Grosse Pointe Woods family shares bittersweet moment ahead of Detroit Lions playoff game
A Grosse Pointe Woods family has had Detroit Lions season tickets since the 1950s. As the team is coming up on their second playoff game, it's clear their family's commitment has paid off, but they're calling this season bittersweet.
Metro Detroit golf pro says heโs ready for his big shot ahead of Rocket Mortgage Classic
PGA is coming to Detroit with the Rocket Mortgage Classic, with names like Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, and Colin Morikawa. There will be plenty of guys to follow, but there's one player with local ties who's easy to root for.
This Indian restaurant cooks up its dishes in an authentic tandoori oven
Serving up sauteed rice dishes, curries packed with flavor, and marinated chicken thatโs been deliciously char-grilled is basically a family tradition for Syed Mutaher. Michelle Oliver takes us to Dine in the D at the family-owned, Noorjahan Indian Grill.
All clear: Eastside Detroit neighborhoods can resume using tap water following discoloration concerns
Residents of Detroitโs Cornerstone Village, East English Village and Morningside neighborhoods can resume using drinking water after flushing their plumbing following an investigation into brown, rusty water coming from taps.
Grosse Pointe Woods police investigating suspicious man who approached child
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ A letter was sent out to parents of students at Parcells Middle School regarding a suspicious man who approached a student Thursday. The school said the man was in a white windowless utility van and asked if the child wanted a ride home. The letter sent to parents urges them to review all safety precautions with their children and to urge them to be cautious in any situation that feels uncomfortable or dangerous. โPlease be sure that your children know to report any incident immediately to an adult,โ the letter concludes. โOur most important priority, like yours, is keeping our students safe.โAdAnyone with information should call the Grosse Pointe Woods Department of Public Safety at 313-343-2400.
Community rallies around Ashbyโs Sterling Ice Cream in Grosse Pointe Woods
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ In February of 2020 three friends purchased a beloved ice cream shop in Grosse Pointe Woods. A few weeks later everything shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was just one obstacle that hit the new owners of Ashbyโs Sterling Ice Cream over last year. The community is stepping up to help them keep the doors open. Watch the video above for the full report.
Metro Detroit student athletes, parents share excitement as winter contact sports resume
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Michigan high school winter contact sports were allowed to resume beginning Feb. 8, and parents and student athlete are happy to be back in action. โIt means the world for her to be able to get back on the ice and play,โ said Erin Grom, whose daughter Kiera is a freshman forward on Livonia girls hockey team. Grom can recall when she found out hockey, wrestling, basketball and competitive cheer would be able to resume. According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, things have been smooth so far. READ: Michigan youth contact sports resume -- here are all the rules, specifics and detailsREAD: Timeline, tournament dates for Michigan high school basketball, hockey, wrestling, cheer
SUV crashes into Grosse Pointe Woods store
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ A black SUV crashed into a wine shop Tuesday night in Grosse Pointe Woods. Officials said that just before 8 p.m., the SUV veered off Mack Avenue, hitting small trees and parking meters before crashing into the front entrance of Merchantโs Fine Wine & Spirits. Irene, who lives nearby, said she stops into the store often and could not believe the damage done to the building. โI heard a bomb (sound) but I didnโt know if itโs in here or next door,โ she said. โEverybody loves the store.โGrosse Pointe Woods police are still investigating.
Have you ever seen a pet store like this?
Many families may want to adopt a pet during the holidays that isnโt a cat or a dog. Louโs Pet Shop in Grosse Pointe Woods has exotic pets you may never new existed. The store also has outreach programs to educate the community on exotic animals and how to care for them. One of the programs is Louโs U which will continue to connect with students in the classroom to teach them about nature in 2021. Watch the video to see some of the beautiful pets they have.
Police are looking for a missing Grosse Pointe Woods man
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Police are looking for a missing Grosse Pointe Woods man who was last seen leaving his parents home at 2184 Sanctuary in Rochester Hills. Ashok Vikraman is described as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black fleece jacket and blue jeans. Police said he is known to have been suicidal in the past, but mentioned nothing about it before leaving his parents house.
Grosse Pointe restaurant owner speaks out in support of Michiganโs restrictions on indoor dining
New coronavirus restrictions went into effect in Michigan on Nov. 17 that prohibit restaurants and bars from offering indoor dining services through Dec. 8, among other restrictions. The owner of Andiamo, Joe Vicari, wrote a letter calling on Michigan restaurants to defy Gov. Vanessa Gonzalez, owner of Grosse Pointe Woods restaurant Garridoโs Bistro, says sheโd rather stay closed than risk spreading the virus by reopening too soon. More: Michigan restaurant owners call for compromise in Lansing amid struggle to stay afloatGov. Officials have not yet indicated whether or not the stateโs coronavirus restrictions will be extended beyond Dec. 8.
Metro Detroit man thankful for the gift of life
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Living donor organ transplants of the kidney and liver have really changed the landscape of organ donation. Instead of having to wait until an organ becomes available and getting sicker and sicker with each passing day, having a living donor allows you to bypass that. The only treatment is to end up having a liver transplant. In time his condition worsened and he was placed on a liver transplant list. One year ago on Nov. 25, 2019 during a 10 hour surgery, Henry Ford Transplant Institute surgeon, Dr. Atsushi Yoshida, a specialist in Transplant Surgery completed the living donor transplant.
Thieves target familyโs home after fire in Grosse Pointe Woods
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Days after a family survived a fire at their Grosse Pointe Woods home, authorities said thieves had stolen items from the property. Ferguson said the familyโs safe was stolen with their passports, cash and jewelry inside. Bruce Fergusonโs wife went to the kitchen and smelled smoke. While damaged windows were boarded up, police told them thieves got in through a locked window. The thieves even made their way to the basement where they discovered Bruce Fergusonโs gun collection in a locked room.
JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series Part 5: Banner in the Sky
Scott Burnstein, crime reporter and historianThe family of JoAnn Matouk Romain says it will never give up on finding out what happened to her. Burnstein, an investigative reporter who typically covers mob hits, said the death of JoAnn Matouk Romain captured his curiosity. A FBI spokesperson would only say โthey would not confirm or deny a meeting with JoAnn Matouk Romain occurred.โThe case into Matouk Romainโs death remains open. Full Screen 1 / 19 JoAnn Matouk Romain with her husband, David Romain, and their three children Michell, Michael and Kellie. JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series -- watch here:Read more here: Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk RomainResources:
JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series Part 5: Very Disturbing and Unresolved
Scott Burnstein, crime reporter and historianThe family of JoAnn Matouk Romain says it will never give up on finding out what happened to her. Burnstein, an investigative reporter who typically covers mob hits, said the death of JoAnn Matouk Romain captured his curiosity. A FBI spokesperson would only say โthey would not confirm or deny a meeting with JoAnn Matouk Romain occurred.โThe case into Matouk Romainโs death remains open. Full Screen 1 / 19 JoAnn Matouk Romain with her husband, David Romain, and their three children Michell, Michael and Kellie. JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series -- watch here:Read more here: Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk RomainResources:
Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk Romain
On Jan. 12, 2010, Grosse Pointe Farms police reported Matouk Romain walked out of her evening church service at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church on Lake Shore Road, then walked across the street right into Lake St. Clair and killed herself. It is a mystery that has haunted Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Woods for more than a decade: What happened to mother of three JoAnn Matouk Romain? On Jan. 12, 2010, Grosse Pointe Farms police reported Matouk Romain walked out of her evening church service at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church on Lake Shore Road, then walked across the street right into Lake St. Clair and killed herself. Hereโs some Insider info from Karen Drew on producing the series and why she took on this story:Karen Drew and photographer John Pompeo. I have to admit, I have never reported on a story with so many twists and turns as the death of Joann Matouk Romain.
JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series Part 2: Missing When You Are Not Reported Missing
Matouk Romain had been living with her daughters on Morningside Drive at the time. That is when Columbo said the investigation into the disappearance of JoAnn Matouk Romain began. Burnstein, who mainly works on stories and investigations that involve organized crime mob hits, said the death of JoAnn Matouk Romain sparked his curiosity. Full Screen 1 / 19 JoAnn Matouk Romain with her husband, David Romain, and their three children Michell, Michael and Kellie. JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series -- watch here:Read more here: Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk RomainResources:
JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series Part 4: Questionable Police Practices
Matouk Romainโs family doesnโt believe she committed suicide; her children believe something more sinister happened to the mom of three. The first is the idea JoAnn Matouk Romain walked to her death. JoAnn Matouk Romain's ripped purse. Full Screen 1 / 19 JoAnn Matouk Romain with her husband, David Romain, and their three children Michell, Michael and Kellie. JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series -- watch here:Read more here: Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk RomainResources:
JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series Part 3: 'If anything ever happens to me ... '
She didnโt know what, she just knew something was going to happen.โ Michelle Romain, JoAnn Matouk Romain's daughterTen years and counting and the death of JoAnn Matouk Romain remains a mystery. Full Screen 1 / 19 JoAnn Matouk Romain with her husband, David Romain, and their three children Michell, Michael and Kellie. The family said Matouk Romain shared her fears of her cousin Tim Matouk to others as well. Full Screen 1 / 11 These are images of the area outside St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church where JoAnn Matouk Romain went missing Jan. 12, 2010. JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series -- watch here:Read more here: Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk RomainResources:
JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series Part 1: Secrets of a Small Town
Kellie Romain, JoAnn Matouk Romain's daughterIt is a mystery that has haunted Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Woods for more than a decade: What happened to mother of three JoAnn Matouk Romain? Then there was the word Matouk Romain was paranoid and depressed, and the public seemed to be satisfied with the explanation she committed suicide. JoAnnโs life in Grosse Pointe WoodsJoAnn Matouk Romain was born and raised in Grosse Pointe Woods in her childhood home on Anita Street. Full Screen 1 / 19 JoAnn Matouk Romain with her husband, David Romain, and their three children Michell, Michael and Kellie. JoAnn Matouk Romain mystery series -- watch here:Read more here: Karen Drew: Why I decided to cover mysterious death of JoAnn Matouk RomainResources:
July 2014: New witness drops bombshell in JoAnn Matouk Romain death investigation
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. โ There is a new, surprising development in the investigation into the 2010 death of a Grosse Pointe Woods woman. According to documents filed in federal court, attorneys representing the family of JoAnn Matouk Ramain revealed a new witness has come forward. The witness, Paul Hawk, has sworn under oath that he saw Timothy Matouk with JoAnn near the water the night she went missing. JoAnn Matouk Romain was last seen Jan. 12, 2010, at a prayer service at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms. Timothy Matouk is JoAnn's cousin.
Popular Halloween attraction in Grosse Pointe Farms closes due to storm damages
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. โ A popular haunted house in Grosse Pointe Farms was hit with a double whammy this year -- in addition to coronavirus complicating things, a summer storm did serious damage to the property. Just not the ones they got early this summer when a storm blew through, uprooted a tree and sent it it crashing in the Williams' house and the attractions for this yearโs Haunted Garage. Each year the proceeds from the garage go to Grosse Pointe schools, where Williams was a gym teacher. Williams didnโt want to give away the plans for next year other than heโll have a big new attraction coming for 2021. More information can be found on the Haunted Garage Production website here.
Memorial service honors Michigan residents killed in 9/11 attacks
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. โ Friday marks 19 years since the coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York City on September 11, 2001. READ: Nearly 2 decades later, experts are still working to identify remains of 9/11 victimsA memorial service was held in Wayne County to pay respect to Michigan residents who were killed in the attacks. It was held at the War Memorial, a home donated by the Alger family back in the 1940โฒs. David Alger was a Mutual Fund Manager who died 19 years ago in his office at the World Trade Center. At the memorial service they read the names of the 19 Michigan residents who died.
Parents rally for face-to-face learning in Grosse Pointe
GROSSE POINTE, Mich. Dozens of parents gathered Sunday to protest the Grosse Pointe Public School systems back-to-school plan. The district made the decision to have all students start with remote learning. While parents of Detroit students have protested against in-person school classes, Grosse Pointe parents rallied for the opposite. Grosse Pointe school officials said theyre planning to get back into the classroom when its safe, but that wasnt good enough for parents. While they noted what some parents wanted ultimately, the district said they just didnt feel it was safe to return to class.
Grosse Pointe Public Schools to begin fully online this fall due to pandemic
GROSSE POINTE, Mich. Another Michigan school district has decided to begin the upcoming school year entirely online amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Grosse Pointe Public School System Superintendent Gary Niehaus announced Friday that the district will start the school year with remote learning only, with a plan to gradually reintroduce students to in-person learning. Officials say a task force developed plans for in-person learning, virtual learning and a hybrid of both options -- which has been required by Michigan Gov. Niehaus said Friday that the districts intention is to transition to a hybrid or traditional in-person learning model, but only once it is safe to do so amid the pandemic. As the district moves to begin the school year fully online, officials say staff will still have access to child care, school buildings and learning materials.
Police investigating after man found dead in Grosse Pointe Woods home
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Police are investigating a death in Grosse Pointe Woods Saturday. According to authorities, police responded to a home in the 800 block of Lochmoor Boulevard, just west of Morningside Drive, on reports of an unconscious man. Police pronounced the man dead at the scene. The Grosse Pointe Woods Department of Public Safety have not revealed how he died or other details. The investigation is ongoing.
Endangered missing advisory issued for 16-year-old boy in Grosse Pointe Woods
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. Michigan State Police have issued an endangered missing advisory for a 16-year-old boy last seen in Grosse Pointe Woods. Police said Alexander John OHare is believed to have walked away from his home in Grosse Pointe Woods between 3 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Monday. This is in the area of Woods Lane and Morningside Drive in Grosse Pointe Woods. If you have information about his whereabouts, call 911 or the Grosse Pointe Woods Department of Public Safety at 313-343-2400. MORE: Missing in Michigan -- missing persons reports
Grosse Pointe Woods residents work to repair damage after severe storms
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. Severe storms marched across Southeast Michigan on Wednesday, bringing down trees, power lines, damaging homes and leaving thousands without power. READ: Severe storms wreak havoc across Southeast Michigan, leaving thousands without powerIn Grosse Pointe Woods there were seven fires and dozens of wires that had been knocked down because of the storms. At one home, a 100-year-old tree fell and basically caved in the roof of a home. On Thursday morning, the sound from thunder and sirens were replaced by the sound of roaring chainsaws and wood chippers. In some areas wires are still down and thousands are still without power.
Not So Calm After The Storm, June 11, 2020, noon update
Not So Calm After The Storm, June 11, 2020, noon updatePublished: June 11, 2020, 12:18 pmYesterday's storms knocked out power to nearly 400,000 customers, but those storms are thankfully well off to our east, with a cooler, drier air mass moving in. The day ahead will feature partial cloud cover early this morning, followed by mostly sunny skies for the balance of the day. It'll be a windy day, though, with west winds at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts over 30 mph possible. These winds have prompted a Lakeshore Flood Warning for the Harsens Island / Algonac area. Highs today will reach the mid to upper 70s, but even cooler air is headed this way for the weekend.
Severe storms wreak havoc across Southeast Michigan, leaving thousands without power
DETROIT โ Thousands of people are without power in Southeast Michigan after severe storms moved through the area on Wednesday. Storm damage in Grosse Pointe Woods on June 10, 2020. (WDIV)Grosse Pointe WoodsSome of the worst damage in the area was in Grosse Pointe Woods, where a home was lifted off of its foundation. Local 4โฒs Mara MacDonald was in Grosse Pointe Farms to report on the damage there. In Grosse Pointe Woods, Justin Macksoundโs home actually shifted when the storm moved through.
With prom canceled, parents make sure seniors still get prom photos
That didnโt happen, but one student found a way to still enjoy a portion of her Senior prom, while not letting her beautiful prom dress go to waste. โYou hear about senior prom your whole life,โ Isabella Tomlinson said. Itโs something definitely happening.โBut with a pandemic, a lot of things that were guarantees for Senior Isabella Tomlinson became unknowns. If I got extremely upset, I thought that would be selfish.โTomlinson is taking all of this in stride, but her parents knew missing out on senior prom was a big deal. โI really wanted to wear my princess dress that I always wanted to wear and it was perfect,โ she said.
Celebrate Pi Day in a tasty way!
Well, we enjoy putting a twist on the day and like to celebrate it in a tasty way, with some pies! Charlie Bowman, the owner of Delight Bakery and Cafรฉ , joined Tati Amare and Jason Carr and shared some of his techniques for creating his pies. Everything at Delight Bakery is made from scratch and they wake up early in the morning to do it! Bowman showed Tati and Jason how to make a blueberry plum pie, and you can learn as well by watching the video above. If you want to visit Delight Bakery and Cafรฉ, it is located at 21211 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods.
PTO treasurer in Grosse Pointe Woods under fire over use of parent donation money
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ The treasurer of a parent-teacher organization at an elementary school in Grosse Pointe Woods is under fire after officials discovered parent donation money has been used for lavish entertainment. The shade was pulled down and nobody answered the door when Local 4 went to the Grosse Pointe Woods home of the treasurer of the PTO connected to Monteith Elementary School on Cook Road. The treasurer didnโt come to the door to respond to Local 4โฒs questions, but people in Grosse Pointe Woods want to know whatโs going on. All accounts, including PayPal, have been frozen, and this matter has been referred to the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department.โโThat is not good,โ resident Bennie Evola said. Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety has launched an investigation.
PTO treasurer in Grosse Pointe Woods under fire over use of parent donation money
PTO treasurer in Grosse Pointe Woods under fire over use of parent donation moneyPublished: February 21, 2020, 6:08 pmThe treasurer of a parent-teacher organization at an elementary school in Grosse Pointe Woods is under fire after officials discovered parent donation money has been used for lavish entertainment.
Grosse Pointe Woods police investigating shooting at Ghesquire Park
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Grosse Pointe Woods police are investigating a shooting that happened at Ghesquire Park. On Friday at noon police were called to Ghesquire Park after a series of shots were fired in the municipal parking off Bramcaster Drive. A vehicle was observed leaving the scene. Police also say no victims have come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 313-343-2410.
WATCH: Sen. Debbie Stabenow speaks to Local 4 ahead of President Trumpโs State of the Union address
DETROIT โ Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow and her guest, Andrea Ward Pietrowsky spoke with Local 4โฒs Priya Mann ahead of President Donald Trumpโs State of the Union address. Watch the interview above. Pietrowsky is from Grosse Pointe Woods. Sheโs the mother of a young girl named Louisa, who was born with a rare and severe heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Sydrome (HLHS). Pietrowsky is an advocate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), lower prescription drug prices and medicaid expansion through Little Lobbyists.
Sketch released of man accused of robbing 2 in Grosse Pointe Woods
Officials release sketch of man accused of robbing two people in Grosse Pointe Woods on Aug. 25, 2019. (Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department)GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. - Two people reported being robbed while walking their dog Sunday in Grosse Pointe Woods. The alleged robbery happened in the area of Mack Avenue and Vernier Road at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 25. The Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department is investigating. At the time of the alleged robbery he was wearing a white sleeveless undershirt and black denim shorts.
Police seek missing Grosse Pointe Woods man who has health issues
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. - Police are looking for a missing Grosse Pointe Woods man who was last seen Wednesday in Highland Park. Police said James Howard Smith, 66, has several health issues and requires the use of an oxygen tank. Smith's daughter talked to him on the phone about 1 a.m. Police said he may have been headed to the Woodward Inn in Highland Park. Smith is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 100 pounds, police said. Anyone with information about Smith's whereabouts is asked to contact police at 313-343-2410.
Cash reward offered to find Grosse Pointe Woods bank robber
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. โ Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of bank robber in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Comerica Bank at 20200 Mack Avenue was robbed March 2. Police have released surveillance photos of the bank robber, and said he got away in an older model four-door gray Pontiac. Anonymous tips can be called in to 800-SPEAKUP, or include the tip in a text with "CSM" to 274637. Tips can also be left at www.1800speakup.org.
January 2011: Grosse Pointe Woods womanโs death remains mystery 1 year later
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. โ The 2010 death of JoAnn Matouk Romain remains a mystery one year after her disappearance. The Grosse Pointe Woods woman was last seen January 12, 2010 at a prayer service at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms. Investigators tracked footprints in the snow from the lot to Lake St. Clair, a short distance away. Michelle Romain questioned police, who believed footprints in the snow leading to the riverโs edge matched JoAnn Matouk Romainโs boots. Her family said Romain had told them someone was following her in the weeks before she disappeared.
March 2010: Body of missing Grosse Pointe Woods woman found
Editorโs note: This story was first published March 22, 2010. GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. โ Authorities said dental records were used to help them determine that the body found in the Detroit River on Saturday morning is that of missing Grosse Pointe Woods woman, JoAnn Matouk Romain. Two fishermen on the west side of Boblo Island found the body partially submerged in the water and notified Canadian authorities. Police said Romainโs car was found parked in the lot of St. Paulโs Church on Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms, along with her purse and more than $1,000. โBut it opens up an entire whole end of investigation.โThe family has hired a retired FBI agent to look into the death further.