The Women’s Civic League of St. Clair Shores is sponsoring a Town Hall for residents to meet their candidates for City Council in the upcoming election.
Work within the office of Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido has already recovered $3.3 million in unpaid child support in the last two years by simply seeking compliance from payers. The child support specialty court would take the mission of securing compliance further by bringing on Michigan Works! Macomb/ St. Clair to help place unemployed child support payers into jobs or job training programs with court supervision.
The event will be at 7 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the St. Clair Shores City Hall located at 27600 Jefferson Avenue.
There are six candidates running for council: incumbents John Caron, Dave Rubello and Candice Rusie, and challengers Adura Cal-
houn, Dominic Roy Neumann and Bryan Owens.
Carol Kapusnak, a Women’s Civic League member, said they try to host a town hall every time there is an election and that it has been going on for quite a while. She said there is a reasonable turnout each
Women’s Civic League to sponsor candidate town hall
time, but they’d like more participation.
“A lot of people look at it later because it’s recorded later,” Kapusnak said. “This year, there may be more people because of the candidates we have.”
Kapusnak believes that it is a
comfortable atmosphere for residents to ask questions.
“We try to make it very casual so to say so no one is intimidated to ask questions,” Kapusnak said.
Judge Mark A. Fratarcangeli has emceed the event for around
Lucido continues push for child support specialty court
Hearings would be last chance for unpaid child support providers
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
Following a meeting with judicial officials on Sept. 4, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido is moving forward with the creation of a child support specialty court within the 16th Circuit Court in Mount Clemens.
Under Lucido’s plan, the proposed court would operate similarly to other specialty courts within the 16th Circuit by directly handling cases where child support payers are in arrears. The goal of the court is to get compliance from the payers, thereby helping reduce the amount of unpaid child support across Michigan.
“Today, the state of Michigan has $5.6 billion in outstanding uncollected child support, of which Wayne County is about $3.5 billion — more than half,” Lucido
Photo by
Patricia O’Blenes
Man pleads guilty to Shores double-voting charge
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
According to a press release sent by the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Frank Prezzato, one of seven people
charged with double voting in St. Clair Shores in 2024, recently pleaded guilty to the charge.
The case was heard in Macomb County Circuit Court and was presided over by Judge Anthony Servitto on Sept. 3.
The press release stated Prezzato acknowledged his “reckless” actions in voting twice during the election.
“Voting twice undermines our democratic process,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in the release. “My office will continue to prosecute those who violate our voting laws to ensure Michigan voters have confidence in the integrity of our elections.”
BIKE RIDE TO BENEFIT SHORES COPS FOR KIDS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
In collaboration with Tim’s Bike Shop of St. Clair Shores, the St. Clair Shores Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis is hosting a Bike Fest to raise money for St. Clair Shores Cops for Kids.
Dawn Magnuson, Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis member, said the event starts with check-in around 9 a.m. on Sept. 20. The bike ride itself starts at 10 a.m. and participants will ride from Kyte Monroe baseball complex to Blossom Heath Park and back, which is around 10 miles. The proposed end time is around 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
“When the riders register, they get a T-shirt and lunch,” Magnuson said.
Magnuson said this is the fifth time the event has been hosted. Profits are made through sponsorships, which include a sign program.
“We hang their signs for the day of the event,” Magnuson said.
Lunch is also sponsored by various restaurants around the Shores.
Along with lunch, they also have a bike raffle with bikes donated from Tim’s Bike Shop. Magnuson said there will be around 10 bikes up for raffle and they are all refurbished by
Tim Focht, the owner of Tim’s Bike Shop.
Registration for the event is $18 per rider and while there is no age limit, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must be able to ride the full 10 miles.
Focht said the event is a family fun filled day.
“People just going for a bike ride, raising money for Cops for Kids, a great cause to help out kids in the community,” Focht said.
Magnuson suggests riders bring a helmet, sunscreen and a bottle of water.
“We do have a station at Blossom Heath, which is considered the halfway mark, that we provide water there for them to refill with,” Magnuson said.
The St. Clair Shores Police Department will also be in attendance. Kids will receive some decorations for their bikes.
Registration is available at forms.gle/bQb2UAPnm6Y1uBvY9.
The Kyte Monroe baseball complex is located at 32701 Harper Avenue and Blossom Heath Park is located at 24800 Jefferson Avenue.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Prezzato was charged with offering to
Boat explosion ejects 2 occupants, kills dog
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
A boat explosion in a St. Clair Shores harbor sent its occupants flying, causing minor injuries and the death of a beloved pet.
Cmdr. Jason Abro from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department said shortly before 1 p.m. on Sept. 6, deputies were dispatched to the Emerald City Harbor in St. Clair Shores. They arrived to see multiple boat pieces in the water and worked quickly to make sure no harm came to the environment. Abro later said the vessel appeared to be charred from the fire and it was a challenge to remove the boat from the water. He said they received information that a boat had exploded prior to their arrival.
“Anything on the water we usually investigate or handle within our Marine Division,” Abro said.
Both the St. Clair Shores Police Department and the St. Clair Shores Fire
Participants enjoy Bike Fest during a previous year.
Photo provided by Dawn Magnuson
CRIME WATCH
Property damage reported on Harper Avenue
At 2:07 a.m. on Aug. 28, property damage was reported in the 31000 block of Harper Avenue.
An employee of the restaurant, a 19-year-old woman, said another employee, a 24-year-old man, helped a DoorDash driver through the drive-thru. The driver was there to pick up an order. The man told the driver the order had already been picked up and he grew agitated. The woman heard the conversation and relayed the same information to him. The driver continued to argue and spat at the woman, missing her, and drove off.
Several minutes later, the driver returned, trying to open the drive-thru win-
dow. When he couldn’t, he took a small landscape rock and threw it at the window, creating a large spiderweb crack.
Larceny reported on Eight Mile Road
At 5:43 p.m. on Sept. 6, a case of larceny was reported in the 21000 block of Eight Mile Road.
At a gas station, the victim, a 42-yearold woman, said she and her son rode there on bicycles. They both parked on the east side of the gas station and when they returned, her bike, which was valued at around $150, was stolen. Surveillance footage showed a man walking around the east side of the property, taking the bike and riding away.
Staff at a restaurant near the station recognized the man, stating he was there.
— Alyssa Ochss
NEWS & NOTES
Proclamation made for Joe Claycomb
At its meeting on Sept. 2, the St. Clair Shores city council gave Lillian Claycomb, the wife of Joseph Claycomb Jr., a proclamation recognizing his hard work for the city.
Joe passed away on July 24 and volunteered for a number of things within the city including the Tax Increment Finance Authority and the Water Resources Board. Mayor Kip Walby said he worked in the community for more than 50 years and was married to Lillian for around 67 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, father and grandfather.
Lillian said Joe loved every minute of his volunteer work and sincerely thanked the mayor and council.
“He believes if you live here, you contribute here and that’s the way our life was led,” Lillian said.
Walby also said he understood the meaning of “rich.”
“It’s not how much you have in your pocket, but it’s having the friends and putting the work into the community and making St. Clair Shores better,” Walby said.
Lakeview to host informational meeting
Lakeview Public Schools will host a bond informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Wheat Educational Campus located at 27575 Harper Avenue.
The informational meeting will discuss the upcoming bond item on the ballot for the Nov. 4 election.
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT SEEKING PHOTOS
The St. Clair Shores Communication Department is looking for resident photos to celebrate the city’s 75th anniversary.
If you or a loved one have photos of living in St. Clair Shores through the years or at past events, send them to mcbaine@ scsmi.net. Please make sure to include your name, the name of anyone in the photo and the location.
“Photos may be used in city promotional materials,” the news item read.
If you have a story about living in the Shores, they’d love to hear that as well.
Week 4 prep football matchup to watch
ST. CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW AT UTICA:
This is a MAC-White clash between two teams that have both been solid to start the year. These are two playoff hopefuls that will need this win to help them at the end of the season. Week four is one of the more exciting weekends of the high school football season as most teams begin division play for the first time. The road to division and conference titles starts now. For more matchups to watch, visit candgnews.com/news/sports.
Child support
said. “Macomb County is at about $300 million, and Oakland County is about the same.
“How do we make any headway or progress when nothing is being done to collect these child support arrearages?” he said. “They’ve gone up every year, they haven’t come down and the question is do we need to support the children when they’re children or get the money to the parent that is being paid after they become adults?”
Work within the prosecutor’s office has already recovered $3.3 million in unpaid child support in the last two years by simply seeking compliance from payers, but the specialty court would take the mission of securing compliance further by bringing on Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair to help place unemployed child support payers into jobs or job training programs with court supervision. Those programs or jobs would help the payers avoid a felony charge, stay out of prison and fulfill their obligation to provide for their children.
“Michigan Works! is most known for sending people back to school, but one of the lesser-known services we do is direct placement,” said Justin Al-Igoe, executive director of Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair. “Most of our work with this population, while training is certainly an option if needed, we’re looking to do a direct placement to get them into a job. The types of jobs can vary based on the job seeker’s background and education level. Generally, we do a lot of work with manufacturing and health care, but we are certainly looking to place people in any job that is hiring and fits their skill set and salary goals.”
Details about how the child support specialty court will operate remain determined. The biggest result of the Sept. 4 meeting was the creation of an advisory board for the specialty court that will include Al-Igoe, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham and several members of the prosecutor’s Cooperative Reimbursement Unit. Circuit Court Chief Judge James Biernat is expected to assign a judge to the specialty court, likely bringing the assigned judge on as a member of the advisory board. Other invitees will be representatives from the public defender office, Friend of the Court, Probation Department, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and the Michigan attorney general’s office.
“We already have courts such as the drug court, the sobriety court, the veterans court, the mental health court,” Lucido said. “We believe, here at the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, that this county will take
the initiative and bring together all those units of government — probation, court, Friend of the Court, prosecutor — and join together to assist each other doing their jobs to have a success for those that need the jobs though Michigan Works! and have a success to get the money to the parent that needs it when the child is young and ultimately have a success that (children) will absolutely have the best chance in life to survive.”
From here, the plan is to run the court as a pilot program to test its effectiveness and see if any legal or statutory hurdles arise that would need to be resolved at the state level.
One such hurdle is that the court initially, according to Biernat, will not have the grant funding or statutory support like the 16th Circuit Court’s other specialty courts. Biernat believes this may change should the legislature pass statutes supporting it.
A successful pilot program for the court could lead to the wider adoption of the specialty court, and Lucido says interest in the program across the state is already building.
“There’s other counties that have already made inquiries and that have asked us, ‘What is it that we can look at from your blueprint that we can get ours started,’ so I know it’s already a talk,” Lucido said. “Other judges have had discussions with each other and said, ‘We were really looking forward and excited to see how this rolls out.’”
Along with preparing the advisory board and setting the groundwork for the pilot program, the prosecutor’s office is also working with the Michigan Legislature to allow deferred convictions to extend beyond the current one-year limit, giving payers more time and flexibility to repay owed child support while retaining access to support services.
“Do we bring warrants and have individuals who don’t pay their child support convicted?” Lucido said. “That’s not what our philosophy is here. Our philosophy is let’s get them in, let’s get them on track, let’s get compliance and we don’t have to have a felony on their record because having a felony is another inhibitor standing in the way of getting a good job.
“Compliance is what we’re looking for and this is the way we’re doing it,” Lucido added. “We’ve given you every chance to try to communicate with us. Show up and do your job.”
Beyond getting unemployed payers into employment through Michigan Works!, Lucido says payers who are on Social Security and disability should be able to have the state transfer child support funds from their regular payments.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
CALENDAR
SEPT. 20
Harvest Fest: Includes priests vs. sisters softball game, vendor walk, kids games, beer and food tent, exotic animals show, performance by Polish folk dancers, cornhole tournament, live music by Mainstream Drive, brew garden tastings and raffle, 1-10 p.m., St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 21100 Madison St. in St. Clair Shores, see schedule at saintisaacjogues. com/community-events, read story at candgnews.com
Fall plant exchange: Presented by Yardeners of St. Clair Shores, 9-11 a.m., swap or give away for free in parking lot of St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, scsyardeners@gmail.com
SEPT. 21
Comic and toy show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (early bird at 9 a.m.), VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, also held Oct. 5, keywellcollectables. com, facebook.com/dawnofthecollectors
SEPT. 27
South Lake High School — Class of 1975: 50th reunion, includes appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar, 6-10 p.m. Sept. 27, Fishbones Rhythm Kitchen Cafe, 23722 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, purchase ticket at eventbrite.com
OCT. 5
Comic and toy show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (early bird at 9
a.m.), VFW Bruce Post #1146, 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, keywellcollectables.com, facebook. com/dawnofthecollectors
ONGOING
Downtown Social District: Live music, food trucks, outdoor games and more, 5 p.m.-midnight Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 and 25, Greater Mack Avenue between Nine Mile Road and intersection of Nine Mack and Cavalier drives in St. Clair Shores, see band lineup and more at scsmi.net/social-district, facebook.com/ downtownstclairshores
2025 Farmers Market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 28, Nine Mile and Mack in St. Clair Shores, and noon-6 p.m. Oct. 12, Blossom Heath Park, south of 10 Mile Road on Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores, scsmi. net/877/farmers-market
St. Clair Shores Community Chorus rehearsals: For ages 14 and older, 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church, 22360 13 Mile Road, www. scscommunitychorus.org
‘Artist Choice Show’: Features 53 works by 44 artists from Warren Tri-County Fine Arts, Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens Art Association, Shelby Township Fine Art Society and Romeo Guild of Art, on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until Oct. 16, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, (586) 469-8666, theartcenter.org, read story at candgnews.com
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
Proper planning takes seniors abroad worry-free
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
Traveling as a senior can be daunting, but with travel professionals and the right shoes, it can be smooth sailing all the way to your “bucket list” destination.
Jeffery Leonardi, a travel professional and the owner of Travel Time Vacations in Shelby Township, said a lot of seniors want to connect with their roots by visiting their country of origin, including many countries in Europe. He also sees a lot of seniors visiting places like Alaska. The state in particular has been popular with seniors and their families.
“I have a lot of 50th anniversary trips and they want to take their family,” Leonardi said.
He specializes in group trips as well.
the for just
Other popular trips for seniors include getaways to view the northern lights and, for Macomb County in particular, Palermo, Sicily, since many Italians in the area can trace their roots back to the country.
“Then there are people who just want to travel, and they want to make sure they’re safe and that’s my job,” Leonardi said.
Leonardi said the trips he books are fully insured, with secured bookings. He said the most important thing for seniors is feeling safe on their trips. A good way to accomplish that, he said, is through travel protection insurance.
“The ones that I sell will waive a preexisting condition when paid
See TRAVEL on page 12A
Hampton Manor of Roseville is more than a senior living facility. It’s a community that meets its residents where they are with staff, services and amenities designed to enhance quality of life.
“We are a premier independent, assisted living and memory care community,” said Jane Goulette, operations director for Hampton Manor’s residences in Clinton Township and Roseville, now serving St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe and the surrounding area. “We have two signatures in our buildings. All of our buildings are single-story, so there are no elevators or stairs. We also have a water feature at the entrance of each location, which is beautiful.”
Like their neighbors at the Hampton Manor of Clinton Township, Hampton Manor of Roseville residents can expect to enjoy a full activity calendar and meals prepared from scratch by a chef at each location. Transportation is available from each community, offering safe access to shopping, appointments and off-site activities.
The spectrum of available residential options allows members of the community to live the lives they want with the assistance they need in a safe, comfortable and
welcoming environment.
Additional amenities include a secure entrance with exterior cameras, comfortable indoor and outdoor sitting areas, a spa, hair and nail salon, a game room with a pool table, a putting green, a movie theater, and a pub for residents only to enjoy.
Hampton Manor of Roseville is located at 18794 E. 13 Mile Road. To inquire about a tour or for more information, call Goulette at (586) 696-4787.
Rita LoGrasso and her husband Alan Klinger have been to many destinations including Europe and sailing on cruises.
Photo provided by Rita LoGrasso
0356-2538
Travel
on deposit,” Leonardi said. “And so that gives people freedom that they can go because they know that they’re insured for it.”
Most seniors know where they want to go when they meet with Leonardi and if they don’t, he will ask them identifying questions to choose a destination.
Rita LoGrasso has traveled to many different countries and places with her husband Alan Klinger. She’s been on many different trips including land tours and cruises. She said land tours include walking.
“But they also take into consideration the ages, so they slow it down,” LoGrasso said. “We hit all the highlights and all the ports and all that at a much slower pace.”
She recommends that seniors bring appropriate shoes for their trips. She said not to bring anything with a heel or strappy sandals as they get ripped apart.
“Comfortable sandals, gym shoes, laced up gym shoes, something you’re not going to trip all over,” LoGrasso said. “Got to be comfortable.”
She also recommends light packing in terms of clothing and other things. She explained that when exiting the bus, attendants take their suitcases to their rooms and pick them up afterward.
“So every day or every other day, someone is taking care of your luggage,” LoGrasso said.
LoGrasso said to enjoy and eat normally while on vacation and unless someone is a big drinker, they don’t buy the liquor packages.
Cruise costs are usually paid in installments over a certain time period with Leonardi’s company, LoGrasso said.
“By the time you get on the cruise, it’s all free and clear,” LoGrasso said.
She said seniors can’t beat going to Europe.
“The United States, you can see that anytime, but if you have the opportunity to go abroad and check what your heritage is or your ancestors, you can’t beat it,” LoGrasso said. “It might be a once in a lifetime trip, but well worth it. And take your kids, too, if you got any. If you can afford it.”
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Explosion
Department arrived at the scene. A man and a woman were thrown from the boat as well as a dog. The man and woman suffered minor injuries and received medical attention on scene. The dog, according to a Facebook post from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department, was transported to an emergency vet and succumbed to its injuries.
Abro said surveillance video showed that the dock personnel did a phenomenal job.
“You can see one gentleman grabbing floating devices to throw them in the water,” Abro said. “So due to their efforts, they were removed from the water.”
The dock sustained minor damage from the explosion, and some debris shattered a window. Abro said the man on the boat seemed to take all the necessary measures and the boat did not have any prior issues. The boat was a 28foot 1972 Crusader.
Abro said dock personnel said the owners purchased fuel. Abro also said it seems there was a struggle to get the boat started. It apparently took off and attempted to turn when the vessel exploded. Abro said he’s seen boats catch fire due to a mechanical issue, but this was a significant explosion.
“The force of the explosion ejected all
parties that were on that vessel,” Abro said.
He went on to say the explosion was pretty powerful.
“You can kind of feel that explosion if you’re on scene, especially like the dock personnel on what they heard or saw visually as that boat exploded,” Abro said.
The investigation is still ongoing, but no foul play is expected.
“It could be some time to kind of piece this together to determine what may have occurred and I know there are investigators at our Marine Division (who) are still working very hard at it,” Abro said.
Abro said their thoughts are with the family with the loss of their beloved pet.
“And we send our condolences to them for that, but we will continue to look into the investigation and determine what may have caused this,” Abro said.
He said it was a tragic incident, and no one expected it to happen. They are thankful the owners were able to get out.
Councilman Dave Rubello said it’s very fortunate that no one got killed and as a boater himself, everyone has to remain on their toes when operating a vessel.
“And a day of fun and entertainment can turn into tragedy real quick in the boating community,” Rubello said.
He also said to take the time to properly ventilate your boat.
October 2025 City Council Meeting Monday, October 6, 2025
October 20, 2025
7:00 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers 27600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores
Scan QR code or visit www.scsmi.net/councilagendas to view agendas online.
Agendas are posted, by the end of business day, two Fridays before each meeting.
LOOKING BACK: 1994 ST. CLAIR SHORES PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION
As the library begins its renovation, we look back at an earlier project, which took place in 19941995.
This photo from 1994 shows the renovation well under way. During that time, the Gilstorf Meeting Room was redone, the public computer and study room areas were added, and 2,000 square feet of new carpet was put down.
In the current renovation, due to be completed in the spring of 2026, the Youth Services area will be moved and completely redone, the circulation desk will be replaced, and the Local History Center will be moved to the main floor of the library. Fortunately, the funds for these projects are coming from grants and donations.
The staff at the St. Clair Shores Public Library looks forward to welcoming our patrons back into the building soon!
To view other historic photographs, go to sbrb-montage.auto-graphics.com. — Submitted by Heidi Christein, archivist, St. Clair Shores Public Library
My approach, using advanced treatments, personalized care, and a commitment to saving limbs and lives, offers a new horizon for those afflicted with chronic foot wounds. If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of foot wound care, the opportunity to transform this struggle into a story of healing and hope is within reach. Call me for an appointment today.
Photo provided by the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Chevy Camaro rides along ‘in memory of Mom’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Each time Roger Cremont parks his 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at a car show, he isn’t interested in trophies or awards.
Instead, the Shelby Township resident passes out stuffed animals, Hot Wheels miniature cars and Beanie Babies to spectators, including kids and adults.
The gesture is done in memory of his mother, Louise Cremont, who died from esophageal cancer in 2018. Cremont, 56, places the items on the ground in front of his convertible. Spectators can pick something out to take home with them.
“It’s always set up for the kids,” Cremont said. “The little boys, the little girls and women all flock to the Hot Wheels. The kids just light up. They’re all smiles. That makes me happy. It’s just a blessing all the way around. That’s all the gratification I need.”
Cremont, also known as “Big Dog” to family and friends, replenishes his goodies supply with donations he receives. Through a friend, he’s able to purchase brand-new Hot Wheels for a nominal fee. Cremont, too, decorates the Camaro with car culture memorabilia, tributes to his mom and Old Glory.
“The U.S. flags are in memory of all of the people who fought for our country,” he said. “Just respect for the people who have served our country.”
That includes his uncle, Roger Cremont, an Army veteran for whom he was named.
Cremont takes the burgundy-colored Camaro to different car shows and cruises around town.
“Every weekend there is something going on,” Cremont said. One of his favorite hangouts is Eddie’s Drive-In, a throwback to the 1950s where carhops on roller skates serve hamburgers, corn dogs, ice cream treats and more. Cremont meets up with car buffs at the Harrison Township eatery, which hosts a classic cruise-in from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sun-
eatery, hosts
See CAMARO on page 19A
ABOVE: Roger Cremont, of Shelby Township, brought his 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 to the Patrick L. Rinke Memorial Peach Festival Car Show Aug. 31. RIGHT: Cremont passes out stuffed animals and Hot Wheels miniature cars in memory of his mom, Louise Cremont, who died from esophageal cancer in 2018. Photos by Maria Allard
Double voting
from page 3A
vote more than once and voting absentee and in person in October 2024. The release stated he allegedly requested a ballot at his local election place though he already turned in an absentee ballot and that both votes counted in the election. He will serve a sixmonth delayed-probation sentence, the press release stated.
“If the defendant successfully meets all terms and conditions of the probation, all charges will be dismissed with prejudice at the end of the probationary period,” the press release stated.
“Prezzato will be sentenced by Judge Anthony Servitto of the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County on October 22, 2025,” according to the release.
Prezzato’s attorney, Vincenzo Manzella, said in an emailed statement that Prezzato pleaded guilty to avoid “the uncertainty of continued litigation.”
“The AG has appealed all of the dismissed cases,” Manzella said in the email. “If the Court of Appeals reinstates those cases, then there will be future litigation for those defendants. The only thing that is certain, is that Mr. Prezzato will have his charges dis-
missed with prejudice at the end of his probation.”
He also said he was surprised when the case was bound over and disappointed when his motion to dismiss was denied. Prezzato asked Mazella to “explore” plea options to avoid more litigation.
“Frank Prezzato is 68 years old, and retired,” Manzella said. “He has never been in any trouble before, and I have no doubt he will earn his dismissal.”
The original double voting charges were brought against seven people in October 2024 which included three seasonal election clerks and four residents ranging in age from 31 to 73.
The charges were levied against them for actions made in the August 2024 primary elections. Originally, the charges were dismissed by Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido, but they were reinstated by Nessel.
According to court documents, of those seven cases, three have been closed while the other three remain open.
A couple of the cases were dismissed by judges at the 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores but were then appealed by the Attorney General’s office in Macomb County Circuit Court.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
Town hall
from page 1A
24 years and is also participating in the event again this year. He said it’s been interesting seeing the different candidates.
“And then some that we’ve seen repeat, see how they’ve changed their positions a little bit and adapted to their job,” Fratarcangeli said.
Fratarcangeli called the town hall an informal setting.
“It’s really an open forum to allow everyone in our neighborhoods to find out more about their candidates,” Fratarcangeli said.
The Women’s Civic League drafts the questions for the candidates to answer. Rusie and her sister are a part of the League, but they did not participate in creating the questions.
“We just wanted to make sure there wasn’t any kind of conflict, so no one knows these questions until he asks the questions, the judge,” Kapusnak said.
The event starts with an introductory period for both Fratarcangeli and the candidates followed by the questions tailored by the League and then resident questions. Fratarcangeli will also ask some questions
and then the candidates will sum up their stances.
The League will screen questions, Fratarcangeli said, to make sure the questions are specific to the council member position and don’t become too personal.
Fratarcangeli also said he’s emceed events for other types of candidates as well.
“There’s different questions for different job responsibilities, but (it’s) very interesting and it still gives you an opportunity to see what type of person you’re thinking of electing,” Fratarcangeli said.
He said the town halls over the years haven’t been too contentious calling it a “pleasant surprise.”
“It’s more of an information gathering type of situation as opposed to a debate,” Fratarcangeli said. “You don’t have tempers flared, you don’t have people being disrespectful to other candidates. We try to keep it very civil and very open so we can just illicit (a) response so you can make a decision.”
Fratarcangeli said most of the candidates have websites for residents to ask them questions and they will also leave contact information to ask questions.
He encourages people to come out and to join the Women’s Civic League of St. Clair Shores.
E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/stclairshoressentinel @candgnews candgnews.com
Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
and Obits: (586) 498-1099
| (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 For retail ad rates: Dave Rubello| (586) 498-1080 | drubello@candgnews.com Amy Carlisle | (586) 498-1056 | acarlisle@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
• Senior Citizen Protection
• Vibrant Business Community
• Clean Lake
• Fiscally Responsible
• Senior Snow Brigade Creator
• Co-Creator SCS Social District
e bad news is that the 2024 MI Department of Health and Human Services Abortion Report shows serious complications from abortion spiked up 38% in just one year. True transparency is the bane of the abortion industry.
And now for the good news, the RLM ads are working! “Life, e Other Choice” ads create a live-time, life-saving response by generating calls to a hotline at the closing of the Ad (1-800-712-HELP). Abortion-minded women are responding to the ads which went live on June 2, 2025, by reaching out for life-a rming care from local Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs). e pregnancy helpline has seen a 91% increase in calls and foot tra c to PRCs. Moreover, the “test” ad on TikTok has had 1.2 million views in just 2 days. Praise God! e broadcast TV buy will conclude soon. Finally, a heartfelt ank You to all those who have contributed to the recent success of the fundraising events, including the Mother’s Day ower sales, Father’s Day candy bar sales and the Bid for Life Auction. We appreciate all who continue to pray and sacri ce your time, talent, energy and funds for this important life-a rming mission to save babies and families.
Make your check in the amount of $15.00 payable to: Mail it to:
Paid for by committee to elect David J. Rubello, 21831 Chalon, SCS, 48080
Camaro
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days during the warmer months. Part of the fun is getting there in his convertible.
“It’s a nice, scenic drive,” he said. “When you got the top down, it’s so freeing. The wind is blowing in your hair. It’s just awesome.”
On Aug. 31, Cremont brought his Camaro to the Patrick L. Rinke Memorial Peach Festival Car Show at Blue Water Trucking in Bruce Township. He mingled with families, including 4-year-old Avery Bazydlo, her 6-year-old sister, Aaliyah Bazydlo, and their family members.
Other stops this past summer for Cremont included the Yale Bologna Festival, Rockin Rods n’ Rochester, and the Shorewood Kiwanis Club of St. Clair Shores Harper Charity Cruise. Cremont purchased the Camaro two years after his mom died. He found the 1991 model in Inkster and paid $7,000 cash for it. But it needed $7,755 in repairs. When he discovered his mom had left $7,780 in her checking account, he felt that was ‘kind of a sign from heaven — let’s go ahead and get that car done.’”
“She always wanted a convertible, but never got one,” Cremont said.
The Santa Bears that Cremont gives out at car shows once belonged to his mother. At one time, she owned 30 of them. Her collection grew while working for the J.L. Hudson’s Department Store and continued when the retailer became Macy’s. In all, she put in 49 years of service at Oakland Mall in Troy and Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights. On the side, she taught catechism at St. Kieran Catholic Church in Shelby Township.
“Everyone loved her,” Cremont said. “Just a good soul. I was taking her to her first cancer treatment, and five days later she was gone.”
Cremont also has dealt with cancer. Last year, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer. He is in remission, which gave him his health back, which he feels is his chance to bring happiness to others with Hot Wheels and stuffed animals.
“I think that is why God put my cancer on pause,” Cremont said. “I’m just thankful every day.”
AMISH FURNITURE
AN AMISH LOG HEADBOARD AND QUEEN PILLOW TOP MATTRESS SET. BRAND NEW-NEVER USED, SELL ALL FOR $375. CALL ANYTIME, 989-9231278.
AUCTION
Butzin Estate Online Auction ends Sept. 24. Find tractors, farm equipment, guns, tools, household items and more! Visit Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com often for online auction finds. Need an auction? Call Joe at 1-800-835-0495.
Firearm Estate Online Auction. Bidding open. 100+ Quality firearms, ammunition, accessories. Bid anywhere anytime @ JohnPeckAuctions.com. Selling guns? Call John Peck 989-3454866. Ofices Charlotte & Gladwin. Michigan’s Premier Gun Auctioneers Since 1979..
Online September Consignment Auction. Over 350 lots, including a T-top Camaro Z, reverse trike, snowmobiles, ammo, tools and much more! Bidding ends September 29. See more at NarhiAuctions.com or call 810-266-6474..
MISCELLANEOUS
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.
AMISH-built storage sheds starting at $2,500. We deliver anywhere in Michigan! Call 989-832-1866. DanDanTheMattressMan.com
SunSetter. America’s Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis. Up to 10year limited warranty. Call now and SAVE $350 today! 1-855-848-7401
Antiques & Collectibles
Garage/Yard Sale
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS Statewide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi. com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989600-1010 or 989-324-0035..
POND/LAKE
Eco-Friendly Pond & Lake weed removal tools. Veteran made in Michigan. Visit our website www. WeedGatorProducts.com or call 989-529-3992. 5% discount code GATOR5.
• To serve seniors and the disabled in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods
• Chau eur License required
• Part-time position - 2 to 3 days a week
For more details and to apply, email laltovilla@paatsbuses.org $15- $18 HOUR TO START
Administrative Positions
1 part-time and 1 full-time available in Grosse Pointe, 9-5, M-F. Will train. Duties include answering phones, billing and posting. Profcient with Microsoft Offce. Multi-tasker with good customer service skills. Immediate openings. $15 - $25 per hour based on experience. Send inquires and resume to:
Looking for part-time workthat could turn into full-time? Join our team as a telemarketer! Work from home or our offce. Salary + commission. Great opportunity for someone who’s energetic, friendly, and ready to grow with us. Call Bill 586-260-6970
