11/24/25 Sterling Heights Sentry

JOIN THE CLUB

KIWANIS CLUB OF STERLING HEIGHTS COMMUNITY IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — There is a new service organization in town, and others are invited to join in the cause.

Last summer, a group of residents with the desire to help families in need became the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community, which was formally chartered on Sept. 23 in Dodge Park.

The Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community’s elected officers are President Michelle Wood, Vice President Kara Black, Treasurer Connie Delling, and Secretary Linda-Ann Heldt. Helping to get the group off the ground is Cindy Greening, governor, Kiwanis Michigan District.

See KIWANIS on page 18A

Suspect in custody after suspected road rage, shooting incident

STERLING HEIGHTS — One suspect is in custody following a suspected road rage and shooting incident.

At approximately 8 p.m. Nov. 16, Sterling Heights Police responded to a road rage altercation between two drivers at 15 Mile and Schoenherr roads.

According to a press release from the department, one driver pointed a handgun and security badge at the other before fleeing. Shortly after, officers heard gunshots near 19 Mile and Saal roads.

TOP: The Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community, which was formally chartered on Sept. 23 in Dodge Park. ABOVE: Toward the end of each meeting, members of the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community pass around a bank in the shape of a “K.” Known as the “Happy Dollar” activity, everyone donates $1 each and shares a positive story.

“Upon investigating the incident, and a short time later, officers heard gunshots in the area of 19 Mile Road and Saal,” the press release states.

Officers were able to locate the suspect, a 21-year-old Clinton

See SHOOTING on page 10A

SECOND FRONT PAGE

‘You learn that strength isn’t just physical, it’s moral’ VETERANS DAY EVENT HONORS THOSE WHO SERVED

Veterans Day ceremony honors local military service members

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — Veterans Day “means everything” to David LeDuc. LeDuc was living in a Vietnamese orphanage in the mid-1970s when he was rescued by American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

“I would not be here without the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to rescue as many children as they could from orphanages,” he said. “They

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights Police Sgt. Jassin Hakim was serving in the U.S. Army during one of America’s darkest times: Sept. 11, 2001.

Because of his experience as a military police sergeant, he was chosen for a classified mission at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. As the keynote speaker of this year’s Sterling Heights Veterans Day ceremony, Hakim reflected on his military tenure. The ceremony was held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Sterling Heights Senior Center with veterans, their family members and local dignitaries present.

“My mission was to help guard some of the most high-risk detainees, including ‘Detainee 063.’ He was an individual directly linked to the 9/11 attacks,” said Hakim, who served in the military from 1998 to 2006.

“It was an intense and often challenging assignment and at times forced me to confront the very nature of justice, restraint and discipline.

“Looking back, I can say with pride that I was a part of something larger. A mission that demanded professionalism, composure and integrity under extraordinary circum-

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Dodge Park ice rink will open for the season Dec. 1 with weekly skating, themed nights, family events and “Sensory Friendly Sundays.” Standard hours, holiday hours, and fees are listed on the city’s website at sterlingheights.gov. Just click on the Parks and Recreation icon. For up-to-the-minute closure information, call the ice rink hotline at (586) 446-2711. OUR

Hear a Lion’s roar

IT’S CHRISTMASTIME IN THE CITY

STERLING HEIGHTS — Come join Santa Claus for the city’s annual “A Sterling Christmas” from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road.

The evening will include the city’s tree-lighting ceremony, and attendees will enjoy holiday music with caroling, a petting farm, refreshments, pony rides, train rides, ice skating, warming fires and more. The activities are free for all residents.

During the event, residents can bring donations of nonperishable food items for the Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive to benefit the Community Food Bank of Macomb County. Monetary contributions will also be accepted and appreciated.

GLIDE ON OVER TO THE CITY’S ICE RINK

PAC-MAN IS OUT FOR BLOOD

METRO DETROIT — The video icon PAC-MAN is helping the American Red Cross. The nonprofit organization has teamed up with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., to recruit blood donors. Anyone who donates blood until Dec. 7 will receive a classic pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks and a one-of-a-kind PAC-MAN Gashapan collectible, both while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed. To make a blood donation, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call (800) RED CROSS. See RedCrossBlood.org/PACMAN for additional details.

PAC-MAN is celebrating its 45-year anniversary this year.

Donating blood takes about an hour, including talking to a health official about your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate. Blood transfusions are given to patients in a wide range of circumstances, including serious injuries such as car crashes, surgeries, child birth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments and more.

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Public Library will tackle the story of the Detroit Lions and the early days of the National Football League during a presentation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the library, 40255 Dodge Park Road. The program will cover the story of the Lions catching on in Detroit doubles as the story of professional football finding its place in American popular culture. Admission is free. For more information, call (586) 446-2665.

CITY OFFERING RESIDENTS NEW WAY TO PAY WATER BILLS

STERLING HEIGHTS

— Beginning Dec. 1, all online payments for water bills will be made directly through WaterSmart, a web service provided by the city, according to a press release. In addition to being a portal for bill payments, WaterSmart also allows residents to compare current bills with past usage, track water usage over time, see how it compares to community averages, detect leaks and potential problems early with emergency notifications, sign up for critical water outage and boil water advisories, and access customized water-saving tips.To help with the transition, all residents who are enrolled in auto pay must re-enroll before the upcoming due date of Dec. 22. WaterSmart can be found online at sterlingheightsmi.watersmart. com. For more information, call (586) 446-2320, or email waterbilling@sterlingheights.gov.

Through the end of November, the Red Cross is providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. The test measures an individual’s blood sugar level over the past three months. While no fasting is required for the test, blood donors should eat a nutritious meal ahead of their appointment. To receive A1C results, donors must make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation and have not received an A1C result with their donation in the past 12 months.

MICHIGAN RESIDENTS TRAVEL FOR TURKEY

DEARBORN — According to AAA, more than 2.6 million Michiganders are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. This marks a 1.4% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Great Lakes State.

AAA predicts about 2.3 million Michigan residents will travel by car and 224,600 will travel by airplane. Around 80,000 people will reach their destination by other means, including bus, train or a cruise.

According to INRIX, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested travel times before Thanksgiving. Heavy traffic is expected all day Sunday as travelers return home. AAA recommends leaving early and staying alert for construction, crashes, or weather delays. Remember to slow down and move over for emergency responders and stopped vehicles.

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights.

FORD DONATION BOOSTS CITY’S GREEN GOALS

BY GARY WINKELMAN

STERLING HEIGHTS — A stretch of Sterling Heights roadway is due for an environmental upgrade thanks to a $30,000 gift from the Ford Motor Co.

The donation, made through the automaker’s Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center, will lead to the planting of up to 80 trees along Van Dyke Avenue between 18 Mile and 18 1/2 Mile roads.

The money supports the city’s Inspiring Green program, which aims to lead, educate and encourage the planting and sustaining of the community’s tree canopy. The City Council unanimously accepted the donation at its Nov. 18 meeting.

“As you know, Inspiring Green is the city’s long-term commitment to enhancing and sustaining our tree canopy, improving air quality and strengthening the overall environmental resilience of Sterling Heights,” said Marissa Russo, the city’s marketing and communications manager. “Since launching the program, we have worked closely with residents, businesses and industries to plant trees, restore green spaces and build a healthier future for generations to come.”

Russo said a variety of native trees will be planted along the public right of way, including tulip, Kentucky coffee tree and black gum trees. The city will install signage recognizing Ford’s contribution to enhancing Sterling Heights’ green goals.

A pair of Ford representatives attended the meeting and said the company is proud

to support efforts to “make the city beautiful.”

Council members praised the partnership with Ford and acknowledged the aesthetic and environmental benefits it will have on one of the city’s key industrial corridors.

“Thank you for this generous donation,” said Councilman Michael Radtke.

“It’s inspiring and it’s going to activate that area. You know, we are trying to re-tree our city that was affected by both the emerald ash borer and … some zoning conditions that have been created from prior councils and prior generations that have left certain areas of the city bereft of trees.”

Radtke said the trees funded by Ford’s donation will add to the “curb appeal” of the company’s property and make the area more pleasant for pedestrians.

“I think this is just one more step for improving the Van Dyke-18 1/2 Mile corridor,” he said.

Mayor Michael Taylor also saluted Ford’s efforts to enhance the city.

“That’s a lot of money. I don’t care if you’re Ford Motor Co. or not,” he said. “That’s a lot of money to show that you’re committed to this community, that you want to improve the community and I think you’ll get a lot out of it. I certainly know the residents of Sterling Heights will, so I appreciate that.”

Taylor likewise commended Russo for spearheading the Inspiring Green initiative.

“This has been a great project and I’m excited to see where it goes,” he said.

Honors

are the ones that got me here and allowed me to start living the American dream. Without them, I know my chances of survival in Vietnam were very low.”

LeDuc shared his story during the Veterans Day celebration held Nov. 13 at the Warren Consolidated Schools Career Prep Center. Staff, students and veterans gathered outside the flagpole for a ceremony led by the members of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post No. 169 in Sterling Heights. The event was held two days after Veterans Day, which is observed annually on Nov. 11 as a federal holiday. This year marked the 20th annual Veterans Day celebration at the Career Prep Center.

LeDuc is a computer science teacher at the school. He was born in 1973 with the birth name of Le Dinh Tuan. He was placed in the orphanage when he was an infant and has never known his real birthdate.

“My biological mom was probably a young woman who could not keep me safe during wartime. Most surrounding villages were decimated and destroyed,” he said. “After taking a heredity test, I discovered that

I’m 50% Chinese on my biological dad’s side and 50% Southeast Asian on my biological mom’s side. That probably made my biological dad a Chinese soldier helping North Vietnam.”

LeDuc was among the babies and toddlers brought to the U.S. in 1975 through the rescue mission Operation Babylift. With just a sweater and a diaper, LeDuc arrived in the U.S. on April 28, 1975, two days before South Vietnam fell to communist forces. LeDuc was eventually adopted by his

American mom and his dad, who waited for him at Metro Airport in Romulus. They also have three biological children and adopted a daughter from Guatemala.

LeDuc’s parents were always there for him. He majored in education at Oakland University and earned a master’s degree in instructional technology from Wayne State University. He and his wife have seven children. He didn’t know when he was born, so the date Sept. 15, 1973, was chosen for him. He also became an American citizen.

“To say that I’ve lived the American dream is an understatement. I have my dream job here at CPC. I get to teach students computer programming and help them make plans for further education, training and professions. Again, I’ve lived the American dream several times over,” he said. “Veterans Day is a day to thank the military men and women who served America. Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the many blessings and opportunities that America has See HONORS on page 7A

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.

Honors

from page 6A

afforded us. Students, I ask you never to pass up the chance to say, ‘thank you’ to those who serve.”

During the ceremony, Career Prep Center Principal Carlie McClenathan mentioned that the school’s graphic art students made the luncheon invitations and that the marketing students raised money for Mission 22, a national nonprofit organization that offers no-cost programs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma.

‘We appreciate the people’s respect to the vets.’

After the ceremony, everyone went inside the school, where the culinary art students made a lunch buffet of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches, fried eggs, opened-faced turkey sandwiches with gravy and mashed potatoes, croissants, guacamole, pumpkin bread, and various desserts. The meal was prepared under the direction of instructor Jennifer Dulecki and paraprofessional Samantha Richards.

“They do get excited about it,” Dulecki

said. “I like for them to go out and talk to the vets. It helps their skills. We want them to have eye contact and conversations.”

Cass Miciuda, a member of Post No. 169, attends the brunch every year for the “camaraderie.”

“We appreciate the people’s respect to the vets,” the 84-year-old Sterling Heights resident said. “It makes us feel good when we see young folks supporting us. We want to teach the young people that veterans are important. They wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms they have today.”

Miciuda served in the U.S. Army from 1962-64.

“I went in after the Cuban Missile Crisis,” he said.

The young soldier was stationed in the Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated Nov. 22, 1963.

“I was a duty driver on a 24-hour (shift.) A guy walked into our room and said, ‘Did you hear Kennedy got shot?” said Miciuda, who initially didn’t believe it. “That was a big shocker. The Germans felt so bad they

started closing everything down. They were really upset and appreciated what Kennedy did for them.”

The Career Prep Center offers various courses, including culinary arts, engineering and graphic arts. The classes are in two-hour blocks and students return to their home school for their other classes.

On Nov. 11, students from Grissom Middle School in the Warren Consolidated Schools district showed their appreciation with “A Salute to our Veterans” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Veterans were invited to drive through the schools’ bus lane where students gave them small gifts of gratitude. Students also wore red, white and blue to show their patriotism, and held up signs they made with messages that included, “We appreciate your service,” and, “We salute our heroes.”

According to the school’s Facebook page, the students were encouraged to wear hats on Nov. 13 to honor the military and to wear purple on Nov. 14 for all the Purple Heart veterans. The leadership students also sold beads during the week to raise money for Vets Returning Home, a nonprofit organization in Roseville that assists veterans in crisis.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

Biernat reappointed, reflects on career and talks about future

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — Since taking the bench in 2011, Macomb County Chief Judge James Biernat has been involved in a number of memorable cases.

In 2013, he saw a jury find Daniel Daniels guilty of physically and sexually abusing his two daughters. And in 2023, he saw a jury reach an almost $10 million settlement against Henry Ford Macomb Hospital after a jury found that a 41-year-old woman died after her surgical wound infection wasn’t properly treated by a doctor.

“That stood out because I’ve never had a jury award almost $10 million, and I don’t think there has been a jury verdict in Macomb County over $10 million,” Biernat said.

Biernat also recalls presiding over the case of “The Backpage Murders,” a series of killings committed by James Brown in Macomb County in 2014.

Brown killed four women he met through an adult website, backpage.com, and stuffed their bodies into car trunks. The trial, Biernat said, took over a month. In the end, Brown continually refused to attend the sentencing.

“He was literally afraid of the victim’s family. It was the only time I can think, especially in a capital case, where the defendant refused to show up at sentencing,” he said.

Biernat was elected as a judge in 2012. In 2015, he began serving as chief judge after former Chief Judge John Foster retired. Since 2016, he has been reappointed as chief judge every two years.

Since then, Biernat has overseen massive renovation projects, including moving all of the county’s circuit and probate courts into one downtown location.

“When I first became chief in April of 2015, we were in the process of a massive, multimillion-dollar building project, which I helped usher in,” he said. “And bringing all the probate judges down here into the one building, along with building out all the archaic structures we had here and helping to finish our downtown campus, so to speak.”

He has also seen the addition of other courts, such as the sobriety and mental health courts.

On Nov. 14, Biernat was reappointed as chief judge by the Michigan Supreme Court.

“It is my honor to once again be appointed chief judge of these Macomb County courts,” Biernat said in a statement.

As the chief judge, in addition to maintaining a docket he said is about 90% the size of his fellow judges, he oversees the staff that manages the court system.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t have a docket,” he said. “I still have trials.”

Biernat also serves as the chief judge for the Macomb County Probate Court and the 42nd District Court in New Baltimore and Romeo. With his reappointment, he will also begin serving as chief judge in the 38th District Court in Eastpointe, though he won’t be added as a judge until it gets approved by the state’s House, Senate, and governor, and the Eastpointe City Council.

Looking ahead, in addition to finding room to add another judge in Eastpointe, Biernat is also looking to also find more space to expand the probate court.

“If that new space is in the bill, that could be in the building we’re in, or a new building, so that would be the new project in the future. Where is probate going to go, what space does probate need right now, how can we accomplish it, because of course, Macomb County is growing,” he said.

CONGRATULATIONS!

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Through hardship and long distance, this couple has stayed together. The icing on the cake? They won a free wedding at MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township.

Haley Grooms and James Pratt, who goes by Riley, were informed they won the wedding around six months ago and have been planning for their Nov. 21 wedding date ever since.

A press release tells their story.

Grooms worked three jobs while completing a degree at the University of Michigan. The release stated she faced extreme financial and personal hardship when she met Pratt.

“After losing her late partner in a tragic accident, Haley never imagined she would love again — until a chance encounter with James rekindled her hope,” the release stated.

See WEDDING on page 20A

Veterans

from page 3A

stances,” Hakim said. “We stood watch, not out of hatred, but for the duty and distinction that has stayed with me every single day of my life. That experience of brotherhood fundamentally shaped me to who I am today. It taught me the value of being calm under pressure, leadership through example and courage through compassion.

“It’s those same lessons that I carry today as a sergeant with the Sterling Heights Police Department,” he said. “Because whether you’re in a war zone or a city street, the heart of service is still the same. You’re called to make decisions at a moment’s hesitation. You learn that strength isn’t just physical, it’s moral. It’s about doing what’s right even when no one else is watching. The same purpose that drove me overseas now drives me here at home — to serve, to protect and to make sure sacrifice means something.”

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist also addressed the crowd.

“On behalf of the 10 million people who call Michigan home, on behalf of my partner in public service Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, it is such an honor and a privilege to be able to personally deliver a message of gratitude and of support to every veteran and every Michigander who is connected to a veteran,” he said. “Happy Veterans Day from all of us to all of you. Thank you for your service and representing the best of what it means to be an American and to be a Michigander.

“The veterans I know, the ones in my family, the ones I have met and I have learned from, they didn’t do it for themselves, but they did it for others,” Gilchrist. “They did it for the ideals of this country. They did it to protect the best of our communities. They

Shooting from page 1A

Township man, and the suspect vehicle at the Lakeside Village Apartments in Clinton Township.

“Upon doing so two firearms and a security badge were recovered, and the suspect was arrested without incident,” the press

did it to be there for your sisters and brothers who served with you on the line, who you took care of when you were in battle or when you were on duty.”

At the podium, Mike Kosmalski, of Koz Heating & Cooling, shared information about Heat 4 Heroes, a nonprofit organization that provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning services to veterans, firefighters and police officers unable to afford it.

“Our mission is simple: to ensure that those who once protected us, we are protecting them with warmth, comfort and care,” Kosmalski said. “Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to those who stood and defended us. For every veteran here today, we want to thank you. Your strength inspires us, and your stories humble us. Your service reminds us what true dedication looks like.”

Koz Heating & Cooling is located at 7501 Triangle Drive in Sterling Heights. For more information on Heat 4 Heroes or to make a donation, call (586) 917-0032 or visit heatforheroes.info.

Other guest speakers included Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 6250 Commander William DeMaire, of Sterling Heights; Fire Chaplain Ray Ahonen; and Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski. Deanna Love sang “The StarSpangled Banner.” Sierawski’s husband — 41A District Court Chief Judge Stephen Sierawski, also an Air Force veteran — was the emcee.

The event ended when members of the VFW Post No. 6250 Honor Guard headed outside for a 21-gun salute and taps. Everyone was invited to stay afterward for a pizza lunch.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

release states. “Through our investigation it was found that the suspect was just randomly firing his firearm in the air while driving around.”

The press release states that Sterling Heights officers “did an outstanding job” locating the suspect and the weapon. The department also thanked the Clinton Township Police Department for its assistance.

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

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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 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

See INSPECTION on page 13A

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.

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.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Groups work to ensure there is ‘No Child Without a Christmas’

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 going 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

See GROUPS on page 17A

Groups

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

During this time the Troy Police Department is also accepting donations, in-

cluding 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

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.

Kiwanis

The club’s goal is to unite caring people to serve children in the Sterling Heights community. Volunteers partner with schools, youth organizations and local nonprofit groups to provide essential needs, support education and offer compassion.

To join, members pay dues. At their last meeting Nov. 11, the Kiwanians discussed several ways they can help the community. Ideas included adopting a family at Christmastime, helping local food pantries, organizing book drives, and supporting foster children. One recent project was volunteering for the Kids Coalition Against Hunger Nov. 8 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Macomb Township. All money raised through the group goes right into the charities they are helping.

“Let’s just keep doing good work,” Wood said. “There is a lot of need out there.”

During the meeting, Wood encouraged the members to help spread word about the club via social media, business associates, restaurant bulletin boards, churches, personal connections, and attending city meetings.

Wood has always volunteered her time. A big part of that was helping out at her son’s school even after he graduated.

“It’s to give back to the community,” she said. “I cannot believe the amount of nonprofits there are, which is great.”

“It’s where her heart is,” her husband Cody Wood said. “We jumped in to do this.”

Heldt is also a Key Club advisor. Key Club is the student-led, high school organization that performs service. One mission is to collect new and gently used shoes. Once collected, the shoes are sent to various countries, including Haiti and Guatemala, where they are refurbished and made available to residents. For more information or to get involved, go to Collecting Shoes for Charity on Facebook or call Heldt at (586) 491-0720.

Maria Momeyer and Saima Khalil are the two newest members who joined the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community during the Nov. 11 meeting.

“I just love what they’re doing, volunteering and helping everyone in the city,” said Momeyer, of Sterling Heights. “It’s very active. I didn’t realize they help so many groups. I just like to help anybody anywhere.”

Khalil, also of Sterling Heights, is an attorney who sometimes works with families experiencing economic challenges.

“When you’re OK, I think you should give back to people in the community,” she said. “I think right now more than ever we need to support families.”

The Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Ike’s Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke Ave. The next two meetings are scheduled for Nov. 25 and Dec. 9. Potential members are encouraged to confirm the location via the Facebook page.

Toward the end of the meeting, the group passed around a bank in the shape of a “K.” Known as the “Happy Dollar” activity, everyone put in $1 each and shared a positive story. The money goes into the administration fund.

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community, contact Wood at (586) 676-8240 or Delling at (586) 713-3978. Also, check out the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community Facebook page.

The Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights Community is part of Kiwanis International. Kiwanis was established in 1915 and is in 85 countries. According to the Kiwanis fact sheet, each year, members devote more than 7.7 million hours to service and conduct more than 1.3 million projects. The average Kiwanian impacts the lives of 106 children. For more information, go to kiwanis.org.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

“Their relationship has since endured long deployments, time apart, and countless sacrifices, yet their devotion never wavered. When James proposed on their anniversary at the Detroit Riverfront, the couple began planning their dream day — only to be met with the news of another deployment just months later.”

MacRay Harbor partnered with Elite Wedding Co., Viviano Flower Shop, Christine’s Cakes and Pastries, and Ackerman & Co. to give the couple a wedding. Kelli Matthes, MacRay Harbor sales manager, will officiate the wedding.

Pratt has been in the United States Navy for around seven years. He and Grooms said they met at a bar. Pratt got a ride from Grooms, and she said he was begging for her phone number and told his friend he was going to marry her.

“I didn’t know her name,” Pratt said. “I think I might have said maybe one, two sentences to her the whole night, but when we got in there something in me knew.”

Grooms said she and Pratt are the same person in different genders.

“We do everything together,” Grooms said.

They bowl together and go everywhere together.

“We really are each other’s biggest teammates, biggest supporters,” Grooms said. “If you find me, you find him.”

Pratt said he had a “deer in the headlights” moment when he found out they won the wedding. Grooms said she started crying, stating it’s not something that usu-

ally happens to her.

“I’ve never experienced so much joy, and it was really overwhelming,” Grooms said.

Grooms said her dad cried when he found out about the free wedding. It’s a big deal for her whole family as her grandparents are nearly 90 years old. She didn’t think they’d be there for her special day.

Pratt said he’s excited to see Grooms walk down the aisle while Grooms is excited to dance the night away. Pratt and Grooms also said they’ve taken dance classes for months to surprise their friends and family with a choreographed first dance.

Grooms said their story is one of resilience.

“It really shows that love can find you in some really unpredictable places, and never give up, not just on yourself, but on relationships, and push through because there’s always going to be a light at the end of the tunnel,” Grooms said.

She went on to say even when you think you’re not deserving of love, there will be someone out there who will prove you wrong. Pratt said they’ve been together almost three years.

“We’ve had over long distance, the hard conversations and the high-stress situations, but we always knew we were each other’s rocks throughout,” Pratt said.

Grooms advised couples to not go to bed angry.

“That’s just a recipe for disaster,” Grooms said. “Trust and communication is huge. I mean, don’t stress over small things because they’re not going to matter in five, 10 years from now.”

Maybe even a week or two, Pratt added.

C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

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For retail ad rates: Marco Del Villano | (586) 498-1024 | mdelvillano@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

NOV. 24

Hope for the Holidays: Angela Greene from Hospice of Michigan helps people cope with loss during otherwise joyous time, 10-11 a.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, free but registration required, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/ library

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

NOV. 30

‘A Merry Rockin’ Christmas’: Hear Michael Cavanaugh perform classic and modern holiday hits along with pop and rock songs from Billy Joel, Elton John and more, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com

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

Holiday concert: Performance by Symphonia Chorale, 7:30 p.m., Bethel Church of the Nazarene, 51850 North Avenue in Macomb Township, rehearsals held 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church, 246 Benjamin St. in Romeo, concerts continue Dec. 7 and May 1 and 3, symphoniachorale.weebly.com, mcintyrejkm@yahoo.com

Recycled Percussion: Interactive performance features comedy, music, unique staging and drumming, “junk rock band” took third place on season four of “America’s Got Talent,” 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com

DEC.

6

A Sterling Christmas: Free event features tree lighting, holiday music with caroling, ice sculpture trail, visits with Santa, petting farm and pony rides, train rides, ice skating, warming fires, refreshments and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, sterlingheights.gov/1654/sterling-christmas

Breakfast with Santa: Also receive small gift and work on holiday craft, 10 a.m., Shelby Township Activi-

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.

ties 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

Holiday gift wrap party: Join others while enjoying holiday music and free hot cocoa, some supplies available (but bring own), 2-4:30 p.m., Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, registration encouraged, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights. gov/2136/library

‘My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Home for the Holidays’: One-man comedy show by Steve Solomon, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com

DEC. 7

‘Joy to You!’ holiday concert: Hear professionals and

youth musicians, bring donations for essentials basket to help local groups in need, also bake sale and gift bazaar, 3 p.m., Hope Community Baptist Church, 42259 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights, kidley@aol.com

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

Santa Cruise: See parade of vehicles decked out in lights, 5:30 p.m., route map available as event nears, macomb-mi.gov/830/santa-cruise---light-parade

Holiday concert: Performance by Macomb Symphony Orchestra, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.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

Continued on page 23A

DEC. 13

Holiday bake sale: Also used books and puzzles, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, baked goods can be preordered for pick up Dec. 12-13, (586) 446-2665, sterlingheights. gov/2136/library

Cookie walk: Purchase for $10 per pound, 9 a.m.noon, Christ Lutheran Church, 12500 Canal Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 731-1113

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. 13-14

Christmas cookie walk and bake sale: Also enter to win one of three professionally decorated Christmas cakes, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14 (also after 8:30 p.m. Mass Dec. 14 if not sold out), Ss. Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 726-6911

DEC. 14

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

Ice skating: Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, noon-9

p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays starting Dec. 1, Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), see holiday hours and special events in 2026 at sterlingheights.gov/1650/dodge-park-ice-rink

Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum

Sterling Heights Skate Park: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. October-March, 40111 Dodge Park Road (between 41A District Court and Sterling Heights Public Library), sterlingheights.gov/1607/skate-park

Sterling Heights Fiber Frolic: Meetups for knitters, crocheters, handspinners and weavers, quilters, stitchers, and papercrafters ages 15 and older (8-14 with adult), bring own project, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every first and third Saturday of month, Lakeside Bible Chapel, 39939 Hayes Road, find group on Facebook

Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, cash bar available, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com

Book clubs: Meetups for teens, early birds, those who want to snack and chat, others who want to discuss books they own, and book and movie discussions, Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road,

(586) 446-2665, sterlingheights.gov/2136/library

Northern Toastmasters meetings: Bi-weekly meetups to improve public speaking and leadership skills, 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Mondays of month, Leo’s Coney Island, 33577 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, (248) 828-7481, samcrowl@comcast.net

MI Options Medicare Assistance Program: Get free unbiased counseling during enrollment period (ends Dec. 7), one-on-one appointments available by phone, virtually or in person, (248) 262-0545, find locations at ageways.org/calendar

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: Virtual 15-week program presented by AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services and led by registered dietitian nutritionist, free

for first-time participants ages 60 and older, register at (833) 262-2200 or wellnessprograms@ageways. org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups

Holiday Art Market: Find handmade gifts and seasonal decor (including some by young entrepreneurs), also see solo exhibit “Mary’s Garden” with 40-plus floral watercolors by Mary R. Hartman, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (closed Mondays and Nov. 26-27) until Dec. 21, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org, read story at candgnews.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS Planning Commission

Meeting Date, Time, and

Location: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

City of Sterling Heights – City Council Chambers 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Under Consideration: PSP25-0029 – Sterling Bistro – Nuisance Mitigation

Request for a nuisance mitigation plan for an outdoor patio space in an existing plaza located in the North Van Dyke Avenue Corridor District (North Van Dyke Avenue Industrial subdistrict).

Property Address: 42092 Van Dyke Avenue

Location: East side of Van Dyke Avenue, north of 18 ½ Mile Road

Current Zoning: North Van Dyke Avenue Corridor District (North Van Dyke Avenue Industrial subdistrict)

PPCM-1362 – Collision King

Request for special approval land use which if granted would allow for an automobile repair garage and auto service center/reconditioning establishment in an M-1 Light Industrial District.

Property Address: 40485 Mound Road

Location: West side of Mound Road, south of Eighteen Mile Road

Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District

PSP25-0032 - JM Development

Request for preliminary site plan approval for a mixed-use development containing residential dwelling units located above frst foor commercial units in an R-60 One

Family Residential District and Neighborhood and District Node Overlay District.

Property Address: 39150 Ryan Road and 39272 Ryan Road

Location: East side of Ryan Road, north of Seventeen Mile Road

Current Zoning: R-60 One Family Residential District and Neighborhood and District Node Overlay District

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the requests in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information related to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, during regular business hours.

0206-2548

Permanent full-time Assistant Human Resources 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.

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,

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.

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

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

OFFICER HONORED

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