LOCAL STUDENTS CELEBRATED AT WINNING FUTURES AWARD CEREMONY 3A
Text messages reveal alleged shooter’s mental state
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A man facing murder charges related to a Sterling Heights shooting death had potentially incriminating text messages revealed in a court hearing June 11.
On Feb. 1, Luke James Svacha allegedly shot and killed JaJuan Marls, 24, of Detroit, at the Extended Stay America on Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights. After the shooting, he reportedly fled to his Center Line home, where police spent hours trying to coax him to leave his house and surrender.
Svacha is facing one count of first-degree premeditated murder, punishable by life in prison; a felony weapons charge, punishable by up to five years in prison; resisting and obstructing a police officer, a two-year felony; and carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony.
Sterling Heights Police Lt. Aaron Susalla testified at an exam hearing in the 41-A District Court on June 11 that the Sterling Heights Police Department’s crisis negotiations team used an app to communicate with Svacha, sending him text messages and phone calls to try to establish communication.
“We have an app that we utilize where it will not reveal the detective’s phone number,” Susalla said.
It took several hours before detectives got a reply from Svacha, Susalla said.
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — At a time when many people stick to their silos on social media, hearing only what they want to hear, one group in Sterling Heights is trying to connect them, creating understanding.
Sterling Heights group connects neighbors to overcome prejudice
That group is the Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance — a citizen-led commission appointed by the City Council.
The Alliance has managed events ranging from a workshop with exhibits that simulate various impairments, to the Human
Library — a program where volunteers act as “living books” with titles reflecting who they are, and guests ask questions.
“I was a ‘book’ the first year, in 2023, and my title was ‘Lesbian,’” said Cindy Bjornson, co-chair of the Alliance.
Others included an atheist, a transgen-
der person, a Muslim woman, a Black police officer, a transnational adoptee, a neurodivergent person, a person with dissociative identity disorder, another recovering from substance use, an amputee and more.
The Human Library is overseen by a
See GROUP on page 22A
Luke Svacha is led into the courtroom before an exam hearing June 11 in the 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights.
Photo by Brian Wells
See SVACHA on page 7A
City Council moves forward with two road projects
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights City Council is moving forward with two road projects planned for this summer.
At its June 17 meeting, officials voted to proceed with the resurfacing of 17 Mile Road and Dobry Drive.
The council approved a contract between the city and the Michigan Department of Transportation to resurface 17 Mile between Mound Road and Van Dyke Avenue. The contract will allow the city to split the cost of the project with MDOT.
The project includes replacing deteriorated curbing, concrete base repairs and milling and a new asphalt resurfacing. It will also include coating the barrier wall, replacing the railing and installing three landscaped islands.
The city will pay $498,039 of the total estimated cost of the project, which is $2,582,840, of which $2,084,801 is federally funded. However, the city is also expected to pay for any engineering contingencies, such as design engineering, inspection, contract administration or material testing, which is expected to be an additional $413,254, bringing the city’s total cost to $911,293.
The funding for the project has been budgeted in the 20252026 major road funds, according to the resolution.
City Engineer Brent Bashaw said the project is expected to begin in July and be completed by the end of October. During re-
See ROADWORK on page 18A
These students
have
‘Winning Futures’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — “Attitude is everything.”
That is the motto of the students and mentors in the “Winning Futures” family.
They brought those positive attitudes to the organization’s annual awards celebration June 10 at Club Venetian in Madison Heights.
During the evening, the students and their fami-
lies, mentors and program sponsors enjoyed dinner. The students also were acknowledged for receiving a total of $30,000 in scholarships.
Winning Futures, based in Troy, works with several metro Detroit high school students to find career paths through its workforce prep program. Business professionals serve as volunteer career mentors. They meet with students on a regular basis at the schools to provide them with guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights.
LEFT: “Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity,” Warren Mott High School student Emike Bell said during the June 10 Winning Futures award ceremony. RIGHT: Jeremy Singleton, a student at Pontiac Academy for Excellence, will pursue nursing.
Photos by Maria Allard
NEWS & NOTES
Sterling Heights native serving in U.S. Navy
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA — Three months ago, Sterling Heights resident Tamin Machart joined the U.S. Navy.
The 2021 graduate of Henry Ford II High School currently serves as a cyber warfare technician and student at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station.
“My uncle and father were in the Navy, so I wanted to carry on their legacy while making my own path,” Machart said in a prepared statement. “My father was a navigator aboard surface ships, and my uncle still serves in the Navy as a nuclear officer.”
He said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sterling Heights.
“I wrestled growing up, which taught me discipline, the importance of a routine and a strong work ethic,” Machart said.
IWTC Corry Station is located at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Corry Station, known as the “cradle of cryptology.” It falls under the Center for Information Warfare Training, one of the largest Naval Education and Training Command learning centers.
With a “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the Navy’s needs, according to a release from the Navy. CIWT provides instruction for more than 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. There are four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and training sites throughout the U.S. and Japan.
State Supreme Court rules in favor of county commission, against Hackel
LANSING — On June 16, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled against Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel in two cases about the powers of the county executive under the Macomb County charter.
First, the court ruled in favor of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, requiring Hackel to grant the commission’s director of legislative affairs real-time, read-only access to the county’s financial management software for budgeting purposes. Access was first requested in 2017 and written into the general appropriations ordinance for fiscal year 2018, though Hackel never granted this access.
The court found Hackel must grant the access based on “the plain language” of the fiscal year 2018 budget and remanded the case back to the circuit court.
“We thank the Supreme Court for its thorough opinion and respect its decision,” Board Chair Joe Sabatini said in a press release. “The Supreme Court recognized the Board’s valid ordinance requirement that the Board be provided accurate and timely financial information. With that information, the Board looks forward to working together with the County Executive for the common goal of accountable and efficient government for the citizens of Macomb County.”
The court ruled in favor of Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido regarding his desire to have external counsel. The Macomb County Board of Commissioners appropriated $42,500 to the Prosecutor’s Office in the fiscal year 2024 budget for “contract services,” which Hackel vetoed on Dec. 8, 2023, and the board overrode on Dec. 14, 2023. After attempting to contract with five law firms in January 2024, Lucido began proceedings against Hackel. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Lucido, and Welch wrote the order concurring with the appellate court on the grounds that the county charter “does not impose any limits on the purpose for which independent legal counsel can be retained using public funds.”
“The Court has again sent Mr. Hackel a clear message that he cannot rule like a king, and his abuse of power must end,” Lucido said in a press release. “These are historic decisions that protect Macomb County taxpayers and the integrity of justice in our county.”
Andrew McKinnon, deputy Macomb County executive, said the rulings were a matter of seeking clarification about the executive’s limits in the county charter.
“(The court cases were) an avenue to clarify what the charter means and to give us clear direction on how we move forward with the charter and with our responsibilities and what the board’s responsibilities are,” McKinnon said.
MARK HACKEL PRESENTS STATE OF THE LAKE
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Before a gathering of county officials and guests at Lake St. Clair Metropark, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel presented the State of the Lake on June 6.
According to a power point presentation from the day, Lake St. Clair had more than 300,000 boats launched, the Selfridge Boat Launch saw 142,000, the Clinton River Cut saw 48,000, Harley Ensign had 32,000 and Brandenburg Park had 39,000.
Lake St. Clair had 2.1 million visitors, while marinas had 1.13 million, the parks had 2.6 million and paddling launches had 121,000. New kayak launches were also placed at George George Park, the DNR Spillway, Salt River Park, Lake St. Clair Metropark, Brandenburg Park and River Beach Park. According to the PowerPoint, residents saw key projects at Blossom Heath Park, Lake St. Clair Metropark and more.
Hackel said water quality projects are being completed at the Chapaton Retention Basin in St. Clair Shores and many more places. Upcoming projects and studies include a Mount Clemens riverfront revival, the Clinton River North Branch Greenway water trail, a redevelopment district in Sterling Heights, revitalizing downtown Utica, a hotel feasibility study and more.
Photo provided by Ensign Tiffany Savoie
Svacha
Several days later, Susalla took screenshots of the text messages and printed them off.
When called to the stand, Sterling Heights Police Detective Greg Glinski, who was the officer texting Svacha on Feb. 1, was asked to read several of the messages by Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Cory Newman.
One text message sent to Glenski, allegedly by Svacha, stated, “I know what I did, and whether it was deserved or not. I took it upon myself to be judge, jury and executioner,” Glinski read in court.
“That’s me, wicked, made for destruction and pain, that’s all (God) seems to want from me,” a message allegedly from Svacha read by Newman during his closing arguments said.
Another text message from Svacha allegedly told Glisnki he can use the text messages as a confession.
Eventually, Glisnki was able to convince Svacha to exit the home peacefully and police were able to arrest him.
Newman argued that the content of the messages showed that he deliberated the al-
leged murder, which gave probable cause to the first-degree premeditated charge Svacha is facing.
“He deliberated. He thought about it. He acted as the judge who deliberates over court proceedings. Then he acted on it,” Newman said. “He acted as the judge, jury and executioner.”
However, despite the alleged content of the messages, whether or not they could be admitted as evidence was questioned by Kenneth Vernier, Svacha’s attorney.
He argued that because the text messages were obtained through an app, and because he never identified himself, they couldn’t prove Svacha was the one messaging Glinski.
“There is nothing in those text messages. There’s no admission in those text messages that this person shot anyone and not that specific person in any specific way,” Vernier said.
District Court Judge Kimberley Weigand dismissed one count of carrying a concealed weapon, but she ended the hearing and scheduled it to continue at a later date so she could review the evidence before making a decision about whether or not to bind Svacha over for trial in Macomb County Circuit Court.
The hearing will continue at 8:30 a.m. on July 16.
Correction:
C&G Newspapers published an incorrect advertisement for Chippewa Valley Schools in the June 11th editions of the FraserClinton Chronicle, Macomb Chronicle, Warren Weekly and Sterling Heights Sentry. Please look for the correct advertisement from Chippewa Valley Schools in this issue or in our June 11 and June 25 e-editions at www.candgnews.com.
LIVING WILLS TAKE GUESSWORK OUT OF MEDICAL CARE
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — While everyone hopes for the best of health, legal experts say that crafting a “living will” — and deciding who has the medical power of attorney to act on it — is a plan worth having.
Elizabeth Vincent has been a practicing attorney for 13 years and has specialized in estate planning her entire legal career. Her current practice focuses exclusively on the subject.
She explained that a living will is different from a last will and testament in that a living will states the signer’s desires regarding life-sustaining medical treatments.
A last will and testament, meanwhile, provides guidance to the signer’s family regarding the distribution of the signer’s estate through the probate court.
She noted that living wills are utilized in medical cases where the signer cannot communicate their wishes regarding treatment.
“It’s something that many think their family members can just figure out in the moment, but I feel it’s unfair to place that burden on loved ones when we’re talking about something as personalized as medical care,” Vincent said.
Living wills are often drafted in conjunction with a designated medical power of attorney — the decision-maker who can act on the signer’s behalf. Both are included in an estate plan, providing guidance to family members making decisions.
The goal is to eliminate guesswork during what is already a stressful situation.
“A living will, however, is not a legally enforceable document, unlike a medical power of attorney,” Vincent cautioned, noting it can only advise loved ones on how to proceed.
See LIVING WILLS on page 11A
WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913
With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.
Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.
“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”
Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at
ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.
Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.
According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”
In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”
From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.
–Therese
Living wills
from page 8A
Still, that guidance can make a world of difference. The document lists specific directives with the signer’s preferences — for example, whether they would accept using a ventilator and for how long. Other preferences could be about types of pain relief, the use of feeding tubes, or even when or whether to terminate life support.
As for organ donation, that is decided by the person with medical power of attorney, Vincent said, and not included in a living will.
“In my practice, when medical powers of attorney are discussed and life-sustaining procedures are addressed, we go through a prepared estate planning homework to discuss the client’s wishes,” Vincent said. “We charge a flat fee for estate planning, which varies based on the client’s goals and overall needs. A case-by-case assessment is done in an initial consultation with each client.”
She said the medical power of attorney is an equally important decision.
“The biggest consideration I advise my clients to make is to appoint the correct person to make these decisions for them, and to
ensure that the person whom they appoint is someone who will follow through on their wishes, regardless of their personal feelings,” Vincent said.
“Withholding life-sustaining care is a difficult call to make, whether you have someone’s wishes or not, and appointing an individual who cannot come to terms with a family member’s decisions can result in unnecessary delays,” she said.
It’s an uncomfortable scenario to imagine, but she said there’s comfort in having a guide for others to follow, should things take a turn for the worse.
“One of the best gifts a person can give their family is to have a comprehensive estate plan prepared with an experienced estate planning attorney,” Vincent said.
Troy-based attorney Ren Nushaj agreed, saying that a living will and designated medical power of attorney brings “immense peace of mind” to the signer and their family.
“It removes uncertainty during moments of great difficulty and ensures that medical decisions reflect the patient’s own values and wishes,” Nushaj said in an email. “For loved ones, it eliminates the burden of making agonizing choices in the dark and allows them to focus on supporting the person they care about with clarity and confidence.”
At Chippewa Valley Schools we inspire and empower students to achieve a lifetime of success. State-of-the-art facilities, tech-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive instruction ready our learners for the rigors of the 21st century.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
From the moment your child enters school until the day they leave us, CVS is committed to their development and success. We provide a strong, challenging curriculum that ensures college readiness and creates productive, responsible, and caring students who love to learn.
SAFE & SECURE
Students learn best when they feel safe and secure. Our Safe Schools, Strong Schools bond improvements fund essential security enhancements district wide. School guard glass, emergency alert systems, security cameras, and improved locks and door systems ensure our students feel safe at school.
CTE PATHWAYS
At CVS, we’re committed to preparing students for post-high school success. Our award-winning Career and Technical Education program is launching students into high-paying careers. With 15 comprehensive pathways to choose from, we support all our students’ diverse interests.
DEDICATED EDUCATORS
Our learning community would be nothing without our tremendous teachers and support staff, who feel like family. They all help to create a warm, inspirational learning environment in which your child will feel at home. Our teachers share a clear focus to ensure an outstanding classroom experience for every student.
CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY
A close-knit school community is one of our biggest assets. We believe parent involvement and community support are key to student success. Parents and families volunteer, attend meetings, conferences, and extracurricular events throughout the school year to show students they care.
FINE ARTS
Fine arts programs give learners the chance to explore their passions. Our students receive local, state, and national awards in the arts. With classes in art, photography, music, band, choir, theater, and more, we’re igniting students’ creativity.
ATHLETICS
Athletics at CVS are an essential part of learning cooperation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership - qualities that last a lifetime. They make players into community leaders and teach them how to strive for a goal, handle mistakes, and cherish growth opportunities.
Winning
from page 3A
Students explore career paths, build life and job skills, participate in workshops, attend college and career tours, and create personalized academic and career plans. The organization also has a continuation program for the students when they enter college or a skilled trades school.
Local businessman Sam Cupp created Winning Futures in 1994. At the awards ceremony, Winning Futures President and CEO Kristina Marshall said that Cupp had some issues while attending Warren High School. There were concerns that he would not graduate on time, but once he obtained an after-school co-op job at the Hamilton Chevrolet car dealership in Warren and passed all his classes, he received his diploma.
“He started as a porter, cleaning cars, moving cars and that was in the mid-tolate ’60s,” Marshall said. “Fast forward 30 years to the mid-’90s and Sam owned that car dealership and 27 companies around the world. He attributed that success to a teacher, a mentor and a counselor coming together to support him and that’s why we have Winning Futures today.”
Marshall was a senior at Warren Mott High School in 1994 when she had the same marketing teacher Cupp had. Cupp also mentored her in the Winning Futures program. Warren High School is now the Warren Community Center. Cupp died in 2012, but his presence was felt during the award ceremony. One by one, Marshall called up each student scholarship winner, their mentor and businesses that provided sponsorships.
When Community High School senior Kaldia Yousef came to the podium to accept her award, she said she really didn’t have any career goals until she joined Winning Futures. Community High School is located in Sterling Heights and is part of the Warren Consolidated Schools district.
“Since joining Winning Futures, they’ve helped me connect with so many people. They’ve (taught) me the importance of setting career goals and they’ve been a huge part of my life,” Yousef said. “I just want to say ‘thank you’ to my mentor, Maria Cook. She helped me through everything.”
Warren Mott High School student Emike Bell plans to become a chemical engineer.
“I thank Torri Garland for being my mentor. She has helped me be more active towards goals that I’ve had for years now, helped me get out of my comfort zone, and has reassured me to not be afraid to speak what may be on my mind,” Bell said. “I
thank my family, teachers and Winning Futures staff for making me the person I am today. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.”
Wayne State University senior Shanaz Munni, an alumnus of Warren Mott, is majoring in computer science.
“This scholarship means a lot to me because it motivates me to keep working hard towards my dream, break every obstacle and go for it,” Munni said. “Thank you so much for believing in me.”
Warren Mott High School graduate Rei Struga, now a college student at WSU, gave Marshall a hug before addressing the crowd. He thanked his current mentor Andy Makar, his family, the Winning Futures staff and God.
The other high school and continuing education scholarship recipients were Aniya Alexander, Danyella Amison, Jamari Gary and Marvin McCallum, from Cass Technical High School in Detroit; Korey Colton from Communication and Media Arts High School in Detroit; Terryn Thomas, from Harper Woods High School; and Ashley Chavez-Gonzalez, Jeremy Singleton and Jason Gillow, from Pontiac Academy for Excellence.
Chavez-Gonzalez also received the 2025 $1,000 Melvin Akins Memorial Scholarship. Akins was a Winning Futures student, mentored by Kevin Sutton at Warren Mott. Sutton and his wife, Lauren, created the Melvin Akins Memorial Scholarship in his memory.
The following Continuing Education students also were awarded: Ivory Brown, Central State University, Harper Woods High School; Jayla Sanders, Tennessee State University, Cass Tech High School; and Shania Dean-Motley, Tennessee State University, Harper Woods High School.
The following students were recognized for graduating from a continuing education program: Chelton-Estelle Ali-Watkins, WSU, Harper Woods High School; Jocelin Cardenas, WSU, International Technology Academy; Nia Coleman, Michigan State University, Cass Technical High School; Ryen Dann, Oakland Community College, Warren Mott High School; Paris Ellis, Hope College, Harper Woods High School; Joshua Hudson, University of Michigan, Harper Woods High School; Jessica Taylor, OCC, Madison High School; and Lilly Zubeck, Macomb Community College, Warren Mott High School.
Several local businesspeople also were recognized for their five, 10, or 15 years of volunteer career mentor service.
For more information about Winning Futures, go to winningfutures.org, email info@WinningFutures.org or call (248) 3290905.
CALENDAR COMMUNITY
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, registration required, (586) 465-0588
JULY 12-13
Utica Antiques Market: Browse thousands of items from approximately 100 dealers from around country, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12 and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 13, Knights of Columbus Grounds, 11541 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, also held Sept. 6-7, (586) 254-3495, uticaantiques.com
JULY 26
Yoga at the Hill: Presented by Macomb County Board of Commissioners and Bodhi Seed Yoga & Wellness, childrens yoga and basic yoga from 9-9:50 a.m., raffle from 9:50-10 a.m., and chair yoga and intermediate yoga from 10-10:50 a.m., pavilions at Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, free but register for 10th anniversary shirt and gift at bocmacomb.org/events/yoga-at-the-hill
ONGOING
Dodge Park Farmers Market: 3-8 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 25, Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, find special events, live music lineup and more at sterlingheights.gov/1236/dodge-parkthursdays
Dodge Park Splash Pad: Noon-8 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays until Sept. 1 (Labor Day), 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), sterling-heights. net/1631/splash-pad
Sterling Heights Skate Park: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through September, 40111 Dodge Park Road (between 41A District Court and Sterling Heights Public Library), sterlingheights.gov/1607/skate-park
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
‘Hairspray’: Presented by RWB Theatre Company, 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays July 25-27 and Aug. 1-3, Anita’s Elite Dance Studio, 37360 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, onthestage.tickets/rwbtheatre-company-llc
Concerts at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre: Hear BABYMETAL with Black Veil Brides and Bloodywood July 3, Primus with Ty Segall July 16, Collective Soul and LIVE with Our Lady Peace and Greylin James Rue July 22, Slightly Stoopid with Iration and Little Stranger
Aug. 3, Cake Aug. 13, Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional Aug. 16, Chevelle with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society Aug. 19, Coheed and Cambria and Taking Back Sunday with Foxing Aug. 22, Simple Plan with 3OH!3, Bowling For Soup and LØLØ Aug. 23, Rob Thomas with A Great Big World Aug. 24, Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge Aug. 26, Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett and Noeline Hofman Aug. 27, Ice Nine Kills with Dayseeker, Kim Dracula and The Funeral Portrait Aug. 29, The White Concert: A Tribute
to Frankie Beverly featuring Dru Hill, Ginuwine, Stokley and TMF Aug. 30, Ted Nugent with Tommy’s RockTrip Aug. 31, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas with Willie Watson Sept. 6, Quinn XCII with Wild Rivers Sept. 12, Goose Sept. 19, Kevin Gates hosted by DJ Chose Oct. 10, and Seether and Daughtry with P.O.D. and Kami Kehoe Oct. 11, Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, 313presents.com
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
Book clubs: Meetups for teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, new book and movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/library
Welcome to RON’S AUTO CARE. We are glad to be of service and appreciate the support and patronage that you have given our family. We have a new manager named Hass who brings 13 years of experience owning and managing mechanic shops. We look forward to serving you in the future with the same honest, trustworthy, and high quality work we have prided ourselves in. We are proud to say that our business is American Family
Crash on 15 Mile involving motorcycle leaves one dead
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A crash that occurred on 15 Mile Road left one dead on June 17.
At approximately 8:45 p.m., Sterling Heights police and firefighters responded to an injury crash involving a motorcycle and a black Dodge Journey on 15 Mile Road, east of Ryan Road.
The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old Southfield man, was treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to a press release from the Sterling Heights Police Department.
The driver of the Dodge Journey received minor injuries.
According to the press release, an initial investigation revealed that the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on 15 Mile when the Dodge Journey exited a private drive on the south side of the road and attempted to turn left. The motorcyclist could not avoid the collision and struck the driver’s side of the Dodge, the release states.
Sterling Heights Police Capt. Mario Bastianelli said the road was closed for several hours.
The incident is still under investigation, though alcohol is not believed to have been a factor. The Sterling Heights Police Department asks anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call the Traffic Safety Bureau at (586) 446-2920. The case number is 25-41791.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Roadwork
from page 3A
construction, he said two-way traffic will be maintained through the work zone, with one lane being open in each direction. He also said construction on 18 Mile Road is expected to be complete by then, helping to alleviate traffic concerns.
“It is anticipated that the 18 Mile Road bridge project between Mound Road and Van Dyke Avenue will be complete, and that stretch of roadway will be open to thru traffic prior to the start of the 17 Mile Road project,” he said.
The City Council also voted to award a bid to resurface Dobry Drive between Ryan Road and M-59, near the AMC 30 theater.
The agenda statement lists Dobry Drive as “largely a two-lane roadway that is rated in poor condition.”
“The road surface provides motorists with a very bumpy ride due to the asphalt cap failing after 14 years of heavy use,” it states.
Through the project, the existing concrete and asphalt surface will be removed, and new base materials will be added and topped with a new asphalt surface.
Bashaw said construction will take place on Dobry Drive from Ryan Road to
approximately a half mile to the east. He also added that it’s not a widening project, so the pavement footprint will remain the same.
An invitation to bid on the project was prepared, which returned six qualifying bids, according to the agenda. The bid was awarded to Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists, LLC, in an amount of $818,126.61, which will be paid for by the city’s 20252026 major roads fund.
Bashaw advised that Dobry Drive will only be open to eastbound traffic during construction.
The Dobry Drive project is expected to begin in July and be completed by Labor Day.
Other business
Besides the three reconstruction projects, the City Council also voted to approve a purchase agreement between the city and DTE to install street lighting in the median along Metropolitan Parkway from Van Dyke Avenue to the eastern city limits at a cost of $334,357.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
Take a staycation this summer and explore local gems
BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — School is officially out for many local kids, which means it is time to plan fun activities to entertain the whole family throughout the summer.
While cross-country and international adventures can be an enriching way to spend the summer, there are plenty of fun things to do in the local area. Opt for a staycation this year and take advantage of living close to the local gems nearby.
A Cranbrook staycation
One place where families can explore art, science, nature, history and more is Cranbrook. Between the Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbrook Art Museum, the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Historic Home Tours, and the Cranbrook House and Gardens, there are so many options to entertain visitors of all ages.
“It’s a little bit like an educational Disneyland where there’s something for everyone,” Chief Communications Officer at Cranbrook Educational Community Vijay Iyer said.
For kids who love to be active, Cranbrook on the Green Mini-Golf is a unique experience for visitors of the Cranbrook Art Museum — open from June 4 to Aug. 31. It costs $15 for adults, $10 for ArtMembers and Detroit Residents and $8 for children under 12. This price includes admission to the museum as well.
For lunch, families can enjoy hot dogs and ice cream at the museum.
Before or after mini-golf, families can check out the museum’s exhibit, “Eventually Everything Connects: Mid-Century Modern Design in the US,” open through Sept. 21.
Families are welcome to walk through the gardens of Cranbrook House and Gardens for free. In the summer, the gardens are
open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some of the highlights include the Sunken Garden and the Japanese Garden.
Science lovers can explore the programming and exhibits at Cranbrook Institute of Science, including the exploreLAB, Acheson Planetarium and Cranbrook Observatory, Every Rock Has a Story, M1 Hyper-Loop Aircar and more.
Older kids and history-buff parents might be interested in the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Historic Home Tours. Tours are available of the Saarinen House and Smith House.
Explore Macomb County
Macomb County has many spots around the area for families to enjoy — while staying close to home.
“Macomb County’s 27 communities have something for everyone, especially in the summer,” said County Executive Mark Hackel in an email. “For those wishing to get active, we’ve got scenic and accessible trails, as well as miles of freshwater coastline perfect for paddling, boating and more. There’s also plenty to do with the family. Whether that means taking in a professional baseball game or visiting a farm to pick produce and pet animals, we’ve got that here too. And for those looking for one-of-a-kind shopping and dining, we’ve got vibrant, walkable downtowns and incredible waterfront dining options.”
Among the many fun attractions for families in Macomb County are Wolcott Mills Farm Center, LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium, Jimmy John Stadium, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill and several Metroparks.
“It really is a special place, where you can find big city amenities and still feel those small town vibes,” Hackel said.
For more ideas on things to do in Macomb County, visit makemacombyourhome. com.
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Mancini Holdings, LLC
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance which if granted would allow for 36 parking spaces to be located in the required front yard setback in an M-1 Light Industrial District.
Property Address: 36311 Van Dyke
Location: West side of Van Dyke, between Fifteen Mile Road and Metropolitan Parkway
Zoning District: M-1 Light Industrial District
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the requests in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information related to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, during regular business hours. Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Offce of Planning at 586-446-2360. Written comments may be submitted to the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, or to the City Planner at shplanning@sterlingheights.gov up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.
Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City’s Community Relations Offce at 586-446-2370, seven days prior to the meeting date. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 06/25/2025
Group
national organization of the same name. The Alliance applied for the program and received training and materials. The event has been held each year for the last three years. The Sterling Heights Public Library is the venue and provides support.
The concept was inspired by the adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“The foundation of the program is to un-judge someone — to hear what another life is like and break down any stereotypes or misinformation they may have,” Bjornson said.
She got involved with the Alliance following her retirement. She had been with her partner for more than 40 years, “living small,” she said — keeping to themselves, reluctant to speak out.
But retirement changed her mindset. That’s when Bjornson decided to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community and other groups.
While at the Human Library the first year, she was approached by a 10-year-old girl and the girl’s mother. The child had just come out to her mother as a lesbian.
“Her mother was very loving and supportive. The young girl was more worried about her teachers accepting her than anyone else,” Bjornson said. “She was quiet and shy, but I encouraged her to stand up for herself, to be true to herself and who she is.
“It was very powerful and moving — very emotional. I kept thinking how I wished someone had been there to talk to me like that when I was 10,” she said.
Bjornson’s fellow co-chair at the Alliance is Michael Mazur. He recalled how his friend was the atheist “book” one year.
“There were people of devout faith who asked him how he cannot believe in anything, and how he can even sleep at night when the world is on fire with everything going on,” Mazur said. “They continued to speak for about 15 minutes. I don’t think that either side changed their mind, but they still had a conversation. That’s all we ask for.”
The talks humanize the other side, he said. When speaking face to face, people may see they have more in common than not, even if they arrive at different conclusions about life.
“The Alliance is not a political group; we’re not trying to be left or right. The spectrum we’re interested in is the spectrum be-
tween ignorance on one end and curiosity on the other,” Mazur said. “What unites us all is we all live in Sterling Heights, and our job is to be curious about everyone in the city, wanting to learn more. So long as everyone is kind, that’s the goal.”
Kindness is at the core of another Alliance initiative: the Disabilities Awareness Workshop. Due to the cost and logistics involved, the workshop is held less often, but organizers say it’s a memorable experience for those involved.
At each exhibit, an impairment is simulated, showing the challenges that people with disabilities face going about daily routines. For example, a person may put on gloves and attempt to tie shoelaces or use scissors. Other exhibits may simulate blindness, mobility challenges, cognitive issues and more.
Bjornson brought the idea to Sterling Heights from the Rochester Community Schools, where she worked prior to retiring. The fourth graders participate in a similar workshop there.
She and Mazur said the event is a hit with children.
“When you reach kids while they’re young, it helps them understand what other children are going through in life,” Bjornson said.
Other efforts by the Alliance include a meet and greet where new homeowners can mingle with city officials, getting to know them; a book club at the library called Page Turners Social; recurring resolutions at council meetings raising awareness for different causes; yearly events for June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including the Pride flag raising; and in the future, possibly open mic nights in the neighborhoods.
Members of the Alliance also attend city events, taking notes on how to make them more accessible and inclusive. This feedback helped bring about “cooldown zones” — places where those on the autism spectrum can ground themselves when feeling overstimulated. It also led to the presence of an American Sign Language interpreter at many events.
Bjornson said she’s thankful that city officials have been proactive about making the city a more welcoming place, even without the Alliance’s involvement. Creating an “inclusive environment” is part of the group’s mission statement.
“The goal is to foster acceptance and empathy,” she said. “We’re trying to make the world a kinder, gentler place.”
The Alliance meets at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month inside Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Road.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).
Photos provided by Melanie Davis
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missile, acr.
44. River in West Africa
46. Fraternity recruitment season 47. Purse to go with evening gown 48. “Annie Hall” star 50. Urban myth, e.g. 52. Kenan Thompson’s TV show, acr. 53. Target of a joke
55. Cemetery jar
57. *Fingers, not numbers
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63. Enticed (2 words)
64. ___ Baba
66. Scary movie consequence
68. “____ came a spider...”
69. Old towel, e.g.
70. Nail salon file
71. *Gallbladder contents
72. ____ of Sam
73. Poet ____ Alighieri DOWN 1. Fri follower 2. Hoofbeat sound
3. Princess Fiona, by night 4. Unit of magnetic flux density
5. Ken Jennings’ forte
*Part of an eye, not a flower
“Cheers,” e.g.
Moved under the rug
Witnesses
*Part of a hand, not a tree
Continent
Home invasion suspect arrested
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 40-year-old Canton man was taken into custody after police said he was seen walking around a home in the 17000 block of Jefferson Avenue suspiciously at around 4:30 p.m.
June 5. Police said that when an officer confronted the suspect behind the home, he fled on foot. Police caught up with the suspect a few blocks away and arrested him. The suspect is said to have dropped a gun along the way, as police said they found the weapon while pursuing him. The suspect was expected to face charges including home invasion and carrying a concealed weapon.
Illegal dumping reported
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown man driving a white Ford F-150 is said to have been seen dumping garbage into a commercial trash receptacle at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church in the 17000 block of Maumee Avenue twice around the last week in May and the first week in June.
Man arrested with stolen goods
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 55-year-old Detroit man was arrested after police said he stole two Brother printers valued at $260 for both from the Staples store at 17410 Mack Ave. at around 1:15 p.m. June 5. Police said they
Speeder arrested GROSSE POINTE
A
70 mph in the area of Mack Avenue and Three Mile Drive — where the speed limit is 25 mph to 30 mph — at around 10:30 p.m. June 7. Police said the driver was arrested after he was found to have a suspended license.
Jeep taken
GROSSE POINTE PARK —
report.
Check forgery alleged
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A resident in the first block of Cambridge Road filed a report with police June 2 after learning that an unknown male suspect stole his 2023 tax return check for $2,288. The victim told police he contacted the IRS after not receiving his refund. The IRS sent the victim a copy of the check supposedly signed by the victim and his wife, but the victim said those were not their signatures. According to a police report, the check was also signed by an unknown third person. The signatures all appear to have been written by the same person. The suspect could be facing check forgery charges, police said.
Larceny reported on Harper Avenue
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:59 p.m. on June 5, a case of larceny was reported. The theft reportedly occurred at 12:30 p.m. in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.
The victim, a 25-year-old woman, came into the police station and reported that her cellphone had been stolen. While working at a grocery store, she placed her ear buds and phone on a cart she used to stock the store. She noticed it missing and reported it to store security.
Surveillance reportedly shows a woman walking down the same aisle, looking down at the items and picking them up.
Bad check passed on Harper Avenue
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:50 p.m. on June 9, it was reported that a bad check was passed on June 2 in the 21000 block of Harper Avenue.
The officer spoke to the owner of a business, a 56-year-old man, who stated the suspect was a regular customer who walked in and cashed a payroll check in the amount of $1,004.72. When the owner attempted to cash the check later, he found out it had already been cashed.
Property damage reported on Nine Mile Road
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 11:13 a.m. on June 10, a case of property damage was reported. The damage reportedly took place on June 9 in the 20000 block of Nine Mile Road.
The suspect, a 25-year-old woman, entered a storage unit and paid for her remaining balance. She advised a 38-year-old woman she had lost the key.
The woman stated that the suspect would have to hire a private locksmith or wait until the manager arrived later in the week.
The woman proceeded to leave and come back with three men. Video footage reportedly shows one man holding a sledgehammer in his hand. On June
tracks and damage to the lock. The manager would like to prosecute for damage.
Man charged with stealing car
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township police officer took a report of vehicle theft June 9 in the area of Shelby and 25 Mile roads, and the case was turned over to the Special Investigation Unit. The vehicle was located on the Flock camera system in the area of 21 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, police said. Police said they conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department. The stolen vehicle was recovered.
Police said this is not the first time that the driver was arrested for this type of crime. He is on parole in another state for stealing vehicles, according to the Shelby Township Police Department.
He was arraigned June 10 at 41-A District Court in front of Magistrate James VerPloeg and given a $10,000 cash or surety bond. He was due back in district court for a probable cause conference June 24.
Car window smashed
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers were dispatched to the 48000 block of Hayes Road, which is north of 21 Mile Road, for a smashed vehicle windshield at 4:34 p.m. June 6. The victim reportedly heard a loud bang while she was walking out of her business and observed a large rock hitting the ground and rolling next to her feet. When she looked up, she saw the windshield had been damaged. While the victim did not see anyone in the area, another employee observed four juveniles in the area. Surveillance footage was retrieved and turned over to detectives for follow-up.
Man identified in fatal shooting in Shelby Township
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The 41-year-old man who died June 3 after being shot by a Shelby Township police officer has been identified.
The person who died has been identified as Thomas Antonio Jackson, of Troy, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident stemmed from a traffic stop on a white Dodge Caravan near Van Dyke Avenue and 22 Mile Road at approximately 3:17 p.m. June 3. Jackson, the sole occupant of the vehicle, reportedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The chase led behind businesses in the area, according to police. The officer pursued the suspect, gave commands a Shelby Township police press release. Authorities said Jackson continued to flee from the officer and produced a handgun, and after the officer gave several verbal commands to drop the handgun, the officer fired and struck the suspect. Jackson was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The officer was placed on administrative leave according to department policy and the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office was investigating. More details are expected to be released when the Macomb County Sheriff’s