Andrea and Mica George-Michaud met at freshmen orientation in 2008 at a small, private Downriver high school.

They quickly became best friends, sharing all the joys and trials of growing up.

They stayed in the area through the first years of college and remained friends.

“Then life tested us. Mica left for Kansas to finish college and play softball,” Andrea wrote in a winning love story essay for a contest sponsored by the city of Southgate. “For the first time, a part of me felt missing.”

When Mica returned, the friendship continued, and began to blossom into “two best friends slowly, inevitably falling in love.”

“Our love story is about time, patience and choosing each other again and again.”

They later married and found a home in Southgate and are proud to call the city home, Andrea wrote in her essay.

“Everybody is really friendly and welcoming,” she said.

At its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4, the City Council presented the couple with a gift basket filled with champagne and glasses, cookies, chocolates, a $100 gift card to Carrabba’s restaurant and a signed certificate from Mayor Joseph Kuspa.

Andrea expressed surprise that her essay won the contest, which was sponsored by the city’s Cultural Arts and Special Events Commission.

“I did this, kind of, in passing and then weeks went by,” she said. “Then I received a text from the city that said I won.”

Eight essays were submitted for the contest, which was held for the first time this year.

The Wayne County Airport Authority held a press conference to give an update on the Jan. 23 crash that injured six people who did not require hospitalization.

Tadarial Sturdivant, WCAA senior vice president of Emergency and Support Services & Operations, said there was “insufficient evidence that would link this to any sign of terrorism,” according to a report in The Detroit News.

He would not say which agency is holding the suspect. Authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology tests before sending the case to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office.

The Mercedes Benz 300 smashed through a set of glass check-in doors for Delta Airlines at the airport in Romulus. The driver then exited his vehicle and began speaking gibberish, Sturdivant stated. He was brought to the ground and taken into custody as he walked toward a restricted area.

One person was arrested but not identified and charges have not been announced.

The airport authority has installed 9,000-pound concrete barriers at the departure and arrival levels of the McNamara and Evans terminals, Sturdivant said.

Though airport operations returned to normal within several days after the crash, a sheet of wood sealing the destroyed doors remained in place Thursday.

“I’ve been with the airport for 27 years and what occurred on Jan.  23 at the McNamara Terminal is unprecedented. It has definitely changed our security posture,” said WCAA CEO Chad Newton, in a statement.

Surveillance footage shows the car traveling in the far-left lane outside the terminal, then suddenly veering right and driving through a set of glass doors before crashing into a counter.

Sturdivant said the airport has implemented temporary safety enhancements while more permanent measures are planned. No details were given.

Operations back to normal after car crashes into Detroit Metro Airport terminal

Report identifies Romulus as potential ICE detention center; officials vow to fight

The Bloomberg report did not identify the location in Romulus for the proposed 500-bed facility.

“My administration takes this issue very seriously and is opposed to any such operation being located within the city of Romulus. We are currently examining all legal options available to protect Romulus as well our residents,” Mayor Robert McCraight said in a statement on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

His statement did not refer to the Bloomberg report; it said unsubstantiated rumors have circulated on social media about a potential ICE facility in the city.

State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) whose District 4 includes Romulus, said in a release Tuesday that reports indicate a Romulus warehouse could be converted into a detention center.

“Since these reports have begun to circulate, I’ve stayed in conversation with the city of Romulus, our members of Congress, and other elected leaders about the possibility of an ICE detention facility coming to our community. I want to emphasize that based on my conversations, there is no concrete evidence at this time of any facility in Romulus being used or developed into a detainment center.

“But let me be clear, Romulus and our surrounding communities do not want to see our neighbors detained and held unlawfully, whether it be in my district or anywhere else, and we will fight back with every tool at our disposal to stop it. The inhumane and criminal behavior of this agency should not be allowed to continue to inflict terror on immigrants, let alone doing so in our community.”

Despite objections in communities across the country, the Trump administration is pushing ahead with the purchase of warehouses it plans to convert into immigration jails, the Bloomberg report said.

The report identifies 23 potential sites; Romulus is the only one in Michigan.

McCraight said city officials are in contact with federal and state representatives “who have been extremely cooperative and helpful in addressing this issue.”

Less than a week ago, state Rep. Dylan Wegela, whose district includes part of Romulus, said in a statement he introduced a ban on state property being sold to ICE or becoming ICE detention centers.

Wegela (D-Garden City) said in the release that  2025 tied for the deadliest year on record for deaths in ICE detention centers; 32 people died in ICE custody.

“Some might say there’s not much we can do here in Michigan, or at the state level, to fight against this administration. That’s wrong. We can fight against ICE right here at home,” he said in the release.

“We’re seeing targeted killings against those peacefully resisting ICE in their assault on Minneapolis, like the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

“We continue to get horrific news of how those same agents treat people out of the public eye. One of the first deaths in custody this year was Geraldo Lunas Campos. ICE deemed it a suicide. The El Paso County (Texas) Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the truth: it was a homicide. Lunas Campos died due to compression on his neck and torso.”

House Bill 5494 would ban the state from conveying property to ICE and would implement a deed restriction on all property conveyed by the state, banning it from being used as a detention center.

Romulus officials are refuting reports circulating on social media that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center could locate in the city.

“We have investigated the sites that have been reported as ‘possible’ detention centers and have found nothing that would substantiate the current rumors,” Mayor Robert McCraight said in a statement on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

“My administration takes this issue very seriously and is opposed to any such operation being located within the city of Romulus. We are currently examining all legal options available to protect Romulus as well our residents,” he said.

His statement did not identify the rumored locations for an ICE detention facility.

McCraight said city officials are in contact with federal and state representatives “who have been extremely cooperative and helpful in addressing this issue.”

Less than a week ago, state Rep. Dylan Wegela, whose district includes part of Romulus, said in a statement he introduced a ban on state property being sold to ICE or becoming ICE detention centers.

“Some might say there’s not much we can do here in Michigan, or at the state level, to fight against this administration. That’s wrong. We can fight against ICE right here at home,” he said in the release.

“We’re seeing targeted killings against those peacefully resisting ICE in their assault on Minneapolis, like the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

“We continue to get horrific news of how those same agents treat people out of the public eye. One of the first deaths in custody this year was Geraldo Lunas Campos. ICE deemed it a suicide. The El Paso County (Texas) Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the truth: it was a homicide. Lunas Campos died due to compression on his neck and torso.”

House Bill 5494 would ban the state from conveying property to ICE and would implement a deed restriction on all property conveyed by the state, banning it from being used as a detention center.

Rep proposes ban on state property being used for ICE detention centers

Authorities say motorist who struck airport terminal has mental health issues, is in custody

Quenton Goston, 31, of Melvindale; and Lindsay Thurmond, 29, and Dawanne Midgett, 36, of Detroit were sentenced on Friday, Jan. 30, on a felony murder charge in the shooting death of Hassan Salami, 29, of Dearborn.

Salami owned Lama’s Florist on Schaefer Road at Paul Street in Dearborn.

Wayne County Circuit Judge Regina Thomas also sentenced Goston and Midgett to 25-40  years for both armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Thurmond was sentenced for 20-40 years on each of those charges. Midgett received an additional two to 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

All three were ordered to pay restitution, fines and court costs, according to a release from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. A total was not released.

A jury convicted the three men last November. A fourth man was acquitted.

Salami was shot at about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2023, as he left a Dearborn restaurant.

“Hassan (Sam) was a brilliant guy with a big heart. He was the reason for the big smile on everybody’s faces, always generous, loving, thoughtful and giving,” Lama’s posted on Facebook in October 2023.

Judge Richard Page of the 24th District Court in Allen Park ruled after a preliminary exam on Monday, Feb. 2 that enough evidence existed against Steven Adelbert Strickland to bind over the case to circuit court.

Strickland, 36, is charged with felonious assault and resisting police in connection with the Jan. 4 incident in the median of Southfield Road near Roger Street in Allen Park, close to the city’s boundary with Lincoln Park.

Lincoln Park police officer Matthew Parker testified Allen Park authorities had called for assistance as Strickland walked in and around Southfield Road with a box cutter. Allen Park police said in a statement at the time that Strickland was holding the box cutter to his throat and was posing a threat to himself and others.

Parker told the court Strickland was threatening officers and telling police to kill him. Another Lincoln Park officer assured Strickland that police could get help for him.

Strickland advanced toward officers “in an aggressive manner” with the box cutter raised and the blade exposed. He ignored orders to drop the weapon, Parker said, adding he discharged his firearm three times when Strickland got less than 10 feet away from him, striking Strickland’s arm once.

Strickland was taken to a hospital. At his arraignment on Jan. 7, he received a $40,000 cash/surety bond. It was unclear Tuesday whether he posted it.

Lincoln Park police requested the Michigan State Police investigate the incident, as is customary in officer-involved shootings.

The state police have concluded their investigation and sent their findings to the prosecutor’s office, according to First Lt. Michael Shaw.

Thirty businesses are participating in the event from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.

Participants begin at Ikaros Hall, 1677 Fort St., where they receive a registration sheet. As they visit each business, they receive free chocolates and a sticker to place on the sheet. When completed, they return the sheet at the hall to be entered in a raffle.

There will be an adult and children’s raffle baskets, with a possible runner up in each category. The baskets are worth up to $1,400 and will contain gift cards, cash, jewelry, chocolates and more, all donated by area businesses.

“They have been so generous. I’m overwhelmed by their kindness,” Tobin said.

This is the 10th year of the walk, designed to give Lincoln Park businesses more exposure, she said.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, the decedent had been there for a significant amount of time and was not dressed for the cold conditions,” Police Chief Jeff Watson said in a release issued Monday afternoon.

The assisted living center is at 19341 Allen Road. A passerby found the woman at a nearby business at about 8:15 a.m. Sunday, the release said.

Responding police and paramedics declared her dead, police reported. The body was turned over to the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Police are investigating.

Forest View had no comment, according to a representative who answered the phone Monday afternoon.

Taylor police issue warning after suspicious person approaches child in store

Who’s in charge? Confusion reported in Melvindale over snow emergency

According to a report on WDIV-TV (Channel 4), Mayor Nicole Shkira said she knew she had not called a snow emergency when sirens went off, alerting residents they have to move their vehicles off the streets.

She called the fire department and was told the mayor pro tem had declared the snow emergency. The TV report did not identify him, but Joseph Jackson is listed on the city’s website as mayor pro tem and a member of the City Council.

Shkira said the mayor pro tem only has the authority to make such a declaration when she is absent.

She told the TV station the false snow emergency created confusion for residents, as the declaration is usually made only when at least 4 inches of snow fall. That condition was not met that day.

“My apologies for any inconvenience of a councilman operating outside his scope of duties,” she said in a post on the city’s Facebook page.

Several residents commented that the council needs to get its act together.

The TV report said Shkira planned to meet with the council to clarify who has the authority of snow emergencies and other matters.

Neither Shkira or Jackson responded to requests for comment from The News Herald.

Senior citizen found dead outside was resident of Brownstown assisted living center

Taylor police issue warning after suspicious person approaches child in store

Police said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Jan. 29, that they investigated and, at this time, they do not believe a crime has been committed.

“However, the Taylor Police Department is sharing this information to raise awareness, help prevent potential future incidents, and encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant and aware of interactions involving children in public places,” the post said.

The man approached the child, who was accompanied by an adult, at about 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. He began asking the child about Pokémon cards, including inquiring if the child wanted to see some that he had in his vehicle, police said. The child and adult left the area immediately and notified authorities.

He was described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, wearing a blue beanie-style hat and beige hoodie and having a short beard.

“If you have had similar incidents involving the individual fitting this description, please contact the Taylor Police Department,” the post said.

Detective Lt. Joshua Schneider said police observed the interaction between the suspicious person, the child and the accompanying adult on store surveillance cameras.

“While the interaction may have been creepy, there is no audio to verify the statement and even so, the statement and action in and of itself are not criminal,” he said in an email. “We can’t release a photo and taint someone’s reputation over an incident that is not a crime.

Schneider said Taylor police released a bulletin to area departments asking if they have had any similar incidents reported.

“If we receive more reports of incidents, then the situation will be re-evaluated and a picture may be released at that time,” he said.

Taylor police are also encouraging parents to talk to their children about safety in public and to report any suspicious behavior.

Rep proposes ban on state property being used for ICE detention centers

Senior citizen found dead outside was resident of Brownstown assisted living center

Wegela (D-Garden City) said in a release that  2025 tied for the deadliest year on record for deaths in ICE detention centers; 32 people were killed in ICE custody.

“Some might say there’s not much we can do here in Michigan, or at the state level, to fight against this administration. That’s wrong. We can fight against ICE right here at home,” he said in the release.

“We’re seeing targeted killings against those peacefully resisting ICE in their assault on Minneapolis, like the shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

“We continue to get horrific news of how those same agents treat people out of the public eye. One of the first deaths in custody this year was Geraldo Lunas Campos. ICE deemed it a suicide. The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed the truth: it was a homicide. Lunas Campos died due to compression on his neck and torso.”

House Bill 5494 would ban the state from conveying property to ICE and would implement a deed restriction on all property conveyed by the state, banning it from being used as a detention center.

“These detention centers should not exist. What we can do in Michigan is make it clear that ICE is not welcome here,” Wegela said.  “And we can make it so that even if private contractors try to get around a ban on selling state property to ICE but are still running detention centers, that they have to forfeit their property back to the state.”

Wegela represents the 26th District. In addition to Garden City and some of Romulus, the district includes Inkster and part of Westland.

Senior citizen found dead outside was resident of Brownstown assisted living center

Every Homeland Security officer in Minneapolis is now being issued a body-worn camera, Noem says