Trustees hire new full-time firefighter
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The Macomb Township Board of Trustees approved the hiring of a new full-time firefighter at its Sept. 10 meeting.
Thomas Smith, a part-time firefighter since August 2017, was hired to become a full-timer after another firefighter was promoted.
“I’m ecstatic that we’ve hired a full-time firefighter and added you to our staff, so we can continue to move forward with that effort,” Township Clerk Kristi Pozzi said.
Smith’s hiring as a full-time firefighter comes amid concerns about staffing levels at the Macomb Township Fire Department, a concern
See TRUSTEES on page 9A
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.
LUCIDO CONTINUES PUSH FOR CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALTY COURT
Hearings would be last chance for unpaid child support providers
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — 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.
See CHILD SUPPORT on page 14A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Photo by Dean Vaglia Macomb Township Supervisor Frank Viviano shakes hands with new full-time firefighter Thomas Smith after the township board meeting on Sept. 10.
Macomb Center’s new season steals the spotlight
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The 2025-2026 season at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts pays homage to classic rock ‘n’ roll, children’s theater and “All That Jazz.”
There will be a little bit of doo-wop, music for the “soul,” pirate tales, some southern charm, and a Merry Christmas in December.
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Center Campus of Macomb Community College at 44575 Garfield Road.
“Broadway is lighting up our stage once again, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Kerrie Augustine, sales and marketing manager at Macomb Community College, said in a prepared statement. “This season brings a mix of comedy, concerts, family fun and jaw-dropping spectaculars. One stage. Endless possibilities. From free parking, superb acoustics and not a bad seat in the house, your night out just got better. We look forward to welcoming you to the theater this season.”
The new season kicked off in July. See SEASON
Week 4 high school football matchups to watch
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The high school football season is in full swing and we already enter Week 4 of the 2025 campaign this weekend.
Marquee matchup of the week
Sterling Heights Stevenson at Macomb Dakota 7 p.m. Sept. 19
A highly anticipated MAC-Red showdown is the talk of the town this week. Stevenson and Dakota have both gotten off to great starts in the 2025 season, and the winner of this game may control sole possession of first place in the division.
New Detroit City Football Club stadium named AlumniFi Field
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
DETROIT — The future home of Detroit City FC, which is scheduled to be ready for the start of the 2027 United Soccer League Championship season, has officially been named AlumniFi Field.
On Aug. 12, the club announced that DCFC and AlumniFi had agreed to extend their partnership together. The multiyear agreement includes remaining the club’s exclusive financial partner, being Detroit City FC’s front-of-kit sponsor, and the exclusive naming rights on the club’s new stadium in southwest Detroit. The deal was brokered by Sports Revenue Advisors and M3 Group.
“We appreciate AlumniFi seeing the value of our club and being willing to make an investment in our vision and community through this long-term partSee DCFC on page 19A
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
The Broadway musical “Chicago” comes to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts for one night only Jan. 26, 2026.
The P Promise
Jessica T. Phan, D.D.S.
Mark D. Berman, D.D.S.
CRIME WATCH
Stolen car found
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 2 at around 10:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a stolen car in the Westbrook mobile home community.
Deputies searched the trailer park for a Kia Soul, which had been reported stolen to the Clinton Township Police Department earlier that day. Found in the 21000 block of Clochette Drive, a brief inspection of the car revealed damage to the steering column and ignition. No external damage was noticed on the car.
The car was towed to the Clinton Township Police Department’s storage lot.
Intersection accident
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 27 at around 8:15 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the corner of 21 Mile Road and Garfield Road for a hitand-run collision
Deputies spoke with a 22-year-old Macomb Township man who said he struck a car after taking his eyes off the road. He attempted to communicate with the driver of the struck car, but a language barrier prevented much from being communicated. The other driver reportedly left the scene.
Suspicious sounds
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 25 at around 12:15 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 45000 block of Morceau Drive for a suspicious circumstances report.
Deputies spoke with a 44-year-old Macomb Township woman who said she and her family heard a loud noise outside of a window, which led to her alarm going off.
Deputies returned to the home around 1 a.m., when the woman said she heard banging on a door. Deputies checked the home and were unable to find signs of forced entry.
The woman later shared with the deputies footage of a sedan slowing down near her home.
— Dean Vaglia
Ron
Crachiola addresses the Macomb Township Board of Trustees at its Sept. 10 meeting.
Local Lions super fan honored by board
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Ahead of the Detroit Lions’ home opener against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 14, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees honored local Lions super fan Ron “Crackman” Crachiola as the township’s “Official Ambassador of Detroit Lions Pride.”
CMPL PROMOTES MORRIS TO ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On Sept. 2, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library announced it had promoted Jamie Morris, head of communication and strategy, to the position of associate director.
Morris will be responsible for taking the lead on several districtwide and crossdepartmental projects among others.
“Jamie has worked for CMPL for 22 years and I have confidence she’ll thrive in this new role,” Larry Neal, CMPL director, said via press release.
As head of communication and strategy, Morris focused on helping the library engage with the community, with notable accomplishments that include keeping patrons connected during the pandemic, arranging the promotion of the North Branch grand opening in 2021 and leading all communications for the Main Library renovation in 2025.
Morris is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in public relations and a Master of Arts in administration. She received her master’s degree in information and library science from Louisiana State University. She also holds a master’s degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University.
North Gratiot Cruise coming late September
Crocker House hosting cemetery walks
MOUNT CLEMENS/CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Macomb County Historical Society’s Crocker House Museum returns with its annual cemetery walks on Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at Clinton Grove Cemetery in Clinton Township.
This year’s theme is “heroes and villains” with seven reenactors recounting the lives of some of the most famous — and infamous — people in Macomb County history. Guided tours will kick off every 20 minutes, taking attendees straight to the resting places of the seven featured figures.
Crachiola was awarded a certificate bearing this honor at the board’s Sept. 10 meeting, where he led the board in a rendition of “Gridiron Heroes” during the first public comment period.
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — On Saturday, Sept. 27, the North Gratiot Cruise rolls once more into M-3 through the heart of Chesterfield Township. Centered around the Kohl’s at 50500 Gratiot Ave., the day kicks off with the Chesterfield 5K at 9 a.m. before giving way to tailgating, a craft fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a cornhole tournament at noon and vendors, food trucks and cruising until 5 p.m. Car show awards will be given out at 4 p.m. For more information visit cruisegratiot.com.
The cemetery walk is a fundraiser for the museum and furthers its mission to provide educational programs that feature Mount Clemens and Macomb County history. The event includes displays, music, raffle baskets and gift shop items. Cider and donuts, sponsored by Vick Funeral Home, will be available. The cemetery walk runs rain or shine and tickets are nonrefundable.
Tickets are $20 for members of the Macomb County Historical Society and $25 for nonmembers. Tour times may be selected and tickets purchased online at the Crocker House Museum website at crockerhousemuseum.org.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
“Crackman”
First year of MHSAA-sponsored field hockey begins
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The six high school girls field hockey matches Aug. 19 were the first field hockey games in Michigan played as a Michigan High School Athletic Association-sponsored sport.
The 2025 school year is the inaugural season for girls field hockey in the MHSAA after a vote in May of 2024 approved the addition. The committee also voted to add boys volleyball, which will play its first season as an MHSAA sport in the spring of 2026.
“Field hockey has been among the sports that have shown interest in receiving
sponsorship … for a little while,” MHSAA Director of Communications Geoff Kimmerly said. “And we found ourselves in a position over the last couple of years to add a sport or two.”
Field hockey is growing across the nation and the MHSAA sponsorship will provide more of an opportunity for girls to participate in the sport.
“Having that MHSAA attached to it potentially brings more attention, obviously,” Kimmerly said. “I’m hoping that charges things up in that community. I think we’re excited because we’re always looking to add activities that our students are most excited about.”
See FIELD HOCKEY on page 16A
NEW DISCOUNT RETAIL & THRIFT STORE
Photo provided by Steven Angus
Novi’s girls field hockey team plays a game at Novi High School.
BASEMENT BACKBEAT
Local musicians recall finding their own sound bouncing off the
cinder block walls
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — When teenagers start a rock band, they need a place to set up their equipment, practice, hash out ideas and let their creativity flow.
So, they often transform their parents’ basements into makeshift rehearsal spots amid washing machines, low ceilings, wornout carpeting and concrete floors.
By the time Jimmy Burkard was 12 years old, he knew he wanted to play guitar. A few years later, with music pumping in his veins, he recruited friends Mike Alonso, a drummer, and Kurt Bardak, a bassist, to form Atomic Axe around 1979-80.
The teenage rockers could be found in the basement of Burkard’s Warren childhood home rehearsing KISS, Black Sabbath, Rush and Van Halen tunes. Burkard’s mom, dad and four sisters became used to the sonic booms that shook the walls. Atomic Axe was pre-internet and relied on vinyl records and cassette tapes to hone their craft.
“You kept having to rewind cassette tapes. You put the (record) needle back to where you needed it to be,” said Burkard, a 1982 Mott High School graduate and professional musician who now lives in the Los
Angeles area. “You just go over and over it to get it as close as you can.”
The band didn’t soundproof their basement digs nor dim the lights to create a mood.
“It was just a hard tile floor and very bright,” Burkard said.
But it worked.
“The basement was like a sanctuary,” Burkard remembered. “You felt safe. It was your space.”
Early on, they relied on a “little practice amp.” When Bardak and Burkard got jobs at the local Towne Club soda store, they spent their paychecks on stacks of Marshall amps.
“We wanted the gear our idols were using,” Burkard said. “It was all set up along one wall.”
Sometimes the decibels went to “11.” Burkard can still picture “my dad laying on the couch after work” upstairs telling the band “You guys sound great.” At one point, two of Burkard’s sisters — Krissy and Judy — moved their bedroom downstairs. Krissy’s bed was right next to the band’s speakers with only a curtain in between. There were many nights while in college she stayed up late studying to drum beats and guitar riffs.
“I did well in school, so maybe that helped me,” Krissy said. “I didn’t mind it. It was something to remember.”
Atomic Axe became the go-to band at basement parties in the neighborhood, including the night law enforcement busted up one out-of-control bash.
Photo provided by Jimmy Burkard
With a stack of Marshall amps, Jimmy Burkard’s first band, Atomic Axe, practiced regularly in his parents’ basement in Warren back in the 1980s.
Trustees
from page 1A
prompted by an early August fire that left several responding firefighters with injuries. Last month, the board approved opening six full-time firefighter positions for hiring as well as full-time trainer positions.
Some concern for the Fire Department’s readiness came from the board later in the meeting when Trustee Frank Cusumano asked if taking a ladder truck out of service for maintenance would create issues for the department’s response capabilities. Chief Robert Phillips said arrangements were made for mutual aid if a truck was needed during the expected month it will be out of service.
Old Township Hall
Trustees also approved a set of guidelines for renting out the Old Township Hall.
“We’ve had some inquiries over the past couple of years since we moved it,” Township Supervisor Frank Viviano said. “We do have at least one event going to be held there and had some other inquiries about weddings, so we wanted to make sure we addressed all of the policy concerns and make sure the board had approved a rate structure.”
The over-100-year-old hall was relocated to the township municipal complex
in June 2023. It has since been restored and upgraded for accessibility, and it hosted the township’s holiday tree-lighting and afterglow celebration last year. Initial plans for the relocated hall included using it as a rentable space for meetings and events. The new policies became effective on Sept. 11.
Among other developments regarding the municipal complex, trustees approved having OHM Advisors perform design work for the Macomb Township Square. Contracted out to OHM for $180,000, the township’s familiarity with the engineering firm from other projects around the municipal complex and the Broughton Road area played a key role in their selection.
“We need to design the square, and we are recommending OHM, who we’ve been working with on Broughton Road,” Planning Director Josh Bocks said. “(OHM) has the feel and aesthetic of what we’re looking for in this area, so we feel it’s logical that they be handed this work.”
The township received a $982,000 placemaking grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation which, along with $400,000 in township funds budgeted for the project, will help pay for a water play fountain, bathroom facilities, pathways and landscaping to go into the square.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
Proper planning takes seniors abroad worry-free
October 15 — December 7, 2025
Enrollment needs.
TBY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
raveling 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.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00 a.m.— 1:15 p.m. VerKuilen Building | 21885 Dunham Rd., Suite 9, Clinton Township
in
“I have a lot of 50th anniversary trips and they want to take their family,” Leonardi said.
He specializes in group trips as well.
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.
Must be 60 years or older, a Macomb County resident and a current Medicare beneficiary. Please bring all current medication bottles and your Medicare card to your appointment.
Leonardi said. He
Leonardi said the trips he books are fully insured, with secured bookings. He said the most important thing for se-
“Medicare can be so confusing. Meeting with a counselor helped me select a plan to meet my needs.”
Rita LoGrasso and her husband Alan Klinger have been to many destinations including Europe and sailing on cruises.
Photo provided by Rita LoGrasso
‘Holland America Line’ January 17th, 2026, 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove & Bahamas on the Nieuw Statendam, group rates start at $2088.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TN3, Voyage: J614.
‘Holland America Line’ February 20th, 2026, 9-day Southern Caribbean & ABC Islands with History Channel on the Rotterdam. Rates start as low as $2652.00 per person double occupancy. Group ID: TPQ, Voyage: Y618.
‘Holland America Line’ February 28th, 2026, 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove & Bahamas on the Nieuw Statendam. Rates start as low as $2268.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TN6, voyage: J626.
‘Holland America Line’ March 1st, 2026, 7-day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles & Mexico on the Eurodam. Rates start as low as $2318.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TNX, voyage: D624.
‘Holland America Line’ March 8th, 2026, 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove & Grand Turk, on the Eurodam. Rates start as low as $2328.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TNX, voyage: D625.
‘Holland America Lines’ May 3rd, 2026. 7- day Norwegian Fjords & Scotland with History Channel Rotterdam. Rates start as low as $1234.00, per person double occupancy. Group id: TPQ, voyage: Y630.
‘Holland America Lines’ May 16th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the Eurodam. Rates start as low as $1339.00 per person double occupancy Group id: TNW, Voyage: D637.
‘Holland America Lines’ May 31st, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the Noordam. Rates start as low as $1334.00 per person double occupancy.
‘Holland America Line’ June 13th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the Eurodam. Rates start as low as $1415.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TPZ, Voyage: D644.
‘Holland America Line’ July 26th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the ‘Noordam’. With rates starting as low as $1449.00, double occupancy. Group id: TN3, Voyage: N644.
‘Holland America Line’ August 22nd, 2026 7-day Alaska Explorer on the Eurodam. Roundtrip from Seattle Rates starting at $1359.00 per person double occupancy. Group ID: TPG, Voyage: D663.
‘Holland America Line’ Sept 5th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer. Rates start as low as $1369.00 per person double occupancy. Group id:TN9, Voyage: D665.
‘Premier World Discovery’ November 10th, 2025, ‘River Cruise’ Highlights of the Douro with Spain, 9 days- Riviera Rose (new). Starting rates as low as $5595.00 per person double occupancy (air included) booking #207545.
‘Premier World Discovery’ December 5th, 2025, New York City Holiday, 5 days, booking #207546. Rates starting at $3249 per person double occupancy (land only), to $4199.00 per person double occupancy (airfare included).
‘Princess’ March 5th, 2026. 12-day circle Caribbean on the “Caribbean Princess” in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Rates start as low as $2838, double occupancy. Group id:TP9, voyage: B607.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ June 7th, 2026. 7- day Inside passage on the ‘Star Princess’ starts in Seattle. Balcony rates start as low as $2709.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TR1, voyage: 4624.
Celebrity Cruises’ April 20th-May 1st, 2026, 11- night best of Greece & Turkey Cruise on the ‘Celebrity Infinity’. Rates starting as low as $1148.00 double occupancy. Group id: 1826919.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ April 25th – May 5th, 2026. 10-night Greek Isles & Turkey on the ‘Celebrity Equinox’. Rates start as low as $3229.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: 18700
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 3rd, 2026. & night Alaska Northbound Glacier from Vancouver Canada on the Celebrity Summit. Rates as low as $2781.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: 2003094.
‘Collette Vacations’ Spain’s classics, March 20th-31st, 2026 features a 12-day land tour around Spain with 15 meals. Rates starting at $8498.00 per person double occupancy. And has an optional 4- night extended stay (low as $2798 double occupancy).
Collette Vacations’ Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona. May 3rd-12th, 2026. a 10-day tour through Spain and France. Rates start as low as $4099.00 per person double occupancy. Book now to save $50 per person.
‘Collette Vacations’ May 15th-27th, 2026. Southern Italy & Sicily. Rates start as low as $6099.00 double occupancy, book now to save $200 per person.
‘Collette Vacations’ July 8th- 19th, 2026. 12- day Alaska discovery land & cruise. Rates go as low as $6899.00 per person double occupancy with 12 meals.
‘Collette Vacations’ July 12th-24th, 2026. Exploring Scotland & Ireland. 12-day fully escorted tour around Ireland and Scotland. Plus, round trip air from Detroit. Rates as low as $6849 per person double occupancy.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ May 19th, 2026. 7- day Mediterranean & Adriatic on the ‘Enchanted Princess’. Rates start as low as $2246 double occupancy. Group id: TP7, Voyage: N614.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ July 2nd, 2026. 10 days inside passage cruise on the ‘Ruby Princess’ from San Francisco. Rates start as low as $5378 per person double occupancy. Group id:TP4, Voyage: R617.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ August 8th, 2026. 7-day Inside passage cruise on the ‘Royal Princess’. Rates start as low as $2389.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TQT, Voyage:1634.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 4th, 2026. 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise om the ‘Celebrity Apex’ from Southampton England. Rates go as low as $1793.00 per person double occupancy.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 31st, 2026. 7- night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise Roundtrip Seattle on the ‘Celebrity Edge’ Rates from $1348.00 per person based on Double Occupancy. Group id: 1957453. Group name: TRAVEL TIME4.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ March 22nd-29th, 2026 7- night Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Aqua, starting at Miami, then visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay. Rates starting as low as $2184.00 per person double occupancy, ($3172 balcony) double occupancy. Group id: 2948362
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ June 20th, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’. Rates can be asl low as $1488.55 per person double occupancy. Group id: 2948328.
Cosmos Tours “Enchanted Canyonland 11 day From Las Vegas to Las Vegas Starting 19th April 29th to all on the major Canyons including Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Moab Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park. From $4929 per person double occupancy.
Cosmos Tours “Splendors Of Italy” May 17th -25th 9 days Rome to Rome from $2688.00 per person double occupancy fully escorted bus tour.
Cosmos Tours 6th June -13th June SICLIY from Palermo to Palermo 8 day Fully escorted tour of Sicily. $1679.00 per person based on double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ June 27th, 2026. 7- night Alaska Cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ from Seattle Washington. Rates start as low as $1536.00 per person double occupancy group id: 2948311.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ July 18th, 2026. 7-night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ from Seattle. Rates starting as low as $1621.31 per person, double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ August 15th, 2026. 7- night
Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ roundtrip from Seattle Washington. Rates start as low as $1374.30 per person double occupancy (airfare included). Group id:2948335.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ Sept 13th, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Encore’. Rates start as low as $1329.00 per person, double occupancy. (airfare included). Group id: 2948350.
‘MSC’ May 18th, 2026. 7- night cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Starting at Seattle. stopping at Ketchikan, Icy Straight Hoonah, Tracy arm, Juneau, and Victoria. Starts as low as $1111.00 per person double occupancy.
‘MSC Cruise Line’ June 22nd, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Starts in Seattle, Ketchikan, Icy Straight Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria. Rates start as low as $1303.00 per person double occupancy.
‘MSC Cruise Line’ August 31st, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Roundtrip Seattle Rates start as low as $1223.00 per person double occupancy.
‘‘Globus Escorted Tours “Lost Canyons of the Southwest”9 days form Phoenix to Las Vegas. This popular tour Starts in Phoenix it goes to Sedon, Montezuma Castles Nation Monument, Verda Canyon Railroad, Jerome, Meteor Center Natural Landmark, Grand Canyon, Petrifies Forest National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Boulder City. Breakfast every day with some evening meals included.
‘Globus Tours’ The Best of Italy. May 17th- 23rd, 2026 11 days from Rome to Rome a tour throughout Italy. with rates starting at $2688.00 Per person double occupancy.
Living Your Best Life
“In the 16 months I’ve lived at Commonwealth Senior Living, I’ve made many new friends and enjoy a variety of activities: games, musical performances, social gatherings, dinner, and gardening. I feel safe and well cared for, and my suite truly feels like home. e team is always responsive, kind, and genuinely caring.”
- Margaret W., Resident
At Commonwealth Senior Living, we believe retirement is more than a destination - it’s a journey lled with possibilities, and we walk alongside our residents every step of the way.
Child support
“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 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.
Travel
niors 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 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.
Confused by Medicare or Health Insurance?
Another factor in the addition to the MHSAA lineup is when the season falls in the school calendar. In terms of multisport athletes, soccer and lacrosse is where there is expected to be the most overlap. Girls field hockey will be a fall sport, while girls lacrosse and soccer will stay in the spring.
“We think that there’s enough of a connection between lacrosse and soccer that we won’t necessarily be taking athletes away from other fall sports,” Kimmerly said.
Girls field hockey has been an established sport in the area for a while now, even if it wasn’t a sponsored activity. The MHSAA will help promote and guide the sport from the foundation that’s been in place for a while.
“It’s been really exciting. It’s something we’ve been working for and wanting for a long time,” Novi coach and MHSAA Field Hockey Committee member Amy Kilgore said. “We had a great representative body that organized our tournament, and we’ve had a state title since the ’80s … but the perception will change dramatically.”
This sponsorship will add to a sport that also already has an established network of club teams around the state. The club field hockey scene is vital for recruiting and playing at the next level, and this move can help grow the club scene significantly.
“There’s a really robust club system in the US,” Kilgore said. “But not in Michigan, Michigan just has three clubs. … It’s exciting to see those changes and opportunities for girls to get recognized.”
Kilgore herself runs the Live Oak Field Hockey Club, which aims to grow the sport in Livingston and Oakland counties. The club wants to make sure the experience is fun and is open to all skill levels.
Kilgore currently coaches a competitive Novi team and had a successful playing career before making the jump to coaching. She became used to hearing things that try to delegitimize the sport.
“We would get comments growing up, ‘I play a real sport,’ ‘Your sport isn’t even recognized,’ and ‘Oh, you’re just a club,’ Kilgore said.
“Winning a MHSAA state title or regional title … it certainly carries a different weight,” Kilgore said.
This sponsorship will also provide more opportunities to recognize players. Now that the sport has the MHSAA structure, there will be the chance for district, regional and conference titles that weren’t available before. Athletes will have a more clear path to playing at the next level.
“To watch it grow both in metro Detroit and on the west side of the state I think would be a huge thing for us,” Kilgore said. “For girls to have a certain sense of pride … that it’s no different than any other sport, that’s the hope.”
The state finals will be played Oct. 25 at a location yet to be announced. For more information, visit www.liveoakfieldhockey club.com or email liveoakfieldhockeyclub@gmail.com.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
SPORTS SHORTS
Local soccer teams win championships at tournament
MACOMB COUNTY — Two American Youth Soccer Organization Alliance 459 Select teams earned first place at the Lightning Cup Sept. 7 in Washington Township. The under-12 boys outscored opponents 17-2 en route to victory in the bronze division, while the under-12 girls claimed the silver division after a 3-1 penalty shootout in the title game. Both teams represent the region comprising Shelby Township, Utica and Macomb Township and are part of a collection of regions known as Great Lakes Alliance FC.
Nominations open for Samaritas inaugural Coaches Who Care Hall of Fame class
METRO DETROIT — Samaritas officially announced the launch of “Coaches Who Care,” which is a program that celebrates high school coaches who recognize the importance of mental health among student athletes.
As a part of the program, Samaritas will put together its inaugural Coaches Who Care Hall of Fame class this fall. Nominations are open now, and the class will be announced this October.
Samaritas reportedly is one of the largest nonprofit health and human services organizations in Michigan. The organization of professionals has served Michiganders in need of mental health help, as well as those living with substance use disorder, refugee families, kids in foster care systems, children with the goal of being adopted, and many more for over 90 years, according to a press release.
Now, the organization is highlighting the importance of high school coaches who play a role in identifying challenges, fostering conversations and creating supportive environments for students.
“Be nice.” is the signature program of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, and it is partnering with Samaritas in the Coaches Who Care initiative. The program works with schools across Michigan to create a positive culture, increase mental health referrals and promote behaviors that prevent suicide.
Coaches Who Care is a great way to recognize those who have been a light in their student athletes lives.
To nominate a coach, visit samaritas.org/coacheswhocare and fill out the form before Sept 30. To learn more about Samaritas and be nice., go to Samaritas.org and benice.org.
Getting it right
C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@ candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
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 Sundays during
See CAMARO on page 21A
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
DCFC
from page 3A
nership,” DCFC co-founder and CEO Sean Mann said.
Construction of AlumniFi Field is pending public approvals and is scheduled to begin in late 2025. The stadium will be located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and 20th Street, where the Southwest Detroit Hospital has stood since 1973. The location has been abandoned since 2006. The stadium is estimated to cost around $150 million, and a $42 million parking complex is added onto that as well.
“The stadium’s location, in the heart of Detroit, places the club within a vibrant and diverse community, creating opportunities to grow the game locally while strengthening its national ambitions,” Mann said.
The current plan is for the venue to seat 15,000 fans. The stadium will also be revolutionary in its funding, as the soccer-specific venue will be Detroit’s only privately owned and financed professional sports stadium.
“In an effort to pursue an alternative approach to the usual financing model of most American pro stadiums, DCFC is supporting costs for the venue’s construction through investor debt and equity rather than relying on municipal bonds or direct pub-
lic funding,” Mann said. “In order to make the full mixed-use project viable, DCFC is seeking limited public support for site demolition and remediation, streetscape enhancements, and reimbursements applied to non-stadium components of the broader development.”
DCFC will now wear AlumniFi-branded kits.
“We launched AlumniFi in 2023. … We have been growing that membership base and supporting communities throughout the state of Michigan since then,” AlumniFi Chief Experience Officer Ami IcemanHaueter said. “The Detroit City Football Club … their values in community support, giving back to the community, and growing Detroit’s involvement has really met our values. … It was a natural match.”
AlumniFi is already putting together plans for outreach events that will be hosted at the new stadium. The goal of helping the community will remain the same.
“We’ve been able to collaborate on how we can use the space to do outreach in the area,” Iceman-Haueter said. “To do financial wellness sessions in the community or to bring in youth players and talk about different opportunities that they might need to learn about finances and all of that. DCFC has been super welcoming to us.”
The duo hopes to remain partners for a
long time, in what they are calling DCFC’s “forever home.”
“It brings us a lot of pride in what we’re doing both in the partnership and with the organization,” Iceman-Haueter said. “You can see the impact of what the team is doing. … It is such an honor to be on their kits and be on their stadium. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how cool it is.”
The new stadium provides a venue to hold the continued significant growth of the club, fan base and city going forward.
“The future of Detroit City FC takes a major step forward with the completion of AlumniFi Field,” Mann said. “Not only will
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the venue offer modern amenities in the first professional, soccer-specific stadium in the city’s history, but its 15,000-person capacity aligns with the USL’s new Division One league standards and positions DCFC to compete at the highest domestic level.”
DCFC will continue to play at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck through the 2026 season. Keyworth has been the club’s home since 2016.
For more information, visit detcityfc. com and alumnifi.org.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
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Football
from page 3A
Matchups to watch
Clarkston at Troy
7 p.m. Sept. 19
This game is an OAA crossover between OAA-Red contender Clarkston and OAA-Blue contender Troy. Troy started its season with a big inter-division 17-13 win over Bloomfield Hills and has looked strong since. Clarkston crushed a big-name Belleville team to kick off its season but dropped a game to Harper Woods in Week 2.
Farmington at Troy Athens
7 p.m. Sept. 19
This is not only an important matchup between two OAA-Blue teams with playoff aspirations, but it’s also Troy Athens’ 2025 homecoming game. Oak Park at Birmingham Seaholm
7 p.m. Sept. 19
After longtime Seaholm head coach Jim DeWald became the winningest coach in school history on Sept. 5, the Maples will look to keep rolling against OAA opponent Oak Park.
Bloomfield Hills at North Farmington
7 p.m. Sept. 19
An extremely important OAA-Blue clash between two teams fighting for positioning in the division.
St. Clair Shores Lakeview at Utica
7 p.m. Sept 19
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.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Season
from page 3A
“We’re off to a great start,” said William Wood, director of cultural affairs and community engagement at Macomb Community College.
One production sure to “Razzle Dazzle” the crowd is the Broadway hit “Chicago,” in town for one night only at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 2026. Set in the vaudevillian days of the 1920s, the famed musical centers on rivals Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. They are thrown in jail for separate murders and throughout the show sing and dance their way to freedom.
The luck of the Irish will leave an impression when “A Taste of Ireland — The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” performs at 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Audience members will be treated to traditional Irish music with a modern twist.
Homegrown favorites the Macombers, the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, the Macomb Youth Chorus, the Macomb Community College Jazz Band and Jazz Combo, and the Macomb Ballet Company are on the marquee this season.
Wood has a couple favorites of his own
this season, including “The Barricade Boys Broadway Party” on Feb. 6, 2026, and the Soweto Gospel Choir on Nov. 1.
“The Barricade Boys all played lead roles in ‘Les Misérables’ in London. They are fantastic, and they’re the most requested group I’ve had that I can remember,” said Wood, adding that after their last show two years ago he heard comments like, “You’ve got to get them back.”
The Soweto Gospel Choir’s concert is called “Peace,” and highlights South African freedom and gospel songs alongside the music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush and Judy Garland.
“Their music is so good and so impactful,” Wood said. “There is a lot of energy and a lot of color. They look and sound wonderful. They just have a spirit to them that’s hard to find.”
Theater staff members always try to come up with new acts and returning favorites to book every season.
“We get a lot of input from different places, artists, agents, venues. There is a whole checklist you go down, cost and availability,” Wood said. “We want to have a diverse selection artistically and culturally. I
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Camaro
from page 18A
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.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
CALENDAR
SEPT. 25
Senior Fun Festival: Macomb County’s largest senior expo includes exhibitors and vendors, Secretary of State mobile office, vaccinations, activities, entertainment, refreshments, prize raffle and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombgov.org
SEPT. 26
Charity golf outing: Benefits Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (provides assistance to neighbors who are elderly or disabled), includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks, steak dinner, swag bag, contests (including car for hole-in-one) and prizes, check in at 9:30 a.m. and 18 holes at 11 a.m., Cracklewood Golf Club, 18215 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township, ivcinfo.org, (586) 757-5551
OCT. 5
Fire department open house: Includes station and truck tours, hose spraying, safety demonstrations, free food and more, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Macomb Township Fire Station #3, 47711 North Avenue, facebook.com/ mtsupervisor
OCT. 8
Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Aspen, 20333 Hall Road in Macomb Township, RSVP to host Vicky at (586) 260-2679, widowedfriends.com
OCT. 10
Halloween Hoopla: Includes costume party, trick-or-treat trail, haunted house, magic show, DJ dance party and family portraits, also concessions for sale, 6-9 p.m., Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., registration required, (586) 992-2900, facebook. com/macombtwpparksandrec
To view more events and to submit your own, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Musicians
from page 8A
“Getting shut down by the police, that was like a badge of honor,” Burkard said.
Still playing music, Burkard tours with the Sweet and performs solo. Check him out on Instagram at @jimmyburkard and @spsweetband.
‘Music is what drew us all together.’
In 1997, eight Cousino High School band students in Warren formed their own ska group, Peanut Butter Mosquito, better known as PBM. They either headed over to rhythm guitar player Nate Castle’s or trumpeter Tom Torrento’s to rehearse, where their parents welcomed the “noisy chaos.”
“Nate’s parents were both musicians. His mom liked to sing. Dad was a very accomplished bluegrass guitar player,” Torrento said. “They’d rather have us in the basement innocent and productive than out on the streets getting in trouble. Music is what drew us all together.”
Although the basement dwellings were cramped with so many musicians, they found their groove.
“There was never enough room for all of us to be way too loud. We would spread out and tuck the drum set into any open corner,” Torrento said. “It was tight.”
Rehearsal lasted anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours. It often started when a band member, at his school locker, blurted out, “Do you guys want to get together and practice?” But there was one stop to make first: the local coffee shop to get wired on caffeine.
At the Torrento household, there was an old dining room table that came in handy. The guys lounged around and relaxed during breaks. PBM played original music.
“Nate would write the songs,” Torrento said. “We’d figure out the lyrics and chords and add the layers of music to kind of build the song.”
Others noticed their talents. From 2003 to 2007, PBM toured Europe, the U.S. and drew fans at many college towns. Torrento said the tour bus “fueled writing new stuff. We were immersed in the music.”
Currently, Torrento is the director of bands at Grosse Pointe
North High School and Parcells Middle School in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. PBM reunited a few years ago for its 25-year anniversary. Check them out at Shorestoberfest from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St Clair Shores. For more information, go to pbmband.com.
‘We had some great times, I mean just great times.’
Before China White ventured onto the local music scene, the five members rotated practice spots in their parents’ basements between Utica and Romeo. That meant hauling instruments up and down the stairs, but the change of pace kept the band from becoming complacent. They’d secure their speakers along the cinder block walls and play away.
“It was a full volume basement practice,” singer Chris Neumann said. “We had all the regular guitar amps. Full microphones.”
The band created a following with gigs at the Romeo Theatre, Romeo Peach Festival, the Rink in Shelby Township, the Ritz in Roseville and the Lewisville Smoke Bar and Grill in Port Hope, Michigan. China White, which took its name from a Scorpions song, got together in the mid-1980s playing everything from the Guess Who and the Monkees to Ratt and AC/DC with some Ozzy Osbourne tossed in.
“It was basically covers, album-oriented rock playing on radio stations,” Neumann said. “That’s what people in the bars wanted to hear at the time.”
The parents were good sports about the rumblings underneath the stairs, even when a picture frame or two got knocked over. Their moms and dads went to the bars to see the band perform live.
“All the parents were supportive,” said Neumann, a 1982 Utica High School graduate. “My mom and dad loved it when we came over and played.”
While rock ‘n’ rollers are known for hard partying, China White kept it professional. They didn’t drink alcohol when working on songs. To stay focused on the music, rehearsals were off limits to their girlfriends and friends at the time, except for the last few minutes when everyone got a sneak peak. After practice, the group decompressed at Big Boy or Ram’s Horn.
“Fun — that was the goal,” Neumann said of the band. “We had some great times, I mean just great times. It was friends that were playing music.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
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INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 19 at around 1 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with two Macomb Township women in the 21000 block of Martineau Drive about their home being “ransacked.”
After the residents left in the late morning, security cameras from a neighboring residence caught a black SUV pulling up. A search of the women’s home found overturned tables and food thrown on the floor, though deputies did not see signs of forced entry.
The women had reported a man peeking through the home’s windows the night before.
Lost license plate
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 18 at around 4:50 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 47000 block of Daisy Drive for a larceny report.
Deputies spoke with a 79-year-old Macomb Township man who said his license plate had gone missing from his car. The man was unsure when the plate went missing.
Vandalized car
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Aug. 19 at around 5:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 60 block of Church Street for a property damage report.
Deputies spoke with a 34-year-old Mount Clemens man who said his car had been keyed. The man believed his ex-boyfriend was responsible for the vandalism. Back in July when they broke up, the ex caused a scene at a bar.
Deputies verified that damage was done to the car, with a scratch along the driver’s side door and dents around the car. The man told deputies the car was not damaged prior to the breakup.
Nurse struck
GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 45-year-old Detroit woman is facing assault charges after she is said by police to have hit a nurse in the face at Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital at 4:45 p.m. Aug. 24 when the nurse was trying to help the suspect get up. A police report states that the assault knocked the glasses off the nurse’s face.
Wine theft suspect sought
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown woman is said to have stolen a box of wine and miscellaneous other merchandise from The Village CVS store at approximately 3:15 p.m. Aug. 17. A police report states that the suspect then fled the area in a black Dodge Charger.
Suspect flees with frames
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A 36-year-old Detroit man was taken into custody at around 3:30 p.m. Aug. 20 after he reportedly stole a pair of eyeglass frames from LensCrafters in the 19000 block of Mack Avenue. After an employee contacted police to report the theft, officers arrived on the scene quickly and spotted the suspect running through the alley, heading south. They chased the suspect and arrested him. Police said the suspect tossed the frames while he was fleeing, but they were able to recover them. The frames are said to be worth $1,100, a police report states. A LensCrafters employee told police the same suspect had stolen frames from them before. The suspect was facing first-degree retail fraud charges.
Cigarettes snatched
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — An unknown suspect is being sought by police for allegedly stealing a carton of cigarettes worth $123 from a gas station in the 20000 block of Mack Avenue at around 2 p.m. Aug. 22. According to a police report, the clerk placed the cigarettes near the partition when the suspect asked about condoms. As the clerk looked for those, the suspect is said to have reached under the partition, grabbed the cigarettes and left, fleeing the scene in a black Nissan.
Vehicle broken into
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to have smashed out the rear passenger-side window on a white 2022 Ram pickup truck while the vehicle was parked in the area of Mack Avenue and La Belle Circle at around 2:41 p.m. Aug. 28. Security footage from the area showed a suspect — a man in khaki pants and a dark-colored jacket — break the vehicle window around 2:15 p.m. A second suspect, believed to be a lookout, was said to have been seen on camera walking on the sidewalk in sync with the suspect who broke the window; the lookout is said to have been speaking on the phone and continued to walk west. The victim said he didn’t believe anything was taken from the truck.
Victim scammed by fake cable employee
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 70-year-old Grosse Pointe Farms woman contacted police Aug. 27 after she was conned out of $8,200 on Aug. 26 by someone who called her on her cellphone and claimed he was a Comcast employee investigating strange activity on the victim’s phone that was consistent with child pornography. The suspect told the victim her phone and Social Security numbers were linked to a rental property in New Mexico, but he would send
home. After having the victim download an app called Any Desk, a second male suspect — who claimed he was from the Federal Trade Commission — instructed the victim to drive to her bank and withdraw $8,200 and then deposit the money into a gas station bitcoin machine on Warren Avenue near Alter Road in Detroit. When the victim called Comcast the following day, they told her they didn’t contact her and she had been scammed. Police advised the victim to contact all her banking and credit card institutions, as well as all three credit bureaus.
Missing license plate
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 17 at around 4:10 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 39000 block of Lakeshore Drive for a larceny report.
Deputies spoke with a 21-year-old Harrison Township woman who said the license plate for her mom’s car was missing. The plate’s absence was noticed while at the Mall at Partridge Creek and initially reported to the Clinton Township Police Department.
The last known sighting of the plate was on Aug. 12 at around 9 p.m., as seen on security cameras.
Job offer scam
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 13 at around 2:30 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 70-year-old Harrison Township man about a fraudulent job offer he received.
The man received an email on Aug. 6 asking him to text a phone number for a job offer. The offer claimed to be from a company that improved application ratings on Apple’s App Store. To get the job, the man was required to send the “company” Bitcoin.
The man wired the “company” $8,500 in Bitcoin before becoming suspicious when asked to send over $15,000 in Bitcoin. The man wished to press charges against the scammers.
Fraud reported on Jefferson Avenue
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 10:34 p.m. on Aug. 23, a report was made about a fraud attempt in the 24000 block of Jefferson Avenue.
The restaurant manager informed the officer that around 20 people walked in and celebrated a birthday, getting a bill that was $493.50. With tax and with an added gratuity, it came to $594.10. One of the two adults paid for all of it except $9.02 or $109.62 after gratuity.
The manager informed the adult that the party had not fully covered the bill and was reportedly told they didn’t have anything else and weren’t going to pay. The manager informed them he would call the
manager started to call the police, the entire party walked out and left in their vehicles.
Attempted vehicle theft on Eight Mile Road
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:29 p.m. on Aug. 25, a report was made about an attempted vehicle theft that occurred on Aug. 20 in the 20000 block of Eight Mile Road.
A 55-year-old woman came into the department and reported someone had attempted to steal her vehicle. Photos and emails showed minor damage near the driver’s side door handle and an anti-theft alert that occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. on Aug. 20. The woman eventually went to her superiors since it was a work vehicle and they said to file a police report.
The vehicle was parked near her residence. The dash and radio screen have been acting up and it takes multiple attempts to start the vehicle, according to the report.
Theft reported on Northshore Drive ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 10:43 a.m. on Aug. 18, a case of larceny was reported in the 700 block of Northshore Drive.
An officer spoke to the man who is an employee of a news company and has a company vehicle. He explained when he went out to the truck that morning he noticed the trunk was open. When he went to close it, he noticed his TV camera was stolen.
String of handgun thefts from cars raises concerns
WARREN — After several reports of handguns stolen from vehicles within a week, concerns were raised by a City Council member at the Aug. 26 meeting.
Handguns were reported stolen in the 11000 block of Republic Avenue, the 11000 block of 10 Mile Road and the 26000 block of Regency Club Drive. According to a report from the Warren Police Department, the vehicles were unlocked.
Warren reports multiple indecent exposure incidents
WARREN — According to the Warren Police Department, several indecent exposure incidents were reported between Aug. 15 and Aug. 22. Incidents were reported in the 13000 block of Sidonie Avenue, the 25000 block of Schoenherr Road and the 5000 block of 13 Arden Avenue. All suspects were arrested.
