Proposed budget shows ‘fairly significant increase’
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — As Sterling Heights nears the end of its financial calendar, officials and council members have already been discussing and proposing a bud-
get for the next fiscal year.
According to a press release sent from the city March 28, the proposed budget totals $318 million. The proposed millage
rate is 17.5323 mills, which the press release states “continues to be lower than most cities in Michigan and is one of the lowest in Macomb County.”
However, the proposed budget itself has a “fairly significant increase” over last year’s proposed budget, according to Mayor Michael Taylor.
“There’s a fairly significant increase if you just look at the numbers compared to
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — In the basement of the First United Methodist Church in Troy, a group of about 20 seniors — some in their 90s — sang to a digital recording of works from the musical “9 to 5.”
As the music played, they practiced choreography and used their hands and voices to show emotion.
ABOVE: A member of the Heart of the Hills Players holds a song book for the musical “9 to
Rapper now faces drug charge after pleading in traffic case
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Detroitarea rapper who recently pleaded guilty to charges related to a traffic case in Sterling Heights was reportedly later arrested on a felony drug charge.
Casada Sorrell, 32, of Detroit, also known as Sada Baby, was reportedly arrested April 8 by Shelby Township police. He is now facing one charge of possession of a controlled substance (narcotic/cocaine) less than 25 grams, a four-year felony. An arrest warrant was filed April 3, according to 41-A District Court records.
The charges stem from a traffic stop on Jan. 9, when he was pulled over by a Sterling
Heights police officer after he was spotted driving with tinted windows. According to a press release from the Sterling Heights Police Department, it was determined he had a valid warrant for driving without a license after the officer ran the plates on his truck.
The press release also stated that, while Sorrell was being placed under arrest, officers spotted possible illegal contraband, which was taken and secured as evidence.
On March 28, Sorrell pleaded guilty to one count of failing to display a license, according to court records, which was reduced from the initial charge of driving while unlicensed.
Court records show Sorrell had a warrant filed in 2023 for driving while unlicensed — first offense, a misdemeanor pun-
ishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Failing to display a license is a lesser misdemeanor than driving without a license.
Several days after the arrest, Sorrell took to social media to say he felt he had been profiled by the police.
“My truck got profiled because of where I was at the time of night,” he said in the video.
Sorrell was arraigned and released on a personal bond April 9. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference at 1 p.m. April 21 and an exam hearing at 1 p.m. April 28 in front of 41-A District Court Judge Eric Shepherd.
His attorney, Wright Blake, declined to comment on the case.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
DNR ‘Hunters Feeding Michigan’ program assists those in need
STERLING HEIGHTS BUSINESS LENDS HAND
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A Department of Natural Resources program is aiming to expand and provide more for those in need.
The DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program allows hunters to donate their harvest at select processing locations throughout the state. The DNR is
contracting the Food Bank Council of Michigan to facilitate the program. The council links up donors, wild game processors and charities.
“It’s a privilege to work side by side with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to grow the Hunters Feeding Michigan program and to help channel venison donated by hunters to local food agencies throughout the state,” Joe Presgrove, DNR Hunters Feeding
See HUNTERS on page 15A
Academic
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Four Sterling Heights students are on their way to college after being awarded scholarships through the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Caddie scholarship program.
The Chick Evans Caddie scholarship program is a full, fouryear housing and tuition college scholarship awarded to students who work as golf caddies and have earned their rewards. This year’s students were awarded scholarships Jan. 8 at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills.
A total of 36 Michigan high school seniors have been awarded the Chick Evans scholarship, and four of them are from Sterling Heights: Olivia Allen, who attends Stevenson High School; Humam Hassoo, who attends Sterling Heights Senior High School; Thomas Jamil, who attends University of Detroit Jesuit High School; and Nathan Klein, who attends Cousino High School. Attempts to obtain a photo of Jamil were unsuccessful.
The scholarship recipients all have varied college plans. Allen, for instance, will attend Michigan State University. She plans to pursue a business-related major while exploring other options. She is a caddy at Lochmoor Club, located in Grosse Pointe Woods.
“When I first learned that I was named a scholarship recipient, I was absolutely thrilled and also relieved,” Allen said via email. “I had been really nervous waiting for the news, so it was an amazing feeling to open the letter and know that all of my hard work had paid off.”
A caddie’s responsibilities include assisting the members throughout their round of golf by managing their golf bags, provid-
Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunters Feeding Michigan program allows hunters to donate their harvest to those in need. In this photo, packages of frozen venison await distribution.
Allen Hassoo Klein
NEWS & NOTES
Local credit union honored
STERLING HEIGHTS — Christian Financial Credit Union, based in Sterling Heights, was among 180 credit unions nationwide named as winners of the prestigious Diamond Award through the Marketing, PR and Development Council of the America’s Credit Unions organization.
Christian Financial Credit Union received a “Category’s Best” award in the ongoing event category for their Autumn Apple Giveback event last fall, which contributed over 3,500 apples to the neighboring community, donated 500 hours of community service and contributed $5,000 to area nonprofits.
The awards recognized the best marketing campaigns in the credit union industry from the past year. Credit unions, advertising agencies, and associations submitted 1,400 submissions for the prestigious awards. The awards were presented March 25 at the Marketing, PR & Development Council Conference in Austin, Texas. Winners were from 42 states.
Salvation Army moves to new location
STERLING HEIGHTS — Thrifters take notice: The Salvation Army is reopening its Sterling Heights store at a new location.
The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center’s new store will be at 37600 Van Dyke Ave.
The grand reopening will kick off with a celebration on April 25. Doors will open at 9 a.m. at the location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A press release from the Salvation Army states that the new store will be fully stocked with “new and gently used” items. The new store will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those making donations can do so from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Prior to the opening, the 35170 Dodge Park location will stay open until April 24. The release states that the former location will place items on clearance, excluding mattresses, “until the sales floor is cleared.”
“The new Sterling Heights Thrift Store will offer untouched merchandise and updated building fixtures in a more central location,” Envoy Jacqulynn Idzior, administrator for The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center, said in the release. “We look forward to welcoming the community back to the store they know and love in an upgraded space for an enhanced thrifting experience.”
Time to ‘SHINE’
sought
STERLING HEIGHTS — City officials are looking for residents to help honor the legacy of Rosie the Riveter and other women who paved the way by walking in the Sterling Heights Memorial Day parade beginning at 10 a.m. May 26. For more information, call Sterling Heights Community Relations at (586) 446-2470.
STERLING HEIGHTS — First Church Sterling Heights will host its Spring SHINE Day at 9:30 a.m. May 3. There is opportunity for students, friends, family and coworkers to become involved with the community by helping out neighbors with property maintenance. It is the intent to assist neighbors who are unable to do the work because of age, physical disabilities, or financial hardship. The church is located at 39400 Dequindre Road. Those interested in volunteering should email cityhall@sterlingheights.gov or call (586) 446-2476.
Community garden in Nelson Park grand opening May 1
STERLING HEIGHTS — The grand opening of the new Community Garden in Nelson Park will be held from 6-8 p.m. May 1. Visitors will get a first look at improvements made to the park, including the community garden, the children’s garden, butterfly conservatory and more. The park is located at 2775 15 Mile Road.
Festival of the Arts highlights student artwork
WARREN — Warren Consolidated Schools is hosting its annual Festival of the Arts April 21 through May 16 at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave. The show is open to the public and features approximately 400 pieces of artwork created by students in early childhood classes through 12th grade. District officials will host special awards ceremonies May 8 at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm for elementary students and at 7:30 p.m. for secondary students.
Scholarships available for high school seniors
METRO DETROIT — The Sparkle Network, a local nonprofit organization that offers many programs, is accepting applications until April 26 for its Dream, Believe and Do scholarship awards. Sparkle Network founder Moe Lietz, a 1992 Romeo High School graduate is seeking applicants who are high school Class of 2025 seniors who reside in Oakland or Macomb counties and have completed a minimum of 40 hours of documented community service. Students who apply must have a dream they fully believe in and can explain how and what they will do to make that dream happen. To apply, log onto sparklenetwork.org and scroll down to the Dream, Believe and Do link. For more information, call (248) 840-8136.
Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).
Scholarships
from page 3A
ing yardage information, maintaining the pace of play, and building relationships with the members.
Evans was a top amateur golfer who won both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur in 1916. The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Golf, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans scholarship program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. Founded in 1899, the WGA conducts championships for professional and amateur golfers and promotes the use of caddies. The association was established by 11 Chicago-area golf clubs for the purpose of hosting tournaments.
Evans scholars are chosen based on their caddie record, academics, character and financial need. The scholarship is valued at more than $80,000 over four years. Selected students attend a university where the foundation owns and operates an Evans Scholarship House, including MSU and the University of Michigan.
Scholarship funds come primarily from contributions from 26,000 golfers nationwide, who are members of the Evans Scholars Par Club. Evans scholars alumni donate more than $8 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the third of four PGA Tour playoff events in the FedEx Cup competition, are donated to the Evans Scholars Foundation. Evans scholars are expected to achieve above a 3.0 GPA. The program average is a 3.25 GPA, and the absolute minimum to stay in good standing is a 2.5 GPA.
“These young leaders are remarkable students and caddies, and we look forward to watching their success in the classroom and beyond,” WGA Director and Michigan State Chair Mark Bond said in a prepared statement. “As we continue our youth caddie efforts throughout Michigan, we hope to introduce even more young people to this life-changing opportunity.”
For more information about the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation, visit wgaesf.org.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Your Peace of Mind
isMyBusiness
Theater
from page 1A
The group of seniors come together several times a year to put on performances and sing at senior centers. They are the Heart of the Hills Players, and there’s only one requirement to join.
“The only requirement is that you’re age 50,” said Alison Boggs, who is currently directing the play.
Boggs has been with the group for several years, but like many others, she’s been acting most of her life. She was asked to direct “9 to 5” because she had been in it before with a different theater group.
Boggs said being part of the Heart of the Hills Players gives the seniors an opportunity to be cast in roles that would generally go to younger actors.
“Some people in this group have never done theater before. Some people have worked with other groups, but you get to a certain age, and it’s kind of hard to get cast in some shows,” Boggs said. “So this gives people an opportunity at an older age to play some roles that they never thought they’d be able to play, because they’ve aged out of the roles.”
One of the members of the group is playing a 16-year-old who just got their driver’s license.
Dan Lambrix, who is playing the lead male char-
acter, said he decided to join the group because it gets him out of the house.
Lambrix is in his first year with the group, but said he did his first show in 1978.
Diana Schreiber, who is also one of the leads in the show, said she decided to join the group when she retired.
“I was just retired, and I wanted to get into the theater arts — singing, acting, and this was perfect for me,” she said.
Schreiber has also participated in a number of local groups before joining the Heart of the Hills Players 17 years ago.
“I get so much satisfaction, and it keeps me young and keeps me active,” she said.
Because of the age of the players, they sometimes face challenges that those in other theater groups wouldn’t, such as physical limitations or illness, Boggs said. Schreiber added that memory problems can also pose a challenge to the group.
“As you get older, it’s your memory,” she said. “I have to work harder on lines and lyrics, but I love it because it keeps my mind sharp.”
But despite the challenges, Boggs said the group always gives it their best.
“They’re wonderful people with hearts of gold,”
See THEATER on page 7A
We’re never done making health care better.
TOP: Alison Boggs, center, watches members of the Heart of the Hills Players rehearse on April 9 in Troy. BOTTOM: Alison Boggs, right, gives direction to members during a rehearsal. Photos by Brian Wells
Theater from page 6A
Boggs said. “They try really hard.”
All three of the performers said the group has also helped them find community.
“It’s almost like a little family, like a second family, because they’re a tight-knit group,” Lambrix said. “And they’re really nice people.”
The Heart of the Hills Players will perform the musical “9 to 5” at 7 p.m. April 25 and April 26 and 2 p.m. April 27 at Anita’s Elite Dance Studio, 37360 Van Dyke Ave., in Sterling Heights. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased online at hohplayers.org/ tickets.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Dan Lambrix, right, holds a pose as the Heart of the Hills Players rehearse the finale of their upcoming performance.
Photo by Brian Wells
ADVANCE PREP KEY TO AVOIDING PROBATE AT WORST POSSIBLE TIME
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The last thing that a family wants amidst the passing of a loved one is to wind up in court. Figuring out how to share an estate is expensive, time-consuming, and complicated for many and probate court can lead to drama within a family unless the right steps are taken.
The most important step anyone can take to avoid probate court is to simply be prepared. It may sound fairly obvious, but making sure you have a will, trust, or some form of legal document involving your assets can go a long way in avoiding family tension.
“I’ve been practicing law for over 40 years. The best way to avoid the probate court is to prepare,” attorney Randall Shepard of Colbert, Shepard & Sadowski LLP said. “Talk to an attorney or talk to a specialist that can help you prepare your estate plan so that you don’t have to end up going through probate.”
There are several ways to organize assets in a way that prevents going to court. Trusts, ladybird deeds and wills can be simple ways to make sure your estate ends up in the right hands.
Probate also isn’t strictly used when someone passes away,
as a lot of families find themselves in court for guardianship and conservatorship.
“Conservatorship is, of course, when the court oversees the management of somebody’s finances,” Shepard explained. “You really want to avoid that at all costs if you can. You’re better off having that set up ahead of time.”
In order to prepare in advance, one of the best things a person can do is have an expert in their corner. There are so many possible outcomes in probate and having a specialist to help with documentation that “speaks the language” is sometimes all a client needs.
“My advice is to get someone to help you. Don’t try and do it yourself,” Shepard said. “It can be a nightmare… Try to have an attorney that helps you resolve your case, not make it worse.”
Arguably the most common reason for probate is housing. Real estate is something that many families end up going to court over and it is an area of law that can get very complicated very quickly.
“Especially in real estate, you can encounter some family situations where it can be contentious,” Re/Max First certified probate specialist Ray Nadolski said. “Do you want sons and
See PROBATE on page 10A
The advice that is most commonly told from people that work in probate is about how to avoid it. Shutterstock image
Probate
daughters to become enemies after you die? That’s the message I would send to people.”
A joint tenant, a trust or a will can help make the process easier for everyone involved. The best way to accomplish this is by working with someone in real estate that specializes in probate. In some cases, even with documentation, families find themselves in court because there are errors or missing statements from those involved.
“Some of the longest, most contentious and expensive probate battles come from unforeseen mistakes made by a person seeking to avoid probate,” Nadolski said. “I see a lot of issues in real estate… Do this just in case so it’s not all hearsay.”
Nadolski is now an expert in probate and has been working with former Macomb County Probate Court Judge Carl Marlinga to help make the transition of assets easier for families. Nadolski and Marlinga provided C&G Newspapers with a document that highlights important background information about probate and what advice they have after many years in the field.
The advice that is most commonly told
from people that work in probate is about how to avoid it. As Nadolski and Marlinga explained, even a will that has been witnessed and notarized can still be subject to the jurisdiction of probate court. People will argue that the deceased may have been acting “under duress” or “undue influence.” Finding a lawyer that specializes in probate is the best court of action.
In the long run, planning ahead is also far cheaper than the alternative of probate court.
“The money you spend now would be less expensive than what your estate would have to spend if you don’t,” Shepard said. “It goes back to the theme of avoiding these problems.”
Perhaps the most important reason to get assets aligned and avoid probate is simply because it’s fair. The management of finances, housing or anything else should be decided by the owner of those assets while the person is still able.
“You’re better off spending the money now while the person is able to make the decisions of where they want their property to go,” Shepard said. “If you don’t have anything planned, then a judge makes the decision.”
Call Staff Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
In Memory of
Lewis Randal Darby
Greeley, CO — Lewis Randal Darby, known as Randal, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 96. He was a resident of Meadowview of Greeley since 2017.
Randal was born in Quinwood, West Virginia, to Bob and Lorraine Darby. Randal grew up in the coal mining towns of West Virginia, where his father worked as a miner for most of his life. He ofen shared vivid stories from his youth, especially his adventures growing up on what the family called “Big Mountain” near Rupert, WV. Tese tales—full of character, humor, and Appalachian charm—became cherished memories for his son and grandchildren.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1953 as a Long-Range Radio Operator, attaining the rank of Specialist (E-4). Afer his service, he joined the U.S. Peace Corps and used the GI Bill to complete his education.
He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he met and married Christa Lachmann in 1958. Tey had one son, Steve Darby, and later moved to Michigan, where Randal earned his master’s degree in social work from Oakland University and dedicated much of his career to working with at-risk youth, providing guidance and counseling to juveniles navigating the court system.
Randal enjoyed fshing, playing guitar, and traveling across the U.S., especially during summer camping trips with his family. His favorite thing to do when he moved to Colorado in 2011 to be with his son, Steve was to play Chinese Rummy with him and his family. He is survived by his son, Steve Darby; granddaughter, Megan Dallas Muhlenbruch; and her husband, Austin.
As requested, no memorial service will be held. His ashes will be spread at Stoney Creek State Park in Michigan. Donations in his memory may be made to any Alzheimer’s organization.
0209-2516
BEHIND THE WHEEL
12A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • APRIL 16, 2025
Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?
Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.
COUPLE GEAR UP FOR THE BRITISH INVASION
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Ken and Melody Klemmer “are preservationists at heart.”
They live in a historic home built in 1925, and a favorite pastime is driving their antique cars. The Klemmers buy and sell different vintage models every few years.
“I’ve had American cars, Model Ts and involvement with the Franklins,” said Ken, who has also owned Austin-Healey, Lotus and Mini Cooper cars. “We don’t tend to keep them for very long. There are so many cool ones out there that we want them all. We buy them and we fix them up. We drive them for a year or two and then we sell them and buy something else.”
The newest collection includes a cerulean blue prewar 1930 “Wiggy” MG M-Type they bought in 2022, and a maroonish/black prewar 1931 “Edwin” MG D-Type they’ve owned since 2023. Neither car is its original color although the M-Types were available in blue. According to Ken, most early D-Types were black, and then green and red were available often in two-tones.
The Farmington Hills residents belong to several MG car clubs, including the Windsor-Detroit MG Club; the North American MMM Register, which stands for Midget, Magna and Magnette; and Melody is president of the Michigan Chapter of the New England MG T Register, and Ken is the vice president.
The couple attend many local British car shows or drive through country roads with other MG enthusiasts, stopping for ice cream, at cider mills or museums for friendship and camaraderie. The annual Old Car Festival at Greenfield Village in Dearborn is a favorite spot. The national Gathering of the Faithful is another regular haunt. There are a few different locations, and the Klemmers frequent the central show in the Midwest.
Ken has studied the history of the MGs extensively.
“This M-Type we have, they built 3,000 of those cars. Quite a few survived, I would say close to 500 worldwide, which is shocking for a car like that,” Ken said. “It was just a cheap sports car. It’s got a wood body. It rotted and rusted and it went through World War II. They were loved so much. People hung onto them and didn’t junk them when they got old.
“The D-Type is the rarest road car MG made. They only made 250 in total. There’s about 40 in the original condition still left. The guys at the MG factory would be shocked to know that we’re still driving these 100 years later,” Ken said. “MG was super prolific in the early years. They built a lot of different models. They were very innovative. There were some really interesting things with chassis and suspension.”
There are different groups of MGs, depending on the year the model was built. Because they are English cars, the steering wheel is on the right side.
“The Triple-M cars are the cars we like to specialize in. Those were built from 1929 through 1935, 1936,” Ken said. “The TripleM cars had innovative suspension systems. Very quick steering, very nimble cars, very lightweight.”
The style also had small, high-RPM engines with overhead cams.
“The overhead cam was kind of unusual for that time. It made for a very high revving engine,” Ken said. “These cars were all raced in amateur and professional racing. The racing scene in the 1930s in England was big, and then a lot of those cars would go over to Europe to race there as well.”
The Klemmers take out their cars often, several times a week, even in less-thanfavorable weather. That includes trips to the grocery store, meetings and out to dinner. There are times they feel like they are in a time warp and even dress in 1930s clothing and wear race jackets. A third passenger sometimes is their dog, Cocoa Puff.
“You’re on the wheel on the other side, so there is already a difference there,” Ken said. “It looks intimidating, but it’s easy.”
It’s guaranteed they’ll meet people who want to know all about the MGs.
“The looks on the kids’ faces,” said Melody, who always lets people sit in the cars. “We let them in. We take pictures with them.”
“People come up to you and talk to you about them,” Ken said, who challenges teens to try to figure out how to start the MGs. “The most prevalent question is, ‘Did GM build these?’ because they see the MG and they reverse the letters.”
Melody said many want to know if the 1930 “Wiggy” MG M-Type is a boat.
The Klemmers attribute the MG’s popularity to different factors.
“It’s a passion,” Melody said.
“Cars were bought by young people and they traded around a lot,” Ken said. “Also, the war and the Depression helped because Britain was in such austerity by the time the war started. After that, people couldn’t afford to buy new cars so they kept old cars running for a long time. They patched them up and they made them work and they stayed on the road. That’s why we have a pretty high survival rate for British cars.”
Ken discovered MGs when he was a
ABOVE: The passenger compartment and frame sets off the cerulean blue prewar 1930 “Wiggy” MG M-Type that the Klemmers own.
preteen after reading the book, “The Red Car,” by Don Stanford.
“That really had a formidable allure to me,” Ken said.
His father also made an impact.
“My dad was a designer for Chrysler, and I had been around cars all my life,” Ken said. “But my dad always bought really boring cars, and the MGs sounded so exotic. But he told me about MGs. The MGs sounded exciting.”
LEFT: The prewar 1931 MG D-Type Midget is parked in front of the historic Farmington Hills home of Ken and Melody Klemmer.
ABOVE: Ken and Melody Klemmer, along with their dog, Cocoa Puff, love to drive their prewar 1931 MG D-Type Midget. Directly behind them is their 1930 MG M-Type.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
‘THIS IS A LITTLE SLICE OF HISTORY’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — In April 2022 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Steve Bieda as the official liaison to the U.S. Mint for the development of design for the Michigan Innovation Dollar.
It was the perfect fit for the Warren resident who is a history buff and has an interest in coin collecting. For the past three years, the former state legislator and current Warren 37th District Court judge consistently met with various coin clubs around the state to come up with a theme and design for the collector coin. Many topics were considered to represent Michigan, including Motown, colleges and the Mackinac Bridge. Ultimately, the choice was made to honor Detroit’s automobile assembly line on the collector coin.
On April 8, Bieda and others involved with the process unveiled the Michigan Innovation Dollar during a ceremony at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. The MotorCities National Heritage Area, the Michigan History Foundation and the Michigan State Numismatic Society hosted the event.
The Michigan Innovation Dollar features a 1930s-era assembly line in which a team of autoworkers are lowering an automobile body into place. On the flipside is the Statue of Liberty.
Mark Zagata and Lisa Stoddard of the Michigan State Numismatic Society manage the sale of the new 2025 Michigan Innovation Dollar coin to collectors during the coin launch ceremony April 8 at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Michigan program specialist, said in a press release. “Together we will help many Michiganders in need!”
Hunters Feeding Michigan was established in 2005 by legislation and really got off the ground in 2007, according to Presgrove. He said the program’s numbers have been increasing each year. Since Oct. 1, 2024, Presgrove said over 75,000 pounds of meat have been donated, working out to about 300,000 servings for the fiscal year so far. Presgrove estimates over 2.8 million servings have been provided since the program started.
The FBCM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and was started in 1984. It has seven regional food banks, covering all of Michigan’s 83 counties.
“We are excited to help partner with the participating deer processors and hunters to expand the Hunters Feeding Michigan program and are looking forward to what the future holds,” Garrett Zuver, Food Bank Council of Michigan Agriculture Program specialist, said in the release.
Hunters Feeding Michigan is primarily funded by voluntary donations when hunters and anglers sign up for licenses. Presgrove said these funds go toward processing expenses.
“We see the demand for good clean protein at the food banks, so we’re trying to get creative with raising additional revenue or donations to put toward processing,” Presgrove said in a phone interview. “We reimburse our processors at a certain rate and we want to make sure it’s a reasonable rate for them to continue processing deer for us.”
This year the DNR is getting some help from a local business. Sterling Heights-based Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters, which started up in 2015, has partnered with the DNR to raise funds for the program. The funds support the processing and distribution of the donated meat.
Donations at Deer Camp can be made by buying coffee bags of medium roast Donor Doe or dark roast Traditions. With Traditions, an embroidered DNR deer patch from the past is included.
“At Deer Camp, we believe in great coffee, strong traditions, connecting and giving back to the community,” Julie Majewski, Deer Camp’s director, said in the release.
“This partnership with the DNR is more than just a collaboration — it’s a way for us to support hunters, conservation efforts and those in need. Every purchase makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change, one cup at a time.”
According to Mike Tocco, who does media relations for Deer Camp, the company got involved with the program through Uncle Henry’s Gourmet Meats. Uncle Henry’s is one of the participating processors in the DNR program and Deer Camp has a relationship with the company. He said the contribution from each coffee bag purchased is “very significant.”
“From our standpoint, because of the benefit from what they’re trying to do, it’s over $6 in some cases that we’re donating back,” Tocco said in a phone interview.
The Sterling Heights business is no stranger to getting involved in the community. Tocco pointed to Deer Camp’s partnerships with other local businesses like Tennerra Winery. Tocco said students with disabilities from Utica Schools help bag and package coffee as part of a work training program. The company sponsors the Pure Michigan Hunt and has previously partnered with the DNR for a tree planting program.
“We did a tree planting program, which basically created wildlife in the Upper Peninsula that allowed deer to come in and habitat it,” Tocco said. “It also created more opportunities for them to not only be fed during harsh winters, but also manage the herds in an effective way.”
For a list of processors taking part in the DNR program, visit michigan.gov/dnr/ about/get-involved/hunters-feeding-michi gan.
Budget
the proposed budget last year,” he said.
Because the budget is adjusted several times through the year after being adopted, though, Taylor said the budget that’s been proposed for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is actually only about 9% more than what the budget ended up being for the previous fiscal year.
The budget is adjusted due to predicted revenue and expenditures versus what the city actually gets and spends, he said.
Despite the increase in the proposed budget, City Manager Mark Vanderpool said Sterling Heights has one of the lowest tax rates in the county.
“The city of Sterling Heights has very low tax rates,” he said. “When you compare us to other communities in Macomb County, we’re the lowest of any full-service city. We were the lowest. We have been for years. In the proposed budget, we will continue to be the lowest.”
A second budget hearing has been scheduled for April 22. The budget is expected to be adopted May 6 and will begin July 1.
Increase due in large part to Pathway to Play and Preservation millage
Taylor said the biggest change to the budget came from including the city’s “Pathway to Play and Preservation” millage, which was approved by voters in November 2024.
The 15-year millage is aimed at parks and recreation improvements around the city. Even though it’s for 15 years, the city has a goal of finishing all major projects associated with it within three years, he said.
“It’s kind of like a hodgepodge of different projects that community members and stakeholders have been asking for for a long time,” he said.
While most of the improvements through the millage are being done at the city’s Rotary and Red Run parks, a low-impact trail through the city’s nature preserve and a new pickleball facility are also planned.
Additionally, the millage will generate funds to repair sidewalks, plant trees and to help the city build its land bank, Taylor said.
Through the millage, the city plans to buy land to ensure that it is not developed by placing a conservation easement over the property and preserving it, Vanderpool said.
“We’ll be working diligently in the pro-
May 6 and will begin July 1.
posed budget to implement progress in all those areas,” he said.
“There’s going to be a lot of projects and a lot of investments happening in the city because of (the millage),” Taylor said.
Budget also allows for public safety, construction improvements
In addition to funding 554 full-time positions, the budget includes seven additional public safety positions – four firefighter/EMT positions and two police officers — which will be assigned to the grant-funded Crisis Response and Intervention Team, the press release states.
An additional school resource officer has also been proposed for the Warren Consolidated Schools district. Funds are also included in the proposed budget to replace 17 police vehicles and a fire engine.
Taylor said about $155,000 has been allocated to fund the Drone as a First Responder program, which he said will allow the city to have drones stationed throughout the city that will be activated when someone calls 911.
“When a 911 call comes in, the drone will automatically dispatch to that location,” he said. “So for example, if it’s a robbery in progress, the drone will dispatch from a location in the city, and it’ll elevate and take a straight line to wherever that property is.”
Taylor said there would be an opera-
police officers, help us better investigate things and better understand what’s going on,” he said.
Vanderpool said he believes Sterling Heights will be among the first departments in the state to utilize the drone technology.
“We’re continuing to do really amazing work in some of these innovative areas,” he said.
Additionally, the press release states “significant facility investments” are proposed to renovate the unused jail facility at the Police Department and turn it into a training facility, and a complete renovation of the city’s Fire Station No. 5 has also been proposed.
The proposed budget includes more than $12 million in major road work. This includes reconstruction of 15 Mile Road from Mound Road to Maple Lane; resurfacing of Dobry Drive; repair of the Schoenherr Road bridge over the Red Run Drain; and the $10.4 million reimagination of Clinton River Road from Hayes Road to Canal Road.
tor at the police station able to see what the drone is seeing, which can help improve officer safety.
“They’ll be able to have a view of what’s going on there, which will help protect our
Due to the renewal of the Safe Streets millage, the proposed budget also includes $6.6 million that will go towards funding sectional repairs and full reconstructions of 22 neighborhood streets, the release states.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Photo by Brian Wells
A second budget hearing for Sterling Heights has been scheduled for April 22. The budget is expected to be adopted
Dollar
According to a MotorCities National Heritage Area press release, the design was created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Ronald D. Sanders and was sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic artist John P. McGraw.
“I was delighted by the way it looked,” Bieda said when he first saw the coin. “This is a little slice of history.”
The assembly line concept hit close to home for Bieda, who grew up in an automotive family. His dad worked for General Motors and Chrysler, his grandpa worked on the Model T assembly line, and Bieda had summer internships at the GM Tech Center in Warren.
During the ceremony, Michigan History Foundation Director Bill Arnold talked about the innovations that contributed to the automobile industry and assembly line technology “for which our state is worldrenowned.”
“This is our history. That’s why we’re so committed to preserving and interpreting that history,” Arnold said. “We’re so proud to be a part of this commemorative effort and
celebrate the legacy of the state of Michigan and our people whose contributions to innovation are represented by this Innovation Dollar.”
Brian Yopp, deputy director of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, also addressed the crowd.
“The assembly line is an innovation that revolutionized auto production, making cars affordable to the masses and literally putting the world on wheels,” Yopp said. “It took an idea that was a craft — they were making cars by hand one at a time — that exploded into the industry that we know and love.
“The story we’re telling didn’t start too far from here. Not too far down Woodward Avenue, going towards the river, Ransom E. Olds owned a place. He patented an assembly line and had a plant here in Detroit before it burned,” Yopp said. “The story moves to an area called Milwaukee Junction. This was sort of a bed of automobile manufacturing in the early 1900s. That’s where a lot of folks were trying to get their start. You see the stories of Packard and Hudson.”
Yopp said the Highland Park Ford Plant is “where things got launched and started” and “most people got their image of what the
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Warren 37th District Court Judge Steve Bieda, right, hands a Michigan Innovation Dollar coin to Jeremy Dimick, director of Collections and Curatorial at the Detroit Historical Society. Since April 2022, Bieda has served as the official liaison to the U.S. Mint for the development of design for the Michigan Innovation Dollar.
Macomb Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — From a few strings in a side room to full concerts in a hall, a lot can change in 50 years.
For the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, a professional classical orchestra that performs at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts as well as at other locales throughout the county, 2025 marks its golden year.
According to Thomas Cook, orchestra director from the MSO’s founding in 19742021, the orchestra formed as an outgrowth of the Macomb Community College music program at the South Campus, though it did not take long for the orchestra to become its own nonprofit organization. Many of the orchestra’s early concerts took place in the multipurpose room.
“There’s some not-so-great acoustical locations there, but we soldered through there and performed there as well as at local high schools and some summer park concerts,” Cook said.
Much like today, the initial orchestra was made up of 15 professional musicians from around the region, though unpaid at that time.
After operating out of Warren for the better part of the 1970s, the orchestra made the move north to Clinton Township in 1983 as the Macomb Center was opened. Cook attributes much of the orchestra’s growth in the decades since to the Macomb Center’s opening and using it as a venue.
“We got a lot more visibility,” Cook said. “(The Macomb Center is) really the only first-class acoustically sound facility in Macomb County, I would think. There are some other places that are fine, too, but everybody knows if they live in Macomb County or even adjoining areas what the Macomb Center is and what they present.”
The Macomb Center became a focal point for a number of events in the county, serving both traveling acts stopping by the Detroit suburbs and local acts looking to perform within the community. The Macomb Symphony Orchestra used the Macomb Center’s presence to establish itself as, in Cook’s words, the “voice of classical music in Macomb County.” The move allowed the orchestra to expand to up to as many as 70 musicians per concert and even begin paying all of its musicians as of the 1990s.
“We wanted to tackle different pieces, more challenging pieces, and we didn’t have the bodies in the student body to accommodate that,” Cook said. “Gradually we picked
up more community players and those who came from a great distance — some from Ann Arbor and Windsor and what have you — we had to compensate them for their time and their gas, so it gradually grew from that.”
Cook stepped down from directing the orchestra in 2021 with Andrew Neer taking on the role. Having grown up in Sterling Heights, Neer found out about the orchestra around 2019 and has worked to make the organization more visible.
“I’m a little bit more involved in (the business and marketing side) than maybe your average music director would be,” Neer said. “I take a big hand in helping to navigate the social media presence, design the website, all those types of forward-facing community outreach types of things, in addition to going to different events in the community to try connecting with businesses and people in the area so they know we exist, and we can continue to grow and develop our support base.”
Having conducted orchestras across metro Detroit and guest conducted in Europe, Neer’s experience at the stand is without doubt. But the management of the business aspects of the orchestra has become very important since taking on the role, especially as the orchestra came out of the COVID-19 pandemic financial situation and into a continually uncertain economic situation.
“Coming out of COVID and the challenges that it faced, the orchestra has been struggling to bring in the same amount of money than it did (before),” Neer said. “And
the board (of directors) came to make some adjustments so we can continue into the future, and we can continue to keep this alive and vibrant in the county.”
Should the orchestra navigate its financial situation, Neer believes it has a bright future. Neer would like to increase the orchestra’s involvement with Macomb County student musicians.
“To work with this organization, this group of people, the board, the legacy that Tom started, I just want it to go on in perpetuity so that we can have the continual development of our art and the curation of art right here in Macomb County,” Neer said. “My biggest hope for the organization is that we could continue to grow and continue to develop in a way that would be lasting and have an impact on the community for the good.”
their expenses have expanded because of the pay changes and some of that stuff … But
The Macomb Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 schedule currently includes a concert with a “Star Wars” theme on Sunday, May 4 at the Macomb Center and a park concert as part of Shelby Township’s Summerfest on the evening of June 21. For more information visit macombsymphony.org.
The Macomb Symphony Orchestra rehearses in 2023. Now in its 50th year, the orchestra reflects on its past as it looks to the future.
Photo provided by Macomb Symphony Orchestra
from page 17A
assembly line was and the impact it made more than a century later.”
The U.S. Mint made arrangements to have coins on sale for $1 after the ceremony, with a limit of two coins per person. The coins will not be available in banks. The American Innovation Dollars struck with a circulation quality finish will not be released to the Federal Reserve for general circulation. The unveiling ceremony was made possible through donations from the sponsors that permitted the coins to be sold at face value for $1.
The collector coins will cost higher than face value because they are offered on the U.S. Mint’s website, usmint.gov. According to Bieda, the cost will be $36.25 for 25 coins, or a bag of 100 for $123.50. He said all of the coins at the April 8 ceremony can be used for commerce and were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Bieda said the coins are being sold through eBay now from people who were at the unveiling. There are plans to put the coin on display at the Detroit Historical Museum.
During the ceremony, Kathy Freeland, of the Michigan Numismatic Association, and Rebecca Salminen Witt, chief strategy and marketing officer of the Detroit Historical Society, spoke to attendees. American Numismatic Association President Tom Uram reminded everyone that National Coin Week is April 20-26 this year.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
HOMES
20A/APRIL 16,
Decorations help gardeners to express themselves
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Believe it or not, there is more to gardens than planting flowers.
Landscapes, patios, gardens and all sorts of curated outdoor environments are more than places where flowers go — they are places to express yourself.
“To me, gardens are just a great opportunity to create or decorate an outdoor space or room that allows the place to invite nature and wildlife in, and it also gives you a relaxing break from challenging lives,” Sue Keehn, chair of the Harrison Township Beautification Committee, said. “It’s really art in itself and an outlet for everybody to create a spot in their life that’s a place for reflection and peace. … The things that you choose for your garden are a reflection of you.”
Decorating a garden is a personal project that can be approached in different ways, but Keehn recommends taking a few steps when planning out the garden before setting a decoration down.
Beyond finding out the dimensions of the space, composition of the soil, what the natural light and shade coverage of the area is, and how much time and effort maintaining the desired living elements will take, a key consideration is how the landscape will affect the people within it.
“It needs to be a place of reminiscing, a place of conversation … someplace that’s contemplative,” Keehn said. “That would come up first, and then certainly how the particular artifact(s) or sculpture(s) … might affect the people that would view them. Art is meant to cause stimulation and conversation.”
Traci Schwartz, store manager at Piechnik’s Garden Gate in Oakland Township, said decorations can be a way of adding interesting elements to a garden where the environment or plants might not always be the most aesthetically spectacular.
“Let’s say (a garden) has some hardscapes, so it’s more stone or even evergreen,” Schwartz said. “It’s a beautiful look, it’s usually a more tailored look, and the color doesn’t change. Putting some garden art of some sort can bring color or interest to those areas. … A lot of our perennial gardens are seasonal, so adding some elements of true garden art is going to give interest to that space when those plants are not in bloom.”
A garden’s theme, if a specific theme is chosen, can also influence how one selects the decorations to go within it.
“There’s so many garden themes,” Keehn said. “Herb gardens, Asian, shade gardens, cottage, something of a specific color. Even moon gardens; there are some folks who come home at night and that’s the only time they can view their garden. There are plants that will be bright
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com Reporters: Maria Allard | (586) 498-1045 | allard@candgnews.com
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— and which items you choose — is a means of expressing
From statues to spikes to globes and more, how you place items in a garden
yourself.
Photos provided by Traci Schwartz
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
APRIL 17
Sterling Heights 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., Century Banquet Center inside American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, register at seniorexpousa.com for chance to win gift card and more
APRIL 18
Fish fries: Also shrimp, pierogi, soup and macaroni and cheese, 4-7 p.m., St. Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 E. 14 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, dine in and carryout, (586) 481-6833 or (586) 264-1220
• Also homemade desserts, 3-7 p.m., St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, dine in, carryout and curbside, stblase.org/fish-fry
• 4-7 p.m., St. Jane Frances de Chantal, 38750 Ryan Road in Sterling Heights, dine in and carryout, (586) 977-8080, sjfparish.org
APRIL 19
Helicopter egg drops: Also egg hunts with check-ins for ages 1-4 at 10 a.m. (ages 5-11 at noon sold out), plus Bugs on Wheels from 10-11:30 a.m., petting farm and Easter Bunny from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and The Reptarium from noon-1 p.m., First Church Sterling
Heights, 39400 Dequindre Road, registration required, facebook.com/firstchurchsterlingheights
Household hazardous waste disposal: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Department of Public Works, 7200 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, event for residents only, see list of acceptable/unacceptable items at sterlingheights. gov/springclean
APRIL 23
Human Library: Presented by Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance, event intended to foster understanding and kindness as participants ask questions of others from diverse backgrounds or who have unique stories, 6-9 p.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, free but registration required, bit.ly/4knt1D7
APRIL 24
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office,1:30-2:30 p.m., Shorehaven Manor, 14560 Lakeside Circle in Sterling Heights, (586) 469-5642, heather.esposito@macombgov.org, macombgov.org/ departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams
APRIL 25-27
‘9 to 5 - The Musical’: Presented by senior-only community theater group Heart of the Hills Players, based
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
on 1980 hit movie about three working women who get even with sexist and egotistical boss, 7 p.m. April 25-26 and 2 p.m. April 27, Anita’s Elite Dance Studio, 37360 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (586) 2198996, hohplayers@gmail.com, hohplayers.org
APRIL 26
Electronics recycling: Drop off TVs, computers and other devices with electrical cord attachments, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Department of Public Works, 7200 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, event for residents only, sterlingheights.gov/springclean
PanCAN PurpleStride: “Ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer” held nationally in nearly 60 cities on same day, presented locally by Michigan affiliate of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 8:30 a.m.-noon with opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m., Troy Community Park, 3179 Livernois Road, purplestride.org/michigan
APRIL 27
Widowed Friends movie and lunch: Show and time TBD, AMC Forum 30, 44681 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Pat at (586) 295-2804, widowed friends.com
MAY 4
Ewok & Run: 5K benefits Teacher’s Pet (pairs at-risk
youth with hard-to-adopt shelter dogs to teach kids character traits), 9 a.m., River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road in Shelby Township, teacherspetmi.org/ ewok-and-run
MAY 5
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office,10:30 a.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 469-5642, heather. esposito@macombgov.org, macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams
MAY 5, 8 & 10
‘Hairspray’ auditions: Presented by RWB Theatre Company, open casting for ages 8 and older, 6:30-9 p.m. May 5 and 8, and 10 a.m.-noon May 10, callbacks at 1 p.m. May 10, Anita’s Elite Dance Studio, 37360 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, visit onthestage.tickets/rwb-theatre-company-llc for rehearsal and performance dates
MAY 10
Mother’s Day 5K: 1-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m. and 3.1-mile race/walk at 10 a.m., Parkway Christian School, 14000 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights (enter off Schoenherr Road), runsignup.com
Continued on page 23A
Gardens
from page 20A
enough to show up at night — those are your whites and pastels — and there are some plants that open their blooms only at night. … If you’re going to go in with those, go the whole hog. Make the theme a reality.”
Items for gardens can be found in many places. Schwartz said garden stores like Piechnik’s can provide a wide variety of decorations — art ranging from globes, cement and metal elements like statues, benches, and more — that fit into gardens and landscapes. One particular class of item Schwartz is interested in is solar-powered lighting elements.
“Sometimes I feel (solar items) can extend the beauty of your garden from a daytime space to a nighttime space,” Schwartz said. “Maybe during the daytime the flowers or your perennial garden or your landscape gets the attention, but once the sun starts to set, some of these other elements can then take center stage.”
Solar lighting can range from straightforward stakes to globes and sculptures that charge during the day and come to life at night.
“I think in Michigan we actually have a very short window to enjoy the outdoors, even into the evening hours,” Schwartz said. “Even having a string of party lights by a sitting area brings off some ambient light, but you can also do that with solar-powered lighting as well.”
Keehn finds decorations for her gardens in a variety of places. She promotes reusing found items and finding uses for items that may run against their originally intended use.
CALENDAR COMMUNITY
Continued from page 22A
ONGOING
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
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
“I do a lot of estate sales and looking at different containers you wouldn’t consider, things that have some age to them that you could, perhaps, grow some moss on and make them look even more a part of the garden,” Keehn said. “Things that are simple that you could do are a birdbath. … You can use either water or a small fountain in them, which is great for that tricking water effect and also attracts wildlife. Or you could plant them with, perhaps, succulents on two layers. They look beautiful that way and they are low maintenance.”
Garden decorations do not have to only be aesthetic. Many items that can decorate gardens also serve different purposes, including bringing certain animals and insects to an area. Bright items can bring hummingbirds and orioles, while other elements can provide homes for pollinators.
“When we’re thinking about gardens these days, it’s very important to consider pollinators,” Keehn said.
Playing to the senses is also something to keep in mind. Plants can provide scents, while decorations can be a source of complimentary sounds, such as the trickling of a fountain or the ringing of wind chimes.
While there are different approaches, philosophies, themes and ideas as to how and why to decorate gardens, most important is that you find satisfaction from the garden you create.
“I think people should be really free to express themselves, no different from how they express themselves and decorate the inside,” Schwartz said. “I am a big believer that anything goes. … It really has to be something that speaks to you, something that you’re going to enjoy seeing there in your garden.”
Book clubs: Meetups for teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, and new book and movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/ library
Northern Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Monday of month, Leo’s Coney Island, 33577 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (248) 828-7481, samcrowl@comcast.net
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, 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
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025
MEETING TO BE HELD AT STERLING HEIGHTS CITY HALL
40555 UTICA ROAD
7:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. CONSIDERATIONS
A.Public Hearing on the draft 2025 Master Land Use Plan
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 9, 2025
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
10. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
11. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING DATE: June 11, 2025
Jake Parcell, PhD
City Planner and City Development Manager
THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY REASONABLE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE MEETING UPON SEVEN DAYS NOTICE TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE AT 586-446-2470.
0457-2516
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 04/16/2025
Geoffrey P. Gariepy, Chairperson Ed Kopp
Rowe, Vice Chairperson Nicole McGill Brandy Wright, Secretary Parmpreet Sarau Nathan Inks Pashko Ujkic
Paul Jaboro
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Intoxicated driver hits light pole
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 41-year-old Warren resident was arrested after reportedly driving over a curb and hitting a light pole in the 15000 block of Charlevoix Avenue at around 10:07 p.m. March 22. Police said they located the driver inside a nearby bar.
Vehicle theft reported
GROSSE POINTE PARK — An unknown person is said to have stolen a 2021 Kia Sportage from a driveway in the 1200 block of Grayton Street between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. March 26. The victim had the only key to the vehicle.
Crooks target Ram vehicles
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Three incidents involving larcenies from vehicles took place in Grosse Pointe Woods over a matter of a few days, all of them involving Ram trucks.
In the first incident, a 2025 Ram was broken into at around 8:55 a.m. March 27 while it was parked in the Henry Ford St. John Hospital parking lot and the suspect removed the infotainment console. According to a police report, surveillance footage shows the suspect walking through the parking lot. The suspect was seen breaking a window on the vehicle, removing the infotainment system and leaving.
In a second incident, which occurred sometime between the hours of 8 p.m. March 28 and 7:40 a.m. March 29, someone broke a window on a 2024 Ram and stole a loaded handgun and the vehicle’s infotainment console. The vehicle was parked in the 1200 block of Roslyn Road at the time.
A third incident took place in the 100 block of Hampton Road at around 8:30 a.m. March 29. A neighbor alerted the victim, who was out of town at the time. The vehicle was backed into a driveway and locked when the unknown suspect smashed out the back window and removed the infotainment system from a 2023 Ram.
Vehicle, hockey equipment taken
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A resident in the 19000 block of East Ida Lane contacted police the morning of March 23 after an unknown person stole the resident’s Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had been parked in front of the resident’s house. A police report states that the key fob to the vehicle had been left inside it. The suspect also got away with hockey equipment that had been in the vehicle.
Vehicle stolen
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Sometime between the evening of March 17 and 8:30 a.m. March 18, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a white 2017
home in the first block of Warner Road. The victim said the keys might have been left inside the vehicle. Police said they didn’t find any broken glass where the vehicle had been parked.
Vehicle theft attempted
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown person is believed to have tried to steal a silver 2024 Kia Forte from the first block of Muir Road between the hours of 5:30 p.m. March 25 and 6:30 a.m. March 26. The victim told police he found the right rear door window smashed out when he headed to his vehicle in the morning. A police report states that the windshield wiper lever was popped out as if the suspect was trying to pop the ignition. The victim said the interior of the vehicle hadn’t been rummaged through, nor did anything appear to be missing, so the suspect likely wasn’t trying to commit a larceny from auto. A neighbor told the victim she saw the lights on the Kia go on at around 2 a.m. March 26, but she didn’t see anyone inside the vehicle.
Unruly youths sought
GROSSE POINTE CITY — Two unknown female suspects are being sought by police after they allegedly became angry when The Village CVS store refused to sell them cough syrup and the store made an announcement that minors needed to be accompanied by adults at 10 p.m. March 26. According to a police report, one of the suspects knocked over a magazine rack as the pair exited the store.
Damaged car
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On March 13 at around 10 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 39000 block of Canterbury Drive for a property damage report.
Deputies spoke with a 62-year-old man who said his Buick LaCrosse was damaged. The front driver’s side window was shattered while both passenger-side tires were slashed. The man believed his son’s ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend was the culprit based on a “pushing match” the two got into once. No cameras were present to document any vandalism.
Bail payment scam
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On March 11 at around 3:10 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with an 82-year-old woman about a fraud scheme that targeted her. The woman said she received a call claiming her daughter was involved in a fatal car accident and was in jail with a $15,000 bond. The caller told her to withdraw the money from the bank and call her back upon returning home. While at the bank, the woman called her
was no accident, and she was not in jail. No money was taken from the bank.
Fast food freak-out
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 14 at around 4:15 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Tim Hortons at the corner of Hall Road and Groesbeck Highway/North Avenue to stop a disorderly person.
Deputies were dispatched to the restaurant on the report of a customer throwing coffee at staff. The first deputy to reach the scene found a 40-year-old Clinton Township man behind the counter, yelling at workers and bleeding from the mouth. The deputy led the Clinton Township man out of the restaurant under threat of TASER and detained him.
Multiple witnesses told deputies the Clinton Township man came in and began harassing staff. He was told to leave the store but refused to go, demanding to be served. He threw a cup at the staff and went behind the counter, where a fight broke out between him and the staff. Along with the accounts of witnesses, the incident was documented on security cameras.
The man was taken to the Macomb County Jail after his arrest.
Unknown loan
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 13 at around 11 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 37-year-old Macomb Township woman about a loan fraudulently opened in her name.
The woman recently received an alert from her bank noting a 30-point drop in her credit score after a $1,584 Department of Education loan was taken out in her name.
She was working with the department and the loan servicer to remove a hard inquiry from her record.
Burglary reported on Nine Mile Road
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:30 p.m. March 17, a report was made of a burglary that occurred March 13 in the 22000 block of Nine Mile Road.
The officer spoke to the victims, a 53-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man. The woman said she left the apartment to take out the trash, leaving the door ajar. On the way back, she found an item wrapped in athletic tape just outside the apartment door, which she picked up and took inside with her. When the man returned later that day, he saw that the item contained a diamond of his, leading him to panic. He asked the woman why it was out, and she said she found it by the door but did not know what it was. The man checked his safe and found that all of the jewelry secured in there was gone.
not in disarray. The man told officers the safe was locked but that he became careless and left one of the spare keys in the lock.
Police: Weed thief nabbed after chase WARREN — A Detroit
