On Monday (May 14), you can check out St. Joseph’s Healthcare Center, located at 9400 Conant here in Hamtramck, during an open house. The public is invited to tour the home from 2 to 6 p.m.

St. Joe’s is part of the Olympia Group Healthcare Network. The facility offers short-term and long-term care.

It provides a wide variety of services to promote recovery from: orthopedic injuries, including fractures, dislocations and hip/knee replacements; surgery; acute onset of medical condition; neurological disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s and ALS, as well as neuromuscular disorders and other complex diagnosis.

For more information, call (313) 299-9200.

Hamtramck has been the center of attention lately with the arrival of internationally-known graffiti artists.

By Alan Madeleine

In a tribute to the tight-knit nature of graffiti artists around the country –and the world — a baker’s dozen of them descended from all points, spray cans and rollers in hand, to dress up Keyworth Stadium’s east wall, with the blessings of the Hamtramck Schools and the city council.

They came from as far away as Montreal, Los Angeles and even New Zealand, in no small part because of their respect for a local guy who goes by the handle “REVOK.” REVOK, along with FLYING FORTRESS, were the two street artists responsible for the “Welcome to Hamtramck” mural along Jos. Campau, north of Hamtramck Drive.

They are also being subsidized for their long journeys, their talents and their time. Montana Paint, which makes the highest grade spray paints preferred by many street artists, has funded the project, and is doing their own documentary on it as well.

Additionally, Hamtramck-based CONTRA Projects, the brain child of former CPOP Gallery owner Thomas Thewes Jr. and friends, had a hand in bringing in the specific artists chosen for the project. CONTRA is, according to their website, “a global project dedicated to supporting a small group of rebellious, visionary artists who straddle the worlds of high art and street art through world class public events and grass roots projects.”

CONTRA Projects, specifically, is “a special project highlighting a select group of artists to be showcased internationally at a variety of respectable art fairs as well as site specific mural and installation projects.” This mural project represents a perfect example of their incipient mission.

For this project, each selected a section of the wall approximately 20 feet wide, and started making it over with his (or her – female taggerdom is singularly represented) own design.

Often, they were covering up older, more “amateur” efforts. The stadium also abuts a railroad track, often another favorite haunt of graffiti artists, who like to display their talents on the sides of boxcars, for example. However, there is a large fence separating school property from the train yard.

And in any case, they were here on a focused mission.

ASKEW, who kindly let on his true first name (which shall remain a secret here), is a tall and easy-going New Zealander. Well-known enough to be easy to find through a google search of ASKEW “New Zealand,” he mentioned that graffiti artists often get a bad rap.

“That’s what they (the authorities) want you to believe, that (taggers) are all in gangs,” he said.

The truth is, that many of these once-reviled artists are earning growing respect in the art community, in the wake of eye-opening media events such as the film “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” which focused on British street artist Banksy (who still appears in shadow in the interview portions of the movie), as well as others of note such as American Shepard Fairey and French artist Invader.

REVOK, whose real name is Jason Williams, is a complex figure whose work, as of a year ago, was on display as part of an exhibit on street art at the Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, even as he was being sentenced to 180 days in jail for violating probation in the Los Angeles area. He hadn’t met a judge’s prior schedule of restitution related to another tagging incident in the state. Los Angeles area police and prosecutors protested the New York art exhibit, largely because of the persistent biases ASKEW spoke of.

While they worked on completing the Keyworth Stadium mural, these visiting artists were simultaneously engaged in several other sanctioned projects around the city. San Francisco artist REYES, for example, did the large mural on the side of the old Veterans Post next to Kowalski’s on Holbrook.

More art, more young artists. You can put a positive “tag” on that.

For more info on CONTRA Projects, go to contraprojects.com.

The offending mural.

By Charles Sercombe

Want to start an argument in Hamtramck?

That’s easy. Bring up the subject of graffiti art.

Specifically one recently painted on the side of a city-owned loft building on Jos. Campau and Goodson.

There, you will see six cartoon figures carrying a casket. On the casket are the words “STREET ART.”

The mural is one of several new ones created by a team of internationally-known artists who were commissioned by the Montana Paint Co. to create public art.

There are some folks in Hamtramck who think the casket in the aforementioned mural is symbolic of the city’s death, and they are mighty perturbed about that.

Mickey Pokoj was so upset he circulated a petition to have the mural painted over and prosecute the artist who created it.

Yes, prosecute. Now that’s some mighty hating of art.

There’s more.

As word of the petition got around, the folks at Maria’s Comida Restaurant on Jos. Campau, just north of Caniff, circulated a counter petition in support of the mural.

The hornet’s nest worth of debate spilled over into the city council chamber on Tuesday night. You could say the anti-muralists were far outnumbered by the pro-muralists, if anyone was counting.

Jason Friedmann, the city’s Director of Community & Economic Development, gave an overview of the murals. He said that since he is the city’s zoning enforcer, it was his decision to allow the murals to get the go-ahead.

Friedmann defended the art, saying that in other areas of the city, as well as in many other cities, it has been proven that graffiti art prevents the spread of illegal graffiti doodling.

Apparently, it’s a respect kind of thing between street taggers and artists.

Pokoj, who lives on Godson St., said no matter what the intent, the casket mural is, in his words, “disgusting.”

“It should be put back to the way it was,” he said.

Mickey Pokoj tells city councilmember he thinks one of the city murals should be removed.

Supporters said that while they were sensitive to those who objected, the mural is a priceless addition to the city.

Mark Armand of Norwalk St. said the work will “add to the city’s world-class status.”

Peter Lauwers, who with Tom Thewes, helped bring about the murals, said that “art should not be safe.”
“It’s perfectly fine someone finds it offensive,” he added.

He also suggested that those who are opposed to the mural should first ask themselves: Is it that you don’t like it, or are you truly offended?

And since this is Hamtramck, things took a turn for the, ah, different.

Former city official John Justewicz said another mural down the block from the loft building reminded him of his time spent in Vietnam during the war. He said he would see Vietnamese murals using the same colors.

It was not immediately clear what the significance of that statement meant.

And then in a dig at council, he said the six cartoon characters carrying the casket at first made him think of the six city councilmembers, which elicited a few laughs.

“It’s pretty, but ugly,” he added.

Justewicz also questioned how the city expects to sell the building with a mural on it.

So, what’s next? It’s the consensus in city hall that the issue has likely blown over.

Friedmann said he’d like to do more murals.

“But it may ruffle a few feathers,” he said.

A public hearing is set for the city’s new budget on May 22, but guess what’s missing?

An actual budget for the public to look at.

At least that was the situation as of Thursday when The Review went to press.

Councilmember Cathie Gordon said that’s also news to her.

“You can’t present a budget in a public hearing without getting the budget approved by council first,” Gordon said.

There is a budget, reportedly, in the hands of Acting City Manager Erik Tungate. Tungate could not be reached for comment at press time.

Gordon said she talked with Tungate about the budget, and said it included revenue from an expected state loan worth $3 million.

The city is looking at a $3.4 million budget deficit in the coming year. Some of that deficit is expected to be trimmed through labor concessions from city employees, including police officers and firefighters.

In the meantime, the city was looking at payless paydays after this week. But a divided council approved a plan for the city to borrow money from other city departments.

Tungate asked for permission to borrow $1 million from the Water Department and the street repair fund.
Councilmember Gordon opposed the loan, saying all it will do is create a larger deficit, and that “you’re just kicking the can.”

Councilmember Robert Zwolak was also opposed it, saying before the city takes a loan from the street repair fund, streets that have been patched over for years – such as Hewitt — should first be repaired.

Tungate and Finance Director Nevrus Nazarko stressed that without the loan, there will be payless paydays.

Tungate said if that happens, it will result in bringing in a state-appointed emergency financial manager.

The council split on the loan, and it required Mayor Karen Majewski to cast her vote.

“Of course yes,” she said in support of the loan. “I’m not going to allow us to go broke.”

Fresh, locally grown organic food is coming back to Hamtramck.

By Charles Sercombe

Good news for fans of fresh and organic foods.

Hamtramck’s one and only Famers Market is setting up again, starting Wednesday, May 16.

This year the group has a new location, said Alex Lumelsky, who runs the market with his wife, Zina.

And that new location is Pope Park, at the corner of Jos. Campau and Belmont.

Lumelsky gave a shout out to Mayor Karen Majewski and Director of Community & Economic Development Jason Friedmann for securing the new spot, which is closer to more pedestrians than the previous location in the city parking lot next to Polonia Restaurant.

“We are excited about the new space because of its central location and intimacy and are very grateful for the support from city hall,” Lumelsky said.

The market operates every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. until September or October.

So, what exactly is so special about the market?

Lumelsky said there are several reasons:

“The main goal of our market is to provide a source for naturally-grown, organic produce to the citizens of Hamtramck. We are committed to supporting the efforts of local farmers who engage in natural growing practices. All of the produce to be sold at our market is grown in Hamtramck or Detroit, typically just a few miles away,” he said.
It gets even better.

Say you want to start growing organic food. In Hamtramck and nearby Detroit, our soil may have some issues with lead – after all this was once a heavy industrial area.

To find out if you need to replace your soil, the market will help out with testing your soil free of charge.

For those who want to sell your products, there is limited space so it’s best to get a hold of Lumelsky. The best way to do that is through their Facebook site, which you can find at:

www.facebook.com/hamtramckfarmersmarket

Or, you can e-mail them at: joinus@hamtramckfarmersmarket.com

The market has also now organized itself into a non-profit organization and it is applying for 503© status with the IRS, Lumelsky said.

And one final note. Lumelsky is setting up a fundraiser at Skipper’s Bar sometime at the end of May or beginning of June.

Toast (far right) enjoys a night out at Paycheck’s on Saturday for a fundraiser for buddy “Morrocco” (center). That’s another friend, Mark Niemenski, of Hysteric Narcotics fame, posing in the photo.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city

By Charles Sercombe

Once again, indulge Toast once again and let me report that last Saturday’s fundraiser at Paycheck’s Lounge for cancer-stricken Mark Rowe, aka Morrocco, was a freakin’ smashing success.

Sheesh, by 9 o’clock the place was packed – something bar owner “Paycheck” needs to see more often.

Here’s a hint, old buddy: Book good bands. And speaking of that. Hey, Detroit rockers, come back and discover this divey jewel – it has a great sound system.

Spot on that night were the Orange Roughies and Junk Monkeys, both staples back in the mid-80’s when Hamtramck bars ruled the world. The Orange Roughies, by the way, just released a CD of their first album and their unreleased second album. You can order it through www.gangplankrecords.com.

As for Morrocco, who not only has cancer but is without medical insurance – is there anyone who does have insurance these days? – he had an insanely good time and was incredibly grateful.

“Even I can’t exaggerate my thanks and gratitude to everyone involved last night; everyone who attended, worked the doors, worked the press and especially the fantastic bands,” Morrocco said on his Facebook page. “It was the most fun I’ve had since I’ve come down with cancer. I received so many hugs and kisses that for one night I felt like the Maestro of Love again. The whole scene was overwhelming. If anyone tries to tell me life sucks, I’ll have some choice words to correct them. Thanks again to everyone!”

Before the night ended at Paycheck’s, Toast and girlfriend Mary Raetz and band buddy Mark Niemenski sped over to Skipper’s Bar on Conant at Evaline to catch our new favorite band, the Dexter Linwood Quintet.

Fronted by legendary Detroit strummer Jeff Meier and bassist supreme Betty Brownlee, the band rocked through their 60’s garage catalog.

We happened to run into a couple of local luminaries, notably Tom Stackpoole. Man, you are one wild guy, Tom.

We’re kidding, Catrina.

And was that Walt and Lisa we ran into? Or was that earlier at the Strawberry Festival? Hmmmm … apparently that was a long day.

Oh, another side note, we had a great dinner earlier in the evening at Polish Village Café, where Toast, for some reason, had a problem pronouncing Poland’s beer of choice, Okocim, and ended up calling it “Pokeymon” all night.

Long story, short, best schnitzel in town.

OK, let’s move on to what’s coming up, and as usual the New Dodge Lounge, thanks to the booking talents of Toni Callwood, has been consistently offering some of the more interesting shows in the metro area.

Coming up on next Friday, May 18 (hey, this week we are giving you an early warning) are roots rockers Daniel Harrison & The $2 Highway.

The guys will be celebrating the release of their CD “Humidity.”
Admission is $8.

Hey you hound dogs, go out and support local music.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

Crime Log is a compilation of items taken from Hamtramck Police Intelligence Reports from between the dates of Thursday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 9.

From Thursday, May 3:

 A man was cited for possession of narcotics paraphernalia after officers found him in the alley north of Yemens and west of Brombach.

 A woman was arrested after a traffic stop revealed that she had an outstanding felony warrant with Macomb County, and also a Hamtramck warrant.

 A man reported that someone posted an ad on Craigslist attempting to rent out the home, in the 2600 block of Yemans, which his family had just recently lost to foreclosure.

 A man reported being robbed at gunpoint of numerous 2011-dated prescription drugs, by two white males unknown to him, at around 5:50 p.m.

From Friday, May 4:

 Officers took a report of a hit and run accident out in front of a location in the 2600 block of Trowbridge. No other details were given.

 At 8:42 a.m., a juvenile male reported being accosted by an unknown white person while in the area of Holmes and Jos. Campau. No further description of the assailant was provided, including their gender, age, etc.

 An employee of a communications store in the 9700 block of Conant reported the theft of an unspecified number of cell phones from the business.

 A juvenile from Detroit reported the theft of a laptop computer while at a school in the 11400 block of Charest.

 Officers committed a man living in the 11600 block of Mitchell after he threatened his mother with a knife.

 At 6:11 p.m., a man reported being robbed of $20 by a black male while on Nagel, near Casmere.

From Saturday, May 5:

 A resident living at an address in the 3200 block of Trowbridge reported the theft of a silver Dodge Durango SUV (no year given) from the street in front of her home.

 A woman reported being assaulted by a man known to her while at an address in the 12000 block of Selfridge. Witnesses, however, say that the woman was actually the aggressor in the incident. The woman was treated by EMS for two small lacerations on her right little finger.

 Detroit Auto Recovery Police notified Hamtramck Police of the recovery of a stolen 2005 Dodge Stratus from the area of E. Forest and Rohns in Detroit.

 A man was arrested while in the vicinity of Jos. Campau and Roosevelt on an outstanding city warrant, after officers were called to investigate a possibly intoxicated man causing a disturbance there.

From Sunday, May 6:

 A person (no gender given) living in the 9400 block of McDougall was arrested on a charge of domestic violence at 12:36 a.m.

 Two men reported that they were assaulted at a location in the 3400 block of Caniff by an unknown male brandishing brass knuckles and a knife sharpener.

 An employee of a business in the 11300 block of Conant reported the theft of his cell phone from the counter sometime between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

 A man was arrested for open intoxicants after officers observed him drinking both beer and vodka while sitting in an alley in the area of Latham and Poland.

 Another hit-and-run accident was investigated, also at Latham and Poland, including the report that a gray and/or black SUV had fled the scene.

 A juvenile (gender not given) reported an assault upon him/her while at an address in the 12000 block of Dyar about 6:18 p.m.

 A juvenile (again, gender not given) reported an assault that had occurred while at a play structure in a housing project in the 12000 block of Oklahoma.

 Officers noticed evidence of a break-in at a home in the 3200 block of Hanley. Officers checked that the house was clear, they waited for the owner to arrive, who said that nothing appeared to be missing.

From Monday, May 7:

 A man reported that someone attempted to steal his Chevrolet Caprice from an address in the 3200 block of Lehman sometime between yesterday at 10 p.m. and this morning at 6:50 a.m.

 An employee at the Hanley Academy reported the theft of two laptop computers, one from the science room and one from the front office, this past Friday between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m.

 At about 8:35 a.m., a man reported that someone took his 2001 Chrysler Sebring (no color given), license plate 570669B, form a location in the 2000 block of Evaline sometime early this morning, between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

 A man reported that someone had set fire to one of the festival tents still up from the Strawberry Festival this past weekend at Brombach and Poland. The arson attempt would have occurred sometime between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.

 A woman reported that her aunt had either sold, or given away, her recently deceased father’s 1997 Ford Taurus, despite the fact that all of his property is still tied up in probate court. The vehicle had been legally switched over into the complainant’s name, so it was unlawful for the aunt to have disposed of it.

 A man reported his Kia Sorrento (year/color not given), license plate number BT12220 missing from in front of a jewelry store in the 9700 block of Jos. Campau, as of sometime on this date between 11 a.m. and noon.

 A man was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon after police found a loaded .45 caliber handgun during a traffic stop at Caniff and Lumpkin. The man’s vehicle was impounded.

 Someone reported a break-in at a home in the 2100 block of Belmont that would have occurred sometime between April 23 and 2 p.m. on this date. The house had been ransacked, but it wasn’t yet clear what, if anything, had actually been taken.

 An employee of a restaurant in the 11400 block of Jos. Campau reported that the diner was receiving threatening phone calls. No specific time frame was made clear.

 Officers investigating a disturbance at the Dept. of Human Services office at 12140 Jos. Campau at 4 p.m. ended up petitioning Detroit Receiving Hospital for a Detroit resident’s committal.

 A woman was arrested for obstructing officers while they were investigating repeated excessive noise complaints coming from a home in the 12000 block of Dyar, after she first refused to identify herself, and then threw her keys at the officers.

From Tuesday, May 8 (although the report was incorrectly dated Monday, May 7):

 A woman was arrested for domestic violence after assaulting a man at an address in the 1900 block of Belmont.

 A student reported that someone stole his Blackberry cell phone from his gym locker while at Hamtramck High School, sometime yesterday between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

 A person affiliated with Kosciuszko Middle School (it is unclear whether it is a teacher, student, administrator) reported his laptop missing and presumed stolen from his classroom between the times of yesterday just after 3 p.m., and the morning of this date at 8:30 a.m.

 A man reported that someone had climbed up onto the roof of his residence in the 2900 block of Goodson, and broken out a window. The suspect fled, but left behind a cigarette lighter, which was tagged into evidence.

 The principal of Hamtramck High School reported that she had received a harassing email from someone in regards to the school’s all-girl prom they had held.

 A woman living in the 8500 block of Jos. Campau reported being assaulted by her boyfriend.

 A woman reported having her cell phone and an unspecified amount of cash stolen from out of her hand by a black male, about 6 foot 5 inches tall and wearing dark clothing, while she was at Jos. Campau and Caniff.

From Wednesday, May 9 (although the report was incorrectly dated Tuesday, May 8):

 A woman reported that a black male, known to her by his nickname, had threatened her with a handgun during an altercation in front of an address in the 12000 block of Oklahoma. He had then fled, prior to the police’s arrival.

 A woman was arrested after a traffic stop for an outstanding warrant, as well as driving on a suspended license, possessing narcotics paraphernalia, and attempting to ram a marked police car and elude police.

 A man and woman were both arrested at an address in the 11400 block of St. Aubin for being mutual combatants involved in felony assault. Hamtramck EMS treated them at the scene.

 A resident living in the 2000 block of Belmont reported a break-in of their residence sometime between 7 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. on this date. An HP laptop, a Nintendo WII, and 2 LG televisions were stolen.

 A resident living in the 2100 block of Belmont reported that someone had damaged her Ford Escort sometime between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., by denting it in several places, and tearing the license plate half-off.

In other words, people are going to disagree on what is a piece of art and what is simply a piece of crap.

Case in point, Hamtramck has become the center of attention in the metro area for several murals painted throughout town by internationally-revered graffiti artists.

One mural in particular has some folks riled up. On the side of a city-owned loft building on Jos. Campau and Goodson, there is a painting of cartoon figures carrying a casket that has “STREET ART” written on the casket.

Apparently, it’s sort of a political statement that since street art has gone legit, it is now dead.

Some in the community who aren’t up on the culture of street art have a far different take and think it symbolizes the death of Hamtramck.

Perhaps it’s ironic that the artist meant to symbolize the death of street art because here in Hamtramck the subject is very much alive. So much so, that a petition was filed with city officials to have the mural painted over and the artist responsible for it to be prosecuted.

There is also a counter-petition in support of the mural.

We can understand how some Hamtramckans might be so easily offended by the mural. After all, Hamtramck is on the brink of a financial collapse and could find itself under the control of a state-appointed emergency financial manager.

And things could get much worse. There is fear that if a financial manger does take over, our police and fire departments might be closed down and those services contracted out to Detroit.

In a sense, that would truly be the death of our city.

Maybe imaginations are running high about the meaning of this mural. It doesn’t help that the artist chose a rather obscure subject matter.

But as others more articulate about the role of art have already said, art is not only about pleasing us, but also about stirring public discussion.

These murals are not your ordinary kind. While the artists are largely unknown to most Hamtramck residents, they are known to many others who would be very interested in visiting our city just to see the works.

And these kinds of murals also have a way of attracting other creative people to move here, and set up businesses.

What the murals are really about is attracting what’s commonly referred to as the “creative class” – hip, young adults who tend to revitalize urban areas.

Hamtramck needs all the revitalizing it can get. If it takes a little controversy, well then, let’s have more.

Steve Hughes reads from his new issue of “Stupor,” which he will be doing again on May 12.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe

Excuse Toast for making a shameless plug for this Saturday night (May 5).

Please, please, if you are a rock and roll fan, or more specifically a fan of the 1980s, head on over to that venerable old haunt, Paycheck’s Lounge.

There are a few good reasons to go. One is that it’s a rare night to see the Orange Roughies and Junk Monkeys perform. If you are too young to know who they are, throw caution to the wind and check them out.

You will not be disappointed.

Another reason to go is that this night’s performance is a fundraiser for a dear, dear friend of Toast, Mark Rowe, or as his many friends call him, Morrocco.

You know, as we age, the bad stuff starts to happen. Such as cancer, for example.

Yeah, the “C” word.

Morrocco, old buddy, has it bad. As in esophageal cancer.

It gets worse. The guy has no insurance. You don’t want to know how many friends of Toast have found themselves in similar situations.

But that’s a topic for another day.

That’s Mark Rowe (left) with Toast and good pal Terry Murphy kicking up some Toronto fun in better days back in the 1980s.

Saturday is a day for a celebration of a good friend. And it’s a return to some really good music.

Toast wishes all of our readers could hop on a time machine and travel back to the good old days of Paychecks in the mid-1980s when Hamtramck was an incredible music Mecca.

Hey, what are we saying? You don’t need a time machine for Saturday. It’s all going to happen one more time.
Hop on board.

Keep next Saturdays open in your calendar. On May 12, Hamtramck resident Steve Hughes will debut his newest issue of “Stupor” at Leopold’s Books, near Wayne State University, on 15 E. Kirby.

Stupor is one incredible collection of things overheard and things just plain made up.

Hughes, a working-class bon vivant (kidding), has been kicking out these fascinating glimpses of people’s conversations and ruminations for over a decade.

The latest issue has been getting some national attention. It’s also a double-plus special issue because Hughes has teamed up with international art star Matthew Barney.

It’s going to be an incredible night of words and … beer. Yes, beer and art. Can anyone think of a better combination?

OK, beer and bowling.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100

Hamtramck firefighters learn how to operate the department’s new aerial ladder truck from an employee (center) of the truck’s manufacturer.

By Charles Sercombe

If you run into a Hamtramck firefighter this week and he has a big grin, be sure to say congratulations.

No, it’s not about someone having a baby.

Well, not exactly.

The Fire Department did welcome a new member to its family this week: A brand-spanking new Sutphen aerial ladder truck, weighing in at a few tons.

The truck will replace the department’s 40-something-year-old aerial which will be turned in to be scrapped out.

On Wednesday, firefighters began training, and loaded the truck up with hoses.

“It still has that ‘new truck’ smell to it,” said one firefighter.

The community can thank the department for some skillful grant writing which snagged a little over $700,000 from the federal government. Just like the old truck, the ladder on this rig will reach the top of the Senior Plaza building. The ladder is actually 10 feet longer.

And get this, the ladder actually is recycled from an older vehicle – that’s how well built it is.

And Hamtramck’s old ladder will also see new use in another truck.

A Review reporter was given a lift up the ladder, and it can honestly be said it’s a quick and smooth ride.

(Editor’s note: This reporter will easily experience the heebie-jeebies at the height of a one-story house.

Despite this semi-fear of heights, there was no case of vertigo on this ride.)

This is the second new truck the department received, again thanks to good grant writing and the largesse of the federal government. The first grant was worth $200,000, and if you add it all up, Hamtramck’s Fire Department is looking like a million bucks these days.

Eight stories up in the air.