9/3/25 Warren Weekly by C & G Newspapers

FAMILY MARKETS, GARDEN CENTERS ROOTED IN HOMETOWNS

Council denies proposed coffee cart at City Hall again

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

WARREN — A proposed coffee cart that has caused tensions to brew between the mayor and City Council members has been unanimously denied again.

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the Warren City Council voted against a coffee cart that had been proposed at City Hall.

The proposed cart would bring a smaller location for Gather + Grounds, a nonprofit that provides job training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They currently have locations in Center Line, Ferndale and Richmond.

The coffee cart first came before the City Council several months ago. Members voted against it, removing the funding from the current fiscal year’s city budget. However, at the Downtown Development Authority’s July 16 meeting, the board voted to bring the proposal back to the council to request funding for the project again.

See COFFEE on page 23A

‘It’s better for this to be a garden than a vacant lot’

SOUTH

WARREN COMMUNITY GARDEN BEARS FRUIT TWO MONTHS AFTER CREATION

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

WARREN — The organization behind the Eastpointe Community Garden is helping to launch another one in Warren. Since getting its start in 2012, Urban Seed has helped provide community-driven resources to help combat food insecurity and improve health and create local connections. In June,

See GARDEN on page 17A

ABOVE: Jeff Matheus, a board member for Urban Seed, tends to a bed of vegetable plants at the new south Warren community garden Aug. 27.TOP: Volunteers tend to the beds at the South Warren community garden.

Photos by Brian Wells

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ABOVE: Dason Harold Woods, a 2019 graduate of Fitzgerald High School, brought his barber skills to the Operation Back 2 School event to provide free haircuts for students. The Warren Police Department hosted the event at FHS.

LEFT: Although the Michigan Legislature didn’t pass the state budget by the July 1 deadline, which includes the School Aid budget, educators are still ready for the 2025-2026 school year.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The new school year begins STUDENTS, TEACHERS RETURN TO CLASS DESPITE NO BUDGET FROM THE STATE

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS/CENTER LINE — At press time, educators were still awaiting word from Lansing as to whether or not there will be any increases for per-pupil funding for the 2025-2026 school year.

Although the Michigan Legislature didn’t pass the state budget by the July 1 deadline, which includes the school aid budget, educators are still ready for the 2025-2026 school year. October 1 is count day when all public schools in Michigan tally the number of students attending their schools, which translates into state funding. The Warren Weekly emailed local school officials to get insight about the start of the new school year in their districts.

Center Line Public Schools

First day: Sept. 2.

New administrators: Wolfe Middle School Assistant Principal Mark Baldes; 19 new teachers. The state’s budget — if and when passed — could impact staffing, services and programming.

Senior Sunrise

ABOVE: On the morning of Aug. 28, before school started, about 90 Fitzgerald High School seniors gathered on the football field for the school’s annual Senior Sunrise. The Class of 2026 senior council hosted the event.

BELOW: During the Senior Sunrise, the food service staff provided a grab-and-go style breakfast, and a bubble machine was provided. The event gave the seniors a chance to bond and celebrate the start of senior year.

The seniors watched the sunrise and wrote letters to their future selves that will be sealed and given back to them at the end of the school year.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Photo by Liz Carnegie

BACK TO SCHOOL FEATURE

ABOVE: Contestants in the first round — (from left) Team A’s Judy Chapman, Team B’s Angela Oliver, and Team C’s Lanae Kru — look at the clue on the screen before Kruk gave the correct answer.

Robert Resio broke the tie-breaker, giving Team B the win.

Center Line teachers find themselves in ‘Academy Jeopardy’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

CENTER LINE — A group of Center Line Public School educators were tested on their knowledge of the district when they became contestants on “Academy Jeopardy” during a professional development day Aug. 26.

With sound effects, buzzers and a game board, the trivia game — based on the famed NBC game show “Jeopardy” — helped usher in the new school year, scheduled to begin Sept. 2. An enthusiastic audience of teachers and support staff cheered on the panel.

In “Jeopardy,” contestants are given clues in the form of answers, and they must identify the person, place, thing, or idea that the clue describes by phrasing each response in the form of a question.

“It’s meant to keep people involved,” Superintendent Joseph Haynes said. “It’s a

fun way of making sure people understand the importance of the Academy.”

The teachers — in three teams of five players — competed for prizes as Haynes read the “clues” inside the Center Line High School auditorium. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Carey Crocker kept score while Director of Technology Gary Oke served as the announcer.

“Team A” included Bret Davis, Genevieve Gelle, Ashlee Norton, Judy Chapman and Dylan Abraham.

Shawna Rembold, Chanel Maloney, Angelina Robb, Angela Oliver and Robert Resio made up “Team B.”

Christel Cook, Jeff Herrell, Lanae Kruk, Derrick Jackson and Kayla Masters played for “Team C.”

The six categories were “You’re Only as Old as You Feel,” “It’s Elementary My Dear Watson,” “It All Smells Like Potpour-

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LEFT:

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

NEWS & NOTES

6A/ WARREN WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

WARREN GARDEN CLUB TO SHOW VIDEO OF GARDEN WALK

WARREN — The Warren Garden Club held its 21st annual Garden Walk on Saturday, July 19, in the Village Historic District along Chicago Road. The walk included five home gardens, two churches, the historic Union Cemetery and Beebe’s Corner Park.

The featured gardens ranged from container displays and Victorian-style landscaping to tropical and cottage-style backyards. Stops also included the First Baptist Church, built in 1857, and the First Methodist Church, a mid-century modern design by architect Minoru Yamasaki. At the Union Cemetery, visitors learned about its 19th-century origins and Civil War veterans buried there.

The club will present a video recap of the walk on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the library at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., Warren. Photos from the walk will be on display, and the homeowners will be present. The event is free, and refreshments will be served.

Senior health fair Sept. 3

WARREN — A senior health care seminar will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Warren City Hall Atrium, One City Square. Senior citizens who attend will visit with vendors from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A light lunch will be served at noon. The speaker presentation with Dr. Jeffrey Tremblay of Henry Ford Hospital Family Medicine is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors prizes will be distributed from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office will be on-site to distribute information about scam prevention, safety and legal support, and elder protection services. Admission is free. For more information, call the city of Warren Senior Health Care Commission at (586) 758-1310.

Warren police and fire hosting open house

WARREN — The Warren police and fire departments are hosting an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. The event will have free hot dogs, chips and refreshments; free gun safety locks; free child safety ID kits and a free bicycle raffle. There will also be other activities for children, such as emergency vehicle displays, demonstrations and bounce houses. The event will be held at the Warren Police Department, 29900 Civic Center Blvd.

Unity IV Toastmasters’ coming up

WARREN — Unity IV Toastmasters of Warren invites the public to its annual open house from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at St. Martin De Porres Church Parish Center, located at 31555 Hoover Road. This year’s theme, “Harvest Your Potential,” celebrates growth and achievement.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit, worldwide organization that helps its members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Attendees will engage in speeches, table topics, and meet club members who have transformed their personal and professional lives through Toastmasters.

Resmy Francis, shown in the photo, facilitated the Toastmasters International speech contest. Admission is free. Please RSVP to Janet at jsilvestri250@gmail.com by Sept. 13. For more information go to unityiv.toastmastersclubs.org.

Peanuts gang seeks blood donors

METRO DETROIT — The American Red Cross and Peanuts have teamed up to recruit blood donors.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts cartoon, those who give blood Aug. 29 through Sept. 21 will get an exclusive Red Cross x Peanuts mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs while they last. There also will be several “golden tickets” randomly hidden in the mystery bags throughout the country. Donors who find a golden ticket will have the chance to redeem it through an online form for all four T-shirts. Go to RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for details.

Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O positive and B negative blood, are needed. To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org, call (800)-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

The Peanuts gang, which includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and Linus, was created by Charles M. Schulz.

Donations sought for MISD Homeless Education Project

MACOMB COUNTY — Donations are being accepted for the Macomb Intermediate School District Homeless Education Project. The MISD Homeless Education Project works with Macomb County’s 21 local districts and charter schools to provide backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, socks, hats, gloves and emergency food cards to students in need. Last year, the MISD Homeless Education Project distributed backpacks and school supplies to nearly 1,500 homeless students. Donations can be dropped off throughout the year at the MISD building, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. For more information or to coordinate a donation, contact Sara Orris at sorris@misd.net.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SEPT. 6

Comic book show: Also hourly door prizes, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Macomb Elks Lodge #2292, 25950 Schoenherr Road in Warren

SEPT. 6-7

Ukrainian Sunflower Picnic: Features Ukrainian and American food, beer and wine, live music,Ukrainian dancers, raffle, kids games and vendors, noon-9 p.m. Sept. 6 and noon-6 p.m. Sept. 7, St. JosaphatUkrainian Catholic Church, 26401 St. Josaphat Drive in Warren, (586) 755-1740, stjoschurch.com

Jeopardy

from page 5A

ri,” “Everyone Always Forgets the Middle Child,” “Alumni or Alumnus” and “High Expectations are the Key.”

The team members were competitive and answered most of the clues correctly with the occasional miss. Many questions centered on the Center Line High School Academy and how the elementary and middle school teachers are preparing students for high school.

The Academy consists of two sections: the Academy of Industry, Technology and Innovation, and the Academy of Health and Human Services. With eight pathways, the Academy — celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2026 — is designed to prepare students for college and careers by giving students the opportunity to learn in the context of related career fields and possibly earn career certifications.

Among the trivia, it was noted that over 95% of the high school’s freshmen visit Saginaw Valley State University as part of their curriculum, and there is a brand-new 911 dispatch and criminology class in the first responders pathway at the high school this year. As the game continued, it was confirmed that engineering is the pathway with the highest numbers of students enrolled.

“Last year, 125 students were in the engineering pathway, approximately 30% of the high school students,” Haynes said.

Haynes went old school on the group by giving clues on Center Line’s history. One clue: “Michigan once designated school districts by city name and a number. CLPS was once named this.” The answer, Warren District No. 2, stumped the players.

“We officially became Center Line Public Schools in 1959,” Haynes said.

Another clue: “This granddaddy is CLPS’ oldest building and turned 100 years old this year.” Answer: Ellis.

In the end, Team B was victorious and finished in first place.

Prior to the game, Haynes talked about the upcoming school year with staff. He also brought in high school students, junior Apollo Credit and senior Olivia Copeland, who shared their experiences thus far in the district. Neither started out successfully academically but said they were able to turn themselves around, took school more seriously and improved their grades. They also thanked staff for their success.

The professional development day also gave administrators the chance to introduce new staff members to the district. After “Academy Jeopardy,” the teachers went to their respective schools for professional development day activities.

CRIME WATCH

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.

“So really, lock your doors, especially if you have a handgun,” Council Secretary Mindy Moore said. “I would certainly think that people would not want their handguns on the street to just anybody out there. So please, lock your vehicles.”

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.

Suspect flees after robbing victim at gunpoint

WARREN — An unknown male allegedly robbed a victim after pointing a handgun at them in the area of Parkview and Dequindre roads.

The suspect is reportedly Black, in his 30s and about 6-feet tall. He was reportedly wearing dark clothes and fled on foot northbound.

Anyone with information about these incidents or other crimes can reach Warren detectives at (586) 574-4810.

— Brian Wells

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Contestants — (left to right) Team A’s Genevieve Gelle, Team B’s Robert Resio, and Team C’s Jeff Herrell — made it to the bonus round. Gelle teaches sixth through eighth grade Academy classes. Resio teaches at Center Line High School and Academy 21. Herrell is a Wolfe Middle School math teacher.

WEEK 2 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL MATCHUPS TO WATCH

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The 2025 high school football season is officially underway as last weekend teams all over Michigan played their first game of the year.

Week 2 looks like it will provide the early season big-name matchups that the state has waited all offseason for.

PREMIER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.

Port Huron Northern at Madison Heights Lamphere

This matchup features two MAC division winners from 2024 and is a rematch of a game played last season. Lamphere won the MAC-Gold with an 8-1 record last year and beat Northern 21-13. Despite the loss, Port Huron Northern finished with a 7-2 record and a MAC-Blue title. Both teams have high hopes for this season and will look to get a big win before division play starts.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.

Harper Woods at Clarkston

An OAA crossover matchup between two fixtures in the MHSAA postseason. Last season, Harper Woods made it to the state semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Goodrich. Clarkston is a blue-blood program that wins playoff games seemingly every year and is coming off of a big week 1 matchup against Belleville in the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic. The game is

also “Community Night” and kids ages 12 and younger will get in for free.

Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.

Rochester at Rochester Adams

This cross-town rivalry is a matchup played every season, outside of 2011. Amazingly, and despite its annual setup, Rochester hasn’t defeated Adams since a 1996 game that had a score of 20-14. It will be a tall task, however, as Rochester went 4-5 a year ago while Adams put up a 10-3 record and made the state semifinals.

Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.

Warren De La Salle Collegiate at Davison De La Salle went 8-3 last year with a pair of playoff wins. This year, the team looks to make a run at the Catholic High School League Central Division championship. Davison lost to De La Salle on opening night in 2024 by a score of 21-3, but the team recovered nicely and finished the season 7-3.

Sept. 5 — 7 p.m.

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Jackson Lumen Christi

This is not only one of the most anticipated matchups of the week, but it’s one of the biggest games of the entire season. 2024 Division 5 state champion Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is going to Jackson to face 2024 Division 6 state champion Lumen Christi. The teams went a combined 25-2 last season and look to be two of the best teams in Michigan again this fall.

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Standing in front of his produce and previous awards,

FAMILY MARKETS, GARDEN CENTERS ROOTED IN HOMETOWNS

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Creating a lasting business in a community can be quite difficult. Growing that business can be even more stressful.

Some of the longest lasting businesses in metro Detroit are its family markets and garden centers, founded decades ago. Many still can be visited at their original locations.

Impressively, there might not be many other businesses that have lasted longer than Kutchey Family Market. It has been part of the fabric of the city of Warren since the early 1800s. The original farm and store were located at 3202 East 10 Mile Road.

It was eight years ago when David Kutchey decided to sell that land and open a market at 27825 Ryan Road to sell produce and an expanded inventory of flowers and gardening supplies. The land was formerly home to Young’s Garden Mart & Christmas Fantasy, another longtime family farm business in Warren.

Kutchey said they always wanted to stay in Warren when looking for a new spot, as the community has always supported the business. They want to support the community, too.

“We just obviously enjoy the community and we’re so well known in the community,” he said. “People know us from being here for the original farm on 10 Mile. Being there for over 170 years, it’s just been a staple in the community … I don’t want to start all over. We have an excellent reputation and people know us and they trust us, and they know they can get good quality produce when it’s in season. So it was the right thing to do to stay here.”

Over in Troy, Uncle Luke’s Feed Store found its home in the city around 100 years ago in the 1920s selling their products to locals in one form or another, originally as Stiles Feed Store. The market operated out of a shed next to the current location as a farm outlet and hardware store.

David Kutchey holds the historical marker for Kutchey Family Market.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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From providing nancial literacy programs for teens to ongoing educational resources for adults and seniors, Community Choice Credit Union is proud to partner with its members and the community to achieve the goal of nancial wellness.

Simply put: It’s never too early or too late to learn how to save, manage money or build nancial security.

“My role is to develop and deliver educational content around nances which is geared at all ages,” said Beth Riske, a career educator and now an education specialist for Community Choice Credit Union. “We are developing content that is applicable for elementary-aged kids, all the way up to seniors. With that in mind, our goal is to reach them where they are. We know that each generation consumes their content in di erent ways.”

Community Choice Credit Union continues to roll out resources that demonstrate its commitment to nancial wellness.

CCCU o ers educational options for lifelong ﬁ nancial learners

e Cash for Classrooms grant program is built on the belief that learning nancial lessons should start early and change as children grow. In September, teachers in elementary and secondary school classrooms can apply for one of ten $500 grants.

“If we can give them some funds so they can purchase software or other resources, we want to do that. ey may have great nancial lessons they want to implement,” Riske said, “and we know when we reach kids early on, they’re going to be so much more successful when they grow into adulthood.”

For high school students, the credit union’s nancial reality fairs really resonate.

“Michigan high schools now have a personal nance graduation requirement. e nancial reality fair supplements and supports that curriculum,” Riske said. “ e students are given a random career and salary. Some students are given a career where they make $30,000, some are given a career where they make $80,000. Taxes and 401(k)s are taken out. en it’s time to make

some nancial decisions. It’s one of those activities where they take the learning that’s happening in the classroom and put it into practice, to see how their decisions impact a budget. Leasing versus buying a car, having a roommate or living alone. All of

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All of these opportunities to learn are presented free through Community Choice Union as an outreach.

these decisions they have to make are done in one hour. ey are so engaged. ey love it.”

Ongoing nancial education for adults and seniors can be found in the credit union’s webinars, available on its YouTube channel. Podcasts are planned for 2026 as part of an e ort to deploy resources across various medi-

“Everything that we’re doing is free to the community and it’s for members and nonmembers,” Riske said. “ is is a community-based e ort. Credit unions in general, we’re people helping people.”

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Market

from page 12A

The market eventually found its current home at 6691 Livernois Road in 1946, opening as “Uncle Luke’s Print Shop.” It has been there in Troy ever since.

Longtime employee Gil Tufts said their longevity in Troy has been due to their loyal customers.

“That’s the secret to our business,” he said. “I’ve got one lady that travels from Petoskey down here, and probably some further. … If you don’t have a loyal customer base and you don’t treat your customers right, you’re not going to be in business and that’s something we always strive to do here.”

Troy also is home to Telly’s Greenhouse & Garden Center at 3301 John R Road, where it was founded in 1978.

Telly’s Greenhouse kind of fell into the family’s lap, according to owner George Papadelis, as they had been neighbors next to an old woman with a greenhouse who then died in 1976. Papadelis’ father, Gust, bought that land in 1977.

Papadelis said the business got its start when, as a kid, it was suggested he and his brother grow plants in the greenhouse and

sell them to make money for a family trip to Greece. They then painted a sign and sold flowers from the side of the road, making $1,000.

The business eventually grew and became what it is today, where it took on the name Telly’s, which was the name of Gust Papadelis’ Greek restaurant.

Since its beginnings, Telly’s has grown to include multiple locations in Michigan but currently has its base of operations at its Troy location and in Shelby Township, where they bought several acres of land 15 years ago to grow their flowers and plants. That’s where they do more than 90% of

their growing.

That being said, Papadelis said they plan to stay at their Troy home.

“We’re staying here at the Troy location because it’s an excellent location and we’ve developed a property well to accommodate the store and, quite frankly, I feel like we’ve done a lot to promote gardening in the area and sort of get people to appreciate it more and enjoy it more,” he said.

Papadelis said the city of Troy has grown around them, as has the need for plants from a reputable and family-owned garden center.

“We just grew along with that need,”

he said. “As the market changed, we adapted to it because the same person that was growing the plants was selling the plants, which is me. So things have changed an awful lot since, of course, we started almost 50 years ago, but we’re still all about plants that we grow, and we love doing that and we’re good at it and we’re very service-oriented. Customers expect to see me here and they expect to get their questions answered accurately and, in most cases, passionately.”

In the case of Kutchey Family Market, the business has made such an impact in Warren that it was designated with a historical marker.

Kutchey said the designation was something that made him proud that he could continue his family’s legacy in Warren.

“It makes me very proud that I can continue on the family legacy that my great grandfather and my grandfather and my father and all them, that when they settled on 10 Mile and that was the original property, and then they started farming, that I can continue that and bring people good quality fruit and vegetables … and continue the legacy and keep supporting the community that supports us,” he said.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

Kutchey Family Market was founded in Warren in the early 1800s and hasn’t left since. The current location on 27825 Ryan Road was opened eight years ago. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Garden

from page 1A

they started a second garden in Warren, on Toepfer Road east of Schoenherr Road.

The idea to start a community garden came after Jeff Matheus, who serves as a board member for Urban Seed, and Lauren Shandoval visited the garden in Eastpointe in 2023.

“It feels like people are just kind of going to and from work a lot of the time. It doesn’t seem like they have a lot of opportunity for recreation or something that beautifies or enriches their day right within the sphere of where they live,” Matheus said.

Shandoval said they wanted to create a space where residents could hang out without having to buy things.

“Part of the appeal was creating a space for people in the city, particularly this part of the city, to be able to congregate, hang out and do stuff together and meet their neighbors,” she said.

The lease for the property is only for one year, which Shandoval said was heavily enforced before they signed it.

“This is very much like a trial run to see how we do and how many people are interested,” Shandeval said. “Our hope for the future is that we can either renew the lease or be able to purchase the property at some point so that we’re able to maintain it long term.

Conditions of the lease included not being able to store equipment on the property, which John Hofmann, Urban Seed’s founder and treasurer, said caused them to scale back on how much of the property would be used.

“We have to maintain this, and we’re unable to have a lawn mower on location, so we have to rely on volunteers to bring in lawn mowers so that we can continue to

maintain the property,” he said. “Originally, we were going to be looking at this full three quarters of an acre, and then at the last minute, we had to reassess what we would be actually capable of maintaining so that it would be a success for this first year.”

The garden was approved in June, which Hofmann said is late in the gardening season. Despite these limitations, he said the garden has seen success — in both the amount of produce grown and the connections being formed in the neighborhood.

“I don’t think that we’ve had a single person express any distaste for the program,” he said. “Even people that aren’t interested in getting involved have stopped to say, ‘I really appreciate that this exists. It’s better for this to be a garden than a vacant lot.’”

As of Aug. 27, Hofmann said they’ve given away 72 pounds of produce and have logged 365 volunteer hours.

Hofmann said bringing Urban Seed to Warren after starting a garden in Eastpointe felt “impossible,” but despite uncertainties around the future of the Warren garden, the support from residents and other organizations — including the Macomb County Health Department — feels encouraging.

“Even if we were to go away, the amount of residents that have taken ownership of this program, they would continue to maintain this, regardless of what anybody had to say,” he said. “They love the fact that (the garden) exists. And for us as an organization, I think we’re really excited to continue to build it out and share all of the information that we have.”

Produce grown on-site is available to the community at no cost.

Hofmann said the garden currently has about 15 regular volunteers, but they’re always seeking more. For information on how to get involved, go to urbanseed.info/volunteer.

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

ABOVE: Bill Randazzo, garden manager at the Eastpointe Community Garden, tends to a bed of vegetable plants at the new community garden in south Warren Aug. 27. RIGHT: John Hofmann, president and treasurer of Urban Seed, looks at a tomato plant.

Photos by Brian Wells

Contact

Jerry Naumann, of Berkley, brought his backwards trailer to this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 and the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade Aug. 15. Naumann’s camper looks like it rides backward while pulling a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup truck.

Setting up ‘camp’ in a custom-made caravan that cruises in reverse

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — When it comes to car cruises, Jerry Naumann knows how to make a grand entrance. For many years, the car enthusiast drove an upsidedown GMC 1984 Rally van that attracted crowds from St. Clair Shores to downriver communities. After owning it for several years, he sold the vehicle to a gentleman in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the upside-down van currently rests.

But the wheels behind Naumann’s cruising days are still spinning. A couple of years ago, he purchased another offbeat vehicle that looks like a camper riding backward while connected to a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup truck. Naumann drove the memorable trailer in this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 and made an appearance at the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade Aug. 15 where he “had a blast.”

Here’s the twist: the trailer isn’t really a camper but is

See CAMPER on page 19A

Classic Cars for the Cure Sept. 20

DETROIT/CLAWSON — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute will hold its third annual Classic Cars for the Cure from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at a private garage at 1330 N. Crooks Road in Clawson. Funds raised will support cancer research at Karmanos in Detroit.

The event will include a strolling supper by Forte Belanger, live 1950s and ’60s music by Stella and her band Intrigue, a performance and swing dance lessons from the Oakland University Dance Team, and dessert served in a 1950s diner. Guests, too, can learn more about Karmanos’ research.

Attendees are asked to wear cocktail attire or 1950s and 1960s-style flair. Al Trombetta, Classic Cars for the Cure automobile curator, has gathered 25 rare classic cars from museums and top collectors to showcase. The event is personal for Trombetta, whose mother died of lung cancer.

Debra Partrich, of Bloomfield Hills, is a member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors and also a cancer survivor who underwent treatment at Karmanos.

“If it weren’t for a doctor doing research to find a cure for the cancer I had, I would not be here today. I would not be able to watch my grandsons grow up, spend more time with my family, enjoy trips with my husband, or be around with my friends,” she said in a prepared statement. “That’s the most important thing. Just to be present. This event is a wonderful evening full of classic cars, dancing, music and just a lot of fun. And we are raising dollars for research. Research that will hopefully someday cure cancer.”

Helping to make Classic Cars for the Cure a success is Franklin resident and event sponsor Jeff Kopelman. His wife, Sandy, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer but lived for 4 1/2 years because of the cancer treatment she received from Dr. Robert Morris and the Karmanos staff. Tickets cost $250 each at karmanos.org/cars25.

— MARIA ALLARD

Partrich

Kopelman

Photos by Liz Carnegie

manufactured to look like one.

“It’s just vinyl siding and it has a 2-by-2 framework,” Naumann said.

With a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer floor plan with drivetrain, a front and back seat, and steering wheel, it appears as if the Ford Ranger is backing up with the trailer behind it. But it’s really the trailer driving forward while pulling the Ranger behind it.

“Pretty much the body was removed off the ’98 Chevy Blazer and the seats were left there. The camper is bolted to it. It just drives itself. The Blazer is what pulls the whole framework of the camper,” Naumann said. “You can see the dashboard and the engine is all intact. The four wheels actually propel this camper.”

Naumann said the engine from the Ford Ranger was removed to make the ride lighter. The camper can drive by itself, but Naumann always has the Ranger with it so spectators can get the full illusion.

“The same guy that did the van for me did this,” Naumann said. “I saw this about three years ago up in Flint at Back to the Bricks. Very nice, high-end cars go there.”

While en route, Naumann often keeps the speedometer at 40 mph. There is no radio, and the air conditioner doesn’t work, but the windows bring in fresh air. Naumann attaches a wire between the two vehicles so the Ranger’s taillights and turn signals work.

“That way people see when they’re coming up behind the truck if I’m turning or breaking,” he said.

The camper stands about 7 1/2 feet in height. Naumann gets a kick out of driving the rig around town. When people see him driving by, they pull out their cameras to take photos and videos.

“It’s that shock and awe, I guess,” Naumann said. “When driving down the road, you love to see people, especially little kids, smiling and pointing at it. I just love seeing the expression on their faces and the fact they enjoy it.”

Naumann lives close enough to the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade on 12 Mile Road that he can see people as they mark their spots with lawn chairs and canopies to get a good view of the event. He loves to see so many spectators come to town, which he said boosts the economy and puts Berkley on the map. The same goes for the Woodward Dream Cruise, which stretches through several communities in Oakland County.

Naumann has always been interested in cars, something that was in the family’s DNA.

“I restored many cars and painted many cars,” he said. “My dad was into cars and my older brother was into cars.”

Along with the backward camper, Naumann owns two Plymouth Prowlers: a 1999 model and a 2001 model. The ’01 Prowler has 130,000 miles on it.

“That one, I drove all over the country just to events,” said Naumann, who belongs to the online Plymouth Prowler Enthusiasts car club.

This year, the club met up in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Last year, the Prowler peeps got together for camaraderie in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

School

“We used a recommended projected number in our first budget. However, there is so much uncertainty regarding the state budget that it is almost a guess,” Superintendent Joseph Haynes said. “We are waiting for the Legislature to pass a budget, and we will amend our first budget to reflect the per-pupil amount and adjust our budget accordingly. We will work within our means to deliver the best education to our students.

“We are enrolling lots of students, both in the district and through schools of choice,” Haynes said. “It’s hard to say where our enrollment is at because those students who left the district are still in our system. Many of their new school districts have yet to request their records.”

Center Line Public Schools is implementing a new elementary literacy program and also piloting a new middle school literacy program.

Fitzgerald Public Schools

First day: Aug. 25.

New administrators: Superintendent Elizabeth Jensen; Director of Academic Services Heather Klos; Director of Food Service Olgert “Gary” Nazarko; Mound Park Upper Elementary Principal Gabriela Chulevski. There are new teachers, along with four new special education contracted teachers.

An enrollment of approximately 2,307 students is predicted. The budget is projected at $41,755,973.

“It is important to note that this is a working budget, and it is subject to change based on the final, confirmed state school aid budget and federal grants budget,” Jensen said. “The numbers we have put forth are based on our best estimates and are designed to allow us to continue providing a high-quality education while operating in a fiscally responsible manner.”

Officials used conservative estimates based on proposals from the state Legislature.

“Our budget includes contingency plans and reserves. If the final state budget comes in higher than our conservative estimate, we will be able to restore funding to certain programs or invest in areas that we have identified as priorities,” Jensen said. “If it comes in lower, we have already identified areas where we would need to make adjustments. A significant portion of our budget is also derived from local property taxes and federal grants. While federal funds for specific programs like Title I and IDEA are often more stable, they come with their own regulations. Our local revenue, while more predictable than state funding, still requires

AAA provides tips for safe driving as students return to school

DEARBORN — AAA reminds drivers to stay alert and use caution on the roads as the new school year gets underway.

The Auto Club Group has made an “ABC” list of school zone safety for drivers.

A — Avoid distractions and stay focused on the road. No texting, eating or multitasking while driving.

B — Brake for safety. School zones are unpredictable, so be ready to stop at a moment’s notice.

C – Check for pedestrians, bicyclists, school zone signs, crossing guards, school safety and patrollers.

As part of its School’s Open Drive Carefully campaign, AAA advises that walkers, too, remain aware of their surroundings and avoid using headphones or looking down at cellphones when near traffic.

Other tips include:

Use sidewalks where available. If not, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.

Wear reflective, bright colored clothing. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to make sure the vehicle is stopping.

Cyclists and those on scooters should wear helmets, ride with traffic and use bike lanes when you can. Don’t wear headphones, so you can detect approaching traffic, and cross streets at intersections and not from between parked cars.

careful management.”

Because the district operates under the Community Eligibility Provision federal program, free breakfast and lunch meals will be available for all students. The district will implement a new elementary English Language Arts program from Benchmark Advance for K-5. Plans also are underway to offer seniors the chance to earn the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy if they demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other world language.

Van Dyke Public Schools

First day: Aug. 25.

New administrators: McKinley Elementary Principal Denye Griessel; Carlson Elementary Interim Principal Heather Graef; Lincoln Elementary Principal Adam Laur; Lincoln Middle School Principal Gabrielle Avila; and Special Services Supervisor Erin Cain. There are 16 new staff members.

Last year’s enrollment was 2,128 plus 200 students at the Kennedy Early Childhood Center.

“We project a bit higher this year, but will know more as the year begins,” Superintendent Piper Bognar said.

Van Dyke used last year’s state per pupil allocation to create its budget.

“There has been no budget approved by the state, in spite of the July 1 deadline. The feds also held money until late July, and most of that is still on hold. This leaves us in a precarious position to say the least, and it leaves our children as pawns in a game,” Bognar said. “Every single one of our budgets is uncertain right now. We are educating the next generation without planned resources

Bus riders are encouraged to arrive at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Stand five steps away from the curb. Wait for the bus to stop completely and for the bus driver’s signal before boarding.

Michigan law requires motorists to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and “STOP” arms extended. The only exception is on a divided highway with a raised divider.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Local school districts have many new administrators in place for the new school year, including Denye Griessel, who is the new McKinley Elementary School principal in the Van Dyke Public Schools district.

yearly. We know that we are still receiving funding for free meals through September; the need is undeniable, and we will do all we can to continue.”

Staff will continue to implement and refine the new curriculum that was implemented over the past two years. Bognar offered the following tips to students to have a successful school year.

“Don’t be nervous or ashamed to ask for help. Chances are that, if you have a question, someone else has that same question,” she said. “You’ll be helping them and yourself by asking. Knowledge is power and independence. Also, be kind. It will take you farther than you’ll ever imagine.”

Warren Consolidated Schools

First day: Aug. 27.

New administrators: Holden Elementary Principal Jade Bailey; Grissom Middle School Principal Justin Hauser; Jefferson Elementary Principal Sarah Kama; Carleton Middle School Assistant Principal Steven Book; Sterling Heights High School Assistant Principal Kevin Bullis; Warren Mott High School Assistant Principal Angela Kourtakis; Cromie Elementary Assistant Principal Scott Levine; Pearl Lean School Assistant Principal Karla Warren; Elizabeth Iljkoski, administrator for Early Childhood, Latchkey, and Continuous Improvement and Executive Director of Special Education Chris Shepard. The district hired 16 new teachers.

Superintendent John Bernia predicts an enrollment of 12,500 students this year, which he said, “appears to align with the ongoing trend of a slight decrease.” There is a

projected operating loss of $5.56 million in the general fund budget.

“It is extremely challenging to prepare a budget when you do not know your funding amount. Our main funding source is the per pupil state aid amount,” he said. “We projected an increase in that per pupil state aid amount of $392 as that is the amount proposed by Gov. (Gretchen) Whitmer. Without additional information we assumed the status quo on the majority of our federal and state grants.

“For 2025-2026 we have been very intentional regarding our staffing levels, and we have limited hiring to areas of critical need,” he continued. “We are being extremely cautious regarding any large or non-critical expenditures. If funding and/or student enrollment are less than budgeted, we will likely need to make further adjustments.”

Students will still receive free breakfasts and lunches, something that has occurred over the past two years.

“We anticipate this continuing for WCS as our free meals are covered by the federal government as part of the Community Eligibility Provision, not by the state of Michigan,” Bernia said. “We have received no indication that there have been any changes or ‘holds’ on federal funds and are moving forward with plans for free breakfast and lunch in our schools.”

The district, in partnership with the Sterling Heights Police Department and the Warren Police Department, hired two new school resource officers to serve the district’s middle and elementary schools. The three SROs at the high schools remain.

Warren Consolidated Schools Chief Academic Officer David Meengs offered several “helpful strategies” for students.

Stay organized — use a planner to track

assignments, tests, and deadlines.

Set small goals — break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid procrastination.

Create a study routine — study at the same time each day so it becomes a habit.

Prioritize sleep — a rested brain learns and remembers better.

Ask questions — don’t be afraid to speak up in class or reach out to teachers when confused.

Review regularly — instead of cramming, review notes a little every day.

Limit distractions — put your phone away while studying or use apps that block social media.

Stay active — exercise helps focus, mood, and memory.

Warren Woods Public Schools

First day: Aug. 25.

While the district has the same leadership team in place as last year, Warren Woods will welcome its first administrative intern: Jonathan Wright. He will spend the year working alongside principals to learn the day-to-day operations of the building and what it takes to be a building administrator. The district welcomed five new teachers: two elementary teachers and three high school teachers.

Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici predicts an enrollment this year of 3,001 students. School officials based the district’s budget on Whitmer’s proposed budget, which includes a $392 per pupil increase from 2024-2025.

“This places our current budgeted revenue at $47.7 million,” the superintendent said. “While the state’s school aid budget has not yet been finalized, we cannot delay in making decisions that provide stability for

our students and staff.

“Our approach has been to build a budget that reflects fiscal responsibility while keeping student needs at the center,” Denewith-Fici said. “We have projected conservatively and, recognizing the uncertainty at the state level, we are prepared to use a portion of our fund balance to maintain programs and staffing that our community values. Once the state budget is confirmed, we will adjust accordingly, but our priority is to ensure continuity and support for students without disruption.”

Free breakfast and lunches for all students will be offered. The district received a grant from the Michigan Department of Education to adopt a new Tier 1 Literacy resource from the state’s approved literacy materials list. With that, the district will launch the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts literacy program in all K-5 classrooms.

Denewith-Fici offered the following learning tips to students.

Be present — show up every day ready to learn; attendance is the first step to success.

Ask for help — if something doesn’t make sense, speak up because your teachers and staff are here for you.

Get involved — join a club, team, or activity; it’s a great way to make friends and discover new interests.

Be kind — treat others with respect; a positive school community helps everyone succeed.

Take care of yourself — balance schoolwork with rest, healthy food, and time to recharge.

Set goals — start small, celebrate progress, and keep working toward your bigger dreams.

“Many foot problems in people with diabetes occur when injuries and infections go unnoticed and untreated. Healing can be delayed due to decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy) and poor circulation. I will evaluate your feet regularly to detect any changes early, before they become a problem. Call me for an appointment and I will work with you to keep your feet healthy.”

CITY OF WARREN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC APPEAL HEARING

Notifcation is hereby being provided that the Hearing Offcer for the City of Warren has determined that a dangerous condition exists in violation of the Code of Ordinances and has ordered abatement of such condition on the described property. A formal notice has been posted on the property itself.

The property is described as:

Legal Description: 5458 Toepfer – (13-32-426-001), Lots 538 and 539, RAMM AND CO’S MOUND PARK SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 8, page 49 of Plats, Macomb County Records.

Condition: Severely fre damaged house and shed (possible squatters living in the home). One story 668 sq. ft. with basement. Shed 8 ft. x 10 ft. Remove 32 ft. of 6 ft. wood privacy fencing at the front only. (All lot line fences to remain on the property)

In order to provide an appeal from the decision and order of the Hearing Offcer, the City Council has scheduled a public appeal hearing.

This hearing will be held as follows:

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Date: September 23, 2025

Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium City Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092

The City Council has the authority pursuant to the Code of Ordinances Section 9-171 thru 9-174 and 9-182 to approve/ disapprove/modify the decision of the hearing offcer.

Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for participation in this meeting should contact the Warren City Council Offce at 586-258-2060 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to request assistance.

SONJA BUFFA

WARREN CITY CLERK

Published in Warren Weekly 09/03/2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

REVIEW OF 2024-2025 CITY OF WARREN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

The public is invited to comment on the City of Warren’s 2024-2025 Community Development Program (CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA) performance. A meeting will be held as follows to review program performance and allow the public to comment.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Warren City Hall

2nd Floor Township Meeting Room One City Square Warren, Michigan 48093

The City’s Community Development Program is intended to address the Priority Housing and Community Development needs and objectives identifed in the City’s Consolidated Plan. These needs and objectives are listed in the table below along with a summary of the activities undertaken in the 2024/2025 Program Year and the resulting accomplishments. CITY OF WARREN

SUMMARY OF 2024/2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

Priority Need Objectives Activity

Rehabilitate housing. Maintain supply of affordable housing. Reverse neighborhood decline. Preserve single-family neighborhoods.

Preserve single-family housing stock.

Maintain supply of affordable housing.

CITY OF WARREN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

An application for special land use approval and site plan approval for a used automobile dealership has been presented to the Planning Commission of the City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan, which affects property at the following location:

Property located on Dequindre Road; approximately 40 ft. south of Goulson Avenue, 22760 Dequindre Road, City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan.

Said petition will be read at the public hearing herein below noticed:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held at the meeting of said Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, the 22nd day of September, 2025, at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden, Warren, Michigan.

CITY OF WARREN PLANNING COMMISSION

Mahmuda Mouri, Commission Secretary

Published in Warren Weekly 09/03/2025

CITY OF WARREN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC APPEAL HEARING

The property is described as:

Legal Description: 2199 Emmons – (13-31-352-039), Lot 243, including ½ vacated alley adjacent to rear thereof, JOHN B SOSNOWSKI EIGHT MILE ROAD SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 7, page 27 of Plats, Macomb County Records.

Condition: Vacant, dilapidated, boarded up house. One story 677 sq. ft. (appears to be a crawl space foundation).

In order to provide an appeal from the decision and order of the Hearing Offcer, the City Council has scheduled a public appeal hearing.

This hearing will be held as follows:

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Date: September 23, 2025

Place: Warren Community Center Auditorium City Council Chambers 5460 Arden Warren, Michigan 48092

The City Council has the authority pursuant to the Code of Ordinances Section 9-171 thru 9-174 and 9-182 to approve/ disapprove/modify the decision of the hearing offcer.

SONJA BUFFA WARREN CITY CLERK

0359-2536

Reverse neighborhood decline. Correct environmental problems/ physical disorder.

0372-2536

Published in Warren Weekly 09/03/2025 0367-2536

Preserve single-family neighborhoods. Preserve single-family housing stock.

Senior services. Preserve single-family neighborhoods. Preserve single-family housing stock.

Provide housing and supporting services for the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless.

Reverse neighborhood decline. Repair/reconstruct streets. Improve Parks and Recreation Facilities

Emergency Short Term Housing Assistance for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) in the Warren EMA (Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties).

Long Term Housing Assistance for PLWH/A in the Warren EMA.

Short Term Housing Assistance for PLWH/A in the Warren EMA.

Property Maintenance Code Enforcement and Rental Registration & Inspection Code Enforcement Paid for inspectors who found 1,735 residential housing units in violation of the City’s Property Maintenance Ordinance. 700 were brought into compliance.

Encourage homeownership & provide opportunities to purchase decent, safe, & sanitary affordable housing. Senior Citizen CHORES Provided 75 elderly households with

and cooperate with providers of homelessness prevention services.

Preserve single-family neighborhoods.

Provide PLWH/A in the Warren EMA with access to permanent, stable, decent and affordable housing.

Emergency Housing Assistance Provided 65 households which included a PLWH/A with short term emergency housing assistance (rent, mortgage, or utility payments) or assistance with permanent housing placement

Tenant Based Rental Assistance60 households which included a PLWH/A received rent assistance payments.

Master Leasing 4 households which included a PLWH/A received rent assistance payments.

If you would like to comment on the priority needs and objectives listed above or on the type of activities to address the identifed needs and objectives, please attend the public meeting listed above or submit written comments prior to the close of business at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

City of Warren

Community Development Program

One City Square, Suite 210 Warren, Michigan 48093

Comments may also be submitted via e-mail to home@cityofwarren.org.

Beginning September 3, 2025, the City’s complete 2024/2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER) will be available for public review on the City’s website: https://www.cityofwarren.org/government/c-e-d-development/community-development/

To request more information about the 2024/2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER), please call the Community Development Program staff at (586) 574-4686.

Lori M. Stone, Mayor

Published in Warren Weekly 09/03/2025

The DDA is requesting an amendment to the budget in the amount of $100,000 for the cart.

In addition to coffee, it would also provide sandwiches and baked goods. Warren Mayor Lori Stone, as well as DDA Director Tom Bommarito, have been advocating for the cart.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, former City Councilman Garry Watts said he was against the coffee cart, calling it “a silly idea.”

“We have restaurants in that area that count on business from General Motors, City Hall, other businesses around there, and I think it would be wrong to put something in there and take business away from them. So hopefully you guys give that one a thumbs down,” he said.

When the item came up for discussion, Councilman Jonathan Lafferty accused Stone of being more focused on bringing a coffee shop to City Hall than fixing problems in the city.

“We finally know what Mayor Stone has been busy with instead of attending to the important issues facing our city,” he said.

Lafferty went on to accuse the mayor of prioritizing the coffee cart instead of focusing on a shortage of police officers, infrastructure concerns and “a total lack of a strategic plan or vision to the city.”

He also stated the fact that bringing the coffee stand back to City Council despite it having previously been rejected is disrespectful.

“This proposal can only be characterized in one of two ways, either a total lack of respect for the decision already previously made by City Council, or incompetence,” he said.

Despite accusations that no other businesses were contacted about the possibility of opening a shop in City Hall, Council Secretary Mindy Moore said Bommarito had reached out to other businesses, but none were interested.

“They weren’t interested because it’s not feasible,” she said. “We don’t have the numbers to make any sort of business.

Moore said other businesses, such as Dave’s Deli, had attempted to open in City Hall but failed due to a lack of traffic. She also said she would prefer to give the opportunity to a Warren-based business and stated the City Council can’t give money to a nonprofit.

“I think you’ll remember when we discussed the challenges we faced in the winter with the homeless population, that we found out we can’t fund a nonprofit. The city is just not allowed to do that,” she said.

During Moore’s comments, the War-

ren TV live stream of the meeting stopped. When it returned, while they were having what Councilman Gary Boike called “a healthy discussion,” Bommarito allegedly walked out of the building.

“It would be in his best interest to answer our questions, but he decided to leave,” he said.

Bommarito could not be reached for comment.

Councilwoman Melody Magee asked how other cities had been successful with coffee shops in their city buildings.

“I would like to understand how is it working for them, and it can’t work for us, because we’re the third largest city,” she said.

City Attorney Jeff Schroder said in many cases, the businesses are not operated by the state or the municipality and instead the space is leased.

“The state of Michigan or the city of Detroit is not going in and building out a sandwich shop and then leasing it after you pay to build it, so I think that’s the difference here,” he said.

Council President Angela Rogensues said after she put out a poll on Facebook, some residents responded that it was a great idea, while others replied that they’d rather see the money spent elsewhere.

“They wanted it spent on their park or some other very worthy cause,” she said.

Rogensues also stated that the city gives out money to generate economic development in the same way that the $100,000 would be going to the coffee cart.

In an interview Aug. 28, Stone said it wasn’t about either the company or the city making a profit as much as it was about providing a positive environment for people with disabilities to come out and get working experience.

“While most businesses, it wouldn’t serve them, because they’re not necessarily going to make profits off of this location, it potentially could have been a very positive partnership where adults with developmental disabilities would have a space to be active members of our community right here in City Hall,” she said.

While the City Council continues to call the coffee stand her idea, Stone said it came from the city’s economic development department.

“My economic development department said, ‘Hey, here’s an opportunity, we found a win-win, what do you think?’ And I said I can get on board with this,” she said.

Stone said she respects the council as a deliberative body, and while they’re allowed to disagree on certain things, unless the Council changes its mind, she had no intention of bringing it before them again.

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

Auto Auctions

The Warren Police Department will hold a Public Car Auction on Wed., Sept. 17, 2025 at 10:00 am (check in at 9:00 am)

AUCTION

Multiple online auctions at Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com; visit to view all lots, to bid. Guns, ammo, shop tools, power tools, collectables, furniture, property and much more! Need an auction? Call Joe at 1-800-835-0495.

Multiple Quality Online Estate Auctions. Bidding now open. Tractors, tools, ATV’s, guns, sporting, motorcycles, +much more. Bid anywhere anytime @JohnPeckAuctions.com. Need an auction? Call John Peck 989-345-4866. Ofices Charlotte & Gladwin.

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 989-600-1010 or 989-324-0035.

BUSINESS SERVICES

MINI BIKE UNKNOWN

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2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

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2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA

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2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU

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2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

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METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.

MATTRESSES

MICHIGAN

Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800535-5727

Acculevel. Your foundation repair and basement waterproofing experts. Whether basement, crawl space or concrete slab we’ll guide you on the right path to a healthy home. Act now! Up to $600 of. Restrictions apply. Call for a free consultation. 1-844-700-4986

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Ofer – 50% of installation + Additional 10% of install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-888-718-1856

POND/LAKE

Real Estate Wanted

2008 DODGE AVENGER

1B3LC56K38N582041

2012 DODGE CALIBER

1C3CDWDA8CD532380

1998 FORD MUSTANG

1FAFP4048WF234530

2009 FORD ESCAPE

1FMCU03709KD14755

2011 FORD FLEX

2FMGK5CC0BBD05717

2005 FORD ECONOLINE

1FMRE11L25HA08354

2013 KIA RIO

KNADM4A34D6203625

2013 NISSAN SENTRA

3N1AB7APXDL632146

2020 TOYOTA CAMRY

4T1G11AK8LU979616

2007 MACK CL733 TRACTOR

1M1AD64Y87M002514

1998 BENLEE DUMP TRAILER

1B9A14367WB183278

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Plumbing

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Powerwashing

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