5/8/24 St. Clair Shores Sentinel

St. Clair Shores city officials and staff celebrated Arbor Day on April 26 by planting trees in the Brys Park Arboretum.

According to the St. Clair Shores website, the arboretum was established in the 1990s, and in 2022, the city approved an agreement with ReLeaf Michigan to reestablish it.

“As an educational space, the arboretum promotes an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

There are certain things that just eat away at a team.

For St. Clair Shores Lakeview girls soccer, falling short in the district finals for two straight years and still having no answers for St. Clair, the Macomb Area Conference Blue champion the past two seasons, are two of the things at the very top.

put an end to the constant

two

Since joining the MAC Blue in 2019, St. Clair has had Lakeview’s number year in and year out in the league, but the Huskies decided to struggle once and for all.

Beating St. Clair 1-0 on April 29 and improving to 7-0 in the league, Lakeview (11-0-1, 8-0 in the MAC Blue) now controls its own destiny in the journey for the school’s first league title since 2013. Lakeview’s return to the top has been brewing for quite some time after the incoming post-COVID group returned winning consistency to Lakeview soccer. The program went 9-9 in 2021, 11-7 in 2022, and

Lakeview’s return to the top has been brewing for quite some time 16-4 in 2023.

“We had just a good core of girls come in,” Lakeview head coach Simon Miners said. “We had a couple girls with Sophia Stanton and Maggie Kinsora start as freshman, so we had a good core three years ago come in. Oftentimes you lose a big class and the bulk of your team, and we’ve been fairly fortunate in the sense of what we lost hasn’t been a huge bulk of the team.”

If you took one look at the results of each game this season, the Huskies’ strength would take about two seconds to locate.

Senior goalkeeper Autumn Wirick, a multisport athlete at Lakeview as a center for varsity basketball and middle blocker/outside hitter for volleyball, carries 11 shutouts this season in net.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Lakeview senior Jill Ostrowski sends a kick during a matchup against St. Clair on April 29 at Lakeview High School.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Volunteers plant trees in the Brys Park Arboretum on Arbor Day April 26.

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3A/ ST. CLAIR SHORES SENTINEL • MAY 8, 2024

Federal funds allocated for dredging project

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — A disposal site for dredging projects will receive upgrades with the help of $500,000 in federal funds.

On April 22, U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby

Township, and Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller held a press conference outside the Mount Clemens field office of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to announce the funding.

“These are your tax dollars, and we’re spending them to keep our crown jewel, our Lake St.

Clair, our Great Lakes and Clinton River clean,” James said. “This is extremely important for our environment, extremely important for our future, extremely important for our economy and our enjoyment.”

According to Brandon Hubbard, spokesper-

THUNDERBIRDS TO HEADLINE SELFRIDGE AIR SHOW

OPEN HOUSE TO FEATURE AERIAL, GROUND ACTIVITIES

TBY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

he skies over Lake St. Clair will come alive this summer as the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds flight team headlines the Open House and Air Show at Selfridge Air National Guard Base June 8-9.

Making their first Michigan stop of 2024, the Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premier demonstration flight team. Appearing at numerous air shows throughout the United States with their F-16s, the Thunderbirds make flyover appearances at the Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. According to Senior Master Sgt. Craig Shipway, director of ground operations for the open house, the Thunderbirds will put on a more “comprehensive” performance than the F-22 Raptor demonstration that headlined the 2022 events.

“It’s six aircraft in total for about a 45-minute performance that’s going to consist of both their four-ship diamond formation and then their two-ship solo act, and then they will merge with that four-ship for a six-ship diamond formation,” Shipway said. “From there it’s going to be a number of precision demonstration maneuvers in front of the crowd.”

Getting the Air Force’s signature flight team required the open house planning team to get on a two-year waitlist, ultimately bringing the Thunderbirds back to See AIR SHOW on page 16A

United States Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s fly in formation during the 2017 Selfridge open house.

The Thunderbirds will perform at the show for the first time in seven years this June.

File photo by Erin Sanchez

See DREDGING on page 13A

MEET JOE WIELGOT RESIDENT BRINGS JOY TO THOSE IN

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

Joe Wielgot, a St. Clair Shores resident, plays Santa Claus numerous times during the Christmas season, and he said he doesn’t do it for money.

Playing Santa is one of the many things Wielgot does. He is a member of the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores, where they make food baskets for those in need, give bikes to less fortunate children and raise money for scholarships for those who need them. He is also a member of the St. Clair Shores Housing Commission.

Wielgot said he’s always volunteered. As a child, he volunteered as a Scout, and around 35 years ago when he moved to the Shores, he involved himself in the city.

“I moved to St. Clair Shores, I got involved in the parade, you know,” Wielgot said. “People called you to do stuff, and you just started doing it.”

His wife is also involved in the Optimist Club and dresses up as Mrs. Claus with him. As Santa Claus, he visits other nearby cities and places such as schools to greet children and others who want to talk to the jolly man in the red suit.

“You get to see the kids’ faces and it’s fun,” Wielgot said. “You get to hear everything they want and they want to do.”

The club prepares the food baskets during the holiday season, and Wielgot said they can supply a family with food for up to a full week. They make

See VOLUNTEER on page 7A

Photo by Alyssa Ochss Joe Wielgot plays Santa Claus at many events in and around St. Clair Shores.

Smoke shop owner charged in connection to fatal fire

Police say Noor Noel Kestou was arrested before flight to Hong Kong

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A smoke shop owner whose business caught fire and exploded in March, showering the area near 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway with debris and killing a 19-year-old Clinton Township man, was arraigned April 25 on an involuntary manslaughter charge. Prior to the arraignment, he was reportedly apprehended with a one-way ticket to Hong Kong.

Noor Noel Kestou, a 31-year-old Commerce Township resident, is the owner of the Goo Smoke Shop. Kestou’s business exploded during a fire on March 4, 2024. Thousands of cans of nitrous oxide and butane were stored in the building, according to a press release from the office of Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Peter Lucido.

The manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 1 5 years.

At an April 26 press conference, Lucido said the highest charge possible was pursued given the evidence available.

“We all feel the need at this time to be not only sympathetic, but also mindful of this event and for it to never happen again,” Lucido said.

Clinton Township Police Chief Dina Caringi said the arrest followed a six-week investigation.

On April 20, detectives received information that Kestou had a one-way ticket to Hong Kong, and that he was due to depart that same day.

“Detectives immediately met with the Macomb County prosecutor in which a decision

See CHARGED on page 10A

Kestou

Lions address crucial needs, draft high-upside players

DETROIT — For the first time in a long time, at least longer than I’ve been alive, the Detroit Lions entered an NFL Draft without having to focus on a multitude of positions to fill for the upcoming season.

The feeling for years was that the Lions could take just about anyone at any spot because they were practically in need of every position on the field.

This draft felt different. This draft had a feeling that for the first time, Lions fans trusted in general manager Brad Holmes to pick whomever he wanted wherever he wanted, and the play of Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, who were both looked at as potential reaches in the 2023 NFL Draft, only solidified the confident feeling in fans.

Holmes took that trust and confidence, and he did what no other Lions general manager had ever done in previous seasons — drafted a position of need heavily.

There may be some satire there, because obviously players like Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson Jr., Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell and other previous draft picks were positions of need at the time, but I’m more so looking at Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, T.J. Hockenson and even Jameson Williams as more of greedy or unnecessary picks at their spots.

Anyone who watched the Lions last year, especially in the playoffs, knew in their heart what the Lions needed to do, and Holmes answered the call to perfection.

Round 1, Pick 24: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Becoming the second defensive back drafted by the Lions in the first round since

JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK

jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

2000 (Jeff Okudah, 2020), the University of Alabama’s Terrion Arnold was a player the Lions were honed in on from the beginning of the draft.

The question revolved around if/how the Lions could move up from their No. 29 spot to have a shot at him.

After making a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions had their chance at not only getting the best player available, but also filling a major position of need.

“It doesn’t always match up that way,” Holmes said in his NFL Draft press conference following day one. “I know you guys have heard me say a million times that we don’t care what the position is, we’re just going to get the best football player. It happened to match up with it’s the best football player and an area where we wanted to add one at some point, but we didn’t know if we were going to be able to add one in the first round.”

Arnold is an explosive corner who possesses elite-level closing speed, running a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.

A redshirt sophomore at Alabama, Arnold was named First-team Associated Press All-American and First-team All-SEC after tallying five interceptions (T-6th in FBS) See LIONS on page 23A

Photo by David Wallace

Detroit Lions fans await the team’s second pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft in Detroit April 27. The Lions chose Boston College guard Christian Mahogany with the pick.

Volunteer

from page 4A

around 12-16 baskets a year that they hand out to families. Wielgot said he’s in the retail food business.

“We gather up all the food and we get all (of the food) in one spot, and everybody in the Optimist Club would come along,” Wielgot said. “And we’d box it up so that everybody got a week’s worth of food, and we’d actually deliver it to the house.”

For this project as well as the bike project, they ask the local school districts for children or families in need so they can supply them with the items.

everyone volunteering instead of just one person.

“When you’re volunteering, that’s what it’s all about, is doing it with a group. You don’t do it all yourself,” Wielgot said. “You can do things, but when you make an impact, it’s more with a group of people.”

He’s been volunteering as Santa Claus for around 30 years.

This article is part of an ongoing series recognizing individuals who volunteer or do a lot for the St. Clair Shores community.

Do you know someone who should be featured?

Email Alyssa Ochss at aochss@ candgnews.com or call her at (586) 498-1103.

The Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores, Wielgot said, also hosts fundraisers such as a golf outing to raise money for their scholarships. These scholarships are given to students who face adversity, whether it’s personal medical issues, issues in their home life or anything else. The money can be used for whatever the students want, including college and trade schools.

Wielgot said in the Optimist Club, it’s

“We don’t do it for money, we never take money,” Wielgot said. “We only do it for nonprofits, schools, hospitals.”

He said they don’t do it to make money.

“A lot of groups can’t afford to hire somebody to come out and do that,” Wielgot said.

Even when organizations and cities offer Wielgot money for his time, he refuses and says to give it to the Optimists or other charitable organizations.

“We go, ‘No, take the money and donate it to your special needs in your city,’” Wielgot said. “We don’t take the money.”

Wielgot said his wife and he have a lot of fun volunteering, and that there are many ways to help someone who is less fortunate.

See VOLUNTEER on page 26A

Soccer

Wirick has an impressive skill set that makes it difficult for any team to sneak one past her, but she said all credit is due to her backline.

“This is the best defensive line I’ve had in the four years that I’ve played,” Wirick said. “I touch maybe two balls a game, which is really fun.”

To the backline’s credit, they’re a veteran-heavy group consisting of a core of seniors leading the way.

Senior captain Sara Linsdeau headlines the group alongside senior Eleni Kolizeras and senior Sophia Gianino while Stanton and newcomer AJ Jacquemain, a junior playing her first year of high school soccer, have also contributed to the defensive efforts.

Jacquemain, a center back for Lakeview, previously played club soccer for the Nationals before joining the Huskies.

With her talent added to an already loaded defensive unit, it’s understandable why Wirick doesn’t see much action in net.

Linsdeau said the mental side of her game has vastly improved since last year.

“For me, I’ve been able to see the field more clearly because before I would get in my head and not know where everyone was,” Linsdeau said. “Now, I look up and see where my teammates are and see the spaces in the field.”

Celebrate GRADS

The Huskies’ offensive attack is still a work in progress in terms of consistency, but freshman Vanessa Parker, senior Jill Ostrowski, senior Leia Dayble, senior captain Jordyn Yezback-Hadley, sophomore Tessa Brown, and Kinsora have all been consistent contributors.

Parker plays about as quickly as she made her presence felt on the field, filling up the score sheet on a constant basis since joining the varsity squad.

Whether it’s newcomers or veterans, everyone is playing a part in the team’s search for a MAC Blue title.

“There’s a core group of girls that have been playing together for a while now, and I think that we’re very comfortable playing with each other and the new girls that come in meshed very well,” Linsdeau said.

St. Clair (6-1 in the league) is the only two teams within striking distance of Lakeview for the league crown, and they will see Lakeview again before the conclusion of the regular season.

Lakeview is slated to face St. Clair on the road to close out its regular season on May 20, which could be a league-deciding matchup.

For a senior-heavy group, it’s their last shot at bringing home the league for the first time in over a decade, and Miners said the veterans understand the urgency to do so.

“I think you get that regardless of where you are, whether you’re the bottom

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Lakeview senior Leia Dayble controls the ball.

The St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department will host a drive-in movie night at dusk on May 31.

The movie shown will be “Trolls Band Together”

Parks and Recreation to host drive-in movie night

with My Dad’s Hot Dog Cart and V’s Barista for food.

The event is at Veterans Memorial Park on Jefferson Avenue, in the parking lot, and is $5 per car.

This is a residents-only event. Park passes must be purchased in advance at the Civic Ice Arena at 20000 Stephens Road.

A Stephens Road water main project was approved by the St. Clair Shores City Council at their meeting on April 15 in a 6-0 vote. Mayor Kip Walby was excused for this meeting.

The bid was awarded to Bidigare, the lowest bidder, for $745,520 with a 10% contingency for a total of $820,072. The engineering estimate for the project was just over $1 million.

Library to host Homeschool Hangout

The St. Clair Shores Public Library has invited homeschool families to a Homeschool Hangout Event from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 15.

This drop-in program is for children 5 and older and their adults.

“Children will create their own mini mini golf green and then be able to play a round of indoor mini golf,” a press release states.

This is a program designed for homeschoolers, but all are welcome.

The St. Clair Shores Public Library is located at 22500 11 Mile Road. For more information, call (586) 751-9020.

Silent book group coming to library

A new patron led book group is coming to the St. Clair Shores Public Library.

A Silent Book Group that allows you to read what you want in the company of other book lovers starts at 6:30 p.m. on May 15 in the library’s reading lounge. Socialization among other readers will take place at 6:30 p.m. and silent reading will happen from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“This is your time to relax, to read silently in company with fellow book lovers, minus the pressures of assigned books or discussion,” a press release said.

The event is for those 18 and older and no registration is required.

The book group continues on the third Wednesday of the month: June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21.

Library to host ‘speed dating with a book’ event

The St. Clair Shores Public Library has invited patrons 18 and older to a “speed dating with a book” event at 7 p.m. on May 15.

According to a press release, a librarian will present books of different genres to patrons and will highlight the best features of each book. If a patron likes the book, they can check it out at the end of the hour.

No registration is required.

According to City Engineer Mike Freckleton, they are upgrading the 1955 water main from 8 inches to 12 inches. He stated that this upgrade will provide better fire and water service flows for the businesses and homes serviced by the water main.

Freckleton also noted that Bidigare said the company could start in mid-June and be done in two to three weeks. The project has to be completed no later than Aug. 15 because of a large-scale patching project on Stephens, Freckleton said.

Mayor Pro Tem and Councilwoman Candice Rusie asked if the company could do the work for the prices they are offering and Freckleton said yes.

“Better than what usually happens up here where it’s estimating wrong in the opposite direction,” Rusie said.

Cars and Coffee to be held at historical museum

EASTPOINTE — Cars and Coffee meets will be held throughout the summer at the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society.

Enthusiasts are invited to bring their classic cars to the museum for coffee, doughnuts and camaraderie.

The meets will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on May 11, June 8, July 20 and Aug. 17 at the museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe.

“Many foot problems in people with diabetes occur when injuries and infections go unnoticed and untreated. Healing can be delayed due to decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy) and poor circulation. I will evaluate your feet regularly to detect any changes early, before they become a problem. Call me for an appointment and I will work with you to keep your feet healthy.”

CRIME WATCH

Larceny reported on Kramer Street

At 3:13 on April 26, a report was made about a larceny that occurred from April 23 to April 25 in the 21000 block of Kramer Street.

Once at the location, an officer met the victim, a 59-year-old man, who stated a package was stolen from his porch by an unknown person. A package of audio equipment was delivered to his front porch by FedEx at 11:56 a.m. on April 23. The man had proof of delivery on the FedEx website.

The man stated both FedEx and the audio equipment company requested a report so the refund process could start.

Disorderly conduct and fraud reported on Marter Road

At 4:22 p.m. on April 21, a report was made about disorderly people and an alleged

Charged

from page 5A

case of fraud at a restaurant in the 23000 block of Marter Road.

Upon arrival, an officer spoke to the caller, a 30-year-old woman, who stated customers became disorderly once she advised them they could not take their alcoholic beverages to go.

One of the suspects, a woman about 25-35 years old, began to yell and flipped a chair. She was upset that they were given togo cups but were not allowed to take the beverages with them. The two women also had two girls with them. The girls were around 7 years old. They threatened to leave without paying and the caller threatened to call the police. One of the suspects told her to do it as she had an uncle who worked for the Detroit Police Department. The suspects continued to yell and swear in the restaurant, causing a scene.

They left the location prior to police arrival. An employee followed them out and took a picture of their license plate. One of the suspects snatched the phone from her trying to delete the picture and scratched the

woman in the process. The woman did not want to press assault charges.

The server, a 34-year-old man, said the women were dissatisfied with the service and that they were given a complimentary drink and a 10% discount. The to-go cups he gave them were for water.

The total bill was $134.75.

Fraud reported on Revere Street

At 3:22 p.m. on April 26, a report was made about an alleged case of fraud that occurred on April 23 in the 22000 block of Revere Street.

was made, due to the evidence presented, to authorize an arrest warrant for one count of involuntary manslaughter for Mr. Kestou,” Caringi said.

After the warrant was authorized, detectives contacted authorities in New York. Hours later, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with the New York Port Authority, confirmed Kestou was apprehended there without incident.

Lucido said Kestou was in transit to Hong Kong via New York. Kestou didn’t have a warrant before attempting to use his passport, which is currently being held by authorities in New York. Lucido said charges would have been brought against Kestou even if he wasn’t trying to leave the country. He called the timing of the arrest a “blessing” due to the diligent work of the Clinton Township Police Department.

Kestou was arraigned in 41B District Court by Magistrate Ryan Zemke. His bond was set at $500,000 cash or surety only. If released, Kestou must wear a GPS tether, surrender his passport, not leave the state and have no weapons. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for May 7 at 8:30 a.m. before District Court Judge Sebastian Lucido.

Defense attorney James C. Thomas is representing Kestou. The attorney had “no comment” on the case.

‘Loud explosions’ and ‘flying debris’

Clinton Township Police Operations Capt. Anthony Coppola said the dispatchers were flooded with 911 calls at 8:50 p.m. about the March 4 explosion. He said it took 24 hours for multiple fire departments to get control of the blaze.

“The loud explosions remained continuous, pelting first responders with flying debris,” Coppola said.

Coppola said at 9:31 p.m., an officer reported a person injured at 15 Mile and Beaconsfield Street, a quarter of a mile from the scene. This was 19-year-old Turner Salter, who died from his injuries. A press release from the prosecutor’s office said Salter was killed by a nitrous oxide canister.

“Our partners at the Clinton Township Fire Department would spend well over a week monitoring and extinguishing sporadic explosions, pop-up fires and continual smoke at the scene,” Coppola said. “This was like nothing any of us had ever seen and hope to never encounter again.”

Clinton Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan said the investigation is still ongoing. He said

19A

The victim, a 69-year-old woman, came into the police station and stated she was defrauded out of $4,000 dollars. She contacted a number on her TV screen who she thought was Hulu. She was reportedly instructed to buy gift cards worth approximately $4,000. Once the woman had the gift cards, the suspect stated they needed to prove who she was and the woman allowed them to access her phone via an app they told her to download. They helped the woman to create an Apple Pay account where more money was transferred through Zelle.

— Alyssa Ochss

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Tree

through programs that integrate science. It also offers outreach services to community institutions and residents of St. Clair Shores and beyond,” the website states.

In order to be considered an arboretum, Councilman John Caron said there must be 25 tree species in the park. Right now, they have more than 40 tree species, and there are more than 200 trees total.

This is the first year that the city celebrated Arbor Day at the park, and Caron said having an annual event is a requirement of the arboretum.

“I think this is a good way for community members, city employees, we got council members out here to help out, but also help maintain the park, and just kind of add to the beauty of the city,” Caron said.

QR codes are attached to the newly planted trees with metal signs, and Caron said this code will take a visitor to the city website’s arboretum page where there is a list of all the trees, as well as a PDF map of the park.

“Each of them have the name of the tree and the QR code that can take you to more

from page 1A See TREE on page 17A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Council members, city employees and others showed up on April 26 to celebrate Arbor Day at the Brys Park Arboretum.

Dredging

son for the Army Corps of Engineers, work at the DNR site is expected to begin this spring.

“What we’re going to do with that is essentially vegetation and tree removal between the dike and perimeter fence, and then we’re going to do some restoration of a gravel dike access road,” Hubbard said.

The Clinton River Confined Disposal Facility is a 30-acre site in Harrison Township. Constructed in 1979, the facility is used to store sediment from the Clinton River that is too contaminated to be reused. It currently has a capacity of 370,000 cubic yards and receives about 20,000 cubic yards of sediment from the river every three to five years, according to a document from the Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to the work being done, the Army Corps of Engineers estimated the facility had five more years before becoming unusable.

Hubbard said the work will take about a year to complete. Once completed and if funding is approved, further dredging of the Clinton River could begin in summer 2025.

“These are really important projects,”

John James, local officials and representatives from the North Star Sail Club celebrate the allocation of $500,000 in federal funds to maintain a dredging disposal facility.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH

Building awareness about suicide prevention locally

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

Nationally and locally, suicide is an issue that takes the lives of too many people of all ages.

In 2021, the CDC reported 1,485 deaths in Michigan due to suicide. Making the age-adjusted death rate, the number of deaths per 100,000 total population, 14.3.

According to Oakgov.org, suicide deaths in 2023 have risen by 12% in Oakland County.

Mary Robertson, from Huntington Woods, lost her daughter to suicide when she was a senior at Kalamazoo College in 2022.

“It was just a complete shock to everyone, to her professors, to her roommates, to me, to her close friends. No one knew she was suffering,” Robertson said.

Robertson said it is important for people to know that it can happen to anyone. She described her daughter as a “bright, funny, accomplished, world-traveling, just full of life young woman, but she was a deeply private person and pretty extreme introvert and just didn’t share with anyone that she was suffering.”

After her daughter’s passing, Robertson went to her daughter’s college and asked that the counseling staff be more visible and go to classes to share with students who to go to if

they are struggling and that there are people they could go to should they find themselves in distress.

She adds that it is important for young people to remember that “whatever you’re going through at the moment, it’s temporary.”

“You just don’t know what good things could be around the corner, and when you’re in the depths of despair, you probably don’t see it that way, but just know that whatever it is, there are people that care, there are people that will help you through it and there’s something brighter on the other side,” Robertson said.

Jewish Family Service of metro Detroit has an initiative called A Single Soul that works to prevent suicide in the community. The program was started by Rabbi Daniel Syme, who lost his brother to suicide. Through A Single Soul, Jewish Family Service does focused counseling, consultations with clinicians, trainings, outreach to connect people to resources and policy development around suicide prevention.

“It is a really robust offering that we have for the Jewish community, but also for the tri-county community at large,” Mayim Meyers, a suicide prevention coordinator for Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit, said.

Meyers said many people suffer from suicidal thoughts at any given time, which can manifest in a range of different ways, from passive suicidal ideation to suicide attempts.

“I think if we, as a community, embrace the fact that

See SUICIDE on page 25A

Treat Mom or yourself to a massage or facial at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Te name on the building might have changed from Massage Green to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, but the professional, friendly staf customers have come to know and love are still there.

“We still have the same staf,” said owner January Tomas of the St. Clair Shores location, which opened in 2012. “We still have the same owners.”

One of the biggest changes has been the addition of more services and types of massages. Te signature Himalayan salt stone massage — which provides extra benefts thanks to the 64 essential minerals in the salt — is still among them and is an easy lastminute add-on, Tomas said.

Tey always ofered a classic facial, but Tomas said as Hand & Stone, they have many additional aesthetic treatments, such as an array of new facials.

“Hand & Stone is taking the facial to a whole new level,” Tomas said.

She said the staf has been through extensive training to further hone their skills and become profcient in new Hand & Stone oferings.

Mother’s Day gift cards are a great way to treat Mom. “We have some wonderful Mother’s Day packages,” Tomas said.

Where massages and facials were once considered a luxury, more people are taking advantage of them today.

“A massage or facial is a really great way to take care of you,” Tomas said.

Te advantages extend beyond relaxation and renewal. Tomas said massages have relieved pain and increased mobility for some of their clients.

Memberships make these services more afordable. A monthly membership is $79.95 and there’s no minimum term. Members receive one free one-hour massage or classic facial per month, along with points and discounts on services, gift cards and retail.

Open seven days a week, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is located at 21920 Greater Mack Ave. in St. Clair Shores, between Vernier and 9 Mile roads; it’s one block from Bommarito Bakery. To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit www.handandstonestclairshores.com or call (586) 777-7030.

Common Ground will hold its annual Ride 2 End Suicide May 18 at Stony Creek Metropark to raise money for suicide awareness, prevention, education and counseling. Visit https://ride2endsuicide.com.

Air show

Selfridge for the first time in seven years.

“Not every air show will get a headlining act like the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels, so we’re really fortunate to have that performing act headlining the show this year,” Shipway said.

The Thunderbirds will be joined by a number of other air acts including the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 demonstration team and the Misty Blues parachute team. Selfridge’s current Air National Guard planes, the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, will perform as well.

“The A-10 demonstration is either going to be two or four aircraft, but it’s going to be a demonstration of close air support,” Shipway said. “It will be low-flying A-10s coming in to simulate an attack run and also demonstrating how they perform combat search and rescue. And then our KC-135 will be a demonstration with a flyby for the crowd for them to really appreciate that aircraft and what it brings to our air power.”

Alongside the various aerial acts, activities and displays on the ground will keep showgoers entertained and educated. Historic and modern military vehicles representing all of Selfridge’s tenant organizations will be on display, including a KC-46A Pegasus tanker, a plane that will soon replace the KC135 as the base’s in-flight refueling mission aircraft.

A STEAM Expo will promote science,

technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education with support from the Air Force, NASA and several universities from around the Midwest. NASA will bring a trailer from the Glenn Research Center in Ohio as well as displays about the ongoing Artemis human spaceflight program, while the USAF’s mobile lab will feature interactive experiences based on the Air Force’s operations. Eastern Michigan University’s aviation program is expected to have a presence at the STEAM expo, while show planners are in discussions with similar programs at Purdue University and Western Michigan University to secure their presence at the show.

“The theme this year for the air show is ‘Innovation focused and STEAM driven,’” said Chief Master Sgt. Tim Huhtasaari, open house STEAM director. “We believe that STEAM education is essential for preparing the youth for the challenges of the 21st century. We want these events to be seen as an opportunity to showcase the positive impact that STEAM has on young people. It’s really our effort to get kids engaged with what we feel is the future of our country.”

Getting the open house set up has been a two-year endeavor, made all the more challenging by the fact the 2024 open house planning team is entirely new to the task. Securing acts and support required a lot of networking across military and civilian circles, with planners expressing gratitude toward the Macomb County Chamber and the Selfridge Base Community Council for their help.

“We are all very excited to see this actu-

File photo by Erin Sanchez

United States Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s fly in formation during the 2017 Selfridge open house.

Treefrom page 12A

explanation of it,” Caron said. “And each of the tree varieties we have linked to the U.S. forestry department that gives a full description of the tree, what type of climate they can be in, what to expect.”

Bryan Babcock, director of the St. Clair Shores Department of Public Works, said the city has been successful in obtaining tree planting grants from the U.S. Forest Service. They’ve received both federal grants and DTE Energy tree planting grants in the past.

“We’ve received those grants for about four years in the total amount of $400,000, and as part of that tree planting grant, we committed to reinvigorating and reestablishing this arboretum,” Babcock said.

On Arbor Day, they planted four trees, and Babcock said they had a contractor who would plant around 10-12 more trees later.

“But the grant in total, I want to say, when we’ve received those, we’ve been able to plant about 300-400 trees throughout the city,” Babcock said.

Most of these trees go in the right of ways and in the parks. The city has a tree canopy map that shows where there is the most canopy and the least canopy in the city.

“And those show up on these maps as kind of like a red heat zone because there is no shade,” Babcock said. “So we focus on those areas of the city where there’s lacking tree canopy, and that’s where we go and plant the new trees at.”

Liz Koto, St. Clair Shores city planner, said the city of St. Clair Shores is a Tree City USA, which means they must recertify each year. According to the Arbor Day Foundation website, Tree City USA is a program that has recognized green communities since 1976.

See TREE on page 20A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Bags of mulch sit by trees ready to be spread.

Soccer from page 8A

of the (MAC) Gold division or the top of the (MAC) Red,” Miners said. “It’s your senior year, right? You’re never going to do this again. It’s an emotional ride, as well as for pride as well. You always get that, regardless of where you are. Having the opportunity to potentially win a division and potentially win a district will certainly factor into their emotions.”

Once the league goal is completed, the Huskies will turn their attention to districts, which has been unkind the past two years.

Reaching the district finals hasn’t been the issue, but winning the district championship continues to be a thorn in Lakeview’s side.

Maybe ending two droughts will be the senior class’s final goal for the program.

“Losing districts in the finals two years in a row really has a bitter taste in our mouths,” Wirick said.

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

1-0

league rival St. Clair.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Lakeview senior goalkeeper Autumn Wirick handles the ball during the

shutout against

Dredging

from page 13A

Hubbard said. “It’s one of the locations that is central to the Detroit area and this project allows us to do the dredging there, which in turn allows us to ensure there’s safe navigation in the Clinton River. It’s an important part of what the Army Corps does here at the Detroit District.”

Numerous officials and organizations echoed Hubbard’s sentiments about the site’s importance.

“The Clinton River is probably, outside of the Detroit River and the St. Clair River and the St. Mary’s (River), the busiest waterway in the state of Michigan; one of the busiest in the entire country,” Miller said.

Steve Remias, president of Macray Harbor in Harrison Township and a consultant to the Macomb County Chamber, stated that 1.4 million people annually use the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair, 18,000 of which rely on the waterways for jobs.

“We’re talking about how on the coastline there’s 80 public launches, 20,000 boat slips, 10 public parks, 62 marinas,” Remias said.

The Clinton River’s environmental importance was emphasized by Jennifer Hill, executive director of the Clinton River Watershed Council.

The Clinton River was designated as an Area of Concern by the Environmental Protection Agency under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Pollutants that have been found in the river include heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls, a carcinogenic chemical used in carbonless copy paper and coolants. Work to clean up the river and restore wildlife habitats along it has been ongoing since 1988. The EPA’s remedial action plan for the river was last revised in 2014.

According to Hill, a study by the DNR in the 1960s found no living fish in the river between Pontiac and Lake St. Clair. A recent study by the DNR found 80 fish species in the river.

“Today the Clinton River is a statedesignated water trail,” Hill said. “It’s a place where people come to paddle, where they come for reactionary fishing opportunities and, of course, to boat as well, and it supports a vital economy in this area. But we know the fight to improve the health of the Clinton River is not over unfortunately, and we know we’ve had an underinvestment in our aging infrastructure here in Michigan. We need to invest in that infrastructure not only for the economy, but for the recreational uses that folks use the river and Lake St. Clair for.”

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Charged

from page 10A

the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the lead investigator with Michigan State Police, township police and township fire investigators lending assistance. He said investigators believe the fire started at the southwest corner of the building.

“At this stage they are still at the undetermined aspect of it, but they cannot exclude human involvement in this fire at this time,” Duncan said. “They would still like more investigation, more information to come from some of the witnesses. Some of that is still coming out.”

Duncan added that the Environmental Protection Agency is working to quickly get the site cleaned up. He said more than 3,100 canisters of nitrous oxide were found at the site by the EPA.

He said that the amount of butane at the site, combined with the nitrous oxide, mainly contributed to the explosion. He said bedding and clothing in the building acted as accelerants.

“Just simply the gas load alone is what caused this,” Duncan said.

He said the amount of butane and nitrous oxide at the site indicated that it was being sold to other entities.

“With the qualities that he had in this building, he’s sending them somewhere,” Duncan said. “Now it’s the time to uncover, where are they going?”

Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon thanked all the parties involved in the investigation. He said the investigation took a long time to make sure it was done right. He came out in favor

of laws being changed at the state level for greater regulations on similar businesses.

“We want to stop it from happening anywhere else,” Cannon said.

Clinton Township Building Superintendent Barry Miller confirmed that much of this would have to be changed at the state level. He did say that ordinances for licensing requirements could potentially be changed by the township. He said his department had no complaints.

However, Duncan said the Clinton Township Fire Department had received a complaint prior to the explosion. He said this was after the initial inspection of the property.

“We had an issue with a fire suppression system,” Duncan said. “At that point, they did not have these materials in their building.”

Duncan said his department has been going to businesses with similar materials and asking to do voluntary inspections to make sure the materials are safely stored. He said owners have also let the department remove materials that exceed the recommended amount.

“The majority of them will allow that,” said Duncan about the inspections. “They’ve been very cooperative.”

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

Air show

from page 16A

ally begin,” Huhtasaari said. “It’s been a huge buildup and it’s been a struggle. Until very recently we’ve had a difficult time securing some of these acts and performers, mainly because many of these acts don’t plan out as far in advance as we were hoping to get commitments for. All of us are excited to see this show begin and I think it’s going to be a fantastic event.”

Admission to the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Open House is free with the event running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8-9. As the event takes place at an airfield that is federal and military property, there are many items that attendees cannot bring including opaque bags, coolers, drones, balloons, alcohol, marijuana, weapons and toys resembling weapons, flammable liquids and explosives, laser pointers, non-service animals, glass containers and electronic communication devices such as walkie talkies, HAM radios and radio scanners.

For more information about the open house, visit teamselfridge.com. Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

“The Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover,” the website states. “It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.”

St. Clair Shores must plant a minimum number of trees and maintain a minimum number of trees based on the city’s population to keep its status as a Tree City USA.

“So it’s a per capita, it’s a dollar value per capita that we have to maintain each year to be able to maintain our Tree City USA certification,” Koto said. “And the Arbor Day Foundation is the group that manages the Tree City USA certifications. So that’s how the organization works.”

Koto also said Arbor Day was the first event she participated in with a local jurisdiction when she was 16 years old.

“I’ve been pretty much doing some sort of a planting most years ever since then,” Koto said.

Lillian Claycomb, chairperson of the St. Clair Shores Beautification Committee, said there are around seven members of the Beautification Committee that are still around who started the arboretum in the late ‘90s. They pushed for the park because they felt it was a park not many people knew about.

“We got, I think, about seven trees,” Claycomb said. “Most of them did survive.”

She added there are name plates still on some of the

trees telling who donated them. She said most of the people who donated the trees did so as memorials.

“A lot of people donated them so that their grandchildren could come,” Claycomb said. “You know, St. Clair Shores is a very, even though you may not think so, a very

close-knit community. A lot of people that live here grew up here, come back here, buy houses, raise their children here.” Claycomb said that the committee is very thankful that they’ve brought back the arboretum.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Volunteers plant trees in the Brys Park Arboretum on Arbor Day April 26.

PROHIBITION PARTY

Wolverines set program record with 13 players selected in 2024 NFL Draft

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

DETROIT — The honeymoon phase of the University of Michigan football team’s national championship continued as the Maize and Blue was well represented at the 2024 NFL Draft April 25-27 in Detroit.

With 13 players drafted, including seven players selected in the first three rounds, the Wolverines set a new program record, which was previously 11 in 2017. It was also the fifth time in school history that the Wolverines had 10 or more players drafted (11 in 2017 and 10 in 1972, 1974 and 2020). The national champions also had the most players drafted out of any school in the nation in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy got things started off as he was selected 10th overall in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a tough reality to come to grips with for Michigan fans who are also Detroit Lions fans, knowing they will have to see him twice each year with All-Pro Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal on the outside.

See WOLVERINES on page 24A

Photo provided by U of M Athletics

University of Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders April 26.

Lions

from page 6A

and 17 passes defended (T-5th). Arnold started all 14 games for the Crimson Tide.

Allowing the sixth-most passing yards per game in the regular season and the second-most in the playoffs, the Lions were in desperate need of secondary help with Emmanuel Moseley coming off a season-ending injury and free agent acquisition Amik Robertson being more of a slot corner.

Arnold is slated to start alongside Carlton Davis III, whom the Lions acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via trade in the offseason.

Davis has been plagued with injuries throughout his career and has yet to play a full season.

Luckily for the Lions, Arnold is talented enough to be an immediate plug-and-play starter on day one of the 2024 season.

Round 2, Pick 61:

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

The only thing I love more than drafting a position of need is doing it again to show just how serious you are, and the Lions did just that.

“We didn’t go into it saying, ‘We’re

DETROIT LIONS UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

Ole Miss DE Isaac Ukwu; Illinois WR Isaiah Williams; Ohio State LB Steele Chambers; UCLA OL Duke Clemens; Duke WR Jason Calhoun; BYU TE Isaac Rex; Louisville C Byron Hudson; William & Mary EDGE Nate Lynn; Northern Illinois LB DaRon Gilbert; Fresno State CB Morice Norris; Wake Forest S Chelen Garnes; Ball State S Loren Strickland; Michigan K James Turner; Idaho LS Hogan Hatten.

going to get two corners in the first two rounds,’” Holmes said in his NFL Draft press conference following day two. “We really didn’t. It’s just he was the highest-graded guy for us at the time, and you know how we roll. We went ahead and got them, but those were also our top two corners ranked as well.”

A four-year starter at the University of Missouri, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. battled the injury bug in 2021 (ACL) and 2023 (groin), but shined on the field when healthy. He only had one interception throughout his college career, but he’s an above-average tackler.

Rakestraw fits the gritty mold Holmes and the Lions embody, playing physical in press coverage and possessing great speed.

Rakestraw can be a little aggressive at times with his hands, which will be an adjustment for him against bigger and faster wide receivers in the NFL.

The injuries are also a cause for concern

solely due to the Lions secondary depth consisting of players with an injury history.

His speed and his aggressive mindset will translate, but the key for Rakestraw will be making sure his aggressiveness doesn’t cost the team in coverage or with penalties.

Round 4, Pick 126: Giovanni Manu, OT, University of British Columbia (CFL) Round 4, Pick 132: Sione Vaki, RB, Utah

You can never have enough offensive lineman depth, especially when the Lions have shown that they have a knack for identifying talent in the trenches.

Giovanni Manu is one of those picks where, similar to fantasy football, you fall in love with a certain player and you’re willing to take him earlier than most just to make sure you grab him.

Holmes and the front office have earned the right to take that risk, but that doesn’t mean Manu doesn’t have the potential to be a solid rotating piece on the offensive line.

Manu previously played for the University of British Columbia in a league called U Sports, the highest level of amateur Canadian football.

The competition isn’t quite up to par with the National Collegiate Athletics Association, but Manu has the intangibles to be serviceable, standing at 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds.

“When I watched the tape, the upside of the actual player, and it’s not about who he was going against or all that stuff, we just kind of got enamored with the upside,” Holmes said in his NFL Draft press conference following day three.

Vaki is in a similar boat to Manu, but for different reasons. Both are interesting picks that will be looked back on as having incredible value if they contribute, but Vaki’s selection is more on his versatility, a Swiss Army Knife if you will, rather than his size.

Playing safety and running back for Utah, Vaki is the type of player who will fill in wherever you need him to be.

When Utah’s running back room was plagued with injuries, he stepped up and took on the carries.

As a safety, Vaki has a nose for the ball and is an above-average tackler, making him perfect for special teams, according to

See LIONS on page 26A

*Terms

Wolverines

from page 22A

McCarthy was the lone draftee from Michigan on day one, but the Wolverines cleaned up nicely on day two as defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (Cincinnati Bengals) and defensive back Mike Sainristil (Washington Commanders) were selected back-to-back in the second round with Jenkins at 49th and Sainristil at 50th overall.

Jenkins will join a Bengals defensive line group hoping to fill the void of D.J. Reader, who signed with the Detroit Lions in the offseason.

Sainristil received rave reviews prior to the draft about his knowledge of the game, and the Commanders will need every ounce of it as its secondary allowed the most passing yards per game last season in the NFL.

Former Michigan head coach and now Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh landed his first Wolverine in the third round with the selection of linebacker Junior Colson (69th overall), whom the Chargers desperately needed to bolster the team’s linebacking group.

A sort of domino effect took place later in the third round as Blake Corum (Los Angeles Rams), Roman Wilson (Pittsburgh

MICHIGAN UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

DE Braiden McGregor (New York Jets); K James Turner (Detroit Lions); DB Josh Wallace (Los Angeles Rams); OL Trente Jones (Green Bay Packers); OL Karsen Barnhart (Los Angeles Chargers); OL Drake Nugent (San Francisco 49ers).

Steelers) and Zak Zinter (Cleveland Browns) were drafted consecutively with picks 83-85 to conclude Michigan’s third-round reign.

Corum will form an impressive 1-2 punch with Notre Dame alumnus Kyren Williams, who has battled injury issues but is a force both in the passing and rushing game when healthy. The Steelers hope Wilson will immediately plug in as a wide receiver after trading away Diontae Johnson in the offseason. Johnson didn’t leave much of a void to fill, so Wilson will automatically be a refreshing change of pace for Steelers fans and an offense that ranked 25th in passing yards per game.

Other Michigan players drafted were: TE AJ Barner (Seattle Seahawks/4th round); OL Trevor Keegan (Philadelphia Eagles/5th round); LB Mike Barrett (Carolina Panthers/7th round); OL LaDarius Hen-

derson (Houston Texans/7th round); DL Jaylen Harrell (Tennessee Titans/7th round); and WR Cornelius Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers/7th round).

Keegan will be one to watch simply because the Eagles have done an impressive job of developing offensive linemen, especially

ones drafted by the organization. The Eagles offensive line will see some new names and faces in the starting rotation, and it has battled injuries in the past, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if Keegan mixes into the rotation.

See WOLVERINES on page 26A

CONTRACTING

• St. Clair Shores Certificate of Occupancies requirements

• Rental inspections

• Our work is guaranteed to pass inspections

• Next day service possible

• Whole or partial house clean outs

• Buying homes in any condition

• Always Quick Estimates

Owner, Ray Safadi

Photo provided by U of M Athletics

Former Michigan head coach and now Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh landed his first Wolverine in the third round with the selection of linebacker Junior Colson.

Suicide

from page 14A

this is a real thing and that there are things that we can do to help to prevent it and help to support people through difficult times, then we can really make a difference,” Meyers said.

Meyers said an important aspect of suicide prevention is the community taking the time for trainings and “taking time to normalize the fact that the word suicide isn’t a four letter word.”

Normalization of suicidal thoughts and making people aware of the many resources that are available to help are a major part of suicide prevention.

“I think the presence of 988 and people’s relative comfort referring people to talk to 988, I think is really a wonderful step in the direction of suicide prevention,” Meyers said, referring to a suicide and crisis hotline that is available 24/7 and is confidential.

Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit’s A Single Soul works with a variety of local organizations by training and helping create internal policies for their organization to make it more suicide safe.

A Single Soul’s trainings can be found at jlive.app.

“I find it to be a really nice resource if someone’s looking for a starting point,” Meyers said.

Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan Detroit and A Single Soul are having a fundraiser May 22 to spotlight mental health and suicide prevention, and it will feature comedian Gary Gulman.

More information on A Single Soul can be found at jfsdetroit.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988.

Another upcoming event which is raising money for suicide prevention is Common Ground’s Ride 2 End Suicide. This event was started by Terri and Lou Jozefiak in honor of their daughter Marie. The event will take place 8 a.m.-noon May 18 at Stony Creek Metropark. The cost is $40, and money raised goes toward mental health crisis intervention. For more information, visit ride2endsuicide.com.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Lions

from page 23A

Holmes. Vaki had 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, and two sacks last season for Utah.

“That’s what first stood out is we thought he was one of the better special teams players in this entire draft,” Holmes said. “All four phases of special teams, and especially with some of the changes that are coming about, it kind of came to life even more.”

Either way, he’ll be fun to watch on the field this season.

Round 6, Pick 189: Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU Round 6, Pick 210: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

I was hoping to see a receiver picked somewhere in this draft, even this late in the game, but as I previously said, you can never have enough depth.

The defensive and offensive line are exactly where depth is so crucial in the NFL, and the Lions spent their last two picks with this notion in mind.

Wingo tallied 25 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his final year at Louisiana State University, wearing the No. 18 jersey that is presented to the player who best represents the LSU football program’s culture.

“This guy fits our culture like a glove,” Holmes said. “He’s just a great kid. It’s hard to don that No. 18 at LSU — it just means something. I think his character speaks for itself, and his football character shows on the tape.”

Mahogany was a bit of a surprise still being available in the sixth round, carrying a fourth round draft projection, but it’s a high-value pick for Holmes and company.

A First-Team All-ACC selection last year, Mahogany started 13 games at right guard last season after recovering from a torn ACL the year prior.

Grabbing someone like Mahogany in the sixth round is an opportunity you can’t pass up.

“He fits how we want to play,” Holmes said. “He’s a tough, physical, and you know, he’s got some dirtbag in him. He’s just one of those tough Jersey kids that doesn’t take a lot of crap. He’s got a fun tape to watch.”

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

Wolverines

from page 24A

Aside from being another Wolverine on the Chargers, Johnson is a name to watch because of how desperate the Chargers are in the wideout department.

The Chargers drafted three wideouts in the 2024 NFL Draft with the University of Georgia’s Ladd McConkey (2nd round) leading the way, while the University of Southern California’s Brenden Rice (7th round), son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, and Johnson followed suit.

It would be a different story if Joshua Palmer or 2023 first rounder Quentin Johnston were serviceable last season, but the losses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are too much to bear for the Chargers — more so Allen, since Williams spent much of his Chargers tenure injured.

Johnson has the talent to be a solid NFL wide receiver, especially with a quarterback like Justin Herbert under center, but it will be dependent on if he can separate himself from the group.

Harbaugh ended his Wolverine tenure with 65 players being selected in the NFL Draft, and Michigan could potentially fea-

Volunteer

from page 7A

“You have a fun time doing it, you feel good doing it,” Wielgot said. “You hopefully make it easier for somebody.”

While his wife is retired, Wielgot is still working.

“You get off work and you go do stuff, and you get home later and you get up and do it again,” Wielgot said. “But you get rewarded because you know somebody had a better day because you were there.”

Though Wielgot doesn’t have a specific memory he loves the most, he remembers all the fun he’s had while volunteering with other people in the club and with other groups.

“Even though sometimes you might be going, ‘Oh, man. What am I doing?’” Wielgot said.

“You know in the end, especially when you look back at how much fun, how many people you met, how many people you became friends with. It’s a good experience. It’s a good life experience. You meet people that become your friends for life. It’s fun.”

Licavoli’s Villanova Pizzeria & Ristorante celebrates 1-year anniversary in St. Clair Shores

The Villanova Ristorante, located at 24316 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores on the Nautical Mile, is a destination for unwinding with friends and family while enjoying Frank Sinatra tunes in a casual atmosphere that includes Italian murals and family memorabilia and photos. Already in the first year, many memories have been made with guests and the staff that boasts, “We are all family here.” Villanova offers a full menu of homemade family recipes and rotating weekly specials. Villanova is much more than pizza and pasta. The catch of the day is always a favorite, as well as the seared sea scallops over creamy risotto. The regular menu includes many favorites, and some of the chart toppers that aren’t on the menu are the chicken Marsala over creamy risotto and the beef tenderloin zip tips appetizer.

For more information or to place a carryout, call (586) 585-1989 or go to pizzeriavillanova.com.

0211-2419

ture another impressive showing next year as DL Mason Graham, DB Will Johnson, DL Kenneth Grant and TE Colston Loveland are all currently projected to go in the first round of the way-too-early 2025 mock drafts.

Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

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This is a drug free Program. An individual tentatively selected for entrance into the Program after testing and interview will be required to submit to a drug test, which will include testing for marijuana. ThePipefittingIndustryTrainingCenterislocatedat636ExecutiveDriveinTroy,MIbetween JohnR.andDequindre north of E. 14 mile Road. PH: 248-585-0636 Noresumesplease. For more information please contact our web site at: www.pipefitters636tc.org. DF-GCI1062707-01

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Help Wanted General CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER & SEWER

Permanent full-time Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer position $89,030 -$106,202 annually (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required and applicant 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, May 17th, 2024. 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. 0394-2419

Help Wanted General DIRECTCARE WORKERPOSITION Full/Part-Time, AllShifts. Assistingresidentsina grouphomeinHazel Park.DCWtrained preferred,Butwilltrain. Call313-377-4486

HIRING fora6:30pm2:30am,8/hourshift, 5daysaweek, Musthavereliable transportation,Detail cleaner,Goodwages, CallForInterview 586-216-4993

5576E.10Mile Warren,48091

NOWHIRING SECURITY&HALL MONITORS

*F/THallMonitorsfor ocalschools,Insidework Weekends/HolidaysOff, ImmediateOpenings! 586-803-0003 joe@riccosecurity.com

MOMS & RETIREES:

Work Part Time. Work On Call as Needed!

• Light Assembly of Small Pieces

• Flexible Hours

• 1-2 Days a Week

• Training Starts $15/HR

Seeking:

• Good Eye /Hand Coordination

• Manual Dexterity

• Arts & Crafting Skills

Rochester Hills Location BRING A FRIEND & WORK TOGETHER! Call 248-824-4751

0383-2419

EXPERIENCED

Full-Time, Gardening/Landscaping HelpNeededtoPlant, Weed,andMaintain FlowerGardens. WorkrunsMarch-Dec, Wagesbaseduponexp. Monday-Friday Jodi-586-596-5270

Fence Service

Home Repairs

Handyman Services

PLATINUMFENCE Residential/Commercial Vinyl,Wood, Aluminum,Chain-link, CommercialGates, QualityWork,Affordable, FamilyOwned/Operated, FreeEstimates, SeniorDiscounts 586-701-0596

Garage Door Service

GARAGE DOOR TUNE

UP

SPECIAL $80

NoJobTooSmall Lic/Ins.FreeQuotes! CAVALLO CONSTRUCTION Concrete,Driveways, Patios,sidewalks, Decorativeconcrete. Qualityworkmanship. Affordablepricing. Paul586-557-9945 Bill586-751-9332

Cement Elite Concrete Services, LLC. WE RAISE SETTLED OR SUNKEN CONCRETE PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS SIDEWALKS • FLOORS CURBS • PORCHES Commercial • Industrial Residential 1/3 TO 1/2 THE COST OF REPLACEMENT FREE ESTIMATES (586)731-7226 (248)481-6919

ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING 10%OffPre-Spring! •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Sidewalks Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791 Cleaning Service

CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830 Decks/Patios 2024SPECIALS CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218

Decks/Patios COMPLETEDECK MAINTENANCE Our30thYear! PowerWashing, Repairs,Stain/Paint HouseWashing/ HousePainting FreeEst./Insured WearetheDeckDoctors! 586-463-9564 marathonpowerwash.com

Drywall

LAKESHORE DRYWALL MasterFinisher SmallandLarge Repairs SmallHangJobs AnySizeFinishJobs DonePerfectly Shon- 586-801-6190

Electrical

BEST-Price-Period Licensed/Insured. Additions,Remodels, Basements,Kitchens, 30-yrs.-experience. Callforfree-estimates. Open7-daysaweek 24/hrs-day. HotchkissElectric 586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028

586-755-3636 Father&Son MasterElectricians Dr.Electric Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting, ElectricVehicleChargers BackupGenerator TransferSwitch, License#6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC/Lic./Insured

CASTLEELECTRIC 586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359

PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It snotjustagenerator.It sapowermove.

• Garage Doors, Openers Installed/ Serviced, Broken Springs Repaired!

AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCredit CardsAccepted 586-822-5100 YOUR HANDYMENINC. VETERANOWNED NoJobTooSmall! Freshenupyourhome theholidays.Weassembletoys,furniture, andoutdoorequipment. Licensed&Insured yourhandymeninc.com 586-447-2044

EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 Roofing,Siding, GuttersandMore! Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops MR.BACKSPLASH ·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES ·CUSTOMKITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS *Granite*Quartz* ·CustomBathrooms ·TILEREPAIRS *FREEESTIMATES* 586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com

• Entry, Storm Doors, Patio Doors Installed/Serviced CALL JAMES THE DOORMAN at 586.215.8138 0096-2332

Gutters

*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111

A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 586-323-0755

A#1REPAIRSERVICES: GUTTERS Clean/Repair InstallGuards SIDING Vinyl-Siding/Alum-Trim Gable/SoffitVents/Shutters ROOF Leaks/Shingles Vents/Caps 248-892-1927

ELIMINATE gutter cleaningforever!LeafFilter,themostadvanced debris-blockinggutter protection.Schedulea FREELeafFilterestimate today.20%offEntire Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709

POWERWASHING GUTTER&WINDOW CLEANING Veteran/Firefighter Owned/Operated championwindow cleaning.net 248-765-0613

SHORES METALWORKS SeamlessGutters Installed, FreeEstimates. Licensed&Insured. License#2101209190 586-343-2315

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Hauling & Waste Removal ***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall! DemolitionBig&Small Residential/Commercial RubberWheelDumpsters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction Material,Small-Moving, Appliances,Furniture& More!LowestRates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/MilitaryDiscounts 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com

**CLUTTERGUY'S** Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas EfficientCourteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEEDCLUTTER REMOVED? LETUSDOTHEWORK! 586-258-6672

Heating & Cooling AFFORDABLE HeatingandCooling Greg'sHeatingLLC Familyowned company 89$servicecall 79A/Ctuneup SeniorDiscounts 586-422-8528 Home Improvement 586-610-1209

PaintingInterior/Exterior RemodelingKitchens, Bathrooms,Finish Basement,Tiles, Drywall,Repairs, RemoveWallpaper, RepairingandStaining Decks,Powerwashing. FreeEstimates.

GOLDENBUILT CONSTRUCTION New-garages/additions &dormers,New-siding/ roofingandallrepairs, Interior/exterior-renovations,Supportingwallsremoved/rebuilt,Seamless gutters/downspouts, Concrete-sidewalks/ driveways/foundations. Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764

M.D.APro HomeImprovementLLC HardwoodFloors, FinishCarpentry,Tiles, Bath,PaintingInt/Ext. Plumbing,ElectricalRepairs,SidingandTrim. 30YearsExperience. 586-604-2524

Landscaping & Water Gardens ECONOCUT LAWNCARE WeeklyMaintenance, Springcleanups, Coreaeration, Landscaping, Shrubtrimming, Guttercleaning&more. Noonetimeonlycuts. Residential/Commercial. CallortextJeffat 586-212-4884

ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202

DOLL'S LANDSCAPING SPRINGCLEAN-UPS! Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch, SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Powerrake,Aeration, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033

TOTALBRICKPAVING LANDSCAPINGPROS 586-420-3531 Brickpaving,Patio, Walkways,Driveways, Porches,Repairs, Powerwash,Rock Installation,Mulch,Sod, CompleteLandscape Design.

Lawn Maintenance

2024SPRING

Roofing

Powerwashing

AJʼsPRESSURE CLEANING& SEALCOATING •StampedConcrete(removemilkyorcloudyfilm) •ExposedAggregate •BrickPavers(resanding) Website: ajspressure cleaning.com 586-431-0591

Roofing PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING •FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898

AA4DABLE ROOFING Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! SPRING-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.Allmajor creditcardsaccepted. 586-822-5100

SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE FlatRoofSpecialist $225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial •GutterRepairs Residential/Commercial InsuranceWork 30-yrsexp/Family-Owned WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 248-707-4851

MAY 17

‘Disco Fever’: Trip to hear Detroit Symphony Orchestra, bus leaves St. Clair Shores Public Library at 9 a.m., concert at Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit at 10 a.m., bus returns at approximately 12:30 p.m., www.facebook.com/StClairShoresCultural Committee

MAY 18

Car show fundraiser: Also prizes, food and coffee, and live music, hosted by and benefit for North Lake High School and Lake Shore Early Childhood Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Rodgers Elementary School, 21601 Lanse St. in St. Clair Shores, lsps.ce.eleyo.com

Smetanka Spring Craft Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, smetankacraftshows.com

MAY 31-JUNE 2

Veterans Gallery Show: Opening gala 6 p.m. May 31, sip and paint 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1, and food trucks 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and music by Joey Vee 2-4 p.m. June 2, Trader Todd’s Marina, 24030 E. Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, facebook.com/ProjectBrotherhoodResolve

ONGOING

Farmers markets: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. May 19, then 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays and 5-9 p.m. Thursdays June 13 and 23, July 11 and 28, Aug. 8 and 25, Sept. 22, and Oct. 6, Blossom Heath Park, south of 10 Mile Road on Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores, scsmi.net/877/ Farmers-Market

St. Clair Shores Downtown Social District: Vendors, food trucks and street games, 5 p.m.-midnight May 11 and 25, June 8 and 22, July 13 and 27, Aug. 10 and 24, Sept. 14 and 28, and Oct. 12 and 26, also cornhole tournament May 11 and live music by Paper Covers Rock (‘90s/modern rock) May 11, American Ages (classic rock and new country) May 25, Jody Raffoul (classic rock) June 8, Miranda and the M80s (‘80s) June 22, Mainstream Drive (high-energy dance) July 13, and Joey Vee (new hits and country) July 27, Nine Mile Road and Little Mack Avenue, facebook.com/DowntownStClairShores

LAFAVORITE ROOFING Construction& HomeRemodeling 30YearsExperience WeCrush Competitors'Quotes CallUsAboutYour RooforAnyHome Improvements 586-873-4430 Licensed/Insured

MICHAELNORTON

BUILDERSINC. BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds. Tree Service BERGBROS.LLC. “Fullyinsured, highlyreferred.” Seniordiscounts. Tree-removal,stump grinding,tree-trimming, hedging,shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Freeestimates! (586)262-3060

BESTprice!

Bestservice!

M.D.L.TreeService Removals/Trimming andStumps. "Freestumpgrinding withalltreeremovals!" Seniordiscounts &fullyinsured. 586-775-4404

DAVE'S TREE&SHRUB 20%-SpringDisc.Insured, EmergencyStorm Damage,Large-Tree Removals,Trimming, Stump-Grinding,Gutters, Season-Firewood (100acord)Free-Estimates/10%Senior-Disc. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com

ELITETREE SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757

England’s medieval royal house

58. Rabbit’s cousin

59. Nymph chaser

60. Genealogist’s creation

61. Blackhearted

62. George Gershwin’s brother 63. “For ____ a jolly...”

facebook.com/SCSWEC, register on eventbrite.com

11 Mile Road, register two weeks in advance, (586) 771-9020, scslibrary. org

Palette Club of St. Clair Shores: Open studio events, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Clair Shores Adult Education Center inside North Lake High School, 23340 Elmira, lakesidepaletteclub.org

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Modern view on classic story, presented by St. Clair Shores Players Community Theater, 7:30 p.m. doors and 8 p.m. curtain May 10-11 and 17-18, Anita’s Elite Dance Studio, 37360 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, scsplayers.org

Activities for seniors: Crafting, movies, knitting and crocheting, dominoes, euchre, pickleball and many more games, St. Clair Shores Senior Center for Active Adults, 20100 Stephens, (586) 445-0996 St. Gertrude Senior’s Club: Meets 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, St.

Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240

Overeaters Anonymous meetings: 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 2930814

Sweet Mountain Strings: Dulcimer music