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Nicole and Victoria Hahn are the bookends in their family of hockey-playing sisters
with Victoria sporting a four-year head start on Nicole.
including the experience of moving away from home to play prep hockey in Windsor and then going to the University of Michigan-Dearborn to join the school’s newly introduced women’s team
Nicole followed her older sister’s path
playing prep in Windsor before opting to head across the border and join Victoria for a family reunion that had been a long time coming
“I had played with one of my other sisters
while Nicole had played with Alexa but she and I never got the chance to play together because of that gap – it just never worked out for us,” Victoria said
“I had played at the A21 Academy in Windsor for a year and then was recruited to Dearborn so I had become self-sufficient by the time I got here
I was kind of prepared for the workload of being a student athlete and it wasn’t so daunting being away from my family.”
That first year for Victoria saw the team pile up wins but ultimately had their season cut short by the COVID pandemic
But what she wound up losing in that season gifted her a future opportunity to get something she hadn’t thought possible until then – a chance to play with Nicole
I really started enjoying going to hockey a lot more,” she said
“I was just really proud of her and when she was choosing where to go I didn’t want to have any sort of sway in that
I knew that me being here might make her want to come to Dearborn a bit more
but I was very much wanting her to go into schools and talk with the coaches to figure out what feels good for her
I didn’t want her to feel obligated to come here but when she did I got really excited.”
Joining her sister in the maize and blue wasn’t Nicole’s main reason for heading across the border
but it was too good of an opportunity to let pass her by to team up with her big sister
“When it came time to make my final decision
I knew it would be great to go play with the sister I’d never had a chance to play with before,” Nicole said
“She made everything sound pretty great
Siblings have a knack of figuring out each other in quiet ways
and sometimes all it takes is a quick glance to see and know instantly what the other is going to do
Victoria has plenty of memories over the two years they spent together on the ice
“Sometimes when she was out on the ice and I’m in my net or even if I was on the bench
I would see where her eyes were going and I could tell what she was going to do,” Victoria said
“I would see her eyes narrow a little bit and I’d know she was going after something or planning something
I don’t know if others notice that about her
but those little changes in her demeanor are really obvious to me and so entertaining to watch
We would be at practice and she could come up to me and know what to say or do – it’s my sister and she knows what to say to make me feel better.”
Nicole got the less-hard-to-detect sign of approval from Victoria when she scored her first UM-Dearborn goal on a deflection; her big sister skated down the ice to celebrate with her after doing a little celebratory jump in her crease first
Nicole could take comfort in knowing her sister literally had her back
“We had a different level of trust where we weren’t afraid to tell each other the truth,” she said
“If we really did think that we needed to work on something
we would straight-up tell each other and not sugarcoat anything because we wanted the best for each other
Having that honest relationship was everything.”
One thing that Victoria was able to share with Nicole – perhaps the most important thing of all – was how to get ready for what comes next
Victoria admitted that this past season (her final as a Wolverine) was tough because she spent part of it embracing the fact that her career was coming to an end
For someone who posted a record of 37-17-5 over 66 career starts
Victoria had to come to grips with that while getting to finally play alongside Nicole was great
the next step would be the one that mattered
I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to hockey and while I was figuring out if I wanted to use my COVID year or not
Nicole being here was a really big factor in me deciding to play a fifth season,” she said
coming to hang out at my apartment and we would do homework together
But on senior night it was tough – I know I’ll see her all the time
but I’ll never get to play with Nicole again
something that I identified with for a long time
is something I’m finally getting comfortable with and finding there are things to do after hockey.”
Watching what her sister did and how she’s turned her focus to the next stage of life made Nicole more appreciative of what the next few seasons will be like for her without being able to turn back and see Victoria between the pipes
She has the urge to honour Victoria and the work she’s put in to close out her career in the same way
“She has supported me throughout my whole life and she’s been one of my biggest role models – there was a point before COVID that I wasn’t really considering the fact that I could go to college and play hockey because it was just something fun I did on top of school,” Nicole said
“But seeing how it’s possible when you put the effort in helped me shift my mindset
Everything helped me work towards something greater than just minor hockey
I’m just going to enjoy the moments that I have and really put my effort towards the greater things and use the habits I’ve built in hockey to pursue the rest of my life and build relationships in other areas
I just have so much respect for the student athlete lifestyle and I think it’s been one of the biggest factors that has taught me in life to put the effort where it’s needed.”
the sisters figured out a way to re-introduce themselves to each other that wouldn’t have been likely without them teaming up in Dearborn
Victoria admitted that because of hockey they had missed out on large chunks of each other’s lives but were able to finally join forces and discover who the other really had become
she thinks she grew up in front of her big sister’s eyes as they shared a maturation period that was destined only for them
“We got to connect on a different basis so instead of just being her little sister
I got to be more of a friend and teammate and we got to rekindle in a different environment than what we were used to,” she said
It’s a relationship that is just different
because of who Nicole is to her now: more than a teammate
“I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the last two years as much if Nicole had not been there,” she said
“I could go into the locker room after practice or between periods and give her a hug or talk with her face to face
but it’s so much deeper than that – just having this unique experience that connected us means a lot.”
This story was made possible by our Community Leaders Program partner
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the city of Dearborn will not have an August primary election for citywide races
because there are not enough candidates running
There will only be a November general election for voters to choose their mayor
City Clerk George Darany announced in an April 29 statement
There are two candidates for mayor, two candidates for city clerk and 13 council candidates for seven council seats who are qualified to be on the ballot, according to Darany. The deadline to file to run was April 22 and the deadline to withdraw was April 25. Under Michigan election law
a nonpartisan primary election must have more than twice as many candidates as the seats they are running for
That means a city needs more than two candidates running for mayor and clerk
and more than 14 candidates running for a seven-member city council
"For a primary election to have been required
there would have needed to be more than two candidates for mayor
two for clerk and 14 for city council," the statement from Darany said
"This is certainly a surprise," Darany said
there have always been plenty of residents who would seek City office and require a primary ballot in each election."
Darany provided to the Free Press a list of the candidates who qualified to make the ballot that he sent to the office of Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett
Wayne County Chief Judge Patricia Fresard on April 11 also ruled against Aoun
denying his motion for injunctive relief to get on the ballot
The race for clerk will probably be between Darany and Sami Elhady
Elhady is on Darany's list of candidates who qualified
to provide the most optimized services possible for city residents and city guests at the clerk's office," Elhady said
"The city of Dearborn is just a wonderful city
It's just a wonderful place to raise a family
One of the seven incumbent City Council members
City Council President Pro Tem Leslie Herrick
but was disqualified from the ballot by Darany over not paying $800 in outstanding fees from a previous campaign in 2017
but appears to have lost her attempts to get reinstated
A letter from Darany to Herrick on April 2 said that Herrick had signed an affidavit saying she has paid all late fees
Garrett sent a letter to Herrick that told her "the time for reconsideration or reassessment has lapsed and I am without authority to retroactively void or reassess a late filing fee that has been acknowledged and paid." Garrett said her office did receive $800 from Herrick on April 2 for the outstanding fees
"The payment of the late filing fee in some form acknowledges that the (Herrick campaign) committee owed the outstanding late filing fees," Garrett wrote to Herrick
Herrick told the Free Press that she is now "evaluating the logistics of a write-in campaign and will announce a decision in the coming weeks."
a clerical error in which we put an incorrect date on a campaign report resulted in a fee being assessed by Wayne County
Despite believing that this was resolved long ago
it was recently brought to my attention that the fee was still outstanding."
Herrick said she then immediately paid the fee
but was then told by Wayne County that her "name will not be on the 2025 pre-printed election ballot."
More: Detroit mayoral, city candidates submit petitions to run for office in 2025 election
Darany explained that some candidates who were initially thinking of running either failed to qualify or withdrew
Darany said "four candidates had filed petitions to run for mayor and 16 for City Council
but two were disqualified for each of those offices due to insufficient petitions
charter or campaign finance qualifications
Another candidate for City Council withdrew from the ballot after filing petitions."
Other City Council candidates on the list from Darany are: six council incumbents: Michael Sareini, Ken Paris, Robert Abraham, Mustapha Hammoud, Kamal Alsawafy and Gary Enos; Devon O'Reilly
who was arrested and charged in 2016 in a drunken driving case that drew attention over allegations of special treatment
which the former mayor denied; Ahmad Othman
a former Dearborn school board member and former charter commissioner
there has been a decrease in the number of people running for city office in Dearborn
"I recall when there would be about 30 candidates in City Council primaries in the 1980s," he said
Herrick said the "record low number of candidates" in Dearborn is "disheartening to me because this seems to indicate people are burned out on politics
and don't want to become involved." She said she has "worked to make sure that our local government is a place of hope where … people can make positive change in our community."
who has the support of Republicans and conservatives who have expressed concerns about crime and LGBTQ+ books in schools
Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo
Ind.) - The next Dearborn County Anti-Litter Initiative (DCALI) roadside clean-up will be Saturday
Volunteers will meet at 8:30 at the York Ridge Hunt Club
The road from the bottom of York Ridge Hill to Fox Road will be closed from 9 a.m
to noon to ensure the safety of volunteers
Other DCALI clean-ups scheduled so far for 2025 are May 31 on State Line Hill (postponed from May 3); June 14 on Cole Lane; and September 13 on Georgetown Road. Updates and details are posted at https://www.facebook.com/DearbornCountyAntiLitterInitiative
This is the 10th year for the Dearborn County Anti-Litter Initiative
a record number of volunteers participated
and clean-ups were completed in less time than allotted
These events are great opportunities for families and for student community-service requirements
Please note that minors must be accompanied by an adult
Ed Acheson and Michèle DeVoe began their journey over a year ago
The award is giving for excellence in dual credit instruction
The drive has delivered more than 1.82 billion pounds of food the past 30 years
Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com
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For the first time in the city of Dearborn’s nearly 100-year history, there won’t be a primary election for city offices.
There is no need for the Aug. 5 primary election because there are not enough candidates running, Dearborn City Clerk George Darany said.
“This is certainly a surprise,” said Darany. “Over the years, there have always been plenty of residents who would seek city office and require a primary ballot in each election.”
The races for mayor, city clerk and city council will be decided in the Nov. 4 general election.
There would have needed to be more than two candidates for mayor, two for clerk and 14 for city council for a primary election to be held, according to Darany.
The following number of candidates are running for city offices and will be on the Nov. 4 ballot:
A few more people than that had wanted to run, though.
Four people had filed petitions to run for mayor, and 16 for city council, but two candidates for each were disqualified “due to insufficient petitions, charter or campaign finance qualifications,” according to Darany.
Additionally, a candidate withdrew from the city council race after filing their petition.
The deadline for filing documents to run for mayor, clerk or city council in Dearborn was Tuesday, April 22.
Withdrawals were allowed until Friday, April 25.
While the number of candidates has been trending downward recently, not having enough candidates for a primary election came as a surprise to the clerk.
Darany said more than 20 people ran for a seat on the city council in 2013 and 2009.
There were seven candidates for mayor in the 2021 primary election, and five in 2017 and 2013.
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To mark his one hundredth day in office - a milestone marked in every presidency - US President Donald Trump held a rally in the Detroit suburb of Warren
thanks in large part to Arab Americans who were opposed to a continuation of the status quo: a Democratic candidate who
expressed a willingness to support war in the Middle East.
Trump campaigned as a "peacemaker and unifier".
But today, with backing from his administration, Israel has resumed bombing Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and threatening to do the same in Iran. In Yemen
the US has been carrying out nightly bombings since 15 March
according to local health officials.
Immigrants from all of the aforementioned countries dominate the Arab demographic in Michigan
which boasts up to half a million Arabs in the state
While it can be easy to paint them with a broad brush and say foreign policy decides their vote, last year's election was a standout in that Israel had been carrying out what the United Nations called "acts of genocide" in Gaza for more than a year
Palestinian and Lebanese Americans
But some who staunchly backed Trump in November did not indicate to Middle East Eye on Wednesday that they regretted their vote
and insisted that perhaps 100 days was not enough to judge a presidential performance
They also vowed to hold him accountable and believe his general unpredictability means he can still change course
All those MEE spoke to live just under an hour's drive southwest of the rally site
The only presidential candidate known to have made a stop in this area on the campaign trail was Trump himself
just four days before the November election
given that no high-ranking official from the Biden administration paid this community mind
"He's demonstrated that he's unconventional in his approach," Faye Nemer
who runs the MENA American Chamber of Commerce and helped orchestrate that visit
told MEE about the last three months of Trump's rule
"There are a lot of moving pieces and a lot of unknowns."
'We still need to continue to make America great again
and the beautiful people of the Islamic community are part of that'
The Trump administration has moved at breakneck speed since his inauguration on 20 January to reverse a plethora of Biden-era laws and introduce executive orders that have upended US political norms in their enforcement
Chief among them is the crackdown on legal
documented immigrants and students with no criminal records
all because of their links to the pro-Palestine movement.
the vast majority of those detained for this reason are Arab and/or Muslim.
"When it comes to protecting Jewish students
when you compare that to protecting Muslim and Arab students
you know the administration has been unevenhanded," Nemer said
"That is something that is very worrisome and concerning to us
We have regular US citizens who are fearful of travelling abroad
because they're worried about prolonged delays at the border when they're coming back."
a conservative political analyst who has backed Trump since his first term
expressed faith in the guardrails within the US government to do their job
"You can attack a foreign government and that's not okay
I think it's all going to go to the courts," she told MEE
"I think this is just dangerous for not only us Arabs and Muslims
because the majority of the people speaking against Israel are actually white Americans and Jews
a project control analyst at the automaker Stellantis
said freedom has always had its boundaries
there is some unfair situation," he told MEE
but don't do anything [that] bothers others or people's freedom or beliefs."
and Yousaf were all members of the Arab Americans For Trump (AAFT) initiative
which gained momentum in the months leading up to the November election as community members turned their backs on the Biden administration for its unconditional support for Israel.
Soon after Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in early February and called for Gaza to become a beach resort without Palestinians
and issued a swift condemnation of the president's remarks.
Not all those MEE spoke to remain part of the group.
because [if] you want to put American troops into another land
we Arabs know what that means," Salama said
While a ceasefire was underway in Gaza for Trump's first six weeks in office
it had fallen apart entirely as Israel resumed its bombing of the enclave
appears largely focused on talks between Russia and Ukraine as well as with Iran.
Yousaf believes the administration will not leave the war on Gaza on the back burner
"It depends on the situation," Yousaf told MEE
"If people don't want to let [him] stop the war
this is not a school to stop the kids [from a] fight
There's something [that] happened that they need to work on
who lost family members to Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon
said that there is now a "continuation" of what happened under Biden.
that's not something that we're willing to be patient with or wait for an adequate resolution," she told MEE
"Trump received widespread support based on his commitment to put an end to endless wars."
Nemer and other concerned Arab Americans in Dearborn have been reaching out to Republican representatives at the state and federal levels
asking for meetings with administration officials
"The promise to our community members was constant [and] open communication with our community
And that has not been happening," Nemer said.
appointed the largest number of Arab Americans to major public roles of any administration
the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) noted earlier this month.
a Lebanese-American businessman who is also the father-in-law of Trump's daughter
was critical to the bridge-building that ultimately led to Trump's visit to Dearborn.
has a sister who is married to Trump's national security adviser
And four other Arab Americans - two of whom are from the Detroit suburbs and whose endorsements of Trump were key to his election sweep among Arabs - are being awarded ambassadorships in the Middle East.
the ADC said that "while policy disagreements exist
these appointments marked a significant step forward for representation and set a noteworthy benchmark for future administrations to consider"
"If they want the community support moving forward
truly understand the intricacies of the different ethnic makeups of the community."
Part of the outreach Nemer is leading has come to involve pastor Mark Burns
a self-described "deep MAGA" supporter of the president - referring to the Make America Great Again movement - and often referred to as Trump's spiritual adviser
where he met members of the Muslim community
and where Nemer said they are working towards an interfaith project to elevate anti-war voices
as one of the ground zeroes or major hubs for the Islamic community," he told MEE
my desire is to cut through the noise of fake news."
Burns recently made headlines for his U-turn on pausing aid to Ukraine
Burns returned to the US and said he "was wrong" and condemned Russia for its atrocities there.
he said he looks forward to visiting Lebanon after his experience in Dearborn
"My goal is to stand on what is right and not what is popular," Burns said
"We still need to continue to make America great again
and the beautiful people of the Islamic community are part of that," he told MEE
"The more that we spend time together and not apart from each other
[we] realise where we can stand together."
And Trump is open-minded enough to come around
Responding to the vitriol from liberal voters being directed at Arab Americans who backed Trump
Salama said that it was inevitable some of that would come out
[you] fucked around and found out about Biden," she said.
"Biden did the damage that he's done in the Middle East
I don't think he can ever match that."
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With continued commitment to strategic growth in core markets
EWC now operates 113 express wash locations across Detroit
over 25 new sites are set to break ground or open by the end of 2025— including four in Detroit Metro by early summer
Additional Clean Express grand opening promotions include a $50 Clean Express gift card for $25 with all proceeds donated back to Blue Hands United and The DRE Project
Once purchased at the Dearborn Heights or Troy locations
gift cards are redeemable at any Clean Express or EWC location
Clean Express offers state-of-the-art wash equipment
with all washes backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
The popular Wash Smart Unlimited Club enables members to easily clean and protect their vehicles
while enjoying the convenience and value of truly unlimited washing at any Express Wash Concepts location
Express Wash Concepts (EWC) today announced the Company's newest Green Clean Express Auto Wash is open and washing cars at 833 Battlefield Blvd
Express Wash Concepts (EWC) today announced it has once again been recognized as one of the fastest-growing Midwest private companies
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Corporate Expansion
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(WXYZ) — Dearborn Heights police have shared new details about the disappearance and rescue of 16-year-old Tasia Keaton
After extensive searching for over a month
police located Keaton Wednesday afternoon inside the apartment of a 62-year-old man
Watch our previous report about Tasia Keaton's disappearance in the video player below:
a facility for vulnerable girls and women in Dearborn Heights
expressed relief at the news of Keaton's discovery
"I had started suspecting the worst had happened because it had been so long."
Authorities reported that Keaton was found at an apartment near Warren Avenue and Inkster Road
Watch an update from police after Tasia Keaton was found in the video player below:
Police say they had previously questioned the man when Keaton originally went missing and he denied knowing anything about where she was
Wade said "I immediately became angry all over again because I know that there is no way he didn’t know how old she was and that she was being looked for."
Dearborn Heights Police Chief Ahmed Haidar revealed that Keaton had been with the man since March 17
Keaton met the man while she was roaming the streets near Joy and Inkster roads in Redford
They believe the man promised her a home and financial support
but he only allowed her to use it when he was present," Haidar explained
Police discovered a wishlist made by Keaton that included desires to move out of state
They noted that she was allowed to roam the house and that the two were seen together in public
The 62-year-old man is in custody but has not been cooperative with police
Evidence at the scene suggests that Keaton and the man may have engaged in sexual relations
but I believe she was scared," Haidar said
Keaton is now in the custody of Child Protective Services and receiving care
Vista Maria gave 7 News Detroit this statement:
both police and Wade have voiced frustration with the facility
indicating that Keaton may have been trying to escape from someone there
"We spend too much time up there," Haidar stated
I’m so mad that my niece even went there."
Police and Wade emphasized that without tips from the community
They expressed heartfelt gratitude for the public's assistance
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DEARBORN HEIGHTS – Nearly a month and a half after a 16-year-old girl escaped from a juvenile care center in Dearborn Heights
local police have located her living in a home in the city with a Lebanese national
who has since been arrested and handed over to U.S
Authorities discovered that he was residing in the U.S
Dearborn Heights Police Chief Ahmed Haidar said he would not be returning the girl to the Vista Maria Center in Dearborn Heights
due to multiple allegations of abuse at the facility and the unexplained disappearance of another 13-year-old girl
former and current employees and residents at Vista Maria allege years of physical and sexual abuse
staff shortages and decaying infrastructure
There are growing calls for the state of Michigan to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the facility — possibly leading to its closure
While awaiting the results of the investigation and any official charges
Haidar declined to release the name of the 62-year-old man who took the girl in from March 17 until the police raid on his house on April 24
Authorities say the man and the girl had no prior relationship
Haidar explained that the man had encountered the girl on the street near a car wash where he worked
at the intersection of Inkster and Joy Roads
he invited her to stay in his home near Warren and Inkster Roads and provided her with housing and financial support for her needs
“We believe she was just a girl wandering the streets with no money and no place to go
and then she met this man who offered her all these things,” Haidar told reporters
The police chief thanked everyone who had provided information during the search
which included publicizing the girl’s name and photo
While awaiting the results of a sexual assault examination
Haidar said the girl appeared to move freely within the home and had access to a phone
He expressed surprise that she never attempted to call for help during her time there
Haidar raised questions about why the girl was afraid to leave
especially since she had accompanied the man on several outings to public places
He emphasized that investigations would reveal more details in time
The girl is currently in the custody of Michigan’s Child Protective Services
Police investigators are conducting interviews to determine whether others were involved in her disappearance or had sexual contact with her — including a former Vista Maria staff member and two other men
Police are also investigating whether the girl was a victim of sex trafficking
following reports of her communication with two customers
Haidar said police plan to question the girl about both men
who could face criminal charges if it’s confirmed they had sexual contact with a minor
“What’s troubling is that when we first received tips suggesting the girl might be in this area
we were told she was last seen near a car wash,” Haidar said regarding the man who housed her
he denied having seen her and refused to provide any information about her whereabouts.”
Police also discovered a “wish list” written by the girl in the man’s house
she wrote that she wanted to leave the state
“She wasn’t locked in a basement or anything like that,” Haidar added
“There were times when she went out with the man
Haidar reiterated that the girl would not be sent back to Vista Maria
suggesting she may have been fleeing someone at the center
He noted that the disappearance of another teenage girl from the same facility further supports fears of serious abuse within the 142-year-old institution
which has led some girls to flee toward Detroit
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Expectant mothers in Dearborn will receive up to $4,500
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud announced April 15 at his State of the City address
Saying that Dearborn is good at producing babies, Hammoud explained that "every single Dearborn mother welcoming a baby will receive $4,500 over six months" through a Michigan program called Rx Kids funded with help from county
they think of the Rouge Factory and auto production," Hammoud told hundreds of residents gathered inside the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center to hear his address
"But do you know what else Dearborn is really good at producing
That’s right: Dearborn produces over 1,700 babies a year
Our birth rate is consistently 60% higher than the state average."
Dearborn, which has about 110,000 residents, has the highest percentage of residents under the age of 18 among cities with at least 100,000 residents in the Midwest and East Coast, 2020 census data analyzed by a playground company shows
"The first year of life is most crucial for a child's development and long-term health," Hammoud said
"Research has shown that the arrival of a newborn often triggers a sudden financial strain for families
my administration is proud to announce that Rx Kids is coming to Dearborn."
Hammoud's announcement comes at a time of growing discussion in recent years over decreased fertility rates in the U.S. Some other Wayne County cities will also be part of the Rx Kids program, a Wayne County official said April 9
Wayne County Chief Judge Patricia Fresard ruled last week against Aoun in a lawsuit he filed
dismissing his attempts to get on the ballot
But there was no mention of foreign policy during his April 15 speech
which focused on the challenges and ambitions of Dearborn
In contrast to the heated tone of his remarks over the past year at rallies for Gaza and Lebanon
a large screen behind flashed some of his key points and contained renderings of his proposals
"We’re reimagining one of the most heavily impacted corridors in our city
through a bold and long-term project we call the Dearborn Industrial Greenbelt," he said
living buffer along Industrial Street that slows down traffic
and absorbs floodwaters while making space for nature in one of the city’s most industrialized areas."
Hammoud said they have already acquired key properties in the area and more than 200,000 square feet for the project
working with "some of the nation’s top thinkers
and urban planners at the University of Michigan to make it happen."
we know that environmental justice isn’t just a slogan; it’s something we have to design for
everything in Dearborn has a tie back to public health."
The mayor also announced a plan to transform Esper library into "a community space where students can experiment with robotics
a place where young minds can tinker with circuits
explore 3D printing and engage in hands-on science projects." Hammoud said he saw a similar project in Northville and wanted to replicate the idea in Dearborn
so residents can explore what other cities have
Some of Hammoud's other announcements or accomplishments he touted included:
Some Republicans in Dearborn have criticized Hammoud over his support of LGBTQ+ communities; those issues were not brought up during his address
Speaking before Hammoud was Dearborn City Council President Michael Sareini
who spoke about Dearborn creating three new parks
keeping water out of basements during heavy rains
The national anthem was sung by Maria Saad
there was a reception featuring food from various vendors and groups
Reporter Nushrat Rahman contributed to this report
Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo
they say he is now detained with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The agency, through the Department of Homeland Security
picked the suspect up last Friday after it was confirmed he was in the U.S
on a temporary work visa that recently expired
“It doesn’t seem like they have the correct processes and procedures in place and there’s some serious allegations coming out of the facility
have some serious investigations going on,” Saab said
“We want an independent investigation through LARA and the AG’s office.”
the 62-year-old man told police he found the teen in distress near a car wash close to Beech and Joy roads
Police said he allowed her to use his cell phone
is now being psychologically evaluated and police are waiting to speak with her further
Dearborn Heights and partnering agencies still need to interview her regarding potential involvement with other “Johns” and a former Vista Maria male staff member
“The goal is to find out what was going on while she was missing for almost a month and a half,” said Chief Ahmed Haida of the Dearborn Heights Police Department
A tipster spotted the teen and the 62-year-old alleged suspect at a Meijer store near Warren and Newburgh roads on April 10
Police said they’re unsure what sort of threats or promises had been made to the teen
but she reportedly made statements that she could only use the cell phone while supervised
Evidence suggesting a possible sexual assault was found inside the man’s apartment
“We can’t determine what exactly happened until we’re actually physically able to interview her
but I strongly believe that once we are able to sit down with her and talk to her
that we should have charges,” Chief Haidar said
The Chief said it appears the 62-year-old suspect had multiple opportunities to come forward with information about the teen’s whereabouts
as he said police canvassed the area and even did an interview with him
Police said the suspect denied knowing or ever seeing the teen
so we haven’t really been able to talk to him much
other than preliminary stuff… anything detailing the investigation
as another teen is missing from the Vista Maria facility and former and current staff and residents allege “years” of physical and sexual abuse
tensions around Vista Maria have escalated
In an email from one Dearborn Heights Council member
“The City of Dearborn Heights City Council is deeply concerned about the ongoing issues at your facility
and operational failures are completely unacceptable
These issues have placed a serious strain on our first responders
The council member then asked for “immediate action,” including a full report detailing all recent incidents involving police response
a complete review of operational compliance with all State of Michigan licensing and regulatory requirements
including Child Protective Services and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
and 20th District Court regarding process and procedures of the facility
and a review of the Certificate of Occupancy and any licenses issued by the City of Dearborn Heights
“You are required to schedule a meeting with the Dearborn Heights City Council and City Administration
This meeting must take place within the next 7 days and must include your executive leadership team and any appropriate directors responsible for facility operations
Failure to respond or cooperate fully will leave the City Council no choice but to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the health
“I’m happy that everybody in the community is involved now
and they see the problems that we’re having there,” Chief Haidar said
“We need to get this right; calls for service are insane
Kids can’t keep coming up missing from there.“
Dearborn Heights Police are still looking for another missing girl tied to the same facility: 13-year-old Tamaia Jones.
She allegedly ran away from Vista Maria on Tuesday, April 22, and hasn’t been seen or heard from since then. She was last seen wearing khaki skinny jeans, a tan top, and had a red hairpiece, according to police.
Police told Local 4 that the girl was recently transferred to Vista Maria from another facility and ran away before intake was made, but did, however, make it onto Vista Maria’s property.
Anyone who has seen Tamaia or has any information about the teen is asked to call the Dearborn Heights Police Department at 313-277-6770, their local police department, or 911.
“Every single day runs. People are escaping, and it’s a good facility to have in our community -- It supports the youth, vulnerable people, but we also have got make sure, [the girls] are in a safe facility and in a safe environment.”
Here is a statement from a spokesperson from Vista Maria from April 25:
“Vista Maria has a 142-year history of providing residential care, mental health services, schooling, foster care, adoption and adoption services for youth, as well as transitional and independent living services for girls ages 18-24 through referrals from the state for young people dealing with issues such as neglect, abuse and human trafficking. The safety and well-being of the youth and families we serve is our top priority.
On Tuesday, April 22, 13-year-old Tamaia Jones was on her way to Vista Maria, after being transferred from another facility. As the transfer vehicle came to a stop upon arrival, Tamaia opened the vehicle door and fled the campus before she could be checked into the facility. We immediately alerted and initiated the search for her. We have been working with law enforcement ever since to help ensure her safe return. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Anyone with information about this case should contact Dearborn Heights Police at 313-277-6770, your local police department, or call 911."
Here is a statement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services from April 24:
DEARBORN HEIGHTS – With the filing deadline for municipal elections now closed
four candidates have officially entered the race to succeed Mayor Bill Bazzi
Among them is City Council Chair Mo Baydoun
who will face Councilwoman Denise Malinowski-Maxwell
businessman Hussein Anani and real estate broker Lena Arzouni
Bazzi withdrew from the race by the April 25 legal deadline as he awaits confirmation as U.S
Arzouni is expected to receive his endorsement
The top two vote-getters in the mayoral primary will advance to the general election on November 4
which will also include races for four open City Council seats
Because the number of candidates for Council
and treasurer does not exceed double the number of open seats
there will be no primary elections for those positions — per the city charter
Municipal elections in Dearborn Heights are held every four years
whose seven members are elected in staggered terms
unlike neighboring Dearborn where all Council members are elected at once
all seeking re-election to four-year terms
are running for the seat vacated by Malinowski-Maxwell
who opted to run for mayor instead of seeking another term on the Council
The City Council also includes Hassan Saab and Bob Constan
who would have to vacate his seat if he wins the mayoral election in November
His current term runs until the end of 2027
City Clerk Lynne Senia will automatically retain her position for another four-year term
both candidates — incumbent Lisa Hicks-Clayton and Mahdi Baydoun — will automatically advance to the November general election
Pending confirmation of President Trump’s nomination of the mayor by the U.S
Bazzi — a Lebanese American — is preparing to relocate to Tunisia
Dearborn Heights is set to elect its 10th mayor of the city of roughly 65,000 residents
Bazzi made history as the first Arab American and Muslim to serve as mayor of Dearborn Heights
at the Dearborn Federal Savings Bank on Telegraph Road
Police said the suspect approached a teller
shoved a black bag under the window and told the teller
take the bag.” He then reportedly placed a handgun on the counter
moved to another teller and demanded more money
He reportedly left the bank with $4,140 in cash
Officers arrived at the scene and found a man matching the description at a Tim Horton’s less than 300 feet from the bank
had a backpack that had a loaded handgun and $4,100 in cash
According to an affidavit, Thomas has two prior convictions for bank robbery. He is facing federal charges, including bank robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.
Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.
DEARBORN HEIGHTS
– Police are searching for a 13-year-old girl who left a Dearborn Heights treatment facility for girls earlier this week
Tamaia Jones allegedly ran away from Vista Maria on Tuesday
and hasn’t been seen or heard from since then
She was last seen wearing khaki skinny jeans
Police told Local 4 that the girl was recently transferred to Vista Maria from another facility and ran away before intake was made
is asked to call the Dearborn Heights Police Department at 313-277-6770
This comes after a 16-year-old ran away from Vista Maria on March 14
That teen was found in a 62-year-old man’s Dearborn Heights apartment on Wednesday
Police said the 62-year-old is in custody they are submitting the case to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for charges
The 16-year-old is safe and is now in the custody of Child Protective Services
The investigation also prompted several former residents to come forward with allegations of abuse
There are currently two open investigations involving sexual contact between a former male staff member and two teen residents
On Tuesday, April 22, 13 year old Tamaia Jones was on her way to Vista Maria, after being transferred from another facility.
As the transfer vehicle came to a stop upon arrival, Tamaia opened the vehicle door and fled the campus before she could be checked into the facility.
We immediately alerted and initiated the search for her. We have been working with law enforcement ever since to help ensure her safe return. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Anyone with information about this case should contact Dearborn Heights Police at (313) 277-6770, your local police department, or call 911. "
You won’t find a big sign for Brazen Bagels
a tiny sandwich shop with a cult following
located inside the parts and service department at Village Ford in Dearborn
people line up outside the locked door at 23403 Kean St
including a pastor from Grosse Pointe Park
This is the story of a young couple who felt they were in dead-end jobs
scraped together $3,000 and made a dream come true at a car dealership not far from the giant Uniroyal Tire off Interstate 94
Google reflected 100-plus reviews with a perfect 5.0 average
“Something we do every day is create a sense of community,” Megan Anson said
We prayed about it and now we feed people every day
which is the most purposeful thing you can do.”
She bakes fresh chocolate chip cookies and prepares sandwiches beside two assistants
18-year-old cousins Nash Alhusaini and Wisam Almurisi
while Jacob boils and bakes more than 120 dozen New York-style bagels each week
fresh coffee and bags of bagels with cream cheese
organic coffee owned by a husband and wife
who began selling out of a mobile coffee trailer
Kekoa runs coffee shops in Woodhaven and Wyandotte
to work at Enterprise rent-a-car at Detroit Metro Airport
I made her really good breakfast sandwiches,” he said
You’re really good at it.’ She has supported me the whole time
Jacob grew up the son of a Ford factory supervisor and former Big Boy district manager in Carleton
Megan was adopted at age 11 by her grandparents in Newport
They made a living selling manufactured homes
After attending Airport High School in Carleton
Jacob earned a bachelor of business degree from Northwood University
Megan earned a bachelor of science degree with honors from the University of Toledo
“We were living in my mom’s basement at first,” Jacob said
“I was a sales rep for a wheel and tire aftermarket company
I just got really burnt out on the corporate side of it
found myself managing different tire shops
He was working 50 hours a week but needed time to figure things out
So he walked away from his career and started DoorDash delivery
Hitting rock bottom“I was watching a lot of VICE TV food shows when I watched Action Bronson getting a bagel in New York
‘I could master baking.’ I feel like I hit rock bottom and I had to start from nothing,” Jacob told me
if I can sell three dozen bagels and deliver them every day
Once I had gotten my recipe where I wanted
I stopped DoorDashing entirely and went all-in on selling bagels on Instagram and Facebook.”
baking and delivering up to 10 dozen bagels a day
He made his first bagel at home in December 2021
Jacob and Megan stopped by the new IceBurg restaurant in his neighborhood and shared his dream
IceBurg offered to let Jacob run bagel operations from 6 a.m
took the cash advance and drove to Indiana with $3,000 cash to purchase a full-size commercial oven to make bagels
Only then did he invest in a 300-pound Hobart mixer found at a church summer camp
“We sold 15,000 bagels from April to January,” Jacob said
“Tariq taught me every single thing from the business side.”
Jacob distributed flyers all over town and gave away bagels that weren’t sold at IceBurg to schools and businesses and to pretty much anyone sitting in public
said the team was looking for the right fit after the previous cafe operator had to leave for medical reasons
A sales rep first discovered Brazen Bagels and spread the word
“One of our salespeople brought bagels to our general manager and said
I don’t know where they’re going with this
called to invite Jacob to stop by the dealership
The owner knew he was taking a chance but said he wanted to try
I knew exactly how I wanted to run Brazen 2.0.”
The veggie bagel sandwich is always a winner with its balsamic drizzle
which sells new and used cars on one side of the street
has its car repair operation on the other side of the street
or send in service customers for a little something to improve their day
Village Ford is a huge parts distribution center for Ford dealers
They can smell fresh bagels as soon as they walk through the door
Looking ahead with a planWhen getting started
Jacob sold his Ford Fusion to support their living costs and keep the pop-up shop going
We stopped all our subscriptions and pretty much sacrificed everything to get this thing off the ground.”
They like that the bagel shop has a “speakeasy” vibe with little signage
It's boiled before it’s baked,” Jacob said
“I purchased a 40-gallon bagel kettle from the 1990s and had it shipped from Miami
Up to 70 customers walk into the tiny shop on an average day
Social media is key to the ongoing conversation with customers
donating 100% of all $2,400 in sales for humanitarian aid
in support of their large Muslim customer base
Jake and Megan go to the gym and hang out with their dogs
“Jake and I live within our means,” Megan said
I quit without telling them and said I’m just going to make bagels
Erika Erickson
The teen was found in an apartment near Warren and Inkster at about 1:40 p.m
after she reportedly ran away from Vista Maria
Police initially said the man was in his 50s right after they made the arrest
and then said he was 65 during a press conference on Thursday
Dearborn Heights Police Chief Ahmed Haidar also revealed more details about finding the teen
You can watch the full press conference in the video at the top of this article
the teen was taken to the police station and then to the Children’s Hospital for a sexual assault kit
She has since been turned over to Child Protective Services
Haidar said they will submit the case to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for “numerous” charges
The chief said they believe the teen had been with the man since March 17
and don’t believe she knew him before that day
The teen was allegedly walking around near Joy and Inkster roads when she met the man
Haidar said he gave the teen a place to stay and money
“I believe this is a little child that had nowhere to go
but he only allowed her to use it when he was present.”
The chief also said he believes there was sexual contact between the teen and the man
based on some of the evidence collected at the apartment
A factor of the case that the chief found disturbing was that
when detectives were out canvassing the area during the search for the teen
the man they arrested had been one of the people they interviewed
Police said the man has no criminal history
but won’t release more information until charges are issued
Police also found a wish list that the teen had written while at the apartment
in which she wrote that she wanted to move out of the state
When asked if the teen would go back to Vista Maria at some point
The chief said there have been ongoing issues with the facility
there are juveniles that leave that facility all the time
There have been times where they pull the fire alarm
and they escape through the woods and end up in the city of Detroit
there could be numerous ways that they got out of that facility
Haidar said his officers spend too much time at Vista Maria, and previously said that in 2024 alone, there were over 300 calls for service at the facility
Haidar said that Vista Maria has reached out to meet with the department to discuss how they can address the challenges and better secure the facility
Here’s the statement Vista Maria released after the teen was found:
“All of us at Vista Maria are relieved and grateful that [Name Removed] has been found and is safe and receiving support
Our thanks go out to the many law enforcement agencies that worked hard to find her
especially the Dearborn Heights Police Department
We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community
including the many tips that helped the police in their search
Vista Maria stands ready to support [Name Removed] and her family in any way we can in the future.”
The chief said there are two open investigations involving sexual contact between a former male staff member and two teen residents within the last several months
one of which involves the 16-year-old that was just found
Police also said the teen had been seen with two other “Johns,” and they have identified one of those people as a man in his 30s
During the investigation, several former Vista Maria residents came forward with allegations of abuse.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released the following statement on April 24, 2025:
The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be revealed as the case moves forward.
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – A school bus crashed into a tree in a Dearborn Heights neighborhood Tuesday morning.
According to police, the driver of the school bus appeared to have hit a parked car on Amboy Street near Inkster and Warren at around 7:45 a.m. on April 15. This led to the school bus being forced into a nearby tree.
Police said a few children were checked out by first responders and were released to their parents.
Crestwood School District officials said a replacement bus transported the students safely to Riverside Middle School.
A woman who lives in the home in front of the tree told Local 4 she has been living there for 12 years and has never seen anything like this.
She said one child appeared to be in pain, but it looked like there were no major injuries in the crash.
“Our first priority is always the safety of our students,” said Scott Casebolt, Crestwood Student Services Specialist. “Thanks to the quick actions of our team and first responders, every student was safely and professionally cared for.”
“We are grateful that all students are safe and that the situation was handled swiftly and with care,” said Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Superintendent of Crestwood Schools. “Our commitment to student safety and clear communication with families remains unwavering.”
School officials said afternoon bus routes are expected to run as scheduled.
Samantha Sayles is an Oakland University alumna who’s been writing Michigan news since 2022. Before joining the ClickOnDetroit team, she wrote stories for WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint.
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A man was arrested for allegedly wearing a bulletproof vest with a gun on his waistband near a high school in Dearborn.
Dearborn police responded to a high school on April 27, 2025 for a report of a man with a gun. A witness reported to police that a man displayed a gun with an extended magazine in his waistband and he went into a white Chrysler Minivan and left the area.
Officers found a white Chrysler minivan near the high school and conducted a traffic stop. They found Charles Edward Drummer in the front passenger side of the van. Police learned Drummer had arrest warrants.
Drummer was then arrested and searched. Officers discovered he was wearing a bulletproof vest that contained ballistic panels inserted inside.
Police searched the minivan and found a located handgun with an extended magazine that could be seen under the front passenger seat where Drummer was sitting. The gun was loaded with 13 live rounds.
An ATF Nexus Special Agent determined the pistol was not manufactured in Michigan, therefore it previously traveled in interstate or foreign commerce.
Police later learned Drummer had several felony convictions:
Drummer faces a felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
After undergoing renovations that forced a two-year closure
the historic Dearborn Inn officially reopened to the public on Wednesday
part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection hotels
and managed by Ford Land; the renovation was in collaboration with design teams that included AvroKO
A highlight of its guest rooms are four-poster beds and sitting areas
There are also 19 suites and a grand Presidential Suite
The two-year renovation preserved many of the Dearborn Inn’s historic elements and elegance of the Georgian-style inn that first drew inspiration from the New England inns that the Fords visited
“From the moment guests step through our doors
we want them to feel inspired by the history that surrounds them and by the trailblazers who once walked these halls,” said Joleisha Bradley
“The hotel is both a welcoming retreat and living museum
with historic artifacts woven throughout the property.”
First hotel for air travelersBuilt by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn
the Dearborn Inn is known as the first hotel for air travelers
Across the street from the inn was the Ford Airport
the Dearborn Inn was also added to the National Register of Historic Places
the hotel guests included notables such as Walt Disney
Eleanor Roosevelt and President Ronald Reagan
Displayed under glass in the lobby is an autograph from Disney
in a news release called the Dearborn Inn “a significant piece of Dearborn’s history” and “important place for my family and the Ford community” since its inception
the Dearborn Inn is part of Ford’s broader commitment to building for the future
I am thrilled to include the Dearborn Inn on the growing list of buildings across Ford and the community that we are restoring
which will be critical to our long-term success,” Ford said
Ford told the media at Wednesday's opening ceremony that the Dearborn Inn was “where I came for lunch and to meet people.”
“It’s just great to see it all being redone,” he said
When asked if this project is important for the future
“You see the train station … you see it here
But we’re repurposing not just a trip down memory lane but really leading into the future.”
He also spoke of the Dearborn Inn being important to his great-grandfather and grandfather
our family does and so I couldn’t be happier to see it not only rebuilt but actually modernized in a way that kept all the great historical cues and yet it’s been upgraded to the point where I think people who have never been here before are going to think it’s amazing
You don’t want it just to be a trip down memory lane.”
The inn sits near the heart of Ford's research and engineering campus
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said the Dearborn Inn is of the utmost importance
the Dearborn Inn is a historical gem and institution that we were so eager to see reopen,” Hammoud said
“This institution in the heart of the broader campus is going to be welcoming so many guests near and far.”
Hammoud also said what Ford is doing at the Dearborn Inn and its hub campus across the street helps cement the automaker's presence in the city it calls home
“You see Ford's commitment to the city of Dearborn for the next several generations,” Hammoud said
that’s obviously brings peace of mind but also assures us that Dearborn is doing something right to retain an innovative institution like Ford Motor Company here in the city.”
The renovation preserved many of the Dearborn Inn’s historic elements
Clara’s Table is the Dearborn Inn’s signature restaurant named so after Clara Ford
the main thrust of the restaurant is a farm-to-table concept inspired by Clara Ford
a known horticulturist with a passion for gardening
Patti researched recipes in Clara Ford’s cookbook “Cooking for Henry,” including a Model T Crackers
from around the world and hand them off to her chefs and say
we’ve taken that same idea to re-create ideas.”
Clara’s Table menu will utilize fresh herbs from the on-site chef’s garden and reflect seasonal ingredients from Michigan’s producers
Highlights of the large restaurant’s dining area include it being flush with natural light from surrounding windows and its restored green marble
Its new Four Vagabonds cocktail bar is inspired by the legendary road trips of Henry Ford
John Burroughs and Harvey Firestone as well as the property’s aviation history
which is inspired by one of Ford’s studies
There’s a smoked meat plate and house-pickled vegetables plus local beers and craft cocktails named for the Vagabonds’ adventures
A private dining room off the Four Vagabonds features a mural from Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz
depicting the Four Vagabonds in an autumn setting
Other elements of the renovation are standalone homes adjacent to the Dearborn Inn that are in the final stages of development
These five homes with guest suites are expected to be complete in late July
Dobleske said the houses have kitchenettes with additional rooms that can accommodate guests such as those in wedding parties
The Dearborn Inn, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, is at 20301 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; marriott.com
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which took five years to hit the streets following the 2015 debut of the sixth-gen car
Hagerty can confirm that seventh-gen Mustang GT500 mules have been spotted testing around the streets of Dearborn
Spy shots obtained by Hagerty show Mustangs half wrapped in camouflage graphics
with revised front fascias that feature gaping air intakes and big radiators
as well as an interior roll cage of some sort
which could simply be for prototyping and testing purposes
Some of the cars even include tiny mule stickers on the fenders
The front wheel arches have been altered slightly, likely to fit wider tires, and the photos show that the tires fitted match those used on the sixth-generarion, S550 GT500: 305/30ZR20s up front and 315/30ZR20s in the rear
A variety of wheels are mounted on the mules
including the standard alloy units from the previous GT500
as well as the carbon fiber wheels that came in that car’s optional $18,500 Carbon Fiber Track (CFT) package
While those wheels are shod in the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber that was also part of the CFT package
the mule riding on the standard wheels is outfitted with Pirelli PZeroRs
a change from the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires used on base GT500s before
Perhaps Ford is testing the waters with new compounds for its potent pony
Speculation about a new GT500 was fueled online two months ago
when a now-deleted post (by Reddit’s legal team
not by the poster) on the r/Mustang sub-reddit appeared to show a leaked United Auto Workers internal memo that indicated changes being made to the Dearborn Engine Plant
including an extra shift being added to the Niche assembly line
allegedly gearing up for production of a new high-performance powerplant for 2026
A supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 making 760 hp and 623 lb-ft of torque powered the last GT500. The current F-150 Raptor R utilizes that powerplant
Whether the unit will serve as the platform for a new GT500 is anyone’s guess
but the availability and plausibility are hard to ignore
Watch this space for more as new information on a 2026 GT500 becomes available.
I’m curious to see where they go with this car
More power isn’t going to make the car by itself much faster
Will be interesting if they can make a manual an option this time around
That was the only thing that held me back last time around
just another fng Mustang lookin like a Camaro
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
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(WXYZ) — Police in Dearborn Heights are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman in what they believe was a murder-suicide
A 60-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were found with gunshot wounds Wednesday afternoon as officers responded to a home for a wellness check
They responded to the home around 2:30 p.m
The two were found inside of a car that was in a garage
Never see that in the neighborhood,” neighbor Jessica Kiran said
a mother of ttwo says she was shocked when she looked out her window to see all the commotion in her normally quiet neighborhood
but I honestly assumed they were just passing through because again
Investigators said a friend talked to the man on the phone before the incident
The friend became concerned and called police
Authorities believe the man shot the woman before shooting himself
They did not live together but had some sort of relationship
Their identities have not yet been released
it's hard to come out to these and have to process through these things so now
Our thoughts go out to these families," Paul Vanderplow with Dearborn Heights police told reporters
Two families are coming to terms with what happened including longtime friend and neighbor David Voydanoff
We used to play T-ball together," Voydanoff said
never had any problems with any of the neighbors.”
Police believe the incident was isolated and there’s no threat to the community
you can call the Dearborn Heights Police Department at 313-277-6770
You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP
Don't think you're ever going through anything alone
There is somebody to talk to," Vanderplow said
If you're feeling suicidal or need help with your mental health
call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 988
DEARBORN, Mich. – A Dearborn-based attorney said he was detained and targeted at Detroit Metro Airport because of his profession
Amir Makled returned from a spring break trip with his family to Punta Cana on Sunday
While going through customs in Detroit
I realized it meant tactical terrorism response team
Mackled said the agent immediately brought up his job as an attorney
Makled said the agent demanded he hand over his cell phone to be searched.
Makled said he refused, citing privileged information on his device.
He ultimately handed over his phone, allowing the agents to search his contact list only.
“It’s not something I’m going to let the government have unfettered access to,” Makled said. “I have a duty as an attorney. I have a duty to my clients and anything they tell me could be privileged.”
Makled said he was held for nearly two hours total and was released with his cell phone.
He believes this was a targeted interrogation that has to do with his profession.
“I think it’s an attempt to dissuade attorneys from taking on these causes,” Makled said. “It’s really an attempt to intimidate lawyers from standing up for people who are engaged in political speech.”
Makled believes he was specifically targeted for taking on cases that clash with Trump administration policies.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection responded with a statement.
“This lawyer’s accusations are blatantly false and sensationalized. Upon entering the country, he was flagged and referred to secondary inspection — a routine, lawful process that occurs daily, and can apply for any traveler.
During the approximately 90-minute screening, officers worked to ensure attorney-client privilege was respected during electronic media search.
He provided written consent to a limited search of his electronic device, and all actions were conducted in accordance with established protocols.
He was then promptly released. Claims that this was an attack on his profession or were politically motivated are baseless. Our officers are following the law, not agendas.”
Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.
(WXYZ) — Police are investigating after a school bus crashed into a tree in Dearborn Heights on Tuesday morning
Police responded to the crash around 7:40 a.m
near the intersection of W Warren Ave & Amboy St
A neighbor we spoke to said it happened right after 7:30 a.m.
saying that the bus was smoking on arrival
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Doorbell camera showcases school bus crash in Dearborn
Chopper 7 captures aftermath of Dearborn School Bus Crash
The bus belongs to Crestwood School District
We're told no one was injured in the crash
and the dozens of kids on the bus got on another bus for schools
Ford Motor Company's beloved Michigan hotel
reopens on March 19 with a stunning new look
Isaac Maiselman Photography/Courtesy of Dearborn Inn
The Dearborn Inn, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, has a new life. The 94-year-old property that was originally built by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn across from what was once the Ford Airport
now welcomes guests once again with a gleaming transformation
“It was a Marriott hotel and now it’s part of the Marriott Autograph Collection,” explains Marriott’s William McGowan
who attended the inn’s grand opening in late March after the inn had been closed for two years during renovations
So, what does an Autograph location mean? For starters, these designated hotels must evoke an upscale and luxurious appeal. “And they have to be wrapped around a brand that’s experiential and that ties back to the building’s core elements,” explained McGowan, of Marriott’s Global Design Division
as we did a walk-thru of the hotel at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 19
One core element is the stunning marble flooring in the lobby
“There was discussion about that being replaced as there was a lot of wear and tear
Each played a role in how the 135-room inn pays homage to its past through original design elements
like a photo booth that dates back to the hotel’s early days
The booth has been updated with wallpaper that will make your photo look like you’re in a Ford Tri-Motor Airplane
and will be printed to look like a vintage-style passport photo
Furniture buffs will appreciate Michigan-themed designs, including Platner chairs (architect Warren Platner spent 1960–65 working for Eero Saarinen in Michigan) and hallway carpeting inspired by Loja Saarinen tapestry designs. (She was the founder of the weaving department at Cranbrook Academy of Art.)
contemporary guest rooms feature four-poster walnut beds
and artwork from or inspired by the company archives
A sketchbook for guests is a spinoff of the notion of how Henry Ford and his friends would write down ideas on the back of napkins
which donates a blanket to a homeless shelter for each one purchased
(Guests can buy a blanket in the hotel’s gift shop.)
“The entire design was about thinking of personal experiences so that guests could walk away with a new idea or new memory
that’s the Autograph collection,” says Greg Lattin
assistant vice president at Marriott International
The restaurant, Clara’s Table
is wrapped in sumptuous green draperies and grass-green painted millwork — a truly “faithful renovation of the space,” McGowan shares
“We’ll eventually be growing food and herbs right outside its windows,” says Dearborn Inn General Manager Joleisha Bradley
the Four Vagabonds lounge and its rich navy-blue paneling (much of which is the original knotty pine) is named after what visionaries Henry Ford
and Harvey Firestone called themselves when traveling
“They’d talk about ideas.” In the private event/dining area
a huge and colorful mural by Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz depicts the four men sitting by a river discussing those ideas
taking in the checkerboard Italian marble floor and gazing into a fireplace (wrapped in the now-preserved green marble) as they once did
One can also envision Henry and Clara Ford passing through the lobby of one of the country’s first airport hotels en route to the restaurant for their Sunday dinner
And what would the inn’s original owner think about the legendary hotel’s transformation
“I think Henry Ford would say it’s charming
it also moves us so well into the future.”
five standalone homes with distinctive guest suites themed around notable former guests
Learn more at marriott.com/dtwdk or call 313-271-2700 — and for even more metro Detroit development news, visit hourdetroit.com
This story appeared in the May 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on May 5
(WXYZ) — Wyandotte is a historic city in southern Wayne County
As we look to get around to communities in the area in our new “Let's Talk” series
we also want to go beyond that with our reporters
On Tuesday, 7 News Detroit reporter Carli Petrus visited Wyandotte, and she even shared on social media that she was eager to hear the stories you want us to highlight
Some people shared with us that there was a dire situation unfolding in Dearborn Heights involving a water main break that is leading to some people being forced out of their homes
Carli went there to hear their frustration and find out from the city what is at the root of it all
Residents of the Pelham Mobile Home Park were frustrated when a recent water main break left them without water
and her family have been living at Pelham Mobile Home Park for about two weeks
"We had to put our girls somewhere," she said
Jada says the last home she and her family were renting was condemned after the roof fell in
forcing them to move from motel room to motel room until they found something they thought was more stable
their mobile home is being condemned by the city of Dearborn Heights
Jada says it started with a water main break in the middle of the park
"I worked hard to make the money to get here and to pay my bills
Gary Bojanowski says he noticed the orange condemned sign on his window about two days ago
"I ain't got no place to go," Bojanowski said
Paul Vanderplow with the city of Dearborn Heights says they were made aware of the water issue by residents on Saturday
The issue was happening on private property
but Vanderplow says they were concerned about the safety of the residents
"Mayor brought together quite a few people to address this as quickly as he could," Vanderplow said
Some of these concerns are also county concerns so unfortunately
if there's open sewage lines or there's just no serviceable water
they just can't be inhabited," Vanderplow said
I spoke to the property manager off camera about the issues uncovered by the city
He says he's working with residents to fix what he can
"The city has been addressing issues at this trailer park for a number of years because we understand what is going to come and unfortunately
the issue finally happened and people got caught up in it," Vanderplow said
Vanderplow assures me that the residents whose homes are being condemned will be given assistance in finding another place to live
by Fred Pennic 05/02/2025 Leave a Comment
– Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC (MDP), a private equity firm, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire a significant ownership position in NextGen Healthcare, Inc.
a provider of innovative healthcare technology and data solutions.
a software investment firm that acquired NextGen Healthcare in 2023
Both MDP and Thoma Bravo will partner with NextGen Healthcare’s management team to foster continued growth
NextGen Healthcare provides Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management software primarily focused on the ambulatory care market
helping practices improve patient outcomes
Thoma Bravo has supported NextGen Healthcare in modernizing its solutions and operating structure
and the addition of new executive leadership
The addition of MDP as an investment partner alongside Thoma Bravo is aimed at further accelerating NextGen Healthcare’s growth trajectory
The firms will support the company’s leadership team
led by CEO David Sides and President/COO Srinivas (Sri) Velamoor
in executing its strategy to deliver best-in-class solutions to a broader range of healthcare clients
“We are delighted to partner with MDP and Thoma Bravo to accelerate our investment in developing and delivering transformational solutions to the ambulatory healthcare marketplace,” said David Sides
“By combining our deep healthcare domain expertise with MDP’s extensive healthcare experience and Thoma Bravo’s renowned software operational expertise
we believe we can deliver on that vision faster.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2025
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed
Tagged With: Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions
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originally envisioned by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn
7 News Detroit was there on Wednesday as officials marked the grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony
the rooms and restaurants in the video below
The hotel is now part of Marriott and the company's Autograph Collection
It's also on the National Register of Historic Places
crews retained original design elements like checkerboard marble floors and a green marble fireplace in the lobby
The redesign was executed closely with the Ford family
The hotel was originally built in 1931 and has welcomed legendary guests including Walt Disney
Guests will have plenty of interactive elements including a vintage photo booth
The first is a farm-to-table restaurant called Clara's Table
inspired by Clara Ford's love for gardening
There's also a cocktail bar called Four Vagabonds in honor of the road trips taken by Henry Ford
officials said they will reintroduce guest rooms in five colonial homes on the property and 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space
where 55% of the residents are of Middle Eastern descent
Trump won with 42.48% of the vote over Vice President Kamala Harris
provided to the Free Press from City Clerk George Darany
Voter turnout in Dearborn was smaller compared to 2020
where 39% of the residents are of Middle Eastern descent
Biden received 68.8% in Dearborn while Trump received 29.9%
Muslim voters interviewed Tuesday at polling sites said they were disappointed with the Biden administration's support for Israel's attacks and also preferred Trump's views on economics
"We have to fix our problems here in America," Nagi Almudhegi
You want to take care of your children first
before you go and take care of your neighbors and somebody overseas or abroad
The leaders of the United States have to take care of the citizens of the United States
Why are we worried about every single problem in the world when we have so many systemic issues here in the U.S.?"
where Lebanese Americans make up the largest group among its Arab population
there has been outrage in recent weeks over Israel's attacks in Lebanon that have led to deaths and displacement affecting many families in Dearborn
Mosques were packed in recent weeks in Dearborn with memorials for the dead
More: Trump, Harris vie for Arab American, Muslim votes in Michigan as Yemenis gain spotlight
In November 2020, Biden crushed Trump with 88% of the vote in the two precincts in the south end of Dearborn
the area Almudhegi was speaking from Tuesday
but was expected to win that area in yesterday's election
according to precinct results of election day voting
The anger towards the Democrats was already seen in the February presidential primary
when Biden received only 4% of the vote in the south end while 'Uncommitted' got 91% of the vote
Trump also had a substantial increase in support
but Harris won the working-class city that has the highest percentage of immigrants among cities in Michigan
Harris got 46.2% in Tuesday's election in Hamtramck
a significant decrease from Biden's 85% four years ago
while Trump got 42.7% and Jill Stein was at 8.96%
according to results provided to the Free Press by City Clerk Rana Faraj
Mohammed Alam has been a loyal Democrat for decades and active in the party
but said he voted for Trump because the "Biden Harris administration failed to take any prompt action" to stop Israel's attacks against Palestinians
an immigrant from Bangladesh who spoke Tuesday at Hamtramck High School
said he was also disappointed with Biden's policies in Bangladesh
is a Democrat but voted for Trump because of tax and economic issues
saying he will help manufacturing and workers in Hamtramck
"The Muslim community is united in principle against the Biden Harris administration
More: Trump meets Arab Americans in Dearborn, vows to bring peace in Middle East
Ghalib had strongly urged his followers to support Trump
writing in a statement Tuesday: "Whoever loves
it’s an opportunity for our community to advance to the top
But three members of the Hamtramck city council
holding a car rally and gathering in support of Harris on Oct
the same day Trump held a rally in Novi in which he brought out Muslim leaders on stage with him
The overthrow this summer of Prime Minister Hasina in Bangladesh
who was often criticized by Biden officials
also may have played a role in helping Harris eke out a victory in Hamtramck
and some other Bangladeshi American voters had opposed Hasina
The Biden administration strongly supported the new government in Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus that opposed Hasina
Another city councilman of Bangladeshi descent
The three mayors with the highest percentage of Arab Americans — Dearborn
Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck — did not endorse Harris
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud did not endorse any candidate
Ghalib backed Trump and Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi endorsed Trump
Ghalib and Bazzi spoke at Trump's last campaign rally Monday night in Grand Rapids
39% and Douglas Marsh of the Green Party got 15%
Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo
A dynamic city where Arab American heritage meets modern attractions
From late-night coffeehouses to historic landmarks
this Metro Detroit gem offers a vibrant mix of culture
this guide will give you even more reasons to explore
If it’s your first time discovering this Metro Detroit gem
Dearborn has driven itself as a must-visit destination
and culture ensures every visitor finds their own slice of the city to love
From historic landmarks to lively restaurants and late-night coffeehouses
there’s always something to experience in Dearborn
Dearborn is a self-proclaimed coffee capital
The city even hosts an annual Coffee Week in the fall
celebrating specialty coffee and community gatherings
Coffee in Dearborn isn’t just a drink; it’s a social experience
Many cafes reflect the city’s rich Middle Eastern heritage
serving Yemeni-style brewed coffee and tea
Qahwa House – “Qahwa - coffee in arabic” Traditional Yemeni coffee
probably the best Adeni (tea) you will ever have
Qahwah house Dearborn’s first authentic yemeni style coffee shop
Bayt Al Mocha – The newest hotspot for authentic Yemeni coffee
With interiors inspired by the Middle East
Bayt Al Mocha is a place for all to enjoy simple moments with family and friends
Jabal Coffee – An instagrammable coffee shop with strong cultural roots
You can find Dearbornites hanging out here until late night on the weekends
Shibam – East Dearborn’s newest coffee shop with amazing drinks and a warm inviting atmosphere
Black Box – A walking art gallery meets specialty coffee shop
dive into Dearborn’s unique nightlife: the coffee hangout
Many local coffee shops stay open until 11 PM or midnight
buzzing with people catching up over espresso and tea
Finding a seat can be a challenge (that’s how popular they are)
For a true taste of Dearborn’s late-night scene
head to the coffee spots in West Downtown Dearborn along the Michigan Avenue Strip
they’re a must-visit for a cozy coffee nightcap and a sweet treat
food isn’t just something you eat—it’s an experience
With one of the largest concentrations of halal restaurants in the U.S.
From traditional Middle Eastern eateries to modern fusion restaurants
every dish tells a story of culture and heritage
making it the perfect destination for late-night eats
Halal food follows Islamic dietary guidelines
But halal isn’t just for Muslims—anyone can enjoy it
Many Metro Detroit restaurants have added halal options to their menus to cater to the region’s large Muslim population
making it easier for everyone to experience high-quality
Whether you’re a local foodie or a first-time visitor
trying any cuisine in Dearborn (that also is halal) is a must
For a deep dive into Dearborn’s food culture, start with a meal at Al Ameer, a James Beard Award-winning Lebanese restaurant known for its hummus, pita, and mixed grills. If you’re craving bold Yemeni flavors, Sheeba is the go-to spot
offering a mix of globally inspired flavors like sushi
Roman Village Country Chicken Cedarland New Yasmeen BakeryDearborn BakeryMalak Al Kabob
Al Tayyeb – Traditional Lebanese breakfast spot known enjoyed by manyShamiat – Syrian-inspired dishes with bold flavors and hearty breakfasts.Dellah Coffee & Brunch House – A fusion of Yemeni and American classics
serving everything from shakshuka to pancakes.Avenue Brunch House – An American-style brunch favorite with creative takes on classic dishes.Galata – Authentic Turkish brunch experience featuring simit
and Turkish tea.House of Sesame - Try Kaak
Shatila Bakery – Famous for its mouthwatering Middle Eastern pastries
Lebon Sweets – A hidden gem for traditional Lebanese desserts.Abu
Abu K’nafa - Taste a Palestinian Family’s traditional method of Kunafa making. Featured on Hulu’s “Taste of the Nation." Available at the Canteen in Dearborn’s New Midtown
this city has long been a hub for innovation and industry
check out the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
where history comes to life with iconic inventions
Also must see is the Automotive Hall of Fame to embrace the celebration of influential people that helped shape the auto industry in the past and present
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at modern car manufacturing
while the Henry Ford Estate at Fair Lane offers a glimpse into the life of Henry Ford - who changed the world of transportation
Pro Tip: Want to mix history with a little outdoor adventure
Park at the Boardwalk on Michigan Ave and Brady Street and take the scenic 20-minute trail leading to the Henry and Clara Ford Estate
this trail offers a peaceful walk through nature
with the best views in spring and summer when the gardens along the River Rouge are in full bloom
it connects directly to the U of M Dearborn campus
perfect for those who want to keep exploring
But Dearborn’s story isn’t just about cars
a significant wave of Arab Americans moved to Dearborn
and economic hardships in their home countries
and cultural institutions that transformed the city into a thriving Arab-American hub.Today
and beyond have shaped this city into one of the most diverse and dynamic places in the U.S
Driving down Schaefer between Michigan Ave & Warren you will notice signs in Arabic from grocery stores
Dearborn is home to some of the most significant cultural and religious landmarks in the country
These sites showcase the city’s deep history
Arab American National Museum – The first and only museum in the U.S
dedicated to documenting Arab American history and contributions
The AANM has innovated events to gatherings to uplift the community like poetry nights
Head to their website to keep up with all the events and immerse yourself in the culture
Islamic Center of America – The largest mosque in North America
serving as a spiritual hub for the Muslim community
You can enjoy its’ beauty driving down Ford Road
Al Huda Mosque – A stunning new addition to East Dearborn, reflecting the continued growth of the Muslim community.American Moslem Society – The first mosque built in Dearborn
marking the early presence of Arab American immigrants in the city
Dearborn is made up of distinct neighborhoods
West Dearborn – Known for its bustling nightlife
and a walkable downtown filled with restaurants
East Dearborn – The cultural heart of the Arab American community
featuring the best Middle Eastern restaurants
South End Dearborn – The historic home of early Arab immigrants
preserving deep-rooted traditions with long-standing businesses and family-owned stores that have been passed down for generations
Dearborn’s shopping scene offers everything from international goods to trendy boutiques
Visitors can explore specialty markets filled with Middle Eastern spices
or browse local shops for one-of-a-kind finds
Dearborn Fresh – A top grocery store offering fresh halal products and imported Middle Eastern goods
Asal Bee – A specialty shop featuring premium Yemeni honey and other authentic products
Little Mama’s Vintage – A charming vintage boutique with unique fashion finds
Dearborn Jewelry & Gold Factory – The go-to place for stunning Middle Eastern gold and silver jewelry
Nice Price – A budget-friendly everything store
Luluat Almusk Perfume Shop - Offering a wide selection of fragrances and oils
Sneaker Legends - High-end sneaker boutique in the heart of Downtown Dearborn
Dearborn is a city that thrives on community events and cultural celebrations year-round:
Dearborn Homecoming Festival - Every Summer
the city of Dearborn puts on an incredible two day festival filled with performances
and seasonal markets celebrating the changing leaves
Winter Markets – Holiday-themed pop-up markets showcasing local artisans and festive treats
Ramadan Village at Canteen Midtown - A beloved tradition where restaurants stay open late into the night to serve pre-dawn meals during Ramadan
Ford-Wyoming Drive-in Movie Theatre - Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with one of Dearborn's iconic places
Fun fact: The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn
Michigan was once the world's largest drive-in theater
The Henry Autograph Collection: When in Dearborn
this is the hotel where you’ll want to stay
The Henry offers a unique blend of history and modern luxury
To visit Dearborn is to step into a place where every street
It’s the aroma of fresh bread from a local bakery
the warmth of late-night conversations over Yemeni tea
and the energy of a community that thrives on hospitality
It’s a city where generations come together
where traditions are preserved while innovation flourishes
Dearborn’s unique blend of heritage and modernity makes it a shining example of cultural coexistence
with a booming economy and a community full of innovators
The city’s competitive energy fuels success
and Arab Americans here are making waves in every industry
some even gaining global recognition for their talent and hard work
A big part of this progress is representation
Dearborn has reached new milestones in leadership
creating more opportunities and opening doors that were once closed
It’s a city where voices that were once unheard are now shaping the future
making Dearborn not just a great place to visit
It’s no surprise that people from all over the country come to Dearborn to experience its rich culture
whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to stay longer
one thing’s for sure—Dearborn isn’t just a destination; it’s a story
Plan your visit and see for yourself why Dearborn is one of Metro Detroit’s most vibrant cities
here’s where to celebrate Ramadan 2025 across Metro Detroit
One might expect to find the only museum in the country dedicated to the Arab American experience in Washington D.C.…
Just outside of Detroit and about 20 minutes from Detroit Metro Airport
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DEARBORN – Last month the Board of Trustees at Western Michigan University (WMU) elected Russell Kavalhuna
president of Henry Ford College in Dearborn
to become the new president of the public university in Kalamazoo
becoming the 10th president in the university’s history
The university board unanimously approved a five-year contract for Kavalhuna
His salary at Henry Ford College is $303,000
which oversees Henry Ford College and the Dearborn Public Schools
will need to appoint a new college president in the coming months
Henry Ford College will always hold a special place in my heart.— Russell Kavalhuna
Kavalhuna reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Dearborn Board of Education
other campus officials and the broader community to “ensure a smooth transition.”
“I will always value the time I spent as president of Henry Ford College,” he said
“I love this college because my colleagues and our students constantly inspire me
“It has been a great honor to serve public education here in Dearborn to uplift and improve people’s lives,” he added
“Henry Ford College will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He highlighted accomplishments during his tenure
including securing $90 million for the construction of a new student facility
the Southeast Michigan Student Success Center (SEMSSC) — the largest infrastructure project at the college since its founding in 1937
Among other key achievements during his presidency was raising Henry Ford College’s graduation rate from 6 percent to more than 25 percent
president of the Dearborn Board of Education
offered heartfelt congratulations to Kavalhuna “on this new chapter of his professional journey.”
“Russ has been an outstanding president for our college
embodying strong leadership and steadfast commitment,” Mozip said
“He’s been an exceptional leader who fostered collaboration
upheld high standards and advocated for the well-being of students and staff
I’ve deeply appreciated the strong relationship of trust we’ve built,” he added
I wish Russ and his family happiness and success
I am confident he will continue to lead in higher education with integrity and dedication.”
Mozip also praised the positive working relationship between Kavalhuna and Dr
superintendent of the Dearborn Public Schools
Returning to Western Michigan University is a defining moment in my life
“Given our unique position as an educational district serving students from elementary through college
the relationship among top leaders is essential to our students and community,” Mozip said
“Russ and Glenn worked together excellently
ensuring seamless communication between the two institutions.”
Kavalhuna’s appointment followed an extensive national search by WMU to find a replacement for Montgomery
who will retire on June 30 after serving in the role since 2017
Kavalhuna took over as president of Henry Ford College in 2018
leading an institution of roughly 14,000 students
He has been credited with significantly improving student retention and graduation rates
originally founded as a teachers college in 1903
noted that Kavalhuna was introduced to the university through his parents
humbled and honored to be chosen as the next president of Western Michigan University,” Kavalhuna said in a press release
He added that the role holds great personal meaning as he began his academic journey in the Kalamazoo Public Schools and at WMU
and that his academic heart “will always remain there.”
“I am the son of an immigrant with limited income who was able to achieve the American dream through public education.”
His parents were public school teachers who instilled in him a “strong work ethic and dedication to public service.”
Kavalhuna earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation science from WMU in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2007
He is married to Courtney and they have two children
We are excited to welcome President-elect Russ Kavalhuna home to WMU
technical innovation and public service to higher education
we look forward to this next chapter under his leadership
“Returning to Western Michigan University is a defining moment in my life,” Kavalhuna said
affirming his deep belief in the university’s mission and the transformative power of higher education
Before his appointment at Henry Ford College
Kavalhuna served as executive director of flight operations at WMU’s College of Aviation from 2015 to 2018
attorney in Grand Rapids from 2009 to 2015 and as a law clerk for the Michigan Supreme Court from 2007 to 2009
he was a commercial airline captain with a regional affiliate of U.S
I focused on society’s most serious issues
which led to death threats and inspired me to redirect my efforts toward the essential power of education,” he said in his professional biography
He said his passion lies in “leveraging the unique power of higher education to solve our community challenges related to class
The university’s announcement emphasized that Kavalhuna — who also served as an adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School from 2012 to 2015 — has a robust academic background and public service record
He was appointed by governors from both parties — Jennifer Granholm (D)
Rick Snyder (R) and Gretchen Whitmer (D) — to key statewide boards focused on education
Kavalhuna currently holds a position on the Michigan Workforce Development Board under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
He is also a member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission
a state body overseeing aviation infrastructure and regulatory policy
DEARBORN
– The Dearborn Inn has officially reopened after being closed for two years for an extensive restoration
The 135-room hotel was originally built in 1931 by Henry Ford and designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn
It was restored by Ford Land’s design and Ford Motor Company’s archival teams in partnership with the Ford family
and has debuted as one of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection hotels
the Dearborn Inn has been a significant piece of Dearborn’s history
and an important place for my family and the Ford community
I could not be happier that the Inn is reopening in service of Ford employees
and our broader community,” said Bill Ford
which will be critical to our long-term success.”
The Dearborn Inn was one of the first airport hotels in the country and was built across from what was once the Ford Airport
It was inspired by inns across New England that Henry Ford had visited
and some notable guests include Walt Disney
The hotel’s “most storied elements” were preserved during the renovation at the request of the Ford family
guests are immediately greeted with the stunning checkerboard Italian marble flooring selected by Henry Ford himself,” according to the release
the stately green marble fireplace has also been restored and preserved
lending a sense of warmth and regality to the room
Guests are invited to commemorate their journey by taking a vintage-style ‘passport’ photo inside a customized photo booth
an original phone booth that has been transformed to look like the historic Ford Tri-Motor airplane.”
Guests can find original Michigan-made furniture
and items from other local artisans at the hotel
Artifacts from the Ford archive can also be found throughout the Dearborn Inn
including a scrapbook of letters from guests who spent their honeymoons at the hotel
One of those menus even features a signature from Walt Disney
Each room features a stately four-poster walnut bed and Eames chairs
along with Ford Pantone blue tiles in the bathrooms
Open sketchbooks for creative thoughts and a personalized voicemail greeting are among the signature details offered for guests
There are also 19 suites and the Presidential Suite
the hotel will make five colonial-style homes that feature 18 additional rooms
These are great for groups or visitors who would like more space
and are inspired by the homes of notable creatives
with historic artifacts woven throughout the property
We look forward to continuing the tradition of hospitality that has made Dearborn Inn so beloved.”
The historic hotel will also launch an indoor and outdoor event space
which can accommodate events for up to 850 people
The hotel features two new dining concepts
is a farm-to-table concept named after and inspired by Henry Ford’s wife
created a menu that reflects what Clara served to guests at her home
which was comprised of American dishes inspired by her and Henry’s travel experiences
Some items guests can find on the menu include housemade pastries
and a prime New York strip with tallow and herb frites
which pays homage to the road trips Henry Ford
and Harvey Firestone took in the early 1900s
It was designed to look like one of Henry’s studies and serves local beers
house-pickled vegetables and other small dishes inspired by what the Vagabonds might have enjoyed on their trips
Rooms at the Dearborn Inn start at $350 per night and bookings opened on March 19. For more information and to book, visit here.