Fraser approves contract extension with Priority Waste
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
FRASER — In a 7-0 vote at its meeting on July 10, the Fraser City Council decided to extend Priority Waste’s contract for another three years.
According to items attached to the July 10 agenda, the contract is for approximately $1,120,000 with a 3% annual increase.
Fraser Department of Public Works Superintendent Rob Barrett explained that they found out many waste companies take months to prepare the bid and enter into a contract.
“That is something new in the industry right now,” Barrett said. “It wasn’t too long ago trucks were available, personnel were available and the ability to purchase them without a larger lead time was available.”
Barrett said he spoke to many other municipalities that experienced the same thing. The Fraser contract was to expire on Sept. 12 of this year.
He also said he spoke with Dan Venet, Priority Waste vice president of municipal sales, about concerns the city has. The three services the city will continue are recycling, trash and compost and it is what the bid is based off of. The services also include dumpster services upon review.
LOCAL CHARITY GOES TO BAT FOR NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
DETROIT — While growing up, Vito Chirco and his brother Dominic bonded with their dad, Jerome, through sports, especially softball and baseball.
They spent many days at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park rooting for the Detroit Tigers or playing baseball themselves as youngsters.
Chirco, of Clinton Township, will channel that energy Aug. 2 with his annual Chirco & Company charity softball game at Buysse Ballpark on the campus of University of De-
troit Mercy, located at 4001 W. McNichols Road in Detroit. Gates open at 1 p.m., and the first pitch is set for 2:15 p.m.
Event proceeds will benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, which offers programs and provides resources and services to prevent kidney disease and improve
Photo by Erin Sanchez
The Fraser City Council approved a three-year contract extension with Priority Waste on July 10.
Township trustees dissolve inclusive playground group
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — All things must come to an end, and the Clinton Township Board of Trustees decided on July 14 that the Inclusive Playground Committee was due to its own ending.
Having opened the all-abilities playground back in April, questions had lingered about what the next phase of the playground’s advocacy committee would be. As committee chair AnnMarie Ottoy told the board, that next phase would be to “put a bow on an amazing experience that has created a lot of value for the community.”
With the committee’s primary and secondary goals completed, the committee voted to dissolve itself and donate the remaining $2.36 — after a final $600 was spent on landscaping — to fiduciary partner The Arc of Macomb.
“Thank you so much for your support over the years,” Ottoy said. “We appreciate
all of it. The community, I know, appreciates it. It’s (received) tremendous positive feedback overall and we look forward to our next adventures.”
The committee was formed in 2019 and fundraised over $100,000 between 2020 and 2023 with the support of The Arc
Fitzgerald educator has tricks up his sleeve
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Whether he’s on stage performing his comedy/magic “Just Joe Magic Show” or teaching students inside the classroom, Joe Chasney knows how to capture an audience.
The educator and comedian/magician has been juggling both careers since the 1990s.
Chasney developed his sleight of hand when his grandmother Geraldine Chasney gave him the book “Juggling for the Complete Klutz” for his 12th birthday because she didn’t know what else to buy him. But it fit Chasney like a rabbit in a hat as he developed a talent for juggling, which then led to magic.
Chasney always remembers the day when his friend Scott wanted to learn how to juggle, too. It only took 10 minutes to teach him, and the two became regulars at the Mount Clemens Juggling Club. Pretty soon, the pair were tossing balls, rings, clubs, torches, chainsaws and machetes into the air and catching them.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Magician/comedian Joe Chasney brought his “Just Joe Magic Show” to Bumpers Landing in Harrison Township July 10. Carrie Kuhle, of Harrison Township, participates in a card trick.
Macomb County accepting Community Mental Health Board applications
MOUNT CLEMENS — The Macomb County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications to fill one seat on the Macomb County Community Mental Health Board for a partial term that will run through March 31, 2027.
The board oversees Macomb County Community Mental Health and is charged with providing a comprehensive array of mental health services appropriate to the needs of the individuals within its service area, regardless of the ability to pay. By statute, the members are representatives of providers of mental health services, recipients of mental health services, agencies and occupations having a working involvement with mental health services and the general public. Applicants should have an awareness of the need for the provision of mental health services in Macomb County, knowledge of the evolving mental health landscape and basic understanding of Medicaid regulations in the state of Michigan, as well as the mental health code in the area the services are provided. Applicants also must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Macomb County and cannot be employed by state or county health agencies.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Applicants are expected to attend the Government Operations Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. for a public interview. Appointments will take place at the Thursday, Aug. 21 meeting of the full county board.
For more information or to apply, go to bocmacomb.org, contact the commission’s office at (586) 469-5125 or email bocadmin@ macombgov.org. Additional information regarding MCCMH can be found at mccmh.net.
AUTOS FOR AUTISM CRUISES INTO TOWN
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Stahls Motors and Music Experience, located at 56516 North Bay Drive, will hold the annual Autos for Autism fundraiser to benefit the Ted Lindsay Foundation July 25-26.
The July 25 date includes a charity cruise beginning at 8:30 a.m. to Port Sanilac and back and dinner with automotive designers from 5-10 p.m. The July 26 date from noon to 3 p.m. includes a car show, live music, bounce houses, lawn games, face painting, food trucks, raffles, 50-50 and more.
The mission of the family-founded Ted Lindsay Foundation nonprofit is to support research and educational programs focusing on the cause and management of autism spectrum disorder. Lindsay, who died in 2019, was a hockey legend who played in the National Hockey League for 17 years with the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Black Hawks.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit stahlsauto.com/afa2025.
CMPL hosting events in August
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — As summer begins to wind down, so does the Clinton-Macomb Public Library’s summer reading program.
To celebrate the end of the summer, adults are invited to the Main Library on Friday, Aug. 8 for the Summer Reading Soiree at 6 p.m. Participants will play book bingo, make a mug, a bookmark, get book recommendations, have light refreshments and more.
More events will be held at each of the CMPL’s branches throughout August. On Thursday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m., teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the South Branch to make edible terrariums. Terrariums will be made out of a variety of delicious materials with a base of cookie crumble dirt cups.
On Thursday, Aug. 21 at 4:30 p.m., teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the North Branch for the “Let it Flow” art session. A variety of art materials will be provided for attendees to freely express their creativity.
For the full list of events at all CMPL locations, go to cmpl. org.
Township encourages waste hauler reporting
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On July 7, Clinton Township posted a link to its “Interruption of Waste Collection Service Form” on its website.
The form asks township residents for details about incidents when trash, recycling or compost goes without getting picked up on its scheduled day. The form allows the township to track instances of Priority Waste missing pickups to best understand how the company is handling, or not, its contractual obligations.
“We understand, as a board, that the current level of service to the community is unacceptable,” Clinton Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said at the July 14 Board of Trustees meeting.
“We understand that folks are very frustrated and very concerned. We are in the middle of summer and waste and compost sitting out, being left throughout the community, is not something that we are taking lightly. It is something we are working very, very hard to address.”
The township’s contract with Priority Waste allows the township to penalize Priority for missed pickups.
Residents can access the form at clintontownship.com. Click on the “Public Services” button and navigate through the “Public Works” and “Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste & Chipping” links. Select “Trash Collection” and then click on the link for the form.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
NURSES, SUPPORT STAFF STRIKE AT MCLAREN HOSPITAL
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — Ongoing labor disputes between staff and management at McLaren Macomb Hospital took a turn in early July as nurses and support staff went on strike.
Members of Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 40 took to the sidewalk along Harrington Street outside of the hospital from June 7-10, holding signs and chanting in response to working conditions and claims of unfair labor practices filed against the Grand Blanc-based hospital network.
“The service group itself has six unfair labor practices; the RNs have seven,” said Dina Carlisle, a nurse and OPEIU 40’s president. “As they occurred, we filed them. For the RNs it’s been a yearlong (process) leading up to seven (claims). For the service group
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it’s been two years that six unfair labor practices have been filed.”
Carlisle says the staffing conditions at the hospital see nurses regularly having to care for up to six patients at once. For comparison, intensive care unit nurses care for up to two patients at a time. The union says this workload leads to burnout, violates the agreed upon staffing matrix and creates potentially harmful conditions for patients.
“For the RNs, this is not about money. This is about staffing safely and being able to take the best care of our patients as we can,” Carlisle said.
The support staff group is seeking to increase its pay, which currently starts at $11.46 per hour and is below Michigan’s current minimum wage of $12.48. McLaren’s “last, best and final offer,” according to an OPEIU 40 statement, was a raise in 2026 that would increase the starting wage
See STRIKE on page 11A
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Nurses, support staff and their supporters picket along Harrington Street outside of McLaren Macomb Hospital on June 8.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
CALENDAR
JULY 23
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
JULY 25
Comedy-magic show: Features entertainer Cameron Zvara, 10 a.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - Main Branch, 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5030 or cmpl.libnet.info/ events
JULY 26
See ‘The Prince of Spanish Guitar’: Benise celebrating 25 years of world music and dance, 7:30 p.m. (VIP experience at 5 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
Family tree research: Free genealogy resources for adults, 11 a.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5073 or cmpl.libnet. info/events
JULY 27
Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Olga’s Kitchen, 43201 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Esther at (586) 264-1939, widowedfriends.com
AUG. 3
Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise: Noon-6 p.m., goes up and down M-3 from 14 Mile Road to Wellington Crescent (north of Metropolitan Parkway), other activities include DJ, games, family fun zone, pedal car race and awards, ctgratiotcruise.com
AUG. 6
Concert: Adults invited to hear Vanessa Carr perform jazz, Motown, Broadway, opera and more, 6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - Main Branch, 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5040, cmpl.libnet.info/events
AUG. 13
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, 1 p.m., Partridge Creek Senior Village, 17200 Dove St. in Clinton Township, (586) 469-5642, heather.esposito@macombgov.org
Fizzy science: Ages 6-12 can see chemical reactions during hands-on program, 3 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, (586) 226-5073, cmpl.libnet. info/events
AUG. 14
Medicare 101 educational 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 Sept. 18 and Oct. 28, registration required, (586) 465-0588
AUG. 14 & 21
Macomb Ballet Company auditions: Expand training through rehearsals and perform in classical productions while continuing at primary studio, 4:30-6:15 p.m. (ages 13-19 as of Jan. 1, 2026), 6:30-7:45 p.m. (12 and older) and 6:30-7:30 p.m. (7-11), 51504 Danview Technology Court in Shelby Township, macombballet.org/auditions
AUG. 16
Health and Wellness Fair: Free event features nearly 70 vendors, therapy dogs, vibroacoustic harp therapy and meditation sessions, massages, yoga and expressive art station, face painting, appearance by Detroit Pistons mascot Hooper, health screenings, interactive activities and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, facebook.com/wearemccmh
Watch baseball, support food pantry: $10 of every $25 ticket to game at Jimmy John’s Field goes to St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church in Clinton Township, purchase includes grandstand seat, hot dog, chips and pop or water, 5:30 p.m., 7171 Auburn Road in Utica, must use QR code on flyer at spotcatholic.org
Golf fundraiser: Supports Motor City Wheelz (wheelchair basketball team comprising youth with physical disabilities in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties), 12:30 p.m. registration and 1:30 p.m. shotgun start, Sycamore Hills Golf Club, 48787 North Ave. in Macomb Township, register by Aug. 5, motorcitywheelz. org/golf-outing
AUG. 20
Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Gnocchi Italian Restaurant, 41620 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Vicky at (586) 260-4124 by Aug. 18, widowedfriends.com
AUG. 21
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, 1 p.m., Hampton Manor, 18401 15 Mile Road in Clinton Township, (586) 469-5642, heather. esposito@macombgov.org
ONGOING
Farmers market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 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, also
See CALENDAR on page 11A
Family ties drive local auto repair shops
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
When Bill Griffin, who owns Griffin’s Neighborhood Auto Clinic in Farmington Hills, injured his back in 2009, he was unable to work for a period of time.
The shop had only been open for two years, so his younger brother, Tom Griffin, stepped in to handle the business until Griffin got back on his feet.
“Had it not been for my brother the shop would have failed,” Griffin said.
Griffin’s Neighborhood Auto Clinic, located at 23905 Freeway Park Dr., offers many services. Talented staff members offer auto repair; suspension, steering and alignment; cooling system and engine repair; brake services and more on everyday cars as well as classic cars and hot rods.
Family ties are a main reason why Griffin’s Neighborhood Auto Clinic has been a success. Along with his brother’s help, Griffin’s two daughters, Kelsey and Hannah, worked at the front counter of the shop after school. Doing clerical work and running for parts were among their many responsibilities. They also had to remember working with their dad came with boundaries.
“When you’re here, I’m your boss and not your dad,” he reminded them.
His daughters are now married with their own families and careers and no longer work at the shop. Their presence
TOP: Chris Harris, fourth from right, and his daughter next to him, help carry on the family business of Midas Auto Service and Tires that Chris’ dad, Gil, started in 1990 with encouragement from Gil’s wife, Patricia.
Photo provided
BOTTOM: Randy Booden, right, opened B&B Collision in Royal Oak with his dad Bill Booden July 1, 1977. One year later, Randy Booden’s sister Wendy Tomassi, center, joined the family business and keeps the operation running smoothly as office manager. Although not a family member, Randy Booden credits manager Nick Olsowy, left, for “making his life so much better,” and said, “He’s such a good worker.”
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Calendar
from page 7A
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
Summer Concert Series: Hear 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,www.metroparks.com/ lake-st-clair-metropark
Uptown Friday Night Concert Series: Hear Strictly Fine (funk and soul) July 25, 7-9 p.m., stage on North Walnut Street in Mount Clemens, performances continue Aug. 1-Sept. 12 on Macomb Place in front of O’Halloran’s Public House, www. downtownmountclemens.org/events
Wellness Wednesdays: Free fitness classes sponsored by Henry Ford Health, includes yoga until Aug. 27, 9-10 a.m., Center Court
at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, www.shop partridgecreek.com/events
Weekly car show: 3-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Ram’s Horn Fraser, 31917 Utica Road, (586) 296-1744, ramshornfraser.com
Monthly car shows: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, Sanders Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe, 23770 Hall Road in Clinton Township, (586) 464-5372
• Cars and coffee, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 23, Pleasantrees (former Gibraltar Trade Center), 237 North River Road in Mount Clemens, more on eventbrite.com
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, www. widowedfriends.com
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
Strike
from page 6A
to $11.69. The union said that is still about 12% under the state minimum wage of $13.29 after the minimum wage increases again on Feb. 21, 2026.
Both the nursing and support groups have filed unfair labor practices against McLaren dating back to 2023. The claims involve direct dealing over wages and the firing of 11 members of the support staff.
During the strike, while passersby honked in support of the hospital workers and food and water were donated to those on the picket line, McLaren informed the union that 176 out-of-state strikebreakers had been called in to replace the over 400 nurses on strike. McLaren also prevented the union nurses from returning to work until the morning of July 12. OPEIU 40 has called upon Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido and Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham to investigate McLaren for violations of the 1962 Solicitation of Strikebreakers Act.
“In an update to us, it said that they brought in 176 — they name that number,” Carlisle said. “There are almost over 480 nurses here, and they did that for five days paying them $104 an hour. I found it fascinating that they would be silly enough to send that (update). They sent it to everyone. It wasn’t just us. They were trying to, I think, assure
the community that the hospital was safely staffed, and I thought, ‘How did they figure that?’”
Despite the lockouts, strikebreakers and other unfair practice claims, Carlisle says the hospital reached out to the union by the morning of July 10 to resume negotiations. The union and the hospital planned to return to the bargaining table on Wednesday, July 23 and Monday, Aug. 4 to discuss the nursing and support groups, respectively.
“We are bargaining in good faith, and I am hopeful that we can resolve these issues,” Carlisle said. “It will be really unfortunate if the hospital does not seem receptive to safe staffing.”
On July 9, McLaren spokesperson Dave Jones issued a statement regarding the strike, stating the hospital brought in “licensed, credentialed temporary professionals” to support full-time staff during the strike.
“We’ve bargained in good faith for the past two years for the service unit and RNs, investing extensive time and resources to reach an agreement that honors our team members and ensures the long-term stability of our hospital — especially considering recently passed federal legislation that significantly reduces Medicaid reimbursements and threatens financial sustainability for health care providers across the country,” Jones’ statement said. “Despite those challenges, McLaren has presented a proposal that goes above and beyond what’s being seen in our region and even nationally. We believe
See STRIKE on page 18A
is missed, and their hard work over the years added to the growth of the family business.
“They did bring a good element to the shop and a little more of a draw. They played an integral role in building the company,” Griffin said. “We were one big family working here.”
His ex-wife also was heavily involved in the family business and Griffin said she deserves much of the credit for helping to build Griffin’s Neighborhood Auto Clinic. For many years, Griffin, an Automotive Service Excellence master certified technician, worked for other people and used that experience to open up his own garage. He likes the variety the business brings.
“Every day is a different day,” Griffin said. “You never know what you’re going to do from day to day.”
‘I’d do it again in a heartbeat’
Family bonds also added strength at B&B Collision, located at 919 South Main St., in Royal Oak.
On July 1, 1977, Randy Booden and his father, Bill Booden, went into business together. They had both been working for different car dealerships and when Bill asked his son if he wanted to start a family business, Booden told him, “You bet.” They took their passion for cars and created B&B Collision, a family-owned auto repair facility offering a number of services including collision repair. Nearly 50 years ago, Royal Oak looked a lot different than it does today.
“It was a ghost town,” Booden said.
But the Boodens settled on Main Street because of the other auto-related businesses they neighbored with, including a transmission shop and a radiator store. B & B Collision employs a number of experienced and highly-trained certified technicians. The state-of-the-art repair facility, managed by Nick Olsowy, uses high-tech equipment.
One year after B&B Collision opened for business, they recruited Booden’s sister, Wendy Tomassi, to work as the office manager. Even on their busiest days, they are able to separate the work they do from their personal lives. Depending on each person’s strengths, the family members took on different roles.
“I guess just being familiar with the other person, you know how to work with them,” Booden said. “We knew how to leave the shop and leave the work here. Outside the shop, we didn’t talk about business. What we talked about was family.”
But working with family also brought challenges.
“We have our differences of opinion. We
were able to work it out,” Booden said. “We can put everything out on the table, sit there and yell at each other, and 10 minutes later we’re fine. You can move forward.”
The trio worked together for many years until Bill retired. He passed away in 2008, and Booden and Tomassi carry on his legacy.
“He’s the one who taught me to be the person I am today,” Booden said. “I love it. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Family bonds
Gil Harris opened up a family business when he found himself unemployed in 1990. He and his wife, Patricia, attended a franchise show and a new career was born when Gil opened Midas Auto Service and Tires at Eight Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren 35 years ago.
“I didn’t know anything about the automotive world,” Gil said. “I knew how to deal with people.”
He worked 60- to 70-hour weeks, determined to make sure the business was profitable. Patricia encouraged her husband all along.
“She was confident in me. She was all for it. I was scared to death,” Gil remembered. “You put every ounce of your money and security into others’ lives and hope and pray like hell that it works.”
The gamble paid off because the family, including their son, Chris, was able to open four different Midas locations over the years with several highly skilled staff members. That first year, Gil was named National Rookie of the Year for Midas.
With support from Patricia and Chris, Gil eventually sold two of the shops and continues to operate two locations: 2995 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy, and 41300 Garfield Road in Clinton Township.
“I actually enjoy what I do,” Gil said. “It was a learning process. The franchise (representatives) helped. I know how to hire people that have anything to do with cars, oil changes to air conditioners, changing engines. I had to be able to provide security in their jobs. That’s what we do. My wife did the financial part, and I operated the hiring. I’m very happy.”
Currently, Chris is the general manager of the family franchise. He got his start running the Detroit location and fit right in with the automotive world. Gil is “mostly retired” and Patricia is “fully retired.” They are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Working together proved positive for the Harris family, including Chris’ children.
“We always got along. We got along very well,” Gil said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t have some issues along the way. We sit down and work through the issues and come to an agreement on what needs to be done. It’s not always easy. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Everyone has to find common ground.”
Priority Waste
from page 1A
Barrett called the prices given by Priority Waste quite fair. He also acknowledged that the company is having a difficult time in other municipalities. Barrett pointed out a portal for resident requests and how the company replies to it.
“For their first 10 months of service when I was working on this in May, there was only 187 requests in the portal,” Barrett said.
He went on to say the company has stayed on top of it.
Councilwoman Patrice Schornak brought up a few concerns she had including leftover debris from trash and said every week she picks up trash in her street.
Barrett said the issue needs to be entered into the portal. Schornak said she did try to call and was on the line for around 15 minutes before she hung up.
Venet said later in the meeting the best way to address issues is a pair of QR codes that will lead to websites where residents can denote their issues and leave information for future problem-solving. He also said in July, their system collapsed and they found an-
other service provider. He said 15 minutes is not acceptable.
Venet said if the company damages cans, they will replace them at no cost, but if the resident damages the can, they may have to pay a cost for it. There is a 10-year warranty on the cans and Venet said they are supposed to be in service for around 20 years. Cans will still be replaced if the company damages them even after the warranty expires.
Councilman Patrick O’Dell said he has seen numerous reports about recycling and trash being thrown into the same truck. Venet said it’s never a directive to mix materials.
“My stance is people do make mistakes, we can allow for some variance if a mistake occurs,” Venet said. “But if it is a variance of choice and it’s a habitual or continuous issue the employees do get reprimanded and disciplined properly through our protocols.”
Venet said he does take any issues or problems that come to his office very seriously because it is their reputation on the line.
O’Dell asked about cameras on the vehicles stating the company sold them on the technology aspect years ago. Venet said all trucks in Fraser are outfitted with cameras and GPS tracking. He also said the ability to
pull footage is limited due to data and space.
“All the trucks are running for, let’s say, 10 hours a day on the road and they fill at about every five service days,” Venet said.
He said he can’t guarantee they have the footage a week out, but they could have it a few days after an incident.
“That’s why it’s so important for when an issue does come up that we get alerted right away because it takes the grey of the situation out, allows it to be white and black,” Venet said.
Mayor Michael Lesich said it’s frustrating that they were in the position that night stating he can be frustrated on behalf of his residents.
“As the heat rises, as people complain on social media and express themselves, it seems to multiply,” Lesich said.
He went on to say he’s received videos
from different residents about workers combining recycling and trash, stating he needs to ask more questions but that it has happened many times. He pointed out the company is asking for a 24% increase with the same services and asked if things are going to get better in terms of trucks and services.
Venet said Priority made a purchase of 50 new vehicles that will push out some of the older and more damaged trucks.
“We are actively and proactively looking at ways to improve our roster of vehicles,” Venet said.
Lesich said he reluctantly voted to approve the contract extension.
The QR codes for the Priority Waste portal are posted at City Hall and other places.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Kids and adults visit the Clinton Township inclusive playground on the day of its April 4 ribbon-cutting. The Clinton Township Board of Trustees voted to dissolve the committee that formed the playground at the board’s July 14 meeting.
Trustees
from page 3A
of Macomb. The final $1.47 million was raised in 2024 with the help of state legislators, the groundbreaking happening that July and construction ending that November. A ribboncutting ceremony was held on April 4, 2025.
“It’s a park for everybody, but it’s designed for those people that wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to play with others,” Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said. “It has been a really joyous thing for me personally, as a member of the committee, to drive by in the evening to see the parking lot still packed and to see the amount of people and kids that are out there on the playground.”
Trustees took the committee at its word, voting unanimously to dissolve it.
Ottoy said the next steps for some of the people involved would be to set up a community foundation for the township, which would aim to support the township board in filling funding gaps.
Vehicle liquidations
Trustees also approved removing several vehicles from the municipal garages.
The board first approved decommissioning the Clinton Township Police Department’s mobile command unit. Chief of Police Preston Susalla, via letter, told the board the command unit was “outdated, unreliable … has never been used for its originally intended purpose and its age and condition make it impractical for future use.”
Should the township need such a unit in the future, its partnership with Macomb County Emergency Management allows the police to use the county’s mobile command unit. While the item originally called for auctioning the unit, trustees approved the possibility of another township using it post-decommissioning.
Later in the meeting, trustees approved auctioning five vehicles from the Department of Public Services’ Water and Sewer Division. The vehicles are three trucks and vans with over 191,000 combined miles and two trailers. The department anticipates over $10,000 could be raised from the auction of the vehicles.
18 Mile generator
Trustees also approved the $468,500 purchase of a new backup generator for the 18 Mile Road booster station. The new generator, a Cummins natural gas powered unit, replaces the existing diesel powered unit from when the station was built.
The department chose to go with a Cummins unit over a roughly $80,000 cheaper Generac unit because of its experience with Cummin. The existing diesel generator is a Cummins, and a Cummins dealer is located in the township should service and parts be needed.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
File photo by Dean Vaglia
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?
Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.
Travel back to the late 1970s in a Volkswagen Westfalia
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Setting up camp inside Dawn Bols’ Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus T-2 is like entering a time machine that dates back to 1979.
The sage-green van also is a reminder of the Michigan camping trips that Bols took as a child with her family, often to Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City.
“It was like heaven to me playing with the kids on the beach,” the Harrison Township resident said. “It was so fun.”
Many of those family vacations were spent traveling in one of her dad’s Volkswagen vehicles. The first Volkswagen was not a camper bus, but the family still traveled in it and camped in tents.
Bols’ dad, Brian Bukantis, was always a fan of the Volkswagen bus and also owned a T-3 model in which the family did camp. The camping trips eventually stopped, but they still traveled up north via Volkswagen to a chalet in Houghton Lake, even in the wintertime.
“We used to freeze in the back,” Bols said. “My brother used to hog the little air vent in the back.” And it was a tradition for Dad to play music from Frank Zappa during every ride.
“It’s always a fond memory for sure,” Bols said. When Bols was 15, her dad took a break from driving Volkswagen buses. He eventually got back into the Westfalia’s driver’s seat. After Bols’ mom, Betty, died, Dad purchased the sage-green 1979 Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus T-2. He often cruised with his buddies at different local events, including the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Shorewood Kiwanis Club of St. Clair Shores Harper Charity Cruise. Bols is now the owner of the Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus T-2.
ABOVE: Dawn Bols’ 1979 Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus T-2 has special meaning because it once belonged to her dad, Brian Bukantis. RIGHT: The Volkswagen Westfalia can sleep four people. The rear bench seat folds down to make a bed for two, and, when opened, the pop-up roof lifts off to become a two-person bed. Photos by Erin Sanchez
Kidney
from page 1A
the quality of life for those living with it. Chirco, the alumni director at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, has recruited local sponsors and volunteer athletes who will step up to the plate for the game.
“It’s competitive but fun. People know it’s for a good cause,” Chirco said. “It’s a good atmosphere for the game. The guys enjoy it and look forward to it.”
Raising money for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan hits close to home for the Chirco family, which includes mom, Liz Chirco.
Jerome Chirco, 67, is living with acute kidney failure. He does dialysis three times a week.
“He’s doing pretty well. He’s hanging in there. Hopefully he’ll continue to make progress,” Chirco said. “It does take a physical toll on him. He’s a tough cookie. He’s a warrior.”
Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. Jerome is on medication for the disease and on a donor list for a kidney transplant.
“You hope and pray we can find a match for him. He’ll be more healthy and it will enhance his quality of life,” Chirco said. “We love him dearly. We owe him the world.”
Chirco already has two teams ready to play. The athletes pay $40 each to participate. The admission fee for spectators is $35 per person; children 12 and
younger are free. Food will be provided free of charge by 2941 Mediterranean Street Food. Hot dogs and water also are complimentary, and everyone receives a shirt.
This year’s local celebrity players include Detroit Lions on SI reporter/Detroit Sports Podcast host John Maakaron; local morning show anchor Jason Colthorp; Olympic medalist swimmer Peter Vanderkaay; Detroit City FC/Oakland University men’s basketball play-by-play voice and Woodward Sports host Neal Ruhl; former Carolina Hurricanes right wing and Stanley Cup champion Chad LaRose; and local sportswriter Tony Paul.
Chirco appreciates the sponsors that got behind the charity game: Prosthetic Specialties, the Detroit Sports Podcast, and the Salvati Insurance Group. Chris Fett and his family, of Clinton Township, are one of the team sponsors. Fett’s daughter is a student at Regina High School in Warren, and his son attends De La Salle.
“For me it’s just a way to give back. Hopefully my kids in time will learn to do that. It doesn’t always have to be a business that represents,” Fett said. “I’m just inspired by Vito and his ability to do these things. Whatever Vito goes after, I’ll support.”
Fett’s two children and wife will be good sports and play in the game. In past years, Fett has played many positions, including left field and shortstop. The competition is friendly and serious at the same time.
See KIDNEY on page 18A
Photo provided by Vito Chirco
Vito Chirco, center, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Chirco & Company, has organized his eighth annual charity softball game set for Aug. 2. Proceeds will benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Chirco’s dad, Jerome, right, has acute kidney failure and receives dialysis three times a week. Also pictured is Chirco’s mom, Liz, left.
from page 3A
“Our greatest feat was standing back to back juggling seven clubs together. Our goal was to perform at the Lakeview High School talent show,” said Chasney, adding they would head to Scott’s house to practice during their lunch hour. “Our first show ever we earned $30 for a half hour show.”
It was for a birthday party at Lakeshore Lanes in St. Clair Shores, the city where Chasney grew up. But the performance didn’t go as planned.
“It was awful. The kids were pulling our wigs off, kicking us, throwing things at us,” Chasney recalled. “We went back to the Juggling Club and the president gave us some tips. This was a game changer.”
At his dad’s encouragement, Chasney pursued a teaching degree from Wayne State University. During his studies, the 1992 Lakeview High School graduate learned how to cast spells on audiences. He eventually went solo and was inspired to learn magic while shopping at Lauer’s Novelties and Costumes in Roseville.
“Wally Lauer taught me my first magic trick,” Chasney said. “I was hooked.”
In the mid-1990s Chasney met fellow magician/comedian Jasen Magic. The mages immediately became friends, and put together a magic show. Their first show was a fundraiser at Clintondale High School before they nabbed a steady gig in 1997 at the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly. Chasney returned in 1998 and 1999 and found he really loved performing for an appreciative audience. At times, he even breathed fire.
“I’m not chasing fame. I’m not chasing money,” the illusionist said. “It’s a mixture of
adrenaline and a rush. It comes from bringing laughter and joy for the people I am performing for. It’s just creating joy.”
His audiences included both kids and adults. Chasney has taken his act around the state, including Saugatuck, Gaylord, Marine City and Plymouth.
“When people’s eyes light up, they feel that childlike wonder,” the magician said. “For a moment, they think everything is possible. Everyone becomes a kid again.”
Off stage, Chasney has been educating students in Warren’s Fitzgerald Public Schools district for 27 years. During the 2024-2025 school year Chasney taught sixth and seventh grade English language arts. He brings out his magic tricks occasionally while on the job. The students are what he likes best about teaching.
“That’s the greatest thing about it. Just when you feel like you’re not making a difference, they’re not learning or they don’t care, some student will drop a note on my desk and say, ‘You’re the one thing I look forward to,’ or, ‘You care about the students.’ It brings you right back,” Chasney said. “They joke with you. Each day somebody makes me laugh uncontrollably.”
On July 9, the “Just Joe Magic Show” performed a private party for Jack White of the White Stripes, the Dead Weather, and the Raconteurs. Chasney has been a fan of White’s for a long time, and he created a couple of different tricks for the musician.
One optical illusion paid tribute to the White Stripes in which Chasney had three white ropes of different lengths. He wiggled them, and through his magic touch, all three ropes became the same length. Another illusion was changing a deck of cards to make them all white, in honor of White himself.
“He was so cool,” Chasney said.
Another highlight was getting the See MAGIC on page 18A
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Strike
from page 11A
all employees and our community deserve the full picture, and we’re confident if presented with the facts, many would view our offer as more than fair.”
McLaren’s offer for nurses as of the July 9 statement includes a 15.84% to 40.14% pay increase over three years, timeand-a-half pay for working over 36 hours in a week, annual tenure-based retention bonuses up to $1,000 and a nearly 16% pay increase if a unit is short staffed. Nurse staffing ratios would be at one nurse to 4.44-5.88 patients (1:4.44 to 1:5.88) for
medical and surgical units, 1:1.76 for the ICU and 1:1.41 for obstetrics and gynecology units.
McLaren’s offer for support staff as of the July 9 statement includes “three-year agreement with equity increases of up to 15% based on years of service to recognize long-term dedication,” 2% annual salary increases and maintaining benefits.
McLaren has also filed its own unfair labor practice claims against OPEIU 40, citing a failure to bargain in good faith, surface and regressive bargaining, coercing and intimidating employees and deliberately delaying negotiations.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Volkswagen
from page
15A
“I got it a couple years ago after my dad passed away,” Bols said.
Bols has taken good care of the vehicle, which has about 130,000 miles on it. The interior — with a warm, checkered decor — is all original. The vehicle has different components, including a comfortable sitting area with a table that swings out for meals. The two front seats swivel around to face the back of the vehicle for conversation. The retro ride is equipped with a sink, a holding tank and can be hooked up to running water.
“It’s a stick shift. It’s a smooth ride but there’s no power steering,” Bols said. “Getting used to driving it is a little bit of a challenge.”
The camper bus draws plenty of attention from onlookers. Many comments about the vintage vehicle come from people in their 20s.
“I always get peace signs out the windows and people honking,” Bols said.
Bols sometimes brings the bus to the monthly car shows from 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Sanders Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe, 23770 Hall Road in Clinton Township. At the last Sanders car show, the employee pick of the month was the Volkswagen bus.
chance to chat with Adam Savage of the Discovery Channel shows “MythBusters.”
On July 10, the entertainer performed some of those tricks and more during lunch at Bumpers Landing in Harrison Township. He first stopped at a table where Diane Abraham, 59, of Detroit; Beate Beck, 60, of West Bloomfield; and Joanna Kinsella, 61, of Bloomfield Hills, dined.
“I want to open with a bang here,” he said.
Kidney
from page 16A
“We definitely keep score,” Fett said. “You want to win but at the end of the day it’s for a fundraiser. Vito gets us all together.”
Fett also knows the trials of living with a kidney disease. His dad lost a kidney after falling ill during the Korean War.
He started off placing a handkerchief in his hand and it disappeared. The stage performer then had Beck lift up her arm where he pulled the handkerchief from her sleeve. He did a few more tricks before heading off to a couple more tables. All three women enjoyed Chasney’s presence.
“I thought he was fantastic,” Kinsella said. “He’s got a good sense of humor.”
“He’s funny and fantastic,” Beck said.
“He’s got good people skills,” Abraham said.
For more information about the “Just Joe Magic Show,” go to justjoemagic.com.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
In past years, the Chirco & Company annual softball games raised money for different charities, including Make-A-Wish Michigan and the Pope Francis Center.
For more information and tickets for the Chirco & Company charity softball game, email chircoandcompany@gmail. com. Donations also are accepted via Venmo at @Chircoand-Company.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
When camping, the Volkswagen Westfalia can sleep four people. The rear bench seat folds down to make a bed for two. The pop-up roof lifts off to become a two-person bed when opened. But sometimes a little help is needed.
“It’s not the most comfortable sleeping arrangement,” Bols said. “We usually put an extra mattress down.”
The Westfalia has curtains that can be drawn shut to get a good night’s sleep, and Bols added some special touches to give the van a late 1970s vibe. Her husband gave her a handheld radio to display next to a clock radio. Bols also found a 1978 Coleco Football Electronic Quarterback handheld game, and a friend passed on a handheld Merlin electronic game — first made by Parker Brothers in 1978 — that feel right at home inside the bus.
While cruising and camping are fun, Bols prefers just to take the van to local car shows.
“Because it’s in such good shape, I want to preserve it,” she said.
Another reason is because the vehicle doesn’t gather much speed when on the road. It only drives about 55 mph. To alert other drivers, Bols placed a magnet on the back window that reads “Slow moving vehicle.”
“I was shocked,” said Bols, adding that she received a bag of candy for the recognition.
She also won an award last month during Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot, a five-day event that ended with a car show and cruise June 14. Again, she was surprised. She didn’t plan to attend the Eastpointe event, but her brother, Doug Bukantis, invited her, and at the last minute she decided to go.
An annual pastime has been heading up to Port Crescent State Park, in Port Austin, during the Halloween season for its annual fall harvest. It’s something the family did with Dad, who got into the spirit of the holiday by becoming “Skull Man.” He’d wear a skull mask and cape to greet trick-or-treaters through a fog machine that he set up. The bus was also decorated with skeletons and spider netting, and the tradition has continued.
According to the website autobarnclassiccars.com, Volkswagen began production of the Type 2 Microbus in 1967. Manufacturing continued through 1979, and there were many configurations of the Type 2 model.
“It was dubbed the Bay-Window Microbus with a one-piece windshield, sliding side door and a total of eight elongated windows for great visibility,” the website stated.
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Man arrested outside library
GROSSE POINTE PARK — An 18-year-old Detroit man who reportedly was experiencing suicidal thoughts and was seen outside the Ewald Branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library at around 2 p.m. June 25 was arrested after an encounter with police. According to a report, the man “became confrontational” with a public safety officer who approached him. Police said the man was found with a stolen handgun in the fanny pack he was wearing. He was arrested and was facing charges for violation of the carrying a concealed weapon law.
Rental vehicle stolen
GROSSE POINTE PARK — An unknown suspect stole a rented 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee while it was parked in the 500 block of Pemberton Road between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. June 27. The Jeep, which had been rented from Avis, reportedly might have had a key fob inside.
Former employee arrested for embezzlement
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A woman who formerly worked for Lululemon in The Village was arrested June 23 after an investigation determined that she allegedly embezzled an estimated $7,000 through fraudulent transactions over the last year, a police report states. Police said the investigation was in progress.
Motorists found in possession of marijuana
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 19-year-old Harrison Township woman and a 19-year-old Harrison Township man were arrested after a traffic stop during which police found that the vehicle they were operating had multiple containers of marijuana and synthetic equivalents. According to a police report, the vehicle was pulled over in the area of University Place and Mack Avenue at 10:52 p.m. June 30 after police noticed that their driver’s side headlight wasn’t working. During the traffic stop, an officer reportedly saw four jars of marijuana inside a blue duffel bag on the back seat. Police said the female driver and her male passenger claimed that the vehicle belonged to the driver’s mom and the marijuana was hers, but when police called the mother, she didn’t claim ownership of the marijuana.
The suspects said they were picking up a friend in the Pointes and heading to downtown Detroit for the evening. The driver gave police consent to search her vehicle, and police found three small jars and one large jar of marijuana, almost 50 vape cartridges, more than 30 vape pens, a bag of narcotic mushrooms, THC oils, multiple marijuana edibles, a scale, sandwich bags and $450 in cash in the male suspect’s wallet and $90 in cash in the center console, according to the police re-
and therefore not legally allowed to be in possession of marijuana in Michigan, so they were both arrested. It was unknown if they might face additional charges.
Possibly high driver takes out streetlight
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 24-year-old Harper
Woods man who police believe was driving under the influence of drugs is said to have crashed into a DTE light pole in the 400 block of Moross Road at around 8:04 p.m. June 27, sheering it off at the base, and then leaving the accident scene.
Police said a neighbor heard a loud noise outside at the approximate time of the crash and when she looked out a window, she saw a tan, mid-size truck heading south on Moross veer into the northbound lane before veering back into the southbound lane. Using the license plate of the vehicle, police were able to track the driver to an address in Harper Woods, where they said they found the driver and the damaged truck.
Police said the driver admitted he had been driving the truck that evening. After they searched the truck, police said they found several empty pill bottles.
Police said the driver had dilated pupils and foam coming from his mouth, and he told them he had gone to a marijuana dispensary after work. The driver told police he had rear-ended a white pickup truck but didn’t remember being in the Farms or crashing into a light pole there. The suspect was found to be in possession of pills concealed in a lip balm case. He was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs. Police said the driver refused medical attention for the crash.
Fraud victim instructed to buy Bitcoin GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 72-year-old Grosse Pointe Farms woman contacted police June 26 after she was the victim of an apparent fraud June 17. The woman was browsing the internet when she said a popup window appeared on her iPad telling her to contact Microsoft. When she called the phone number provided in the pop-up window, the woman was told she would be contacted by the Federal Trade Commission and her credit union as far as what she needed to do.
The woman said a man who claimed to be “Daniel” from the FTC told her to withdraw $15,000 from her credit union account, saying someone was trying to use her funds to buy illegal internet content. The woman was only allowed to withdraw $5,000 from her credit union; she used the money to make deposits — as directed by “Daniel” — into various Bitcoin ATMs in metro Detroit, ultimately depositing $4,800. The woman then received a text message allegedly from Apple telling her someone was trying to charge $221.99 to her Apple account, as well as a text claiming someone
using her account data. The woman thought about the incident and found the whole ordeal suspicious, which led to her filing a police report. Police said the woman was the victim of an internet/telephone scam.
Vehicle stolen
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Lennon Street at 6 a.m. June 29 after learning that a vehicle — a Ford F-150 — connected to that address had been used in a crime in Dearborn. When they arrived and spoke with the owner of the vehicle, the owner — who knew nothing about the crime in Dearborn — discovered that his truck had been stolen.
Infotainment system stolen
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — An unknown suspect is said to have stolen an infotainment system from a Ram pickup truck between the late night of June 23 and 12:30 p.m. June 24. A police report states that the suspect broke a rear window on the truck to gain access to the interior.
Operating under the influence of drugs
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers were dispatched to the area of Van Dyke Avenue and 24 Mile Road for a crash June 20. Upon the officers’ arrival, they observed one of the occupants from the crash lying on the ground unconscious. An officer found out the unconscious person was the at-fault driver and might be under the influence. The officer recognized signs that the man might be overdosing and needed Narcan. The officer administered Narcan and the driver started to react to the medication before going unconscious again. The male driver was transported to a local hospital.
While the man was being loaded in the ambulance, police said he was awake long enough to admit to using fentanyl. Officers reportedly located what appeared to be drugs in the driver’s vehicle. An officer went to the hospital and completed a blood test. The at-fault driver was medically discharged from the hospital and taken to the Shelby Township Police Department. The man was released once sober. Charges were pending the results of the blood test.
Stolen car
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer was dispatched to the 45000 block of Revere Drive, near Hall and Schoenherr roads, for a stolen vehicle at 1:30 p.m. June 22. The owner stated he last saw his vehicle the night before, parked in front of his home. The owner advised that he still had both sets of keys to his vehi-
SHIELD’S
by the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center BBAC holds annual competition
BIRMINGHAM — The 44th annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition will be taking place at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center through Aug. 14. The competition is juried by Laurie Ann Farrell — a Dallas-based curator, art historian
Police were investigating Larceny from auto SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer was dispatched to River Bends Park for a larceny from auto complaint at 5:30 p.m. June 21. The victim stated she had parked her vehicle, with the windows and doors locked, before heading out for a walk. When she returned, she noticed her window was smashed out and several personal items were taken from within the vehicle. While the officer was on the scene, Utica police were also checking local parks for two male suspects looking into vehicles. Police were investigating.
Man walking dog attacked by another dog
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — An officer was dispatched to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital for a dog bite report at 11:26 a.m. June 19. A man said that while he was walking his dog on a leash in the 11000 block of Conservation Trail, near 22 Mile Road and the Van Dyke Freeway, an unleashed brown pit bull mix started to attack his dog. The man was able to pull his dog to safety, but the dog then started to attack the man and bit him on both hands.
State Supreme Court rules on county charter cases
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.
Penned by Justice Elizabeth Welch, 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.
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.
Lucido Sabatini Hackel
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