News Flash

The Sterling Heights City Clerk’s Office will host Passport Walk-In Week March 23–28, 2026 at Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Road.

No appointment or residency is required to participate during this week only. Applicants should bring all required documentation, along with two checks or money orders for processing fees. Staff will be available throughout the process to help ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Dates and times:

• Monday, March 23: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 25: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
• Thursday, March 26: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-7 p.m.
• Friday, March 27: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

What to bring:

• Completed passport application (unsigned)
• One passport photo (available for $20 fee)
• Proof of citizenship
• Current form of photo ID
• Separate check or money order to the U.S. Dept. of State
• Separate check or money order to the City of Sterling Heights

For more information, visit sterlingheights.gov/passports or call 586-446-2420.

The City of Sterling Heights approved the establishment of a new Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program at its Jan. 20 City Council meeting, advancing the City’s use of technology to enhance public safety and emergency response.

Sterling Heights is among the first communities in the region to implement a Drone as a First Responder program, positioning the City as a leader in modern, data-driven public safety solutions.

The City of Sterling Heights and the Sterling Heights Police Department have utilized drones for public safety purposes for many years to assist with incident response, investigations, and situational awareness. The newly approved DFR program builds on that experience by establishing several permanent drone launch locations strategically placed throughout the city, allowing drones to be instantly launched and reducing response times compared to manually deploying equipment.

Once implemented, the DFR program will allow the Sterling Heights Police Department to deploy drones remotely, 24 hours a day, to emergency scenes across the city. Drones will be dispatched beyond line of sight from fixed docking stations, providing real-time aerial information to responding police officers and firefighters before they arrive on scene.

“This technology allows us to quickly assess situations from above while keeping our officers and residents safer,” said Police Chief Andrew Satterfield. “Having immediate visual information will help us make better decisions, respond more efficiently, and ensure the right resources are sent where they are needed most.”

The DFR program will utilize three drone docking stations located at municipal facilities in the north, central, and south areas of the city. When a call for service is received, trained police personnel will be able to dispatch a drone by entering an address or coordinates into a secure control system. The drone will automatically launch and transmit live video to responding units, improving situational awareness and response coordination.

While operated by the Police Department, the DFR program is designed to support a broad range of public safety and emergency response efforts. In addition to assisting law enforcement, drones may be used to support Fire Department operations by identifying possible fires, assessing conditions before crews arrive, evaluating traffic crash severity, monitoring flooding or severe weather, and providing situational awareness during large-scale incidents.

“Having real-time aerial information before our crews arrive will help us better understand conditions and respond more safely and effectively,” said Fire Chief Kevin Edmond. “This technology gives us another tool to protect firefighters and the community while strengthening emergency response.”

Mayor Michael Taylor said the program reflects the City’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. “By responsibly using modern technology, we can improve response times, strengthen coordination across departments, and better protect our residents and first responders,” Taylor said. “This program is fully funded through federal forfeiture funds, allowing us to enhance public safety without impacting local taxpayers.”

Following multiple demonstrations and evaluations, the City selected Axon Enterprise, Inc., in partnership with Skydio, to provide the drone hardware, software, and ongoing maintenance. The system will include a publicly accessible, 24-hour transparency portal where residents can view drone flight activity.

The first-year cost of the program is $149,264, with a five-year total of $678,822.40. An additional $13,500 will be used for electrical and data infrastructure installation at City facilities to support the drone docking stations.

The Drone as a First Responder program is scheduled to become operational Spring 2026, following installation, system testing, and completion of all required state and federal approvals.

From the outside, Diversified Manufacturing & Assembly looks like any other facility in Sterling Heights’ industrial corridor. But inside, a team of skilled machinists, engineers and robotics experts efficiently produces the heavy-duty components that power some of the most prominent vehicles on the road, from Ford Mustangs to fire trucks.

DMA may not be a household name, but there’s a good chance their work is in the lane next to you.

Founded in 2013, DMA is a minority business enterprise that creates extremely precise metal parts used in automotive, agricultural and off-highway applications. The company is a quiet powerhouse behind the scenes, crafting core components that help vehicles move safely and reliably.

General Manager Inacio Moriguchi, who brings more than 40 years of manufacturing experience to the company, saw an opportunity early on.

“We saw a lot of need for this kind of supplier,” he said. “We provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 machining and some assembly in the driveline business.”

The operation officially began machine-producing parts in 2016, and today DMA’s production roster includes axle carriers, differential cases, ring-gear components, flanges and other driveline parts essential to the likes of Ford, GM and American Axle.

A key part of DMA’s competitiveness is its ability to handle both high- and low-volume programs. High-volume work, Inacio explained, means anything more than 250,000 units per year. Robotic machining systems allow DMA to keep pace with major automakers’ demands, while flexible processes support smaller batches.

But scale is only one piece of the story. DMA’s reputation is built on quality and safety, and their records reflect that. The company has maintained zero workplace injuries over the last two years and holds some of the industry’s highest certifications, including IATF 16949 and Ford’s prestigious Q1 status.

“We have 100 percent on-time delivery with all our customers,” Plant Manager Tracey Benenati said. “That’s a very big deal, and not a lot of suppliers can say that.”

Inside the company’s metrology lab — the space where parts are measured, inspected and verified — DMA uses advanced coordinate-measuring machines to ensure every component meets exact specifications. While many manufacturers inspect only as frequently as required, Tracey said DMA routinely exceeds those expectations.

“If my customer says to check two parts every four hours, we’ll check two parts every hour,” she said. “Because of the tolerances you’re holding for these parts, we make sure we’re constantly producing at the highest quality.”

For both Tracey and Inacio, DMA’s biggest point of pride isn’t its high-tech machinery or its millions of precision-made parts shipped yearly — it’s their people.

“We would not be who we are without our staff,” Tracey said, who has been with DMA for 15 years. “The quality of knowledge they have to produce these parts is huge. They take pride in their jobs.”

“Money can buy technology,” Inacio added, “but it cannot buy people. The quality here is because of our employees.”

Many team members have been with the company for more than a decade, creating a deep bond throughout the facility. Recognition is woven into the daily culture, from Diamond Awards for standout employees to simple gestures like shared lunches or celebrations.

“Our shop floor is very good at recognizing one another for going above and beyond,” Tracey said. “All of us wear many hats to make sure DMA runs like a fine-toothed comb. Nobody holds a title when it comes to respect or being willing to pick up a broom when needed.”

Looking ahead, DMA is expanding beyond automotive and agricultural markets. The company recently achieved CMMC Level 1 certification, allowing it to begin supplying the U.S. Department of Defense, a major step in its continued growth.

For Tracey, the message she hopes the community hears is simple: “DMA takes pride in what we do, our quality, our standards, our delivery and, most importantly, our people. We want others to see the value in partnering with us.”

Inacio added, “It’s about creating jobs and helping the company grow. If you have good quality and good cost, give the local company an opportunity.”

With a second facility available for expansion, a new defense certification and a strong reputation among major manufacturers, DMA is positioned for continued growth in Sterling Heights.

Diversified Manufacturing & Assembly is located at 5545 Bridgewood Drive, near 18 Mile and Mound roads.

Looking for more? Sign up for our monthly Looking Local eNewsletter to receive updates on the diverse businesses that power Sterling Heights as well as resources, events, or opportunities that support our growing business community.

Sterling Heights City Manager Mark Vanderpool has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Municipal Management Executives (MME), a professional association representing municipal executives from communities of all sizes across the State of Michigan.

MME is affiliated with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and is dedicated to advancing the municipal management profession throughout Michigan. The organization supports its members through professional development opportunities, leadership growth, and advocacy for excellence in local government administration. In service to its members and the communities they serve, MME promotes management excellence, continuous improvement, and the highest ethical standards in municipal leadership.

“I am eager to contribute my experience, energy and perspective to help MME continue its legacy of supporting excellence in municipal management,” said Vanderpool. “Informed, innovative and ethical leadership is essential to the success of our communities, and I’m honored to serve in this role.”

Vanderpool’s election reflects his ongoing commitment to professional leadership and collaboration in local government, both within Sterling Heights and across Michigan. He has served as the Sterling Heights city manager since 2004, a role in which he has provided executive direction and general management for the administration and operation of all City departments comprised of more than 800 employees and 140 volunteer workers, while also overseeing the development and management of a $320 million budget for Michigan's fourth largest city. As a well-respected city manager, he has developed and implemented a proactive financial strategy in response to deteriorating economic conditions statewide. With the implementation of such a strategy, Sterling Heights has flourished with new economic development, best-in-class recreation amenities, organizational performance centered on excellence and a continued commitment to cultural diversity.

City Manager Vanderpool has been a key figure in Sterling Heights' success, not only because of the way he empowers city staff to do the best they can, but also because of how he exemplifies what a true public servant is.

For years, a large vacated building — the former home of Comcast — sat along Van Dyke Avenue, its 92,000 square feet waiting for new life. At the same time, Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors Southeastern Michigan, knew the organization’s affiliate school, the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy, had outgrown its longtime home in Madison Heights.

Demand for hands-on training had skyrocketed, and the academy’s needs had surpassed its footprint. So when the dormant building hit the market, Keith thought it was too good to be true.

“The real estate agent sent me this listing four times. Three times I hit delete because I didn’t think we could afford it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s almost four times the size of our previous home. This is a perfect location, from the building itself to its central spot on the main thoroughfare.”

To understand his excitement, it helps to know the organization’s unlikely beginnings. ABC’s board created SEMCA more than 30 years ago after recognizing the need for advanced, hands-on training in the skilled trades.

“We have very meager roots,” Keith said. “When I joined SEMCA 10 years ago, our program had 186 students. We’re over 800 today.”

As Keith guides a tour of the new Sterling Heights facility — completed in just three months in order to open by fall 2025 — he beams while showcasing multiuse spaces for trade conferences, expansive classrooms and shop areas filled with steel-frame structures, threading machines and hydraulic benders.

“One thing you’ll notice is order, cleanliness and a high degree of professionalism,” he said. “We’re not operating out of a garage anymore, and that’s by design. We have high standards and want our students to have high expectations for us and for themselves.”

The construction industry’s demographics have shifted sharply since Keith arrived. A decade ago, most new students were in their mid-20s. Today, many enroll straight out of high school — a change he credits to evolving views on the necessity of a four-year degree.

“We’ve been saying for a long time that there are high-paying careers in the skilled trades,” Keith said. “Two-thirds of our students don’t have a job in construction when they walk through our door.”

With five locations across metro Detroit, SEMCA offers four-year programs in electrical and HVACR, a one-year carpentry program, a 16-week welding program, and an Introduction to Construction course for those still deciding their path.

“It’s career exposure while learning basic skills,” Keith said. “Ultimately, it teaches hard work, perseverance and accountability — valuable skills every trade needs.”

All SEMCA classes run at night so students can work during the day, accelerating their career paths. Many instructors still work full time in their trade and teach in the evenings.

“Finding the right instructors was one of our biggest challenges,” Keith said. “Finding someone who wants to come in after they’ve worked all day? That’s a challenge. We’re grateful to have so many amazing people.”

Keith said shifting societal attitudes, along with SEMCA’s supportive and professional environment, are helping change perceptions of skilled labor.

“Our mission is to get young people enthusiastic about construction, give them proper training and help connect them to the industry,” he said. “We’re glad to have people here who help us build America.”

Then, smiling wide, he added: “AI is not going to replace plumbers and electricians.”

For more information on exploring skilled trades careers, visit the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy at 36250 Van Dyke Ave., near 16 Mile Road.

Looking for more? Sign up for our monthly Looking Local eNewsletter to receive updates on the diverse businesses that power Sterling Heights as well as resources, events, or opportunities that support our growing business community.

Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Sterling Heights Public Library, has launched the City’s first-ever Little Free Sled Library, offering residents a fun, free way to enjoy winter weather at Delia Park.

Located near the pavilion and parking lot in the park’s north lot, the Little Free Sled Library allows visitors to borrow a sled, enjoy the snow, and return it for others to use. The sled library will be available through February, or until snow has melted for the season.

The Sterling Heights Public Library purchased 30 sleds to launch the program, while the Parks and Recreation Park Maintenance team designed and built the custom sled container.

“The Parks and Recreation Department and the Sterling Heights Public Library are continually looking for ways to improve quality of life in Sterling Heights,” said Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation director. “Working together on this project to provide recreational opportunities for residents without the need to invest in or store equipment is a way we can bring no-cost fun to the city and encourage people to get outside and recreate no matter the time of year. A special thank you to the Library for funding the purchase of the sleds and to the Park Maintenance team for building the sled holder.”

In addition to Delia Park, several other Sterling Heights parks are popular sledding destinations, including Chappelle Park, Hampton Park, Magnolia Park, Meadowview Park, Carpathia Park and Beaver Creek Park.

Library Director Tammy Turgeon said the sled library builds on the Library’s mission of making recreation, learning and exploration accessible year-round.

“We love the idea of meeting residents where they are, whether that’s outside enjoying the snow or inside curled up with a good book,” said Turgeon. “In addition to this new Little Free Sled Library, Sterling Heights also has Little Free Libraries stocked with books at Dodge Park, Washington Square, Moravian, Farmstead and Avis parks. If it’s too cold to sled, or sledding isn’t your thing, we hope residents will take advantage of these spaces to discover a great read.”

Residents interested in donating sleds to support the Little Free Sled Library are encouraged to contact the Sterling Heights Public Library in advance to coordinate donations.

For more information about Parks and Recreation, the Sterling Heights Public Library and other City services, visit sterlingheights.gov.

At the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Dec. 2, a new ordinance will be introduced amending Chapter 29 of the City’s Code of Ordinances to add new licensing and operational regulations for virtual currency machines, including cryptocurrency kiosks and Bitcoin ATMs.

The holiday season is a time when scam activity historically increases, so the City’s action comes at an especially important moment for safeguarding residents, particularly seniors, from fraudulent schemes.

Virtual currency kiosks and cryptocurrency ATMs offer an easy and often anonymous way to convert cash into digital assets. While convenient, these machines have become a fast-growing target for scam artists posing as government officials, tech support, or distressed family members. These scams typically begin with an unsolicited message or call designed to create panic, pressuring victims into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a cryptocurrency ATM. Once converted, the funds are often irretrievable.

Sterling Heights has seen this threat firsthand. Of the approximately 27 cryptocurrency machines operating within city limits, the Sterling Heights Police Department has investigated, or is currently investigating, 23 fraud cases tied directly to these devices. Losses total more than $542,000, with seniors representing most victims. In response, the Police Department recently formed a dedicated “Crypto Task Force” to combat this growing issue.

"Scam artists become especially predatory during the holidays, when people are distracted, emotional, and more vulnerable to urgent-sounding requests," said Sterling Heights Police Chief Andrew Satterfield. "This ordinance is a timely and necessary step to ensure our residents are better protected during one of the most high-risk periods of the year."

Developed collaboratively by City Administration, the Sterling Heights Police Department, and the City Attorney’s Office, the ordinance creates a balanced framework that preserves access to innovative financial technology while enhancing consumer protection and public safety.

Key provisions include:

Licensing Requirements

• Businesses hosting a virtual currency machine must obtain a City business license and a specialty license endorsement.
• Machine owners/operators must also obtain a license from the City Clerk.
• Existing businesses and operators must comply by March 31, 2026.

Fees and Renewals

• Annual license fees and late penalties will be set through the City’s annual appropriations ordinance.

Operational Regulations

• Machines must require photo ID for transactions, display fraud warnings and disclosures, produce receipts and maintain a customer service hotline.
• First-time customers will face transaction limits to reduce risk.

Inspections and Enforcement

• The City may inspect machines prior to and after licensing to ensure compliance.
• Violations may result in license suspension, revocation or denial, and each violation constitutes a municipal civil infraction.

Privacy and Recordkeeping

• Operators must maintain daily transaction logs and service records for at least 90 days.
• The City Clerk will protect personal identifying information from disclosure except as required by law.

With holiday shopping, travel and charitable giving in full swing, the City urges residents to remain vigilant against unsolicited calls, texts or emails demanding urgent payment, especially those requesting deposits via cryptocurrency kiosks.

“This ordinance gives us the tools to better regulate this industry and deter predatory activity,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “Our goal is to ensure residents can enjoy the holidays with greater peace of mind and stronger consumer protections in place.”