’s the first one that’s cashed out at the top. … She’s going to be missed big time.”
Gazzarari is a fixture in the school now and will be celebrated communitywide. All of her praise is well earned.
“She’s a phenomenal bowler and a nice kid — very humble,” Scopone said. “We’re very proud. I’m very proud of her.”
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
from page 3A
toward middle schoolers, Green said the play offers something for everybody.
“It’s got silly slapstick humor for the younger audience. It’s got the music and the references that I think maybe only the students’ parents might get, but the content itself is definitely kind of teenager relatable,” Green said.
Green said the show has a bunch of themes throughout the production, but essentially it is about self-discovery and being in touch with your own feelings.
“I think that is one of the big things especially when it comes to who you love, or in this case since we’re doing a middle school show, who you like,” Green said. “I think it’s all about staying true to who you are and what you want.”
Sydney said the show is “pretty inspiring” and helps people, especially teenag-
ers, go through “tough times,” such as ‘boy troubles.”
Green said he chose to have the kids perform “Emma JV” because it is a jukebox musical that features all recognizable pop songs. The play features songs from Whiteny Houston, Katy Perry, Cyndi Lauper and many more.
“It’s got all kinds of recognizable songs that some of them, the kids, didn’t know, but I’m sure their parents will love to hear their kids singing,” Green said.
There are some reflective moments in the play, Green said. He spoke of one during the song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which he said speaks to a larger message of girl empowerment. At other times, he said, you just want to get up and dance.
“The show itself is just one that you want to bop your head to,” Green said. “I know some musicals can be kind of unapproachable to a general audience, but this one is all music that you know the words to
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
Christina Moeller | (586) 498-1091 | cmoeller@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
FUN AND GAMES
ABOVE: Moms do the chicken dance with their sons during Mom/Son Game Night March 7 at the Novi Civic Center. BELOW: Moms play Connect Four with their sons.
As a thank you for attending our event we will provide you and your guests the opportunity for FREE Power of Attorney and Healthcare Advocacy documents.
ABOVE: Kimmy Odtohan, right, and her son, Evan Odtohan, 7, of Livonia, play Jenga. BELOW: Mothers and their sons were able to enjoy a variety of games together during the event.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
simulates the oxygen level at 5,000 feet above sea level.
A RACE TO THE FINISH LINE
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
The first race for many runners, the 5K, is a tangible goal for just about anyone, if you commit to the proper training.
Because the 5K is one of the shortest race distances — at 3.1 miles — many say it’s a great choice for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
“Running a 5K is not an easy task — it’s achievable, but it’s not an easy task,” said Brian Gibes, personal training director for Champion Health Club.
The first, and arguably the most crucial, step is to make sure you have the proper footwear — including comfortable socks and a new, well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes.
“Running is very violent. It’s a lot of impact, so the proper footwear is important,” Gibes explained. “You lose that shock absorption with shoes that are two, three, four or more years old.”
Shock-absorbing shoes are important because they help reduce the impact of each step on your body, preventing injuries and limiting the amount of force on your joints, bones and muscles.
To provide the best fit for your feet, Christine Utter, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach at YMCA Farmington Hills, recommends getting fitted for shoes at a running store.
Utter, who has trained many runners over the years, has competed in many races herself, including 5Ks, marathons, and her longest, a 50K.
She says it’s important to train for the race in your new shoes to help break them in.
“Wear the same gear you will wear on race day just to make sure there is no chafing or rubbing or anything that will be agonizing at the end,” she shared.
To conquer your first 3.1-mile race, you need to commit to at least a two- to three-month training program with a mix of
Jev Gasso, a trainer at Champion Health Club in St. Clair Shores, keeps track of Justin Gentner as he runs on a treadmill. Gentner is in training for the U.S. Border Patrol. He is wearing a mask that
Gasso recommends high intensity treadmill and cardio exercises for runners.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Flex lanes
The I-96 Flex Route is designed to help maintain traffic flow during peak hours and increase road safety and efficiency by opening an additional lane that at other times of the day serves as the left shoulder.
The additional lanes will be open on eastbound I-96 for the morning rush hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and on westbound I-96 they will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. to handle the evening rush. The lanes will also be open as deemed necessary to allow traffic to move smoothly when there is a traffic crash.
The flex lane can only be used when electronic signs above the lane display a green arrow. When the signs display a red X, motorists may not use the flex lane.
Novi Mayor Justin Fischer said that the I-96 Flex Route area definitely saw a lot of congestion during peak times over the years.
Novi police officer Anthony Avant, who is specially certified in traffic policing, said that the city has seen a lot of highway traffic spill onto the city roads as a result of various situations.
“Sometimes, depending on if it’s rush hour, you’ll get the backups — morning rush hour, evening, if there is a traffic crash on the freeway or if multiple lanes are closed, you get the traffic backup (onto city roads),” Avant said.
“I’m hoping that they (flex lanes) will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for area residents during peak hours,” Fischer said.
Avant said he thinks it will help the city to better manage event traffic, especially traffic going to and from the Suburban Collection Showplace, and especially during the biannual Motor City Comic Con and the Michigan State Fair, which he said generally cause a lot of traffic backups.
“I think it will be helpful when we have the big events here,” Avant said. ‘Coming in May, we have the (Motor City) Comic Con, it’s usually in mid-May (May 16-18 this year) one of the weekends, and it draws a lot of people, and generally the traffic backs up on the freeway and even onto the mile roads here in the city. So, I think that will be helpful in terms of people who are not attending the event, who are just using the freeway to go from point A to point B. It will be helpful to those people to just have the flex lane open, that way they don’t get caught up in the event traffic and continue on to whatever destination they are headed.”
He said that the ability to have the flex lanes open during weekend events is something the local police will have to coordinate with the Michigan State Police and MDOT.
Suggested speed limits will also be posted on electronic signs in the I-96 Flex Route in an effort to reduce the number of crashes and to slow traffic before it reaches a congested area.
“We’ve already seen some benefits since the major construction has been complete, but
we’re excited that the flex lanes will finally be operational so that the full capacity of this project will be seen,” Fischer said.
Flex routes are monitored by MDOT’S Transportation Operations Centers, which are manned at all times by both MDOT and Michigan State Police dispatchers. This allows the agencies to share resources and information.
“The agencies share resources and information by monitoring traffic sensors, distress calls and video feeds from closed-circuit TV cameras,” the MDOT press release states. “Not only do overhead signs indicate when the flex lanes are open, but they also allow TOC operators to direct traffic around incidents that block a lane.”
The ramp meters, another feature of the I-96 Flex Route, will be activated soon, according to the press release. ·
Ramp meters are traffic signals that have been placed where vehicles merge with freeway traffic. This will allow MDOT to better manage the flow of traffic entering the freeway during periods of heavy congestion, the release states.
When activated, drivers will only enter the freeway when the light is green. According to the release, this helps reduce stop-and-go traffic as well as crashes, thus improving traffic flow.
Avant said that there is a potential for the ramp delays to cause a backup of traffic onto main roads depending on the time of day, but the sensors have to determine when the cars can safely merge and to what extent they can safely remain red before cycling green.
“It’s all a new system and MDOT and the state police will pretty much be responsible with their sensors to determine if the lights need to be cycled sooner or slower, or they just have to wait to see,” he said. “I guess that’s something that I guess they’ll monitor and make adjustments accordingly. Like I said, this is all new, so there are going to be adjustments and once it’s up and running, it will need to be reevaluated, tweak it up a little bit here and there to accommodate the traffic flow and most importantly reduce crashes.”
He emphasized that while he hopes it goes as smoothly as possible, he knows there will be some issues as that is just “the nature of the beast” when dealing with traffic and something new. Avant said that motorists are used to just going, not having to stop for a light before merging onto the highway. He said they may see a light there and have no idea what to do.
“We just have to monitor it and be a work in motion, you know,” Avant said.
This is the second Flex Route that has been built in Michigan. The first one was constructed along U.S. 23 between M-14 and M-36 in Livingston and Washtenaw counties. MDOT is currently working to extend that Flex Route north all the way to I-96.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Visual Impairment and Computer Use
Q.
Dear Dr. Jacobi, I spent my career in IT work and had always enjoyed using my computer and tablet. However, since I had developed macular degeneration, I’m no longer able to use any of my electronics. I can barely use my smart phone by holding it a couple of inches from my face. Would you be able to return me to using these devices and help me indulge my favorite hobby? I’m tired of having to hold a magnifer up to my screens.
Frank- 77 years old
Frank, I am confdent there is much I can do to restore you to computer use. Before seeing me, many of my patients have had to use handheld magnifers to see detail on their computer screens. However, their hands and arms tire. It becomes extremely diffcult for patients to use a handheld magnifer when they have tremors.
A.
Though increasing the print size on the computer screen can be helpful, it can interfere with the speed of reading and orientation on the screen. However, telescopic devices mounted into a pair of spectacles allow a balance between spotting details and seeing the entire screen.
In addition, having magnifcation built into a pair of glasses will allow you to have your hands free to use the keyboard or use a touch screen. The telescopic glasses also allow you to switch between several screens, including your smart phone. These devices will also facilitate doing any writing while you are computing.
It is extremely important that the low vision doctor understands at what distance from the screen the patient is positioned. I have found over the years that some patients like to “sink” into the screen and some like to sit back and survey the “terrain”. The telescopes can be prescribed to address these preferences.
The frst step is to evaluate the level of your vision and then prescribe accordingly. I have helped thousands of patients with your very specifc goal. Bring your smart phone, computer tablet and hope to the appointment. I assure you I will take care of the rest.
John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS
Diver
never knew he achieved the records until well after the competitions.
“I knew I was on pace for the record, but I was trying not to think about it just to stay focused,” he said.
He found out he had set the 11-dive record several weeks later when he received an email questionnaire from George Sipple, the school district’s supervisor of communications and community engagement, for a podcast Reed was to do with Superintendent Ben Mainka. Sipple was under the impression that Reed had already been informed, because he originally was going to have Mainka tell Reed during the school’s podcast, but when a school cancellation delayed the podcast for two weeks, they presumed that Reed had been told of the record by then. He has since broken his own 11-dive record.
“It was cool. It kind of surprised me a little bit,” Reed said.
Reed said that although Olympic diving could one day be a dream of his, right now he is hoping to get a scholarship to college for diving. He said he wants to study aviation in college.
Mason said that the swim coach had the idea to have Reed meet brothers Mike, Chris and Steve Alberty and arranged the surprise.
“It was just a nice thing,” Mason said. “It was a chance for them to relive some of their memories of their time at Novi. … It’s nice to see the history that’s part of
it, and he appreciated them and they appreciated him. It was just really nice to see.”
The Alberty brothers came to one of Reed’s practices to congratulate him and shared their dive stories.
“It was cool to see how diving impacts his (Chris Alberty’s) life, because he went to college for it,” Reed said.
Chris Alberty offered Reed advice on the recruiting process and encouraged him that he could go far in the sport.
“All 3 of the Alberty brothers, Mike, Steve and myself, who individually held a Novi Diving record at one point, are very happy for Drew,” Chris Alberty said in a text message. “We recently met Drew (at) the pool to congratulate him. It’s good to know that Novi Diving is alive and well. Records are made to be broken and Drew is in very good hands with Coach Don Mason, like we were with Coach Larry Tehan! Go Wildcats!”
Outside of people he has met in the sport through the school, Reed said he draws a lot of inspiration from the diving career of Greg Louganis.
“A lot of his stories inspired me, especially his 1988 Olympics where he hit his head on the board and won gold the next day. I kind of learned a lot from his diving career — just to try and keep my head up and not dwell on previous mistakes,” Reed said.
Reed came in fourth at the state competition on March 15, which earned him all-state honors. He said his goal now is to just keep getting better.
He said he would advise aspiring divers to just stop being scared and be open to trying new things.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
IRISH TAVERN
Photo provided by Don Mason
The Alberty brothers pose for a picture under the record board, showing their record scores, on Feb. 15, before the board was changed to reflect Drew Reed as the new record holder.
CRIME WATCH
Man charged with drunken driving after illegal turn in front of police
Officers patrolling the area of Eight Mile and Haggerty roads at 12:16 a.m. March 7 were waiting at the light on northbound Haggerty Road at Eight Mile Road when a Jeep made a right turn on a red light, without stopping, at an intersection where it is prohibited to turn right on a red light. The
Murder
from page 5A
home. During the search, the other deputy inquired as to what was wrapped up in a red carpet on the bathroom floor.
“That’s my wife,” Vincent Vuichard responded, according to Jacobs’ preliminary examination testimony.
Jacobs then carefully removed the red carpet and a series of trash bags to find the body of Tatiana Vuichard.
“It was very small, tightly wrapped in this red blanket. … It wasn’t a long, stretchedout body, this was literally a bundle, a very small bundle,” Jacobs said in 2021.
Contract medical examiner Patrick Cho, said the cause of death was slashing wounds on her neck. According to Cho, Tatiana Vuichard would not have lived longer than a minute with those types of wounds, due to extreme blood loss and lack of oxygen to the brain. She also had wounds on her head and shoulders along with her hands. Cho said the wounds on her hands appeared to be defensive wounds.
Vincent Vuichard has been transferred to the Michigan Department of Corrections where he will remain for the rest of his natural life.
“I commend Judge Cunningham for appropriately punishing the perpetrator of this heinous crime,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a prepared statement. “There is never a justification for committing such an atrocity against another person, particularly one with whom one has previously claimed a loving relationship.”
“Tatiana Vuichard was a loving mother and grandmother. Her brutal murder was a tragedy felt by her family and many in the Novi community,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald said in a prepared statement. “The jury’s verdict was consistent with the facts presented in this case. The sentence of life without parole for Vincent Vuichard fits the severity of the crime.”
officers pulled over the vehicle as it neared the entrance ramp for Interstate 275 from Eight Mile. The officers noticed a smell of alcohol as soon as the driver and his passenger rolled down the windows, according to the police report. The driver also had bloodshot eyes, according to the report.
The driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated and was later released after a brief detox period. As the driver was a Mexican national, he was offered the opportunity to have the consulate notified of his arrest, but he declined.
— Charity Meier
District Court in Novi Dec. 14, 2021.
An appeal has been filed on Vincent Vuichard’s behalf by his attorney, Judith Gracey, of Gracey Law Firm in Keego Harbor.
Gracey declined to comment on both the sentencing and the appeal.
“I don’t have anything to comment,” Gracey said.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office did not respond to the Novi Note’s request for comment by press time.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Call Stff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
File photo by Brian Wells
Vincent Vuichard stands prior to his preliminary examination in the 52-1
from page 10A
stretching, strength training, cardiovascular exercise and rest days.
“It’s going to take a little bit of preparation, some focus, discipline, and that includes nutrition, hydration, proper footwear, and strength training. It’s really surrounding yourself with a support system and a good coach,” Gibes said.
An important piece of your routine is to start your workout — your practice run, your race run, or any strength training that you’re doing — with dynamic stretching.
“Dynamic stretching is a moving stretch where you are swinging your legs, running with high knees, or doing hamstring curls, also known as butt kicks,” Utter explained.
For the best results, racers should also commit to strength training two to three times a week, ideally with a personal trainer to oversee proper exercises and form.
“You should do strength training two, three times a week focusing on the lower body, since legs are used in the running — especially calves, which I think are most overlooked, but are important for stability, propulsion and speed on runs. You also need
to include upper body and core strength, because it affects your posture, your balance and your form,” Utter said.
In between strength training days, you can mix up easy runs, long runs and interval runs. There are many good running apps to help you train, including the classic, Couch Potato to 5K.
“These will give you increments, increasing the intensity to help you build your endurance, so following a program like that, you can go from a coach potato to a 5K in just a couple of months, if you follow the app,” said Utter. “And make sure you get a rest day or two in there as well. Rest is just as important. Your body has to recover.”
Following this plan — paired with the proper nutrition and hydration — you will gradually build up your cardiovascular and muscular endurance enough to conquer race day.
“You just need to take a couple of months to get your body accustomed to the endurance that’s needed to do the 5K, and strength training as well, to make sure you have proper form and don’t injure yourself,” said Utter.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
In Memory of
Wilbur C. Bigelow
Bigelow, Wilbur Charles, of Novi, died on March 7th afer a brief illness. Te son of Harry and Eva (Lutes) Bigelow, he was born in Bowman’s Creek, Pennsylvania, in 1923. He received a B.S. degree in Agricultural and Biological Chemistry from the Pennsylvania State College in 1944, then spent the next two years as an Ensign in the U. S. Naval Reserve, stationed at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. In 1946 he entered the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School, where he received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1952. In 1955 he joined the faculty of the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering as an Assistant Professor, and was promoted to Professor in 1962. From 1967 until his retirement in 1993, he served as Program Advisor for undergraduate students in Materials Engineering. His principal technical interests were in electron microscopy and electron microbeam analysis. He was instrumental in acquiring U-M's frst electron microprobe analyzer, scanning electron microscope, and analytical transmission electron microscope, which were housed in the Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory, a facility he founded in 1968 and directed until 1987. He was a member of the Electron Microscopy Society of America throughout his career, serving as President in 1969. He is the author or co-author of more than 75 journal articles, and author of Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy (1994). Afer retiring he served as a consultant to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and to several companies and universities. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Carlene (Friedley), son, Douglas, and brothers Charles and Merl. He is survived by his son, Andrew (Debby) Bigelow of Novi, Michigan, granddaughters Natalie and Alena Bigelow, and sister Louise Devine. Memorial contributions can be made to the Michigan Materials Society (MMS) - 935830 at giving.umich.edu, or Brighton Hospice, 26075 Woodward Ave, Suite 300, Huntington Woods MI 48070.
0162-2512
and you could sing along, but also we have some of our own fun twists on it.”
Green said the way the middle school theater program is designed, the eighth grade students who participated the year prior are able to utilize the skills they learned and take more of a leadership role in the production, including operating the equipment, organizing the tech teams, and the design as well. He said that this year the kids are “profoundly competent” in design.
“It is almost completely student designed. I really just bring the expertise and the knowledge, but I let the kids really make the show themselves,” Green said.
Sydney portrays Jane Fairfax in the play. This is her first middle school production, but she has performed in 14 other productions outside of school. She said she is enjoying being a part of the Novi Middle School theater group because the kids have so much “freedom” to express themselves and make the play their own, compared to community theater productions.
“It feels like the students have more freedom at Novi Middle School,” Sydney said.
Costume designer BiSao Pham, a seventh grader, agreed that the students have a lot of freedom with this production.
“In past plays that I’ve worked on, we usually assign costumes, but this one we interviewed people to see what they want to wear instead of forcing them to wear a specific thing,” BiSao said.
BiSao sketched out the costumes. She said that they use neon pink and yellow, along with scion blue as the school color scheme because it is the traditional color scheme of “Emma JV.”
Green said that theater not only gives students confidence to perform in front of people, but it offers them a safe place to go where they know that they won’t be ridiculed for being different.
“I think a lot of kids really appreciate having a safe place to play pretend, essentially,” Green said.
Ronak Sharma, an eighth grade student, portrays Jeff Knightley, a “quirky, singing character.” He said he participated in the tech side of theater last school year but decided he wanted to give the stage a try this year. He said watching his peers on stage last year inspired him to do so. He participated in the school’s production of “The Hobbit” last year and said it was so much fun that he decided to try for a role in “Emma JV”
“The best part of theater is just acting and getting a laugh (out of people),” he said. “Whenever I get a laugh, it urges me to keep going on and keep trying my best.”
Ronak said they have worked really hard on the show and urges people to come see it. He said he thinks it will give people a “good laugh,” as there is a lot of humor in it.
Novi Middle School will present “Emma JV” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the school’s main office prior to showtime or at the door.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Ronak Sharma performs as Jeff Knightley during a rehearsal of “Emma JV” March 17.
AUCTION
AROUND MICHIGAN
Price Online Auction! 1985 Dodge Ram 150, trailer, tools, collectables, vintage violins and more. Bidding closes March 20. See other weekly auctions at Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com. Catalogs online. Need an auction? Call 1-800-835-0495.
March Online Consignment Auction #2! 500+ lots: power/ hand tools, rec equipment, CBs, bikes, coins, currency, collectibles and much more. Bids close March 24. To bid, see other auctions visit NarhiAuctions.com, 810-266-6474.
BUILDINGS
POLE BARNS We build ALL year long!
BUILT BEST BARNS IN A RUSH? CALL US!!!! Best Quality, Best Service, Now In Our 25TH Year! Over 4,000 Buildings In Michigan Call for QUOTES License/ Insured 989-205-2534
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS Statewide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi. com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989600-1010 or 989-324-0035.
BUSINESS SERVICES METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.
Published: March 19, 2025
MATTRESSES
Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan.com. 989923-1278
MISCELLANEOUS
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855922-0420 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Ofer – 50% of installation + Additional 10% of install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-888-718-1856
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% of Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-369-2501
Manufacturing Engineer, Warren, MI - Req: BS/forgn equi deg in ME, IE, or a rel fd & 2 yrs’ exp. in conducting eng’g analysis, designing & testing prototypes, developing & optimizing mftg. Processes, & supporting symt integration & testing within mftg. Ind. CV: HR, Kwang Jin America, Inc., 6400 E 11 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48091. 0369-2512
Quality Engineer, Warren, MIReq: BS/forgn equi deg in IE, Material Sci & Eng’g, or a rel fd & must have demonstrated kwldg of prod. Planning, process enhancement, & QC for automotive parts mftg thru exp or internship program. CV: HR, Kwang Jin America, Inc., 6400 E 11 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48091. 0413-2512
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER FITNESS ROOM ATTENDANT
Permanent part-time Fitness Room Attendant position $15.00 hourly (20 Hours maximum per week) no benefts. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, March 28, 2025. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on Employment.
