RETRO RIDES REV UP LOCAL CAR SHOWS 16A
College rejects Clinton Township power line proposal
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
WARREN — The hopes of Clinton Township officials and residents were dashed May 21 after Macomb County College trustees unanimously rejected a request to support an alternate route for a power line project.
Taking place at a meeting of the MCC Board of Trustees, the township’s request for the college to approve using its land at its Central Campus along Dalcoma Drive for power lines serving the expansion of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital was heard. Electricity transmission company ITC is currently requesting the township approve a power line route that follows 19 Mile Road, which has come under fire from residents of the Westchester Village Condominiums, where the lines would reportedly hang around 50 feet from residences.
After initial remarks from township representatives — Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, attorney Jack Dolan and Trustees Julie Matuzak and Shannon King — and residents pleading their case and asking for the college’s cooperation as an act of friendship between the public bodies, MCC attorney Jeffrey Steele and the board spent roughly the next hour dismissing and dismantling the township’s request.
“Clinton Township came to us with a two-and-a-half-page letter,”
Council approves lighting amendment for Sheetz
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
FRASER — At their council meeting on May 8, the Fraser City Council voted to approve a request by Sheetz to amend the rezoning conditions for lights originally set in the first agreement.
The motion was amended to allow a maximum of 20 foot-candles of illuminance under the Sheetz gas pump canopy under the condition that the agreement be signed
and returned to the city within 30 days, to be held in escrow and subject to city review within the ordinary course of business.
They also changed an ordinance to make 20 foot-candle canopy lighting the maximum for all gas stations going forward. The ordinance motion was approved in a 6-1 vote with Councilwoman Patrice Schornak opposed and the Sheetz motion was passed in a 5-2 vote with Mayor Michael Lesich and Schornak opposed.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Sheetz will be at the site where the old First State Bank is currently at. See POWER LINE on page 6A
Jeffrey Steele, attorney for Macomb Community College, critiques a map provided by Clinton Township at the May 21 MCC Board of Trustees meeting.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
See SHEETZ on page 13A
SECOND FRONT PAGE
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — After a year of disagreement with garbage hauling firm Priority Waste, the Clinton Township Board of Trustees has voted 4-2 to stick with the company rather than solicit bids for a new contract.
Made at the May 19 board meeting,
the move was prompted by the township’s Refuse Committee sending a report to the board noting the impending end date of Priority’s current contract — March 31, 2026 — and a renewal offer from Priority. The new offer calls for a fee of $17.50 per singlefamily house each month with 3% increases each year until March 31, 2031. Another five-year extension option is available in the contract.
Trustees renew Priority Waste contract
“The Refuse Committee was tasked with finding, when it comes right down to it, best pricing,” said Trustee Dan Kress, who chairs the committee. “We’ve done extensive studies … looking at the other communities and the other pricing going on right now. The initial contract extension from Priority was for a higher number. We met with them and after talking about the pricing through-
Clintondale teachers, supporters protest lack of contract
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON
TOWNSHIP —
Clintondale Community Schools faculty, joined by supporters and faculty from other Macomb County school districts, picketed outside of the district’s May 12 Board of Education meeting at Clintondale High School.
They were there to protest the lack of a contract between the Clintondale Education Association and the district. The picket comes 253 days after the last contract expired on Aug. 30, 2024, and after 60 of the district’s 102 faculty members have left their positions.
“For 19 years we’ve only had two years without a concession,” said Mike Ward, CEA president and a Clintondale teacher of 27 years. “For 17, when the district needed concessions the most, these people gave 6% back, gave 4% back; they didn’t move along the salary schedule.”
Ward says the “culture of conces-
Man charged in alleged sexual assault of 15-year-old girl
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
HARRISON TOWNSHIP —
A 23-year-old Detroit man has been charged in the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl at Lake St. Clair Metropark on May 10.
According to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Abdulnasar Muthana Abdullah Muthana was charged with criminal sexual assault in the fourth degree (force or coercion). The victim was a 15-year-old girl, according to the release.
Three teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were reportedly in the park. Muthana allegedly began to harass the girls by making sexual gestures at them. Muthana later reportedly approached the group and proceeded to touch the 15-year-old on her buttocks and allegedly forced his hand into her pants.
“The young girl kicked Muthana in the groin and got away,” the release stated. “Later, the Metro Park Police with the assistance of Macomb County Sheriffs were able to apprehend Muthana.”
The criminal charge is punishable up to two years in jail with mandatory reporting on the state sex offender registry
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Muthana
See CHARGED on page 12A
See PRIORITY on page 9A
See PROTEST on page 10A
FAME awards given out
FRASER — On May 14, the Eastside Community Chamber, formerly known as the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Fraser Academy Member of Excellence awards honoring members of the community for their hard work and dedication.
The Student of the Year was Audrey Steep. The Educators of the Year are Disney Elementary teacher Kerry Engle, Richards Middle School teacher Jacquelyn Carter and Fraser High School teacher Kaitlin King. The “You’ve Made a Difference” Award goes to Adams Group and Brandi Collins. The Youths of the Year are Aliyah Carswell and Jack DePerro. The Capital Improvement Award goes to Fairway Packing Co. The Pioneer Award goes to Roselli Wholesale Foods. The Business of the Year is Whimsy & Wine and the Citizen of the Year is Sue Bertolini-Fox.
Fraser Historical Commission seeking donations
FRASER — The Fraser Historical Commission is raising funds to introduce new exhibits and improvements to the Baumgartner House.
The house is the oldest in the city and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The funds will also be used in the anniversary celebration. Checks can be made payable to the “City of Fraser” with “Fraser Historical Commission” in the memo line. Residents can also mail checks to the Fraser Historical Commission at 33000 Garfield Road, Fraser, MI 48026. To donate online use this link: https://www.raise-365.com/ft/nbxa-cbue/3902795.
CMPL hosting June events
CLINTON TOWNSHIP/MACOMB TOWNSHIP —
As renovations continue at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library’s main branch, the township-spanning library kicks off its summer reading program on Monday, June 9.
Open to all library attendees, the summer reading program challenges participants to read for 45 days from the start of the program through Aug. 9. Babies, children and teens who join the program will receive a free book and adults will be registered to win $25.
On Monday, June 16, kids ages 4-11 are invited to the North Branch at 2 p.m. to meet Dan the Creature Man to learn about a variety of animals, including an 8-foot-long albino Burmese python.
Those interested in smaller creatures are invited to the South Branch on Tuesday, June 17 at 2 p.m. to learn from representatives of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum about various live insects.
Teens are invited to the South Branch on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m. for Summer Solstice Sorcery. Teens will make a solstice craft, and chat about other fun ways to celebrate the ancient holiday of Summer Solstice.
For more events and registration, visit cmpl. libnet.info/events.
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Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
File photo
C & G Newspapers staffers recognized with 17 journalism awards
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Seven C & G Newspapers staffers received 17 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists-Detroit Chapter’s Excellence in Journalism awards and the Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Nearly 300 awardees were announced by SPJ Detroit at its Excellence in Journalism banquet at the San Marino Club in Troy May 14. The C & G journalists won their awards in the Print Class C division.
Maria Allard, a staff writer for the Eastsider, the Sterling Heights Sentry and the Warren Weekly, won first place in the feature reporting category of the Excellence in Journalism awards for “Behind the Wheel: Camping trails from the dusty roads of the Southwest to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.” Judges commented, “What a pleasure to read. The crazily exact details up high kept me reading to see where they came from. After that, a childhood worth of great stories.” Allard also took home second place in the general reporting category for the story, “Fallen GIs remembered an ocean away.”
“I was so happy to hear that I received two awards from SPJ for stories I loved writing and hoped our readers enjoyed,” Allard said. “I also want to congratulate my coworkers who earned awards. I know how hard we all work here at C & G Newspapers, and it’s nice when others notice that.”
Mike Koury, staff writer for the Woodward Talk, took first place in the consumer/watchdog reporting category for the article,“Ferndale bar lives to see another day.”
Judges said, “Good reporting on the potential loss of a community business with interesting insight on the transfers of liquor licenses.”
Koury also won first place in the open reporting category for “Ferndale voters reject Headlee millage restoration,” with judges commenting, “Solid coverage on an important local taxing issue.”
Koury said it’s “always nice to be recognized.”
“I’m flattered by both awards from SPJ Detroit and I appreciate the continued support and readership from everyone that reads the Woodward Talk,” he said.
Andy Kozlowski, staff writer for the Madison-Park News and Eastsider, won first place in the general reporting category of the Excellence in Journalism awards for the story, “City Hall conference room named after Lindell Ross.” Judges said, “What could have been a routine story about the honoring of a former city council member is transformed into thorough background reporting that sets the stage for the councilman’s reflections on the times.”
Kozlowski said he enjoyed meeting this former councilman from Madison Heights and learning about “how he served the people there by protecting parks and public health.”
“His life story made for great material,” he added.
Photo by David Meier
C & G Newspapers Staff Writers Maria Allard, Charity Meier, K. Michelle Moran and Dean Vaglia pose with their awards during the Society of Professional Journalists-Detroit Chapter’s Excellence in Journalism awards banquet at the San Marino Club in Troy May 14.
Koury
Kozlowski
Ochss
Power line
Steele said. “The letter, when it was presented, had no attachments, no blueprints, no proposed routes, no approval from regulatory agencies, no nothing … What does the letter contain? It contains some, shall we say, problematic statements which we believe misrepresent some facts and use clever phrasing to create a false impression that the college is the only thing that stands in the way of the lines running down Dalcoma. And that would be a false impression indeed; the Dalcoma route is not all set to go if the board votes ‘yes’ tonight — far, far from it.”
Among the points brought forth by the attorney: the township’s non-expertise in power line construction, that extensive work had been done to secure the rights to build the power lines and that changing direction now would lead to years of re-acquiring regulatory approvals.
Several of the college’s points stood out as particularly damning to the township’s case.
A map of what appears to be a Dalcoma Drive route from 2021, discovered in an email by a Freedom of Information Act request of MCC information, has been touted by township officials as key evidence of the viability of running power lines along Dalcoma Drive. Steele, however, found the township’s characterization of the map to be inaccurate.
“This is an interesting email,” Steele said. “This wasn’t drafted by ITC … This email was sent by an employee of Henry Ford Hospital. This wasn’t sent to the president of the college, this wasn’t sent to the business office. … There’s no formal offer
to buy college property. It didn’t contain any formal blueprints. It didn’t come from ITC. What it did have was two photographs. It had one photograph of a tall monopole … It also had this document, which appears to be a screenshot from Google Earth. It shows part of Center Campus, it shows the hospital and shows some residential property to the west. And it has a red line just drawn down the side by Dalcoma (Drive.) There’s no specs. There’s no clear indication of how deep these lines would have to go into the property, no dimensions. No statement about the type of easement that would be necessary. No statement about the setbacks or clearances that would be required. And in fact … it says ‘preliminary’ on it three times, including once in big red letters.”
Given the details of the map, Steele believed it was “early brainstorming from a Henry Ford employee” rather than a serious proposal pursued by ITC.
Steele also found the township’s argument that a Dalcoma Drive route would have less impact on residents to be faulty as well, even stating Dalcoma Drive power lines would affect more township residents.
“Parenthetically, the routes that Clinton Township asked ITC to consider seem to belie the township’s current claim that they’re concerned with residential impact,” Steele said. “One route proposed by Clinton Township cuts dead-center through Westchester Village condos; so instead of having one side affected by the power lines, their route has two sides, and this route also goes by the Carlyle Place Apartments. Another route proposed by Clinton Township goes all along the entire south side of the (Lakeside) Village Apartments and the north side of the Carlyle apartments. Another route
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, left, argues with Macomb Community College President James Sawyer and Board of Trustees Chairperson Katherine Lorenzo at the May 21 MCC Board of Trustees meeting.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
7A/ FRASER-CLINTON CHRONICLE • MAY 28, 2025
MAY 28
Spaghetti dinner: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (or until gone), Lt. Wood-Cpl. Reid VFW Post #6691, 17075 Anita Ave. in Fraser, continues every fourth Wednesday of month, (586) 899-9883
MAY 28-29
Calling all Twelves: A Salon Special Showing: View and drive 1932-1939 Packard Twin Six and Twelve automobiles, open to public 7 a.m.-10 p.m. May 28 and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 29, Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, (586) 7394800, packardprovinggrounds.org/2025salon
MAY 30
‘Broadway Bangers’: Hear PRISM Chorus perform musical theater hits of last 25 years, 8 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter. com
JUNE 1
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office,11:15 a.m., Hope United Church of Christ, 35127 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 469-5642, heather.esposito@macombgov.org, www.macombgov. org/departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams
JUNE 2
Macomb County Quilt Guild meeting: 7 p.m. (fellowship at 6 p.m.), Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave. in Clinton Township, macombcountyquiltguild.org
JUNE 8
Widowed Friends lunch: 3 p.m., Juan Blanco’s Tacos + Tequila, 34275 Utica Road in Fraser, RSVP to Vicky at (586) 260-8679 by June 4, widowedfriends.com
JUNE 14
Tons O’ Trucks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Seneca Middle School, 47200 Heydenreich Road in Macomb Township, facebook.com/macombtwpparksandrec
JUNE 17
‘What Does the Habitat Need?’: Learn about different species of insects and and observe them in new home, presented by Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 2 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5073, cmpl.libnet.info/events
Bid for Life auction and dinner: Presented by Right to Life of Michigan, items include Treetops Resort golf package, one-week stay at condo in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Detroit Pistons and Michigan State University football tickets, guest auctioneer George Blaha scheduled, 5:30 p.m., Vintage House, 31816 Utica
Road in Fraser, (586) 774-6050, macombrlm@rtl.org, rtl.org/event/bid-for-life-auction-dinner
JUNE 21
Run Drugs Out of Town 5K Run/Walk: Presented by nonprofit Face Addiction Now (aims to educate, dispel stigma, and support and assist those affected by disease), 2,000 participants expected, 10 a.m., Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, free food, refreshments and activities follow, (586) 438-8500, faceaddictionnow. org/events/run-drugs-out-of-town
Learn about reptiles: For ages 3-11, presented by The Reptarium, 2:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5073, cmpl. libnet.info/events
JUNE
25
Rock N Read in the Park: Hear stories and songs and play games, bring blanket and lunch, 10 a.m., George George Memorial Park, 40500 Moravian Drive in Clinton Township, (586) 226-5073, cmpl.libnet. info/events
Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Aurelio’s Italian Grill, 43080 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Esther at (586) 264-1939
JUNE
26
Medicare 101 seminar: Presented by Medicare Learning Services, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, also held July 17 and Aug. 14, registration required, (586) 465-0588
ONGOING
Farmers market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11, John F. Kennedy Knights of Columbus Council #5460, 33320 Kelly Road in Clinton Township, (586) 610-2990
Baumgartner House Museum open houses: Also sales most first Sundays of month, 18577 Masonic Blvd. in Fraser, see times and dates at facebook.com/ baumgartnerhouse, read story about 150th anniversary at candgnews.com
Summer Sounds: Free concerts from 5-8 p.m. FridaysSaturdays and 3-6 p.m. Sundays until Aug. 31 (3-6 p.m. July 4), also 3-6 p.m. Sept. 1 (Labor Day), Center Court at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, see lineup at shoppartridgecreek. com/events
Wellness Wednesdays: Free fitness classes sponsored by Henry Ford Health, includes zumba May 28-July 9
See CALENDAR on page 18A
Awards
from page 5A
Kozlowski also earned second place in the community/local news reporting category for the story “Animal rescue in crisis after its Facebook account is closed.”
“The Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan was at risk of closing after Facebook shut down its network,” Kozlowski said. “Thankfully, a data analyst saw my story and worked with Facebook to get it restored.”
Charity Meier, staff writer for the Farmington Press and the Novi Note, earned first place in the health reporting category for “Novi police officer’s wife spreading awareness after breast cancer diagnosis,” in the Excellence in Journalism awards. Judges commented, “What made this story compelling was the human element. The second paragraph would make a better lead, but overall the voices of the patient, her husband, doctors and the use of data came together to shine light on a less common form of breast cancer. Katie’s and Adam’s courage in telling their story could help others. The writer did a good job of letting them speak.”
“I am thrilled to have been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for my coverage of a rare form of breast cancer, which is common among women during childbearing years. I commend Katie McGee for having the courage to share her story with me, as she underwent treatment, to bring awareness to the disease and help other at-risk women,” Meier said.
K. Michelle Moran, staff writer for the Grosse Pointe Times, walked away with seven awards between the two contests. She won two awards in the feature story category of the Better Newspaper Contest — first place for “Exhibition celebrates work of acclaimed longtime artist and art educator,” and third place for “Music producer from Grosse Pointe makes sound decisions as an artist.” She also took first in the government/education news category for “Teachers, administrators leaving Grosse Pointe schools as contract talks remain unresolved.”
In the Excellence in Journalism awards, Moran took home second and third place in the education reporting category for the stories, “Language teacher brings the world to her students” and “CEO dishes about school food services during visit to North.” Moran also took second place in the feature reporting category for the story,“‘I’m just like every other kid,’ As regional youth ambassador, Grosse Pointe Woods boy raises awareness after own diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes,” and third place in the breaking/spot news category for the story, “Gearheads make district history scoring silver medals at international competition.”
“We work so hard on these stories, so it’s always rewarding to be recognized by our peers,” Moran said.
Alyssa Ochss, staff writer for the Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle, Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Journal and the St. Clair Shores Sentinel, took home second place in the breaking/ spot news category of the Excellence in Journalism awards for the story “Priests move to close St. Germaine despite fundraising,” and fourth place in the community/local news reporting category for “St. Clair Shores leaders respond to double voting allegations.”
Ochss said she’s “happy and honored” to receive the awards.
“I worked hard on the two pieces I turned in and I’m glad they were recognized,” she said.
Dean Vaglia, staff writer for the Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle, the Macomb Township Chronicle and Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Journal, won second place in the environment reporting category for “Animals of Metro Detroit.”
“Winning an environmental reporting award for my series on animals surprised me at first, but these stories have inspired more calls, emails and letters from readers than any of my other articles, both with C & G and at other publications. Deer, coyotes and birds in the sky capture the curiosity of Michiganders young and old. By using my position to explore these animals and their place within metro Detroit’s ecosystems, readers are able to have their curiosities satisfied, their worlds expanded and be a better neighbor with the many creatures that also call the region their home,” Vaglia said.
“In a year that began with an explosion and ended with an election, 2024 has been taxing for myself and the C & G newsroom as a whole. Being recognized by the SPJ for my work is a high honor, and I thank the judges for their selections and my peers for pushing me to perform my best,” he added.
The Society of Professional Journalists — originally established on April 17, 1909, as Sigma Delta Chi — is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and promoting high standards of ethical behavior.
The Michigan Press Association was founded in 1868 and promotes the power of print and the public’s right to know.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
CRIME WATCH
Clinton Township man sentenced to 40 years for sex crimes
DETROIT — On May 16, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced Stephen Gentry of Clinton Township was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for creating images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
Gentry, already a registered sex offender, pleaded guilty to sexual exploita-
tion of children on Feb. 12. His recent crimes came to light after the FBI learned that he was distributing images of child sexually abusive material that he created. An FBI search of Gentry’s home found evidence supporting the alleged offenses. United States District Court Judge Terrence Berg’s sentence for Gentry includes a lifetime of supervised release upon leaving prison. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Alsaden, Tara Hindelang and Christopher Rawsthorne.
0104-2522
page 3A
out Macomb County, they agreed to the $17.50 for the services we have now. Nothing changes.”
Priority Waste, founded in 2018 and based in Clinton Township, purchased many of GFL Environmental’s residential waste contracts across southeast Michigan in the summer of 2024. Clinton Township was affected by this transfer, which was marked by complaints from residents about the service and pleas from Priority for patience as they got to grips with the expanded service area and equipment. The number of complaints was enough to prompt the board, in August 2024, to institute a $50 per day fee against Priority for every unresolved complaint.
Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, who was then the township treasurer, told C & G Newspapers in 2024 the township needed to go out to bid for a new hauler. Gieleghem’s recent vote on the issue reflected that.
“I believe that it is important to go out to bid for a service as large as this,” Gieleghem said after the vote on May 19. “No reflection on the company, but I do believe it is very important that … we ensure the best service at the best possible rate through a bid process and … it also helps facilitate competition in the market, which ultimately is a benefit to all of us.”
Township Clerk Kim Meltzer asked Priority Waste representatives attending the meeting about how they would handle complaints by residents. Priority Waste CEO
Todd Stamper said the company brought Amazon Web Services in to upgrade their call management system, directing repeat callers straight to representatives, reducing call volumes and increasing call responses.
“I believe I had said that multiple times on the news when we did the transition that I needed 90 days to even get this to where it’s acceptable, and we continue to get better,” Stamper said. “The systems are recognizing phone numbers, area codes, areas of townships and cities that are located in and directing those people.”
Stamper said the company was investing in new trucks and equipment. Priority has a team that responds to complaints with street sweepers and materials to clean up oil and hydraulic leaks.
Trustee Julie Matuzak joined Gieleghem in voting against the renewal and also wanted to have the contract bid on again. Trustee Shannon King was absent from the meeting.
New fire vehicles
Trustees approved the purchase of three 2025 Ford Ranger pickup trucks for the Clinton Township Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division. While the budget allocated $120,000 for two vehicles, the department was able to find three for just under $116,000. The trucks allow for potentially cancer-causing protective equipment to be stored outside of the passenger cab and can be used as tow vehicles for fire investigations as needed.
Trustees also approved purchasing two new hoses for about $13,600 for two vehicles expected to arrive this August.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Paul Gieleghem, right, speaks to Priority Waste representatives at the May 19 Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting.
Protest
sion” that has been present in the district has been the driving force behind the district’s exodus of professional staff. Departures have not only included teaching professionals: They have also left the district without a special education director, which has required loaned support from Macomb Intermediate School District. The district also lost its school psychologist and is down on social workers and speech pathologists.
“A consistent revolving door of professionals doesn’t serve kids the best,” Ward said. “So, what do we have to do? We have to organize (and) raise our voice. Not only to advocate for ourselves, but our students.”
After well over 250 days and nearly an entire school year of working without a contract, Ward says the union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission against the district, which he expects will be heard in Wayne County sometime by the end of May. Ward says the complaints claim the district is not bargaining fairly, has not been responsive to proposals from the union and has drawn out proposing additional dates to meet.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Ward said. “They have a fund balance (and) it’s 253 days later, playing around at the bargaining table, and we’re out here saying it’s got to end.”
Clintondale Superintendent Kenneth Janczarek did not immediately have comments on the unfair labor claims and said he had not yet read them.
“We have to look at the unfair labor practices and what they are,” Janczarek said. “They have a right to file them. Now wheth-
er they’re actual unfair labor practices, that’s a whole (other) conversation that will take place when we meet next time.”
Janczarek says the district and union have met 20 times during this negotiation cycle with the first meetings taking place at the start of the school year. The last meeting occurred on April 30. Janczarek echoed that there have been issues finding time to meet due to the schedules of the district and union bargaining units.
“We continue to go to the table, we continue to offer proposals, we continue to offer movement and we’re not at a point right now where we have an agreement,” Janczarek said.
“That’s negotiations, that happens, and we have to continue to go to the table … We need to make sure that we’re offering a contract because they deserve a contract — absolutely, a fair contract — but we also have to make sure that we’re making the right decisions for the district. We have to make sure that we’re fiscally responsible.”
Clintondale faculty were supported at the picket and during the meeting by other educators from Michigan Education Association Local 1, with signs indicating support from Lakeview, Chippewa Valley, Warren Woods and L’Anse Creuse faculty, among other supporters. Support also came from the very top of the MEA with its president, Chandra Madafferi, speaking during the board meeting’s public comment period. State Rep. Denise Mentzer, D-Mount Clemens, of the 61st Michigan House district, joined faculty in the picket along Little Mack Avenue and gave remarks prior to the meeting.
“Someday I’m not going to do this state rep gig … I’ll be older than dirt,” Mentzer
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Mike Ward, a Clintondale teacher and the Clintondale Education Association president, speaks to faculty and supporters outside of the Clintondale Community Schools Board of Education meeting on May 12.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Macomb donors honored
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On April 30, the Macomb Community College Foundation held its “2025 Celebration of Donors and Scholarship Recipients” at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus with about 200 donors, students and college representatives in attendance.
The event gave college officials the opportunity to recognize the donors who fund many scholarships and programs that support students.
During the last fiscal year — July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 — more than $600,000 in scholarship funding was awarded to approximately 600 Macomb students. Twelve new scholarships were announced at the luncheon. This year’s keynote speakers were Michael Moton and Paul Thacker.
Moton is the recipient of the Barton Malow Scholarship and Internship award and works at General Motors. Thacker, professor emeritus, business administration, is a longtime donor and worked at Macomb for 50 years. Thacker established the Paul B. Thacker Business Administration Endowed Scholarship and the Paul B. Thacker Information and Technology Endowed Scholarship.
Charged
from page 3A
upon conviction, due to the victim’s age.
Muthana was arraigned in the 41B Mount Clemens District Court and had a personal bond set at $50,000.
According to the release, his bail conditions include no contact with the victims or minor children, no entrance to any park where children are present, no weapons and no drugs.
“I commend the bravery of the young victim and survivor of the confrontation. I praise the quick work of law enforcement for apprehending this offender. My office remains dedicated to protecting our children,
Protest
from page 10A
said. “Who do I want to take my place? I want somebody that knows the difference between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Somebody that knows the difference between North and South Korea. Somebody that can pick Borneo out on a map. You know where that comes from? Good public
Clinton Township Kiwanis awarding scholarships
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township has awarded $27,000 in scholarships to 14 seniors graduating from Chippewa Valley Schools.
Announced on May 21, the scholarship recipients were members of their high school’s Key Club, a Kiwanis-associated service organization for high school students.
“These students have demonstrated hard work and academic success in the classroom and a commitment to service, assisting those less fortunate in the Clinton Township community,” RJ Koss, President of the Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township, said via press release. “Our Kiwanis club raised funds during the year from events such as our annual Wild Game dinner, annual Golf outing, charity poker, the sale of Gourmet nuts and other member activities.”
Chippewa Valley High School recipients include Emily Adamick, Mikayla Nichols, Kylie McConnell, Lucia Randolph and Sara Swartz. Dakota High School recipients include Lanette Simons, Alesa Yelda, Caroline Genna, Ariana Heugh, Eliana Kozlowski, Fiona Cito and Jordyn Scheverlein. International Academy of Macomb recipients include Andrew Simon and Lamia Tabakovic.
seeking justice for victims, and holding offenders accountable in a court of law,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in the release.
A probable cause conference is for 9:30 a.m. on May 27 before Judge Sebastian Lucido.
Muthana’s lawyer, Bradley Jason Friedman, said in an email he has not reviewed any police reports or witness statements and cannot comment on the case.
“However my client maintains his innocence, and has every intention of fighting these charges fully in court,” Friedman said in the email.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
school teachers. We need to back our teachers, we need to appreciate the things that they’ve done, and we need to be out here supporting them. And you know what … they need a contract, and they need it now.”
Along with the protest and unfair labor practice filings, the CEA is undertaking a letter and emailing campaign to the Clintondale school board.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
According to documentation attached to the meeting agenda, Sheetz would like council to interpret the ordinance as having no defined limit to canopy lighting or go with the city planner’s interpretation “but then grant a variance in the agreement.” This would allow the lighting under the canopy to be 30 foot-candles.
The city ordinance states that 5 footcandles are allowed in building areas and the Sheetz plans list 6 foot-candles. The ordinance also states that 4 foot-candles are allowed in driveways and parking areas and the Sheetz plans list 6.1 foot-candles.
According to documents provided for the special meeting on Oct. 30, 2024, at the time, Sheetz did not have a compliant lighting plan but would be able to comply with Fraser’s lighting requirements.
At a nearly five-hour public hearing on Oct. 30, residents expressed concern after concern about the project. The lot currently holds the old First State Bank building, which is also in the process of being torn down. The building dates back to the 1910s but, according to a previous article in the Chronicle, it was moved to the location in the 1930s.
City Attorney Donald DeNault provided an overview stating that the agreement remained unsigned at the meeting because they wanted to study the issue. According to DeNault, Sheetz wants the ordinance to not apply to canopies because it does not mention canopies. The alternative is to amend the conditional zoning requirement.
Fraser City Planner Lauren Sayre stated that Sheetz believes their rights are being violated because other gas stations in the area do not have to abide by the same ordinances. They also stated the lights will not be a detriment to the other properties in the area and that planning also had the same findings.
David Bruckelmeyer, the engineering permit manager for Sheetz, said the plan is really about safety. The Sheetz staff went through the plans and a lack of lighting can cause big hazards, Bruckelmeyer said.
“Really what this comes down to is we are asking to be treated as other applicants have been,” Bruckelmeyer said. “It seems that they’ve been approved administratively through staff for some kind of lighting plan and we’re just asking to be treated in a similar fashion.”
Attorney John Gaber, representing Sheetz, said the Sheetz staff thought in October and previous meetings they knew what the ordinance said, and they thought they could comply with the lighting ordinance
set by the city. The issue is with the canopy lighting, Gaber said, because no standard is listed in the ordinance. He also said they expected to solve it with staff, but it had to be brought before the council.
He reiterated the issues with safety and security.
“Those are issues not only Sheetz, but the city should be concerned with, too,” Gaber said. “There could be car-pedestrian collisions here. The lighting level at 5 is very low.”
Gaber said lack of vision and possible accidents are liabilities for Sheetz and something the city should be concerned with as well.
“So what we’re looking for is just to be treated fairly like the other gas stations within the community,” Gaber said.
Gaber also said they had the Sheetz engineer measure lighting at other gas stations in the area. Their findings showed that their canopy foot-candles range from 37 feet to 66 feet which, according to Gaber, is higher than the ordinance. They also FOIAed the city to find the plans for the other gas stations and the minutes showing their approval and if there were any ordinances that stood in the way.
Some council members and Lesich expressed frustration with the amendment. Lesich said the presentation would have been better seen last fall and said he personally visited different Sheetz locations out East.
“And your lighting is higher than 5 foot-candles,” Lesich said. “This was known, and you committed to it that night, committed to a compliant lighting plan and you said you’d review the ordinance, and you never said anything about working it out with the administration.”
He said the frustrating part is Sheetz made a voluntary submission. Lesich also listed more frustrations including the delay in demolition and stated he did not know if Sheetz would come back again for more. In a phone call, Lesich said the frustrating part right now is how long it is taking for the project to move forward.
At the meeting Bruckelmeyer stated that Sheetz does not have control of the property as he addressed the delay in demolition and said they did not have a signed lease. In an email, John Whetstone, director of public affairs at Truscott Rossman, said Sheetz is leasing the property from the owner.
Councilwoman Amy Baranski shared the mayor’s frustrations stating she’s the one that made the amendment.
“To me this is a no-brainer. You have to own your mistake,” Baranski said. “You made assumptions that didn’t pan out and that’s what I wanted to see because I get (it),
DAKOTA DRUMLINE FINISHES SEASON AS WORLD FINALISTS
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Building steam upon last year’s fire, the Dakota High School winter drumline team has continued its run of percussive success with a world finals appearance to finish its 2025 season.
“I know a lot of the kids throughout the season made it a goal of trying to make finals, so to not only make finals but come in fifth place was quite surprising and surreal,” said Kurt Reyes, percussion director for Dakota High School.
The appearance at Winter Guard International’s finals at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, on April 11 marked the program’s highest performance in a series of seasons marked by a steady buildup of success. The program scored its first Michigan Alliance for Performing Arts state finals win in 2023 and continued its form in 2024, making the WGI world semifinals both years. The team managed a fifth-place finish at the 2025 WGI world finals with a judged score of 91.938/100.
The drumline’s performance, structured around the concept of “the fundamental forces of music,” came about as a result of lessons learned by watching other teams succeed over the last few seasons. This year’s routine is built around a simpler concept — “talking about music; melody, harmony and rhythm,” as Reyes put it, versus concepts like were embraced in 2023, where Mozart and Beethoven dueled in a clash of composers — giving drummers, dancers and the group’s suite of musicians an easier time explaining the theme through their performance. Other changes to the formula include technical tweaks like building up intensity rather than beginning with a full ensemble and working out how each section of musicians would interplay with each other.
“There were some elements from high-
er-level groups that we tried to institute into our own program,” Reyes said. “And with that formula, probably from the beginning to mid-February, I already knew that we were already much better than what we were at finals a year prior. I think we’ve finally figured out something.”
The feeling from the drumline staff was quickly picked up by the students. Spencer Brong, senior and a fourth-year member of the drumline, found an energy present among the team from the beginning of the season.
“We could tell we could make it from the very beginning of the season, because we came into it with a very different energy than we had in previous years,” Brong said. “We’re one of the younger programs within the state, so there is a bit of an underdog energy … I feel like all the kids had something to prove and I personally felt going into it we had something to prove with this.”
As the season was underway, the reaction from crowds and judges at events across Michigan fueled the team’s sense that this year was going to be different.
“We got a little more notoriety, and we got a little more energy with that than we’re used to,” Brong said. “Throughout the entire time, it was a really interesting experience.”
That “underdog energy” had new vigor to it upon the team’s arrival in Dayton. They would have to face around 50 other programs from across the county and make it through multiple rounds of competition to have a shot at even making the finals.
Even with the high stakes of the competition, drumlines at worlds found time to come together over their shared experiences. Jason Daniels, a junior and a third-year member of the drumline, found the interactions between teams to be one of his favorite parts of the whole WGI experience.
“It was really awesome getting to see everyone else that had come from all over
the country and were supporting each other, even though we’re in different competing groups,” Daniels said. “It was great to see what shows everyone else had and their uniforms and stuff. I think it was great to get Dakota at that level so other groups could see us there.”
That camaraderie between teams is reflected within the Dakota program itself.
Adam Akabli, a senior who transferred to
Dakota after being a veteran of the Chippewa Valley drumline, discovered this firsthand.
“I was very humbled in the beginning to say the least, but none of the guys over here were ever put-downs,” Akabli said. “I only got better over here, and everybody encouraged me to get better … It’s a drumline first, but in my experience it’s way more than
Photo provided by Kurt Reyes
The Dakota High School Drumline performs during the Winter Guard International world finals at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
Drumline
from page 14A
a drumline. We went to Dayton, and it was more than just drumming 24 hours; I’m hanging out with all the dudes, and I know everybody personally. You have a connection with everybody.”
Making the WGI finals this year sets a new standard for the team’s success. Returning members like Daniels are excited to see how much further the program can go.
“I’m hoping for this next season … I can get everybody else to try and, right from the beginning of the season, just push the staff to do their jobs even better,” Daniels said. “We can try and get everything they’ve supplied us as good as we can so they can go out of their way more to prepare us for a high level. If we can make that a culture of every student knowing what to do all the time and getting it done and pushing the staff, we can probably in a few years move up to higher (competition) classes. I hope that will be soon in Dakota’s future. Probably after I’m gone, but I just want to see the future students succeed.”
Beyond the changing performance culture of the drumline, members of the team are hoping for the culture surrounding the drumline to change as well. The performing arts have a long way to go to reach the popularity level of Friday night lights, but seeing the large teams of supporters that showed up for other programs at worlds makes Reyes believe the drumline can attract more of a crowd to events than the odd teacher and friend of the ensemble — and not just for Dakota.
“From my perspective as director, it’s really nice that we have politicians and higher-level members of the community reaching out and congratulating us, but also being a representative for Michigan as well is very nice,” Reyes said. “You don’t get a lot of groups in Michigan that are successful. There are a lot of groups that try, but something about the state makes it hard for the marching arts to grow while our neighbors down in Indiana have some of the best marching bands in drumlines in the entire world … Hopefully, where we’re at, we can be the start of that change. Not only for our community locally, but for the community at large in Michigan.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
RETRO RIDES REV UP LOCAL CAR SHOWS
FUN TIME CRUZERS FIND NEW LOCATION
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — “This is quite a group. I was here last week. There were 374 cars,” Shelby Township resident Tom Konicki said. “There are quality cars here. Cars that are so rare. Beautiful cars.”
Konicki was talking about the Fun Time Cruzers, back on the road for another season of hot rods, muscle cars and vintage vibes. For almost 20 years, the Cruzers met at Lakeside in Sterling Heights. When the mall closed last year, it put the brakes on their weekly car shows.
Start those engines because the group found a new home from 4 to 8 p.m. every Monday until September at NAPA Auto Parts, located on Van Dyke Avenue, north of 21 Mile Road, in Shelby Township. President Ken Savage said it took nine months to find a new location.
It all began in 2005 when Savage’s son worked at Lakeside Mall and a store owner wanted to start a weekly classic car show. He recruited Savage and his son to help, but after a year, he left the group. Savage kept the Cruzers’ motor running.
“When I began, there were just 50 cars. It started going more and more. I have 600 cruise emails now,” said Savage, a Shelby Township resident who owns a Grabber Blue 1970 Ford Mustang convertible.
Fun Time Cruzers posts musical photo slideshows available on YouTube. Every week, Savage — with help from other members including Jerry Benoit, of Chesterfield Township, and Dave Gmerek, of Clinton Township — holds an awards ceremony with local businesses as sponsors. Categories range from
See CAR SHOWS on page 18A
BELOW: The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum will host a classic car show from 9 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month through Oct. 18. The event is open to all classic car fans with no fee or preregistration. The museum is located at 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe.
LEFT: Ken Savage is the president of Fun Time Cruzers, which meets every Monday in the parking lot of NAPA Auto Parts in Shelby Township. Every week, he presents awards in different categories. The winner of the “Sweetest Ride” award also receives a lollipop.
Photo by Maria Allard
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Sheetz
I read the ordinance. It doesn’t say it, but the fact it doesn’t say doesn’t give you (a) pass to assume that it doesn’t mean it.”
She asked if the data Sheetz submitted was verified by anyone else and asked if they had any reason to not believe the company’s data. DeNault said they don’t have any city data about the other five gas stations.
Baranski initially brought up the idea to reduce the number of foot-candles from 30 to 20. DeNault said council could put a maximum on the footage of the candles and set the amount they are willing to give the company.
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
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Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
“Because this is a variance request and as long as you go less than what they’ve asked for, you’re not expanding the variance request,” DeNault said.
He said Sheetz has the right to walk away, but either way they have to comply with the guidelines on lighting.
Schornak said the company had to have known of their lighting situation before they agreed to comply. She pointed out that the gas station is going to be “in the backyards” of residents.
“These other gas stations don’t back up to people’s yards,” Schornak said. “They don’t back up to their homes.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
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Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
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Automotive Advertising: Jeannine Bender | (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com
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Car shows
from page 16A
“Coolest Cruze 2025” to “Best Original/ Restored Cruzer” to “Best Corvette.” At the May 19 event, Madelyn Upleger won “Best Orphan Cruzers” for her 1999 Plymouth Prowler.
“That means they don’t make it anymore,” said Madelyn, who attended the weekly show with husband Dale Upleger.
Dale once owned the Prowler but gave it to Madelyn when he purchased a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.
“She loved it and she didn’t want to sell it,” Dale said. “OK, we’ll keep it.”
“I always wanted a Prowler,” Madelyn said. “We saw them at a car show, and I fell in love with it.”
Both cars garner a lot of attention when on the road.
“I think it’s because of the color,” Dale said. “It draws the eye to it.”
The Rochester Hills couple, who have three children and two grandchildren, have been married 64 years.
For more details about the Fun Time Cruzers, call (586) 260-3459 or check the website at funtimecruzers.com.
There is at least one classic car show every night in metro Detroit where chrome shines and engines purr. Here is a list of other weekly and monthly car shows that we know of in the C & G Newspapers coverage area.
Mondays
• Jimmy’s Tavern behind the National Coney Island, located on Van Dyke Avenue north of 12 Mile Road, in Warren. It begins at 11 a.m. and it lasts all day.
• Lumberyard Pub and Grub, 26700 Schoenherr Road in Warren, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tuesdays
• The Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road in Warren, from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Cruisers also will spin their wheels at the Ram’s Horn at Garfield and Utica roads from 5-8 p.m.
Wednesdays
• Classic car owners can drive into Sandbaggers Sports Bar and Grill, 25615 Van Dyke Ave. in Center Line, from 5 to 8 p.m. Organizer and Warren resident Paul Gutkowski, owner of a 1968 Mercury Cougar, said the car show brings in anywhere from 25 to 45 car owners each week.
“We just hang out, look at all the other cars and get to know each other,” Gutkowski said.
Gutkowski also runs the Pauly G’s Car
Cruis’n Page on Facebook, where he lists various car shows happening in the area. Check the page for more car shows not listed in the C & G Newspapers guide.
Thursdays
• Car enthusiasts will mingle from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Big Boy restaurant located on West Maple Road in Troy.
• Beginning in June, antique automobiles will line the pavement at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, from 5 to 8 p.m.
• The Stahl’s Automotive Collection at 56516 N. Bay Drive in Chesterfield Township will hold cruise nights from 4 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, minus the third Thursday of the month.
• Culver’s, located at 66227 Van Dyke Ave. on the Romeo and Washington Township border, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Fridays
• Weekly car shows at the Walter F. Bruce Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1146, located at 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St Clair Shores, will begin in June. The events will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the back of the facility, between the building and Lake St. Clair.
• Twisted Axles will meet from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lucky Leprechaun Pub, 32456 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville.
Saturdays
• Gearheads can get an early morning fix from 7 to 10 a.m. at Parking at Pasteiner’s Cruise-In at 33202 Woodward Ave., one block north of 14 Mile Road, in Birmingham.
• The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society will hold monthly car shows from 9 a.m. until noon on the third Saturday of the month. The museum is located at 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe.
Sundays
• Eddie’s Drive-In, 36111 Jefferson Ave. in Harrison Township, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Charity drive
• For more than 30 years, the nonprofit Friends of Mount Clemens has organized the Mount Clemens Cruise in downtown Mount Clemens at the center of Main Street and Market Street. Money raised has provided Kroger gift cards for families in need and helped many charities, including the city of Mount Clemens Santa Parade, Turning Point, the Mount Clemens Lions Club and the Macomb Food Program. This year’s two-day Mount Clemens Cruise is set for June 6-7. This year’s event will feature a car cruise, awards, live entertainment and special attractions. For a complete schedule of events, visit mountclemenscruise.com.
Calendar
from page 7A
and yoga July 16-Aug. 27, 9-10 a.m., Center Court at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, shoppartridgecreek.com/events
Book clubs: Find meetups about historic American figures (Presidential Book Club), solving cases (Mysteries & Munchies), quiet reading for adults and kids (Silent Book Club and Silent Book Club Jr), and recipes and sharing dishes (Cookbook Club), Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every second Monday of month, Big Boy, 16880 Hall Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471, widowedfriends.com
Men overcoming loss ofpartner/spouse meetings: 6-7:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, virtual and in person, Hospice of Michigan, 39531 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, wlawton@hom. org, (586) 263-8514
Summer Concert Series: Hear Tony Karam Trio (dance) June 1, Persuasion (party) June 8, Mob Opera (classic rock) June 15, Karen Flynn & Step Aside
(rock, country and blues) June 22, Mainstream Drive (dance and hits) June 29, The Yacht Seas (yacht rock) July 6, Stone Blossoms (classic rock) July 13, Brad Stuart (country) July 20, Gridiron & Friends (party) July 27, The Best of Billy & Elton (Billy Joel and Elton John tributes) Aug. 3, Velvet Steel (top 40 rock and pop) Aug. 10, Vinyl Rockit (party) Aug. 17, Taylor Tucky (country) Aug. 24 and Larry Lee & the Back in the Day Band (funk, R&B and soul) Sept. 1, 6:30-9 p.m., Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway in Harrison Township, metroparks. com/lake-st-clair-metropark
Art exhibits: See “Members Exhibitions 2025” and “Emerging Women Artists of Metro Detroit,” presented by Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until June 14, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, free admission, (586) 4698666, information@theartcenter.org, theartcenter. org, read story at candgnews.com
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
Power line
from page 6A
proposed by Clinton Township goes all along the north side of the Lakeside Village Apartments and the south side of the Colony condominiums. And the Dalcoma route that we’re talking about tonight goes down Dalcoma and there’s numerous condos along (the west side of) Dalcoma.”
In its documents and Gieleghem’s initial statement to the MCC board, township officials dismissed many arguments against running power lines along Dalcoma Drive — including arguments on the grounds of aesthetics and that the power lines would impact growth of the college’s campus — as “red herrings.” MCC President James Sawyer took issue with the idea that ceding Dalcoma Drive-adjacent land for power lines would not impact growth.
“At the hospital’s request, the college donated 6.5 acres of land to extend Dalcoma Drive to Hall Road to increase community access to Henry Ford Hospital,” Sawyer said. “When the hospital needed additional land for parking adjacent to their facilities, we conducted a land swap to accommodate their needs. When the hospital and Macomb Intermediate School District needed a parcel of the college’s land to accommodate infrastructure support for their expansion plans, we sold them the parcel. And we continue to allow the hospital free use of the college’s land on Hall Road, University Drive and Dalcoma Drive for hospital signage. At this point, Macomb’s land adjacent to Dalcoma represents the only area on Center Campus suitable for development to support future educational needs. It is the college’s responsibility to preserve and protect the assets that
the community has invested in the college for educational purposes and use them exactly for the purposes intended.”
Throughout Steele’s remarks, township officials and Westchester Village residents alike interrupted proceedings, causing Board Chair Katherine Lorenzo to bang her gavel for order several times and threaten them with removal from the meeting. They were there to protest the board’s approach to the matter and attempt to sway a unanimous no vote that was nigh inevitable.
“What was done here tonight was an obfuscation and a travesty,” Gieleghem said after the meeting adjourned. “The attorney (being) granted 40 minutes to impugn the township but speak glowingly about ITC really reveals the position that they’re taking.”
In April, Gieleghem declared the Clinton Township Board of Trustees’ June 2 meeting would be the day a decision gets made regarding ITC’s request for a 19 Mile route. The meeting will take place one day after residents of the Westchester Village Condominiums finish voting on whether to support abandonments for the ITC project, though Gieleghem would not say if or how the condominium residents’ decision would impact the board’s decision on the matter.
“The township board makes their decisions based on what is in the best interest of the community as a whole, not just what is best for the particular institution or a particular group,” Gieleghem said. “I’m not going to say which way the township board is going to vote.”
Several members of the township board have advocated voting against the ITC 19 Mile route. If the township rejects the route, ITC is expected to seek approval through the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
The Macomb Community College Board of Trustees listens to Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem at the board’s May 21 meeting.
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Handyman Services
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Heating & Cooling
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Professional Services
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Paint plant prowler MOUNT CLEMENS — On April 16 at around 7:50 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Axalta paint factory at 400 N. Groesbeck Highway to investigate a man pounding on and damaging cars in the parking lot.
Deputies encountered a 23-year-old Hazel Park man who reportedly admitted to it “immediately” when asked if he was the one pounding on cars. He was detained, read his rights and did not speak further with deputies.
Deputies then spoke with a security guard who initially spoke with the 23-year-old near the front of the building. The Hazel Park man was trying to enter the factory and told the guard he was from “homeland security.” He demanded to be let into the factory, said he was looking for dead children and informed the guard, “You are all going to hell.”
The guard then called 911 and returned to his patrol car. The guard observed the man trying to open various cars around the lot. The man then tried to open the guard’s car door, punched and spat on the window, broke the mirror and made threats.
The Hazel Park man was taken to the Macomb County Jail.
Thief takes dessert
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 8:06 p.m. on April 29, a case of retail fraud was reported in the 25000 block of Harper Avenue.
An 18-year-old woman was working the counter at a business when the suspect walked in. He indicated he wanted a full cheesecake, and she grabbed it for him. As soon as the cheesecake was on the counter, the suspect took it without paying and drove away in a silver vehicle.
The employee indicated that she told the suspect he had to pay, but he ignored her and continued through the door. The owner, a 41-year-old man, had video surveillance and he gave the still shots to police.
The cheesecake was valued at $69.96.
Police arrest drunken driver
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 9:43 p.m. April 20, police officers from Shelby Township were dispatched to the area of West Utica and Ryan roads for a be-onthe-lookout for a possible drunken driver in the area.
An officer observed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The officer met with the driver who advised that he did not speak English, according to police. The officer was able to translate and explained the reason for the traffic stop. After a series of field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated. The driver was processed and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department until he was sober and could be released.
Ransacked car
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On April 11, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies met with a 73-year-old Harrison Township woman about a theft at her home. At around 8:45 a.m., the woman walked out to her car and noticed items that were stored in the car were laying on the ground outside of it. All compartments inside the car were opened and the contents were tossed around. The only reported missing item was a $10 umbrella. The woman told deputies the car was left unlocked.
Truck bed on fire
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On April 28 at around 5:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 23000 block of Hickory Creek Drive for a truck on fire.
The truck’s owner, a 40-year-old Macomb