NEWSPAPERS Special Edition
‘We
will forever carry her memory in our hearts’
FAMILY, FRIENDS REMEMBER JENNIFER HARRIS
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — Jennifer “Jamma” Harris is being remembered as “a great light” and a “kind, generous and patient” person by loved ones who will miss her deeply.
The loving mother of six children was honored during a vigil July 14 by family, friends and community members who gathered at the Eastpointe McDonald’s restaurant where she worked for 15 years, most recently as a manager. Harris, 39, was stabbed July 10, allegedly by a co-worker, and died from her injuries.
“First, I want to thank everybody that came out today in support of my mama. My mama was so good,” her oldest daughter,
See HARRIS on page 8A
JULY 30, 2025
candgnews.com
UTICA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS EARNS INNOVATION IN NUTRITION AWARD
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
UTICA — The Utica Community Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department has been honored with the Innovation in Nutrition Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.
The goal of the award is to honor school districts that implement nutritional activities that create connections between the cafeteria, the classroom, the community and home. UCS provides students
more than 3 million meals annually.
“This award demonstrates the vital role our food service team plays in the success of our students,” Superintendent Robert Monroe said in a press release. “The Food and Nutrition Services Department remains committed to making sure our students have the nourishment they need to focus on their learning.”
Some of the activities, noted for this award, that UCS has implemented include:
• Introducing a wide variety of fruits and vege-
See NUTRITION on page 10A
an
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Jennifer Harris’ oldest daughter, Antonia Griffin, surrounded by her five siblings, breaks down during the vigil July 14 at the McDonald’s in Eastpointe. Next to her on the left is Tenisia Evans, senior pastor of Divine Restoration Ministries in Harper Woods, which has been helping the family since Harris was killed.
Harris
Kids enjoy food from the Utica Community Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department, which recently won
award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Photo provided by Utica Community Schools
Former news anchor remains connected to community and creativity
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
GROSSE POINTES — He might have retired as the longtime news anchor at WDIV-TV on Dec. 13, but Devin Scillian, of Grosse Pointe Park, has hardly been idle since.
He’s been writing new music, finishing the draft of a play, giving talks about the role of journalism in society, writing editorials for the Detroit Free Press and performing with the band Arizona Son.
“I don’t think I’ve had five minutes of boredom,” said Scillian, 62, of life as a retiree. “I’m having a great time. I’m finally spending time on things I used to try to fit into my life.”
A graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas in 1985, Scillian started his career at WIBW-TV in Topeka. He went on to news stations in Decatur, Illinois; Tyler, Texas; and Oklahoma City, where his coverage of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building helped his station earn
a Peabody Award. He came to Detroit in August 1995.
“What attracted me to (journalism) was writing the first draft of history,” Scillian said.
In May, the Detroit Society of Professional Journalists presented Scillian with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Scillian has also won three Edward R. Murrow awards, one of the greatest honors a broadcast journalist can receive.
“I will always believe that information is the most precious resource in the world,” Scillian said. “We have to appreciate accuracy and transparency and truthfulness.”
Being able to cover Detroit through its ups and downs, and report on significant stories from around the world — including in Beijing, Moscow and Jerusalem — were highlights for Scillian. Last summer, he covered the Olympics in Paris.
“I’m just the luckiest guy on the planet,” Scillian said.
While he could have been a foreign corre-
See SCILLIAN on page 5A
ceeds 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.
Local charity goes to bat for the 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 Detroit 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 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
Former WDIV-TV news anchor Devin Scillian reports from the Olympics in Paris in 2024.
Photo provided by Devin Scillian
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. Pro-
Two men sentenced for dumping hazardous waste in Bear Creek
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
WARREN — Two men were sentenced for charges related to hazardous waste violations that caused the Bear Creek in Warren to turn blue.
On Thursday, July 3, Saad Somo, 50, of Washington Township, and Marvan Talal-Razooqi Batoo, 40, of Shelby Township, pleaded no contest to one count of hazardous waste — operating a facility without a license, one count of hazardous waste — generator and facility operator records and attempted water resources protection violation, each of which are one-year misdemeanors, and liquid industrial waste — general violation, a six-month misdemeanor.
Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources agreed with the final plea offer after both men cooperated with the DNR, as well as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, to rectify the spill, according to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Their cooperation required both Somo and Batoo to pay over $172,000 in remediation costs. This resulted in a charge of water resources protection violation, a two-year felony, against
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each man being dismissed once the attempted water resources protection violation charge was added.
After both pleas were entered, 37th District Court Judge John Chmura sentenced each man to pay fines, costs and a special assessment totaling $3,500, despite Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lozen arguing that both men should receive probation, the press release states.
The charges came after the Bear Creek in Warren turned a “bright fluorescent green/blue on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024,” according to the release.
“The source of the contamination was found to be a former metal finishing commercial building in Warren owned by Somo and Batoo,” the release states. “The building was not heated, resulting in frozen water lines breaking and stored chemicals being spilled.”
The release states the two men disposed of the chemicals through a storm drain.
“Reckless handling of hazardous chemicals poses a serious threat to both public health and our environment,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement.
Attorney Amir Makled, who represented both men, did not return a request for comment.
The Bear Creek in Warren turned “bright fluorescent green/blue on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024,” after contaminants from a former commercial metal finishing building in Warren were dumped in a storm drain.
File photo provided by Macomb County Public Works Office
Scillian
from page 3A
spondent, Scillian opted to stay with WDIV to be able to spend more time with his wife and family.
Scillian and his wife, Corey — a talented ceramist — are the parents of four adult children: Griffin, Quinn, Madison and Christian. The couple has been together since high school in Junction City, Kansas.
Kimberly Gill, who came to WDIV in 2014 and became Scillian’s co-anchor two years later when Carmen Harlan retired, said Scillian immediately made her feel comfortable in the newsroom.
“There are so many things that make Devin special,” Gill said in an email interview. “If you’ve watched him, you know his journalistic skills are obvious but one of his most admirable qualities that not everyone gets to see is that he’s as genuine off-camera as he is on camera. He’s a titan of a news anchor and storyteller but he’s also a titan of husband, dad, brother, and son. His family means everything to him. He is just as attentive and connected to his four adult children and wife Corey as he is to his job.”
WDIV News Director Jennifer Wallace Canine, who produced stories with Scillian and worked with him for almost 30 years, said Scillian’s “curiosity and lack of judgement” are two of his finest qualities.
“It’s rare to find someone so talented, but also so humble,” Wallace Canine said in an email interview. “He could be listening to anyone from a president to someone in an entry-level position — and they would each command the same attention and respect from him. He’s a bit of a unicorn.”
She said he’s a great listener and storyteller, as well as a great friend.
“Devin is one of the best people I know,” Wallace Canine said. “He’s kind, compassionate and incredibly tolerant. He has been a sounding board and a listening ear in this newsroom for decades. I value his friendship deeply and know it has a lifetime tenure.”
Gill echoed those sentiments.
“I’ve met a lot of people in this industry who are completely different behind the scenes than they are in front of the camera — but that’s not Devin,” Gill said. “My desk is right next to his in the newsroom and I
wish I had a dollar for every person who stopped for small talk with him, whether it’s about sports or politics or the weather. I mean everybody from the cleaning staff to the big boss loves Devin and wants to connect with him. I think it says something when your fans are not just the people who watch you on TV but the entire newsroom. He’s amazing and if you spend any amount of time with him you know it’s real.”
Sandy Baruah, of Grosse Pointe Park, CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, has known Scillian for more than a decade, and he can also attest to Scillian’s authenticity.
“There are many things that stand out about Devin — he truly is a renaissance man,” Baruah said in an email interview. “Two quick ones: 1) What you see is what you get with Devin. His quick wit, sense of humor, true compassion, deep intellect, and wide-ranging interests is not TV magic — it’s real. 2) Our Region has been exceptionally fortunate to have him as our ‘anchor’ as Detroit and Michigan have traversed historic times. Devin could have easily been anchoring the NBC Nightly News … but he and his family chose our community because of quality of life.”
The author of 15 children’s books — including the national bestseller, “A is for America,” and the award-winning “Memoirs of a Goldfish” — Scillian hopes to write a novel for adults, as well as a memoir.
“I’ve got several novels in various states of beginning,” Scillian said. “I would love to complete a novel.”
Music, journalism and novel-writing might seem to be diverse interests, but they’re not really that different.
“The one thing all of those things have in common is storytelling,” Scillian said. “At the heart of it, I’m a storyteller.”
Scillian — who was a theater major in college before switching to journalism — said theater has always been important to him. He said his mom started taking him to community theater rehearsals when he was a baby in a bassinet.
“I love theater and have always felt very close to it,” said Scillian, calling finishing the first draft of his play “exhilarating.”
At press time, Scillian said the play was scheduled for a table read, which could lead to some changes.
Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.
Travel back to the late 1970s in a Volkswagen Westfalia
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — 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
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
Volkswagen
page 6A
the Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus T-2.
“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.
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.”
“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.
“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 trickor-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 onepiece windshield, sliding side door and a total of eight elongated windows for great visibility,” the website stated.
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Photo by Erin Sanchez
Bols’ 1979 Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus T-2 has a living space with a table that swings out for meals, games and conversation.
Antonia Griffin, said through tears and heartache. “This was never a thought. We didn’t think that far off what would happen when she wasn’t here. I don’t even know if my siblings (know) what’s gone on.
“My mama worked so hard. I got to be strong,” Griffin said. “My mama would want me to be here to be strong for my siblings. I just want to be back with my mama.”
Griffin said her mom was “happy” working at the restaurant. There was a point in which Harris and Griffin worked for the company at the same time, but at a different franchise.
“All I have is all those good memories of my mama,” Griffin said. “These past couple days all I could think of is seeing my mama doing her job and then being attacked by somebody that she trusted.”
During the vigil, Tenisia Evans, senior pastor of Divine Restoration Ministries, based in Harper Woods, said the Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund had been established to support the six children. Divine Restoration Ministries also has provided emotional and spiritual support to the family at this time.
Yusef Alcodray, owner/operator of the Eastpointe McDonald’s, said the Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund — gofundme.com/f/ support-jennifer-harriss-childrens-future — will serve as a trust dedicated exclusively to support her children for basic life expenses including housing, food, transportation and education.
“I am here for you and your siblings,” Alcodray assured Griffin. “You are not alone in this. You will always have family here with us. We will forever carry her memory in our
14,
He is also covering the funeral expenses.
“Not only am I contributing to this fund, but I will be leveraging every single person in my network to help raise the necessary resources to support these children,” Alcodray said. “It means so much to see everyone here today, family, friends, crew, customers. There aren’t enough words to describe the incredible impact Jennifer had on me and on her restaurant family.
“She didn’t just manage this restaurant. She truly cared for everyone inside of it. She was more than a manager here. She was family. She was a steady, caring presence who made this restaurant feel like home for so
many people,” Alcodray said. “Whether she was welcoming a new crew member on their first day, remembering a regular’s coffee order before they even stepped up to the counter or stepping in during a rush with a calm smile, Jennifer led by example every single day.”
Eastpointe Police Chief Corey Haines attended the vigil and briefly spoke with the media afterward.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community,” he said. “It’s such a tragic incident that has destroyed two families.”
Haines said the department wants to do all it can to help Harris’ family. That includes offering chaplain services through the Police
Department and making referrals. The killing also impacted residents.
“We want to do something to help the community recover,” Haines said.
Police have yet to publicly identify the bystander who reportedly saw the stabbing as it happened and fired his own gun in an effort to stop the crime.
“He fired a shot into the building,” Haines said. “No one else got hurt. We are planning to give him some credit down the road.”
Police said the bystander was able to hold the suspect at gunpoint in the parking lot until police arrived.
Through kind words, Eastpointe Mayor Michael Klinefelt also offered his support.
“What happened to Jennifer is a shock to the community. It’s something that we don’t expect to ever see,” Klinefelt said. “I do want to say it’s a testament to Jennifer. The building here is packed. The parking lot is full outside. I think it speaks volumes to see the amount of people that are showing up in support. The community is here for you, anything that you need.”
Eastpointe resident Holly Phillips did not know Harris personally, but she and her family frequently dine at the Eastpointe McDonald’s restaurant.
“Everyone is super nice here. This bothers me a lot, something that is so terrible,” Phillips, 62, said. “For the last four days, I thought about her all day long. God bless the family and her kids. We all got to do better in taking care of each other.”
After the vigil, the crowd headed outside to launch balloons in the air in tribute to Harris. As the white, red and gold balloons — in round, star and heart shapes — flew up to the heavens, some cheered while others called out, “We love you.”
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
On July
family and friends honor the life of Jennifer Harris with a balloon launch of red, white and gold colors from the parking lot of the Eastpointe McDonald’s where she worked. hearts.”
Charity
from page 3A
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.
Nutrition
from page 1A
tables to students, like figs, candy cane beets or kumquats.
• Serving items that feature whole grain and have lower sugar and fat than items found at grocery stores.
• Posting regular information on the department’s social media sites from registered dietitian Vinnie Kape, who also visits classrooms to promote healthy eating habits.
• Involvement in the district’s annual family wellness fair.
“We are excited to provide new food and new healthy experiences for our students, staff, and the community,” Food and Nutrition Services Director Mandy Sosnowski said in a press release. “We love introducing things to students they may have never heard of or tried before and then being able to explain how they can be part of a healthy lifestyle. We are also fortunate to partner with some amazing educators to help keep the healthy message alive in the classroom as well as the cafeteria.”
UCS Coordinator of Public Relations
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.
“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.
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.
Jennifer Kane noted that the Food and Nutrition Services Department does source some items locally, such as Blake’s and Peterson Farms for apples, Prairie Farms for milk, and Bosco Sticks, which are produced in Warren.
Also, the department is coordinating free meals for children 18 years or younger this summer. The Summer Meals program is at 15 different sites in the district and is expected to serve over 60,000 meals to children in the community.
“Last year UCS participated in the Michigan School Meals program which provided all Michigan public school students with one free breakfast and lunch for the 2024-25 school year,” Kane said in an email. “There was no criteria to qualify for the free meals during the school year, and there is none to qualify for the free meals this summer.”
“The recognition awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals,” Robe Bisceglie, executive officer and president of Action for Healthy Kids, said in a press release. For more information, visit uticak12.org.
