A family packing for a road trip in Grosse Pointe Woods was confronted by two men, one armed with a gun who attempted to carjack their rental vehicle early Tuesday morning, according to police.

The attempted carjacking happened around 5 a.m. on Anita Avenue near Mack Avenue. Police say two suspects pulled up in a silver Chevrolet Equinox and tried to steal the family's SUV.

Abigail Russell, whose son-in-law was targeted, said the family was loading up when one of the suspects approached him and her granddaughter.

"He told them to lay on the ground. He laid on the ground. My granddaughter ran back into the house and as she was coming back into the house, the other kids and myself was coming towards the door and she just yelled 'he's robbing. My dad is being robbed. My dad is being robbed,'" Russell said.

Police say the victim was also armed and fired at the suspects, who fled the scene. Dispatch audio captured the moment a 911 caller reported the incident.

"50-50 cars, I've got a caller on 911 screaming attempted robbery," the audio said.

Neighbor Dr. Chontay Taylor Glenn was in her bedroom when she heard the gunshots and saw the confrontation unfold outside.

"I can still kind of hear it in my ear. Pow, pow, pow, pow," Taylor Glenn said. "I see someone run, which looks like a tall maybe young guy run really fast and I see him get up and begin to shoot."

Security video shows the suspects' vehicle approaching Kercheval Avenue and Fisher Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, where it jumped a curb and crashed into a light pole and a concrete flower bed. Officers from the city of Grosse Pointe and Grosse Pointe Farms took the two men into custody and recovered a gun.

Russell said she is grateful no one was killed.

"I thank God for protecting my family, my son in law because this could have turned a whole different way," Russell said.

The suspects, both men in their 20s, are expected to face charges.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Nelson Ropke, a 41-year-old Grosse Pointe Park attorney, was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison after admitting guilt to two felony charges related to child sexually abusive activity.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Grosse Pointe Park attorney sentenced to 10 to 25 years on child porn charges

Wayne County 3rd Circuit Judge Darnella Williams-Claybourne handed down the sentence Monday, with victims and family members seated inside the courtroom. Ropke appeared in court in a wheelchair.

Ropke also received 10 to 20 years for using a computer to commit a crime.

"Those sentences run concurrently to each other. Jail credit is 97 days," Williams-Claybourne said.

Before learning his fate, Ropke addressed the court.

"I would just like to express my deepest remorse and regret for my horrible actions, for the negative impact it's had on my loved ones," Ropke said.

"There's no excuse. I've lost everything."

Williams-Claybourne acknowledged Ropke's apology before addressing the gravity of the crimes.

"Actions have consequences you know that better than anyone based on the nature of your profession," Williams-Claybourne said.

"This case is dark and it is disturbing. Based on the court's review of the pre-sentence investigative report, there's been a spiral of lawlessness and criminal behavior."

Watch Peter Maxwell's previous report when Nelson Ropke was charged below: Attorney charged with possessing & distributing child sexually abusive material

Ropke was arrested in April after Michigan State Police say they found sexually explicit photos and videos of prepubescent children at his home on Harcourt Road in Grosse Pointe Park. Investigators say those images included secretly captured videos of Ropke engaged in a sexual act with another person.

In September, Ropke was charged with driving under the influence in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Monday's sentencing follows a plea agreement in which Ropke admitted guilt to the two felony charges. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed the remaining counts, bringing the criminal case to a close without a trial.

Ropke's defense attorney, Timothy Dinan, called the case a tragedy.

"So many people have been affected by this," Dinan said.

In addition to his prison sentence, Ropke will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A road improvement project on Playview Street in St. Clair Shores has come to a halt after crews discovered natural gas service lines just inches below the road's surface a problem that was not identified during the design phase.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: St. Clair Shores road project stalled, crews find gas lines inches below street

Residents say construction began in May and has since become a source of daily frustration, with dust, torn-up lawns, driveways and removed trees now a fixture of life on the block.

"It looks like hell out here," Bern Scheinpflug, who lives on Playview Street, said.

Bridget Cuneo, who also lives on Playview Street, said the sudden work stoppage caught neighbors off guard.

"They just stopped showing up and all of the equipment was left everywhere," Cuneo said. "They ripped up almost the entire block before they realized what was below."

Cuneo said the experience has worn on residents.

"It's not fun to be around and to live through and the construction's just been a nightmare," Cuneo said. "I think they would probably have a little bit more of a sense of urgency if they lived in a mess like this."

When crews removed the roadway, they found natural gas service lines running just inches below the surface. The discovery raised safety concerns and forced a pause in construction. The city said the issue was not identified during the design phase.

St. Clair Shores City Manager Dustin Lent said the city has heard residents' concerns and is working with Consumers Energy to fast-track the project.

Consumers Energy provided a statement addressing its role in the situation.

"Consumers Energy was not notified of the Playview Street roadway project before construction began and therefore did not have an opportunity to complete its normal preconstruction review and coordination with the City. "After the shallow gas services were identified, Consumers Energy began developing a plan to relocate and install the affected services at an appropriate depth so the roadway project can safely proceed. That design and the necessary coordination are still underway, and we do not yet have a confirmed construction start or completion date. "We are working with the City to complete the design and establish a schedule and will provide updated timing when it is available."

For some residents, the concern now extends beyond inconvenience. With no confirmed timeline for resuming or completing the project, neighbors are worried about what happens when cold weather arrives.

"I am really afraid of the winter coming in here," Kurt Wenclas, who lives on Playview Street, said.

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Grosse Pointe Park is switching trash haulers after the city council voted unanimously Monday to approve a new contract with Express Waste Services, replacing Priority Waste starting Oct. 1.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Grosse Pointe Park votes to drop Priority Waste and switch to Express Waste Services

City leaders say the move is aimed at delivering fewer missed pickups, better communication and a higher level of customer service to residents.

The switch comes just weeks after neighboring St. Clair Shores made the same change to Express Waste Services in June.

City Council Member Tim Kolar said St. Clair Shores' experience helped inform the decision.

"It was a great case study for us and we took that into consideration," Kolar said.

Watch our previous report when St. Clair Shores switched to Express Waste Services: St. Clair Shores welcomes new trash hauler two weeks ahead of schedule

Kolar said residents made clear they wanted dependable service and that Priority Waste had not met expectations.

"We just weren't seeing consistent changes being made that were meeting the expectations from a service delivery perspective," Kolar said. "Whether it's a late pickup, right, or a continued missed pickup."

Along with the new hauler, residents will receive new trash and recycling carts and added support for those who need it.

Jeff Rizzo, CEO of Express Waste, provided a statement on the contract:

"Express Waste is honored to be given the opportunity to serve the residents of Grosse Pointe Park. We will be ready to provide the level of service residents expect of their waste hauler on day one."

Priority Waste did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.

The switch does come with a cost increase. Starting in October, residents will see their monthly rate rise by $2.93.

Grosse Pointe Park resident Joe Hugh said the price increase is worth it.

"I am happy to pay the small fee, additional fee of $2.93," Hugh said. "Just want reliable service and I don't want to have a mess left in front of my house."

Previous coverage: Priority Waste CEO responds to complaints across SE Michigan, outlines plans for future Priority Waste CEO responds to problems across SE Michigan, outlines future plan

Resident Trevor Broad said Priority Waste's service was unpredictable.

"Sometimes, they'll take one of the two cans. Not the recycle, not the trash. They'll throw cans on your lawn," Broad said.

Resident Vanessa Leverenz said she personally never had a bad experience with Priority Waste but was not surprised by the city's decision.

"I just hope Express does a better job than what people have experienced with Priority," Leverenz said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Thick wildfire smoke from fires in Minnesota and Canada blanketed the Grosse Pointes Thursday, forcing public pools to close early and outdoor workers to wrap up their shifts ahead of schedule.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Smoke forces closures, precautions for outdoor workers in the Grosse Pointes

The hazy conditions along Lakeshore Road prompted officials and businesses across the Grosse Pointes to change plans to protect both workers and the public.

Grosse Pointe Shores Public Works Director Michael Way said his department took immediate steps to protect employees working outside.

"We provided N-95 masks to all of our employees," Way said.

Way said his crews finished their routes earlier than normal to limit their time outdoors.

"Our job is 99 percent outside. It was just dangerous because of the air quality," Way said.

Sanitation worker Peter Randazzo said he appreciated the support from management.

"It was great to have support from our management staff to allow us to get the routes done, come back and just stay safe," Randazzo said.

A few miles away in Grosse Pointe Park, the city's public pool at Windmill Pointe sat quiet after officials closed it early Thursday morning. Lifeguard Ben Copus said the conditions were unlike anything he had seen before.

"We've never seen it this bad at the Park," Copus said.

Copus said he supported the decision to shut down.

Related Story: Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered Ask Dr. Nandi: Your questions about Michigan's air quality answered

"I don't want to be working in this. It's not fun," Copus said.

Demand for protective gear surged as residents scrambled to find N-95 masks. Several local hardware stores, including Pointe Hardware, sold out within hours.

"Within two hours or so, they were gone by 11-11:30AM. People were like, do you have any, and we were like, not at the moment, no," Pointe Hardware and Lumber Manager Paul Roybal said.

For some residents, the smoke changed how they went about their day but did not stop them entirely. Grosse Pointe Park resident Ann Marie Eaton said she still got her walk in just with a mask on.

"Feeling good about wearing the mask and taking a walk and getting outside," Eaton said.

Eaton said the conditions were a departure from what she is used to this time of year.

"I don't remember summers like this. It's kind of disappointing," Eaton said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

An 80-year-old restaurant owner who feared her dream could come to an end is now seeing an outpouring of community support after a story about her struggle reached more than 900,000 people on Facebook.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Community rallies around Fraser's Mama K's restaurant

Mama K's in Fraser ran out of food Tuesday as customers from across Metro Detroit showed up in droves to support owner Lamprini Karavidas. Customers were still arriving Wednesday.

Lazarous Karavidas, co-owner of Mama K's, described the response.

"Nonstop. Nonstop busy. It started early in the morning and didn't stop until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon," Lazarous Karavidas said.

Lamprini Karavidas said the rush of support left her exhausted but grateful.

"They all came yesterday and today, and I am tired. I am going like this, but I thank you!" Karavidas said.

The restaurant had to close early Tuesday because of the overwhelming turnout.

"We ran out of food. I was so tired. My son said we don't have any gyro, we don't have shish kabab, spinach pie, moussaka, soups, we ran out of everything," Karavidas said.

Just 48 hours before the surge, Karavidas had shared her concerns about slow business. She opened Mama K's in Fraser in February, chasing a dream later in life. But a lack of customers left her and her son wondering how long they could keep the restaurant going.

PREVIOUS STORY: 80-year-old opens restaurant in Fraser, hopes community will support her dream 80-year-old opens restaurant in Fraser, hopes community will support her dream

First-time customer Khari Strickland saw the story and decided to act.

"So, when I saw this literally, I just screen-shotted and said this is right by my house, so I am going to come support something local," Strickland said.

Strickland arrived to find the restaurant had already sold out.

"We saw the sign saying, ' Sorry, sold out," Strickland said.

New customers arrived from Fraser and across Metro Detroit to support Karavidas' dream. Brooke Nosek was among them.

"She's amazing, like I don't know if she's ever going to stop. She has more energy than all of us put together," Nosek said.

Dianne Thompson also made the trip after seeing the story.

"I saw your article, and I go, ' Oh my god, I said, I've got to go see Laz and his Mama," Thompson said.

Beth Meyer said Karavidas's story inspired her.

"I think it's amazing that somebody in her 80s had this wish and she followed through, and I think more power to her," Meyer said.

For Karavidas, the full tables mean more than sales.

"I can't express my appreciation to you and to the people," Karavidas said.

Karavidas knows a couple of busy days won't solve everything. She hopes first-time customers enjoy the food and return. New customer Michele McGlaun said the food speaks for itself.

"It is delicious," McGlaun said.

When asked if she would be coming back, McGlaun did not hesitate.

"Oh, absolutely," McGlaun said.

Karavidas expressed her gratitude to everyone who came out and to the team that told her story.

"Thank you to all of you at Channel 7 and you especially," Karavidas said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Generations of customers are returning to Opal's Hallmark in St. Clair Shores one last time before the store closes for good Saturday.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: 'Bittersweet': Opal's Hallmark in St. Clair Shores closing after nearly 50 years

For nearly 50 years, the shop on Harper Avenue has been a go-to destination for greeting cards, last-minute gifts and keepsakes for life's biggest moments. Now, longtime customers are stopping in to say goodbye.

"This is the place I usually go to. It's all my needs that I need for like holidays or gifts," Kim Chambers said.

Chambers stopped in one final time to pick up bridal gifts, baby shower gifts and cards before the store closes.

For Joan Paul, the store holds a deeply personal connection.

"My mom worked here for many years. And this is family to her, and she died six years ago at 95 and a half and Opal's is her family," Paul said.

Paul described the visit as an emotional one.

"I am pretty emotional," Paul said.

Owner Steve Beskange said his father started the business in 1955, then sold it. Beskange bought Opal's back in 1977. His father used to hand-select every card in the store. After nearly 50 years, Beskange said it is simply time to close.

"Bittersweet," Beskange said.

"All I can say is thank you. I appreciate everyone who has ever shopped here. We're getting all of these stories of people coming in of how many years they've lived in St. Clair Shores, how many years they've come and shopped at the store. It's amazing how many people have lived in St. Clair Shores over 40 years."

Even newer employees are feeling the loss. Elaine Radtke has worked at Opal's since November.

"The customers, they're very nice. The people I work with. Just the whole aspect of it. I really enjoyed working here," Radtke said.

Longtime customer Sandy Matthews said she stopped in one last time to hold onto the memories.

"There's just so many memories here. There's so many memories. I really don't know what to say, but it's just such a beautiful place and it's just really sad to see them go," Matthews said.

Opal's Hallmark will close Saturday.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

At 80 years old, Lamprini Karavidas opened a restaurant and she is working 7 days a week to keep it alive.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: 80-year-old opens restaurant in Fraser, hopes community will support her dream

Karavidas, known as Mama K, opened Mama K's in Fraser in February alongside her son, Lazarous. The restaurant was built on a love of food, family, and serving others. But months after opening, the business is struggling to bring in enough customers.

"It's hard to tell you the truth, but I love what I am doing," Karavidas said.

For most people, 80 is a time to slow down. Karavidas works from open until close every day.

"I would rather be here than a nursing home, for instance," Karavidas said.

She makes everything from scratch, including her own filo dough.

"I love to cook," Karavidas said.

Turning a new restaurant into a neighborhood favorite takes time, and right now, too many tables are sitting empty. Lazarous said some days are better than others.

"It's been tough. The weekdays have been tougher than the weekends, but yes, there's no doubt about it. February, March, and April were very difficult months," Lazarous said.

The challenges facing small restaurants like Mama K's are adding up from food and operating costs to the daily work of building a loyal customer base.

"It's been hard to tell you the truth," Karavidas said.

Despite the struggles, Karavidas says she is determined to keep going.

"The food is good, and I am good. Ha Ha," Karavidas said.

Customers like Michael Lavis drive in from St. Clair Shores for the food, but return because of the woman behind it.

"Not too many people have gyro and eggs," Lavis said. "She can carry a 50-pound bag of potatoes by herself."

First-time customers like Annette Corrado say they plan to come back.

"Yes, I will definitely be back and help support this Mama K's," Corrado said.

Karavidas is still showing up every day, hoping Fraser and surrounding communities will show up for her too.

"Come in! The food is great. Outside - so hot. Come in here. It's nice and cool and comfortable," Karavidas said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

All 22 chickens and two geese stolen from a Grosse Pointe Park nonprofit's educational farm over the Fourth of July holiday weekend have been found safe and returned home.

The animals belonged to the Ribbons Farm 4-H Club and were kept at the Full Circle Foundation's garden in Detroit. Volunteers discovered the coop empty after thieves took the birds over the holiday weekend.

The animals were found on a vacant property on Audubon Road off of E. Warren Avenue in Detroit less than a mile from where they were taken after the property owner, Pat Whittaker, received a call from her contractor.

"I thought it was really a prank. Could you imagine someone calling you saying there's chickens in your backyard in Detroit in Detroit," Whittaker said.

Whittaker said when her contractor looked in the backyard, they found that a chicken coop had been built using boards taken from her property.

"The guys that broke in to get the chickens I guess they love chickens they stole all of our boards off our property and made a chicken coop, made waters, they had feeders," Whittaker said.

Whittaker's neighbor, Tim Reynolds, said he knew something wasn't right when two teens showed up at the property with the chickens.

"They were taking care of them. They cut the grass, they were feeding it, gave them water. They made a house for it, but I knew something was wrong," Reynolds said.

Reynolds added a warning for whoever took the birds.

"If they're smart, they'll stay the hell away from it. They know they're hot. We got hot birds and hot chickens over here," Reynolds said.

Watch Peter Maxwell's previous report when the animals were missing below: Thieves hit nonprofit learning garden, steal dozens of chickens and geese

I was at Whittaker's property as volunteers worked to gather all 22 chickens and the two geese. Detroit police were also on scene. All of the animals were healthy and in good spirits.

Stephanie DiVirgil, director of operations at the Full Circle Foundation, said the outcome was better than she had expected.

"This is just such an amazing ending to a story that I really did not think that was going to end very well," DiVirgil said.

DiVirgil credited the news coverage with helping bring the animals home.

"Obviously it was your story that brought awareness to whoever told you about it and you told her about it and yeah, it's a group effort and this time it actually has a happy ending," DiVirgil said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Days after Friday's storms swept through Metro Detroit, some Grosse Pointe Woods residents are still without power and their frustration is growing.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Grosse Pointe Woods residents still without power after storms

The hum of generators has replaced the sounds of everyday life in parts of the neighborhood, as residents endure the heat and wait for DTE crews to finish restoring electricity.

Gary Naumann, 80, has been without power since Friday's storm, with his generator running nonstop.

"I've got $100 at least a $150 in so far on gas," he says.

Naumann said the physical toll is adding up.

"This six-gallon gas can is breaking my back," he says.

Keith Hollowell has also been without power since Friday. He said DTE crews were in the neighborhood Tuesday, but the lights never came back on.

"Last night, when they left here, I was supposed to have power. I had no power. But I got a text message last night saying, " Well, your service has been restored, the service on Blossom, or the work on Blossom, has been completed, as you see, it's not complete," Hollowell says.

Hollowell said he had to take matters into his own hands to get attention for the outage.

"It took me contacting you and a lot of others via email, and I believe that's why I got the results that we're seeing now," he says.

He said the experience has shaken his confidence in the utility.

"I think DTE needs to do a lot better."

DTE and contracting trucks were spotted on Cook Road and Kings Court working to install a new transformer. DTE said in a statement:

We know being without power for an extended period is frustrating, and were sorry for the disruption this has created. Fridays severe weather caused widespread damage, leaving nearly 400,000 customers without power. While we have restored service to 99.7% of those impacted, we recognize that does not ease the frustration for customers who may have received multiple estimates and still be waiting. In some instances when we arrive at an outage location, we discover even more damage than anticipated, which can cause additional delays. Our Storm Response Team, made up of more than 4,000 dedicated members, remains focused on continuing our work until every customer has their power fully restored.

On Kings Court, Ken Mokray said six days without power has been a major inconvenience.

"Six days, all of our food is destroyed. I have medicine that needs to be refrigerated, so I took it to my relatives so it wouldn't get spoiled," Mokray says. "It's not working for us."

George Hess says working from home without electricity has presented its own challenges. "You're constantly trying to figure out where you're going to recharge your laptop, recharge your phone. My wife works, so she's been doing a little bit of that, but it sucks."

Hollowell said he also had downed wires to contend with in the days following the storm.

"For days, I couldn't go into my yard because of the downed wires," he says.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Officials are reminding boaters to slow down, stay sober and put safety first as crowds pack Lake St. Clair for Independence Day weekend.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Coast Guard urges safety as crowds pack Lake St. Clair

Thousands are expected to take to the water on Lake St. Clair this Fourth of July weekend, and officials are urging boaters to prioritize safety as the risk of crashes injuries, and alcohol-related incidents rises with the crowds.

Petty Officer Colton Page of the United States Coast Guard said crews will be out patrolling the lake and watching for safety violations.

"You need a life jacket for every person on board," Page said.

Page said boaters should also come prepared for emergencies.

"Have a sound signaling device to signal for help if you need it. Also have a fire extinguisher on your boat as well so if you have a fire or some sort of engine mishap, you can actually take care of it," Page said.

Hear more from Petty Officer Colton Page in the video player below: Web extra: U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Colton Page talks about boating safety

Related: Lake St. Clair named among top 10 best bass lakes in the U.S. once again

Page also urged boaters to take precautions before allowing anyone to swim from the boat.

"Make sure the engine is turned of, you're placed in neutral, everything is secured before you start sending people in the water," Page said.

Those reminders come after a man in his 20s suffered life-threatening injuries in a boat propeller accident on Lake St. Clair Wednesday evening. Grosse Pointe Park police say the man was struck by the propeller of a boat while swimming. His girlfriend drove the boat to Neff Park, where the man was transported to a local hospital and underwent surgery. He is now in stable condition.

On Friday afternoon, dozens of boats packed the shoreline in Grosse Pointe Farms. Boater Kier Mathieson said the crowds make awareness on the water critical.

"There's so many swimmers out here. You really got to assume they're not seeing you when you're out on the water," Mathieson said.

Mathieson said safety is a priority for him and his guests.

"It's better to be extremely, extremely cautious and slow in this area rather than kind of be boisterous and get in any trouble," Mathieson said.

Boater Charlie Krausman said every boat needs a sober captain at the helm.

"Everyone drink responsibly and know how to operate the vehicle and make sure the driver is not drinking," Krausman said.

Krausman also said boater education is essential.

"I think it's important that everyone takes the boating test here in Michigan," Krausman said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Grosse Pointe South men's varsity hockey coach Ben Warda has been removed from his position after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman on his boat while it was docked outside a St. Clair Shores restaurant.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Grosse Pointe South hockey coach charged with felony sexual assault

Warda, 38, faces one felony count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion, a charge that carries up to 15 years in prison.

"He's being accused of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. It's a 15-year felony," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said.

According to Lucido, Warda is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 30s on his boat while it was docked outside of a St. Clair Shores restaurant. Sources close to the investigation told me that Warda and the victim met at a bar on June 13th and did not know each other prior to that encounter. The two then went to his boat, where prosecutors say the assault took place.

"Did they know each other personally? No, they did not. They had met, and as a result of meeting, things began to take it's course," Lucido said. "The victim in this case has probability or probable cause that a crime was committed."

St. Clair Shores police arrested Warda, and he was arraigned before a St. Clair Shores judge on Wednesday. He was given a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Grosse Pointe Public Schools Superintendent Roy Bishop Jr. provided a statement on Warda's dismissal, which reads in part:

"Upon learning of the charges, the District immediately took action to ensure the individual is no longer serving in any capacity within our athletic program. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so throughout the investigation."

Warda and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment before deadline.

Warda is also the owner of Detroit Premier Hockey in Grosse Pointe Woods.

This case comes years after former Grosse Pointe South hockey coach Robert Bopp was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison in 2011 for producing child sexual abuse material.

Warda is due back in court on July 14.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Hot temperatures, dry conditions, and fireworks can be a dangerous combination, and Warren police are asking residents to celebrate safely this Fourth of July.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Police urge residents to take precautions with fireworks amid extreme heat

Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski said the department's priority is keeping people safe, not issuing citations.

"Our goal is safety, not citations," Gajewski said.

Gajewski said residents should take extra precautions when storing and using fireworks during the extreme heat.

"You want to keep the items away from a spark, a flame, or smoking a BBQ. You want to keep them out of an attic where the temperatures get really high, and certainly after discharge, once they're done, soak them with a garden hose or a bucket of water to make sure they're out," Gajewski said.

When it comes to purchasing fireworks, Gajewski said it is important to store them in a cool, dry location not in the trunk or back seat of a vehicle.

"You want to make sure that they're safe and nobody under the age or unattended gets to them," Gajewski said.

Gajewski also addressed fireworks-related calls to 911, saying noise complaints should be directed to the non-emergency line instead.

"Anything involving injuries or fire, that's a call for 911; general noise complaints or party complaints, please use the non-emergency line," Gajewski said.

Residents stocking up at Pro Fireworks in Warren said they are already taking the heat into account. John Scott said he plans to keep a water hose ready while lighting fireworks.

"You don't want to hurt anyone in your family or your neighbors," Scott said. "We also have our water hose turned on just in case we see a fire or anything, we can quickly put out the fire."

Mark Reed said safety is his top priority this Fourth of July.

"Safety is the most important thing," Reed said. "We have a fire extinguisher. We keep bottles of water around whenever we are lighting them."

Sherry Daudlin said her family is also taking precautions.

"We have a bucket of water just in case, and make sure the kids stay away from the fire," Daudlin said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Fraser city leaders are hoping a little friendly competition will inspire neighbors to show off their patriotic pride one front yard at a time.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Fraser launches 'Red, White, and You' contest to celebrate America's 250th

Fraser has launched a city-wide curb appeal competition called "Red, White, and You," asking residents and business owners to decorate their homes and properties with patriotic displays ahead of America's 250th birthday.

"The city of Fraser really wanted to stay ahead of the bubble and get people excited for the celebration of America 250," Chris Delmege of the City of Fraser Department of Recreation said.

Judges will be looking for creativity, patriotic themes and community spirit. From waving American flags to red, white, and blue flowers and patriotic porch displays, several Fraser homes are already showing off their pride.

"We have a bunch of people already registered and there's still a lot coming," Delmege said. "I think people are going to go the extra mile for it."

Fraser resident Mary Cobus and her husband, Augie Cobus, who served in the Army during Vietnam, have lined the front of their house with American flags. "I fly the flag year round," Mary Cobus said.

"It seems like a small thing, it doesn't seem like it would be that big of an effort for someone to come out to show a little patriotic spirit," Augie Cobus said.

Around Fraser, other homes are also displaying their patriotism from red, white, and blue stars and a flag painted on a front lawn.

That includes the home of Gudrun Goetz off of 13 Mile Road, complete with a patriotic gnome and a handmade American-themed wreath. "I just love the United States," Goetz said.

Goetz immigrated to America with her family from Germany and hopes to see more homes decorated before the Fourth of July.

"For me, it's very important because I came from Europe and I could see we came here to have a better life. I would like to see how many homes are really going to do this and get involved in this with our city," Goetz said.

"It's a free country. It's nice," Mary Cobus said.

"I think people should appreciate what we have here," Goetz said.

Fraser residents have until July 12 to enter the competition. The winner takes home $250 and will be announced on Sunday, July 26, during the city's annual picnic.

The roar of an engine across the water is a familiar sound today but more than a century ago, it was something entirely new, and it was built right here in southeast Michigan.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: How a Michigan town helped launch recreational power boating in America

The sights and sounds of summer on Lake St. Clair are unmistakable, but long before recreational boating became a favorite pastime, southeast Michigan was helping write the blueprint.

It began in 1874 with a young boat builder named Christopher Smith.

George Burgess, director of the Algonac-Clay Township Maritime Museum, said Smith's impact on the sport cannot be overstated.

"Chris is known as the father of recreational boating," Burgess said.

Fast forward to the 1900s as automobiles transformed transportation on land, Smith was helping turn boating into recreation on the water. Smith started building fast, affordable runabout boats for the masses, creating the company famously known as Chris-Craft.

"Chris Smith basically followed Henry Ford's model of building," Burgess said.

In the 1920s, Smith created an assembly line but for boats and was able to build roughly 1,000 per year by the end of the decade.

"Basically, it made it available to the average person, and again, that's why it became recreational boating because Chris was able to bring the price down to where people were able to afford it," Burgess said.

Today, the Algonac-Clay Township Maritime Museum preserves that history.

"There's a story for everything," Burgess said.

In St. Clair Shores, boating remains a major part of the local economy, which includes 7 marinas and over 2,700 boat slips. Pete Beauregard owns Colony Marine on Lake St. Clair.

"It's a multi-billion-dollar business if you add up all the ancillary things that come with boating," Beauregard said. "It's a community. It's not just a product. It's a lifestyle."

At Freedom Boat Club, getting out on the water has become easier than ever. Instead of owning a boat, members can reserve one and spend a day out on the lake.

"We just are able to give everyone access to boating, so if you weren't boating before, you're boating now," Taylor Kayne, general manager of Freedom Boat Club, said.

For boat owners like the Ritchlin family, being out on the water is a way of spending time with one another.

"This is just an opportunity for us to spend more time with our kids and our family together. You've got to try and lure the kids in with something, and recreational boating is a great way to do it," Sean Ritchlin said.

Louisa Ritchlin echoed that sentiment.

"Our kids are looking forward to taking their friends out, spending lots of time on the water, fishing, and tubing, and just getting to hang out with friends and enjoying full family time," Louisa Ritchlin said.

The history and lifestyle of recreational boating continues to shape life on Lake St. Clair and across the nation.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Fish flies have returned to Lake St. Clair, with swarms already blanketing buildings, cars, and sidewalks in St. Clair Shores and the Grosse Pointes within the last 48 hours.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Fish flies are back along Lake St. Clair, experts say that's actually good news

The annual emergence has locals swatting the insects away and business owners scrambling to clear them from storefronts but experts say the nuisance is actually a sign of something good.

Jerry White, who works at Tasty's Burgers at 9 Mile and Jefferson in St. Clair Shores, captured video Monday night showing a swarm of fish flies settling in on the building. By Tuesday, he was outside blowing them off.

"It wasn't this bad yesterday. There's a whole bunch of them today," White said.

The experience was less than pleasant.

"It's just like irritating, you know. Like you got bugs in your face, you swatting everywhere you don't want them to land on - your face, ear, you feel me? So that's the only thing about it," White said.

Fish Bones owner Nico Gatzaros was also outside clearing the insects from his restaurant Tuesday.

"They're here for about two to three weeks, you know. They're just a little bit of a nuisance," Gatzaros said.

St. Clair Shores resident Chris Clark said he went from spotting just one to suddenly seeing them everywhere.

"I saw one the other day and then all of a sudden they're everywhere," Clark said.

For those frustrated by the swarms, Clark offered a straightforward take.

"You weather the storm. It is what it is," Clark said.

In the Grosse Pointes, Grosse Pointe resident Shelly Burnside described a similar overnight explosion in numbers.

"Yesterday I was in the garden, and one just landed on me, and then all of a sudden today, yeah, they're everywhere. When I walked down here, it's amazing. They just poof out of nowhere," Burnside said.

The sight of the insects prompted a blunt reaction.

"They just look kind of nasty and kind of gross," Burnside said.

Michigan State University aquatics ecologist Dr. Jo Latimore said the emergence is triggered when lake water temperatures reach 68 degrees, and despite the nuisance factor, it carries a positive message.

"They're a happy thing to see because they let us know our water quality is quite good," Latimore said.

Fish flies spend most of their lives underwater before surfacing to shed their skin and search for a mate. Their time above water is brief.

"Those adults then only live for a few hours to maybe a couple of days, and they have one mission, and their mission is to find a mate and lay eggs," Latimore said.

The fish flies are expected to stick around for a few weeks. Residents looking to keep them away from their front doors can try a simple fix: turn off the lights.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Residents on Lakeland Street say speeding vehicles, trucks, and buses are cutting through their block since new detour signs went up Tuesday.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Sewer project detour overwhelms St. Clair Shores neighborhood

Residents on Lakeland Street in St. Clair Shores say their once-quiet neighborhood has been overrun with traffic since construction detour signs went up Tuesday along Jefferson Avenue.

The disruption stems from a $30 million county sewer project along Jefferson aimed at improving water quality in Lake St. Clair. When new detour signs were installed Tuesday, not all drivers followed the designated route and many began cutting through Lakeland Street instead.

Mary Nelson, who has lived on Lakeland for seven years, said she had never seen anything like it.

"It was ridiculous all day," Nelson said. "Yesterday at 5 o'clock, I looked out, and it was backed up all the way to Jefferson again."

Susannah Derouin, who lives up the block with her family, said the traffic has been relentless since Tuesday.

"It is loud and disrupting of the day to have all of these commercial vehicles on the street that don't belong," Derouin said.

I observed speeding vehicles, trucks, and buses cutting through Lakeland from Jefferson to Harper, along with moderate traffic jams, while reporting on the street.

Derouin said she fears for her children's safety.

"There's no regard to the children who are in the front yard trying to play," Derouin said.

Her son Benjamin said the situation has affected him as well.

"It's been very complicating and disturbing," Benjamin Derouin said.

St. Clair Shores City Council Member Dave Rubello said the city is working to address residents' concerns.

"We understand it. Our City Council understands it. We are trying to get this solved, and in my opinion, we will get this solved, but I do feel for these residents on Lakeland Street," Rubello said.

Mayor Kip Walby said the city is aware of the traffic concerns and is taking proactive measures by putting up new signage at 11 Mile, where drivers are supposed to detour to Harper to 9 Mile. Walby also said 10 Mile Road will be closed at Greater Mack for the next few weeks for water main work.

Derouin said the message to drivers is simple.

"There is an actual detour for you to use," Derouin said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.