11/24/25 Shelby-Utica News

Man charged with murder after shooting at dealership

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A 46-year-old man from Houston has been charged with multiple felonies after two men were found dead inside a used car dealership in Shelby Township Nov. 7.

Terrance Jermaine Sandles was arraigned Nov. 10 in the 41A District Court on two counts of first-degree, premeditated murder; two counts of armed robbery; and several weapons charges. First-degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without parole.

“These are very serious charges,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said. “They are very serious in nature and to have it happen here in our neighborhood, as well as in Macomb County, is not just troubling, it’s tragic.”

Lucido said a drug charge and a related gun charge was withdrawn because another drug-enforcement agency is interested in that aspect of the case.

See CHARGES on page 14A

NEW UTICA SIGN WELCOMES VISITORS TO THE COMMUNITY

BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com

UTICA — Visible from M-53 near Hall Road, a new Utica sign can be viewed in front of the Bowdega and Burn1 property at 45411 Park Ave.

Bowdega Cannabis is a dispensary in the Utica area, while Burn1 provides lounge space for customers. The sign was privately funded by Bowdega+Burn1.

“I grew up in this area, and Utica has always been a wonderful community, full of families, hard working people,

Men arrested for allegedly running multistate drug trafficking network

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Three men were arrested after multiple law enforcement agencies reportedly seized drugs, firearms, vehicles and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash during a raid of four sites in Shelby Township Nov. 6.

According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, at least six local, county and federal agencies partnered to execute search warrants at three homes and a medical business, all in Shelby Township. The search warrants were in connection with an investigation by the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team.

During the search, the Sheriff’s Office said, law enforcement officers uncovered approximately 1,500 pounds of marijuana; hundreds of THC vapes, gummies, pens and other edibles; three handguns; two ARstyle rifles; about $380,000 in cash; “small amounts” of crack cocaine; ketamine and mushrooms; and five vehicles. The vehicles seized included two Lincoln Navigators, a Cadillac Escalade, a Kia SUV, a Jeep Cherokee and a Ram van.

Three men — identified as Mark Gojcaj, 21; Fabio Asmar, 30; and Martino Abed, 35, all residents of Shelby Township — were arrested for allegedly “operating entirely outside the state’s regulated market, distributing large quantities of untested products through the black market,” according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

See ARREST on page 18A

HIGH SCHOOL’S AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM RECEIVES

$43,000 GRANT FOR EQUIPMENT

BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A $43,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation has been given to Henry Ford II High School’s automotive repair program, which will help update equipment.

“We are fortunate to have such an extensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in UCS that

includes our automotive program,” Utica Community Schools Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said in a press release. “This partnership with the Margaret Dunning Foundation serves as an investment not only in UCS students, but in our community as a whole as our students are able to gain real-world experiences through the support of this grant.”

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Dunning in 1997. Dunning, who had lived in Plymouth

NEWS & NOTES

CHRISTMAS AGLOW EVENT WILL BE HELD DEC. 5

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township’s biggest Christmas event and tradition, the annual Christmas Aglow and tree lighting, will be brighter than ever this year thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 on the Civic Center Campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. Santa Claus and the township officials will light the 40-foot Christmas tree and the night sky will feature lights from a drone show.

Before the lighting, Shelby TV will usher in the holiday spirit with its traditional stage show. Attendees can also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, have a meet and greet with a real reindeer outside the library, drink hot cocoa and listen to holiday music.

Santa will receive the key to the township from North Pole ambassadors selected from the winners of this year’s Shelby Township Christmas Coloring Contest.

Following the festivities, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head inside the Shelby Township Library to meet children and pose for free photos until 8:30 p.m.

DINNER AND DANCING WITH SANTA

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Join St. Nick for a family event called Dinner and Dancing with Santa Dec. 10 at Cherry Creek Golf Club. Arrive at 6 p.m., and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dance to festive DJ music and visit with Santa Claus. Children will receive a gift. The evening will conclude at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $17 for residents or $22 for nonresidents ages 2 and under, $29 for residents or $34 for nonresidents ages 3-12 and $33 for residents or $38 for nonresidents ages 13 and older. Call (586) 7310300 for reservations.

Shelby Township Christmas lights contest

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township seeks the finest holiday lights display from the community for its annual Christmas lights contest. Send a maximum of four well-lit pictures of your fully illuminated home to madams@shelbytwp.org by Dec. 12 to participate. The township will showcase a map of the submissions on shelbytwp.org/ christmas and on facebook.com/shelbytwpparksandrec Dec. 15-19.

On Dec. 22, the Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department staff will announce the first- and second-place winners on the Shelby TV Christmas Lights Show at youtube.com/shelbytownshiptv. Only residential homes are eligible; businesses are excluded from this competition.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP JINGLE BELL 5K RUN

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Enjoy pancakes and sausage while giving children a chance to visit with Santa without waiting in line at the mall. During Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. Dec. 6, each child will receive a small gift from Santa and have an opportunity to make a holiday craft at the Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road. To reserve seats, call (586) 731-0300 or visit register. shelbytwp.org. The event is expected to sell out quickly. High chairs and booster seats are not available. Tickets will not be available at the door. The cost is $13 a seat for residents, $18 for nonresidents.

the Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road.

Christmas at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Christmas is always a wild time at the BurgessShadbush Nature Center. Here are a few upcoming holiday events.

Celebrate the holiday in frontier fashion with historically accurate games and activities such as candle-dipping and crafting rustic ornaments during Christmas on the Frontier. From 1-5 p.m. Dec. 6, learn how early European settlers celebrated Christmas by meeting reenactors, visiting the authentic Settler’s Cabin, and observing family traditions popular between the 1850s and the 1890s. Santa will visit from 2 to 4 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and pose for photos with a rustic cabin backdrop. The “Too Happy Voyageurs” will play live music, teach traditional dances and lead caroling of Christmas songs. Christmas on the Frontier costs $5 per resident; $7 per nonresident. Infants 2 and under can attend for free.

The 16th annual Jingle Bell 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 14 in front of the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township. Race fees are $35 per person. Overall male, male master, female, female master and senior master, male and female, will receive a trophy. Medals will go to the top three in each age group. The proceeds will benefit Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Macomb County Special Olympics, Cat Tail Acres, Great Lakes Burn Center and K9 Rescue. A portion of the proceeds will also go to Samaritan House. For more information or to register, visit jinglebell5krun.com or call (586) 484-5523.

Be a part of bird conservation during the free Macomb County Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 20. All skill levels are welcome. The day will include basic information on bird identification and ways to attract and observe winter birds. Participants will gather data while watching the feeders behind the nature center in addition to multiple hikes around the park to observe as many winter bird species as possible throughout the day. Coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts will be included. The nature center has a limited number of binoculars and asks people to bring their own if they have them.

Celebrate the longest and darkest night of the year from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 20 during the Winter Solstice Hike and Bonfire event. The evening will start with a presentation regarding the cultural history of the Winter Solstice and how people have celebrated it over the years. Participants will then craft mini yule wreaths, followed by a luminary-lit night hike to practice mindfulness. To end the evening, those who attend will warm up by the fire with hot chocolate to bid the old year goodbye. The event is for ages 12 and older. Preregistration is required, and the program will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $3 per resident or $5 per nonresident.

Ebeling students set aside 100 pounds of Halloween candy for military

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Members of the student council at Ebeling Elementary School came together after Halloween with the idea of collecting 100 pounds of candy to donate to active military members.

The students collected the 100 pounds of candy for the military to honor their physical education teacher, Elijah Fante, who is on active duty in the Air National Guard.

“It’s encouraging to know that we are working towards this goal to give back to our military members,” sixth grade student council member Molly Cipa said in a press release.

Student council members partnered with Soldiers’ Angels and American House in Rochester on the project. American House handled boxing up the candy.

“I think it’s super important that the students are giving to our community so that they can see the impact they have when we help others,” co-student council adviser and second grade teacher Kaley Hobbs said in a press release.

The candy collected was gathered from students after Halloween and was donated from the students individually, not purchased.

“Some kids don’t like certain candy and will just throw it out, so we thought it would be a great idea to donate unwanted candy to give the military members an opportunity to try it,” Cipa said in an email.

For more information, visit uticak12.org.

Compost, yard waste delays in Shelby Township

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Due to the large amount of compost this time of year, Shelby Township officials said some areas may experience delays in compost/yard waste pickup. Residents are asked to leave their containers and paper bags at the curb until they are serviced. Township officials said they are aware of the specific areas experiencing delays.

Rape Aggression Defense class returns

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Police Department’s R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Women’s Self-Defense class is a 12-hour course broken into three hours of instruction over four days. Instruction consists of classroom literature, physical demonstrations and repetitive practice. The class is free for women only, ages 12 and up, who live in Shelby Township. The class runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9, 11, 15 and 17, and attendance all four days is mandatory. For more information, contact police officer Lauren Weiss at lweiss@shelbytwp.org or (586) 522-3680.

Shelby Township Library collects letters to Santa

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Visit the children’s area at the Shelby Township Library to write a letter to Santa. Place it in the special mailbox by 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and receive a reply from Santa. The program is a cooperative effort between the Kiwanis Club of Utica-Shelby Township and the Shelby Township Library.

Friends of the Shelby Township Library book bundle sale

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Friends of the Shelby Township Library is offering its annual Books by the Bundle Sale Dec. 1-23, or while supplies last. Themed book bundles are wrapped in ribbon and bows, ready for affordable gift-giving at $9 each. New bundles are added daily. All proceeds from the sale of book bundles directly support the Shelby Township Library.

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A HOME INSPECTION

MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A home inspection — which can bring attention to major issues in a house that the buyer can request that the seller repair before closing — is an essential part of the buying and selling process that ensures buyer satisfaction and safety.

As a seller, the idea of one’s home being inspected might be daunting — especially knowing that the report directly impacts the sale. Cleaning and fixing simple repairs are some of the ways that sellers can prepare for their inspection to help minimize the issues.

A local real estate agent and a local inspector shared insights on how sellers can best prepare for an inspection to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Ensuring access and decluttering

A seller can try to eliminate surprises during the inspection by evaluating all areas of the house — even the ones that are hard to reach.

For example, attics are a place that many sellers might not regularly go to, which can result in an unpleasant surprise if an issue is found during an inspection.

“My No. 1 tip is for the seller to go up into their attic and make sure there isn’t any moisture up there, because that can be an expensive thing on a home inspection if the buyer wants it all remediated,” said Michelle Carey, a Clinton Township real

LEFT: A home inspection can uncover major and minor issues in a house, such as water damage, mold, termites and more.

BOTTOM LEFT: Make sure the home is clean so the inspector can access all the necessary areas for the home inspection.

BOTTOM RIGHT: It is important to declutter a home so inspectors can access the attic, furnace, electrical panel and other key areas of the home.

Property owner reports renter put holes in wall

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer responded to the 48000 block of Leafdale Court in Dequindre Estates, near Dequindre and Hamlin roads, for a malicious destruction of property report at 8:29 a.m. Nov. 11. Upon arrival, the officer met with the owner of the property who said he rents out a room in his manufactured home. After the renter moved out, the owner said he noticed several holes in the wall that he believed were caused by the renter. The officer documented the damage. The officer planned to make contact with the renter, according to the report.

Girlfriend arrested for allegedly assaulting boyfriend with knife

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers were dispatched to the 14000 block of Lakeside Boulevard, near Schoenherr and Hall roads, for a fight between a boyfriend and a girlfriend at 9:12 a.m. Nov. 10. Upon arrival, the boyfriend reportedly told police that he and his girlfriend got into an argument about their relationship, and the girlfriend threw a bottle of A.1. sauce at him. The officer observed A.1. sauce on the boyfriend’s clothing during the interview. The boyfriend said the girlfriend then picked up a knife that was near the dishwasher and pointed it in his direction. He showed the officer a cut in his jacket that was caused by the knife, ac-

cording to the police report. Based on observations and interviews, the officers arrested the girlfriend for felonious assault with a knife. She was lodged, and the case was sent for review by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

Police investigate domestic assault

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers investigated a reported domestic dispute that occurred in the 50000 block of Mound Road at 4:03 p.m. Nov. 17. A woman came to the Police Department to report that her boyfriend had made comments to assault her and then picked her up and slammed her to the ground, causing an injury to her head. The boyfriend then allegedly threatened to kill her, according to the police report. The officers went to the address and made contact with the boyfriend. The officers spoke with the boyfriend and later arrested him for domestic assault and interfering with electronic communications, police said. The case was turned over to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Identity theft reported

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A man came to the Police Department to report that his identity had been stolen at 1:26 p.m. Nov. 17. The man said he had received a voicemail confirming the purchase of a new Apple iPhone for more than $1,000. When the man called the number back, he thought he was talking to a representative from Amazon. The man finally realized that he did not have an account with Amazon and felt that it was a scam, according to police. The man never gave any other information and ended the

call. The man called Amazon, and they confirmed it was a scam.

Man arrested for drunken driving

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — An officer was dispatched to the area of 22 Mile Road near M-53 for a vehicle in a ditch at 3:37 a.m. Nov. 16. Upon arrival, the officer met with the sole occupant of the vehicle, who reportedly admitted to having a few drinks before driving. The officer put the driver through a series of roadside sobriety tests, and the driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated. He was transported and lodged until he was sober.

Domestic assault reported

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers were dispatched to McDonald’s, 56915 Van Dyke Ave., for a possible domestic assault at 6:35 p.m. Nov. 10. Upon arrival, a woman told police that she and her husband are going through a divorce and, during a child

exchange, he became upset and grabbed her hand, squeezing it and causing a scratch. The man, who left prior to police showing up, was contacted by police and said he never touched the woman during the child exchange. Police are investigating.

Man admits to stealing from gas station

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers responded to a gas station in the 54000 block of Mound Road for a man inside the store concealing items in his pocket at 12:56 p.m. Nov. 11. The gas station employee believed the man had stolen from the station in the past. Upon arrival, an officer approached the man at the register and asked if he had taken items without paying. The man admitted to taking several items today and in the past, police said. He was arrested and issued a ticket for retail fraud.

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Automotive

since the 1920s, had been supportive of many Plymouth nonprofits during her lifetime, including the Plymouth District Library and the Plymouth Historical Society. She was also a collector of classic cars. She died in 2015 at the age of 104, and her estate provided additional funding for the Margaret Dunning Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests.

“During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful business woman, philanthropist and civic booster,” a press release from Utica Community Schools states.

Students in the automotive program in UCS earn certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, with many already employed in private auto repair businesses. The students work on all aspects of cars, including brakes, suspensions, electronics, fuel injection and diagnostics. They learn how to use technology as part of their diagnostic tests to identify issues.

“Students will be learning using equipment and technology that mirrors what they will encounter in real-world automotive

shops and dealerships,” Henry Ford II career and technical education automotive teacher Brett Orlowski said in a press release. “This alignment gives them a competitive edge both during and after their post-secondary education.”

With the help of the grant, Orlowski said the equipment will be updated to industry standards to keep students on pace with evolving technology and equipment changes.

Andrew Boice, a Henry Ford II senior, is currently enrolled in CTE Advanced Auto and the CTE Automotive Technologies Capstone. He plans to pursue a career on a NASCAR or IndyCar team after completing trade school at the Universal Technical Institute.

“I feel that it is very important that students take this course due to the handson side of it,” Boice said in a press release. “You’re learning something new every time you enter the shop. If there is a student that does not know what they want to do as a career, this class is great to get a feel for what you may want to do later in life.”

Garrett Gurnow, another Henry Ford II senior, takes the auto class, as he is a dyno technician for Stellantis.

“This class is actually where I started my

automotive career, it helped me figure out where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do with my life,” Gurnow said in an email. “I feel like the class would help kids understand the automotive field and get them hands-on in specific chances. This could either help build a later career, or even some general information to keep on saving money.”

Henry Ford II senior Sergey Sas enjoys the automotive program’s hands-on learning experience and real-world skills to use outside of school.

Editor:

David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com

Reporters:

Mary Beth Almond | (586) 498-1060 | malmond@candgnews.com

Sarah Wright| (586) 498-1068 | swright@candgnews.com

Sports:

Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

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“It makes me feel proud and grateful that the program received $40,000 in grant funds,” Sas said in an email. “This shows that the district cares and knows the importance of learning how a car works and how to work on one. Having this money helps us get tools and newer technology to make working on cars easier and more fun.”

For more information, visit margaret dunningfdn.org.

Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.

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The Wujek and Calcaterra families wish you a Thanksgiving flled with blessings and surrounded by the ones you love. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful families in this community who have chosen us to serve them. We are humbled by your trust.

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Charges

from page 1A

Shelby Township police were dispatched to Star Auto Sales, 47092 Ryan Road, north of Auburn Road, for a welfare check at approximately 12:28 p.m. Nov. 7.

“An employee who was out buying parts at the time came back into the office and observed his boss and another male down in the office with gunshot wounds,” Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said during a Nov. 11 press conference.

When officers arrived on the scene at 12:41 p.m., they discovered the two men — the owner of the business, Marvan Batoo, 40, of Shelby Township, and Ghaith Baban, 48, of Clinton Township — dead from gunshot wounds, and five 9 mm shell casings inside the office.

Shelide said Sandles was captured on surveillance video entering the business and shooting Batoo and Baban at “point-blank range.”

“The video shows the suspect was a Black male wearing black clothing and wearing a mask to hide his identity,” he said. “The video also showed the suspect exiting the store and leaving the business on foot. He walked away very coolly.”

Three weeks earlier, Sandles was allegedly caught on camera in a dispute with Star Auto Sales over a $3,000 Hummer he had purchased from the location.

Shelide said that Sandles acted intentionally.

“He didn’t go in to rob, and this was no hit. He went in to kill that man, kill the owner,” Shelide said. “Mr. Baban just happened to be there at the time.”

Through surveillance footage and the use of Flock cameras positioned throughout the township, police identified Sandles’ alleged getaway vehicle, a Turo rental. Flock cameras are designed to read license plates.

The next morning, at around 5:45 a.m., police arrested Sandles during a raid of his room at a hotel near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus. The Prosecutor’s Office said authorities found evidence linking Sandles to the crime, including two guns and cash. A large amount of cocaine was also found at the scene, according to authorities.

Police believe Sandles, who has an open arrest warrant from the Houston area, was in Michigan staying at the Romulus hotel after fleeing Texas.

The Prosecutor’s Office said Sandles is a fourth-offense habitual offender.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said the police departments in Romulus, Utica and Sterling Heights, along with the Michigan State Police and the FBI, assisted in the case.

“It takes an army to bring someone to justice,” he said.

Sandles is being held without bond in the Macomb County Jail, where he will remain until his next court hearing Nov. 24, after press time. His attorney, Gary Francis Kennedy II, could not be reached for comment at press time.

together for a

with

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The holiday season is upon us, and families all over are preparing for the next few months of fun, food and gifts. But some families are wondering how they are going to pull it off for their children.

To help, local charities and nonprofit organizations come together each year to supply families in need with gifts and food for the holiday season.

For the 31st year, the Troy Police Department is hosting “Operation Blue Sleigh,” a program aimed at helping families in need

in the Troy area have the best holiday ever.

Officer Greg Pokley, with the Troy Police Department, said that the team is helping 41 families this year.

Pokley said that 95% of the families selected are identified through the school system and can include kids who are on the free lunch program, or those that teachers know need help the most. The other 15% are chosen by road patrol officers who notice families in need.

“Operation Blue Sleigh encompasses our gift card drive, Shop with a Cop, and then adopt a family,” Pokley said. “This year I have 41 families and that number keeps go-

Arrest

“This was a sophisticated, multi-state trafficking network with bulk quantities being sold, sometimes between 6 and 150 pounds at a time, almost exclusively to outof-state buyers,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a prepared statement.

Each suspect was charged with one count of delivery and manufacture of 45 kilograms of marijuana, one count of conspiracy to deliver/manufacture 45 kilograms of marijuana and one count of maintaining a drug house. They all received a $100,000 cash or surety bond at their arraignments Nov. 7 in 41A District Court.

Wickersham said illegal drug activity threatens and endangers public safety, fre-

quently leading to violent crimes such as armed robberies and home invasions.

“We will continue to work to eliminate these large-scale drug trafficking operations from our communities,” he said.

Gojcaj’s attorney, Avis Hany Choulagh, declined to comment. Asmar’s attorney, Michael J. Kemnitz, and Abed’s attorney, Peter A. Torrice, could not be reached for comment at press time. A probable cause conference was scheduled for Jan. 20 for each of the men.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

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from page 16A

ing up every year.”

During the Shop with a Cop portion of the program, officers take the kids through Walmart and buy the kids a gift with a $100 gift card provided by Walmart.

“We have 41 families and 41 sponsors, generous, generous sponsors, throughout the city of Troy,” he said. “That can include businesses or just residents in Troy that want to donate to families in need.”

Sponsors of the program essentially adopt a family in need. The families send Pokley a wish list which he then sends over to the sponsors.

“I recommend (to the sponsors) sending roughly $100 per person that is in the family. I divide the families into small, medium, and large so that way the sponsors can pick what size they want, because it will give them an idea of what their budget will be,” he said.

Once all of the gifts are collected from the sponsors, the Troy Police Department hand delivers the gifts to the families at home on Dec. 22.

“We get a bunch of police cars, and we have some large vehicles that are blue, and we load up the vehicles and deliver them to each house that morning,” he said. “The officers

Sign

and great local businesses,” Marvin Kiezi, owner of Bowdega+Burn1, said in a press release. “But if you’re just passing through, you might blink and miss it. With this sign, we wanted to help change that narrative. Utica deserves to be seen and celebrated. By leveraging our location along one of the region’s most visible thoroughfares, we hope to bring more recognition to the city and its people. Investing in the community that we work in and live in is something I truly believe in.”

Each letter of the Utica sign stands approximately 6 feet tall and is painted orange. The sign also lights up at night.

The sign was constructed by WerkzDirect, with the landscaping designed and donated by DiMartino Landscaping LLC. The installation of the sign began on Sept. 2 and was completed by Sept. 18.

“The construction and installation of the sign took about 90 days from start to finish, including production of the letters themselves and landscaping surrounding the

get a kick out of that. They love doing that.”

During this time the Troy Police Department is also accepting donations, including money and gift cards. He said they recommend grocery store gift cards.

“We know that the kids, sometimes their best meal is when they are at school, and over the holidays, when they are on break, they don’t get that same food,” he said. “So we ask for grocery store gift cards, and we provide those families with gift cards as well as the sponsors providing the gifts.”

‘No Child Without a Christmas’

In St. Clair Shores, the Goodfellows have been providing holiday help for 99 long years, according to president of the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows organization, Mike Cook. The Goodfellows motto is “No Child Without a Christmas.”

Each year, the Goodfellows gather volunteers to sell newspapers on city street corners and collect food donations from the surrounding schools.

The newspaper sale is always on the first Saturday in December, which this year is Dec. 6. Volunteers fill the streets from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. selling newspapers for donations.

With the money collected from the newspaper sale, Goodfellows volunteers purchase food and gift cards.

Schools around St. Clair Shores also

letters,” said Jennifer L. Foster, a representative with Catalyst Media Factory.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said that he and the Utica City Council are always pursuing ways to attract new businesses and visitors to the city.

“The new UTICA sign off of M-53 is a great beacon to the very audience we are trying to reach,” Calandrino said in an email.

“Mr. Kiezi has been a great corporate partner since opening his businesses in Utica. He has supported many projects in the City including the basketball courts at Grant Park and our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. This newest contribution, the UTICA sign, will become a landmark, helping to distinguish Utica from our neighbors and celebrating Utica’s uniqueness.

“The sign is beautiful. It makes me proud to see our City’s name, larger than life, every time I drive by it!”

Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068. 13650

collect nonperishable items to donate, according to Cook. That food is then put into food baskets that are delivered by volunteers to needy families in the St. Clair Shores area.

“We collect nonperishable food through the holidays and then we have a help line that needy families can call and request help, and we interview those families and for every child under the age of 16 we give out a gift card so that parents can go buy Christmas presents for the kids,” he said. “Along with that on Christmas Eve morning, we take the food that was collected by all of the schools and deliver that to the needy families on Christmas Eve morning.”

Cook said that the food baskets even include turkeys to ensure the families have a full Christmas meal.

“We want them to have everything they need for a Christmas dinner so we go out and purchase turkeys so they have turkeys and stuffing and cranberries and all of the good stuff to go along with it, so they can have a nice Christmas dinner,” he said.

Cook said that prospective families that need Christmas help can call the Goodfellows hotline at (586) 980-0400. They start taking calls the day after Thanksgiving.

Being such a big part of these families’ lives is a heartwarming experience according

to Cook, who has been with the Goodfellows for around 38 years now.

“Everybody deserves to have a nice Christmas. All children deserve to have a nice Christmas. It’s heartwarming when we can show up at someone’s house on Christmas Eve morning and bring them food and bring them the things they need, you know, maybe for some reason, they are less fortunate that year,” Cook said. “It doesn’t mean they are bad people, or they have had issues. Something has happened in their life that they need help. They may have lost their job, had an injury, they may have been hospitalized for something. So they have had an event in their life that they need assistance. And if we can help them just to brighten their day a little bit, it makes it all worthwhile.”

For more information about the Troy Police Department, go to troymi.gov. For more information about Goodfellows organizations in metro Detroit, go to detroit goodfellows.org.

For Christmas help from the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows, call (586) 980-0400. Donations can be made at any time at the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows, located at 26700 Harper in St. Clair Shores.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

Inspection

from page 7A

estate agent from Century 21.

President and CEO of Home Inspection Professionals Kevin Stripling said it is also important that the attic is accessible. For homes where the attic access is in the garage, it is ideal for cars to be parked elsewhere.

“Keep in mind that we have to go into the attic. So attic access-wise, we like it when the closets are cleared out so we can set the ladder up and we can go up inside the attic areas,” Stripling said.

In addition to attics, Stripling said it is important to make sure that clutter is cleared from all important areas such as furnaces, hot water heaters and crawl spaces. Before an inspection, a seller can ensure convenient entry into all parts of the house by tidying up clutter.

Though the seller is not usually present for a home inspection, the buyer usually is

present. Even though the buyer has already put in an offer, it is important to keep up the positive image of the home for the buyer. A seller should make sure the house is as clean as it was when it made its first impression on the buyer.

“Just as you would for a showing of your home, have it looking really good and clean, because the buyers come for the home inspection. … It is important for the house to be looking its best, because you don’t want the buyer to come and all of a sudden, it doesn’t look as good as it did when they wrote the offer,” Carey said.

Another important tip from Stripling is to make sure pets are caged or kenneled. Even though he said they try to be cautious and keep the doors closed, it is possible for pets to accidentally get out during an inspection.

It can be exciting when a house goes under contract; however, the inspection is an important step in securing the sale. Before packing boxes, a seller should think about how to prepare ahead of a home inspection.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

22A/ SHELBY-UTICA NEWS • NOVEMBER 24, 2025

NOV. 29

Model train show: Geared toward hobbyists but public welcome, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, contact Mike at (248) 509-5540 or mikelj318@gmail.com, packardprovinggrounds.org/trainshow

DEC. 5

Christmas Aglow: Includes tree lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides, reindeer, holiday music, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more, 6-9 p.m., Shelby Township Civic Center Campus, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., shelbytwp. org/our-township/christmas

DEC. 6

Breakfast with Santa: Also receive small gift and work on holiday craft, 10 a.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, register at (586) 731-0300 or register.shelbytwp.org, shelbytwp.org/ our-township/christmas

Christmas on the Frontier: Participate in historically accurate games and activities and learn how early European settlers celebrated holiday, 1-5 p.m., also photos with Santa, 2-4 p.m., plus live music, traditional dances and carols with Too Happy Voyageurs, Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, (586) 323-2478, shelbytwp. org/our-township/christmas

DEC. 7

Holiday concert: Performance by Symphonia Chorale, 3 p.m., Romeo United Methodist Church, 280 N. Main St., rehearsals held 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church, 246 Benjamin St. in Romeo, concerts continue May 1 and 3, mcintyrejkm@yahoo. com, symphoniachorale.weebly.com

DEC. 10

Dinner & Dancing with Santa: Also gift for each child, 6-8:30 p.m., Cherry Creek Golf Club and Banquet Center, 52000 Cherry Creek Drive in Shelby Township, RSVP by Nov. 24, (586) 731-0300, shelbytwp.org/ our-township/christmas

DEC. 13

Tree lighting: Also performances by singer Vanessa Carr, Utica High School Marching Band and Dance Class Youth Troupe, photos with Santa, fireworks, appearances by Jack Skellington and Sally from “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” and Toys For Tots collecting donations, 7 p.m., Memorial Park in downtown Utica, cityofutica.org

Cookie walk: Fundraiser for Gang Quilting Group, $10 per pound, also quilt raffle, 9:30-10:30 a.m., King of kings Lutheran Church, 47500 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, (586) 566-8660

DEC. 14

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

Christmas Big Give: Free gifts for Macomb County families in need, noon, Lakeside Assembly of God, 46155 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, register or volunter at lakesideag.org/biggive, (586) 7261120

ONGOING

Self defense for females: For Shelby Township residents ages 12 and older, free 12-hour R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) course consists of classroom literature, physical demonstrations and repetitive practice, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9, 11, 15 and 17 (must attend all classes), presented by Shelby Township Police Department but held at Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, register by contacting officer Lauren Weiss at lweiss@shelbytwp.org or (586) 522-3680

Shelby Township Fine Art Society meetings: 6:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month through June, Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, (586) 243-2056

Feeding Time: Learn about and see what animals eat, 1-2 p.m. Saturdays, Nature Center at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Township, metroparks.com/events

Tour Packard Proving Grounds: Free for individuals (45-minute sessions) and small or large groups (60 minutes), 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, sign up for time slot at packardprovinggrounds.org/ visit/#tour

Shelby Writers’ Group meetings: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 739-7414

Monthly book clubs: Evening Book Club meets 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday, Mystery Book Club meets 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday and Afternoon Book Club meets 1 p.m. every third Thursday, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., also Not Your Parents’ Book Club meets 7 p.m. every last Tuesday, 22nd Street Steakhouse, 48900 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, www.shelbytwp.org/government/ departments/library

• 11 a.m.-noon every first Friday, Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, uticalibrary.com

Open mic nights: Hosted by Shelby Music Society, 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) every second Saturday of month, Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, shelbymusic society@yahoo.com

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS

Celebrating a centenarian

WARREN/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Thanksgiving won’t be the only celebration this week.

Jean Moeller, who was born on the holiday in 1925, will turn 100 years old Nov. 26. A party is being planned in Shelby Township, the same city where she and late husband Herbert raised their eight children. Originally from Pasadena, California, Jean later moved to Warren, where she was named valedictorian of the Warren High School Class of 1943. She and Herbert met as neighbors and were married for 63 years.

Jean now resides in Lewiston during the summer and Auburn Hills in the winter. She has 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Garre Rae Croswell, her second-oldest daughter, said her mom is a great cook and baker, an accomplished piano player, and an avid reader. She has a passion for gardening and is a longtime member of the Michigan Nature Association. She enjoys word

Jean Moeller

puzzles and has a good sense of humor. And “if you play cards with her, she wants to win,” she said.

“She says she is really 18 with 82 years of experience,” Garre Rae said. “(She) says age does not matter unless you are cheese or wine.”

— JASON CLANCY

SYNOPSIS OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025, IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 52700 VAN DYKE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Richard Stathakis.

The Invocation was led by Fr. Roman Pasieczny from St. Lawrence Catholic Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AWARDS & PRESENTATIONS

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Richard Stathakis, Stanley Grot, James Carabelli, Lucia Di Cicco, Lisa Casali, John Vermeulen Member Absent/Excused: Vince Viviano

Also Present: Rob Huth, Township Attorney APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes: Board Meeting -- October 07, 2025 (Requested by Board of Trustees)

To approve the minutes, as presented.

B. Granting Easements to GLWA - 96” Watermain Relocation (Requested by DPW)

To concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and grant a permanent water main easement and a temporary construction easement to GLWA for Township owned property 07-18-127-010, located on the south side of 24 Mile near the Macomb Orchard Trail, for the relocation of the GLWA 96” water main.

C. DPW Reservoir - Power Washing Contract (Requested by DPW)

To concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and enter into a contract with Spraying Mantis Power Washing, a subsidiary of The Exterior Painters, for the exterior power washing of the Shelby Township Water Reservoir at an amount not to exceed $4,100.00.  Funds are to be taken from Water and Sewer Fund line item 592-441-930-100.

D. Termination of Utility Easement - Cadillac Asphalt - Water Main (Requested by DPW)

To concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and vacate the existing water main easement recorded at Liber 29419, Page 103, for the property located at 51800 Napi Drive, as indicated on the attached Termination of Utility Easement document.

E. Delinquent Special Assessments (Requested by Treasurer’s Offce)

To authorize Shelby Township Treasurer James Carabelli to spread the delinquent special assessments, as presented, on the tax roll for proper collection.

F. Deputy Assessor Job Description (Requested by Human Resources)

To concur with the recommendation of Human Resources Director Lisa Suida and approve the modifed job description for the position of Deputy Assessor, as presented.

G. Township Policy for Acceptable Use of Generative AI Tools (Requested by Human Resources)

To grant the request of the Human Resources Director Lisa Suida and adopt the Policy for Acceptable Use of Generative AI Tools, as presented.

H. Reappointment & Appointment Beautifcation Committee (Requested by Supervisor’s Offce)

To concur with the recommendation of the Beautifcation Committee to appoint Erika Zoller as an Honorary Beautifcation Committee Member for a three-year term expiring April 1, 2028, and to reappoint Charlene DeClark to the Beautifcation Committee for a three-year term expiring April 21, 2028.

I. Credit Card Purchases in the Amount of $33,105.52 (Requested by Treasurer’s Offce)

To approve the Credit Card Purchases in the amount of $33,105.52, as presented.

J. Bill Run in the Amount of $2,450,321.97. (Requested by Financial Management)

To approve the Bill Run in the amount of $2,450,321.97, as presented.

MOTION carried to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes – Grot, Vermeulen, Carabelli, Casali, Di Cicco, Stathakis

Nays – none Absent/Excused – Vince Viviano

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION carried to approve the agenda, as presented.

DEPARTMENTAL & COMMITTEE

1. Clinton River Water Main Crossing Contract Award (Requested by DPW)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and Township Engineers, Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc., and award the construction contract for the Clinton River Water Main Crossing to Superior Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $449,970.00 with an additional 10% construction contingency of $44,997.00, and related costs of $145,053.00 for a total project cost of $640,020.00. Funds for this contract are accounted for under Water and Sewer Fund line item 592-152-000. as presented.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION AND FIRST PUBLICATION OF MAP AMENDMENT

TO THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ZONING ORDINANCE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby has introduced the following map amendment to its Zoning Ordinance at its meeting on November 18, 2025:

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY COUNTY OF MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 212.140

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ORDAINS:

Section 1. That the following properties located in the Charter Township of Shelby, Macomb County, Michigan and described as follows: LEGAL DESCRIPTION

LEGAL DESCRIPTION (23-07-24-400-031:

49421 Hayes Road & Vacant Parcel No. 23-07-24-400-035

(Located north of 22 Mile Road, on the west side of Hayes Road)

To be rezoned from O-1 (Offce Professional) to C-2 (Linear Retail Business) with conditions in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the Charter Township of Shelby and that the Zoning Ordinance be amended in accordance herewith.

Section 2. That all other provisions of the Charter Township of Shelby Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map, except as amended by this ordinance, shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 3. This amendment shall become effective, and the above-described property shall be rezoned as provided in Section 1 upon the expiration of seven (7) days after publication of a notice of adoption.

Stanley T. Grot, Township Clerk

Published: Shelby-Utica News 11/24/2025

2. Award Contract - Gene Shepherd Park Roof Replacement (Requested by Parks, Recreation & Maintenance)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of PRM Director Joe Youngblood and Anderson, Eckstein, & Westrick (AEW) and award the contract for the replacement of the Gene Shepherd Park Roof project to Sterling Construction and Roofng at the base bid price of $25,169.00, construction administration by AEW at a cost of $7,500.00, and contingency funds of $5,000.00, for a total project cost not to exceed $37,669.00.  Funds are to be taken from Capital Improvement Fund line item 427-758-985-000.

Roll Call: Ayes – Di Cicco, Vermeulen, Carabelli, Casali, Grot, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused – Vince Viviano

3. Request to Approve Engineering Services for Activity Center Gymnasium Expansion Project (Requested by Parks, Recreation & Maintenance)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Parks, Recreation & Maintenance Director Joe Youngblood, to authorize $120,000.00 to Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick Inc. and $42,300.00 to Nowak & Fraus Engineers for the preparation of construction plans and contract documents for the proposed Shelby Township Activities Center Gymnasium Expansion and Site Improvements. This project is partially funded through a $1.5 million Community Project Funding Grant (B24-CP-MI-1136). Funds are to be taken from PD, DC, and Campus Infrastructure line item 436-265-985-000.

4. Award Contract - Township Campus Generator Projects (Requested by Parks, Recreation & Maintenance)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Director Joe Youngblood and award the Library and 41A District Court Generator upgrades to Electrex Industrial at the base bid price of $113,220.00, construction administration by AEW at a cost of $9,000.00, and contingency funds of $17,000.00 for a total project cost not to exceed $139,220.00. Funds are to be allocated as follows - $75,280.00 to Capital Improvement Fund line item 427-286-985-000 and $63,940.00 to Capital Improvement Fund line item 427-790-985-000 and amend the budget accordingly.

Roll Call: Ayes – Di Cicco, Vermeulen, Carabelli, Casali, Grot, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused – Vince Viviano

5. 24 Mile Pedestrian Bridge Repairs Over the Newland Drain (Requested by Building Department)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Township Engineer, AEW, and award a contract for repairs to the Newland Drain Pedestrian Bridge to Pullman SST, Inc. in the amount of $13,850.00, including 10% contingency with engineering costs of $500.00 to AEW for a total project cost of $14,350.00. Funds are to be taken from General Fund line item 101-446-967-300 and amend the budget accordingly.

6. Fire Engine Repair (Vehicle #43) (Requested by Fire Department)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Fire Chief Frank Pierce and approve the repair cost for Shelby Fire Engine 3 on invoice #70739 from Apollo Fire Apparatus Sales & Service in Romeo, MI for $16,797.33. Funds are to be taken from Fire Fund line item 206-336-931.00.

7. Resolution Adopting DNR Rule 50-25-001 (Requested by Board of Trustees)

MOTION carried to approve the Resolution advising the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that the Charter Township of Shelby approves the recently enacted Hunting Control Rule 50-25-001, issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources DNR.

Roll Call: Ayes – Casali, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis, Vermeulen, Carabelli Nays – none Absent/Excused – Vince Viviano

8. Amendment to Fire Chief Employment Contract (Requested by Human Resources)

MOTION carried to concur with Human Resources Director Lisa Suida and adopt amendments to the Non-Union Management Employee Contract for Fire

Chief Franklyn W. Pierce IV as proposed and pursuant to the terms and conditions presented in the proposed contract that expires on December 31, 2025.

Roll Call: Ayes – Vermeulen, Carabelli, Casali, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis, Nays – none

Absent/Excused – Vince Viviano

9. Introduction of Ordinance 306 - Animal Control Ordinance Amendment (Requested by Clerk’s Offce)

MOTION carried to introduce and publish for the frst time ordinance 306 amending Chapter 6, Articles I, II, and IV of the Shelby Township Code of Ordinances by repealing these Articles in their entirety and incorporating animal control best practices from Macomb County, Michigan, including provisions for repealer, severability, penalties, and effective date.

Roll Call: Ayes – Vermeulen, Carabelli, Casali, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis, Nays – none Absent/Excused – Vince Viviano

MOTION TO ADJOURN

MOTION carried to adjourn at 7:43 p.m. A COMPLETE SET OF MINUTES IS AVAILABLE IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE FOR REVIEW OR AT WWW.SHELBYTWP.ORG. Stanley Grot

Director position $91,364$108,266 annually (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Applications will be accepted until there are sufficient applicants to meet the Township’s recruitment needs. As such, interested applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download an employment application, please refer to www.clintontownship.com click on civil service, employment. 0412-2548

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EASTPOINTE — Police officers were dispatched at around 1:40 p.m. Nov. 4 to DeRonne Hardware in the 18000 block of East Nine Mile Road on a report of retail fraud.

Officers were advised that two men had entered the store and helped themselves to more than $5,000 in merchandise before fleeing the scene.

Video of the suspects was provided to police.

Patrol officers, detectives and members of the Eastpointe Special Investigations Unit were able to locate the suspects the next day, Nov. 5. Both were arrested and a search warrant was conducted at their Detroit residence. Most of the stolen merchandise was also recovered, police said.

Charges were pending following a review by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

Larceny from auto

EASTPOINTE — At around 9 a.m. Oct. 31, police officers were dispatched to the 16000 block of Sprenger Avenue to investigate a larceny from auto complaint. Their investigation reportedly revealed that an unknown person had stolen a handgun from the center console of a black Ram truck.

Dumping reported

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:09 p.m. on Nov. 4, a complaint was made about alleged dumping in the 3000 block of Country Club Drive.

The officer spoke to a 78-year-old man who is the president of the neighborhood association. The man stated they’ve had residents on several occasions view a 34-year-old man dumping large amounts of garbage in the building’s dumpsters. The suspect is a former resident.

The man had photos of the suspect and was advised to keep them. The officer also advised the man and any tenants to call the police if they see the suspect continuing the behavior.

Check fraud reported

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 5:43 p.m. on Oct. 24, a report was made about a case of check fraud in the 21000 block of Greater Mack Avenue.

The officer spoke with the victim, a 64-yearold woman, who stated she noticed her checking account was overdrawn. Around $620 was missing. A photocopy of a check showed the same amount was cashed out in a check addressed to an individual she doesn’t know. The signature was reportedly fraudulent, and the check was cashed in July.

The woman needed a police report so the bank could conduct its investigation.

Man caught stealing from store

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer was dispatched to 8200 Van Dyke Ave. for a subject who was caught stealing at 8:51 p.m. Oct. 31. The loss prevention officer said he recognized the subject from a previous theft from a couple of days ago and was now watching him in the store, selecting items and passing all points of sale without offering to pay for the items. Between a couple of days ago and today, police said the man took more than $250 in merchandise and was to be charged with two counts of third-degree retail fraud.

Vehicle strikes home

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers were dispatched to the Shelby West mobile home park, near 22 Mile Road and the Van Dyke Freeway for a vehicle that struck a home on Cranberry Court at 4:38 p.m. Nov. 6. Witnesses said a woman left the area after the crash. The woman was located and admitted to having been drinking alcohol prior to driving, police said. The officers conducted a roadside sobriety test prior to arresting her for operating while intoxicated. The woman had two prior operating while intoxicated arrests, according to police.

Damage to car reported after being egged

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A police officer was dispatched to the area of Ryan and Hamlin roads for a destruction of property report at 9:39 p.m. Nov. 4.

The victim said that while he was driving down the road, he heard a loud bang on his vehicle. When he pulled over, he noticed what appeared to be a raw egg that had been thrown at his vehicle. When the victim washed off the egg, he noticed damage to the left pillar of his vehicle. There were no suspects at the time of the police report.

Stolen car

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 14 at around 5 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 52800 block of Harmony Drive for an auto theft report.

Deputies were told by the caller, a 40-year-old Macomb Township woman, that the car was stolen overnight and last seen parked on the street around 7:30 p.m. the night before. The woman’s 43-year-old husband told deputies he noticed the car was stolen at around 4:30 a.m.

The couple wished to press charges if a suspect was found.

Stolen license plate

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 14 at around

were called to the 17900 block of Red Oaks Drive for a larceny report.

Deputies spoke with a 31-year-old Macomb Township man who worked in Shelby Township. At around 4 p.m. the day before, the man noticed his license plate was stolen from his car. He said the theft most likely occurred in Shelby Township.

Damaged decoration

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 20 at around 6 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 49-year-old Macomb Township woman about damaged garden decorations.

At around 5 a.m., the woman discovered the severed head of her Ms. Frankenstein lawn decoration when she had stepped outside of her home in the 23100 block of Inwood Drive for a cigarette. The woman was unsure about who did the damage.

Suspect makes smooth getaway

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Police were looking for an unknown man who is said to have stolen an estimated 12 bottles of EOS lotion — valued at about $160 — from The Village CVS store at around 9:40 p.m. Oct. 27.

Retail fraud suspect sought

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Around closing time at 11 p.m. Oct. 29, an unknown man between 40 and 50 years old is said by police to have run into The Village CVS store, grabbed an estimated $100 worth of merchandise and fled from the store without paying.

Caregiver suspected of stealing from senior GROSSE POINTE PARK — A person described as a trusted 58-year-old female caregiver was suspected of making an estimated $1,700 worth of withdrawals and unauthorized charges against the accounts of a Grosse Pointe Park senior whom the suspect was working for, according to a police report filed Oct. 30. The suspect was facing possible charges including identity theft and unauthorized use of a financial transaction device.

ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAMMING CONTEST UNDERWAY

METRO DETROIT — Detroit-area Planet Fitness franchisees, EPIC Fitness Group and Impact Fitness Group, and the Detroit Red Wings have again teamed up for its third annual Shut Out Bullying contest, offering one school or youth organization $10,000 in funding for anti-bullying programming.

The contest opened Nov. 2 and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 21. Educational institutions and youth organizations throughout Michigan serving students in grades K-12 are invited to apply by completing a short entry form and answering questions about their current or proposed bullying prevention initiatives. The 2026 winner will be honored during a special on-ice presentation on Jan. 18, 2026, prior to the Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. For full contest details, eligibility requirements, and the application form, visit DetroitRedWings.com under the Fans contest page. A direct link to the contest page can also be found here: DetroitRedWings. com/ShutOutBullyingContest.

Future movie makers sought

METRO DETROIT — Emagine Entertainment and Folktellers Studios have partnered to invite young readers to bring stories to life on the big screen in a storytelling and literacy initiative that blends reading, imagination, and movie magic. The program invites students to dive into Josef Bastian’s award-winning seven-book series, “Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook.” After reading the books, participants will create their own three-minute movie trailers inspired by the series’ characters, worlds, and themes. Folktellers Studios and Emagine will distribute program kits and connect with classrooms and community groups across the region to make the program accessible to as many young storytellers as possible. The program is open to elementary and middle school aged students and to educators, schools, and community organizations in Michigan. Program registration began Nov. 3 at folktellersforliteracy.com.

Vehicle broken into GROSSE POINTE WOODS — In what police believe might have been an attempt to steal the infotainment system — a crime that has happened repeatedly to Ram vehicles in metro Detroit in recent weeks — an unknown suspect smashed the rear driver’s side window on a Ram truck while it was parked on the street in the 1700 block of Bournemouth Road between the night of Oct. 28 and 9:29 a.m. Oct. 29, was missing from the vehicle. Wallet taken GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A wallet was removed from the console of an unlocked vehicle while it was parked in a driveway in the 900 block of North Brys Drive between the night of Oct. 27 and the early evening of Oct. 28. The victim realized his wallet had been stolen when he went to retrieve it and it was missing. His bank also alerted him of possible fraudulent activity on his credit card.

Suspicious circumstances reported MOUNT CLEMENS — On Oct. 16 at around 8:40 p.m.,

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