Truckloads of hazardous waste continue to travel throughout the area hauling toxic chemicals and nuclear waste matter to the Wayne Disposal Inc. landfill in Van Buren Township.
Wayne County circuit Judge Kevin Cox issued a temporary restraining order on Sept. 18, halting the disposal of hazardous or nuclear waste at the local facility in response to a lawsuit filed by Van Buren and Canton townships and the cities of
Belleville and Romulus. Attorneys from Republic Services which owns Wayne Disposal petitioned the court during a hearing Sept. 24 to limit the restraining order to only waste from the Niagara Falls Storage Site allowing the continued disposal of toxic waste at the local site.
The hearing set for this week will determine whether the temporary injunction restricting the nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project will continue while the case is resolved.
The radioactive waste matter in dispute was to be hauled by truck from the Niagara Fall site where it had been stored from 1944 to 1952. The material was created during the development of atomic bombs during both World War I and II. A remediation of the New York site is planned to allow for future industrial development at the site, according to legal filings.
Currently, Wayne Disposal is receiving waste from an atomic development site in Ohio including radioactive materials from the 1940s and 1950s. That site, in Luckey, Ohio is currently under remediation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The material, according to legal documents, exhibits an elevated level of radioactivity. According to the Army Corps, more than 175,000 tons of radioactive soil and other materials have been hauled to Wayne Disposal over the past 6 years. Material from another Ohio chemical plant where uranium was formerly developed for atomic weapons is also slated for transport and disposal Van Buren.
Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that fewer than 100 people live within a 1-mile radius of only four hazardous waste facilities outside Michigan, while Wayne Disposal has 2,660 residents within that radius — and more than 150,000 residents within 20 miles of the site.
State Rep. Reggie Miller has introduced a bill that would ban elevated radiation waste from Michigan landfills. Miller said multiple states have enacted similar legislation that has withstood legal challenges.
According to the Army Corps, the waste will not exceed 50 picocuries per gram of radioactivity. One picocurie is roughly equivalent to background levels of radioactivity naturally occurring in the environment, according to a prepared statement.
Melissa Quillard, senior manager of external communications for Republic Services said the landfill has safely received and managed radioactive material for many years.
“The landfill meets or exceeds all regulations and is designed to safely manage this type of material, which can be generated through a variety of industrial and other processes,” Quillard said in a statement.
Miller, however, disagrees.
“We are not discriminating; this is a health and safety concern. That landfill is a mile and a half from the largest lake in Wayne County, Belleville Lake. It is near a middle school and a few parks. It is in the most populous county in Michigan,” Miller said.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Ringers
Crowds vie for honors at annual horseshoe event
The annual One Romulus Community Horseshoe Tournament brought crowds of elected officials, city
recently. Mayor Robert McCraight showed off his tossing skill and awarded ribbons to the winners of the day. The crowd enjoyed refreshments from Grahams Gourmet Hot Dogs during the nearly perfect fall day. The event is set for Sept. 13 next year and officials urged residents to mark their calendar for a day of community fun..
School board members appoint member to fill term
Aamina Ahmed was appointed as the newest member of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools Board of Education during a meeting Oct. 1.
Ahmed will complete the term of Shawn Wilson who resigned from the board in August. Ahmed was selected from a field of nine applicants who were interviewed for the position, according to information provided by district officials. Three finalists were asked to return for a second interview with current board members who then selected Ahmed to fill the vacancy.
“We are grateful to all of the candidates who chose to apply to serve as a Board Trustee, and we are excited about the addition of Aamina Ahmed to the P-CCS Board of Education,” said P-CCS Board President Lauren Christenson. “We firmly believe that her professional experience, previous service to the district, and passion for public education will bring an important perspective as we continue to work to provide students with an education that prepares them for life success.”
Ahmed, a graduate of Wayne State University who currently works as a grant manager, previously served on several district committees, including the board policy committee. She is the mother of three who all attended schools in the district, according to a prepared statement.
“As a firm believer in the value of public education, I am excited to work collaboratively alongside the other Trustees and Superintendent Merritt to serve our district’s students, families, and staff,” Ahmed said.
“I’m looking forward to learning as a member of the board and finding ways to make the district even better than it is right now.”
Ahmed will serve until December, 2026 when the term expires.
Ahmed will complete the term of Shawn Wilson who resigned from the board in August. Ahmed was selected from a field of nine applicants who were interviewed for the position, according to information provided by district officials. Three finalists were asked to return for a second interview with current board members who then selected Ahmed to fill the vacancy.
“We are grateful to all of the candidates who chose to apply to serve as a Board Trustee, and we are excited about the addition of Aamina Ahmed to the P-CCS Board of Education,” said P-CCS Board President Lauren Christenson. “We firmly believe that her professional experience, previous service to the district, and passion for public education will bring an important perspective as we continue to work to provide students with an education that prepares them for life success.”
Ahmed, a graduate of Wayne State University who currently works as a grant manager, previously served on several district committees, including the board policy committee. She is the mother of three who all attended schools in the district, according to a prepared statement.
“As a firm believer in the value of public education, I am excited to work collaboratively alongside the other Trustees and Superintendent Merritt to serve our district’s students, families, and staff,” Ahmed said.
“I’m looking forward to learning as a member of the board and finding ways to make the district even better than it is right now.”
Ahmed will serve until December, 2026 when the term expires.
Smoothing the way
Canton Township celebrates completion of park path projects
Canton Township officials celebrated the official ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of an extensive path improvement project in Canton Heritage Park funded by a Wayne County Parks Millage and the township.
“It’s important for our community to have enhanced park amenities that increase both safety and accessibility of these recreational areas where all ages and abilities can come together to spend time outside, and to enjoy all that Canton has to offer,” said Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “This path renovation project marks the first time in over 40 years that these paths have been majorly resurfaced and it would not have been possible without our partnership with Wayne County Commissioner Daub who worked together with Wayne County Parks Director Alicia Bradford to fund the majority of this project with Wayne County Parks Millage funding.”
Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak led the festivities, which included special remarks by Wayne County Commissioner Melissa Daub (District 10).
Familiar names seeking election in Plymouth and Canton
Voters in both Canton and Plymouth Townships will see some familiar names on the ballot Nov. 5.
In Canton, incumbent Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Pat Williams, who held the office from 2026 until he was unseated by Graham Hudak during the 2020 balloting. The supervisors job pays about $155,000 annually.
In Plymouth Township, former Township Clerk Nancy Conzelman, a Democrat, is hoping to unseat incumbent Clerk Jerry Vorva, a Republican.
Conzelman formerly campaigned and served as a Republican but has changed her affiliation to seek the clerk’s office as a Democrat.
The two are competing for the clerk’s office which pays $120,000 annually along with a 15 percent contribution to a retirement plan.
On the Canton Township ballot:
Graham-Hudak is a 30-year resident of the township. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Boston University and earned a master’s degree from Lawrence Institute of Technology. Prior to being elected supervisor in 2020, she served as a board trustee, on the planning commission.
She was employed as an engineer and project manager at Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler auto suppliers. She is the current chair of the 35th District Court Authority, Vice Chair of the Western Townships Utility Authority, Vice Chair of SEMCOG and Treasurer of the Conference of Western Wayne.
Williams currently works as a Realtor and is a 40-year resident of Canton. He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is active in multiple community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and Canton Cares, a charity fund he founded.
On the Plymouth Township ballot:
Vorva, 72, is a 50-year Plymouth Township resident. He has degrees including a Bachelor of Science with honors degree from Madonna University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He is a former Plymouth police officer, former City of Plymouth Commissioner, former state representative from the 20th District and a retired Realtor.
He has been township clerk since 2016.
Challenger Conzelman, a former Plymouth Township clerk, is a graduate of Marian High School, University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School and is a licensed attorney. She has lived in Plymouth Township for 31 years.
She was formerly employed as a corporate attorney, vice president and as chief legal counsel for a mid-size automotive supplier. She is a Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk and received Government Financial Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting Award.
In Canton, incumbent Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Pat Williams, who held the office from 2026 until he was unseated by Graham Hudak during the 2020 balloting. The supervisors job pays about $155,000 annually.
In Plymouth Township, former Township Clerk Nancy Conzelman, a Democrat, is hoping to unseat incumbent Clerk Jerry Vorva, a Republican.
Conzelman formerly campaigned and served as a Republican but has changed her affiliation to seek the clerk’s office as a Democrat.
The two are competing for the clerk’s office which pays $120,000 annually along with a 15 percent contribution to a retirement plan.
On the Canton Township ballot:
Graham-Hudak is a 30-year resident of the township. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Boston University and earned a master’s degree from Lawrence Institute of Technology. Prior to being elected supervisor in 2020, she served as a board trustee, on the planning commission.
She was employed as an engineer and project manager at Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler auto suppliers. She is the current chair of the 35th District Court Authority, Vice Chair of the Western Townships Utility Authority, Vice Chair of SEMCOG and Treasurer of the Conference of Western Wayne.
Williams currently works as a Realtor and is a 40-year resident of Canton. He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is active in multiple community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and Canton Cares, a charity fund he founded.
On the Plymouth Township ballot:
Vorva, 72, is a 50-year Plymouth Township resident. He has degrees including a Bachelor of Science with honors degree from Madonna University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He is a former Plymouth police officer, former City of Plymouth Commissioner, former state representative from the 20th District and a retired Realtor.
He has been township clerk since 2016.
Challenger Conzelman, a former Plymouth Township clerk, is a graduate of Marian High School, University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School and is a licensed attorney. She has lived in Plymouth Township for 31 years.
She was formerly employed as a corporate attorney, vice president and as chief legal counsel for a mid-size automotive supplier. She is a Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk and received Government Financial Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting Award.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Canton receives $7 million in state grants
Canton Township celebrated the awarding of nearly $7 million in grant funding to be used for projects in the community.
“I’m thrilled that State Rep. Ranjeev Puri and State Sen. Dayna Polehanki secured funding for these important community projects enhancing pedestrian safety, providing greater activity and programming space for seniors, and protecting abused and neglected children in Canton,” said Supervisor Anne Marie Graham Hudak, commenting on the proposed projects.
“The Palmer Road pedestrian bridge will improve a treacherous path over I-275 traversed by hundreds of Canton residents each week. The new Canton Senior Center in the Summit will greatly expand the activity and programming space for seniors. And finally, renovating the Sheldon Brick School to house Kids Talk will serve abused and neglected children in all of Western Wayne County by giving them a safe space to be interviewed and hold perpetrators accountable. This project also returns this historic building to its original mission in Canton – serving children and their families,” Graham-Hudak said.
The pedestrian bridge over I-275 was awarded $3,250,000 in state funding, Graham-Hudak said. Puri secured the funding that will be used to construct the pedestrian bridge on Palmer Road over I-275 for walkers and bikers. Officials said the path along Palmer Road is traversed by many residents attending the Muslim Community of the Western Suburbs (MCWS) of Detroit schools and activities east of the I-275 overpass, trying to make their way to the Medina Activity Center (MAC) on the west side of the overpass. This pedestrian bridge will serve all walkers and bikers alike passing over I-275 at Palmer Road, according to township officials.
Puri also secured $2,500,000 in grant funding to be used to renovate approximately 10,600 square feet of space in the Summit on the Park in order to expand activity space for Club 55+, the Canton senior program, and make additional facility enhancements. Currently, Club 55+ operates in approximately 1,500 square feet. The expanded activity space and facility improvements will give seniors and other members of the community a place to enjoy billiards, shuffleboard, additional exercise classes, card games, cooking classes and expanded services and amenities, township officials said.
“This budget cycle I worked diligently to bring home dollars directly to Canton,” said Puri. “I am so proud to have secured $5.75M for Canton Township to improve pedestrian pathways for bikers and walkers, and for Summit renovations. These are huge wins for our community – the funds will be felt directly right here at home and make a meaningful, lasting impact for our residents.”
State Sen. Dayna Polehanki secured $1 million in grant money that will be used to establish a Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center at Sheldon School on Michigan Avenue in Canton. This center will focus on the safety, social and emotional health, and stability of children and families throughout the region, officials announced. The location of the building is convenient for children and families living in all of western Wayne County and is also close to the new township Youth Center, where Growth Works, Inc. will be located in the future, they added.
“KIDS-Talk is an invaluable resource for children and families in our region who have been impacted by abuse, and I’m proud to have secured $1 million in this year’s state budget to help facilitate the establishment of a new Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center in Canton that will help their organization better serve those in need,” said Polehanki (D-Livonia).
“I’m confident this transformative investment will make a tangible difference for our local residents, and I’ll continue fighting hard to deliver progress for the health, safety, and stability of families in our community,” she added.
“I’m thrilled that State Rep. Ranjeev Puri and State Sen. Dayna Polehanki secured funding for these important community projects enhancing pedestrian safety, providing greater activity and programming space for seniors, and protecting abused and neglected children in Canton,” said Supervisor Anne Marie Graham Hudak, commenting on the proposed projects.
“The Palmer Road pedestrian bridge will improve a treacherous path over I-275 traversed by hundreds of Canton residents each week. The new Canton Senior Center in the Summit will greatly expand the activity and programming space for seniors. And finally, renovating the Sheldon Brick School to house Kids Talk will serve abused and neglected children in all of Western Wayne County by giving them a safe space to be interviewed and hold perpetrators accountable. This project also returns this historic building to its original mission in Canton – serving children and their families,” Graham-Hudak said.
The pedestrian bridge over I-275 was awarded $3,250,000 in state funding, Graham-Hudak said. Puri secured the funding that will be used to construct the pedestrian bridge on Palmer Road over I-275 for walkers and bikers. Officials said the path along Palmer Road is traversed by many residents attending the Muslim Community of the Western Suburbs (MCWS) of Detroit schools and activities east of the I-275 overpass, trying to make their way to the Medina Activity Center (MAC) on the west side of the overpass. This pedestrian bridge will serve all walkers and bikers alike passing over I-275 at Palmer Road, according to township officials.
Puri also secured $2,500,000 in grant funding to be used to renovate approximately 10,600 square feet of space in the Summit on the Park in order to expand activity space for Club 55+, the Canton senior program, and make additional facility enhancements. Currently, Club 55+ operates in approximately 1,500 square feet. The expanded activity space and facility improvements will give seniors and other members of the community a place to enjoy billiards, shuffleboard, additional exercise classes, card games, cooking classes and expanded services and amenities, township officials said.
“This budget cycle I worked diligently to bring home dollars directly to Canton,” said Puri. “I am so proud to have secured $5.75M for Canton Township to improve pedestrian pathways for bikers and walkers, and for Summit renovations. These are huge wins for our community – the funds will be felt directly right here at home and make a meaningful, lasting impact for our residents.”
State Sen. Dayna Polehanki secured $1 million in grant money that will be used to establish a Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center at Sheldon School on Michigan Avenue in Canton. This center will focus on the safety, social and emotional health, and stability of children and families throughout the region, officials announced. The location of the building is convenient for children and families living in all of western Wayne County and is also close to the new township Youth Center, where Growth Works, Inc. will be located in the future, they added.
“KIDS-Talk is an invaluable resource for children and families in our region who have been impacted by abuse, and I’m proud to have secured $1 million in this year’s state budget to help facilitate the establishment of a new Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center in Canton that will help their organization better serve those in need,” said Polehanki (D-Livonia).
“I’m confident this transformative investment will make a tangible difference for our local residents, and I’ll continue fighting hard to deliver progress for the health, safety, and stability of families in our community,” she added.
A ‘maze’ ing
Maybury Farm Corn Maze is now open for fall season
The annual corn maze at Maybury Farm in Northville is now open.
Visitors will be taken to the maze by a tractor-driven wagon which are scheduled every 30 minutes. Parmenter’s cider and donuts will be available for purchase in the Maybury Farm general store. The barns will be open evenings until 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for visits with the animals.
Tickets are $15 per person if purchased at the door; $13 per person when purchased early online 48 hours in advance of the date/time reserved and $8 for members with valid identification. Private party rides are available for up to 25 people at $300.
Children younger than 2 admitted at no cost with a paid adult but must ride on a lap in the wagon.
For more information, call (248) 374-0200 press 2 for more information.
State House Bill will return funds to local schools
A state bill that will return nearly $600 million to public schools was signed into law by state officials last week.
House Bill 5803, sponsored by State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) permanently lowers the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System fund contribution rate, freeing up millions for Northville, Plymouth-Canton and Livonia schools to put dollars back into classrooms and teacher’s salaries.
Koleszar said he was proud to see his bill that puts his community’s local students and teachers first be signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“When teachers are in charge, we get things done. I know from conversations with the students and educators in this district that years of overpayment into the retirement fund has taken a real toll on our school’s resources. This is fiscally responsible legislation that empowers our schools to put their funding towards what matters most — students,” said Koleszar, chair of the House Education Committee.
“Northville, Plymouth-Canton and Livonia schools are full of bright minds and dedicated educators. As a teacher-turned-legislator, I am beyond happy to get this legislation across the finish line to equip our schools with the funds they need for our students to succeed.”
“I also want to extend my gratitude to my fellow Democratic legislators and Gov. Whitmer for their commitment to putting kids and teachers at the forefront of the work we do here in Michigan.”
Local superintendents and teachers in Koleszar’s district celebrated the direct investments into local classrooms that the new law brings, ensuring their schools have a new, stable source of funding to uplift
students.
“This is a big win for teachers across Michigan,” said Plymouth-Canton Community Schools teacher JJ Lockwood. “The permanent removal of the 3 percent teacher tax will have a real impact on my paycheck and those of my colleagues. This is why it’s nice having teachers like Matt Koleszar in Lansing to advocate for common sense changes that improve the lives of those in the classroom.”
House Bill 5803, sponsored by State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) permanently lowers the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System fund contribution rate, freeing up millions for Northville, Plymouth-Canton and Livonia schools to put dollars back into classrooms and teacher’s salaries.
Koleszar said he was proud to see his bill that puts his community’s local students and teachers first be signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“When teachers are in charge, we get things done. I know from conversations with the students and educators in this district that years of overpayment into the retirement fund has taken a real toll on our school’s resources. This is fiscally responsible legislation that empowers our schools to put their funding towards what matters most — students,” said Koleszar, chair of the House Education Committee.
“Northville, Plymouth-Canton and Livonia schools are full of bright minds and dedicated educators. As a teacher-turned-legislator, I am beyond happy to get this legislation across the finish line to equip our schools with the funds they need for our students to succeed.”
“I also want to extend my gratitude to my fellow Democratic legislators and Gov. Whitmer for their commitment to putting kids and teachers at the forefront of the work we do here in Michigan.”
Local superintendents and teachers in Koleszar’s district celebrated the direct investments into local classrooms that the new law brings, ensuring their schools have a new, stable source of funding to uplift
students.
“This is a big win for teachers across Michigan,” said Plymouth-Canton Community Schools teacher JJ Lockwood. “The permanent removal of the 3 percent teacher tax will have a real impact on my paycheck and those of my colleagues. This is why it’s nice having teachers like Matt Koleszar in Lansing to advocate for common sense changes that improve the lives of those in the classroom.”
Antisemitic flyers distributed in both Canton and Northville
Police in both Northville and Canton townships are investigating the distribution of antisemitic literature left in driveways of several area homes.
The materials in Northville were in plastic sandwich bags also containing corn kernels. The bags were left in the driveways of multiple homes in the Ridge Hill and Grande Vista subdivisions, according to police reports. While Northville police responded to the incident Oct. 6, Canton police received a complaint Tuesday morning notifying them of the literature.
The bags contained flyers clearly demonstrating hostility toward or discrimination against Jewish people.
“The Northville Township Police Department is committed to identifying those responsible for these actions,” the statement read. “Any residents with information related to this incident are encouraged to contact the department non-emergency line at (248) 349-9400.”
Affected residents in Canton are also being asked to check their home surveillance camera systems and notify the police department if they have any video of the flyers being distributed.
“We assure the community that our department takes the distribution of these flyers seriously, and we have launched an investigation to identify those responsible,” said Police Chief Chad Baugh.
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak also commented on the incident.
“Hate speech will not be tolerated in this community. Canton residents deserve to feel safe and respected in their homes and neighborhoods. We are taking these actions very seriously and I have full confidence that our Police Department will be diligently working with other departments in the area to make sure this does not continue or escalate.”
The materials in Northville were in plastic sandwich bags also containing corn kernels. The bags were left in the driveways of multiple homes in the Ridge Hill and Grande Vista subdivisions, according to police reports. While Northville police responded to the incident Oct. 6, Canton police received a complaint Tuesday morning notifying them of the literature.
The bags contained flyers clearly demonstrating hostility toward or discrimination against Jewish people.
“The Northville Township Police Department is committed to identifying those responsible for these actions,” the statement read. “Any residents with information related to this incident are encouraged to contact the department non-emergency line at (248) 349-9400.”
Affected residents in Canton are also being asked to check their home surveillance camera systems and notify the police department if they have any video of the flyers being distributed.
“We assure the community that our department takes the distribution of these flyers seriously, and we have launched an investigation to identify those responsible,” said Police Chief Chad Baugh.
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak also commented on the incident.
“Hate speech will not be tolerated in this community. Canton residents deserve to feel safe and respected in their homes and neighborhoods. We are taking these actions very seriously and I have full confidence that our Police Department will be diligently working with other departments in the area to make sure this does not continue or escalate.”
Re-Accredited
The Romulus Police Department has earned reaccreditation through the Michigan Commission on Law
Enforcement Standards (MLEAC) accreditation program. The Romulus Police Department was one of the first 10 agencies in the state to initially win accreditation in October of 2021. While voluntary, reaccreditation is required every 3 years, officials said. Earning certification is a year-long process in which the department must adopt and prove that they have implemented, and are following, the best practices of the profession. It demonstrates a commitment to developing, having, and maintaining a highly professional police department, police officials said. To be re-accredited, the Romulus department was required to prove the standards were followed during the past 3 years. Of the 577 law enforcement agencies in Michigan, only 88 are currently accredited.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Judge to hear hazardous waste arguments Oct. 5
The evidentiary hearing in a lawsuit filed by several local communities seeking to prevent the disposal of nuclear waste in the area has been rescheduled for Oct. 9.
Canton Township, Van Buren Township, the City of Romulus, and the City of Belleville were awarded a Temporary Restraining Order earlier this month, stopping Wayne Disposal, Inc. from accepting scheduled shipments of radioactive World War II era nuclear waste at the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township.
The planned shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan in New York to the Van Buren Township landfill was temporarily blocked by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox last week in response to an injunction filed by attorneys representing the communities.
“We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
“Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal,” Graham Hudak said in a prepared statement. She said the landfill has been cited multiple times for safety violations, according to media reports, and has had leaks and fires. Graham-Hudak said reports claim that Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined for than $471,000. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said.
The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity was to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where the waste had been stored. The waste matter is from uranium extraction during the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
Canton Township, Van Buren Township, the City of Romulus, and the City of Belleville were awarded a Temporary Restraining Order earlier this month, stopping Wayne Disposal, Inc. from accepting scheduled shipments of radioactive World War II era nuclear waste at the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township.
The planned shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan in New York to the Van Buren Township landfill was temporarily blocked by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox last week in response to an injunction filed by attorneys representing the communities.
“We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
“Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal,” Graham Hudak said in a prepared statement. She said the landfill has been cited multiple times for safety violations, according to media reports, and has had leaks and fires. Graham-Hudak said reports claim that Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined for than $471,000. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said.
The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity was to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where the waste had been stored. The waste matter is from uranium extraction during the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
Romulus residents celebrate 26th Annual Pumkin Festival
Thousands of people lined Goddard Road last Friday as the traditional Parade of Lights organized by
the Romulus Rotary Club officially opened the 26th Annual Pumpkin Festival. The festival, which drew a large crowd to Historical Park last weekend, featured live entertainment, music, food, crafts and vendors along with games and a Classic Car Show. “Our Downtown Festival is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community,” said officials from the Downtown Development Authority which organizes the event.
Northville, Canton police seeking suspects in area car thefts
Investigators from the Northville Township Police Department and the Canton Township Police Special Operations Group are working to identify suspects involved in recent car break-ins and thefts.
Area residents have been cautioned by Northville Township Police to take extra precautions following reports of several break-ins of parked vehicles. In some cases, the vehicles were stolen, while others were either unlocked or broken into with personal items and valuables removed, police sources said. In one reported instance, the vehicle owner left the key fob inside, making it easier to be stolen.
“Our detectives have been working on this since August and they’ve made significant progress on it,” said Northville Township Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Scott Hilden.
“We are all about prevention here, so we are advising our residents to secure their vehicles, remove valuables and avoid leaving personal items and key fobs inside parked cars. This will help prevent theft,” Hilden said.
In one incident, a suspect fled after being confronted, and personal belongings from a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee were recovered nearby. Multiple thefts followed, including the thefts of a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford Explorer in September.
The Northville Township Police Department is collaborating with the Canton Police Department Special Operations Group to identify those involved.
“This collaboration allows us to join forces to make our communities safer,” Hilden said. To share information about the crimes, contact the Northville Township Police Department at (248) 349-9400.
Area residents have been cautioned by Northville Township Police to take extra precautions following reports of several break-ins of parked vehicles. In some cases, the vehicles were stolen, while others were either unlocked or broken into with personal items and valuables removed, police sources said. In one reported instance, the vehicle owner left the key fob inside, making it easier to be stolen.
“Our detectives have been working on this since August and they’ve made significant progress on it,” said Northville Township Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Scott Hilden.
“We are all about prevention here, so we are advising our residents to secure their vehicles, remove valuables and avoid leaving personal items and key fobs inside parked cars. This will help prevent theft,” Hilden said.
In one incident, a suspect fled after being confronted, and personal belongings from a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee were recovered nearby. Multiple thefts followed, including the thefts of a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford Explorer in September.
The Northville Township Police Department is collaborating with the Canton Police Department Special Operations Group to identify those involved.
“This collaboration allows us to join forces to make our communities safer,” Hilden said. To share information about the crimes, contact the Northville Township Police Department at (248) 349-9400.
Hot Project
Westland officials celebrated the groundbreaking for a new $7 million Fire Station #2 and Brian
Woehlke Command Training Facility and Todd Stanaway Training Tower last week. The state-of-the-art facility will be fully funded by a $7 million grant from the State of Michigan. Officials said the new facility will improve response times and boost the efficiency of the fire department. Fire Chief Darrell Stamper told the assembled crowd, “This new station will ensure our firefighters are better trained and closer to the community they serve, making Westland even safer.” The new facility will be located at 7300 N. Merriman Road. “I would like to thank our partners in Lansing, Governor (Grethen) Whitmer’s office and State Sen. Dayna Polehanki for being supportive of expanding Westland’s public safety,” stated Mayor Kevin Coleman. “With their help, as well as the funding I secured as state representative, this brand-new fire station will help shorten response times and make our first responders more efficient.”
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Nuclear waste dumping temporarily halted by court
The planned shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan in New York to a Van Buren Township landfill has been temporarily blocked by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox.
The shipments, originally planned to begin this month, were halted by Cox in response to a lawsuit filed by the cities of Belleville and Romulus along with Van Buren and Canton townships. “We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
“The day that the Free Press story broke on New York’s radioactive waste being dumped in Michigan, we took immediate action. Our team visited the site, surveyed the surrounding area and drafted a resolution,” Graham-Hudak said.
“Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal. And, according to the Detroit Free Press, this dump has a long history of violations, leaks and fires. Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined more than $471,000.”
Graham-Hudak continued. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said in a prepared statement.
The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity were to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where they had been stored. The storage site accepted waste from uranium extraction from the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. The waste was to be shipped to Wayne Disposal in Van Buren, one of the largest hazardous waste landfills in the county. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation last week to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
“I’m pleased to hear about the temporary injunction to block these shipments, but make no mistake — this is one small victory in a much bigger fight, and I will not rest until there is a permanent solution. The people of Wayne County have spoken loud and clear: Our hometown will not be the dumping ground for toxic, radioactive waste, and I stand with them 100 percent, be they Democrat, Republican or Independent,” she said in a prepared statement.
Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
Graham-Hudak was critical of the failure of the company to notify local authorities of the pending disposal. She said public hearings took place in New York where the exact routes for hauling the waste through those communities were detailed.
“Our residents are just as important as those in New York” she said.
The judge ordered Wayne Disposal attorneys to file a written response to the complaint and scheduled a hearing on the issue for today.
The shipments, originally planned to begin this month, were halted by Cox in response to a lawsuit filed by the cities of Belleville and Romulus along with Van Buren and Canton townships. “We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
“The day that the Free Press story broke on New York’s radioactive waste being dumped in Michigan, we took immediate action. Our team visited the site, surveyed the surrounding area and drafted a resolution,” Graham-Hudak said.
“Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal. And, according to the Detroit Free Press, this dump has a long history of violations, leaks and fires. Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined more than $471,000.”
Graham-Hudak continued. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said in a prepared statement.
The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity were to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where they had been stored. The storage site accepted waste from uranium extraction from the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. The waste was to be shipped to Wayne Disposal in Van Buren, one of the largest hazardous waste landfills in the county. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation last week to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
“I’m pleased to hear about the temporary injunction to block these shipments, but make no mistake — this is one small victory in a much bigger fight, and I will not rest until there is a permanent solution. The people of Wayne County have spoken loud and clear: Our hometown will not be the dumping ground for toxic, radioactive waste, and I stand with them 100 percent, be they Democrat, Republican or Independent,” she said in a prepared statement.
Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
Graham-Hudak was critical of the failure of the company to notify local authorities of the pending disposal. She said public hearings took place in New York where the exact routes for hauling the waste through those communities were detailed.
“Our residents are just as important as those in New York” she said.
The judge ordered Wayne Disposal attorneys to file a written response to the complaint and scheduled a hearing on the issue for today.
A walk in the park
Canton Township celebrates completion of major park improvements
“The main focus of these multi-phased construction projects is to increase both safety and accessibility of these recreational areas for all ages and abilities,” stated Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “We are proud to be able to provide this type of investment in Canton’s green spaces where residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities, connect with nature, and come together for social interactions.”
The path replacement project in Heritage Park, which was funded by a Wayne County Parks Millage and Canton Township, included the removal of the old asphalt pavement and underlying sub-base materials, as well as the construction of a new 10-foot-wide asphalt path throughout 3,000 square feet of the park, as well as on the north side of the Summit on the Park, the community recreation center. Further aspects of this $330,000 construction project, which was managed by the Canton Municipal Services Department, included the addition of several electrical service connection points, which were added throughout the park to provide electricity supply to previously ‘off-grid’ sections of the park to improve outdoor special events.
An official ribbon-cutting for the Heritage Park Path Improvement Project is planned for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 near the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza, located at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and Veterans Way. The event is open to the public.
The scope of the $1.5 million construction project at Pheasant Run Golf Club, which was funded as part of a Canton Capital Improvement Project and managed by the Canton Municipal Services Department, involved pulverizing existing paths and installing new asphalt pathways resurfacing all cart paths for the 27-hole course totaling 10.3 miles of 8-feet-wide paths.
Heritage Park, located just west of the Canton Administrative Office at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, is one of the premier parks in the township, where visitors can enjoy 105 acres of green space, including two playscapes, a splash pad, four pavilions, a picturesque gazebo, two large ponds, walking paths, an amphitheater, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a sand volleyball court, fishing area, and much more.
Pheasant Run Golf Course, is located at 46500 Summit Parkway, was designed by world-renowned architect Arthur Hills
For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov.
Plymouth Township receives prestigious historic designation
Plymouth Township is now officially an American World War II Heritage City.
Members of the township Historic District Commission nominated the Phoenix Mill, originally a dam and grist mill, which was converted to a manufacturing operation during World War II. Women employees at the facility produced electrical parts for B-24 Liberator aircraft. The building is currently operated as an event planning space.
Only eight communities were named for the Heritage City designation by the National Park Service this year. The program was created to honor the late Sen. John Dingell as part of more than 100 bills introduced to commemorate him as the longest-serving member of congress from Michigan. The program currently includes 38 states and one U.S. territory as World War II heritage cities. Each state is limited to only one location for the prestigious historic designation, according to the National Parks website.
Female employees at the mill plant built electrical harnesses used for assembly at the Willow Run plant for B-24 bomber planes along with electrical wiring for the M7 machine gun. Called “Rosies” after the iconic Rosie the Riveter wartime poster, the women had to be unmarried or widowed as a condition of employment. They were paid at the same rate as men working in other plants converted by Henry Ford to produce military supplies during the war.
The Phoenix Mill site was one of several village industries in Southeast Michigan and Canada owned by Ford. The building, with architectural work by Albert Kahn & Associates, opened in 1922.
“The Rosies played an integral role in the United States’s war efforts and their patriotism is a critical aspect of the American Story in World War II,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, in a letter supporting the Plymouth Township bid for the designation. American World War II Heritage Cities are featured on the National Park Service website.
Members of the township Historic District Commission nominated the Phoenix Mill, originally a dam and grist mill, which was converted to a manufacturing operation during World War II. Women employees at the facility produced electrical parts for B-24 Liberator aircraft. The building is currently operated as an event planning space.
Only eight communities were named for the Heritage City designation by the National Park Service this year. The program was created to honor the late Sen. John Dingell as part of more than 100 bills introduced to commemorate him as the longest-serving member of congress from Michigan. The program currently includes 38 states and one U.S. territory as World War II heritage cities. Each state is limited to only one location for the prestigious historic designation, according to the National Parks website.
Female employees at the mill plant built electrical harnesses used for assembly at the Willow Run plant for B-24 bomber planes along with electrical wiring for the M7 machine gun. Called “Rosies” after the iconic Rosie the Riveter wartime poster, the women had to be unmarried or widowed as a condition of employment. They were paid at the same rate as men working in other plants converted by Henry Ford to produce military supplies during the war.
The Phoenix Mill site was one of several village industries in Southeast Michigan and Canada owned by Ford. The building, with architectural work by Albert Kahn & Associates, opened in 1922.
“The Rosies played an integral role in the United States’s war efforts and their patriotism is a critical aspect of the American Story in World War II,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, in a letter supporting the Plymouth Township bid for the designation. American World War II Heritage Cities are featured on the National Park Service website.
Street closing question removed from Northville ballot
The question of opening up downtown streets in the City of Northville will not be on the Nov. 5 ballot.
At a recent meeting of the Northville City Council, Anne Gabbert, a lawyer attending on behalf of Anthony Chubb, said both Wayne County and Oakland County clerks approved the ballot language to have an advisory question regarding the contentious street closure question placed on the November ballot. Currently, sections of both Main and Center streets have been closed to downtown traffic by the council.
Gabbert explained that the state director of elections, however, advised that his office was not in agreement with the placement of an advisory, non-binding question on the ballot, Subsequently, clerks from both Wayne and Oakland counties have removed the street closure question from the proposed ballot proof.
State officials based the decision on their determination that, by law, the community must have an option for advisory ballot questions as part of the city charter. The Northville City Charter does not include this provision and is therefore prohibited from the advisory ballot question, she said.
To move forward with the advisory ballot question for the November ballot would require emergency litigation in both County Circuit Courts, she said, which would entail court costs which could be extensive. Members of the council discussed the issue and agreed not to proceed with litigation of the matter.
At a recent meeting of the Northville City Council, Anne Gabbert, a lawyer attending on behalf of Anthony Chubb, said both Wayne County and Oakland County clerks approved the ballot language to have an advisory question regarding the contentious street closure question placed on the November ballot. Currently, sections of both Main and Center streets have been closed to downtown traffic by the council.
Gabbert explained that the state director of elections, however, advised that his office was not in agreement with the placement of an advisory, non-binding question on the ballot, Subsequently, clerks from both Wayne and Oakland counties have removed the street closure question from the proposed ballot proof.
State officials based the decision on their determination that, by law, the community must have an option for advisory ballot questions as part of the city charter. The Northville City Charter does not include this provision and is therefore prohibited from the advisory ballot question, she said.
To move forward with the advisory ballot question for the November ballot would require emergency litigation in both County Circuit Courts, she said, which would entail court costs which could be extensive. Members of the council discussed the issue and agreed not to proceed with litigation of the matter.
Human Library
Program allows ‘borrowing’ of people to promote understanding
Michael McEvoy is an open book.McEvoy is participating in the Human Library event, which began in Denmark in the early 2000s. As part of the Northville District Library team for the past 25 years, McEvoy handles all things tech at the
October will mark McEvoy’s seventh time participating in the Human Library. He said while the first time was challenging. It was also a new experience for him—but the feedback from those who “borrowed” him made the experience worthwhile. He said that each time he participates, he learns more about himself and how others perceive him. He said that while volunteering as a “book” could put him in a vulnerable position, the rewards far outweigh the discomfort.
McEvoy has been deaf for most of his life. One reaction he often encounters during these events, he said, is disbelief, as he doesn’t “sound” like people expect a deaf person to sound. There’s a misconception that deaf people either can’t speak or speak in a way that others perceive as “different.” McEvoy defies these assumptions and said while it is impossible to answer some questions as his experience in the world is the only one he knows.
McEvoy said one question that has stayed with him was “How can I better communicate with someone who’s deaf?” While the answer varies depending on whether someone is partially or fully deaf, the simple desire to understand and connect resonated with him, he said.
Despite the growing popularity of American Sign Language (ASL) he has never been formally taught the signing system. He said he knows the basics, like numbers and the alphabet, but not enough to carry on a conversation. One thing he can sign, though, is “I do not know sign language,” he said. This defies another common assumption—that all deaf individuals automatically know ASL. While McEvoy, who has been deaf since childhood, doesn’t know ASL, he said he appreciates that more people are eager to learn it.
McEvoy said programs like the Human Library are important for libraries like Northville District Library and the Plymouth District Library.
“Not everyone enjoys reading traditional books—whether paper, hardcover, or eBooks—but a human book can open doors to other types of learning and often have a greater impact.” On a personal note, McEvoy said he enjoys borrowing other human books at these events and finds them to be some of the most fascinating people he’s ever met. He said he always hopes that everyone who participates leaves with more knowledge and empathy than when they arrived.
McEvoy said he is particularly excited to bring the Human Library experience to the Plymouth District Library which will allow him to reach a broader audience than his previous events, which were primarily for college students. As always, he said, he expects to come away from the event knowing even more about himself.
The Human Library is scheduled for 1 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. The library is located at 223 S. Main St. For more information, phone (734) 453-0750 or email info@plymouthlibrary.org.
Senior Health and Wellness Expo is planned in Northville
Northville Senior Service will host a Health and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Northville Community Center.
The purpose of the new event is to engage and educate older adults on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as address health concerns that arise with aging, officials said. New programming offered by the Senior Services will also be introduced during the event. Like previous events, registrants will enjoy vendor tables, but new this year are fitness class demonstrations, a Kroger Health vaccine clinic, door prize raffles and live entertainment from Suzi Marsh. Lunch also will be provided.
“We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The Northville Township population is growing older. By 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
“By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St.
The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM
“Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”
The purpose of the new event is to engage and educate older adults on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as address health concerns that arise with aging, officials said. New programming offered by the Senior Services will also be introduced during the event. Like previous events, registrants will enjoy vendor tables, but new this year are fitness class demonstrations, a Kroger Health vaccine clinic, door prize raffles and live entertainment from Suzi Marsh. Lunch also will be provided.
“We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The Northville Township population is growing older. By 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
“By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St.
The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM
“Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Dumping, trucking of nuclear waste prompts protests
Residents, state, county and local officials are protesting plans to truck hazardous waste through area communities to a disposal site in Van Buren Township.
The shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan into Van Buren Township is expected to begin next Wednesday, Sept. 25.
The radioactive waste has been stored at a 191-acre site in New York since 1944 and includes residue and waste from uranium ore processing during the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents and proposed state legislation to ban all radioactive material disposal in the state. Several area communities have agreed to participate in a lawsuit against the landfill parent company to prohibit the dumping of hazardous waste at the site.
“I’m willing to do what it takes to protect our community and our state,” said State Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township who introduced the bill last week. “The bill that I submitted will ban radioactive waste in Michigan.”
Miller introduced the bill to ban waste along with legislation to increase fees charged to trucking companies transporting the material through area communities. Plans include the trucking of 25 loads of hazardous waste from New York to Van Buren each week until January of next year.
Her proposed legislation follows a lengthy and contentious public meeting at the Ted Scott Campus of Wayne County Community College in Belleville recently. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several other local officials scheduled the town hall meeting for residents. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site but were met with strong criticism from the crowded audience who at times jeered and booed comments.
“As part of our process for these types of projects, we seek to find where there are permitted disposal facilities,” said Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers. “Wayne Disposal being one of them.” He said other sites licensed to accept the waste were being held in reserve for material with a higher radioactivity than the waste coming to Van Buren.
He assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors will be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities. He maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
His assurances did not alleviate the concerns and criticism of the audience as multiple residents spoke at length of the threat and danger they believe the waste poses to the entire area, including the water table and effects on the local soil. The disposal site is near the I-94 service drive in Van Buren.
Dingell and Miller said they agreed with a proposal by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to significantly increase dumping fees at the site, a plan that has not been enacted.
The soil and concrete are only “slightly radioactive,” said Liz Browne, materials management division director for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She said a sample of the material was analyzed and determined to be within acceptable standards for disposal in Van Buren.
Despite the comments and assurances from officials, members of the crowd continued to criticize the disposal and demand a change in the disposal plan during the meeting which continued for more than 3 hours. The meeting grew contentious and included heated exchanges between current office holders and those seeking election to various state and county offices.
According to Van Buren Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara, the townships of Canton, Ypsilanti, Sumpter and Van Buren along with the cities of Belleville and Romulus have pledged to pay the cost of a lawsuit against Republic Waste, owners of Wayne Disposal, prohibiting the disposal of hazardous waste in the communities.
“I don’t want radioactive waste in my community,” McNamara stated during a recent meeting of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees during which participation in the lawsuit against the landfill was approved.
The radioactive waste has been stored at a 191-acre site in New York since 1944 and includes residue and waste from uranium ore processing during the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents and proposed state legislation to ban all radioactive material disposal in the state. Several area communities have agreed to participate in a lawsuit against the landfill parent company to prohibit the dumping of hazardous waste at the site.
“I’m willing to do what it takes to protect our community and our state,” said State Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township who introduced the bill last week. “The bill that I submitted will ban radioactive waste in Michigan.”
Miller introduced the bill to ban waste along with legislation to increase fees charged to trucking companies transporting the material through area communities. Plans include the trucking of 25 loads of hazardous waste from New York to Van Buren each week until January of next year.
Her proposed legislation follows a lengthy and contentious public meeting at the Ted Scott Campus of Wayne County Community College in Belleville recently. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several other local officials scheduled the town hall meeting for residents. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site but were met with strong criticism from the crowded audience who at times jeered and booed comments.
“As part of our process for these types of projects, we seek to find where there are permitted disposal facilities,” said Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers. “Wayne Disposal being one of them.” He said other sites licensed to accept the waste were being held in reserve for material with a higher radioactivity than the waste coming to Van Buren.
He assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors will be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities. He maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
His assurances did not alleviate the concerns and criticism of the audience as multiple residents spoke at length of the threat and danger they believe the waste poses to the entire area, including the water table and effects on the local soil. The disposal site is near the I-94 service drive in Van Buren.
Dingell and Miller said they agreed with a proposal by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to significantly increase dumping fees at the site, a plan that has not been enacted.
The soil and concrete are only “slightly radioactive,” said Liz Browne, materials management division director for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She said a sample of the material was analyzed and determined to be within acceptable standards for disposal in Van Buren.
Despite the comments and assurances from officials, members of the crowd continued to criticize the disposal and demand a change in the disposal plan during the meeting which continued for more than 3 hours. The meeting grew contentious and included heated exchanges between current office holders and those seeking election to various state and county offices.
According to Van Buren Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara, the townships of Canton, Ypsilanti, Sumpter and Van Buren along with the cities of Belleville and Romulus have pledged to pay the cost of a lawsuit against Republic Waste, owners of Wayne Disposal, prohibiting the disposal of hazardous waste in the communities.
“I don’t want radioactive waste in my community,” McNamara stated during a recent meeting of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees during which participation in the lawsuit against the landfill was approved.
Cutting edge
Historic tree preserved as city sculpture
The towering Augustine Ascending Elm tree that graced the Northville city green for generations has been resurrected as a city monument after falling victim to Dutch Elm Disease.
The artwork, officials said, pays tribute to the history of Northville.
“We are so pleased to turn the sadness at the loss of the wonderful old elm tree into a monument celebrating Northville’s trees, history and community spirit. With this magnificent tree sculpture we are reminded of how lucky we are, whether a resident or visitor, to have lovely tree-lined Northville,” said Northville Tree Champions President Jim Porterfield.
Northville resident Stacy Pearson, of “Stacy Kathryn Art”, created the initial concept design and renderings of the mustang. The mustang is carved from the top of the trunk and below, spiraling around the trunk of the tree, is an artistic relief of images depicting contributions to the Northville community and a number of thriving industries. The carvings were created by Fink who is a retired automotive designer who now operates “Cut n Carve.”
Officials said the carving could not have been completed without the support of the Northville Community Support Fund. More about the nonprofit organizations involved in the project is available online at: Northville Tree Champions, Northville District Library, Northville Historical Society, Northville Art House, and Northville Garden Club.
The official dedication is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct 21 in the city green space behind the Northville District Library at the corner of Wing and Cady streets.
Canton Center Road remains closed for emergency repairs
The Wayne County Department of Public Services has temporarily closed Canton Center Road over Willow Creek, south of Joy Road in Canton Township to perform emergency repairs. The closure is necessary, according to officials, to address critical issues with the culvert and ensure the safety and functionality of the road.
Motorists are advised to use detour routes to navigate around the closure. Northbound traffic on Canton Center Road can proceed straight through the intersection of Canton Center Road and Sheldon Center Road, turn right onto Sheldon Center Road, then onto Sheldon Road. Continue north on Sheldon Road to Joy Road and then turn left onto Joy Road and continue west to Canton Center Road.
Southbound traffic on Canton Center Road should turn left onto Joy Road and travel east to Sheldon Road. Turn right onto Sheldon Road and proceed south to Sheldon Center Road and turn right onto Sheldon Center Road and continue to Canton Center Road.
Officials said the essential repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. For more information, contact the 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.
Southbound traffic on Canton Center Road should turn left onto Joy Road and travel east to Sheldon Road. Turn right onto Sheldon Road and proceed south to Sheldon Center Road and turn right onto Sheldon Center Road and continue to Canton Center Road.
Officials said the essential repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. For more information, contact the 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Family demands police camera tape of fatal shooting
Protests regarding the fatal shooting by police of a Wayne man curtailed the meeting of the members of the Wayne City Council last week.
Mayor John Rhaesa adjourned the meeting after only 4 minutes as audience members continued to demand the release of the body camera video of the of the shooting of John Zook Jr., 40, who was shot and killed by a Wayne police officer June 18.
Zook called the Wayne Police 911-line June 18 to report that he needed help as he was suicidal and having a mental health crisis, according to official accounts of the incident. Police arrived at Zook’s Newberry Square Apartment in about 2 minutes and found Zook armed with a kitchen knife. Officers reported that Zook has cut himself several times in a suicide attempt.
Wayne Police Chief Finley Carter told reporters that the responding officers made multiple requests for Zook to drop the knife. When he did not respond to verbal commands, officers twice used a taser on Zook, according to official reports of the incident. As the situation escalated, Zook was shot with a handgun six times, killing him at the scene in front of his 4-year-old son. Police claim that he lunged at the officers prompting the fatal response.
Zook’s family, friends, and community members have demanded the release of unedited body camera footage, and the name of the officer or officers involved in the shooting, but their demands have been refused or ignored by city and police officials. A recent rally took place outside Wayne police headquarters on Michigan Avenue, demanding the video and more information about the death of Zook. Family members have repeatedly stated that they believe the situation could have been handled differently and have repeated their questions regarding the six gunshots Zook suffered in the situation.
Attorney Todd Perkins, representing the Zook family, said that training could have resolved the situation and that it could have ended with Zook going to the hospital instead of the morgue. He said he and the family have filed a Freedom in Information Act request for all records of the incident.
Community activists, family members and friends repeatedly shouted “shame” at a previous city council following the failure of a motion by a councilmember to release the body camera footage, the 911 call and the results of the Michigan State Police investigation. Zook’s father, a retired Highland Park police sergeant, his wife and Zook’s sister have seen only an edited version of the taped confrontation. The family is demanding to see the entire record of the confrontation and shooting. Zook’s father told reporters than the footage the family viewed does not match the police accounts of the incident or police claims that his son charged at the officers with a knife.
Perkins said the family has learned that an investigation by the Michigan State Police has been completed and the file referred to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor. A spokesman from that office said the investigation would be reviewed for any charging decision. Zook’s father said he expects charges against both the shooter and another responding officer.
“When they (prosecutors)look at evidence, I think they (the officers) should be charged,” John Zook Sr. said.
Zook called the Wayne Police 911-line June 18 to report that he needed help as he was suicidal and having a mental health crisis, according to official accounts of the incident. Police arrived at Zook’s Newberry Square Apartment in about 2 minutes and found Zook armed with a kitchen knife. Officers reported that Zook has cut himself several times in a suicide attempt.
Wayne Police Chief Finley Carter told reporters that the responding officers made multiple requests for Zook to drop the knife. When he did not respond to verbal commands, officers twice used a taser on Zook, according to official reports of the incident. As the situation escalated, Zook was shot with a handgun six times, killing him at the scene in front of his 4-year-old son. Police claim that he lunged at the officers prompting the fatal response.
Zook’s family, friends, and community members have demanded the release of unedited body camera footage, and the name of the officer or officers involved in the shooting, but their demands have been refused or ignored by city and police officials. A recent rally took place outside Wayne police headquarters on Michigan Avenue, demanding the video and more information about the death of Zook. Family members have repeatedly stated that they believe the situation could have been handled differently and have repeated their questions regarding the six gunshots Zook suffered in the situation.
Attorney Todd Perkins, representing the Zook family, said that training could have resolved the situation and that it could have ended with Zook going to the hospital instead of the morgue. He said he and the family have filed a Freedom in Information Act request for all records of the incident.
Community activists, family members and friends repeatedly shouted “shame” at a previous city council following the failure of a motion by a councilmember to release the body camera footage, the 911 call and the results of the Michigan State Police investigation. Zook’s father, a retired Highland Park police sergeant, his wife and Zook’s sister have seen only an edited version of the taped confrontation. The family is demanding to see the entire record of the confrontation and shooting. Zook’s father told reporters than the footage the family viewed does not match the police accounts of the incident or police claims that his son charged at the officers with a knife.
Perkins said the family has learned that an investigation by the Michigan State Police has been completed and the file referred to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor. A spokesman from that office said the investigation would be reviewed for any charging decision. Zook’s father said he expects charges against both the shooter and another responding officer.
“When they (prosecutors)look at evidence, I think they (the officers) should be charged,” John Zook Sr. said.
Fish story
Federal, state and local officials celebrate hatchery restoration
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and John O’Meara, executive director of the Alliance of Rouge Communities were among the crowd who officially celebrated the completion of the habitat restoration and Johnson Creek Fish Hatchery Park.
Stabenow, who originally drafted the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem, helped plant a native tree at the site.
The restoration included removal of 2,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment in the pond to create deeper water for fish habitats; planting of more than 250 native trees and 300 native shrubs to filter stormwater runoff; creation of a fish passage channel between the pond and Johnson Creek and removal a concrete wall, stabilizing and naturalizing 1,250 feet of streambank.
During the ceremony, officials discussed the site long history of the site and the significance of the project in removing the Rouge River from the list of Areas of Concern (AOCs). Northville Mayor Brain Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, Crawford White of the Environmental Protection Agency and John O’Meara, executive director of the Alliance of Rouge Communities.
Canton Township ceremony marks International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace will be marked in Canton Township with a special ceremony set for 10 a.m. until noon Sept. 21 at the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza.
The event is hosted by Canton Township, Canton Rotary, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, and the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The plaza is located at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and Veterans Way in Canton.
Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, the International Day of Peace provides a globally shared date to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. Every year on Sept. 21, the United Nations invites the world to mark the International Day of Peace, as it encourages all to: “…strive even harder to promote dialogue, empathy, and human rights in a world mired by conflict, inequalities, and discrimination.”
“It is important to come together as a community in the spirit of peace and harmony to demonstrate a commitment to foster peace in the world,” said Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “It is so fitting to celebrate this global day of peace in the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza, where the universal symbol of peace bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” stands proud. Now more than ever before, everyone’s individual and collective responsibility should be to act as catalysts for change and agents for peace.”
To celebrate the official International Day of Peace, this free event will include a reflective walk around the Heritage Park pond, a meditation activity, messages of peace, and more.
The program will also feature a welcome from Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, as well as special remarks by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). Students from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools will also provide a kids’ choir performance.
No preregistration is required. Light refreshment samples will also be served.
For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov or call (734) 394-5185.
The event is hosted by Canton Township, Canton Rotary, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, and the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The plaza is located at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and Veterans Way in Canton.
Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, the International Day of Peace provides a globally shared date to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. Every year on Sept. 21, the United Nations invites the world to mark the International Day of Peace, as it encourages all to: “…strive even harder to promote dialogue, empathy, and human rights in a world mired by conflict, inequalities, and discrimination.”
“It is important to come together as a community in the spirit of peace and harmony to demonstrate a commitment to foster peace in the world,” said Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “It is so fitting to celebrate this global day of peace in the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza, where the universal symbol of peace bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” stands proud. Now more than ever before, everyone’s individual and collective responsibility should be to act as catalysts for change and agents for peace.”
To celebrate the official International Day of Peace, this free event will include a reflective walk around the Heritage Park pond, a meditation activity, messages of peace, and more.
The program will also feature a welcome from Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, as well as special remarks by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). Students from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools will also provide a kids’ choir performance.
No preregistration is required. Light refreshment samples will also be served.
For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov or call (734) 394-5185.
On the B.L.O.C.K.
Canton youth leadership programs now accepting applications
Applications are now being accepted for the Canton Township Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, and Youth Advisory Council Programs for the 2024-2025 school year. The free programs are available through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center for local youths who are interested in developing life skills, such as self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, stress management, and leadership skills.
Lead #LikeA Girl was developed in 2015 by The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center. This free program enables participants to challenge themselves, discuss relevant issues that young girls face with their peers, and foster relationships with female role models within the community. This award-winning program serves a diverse group of young women ages 11-16 and is designed to change the way that these participants, and the community-at-large, think about what it means to Lead #LikeAGirl…and ultimately live #LikeAGirl.
Be A #ModelMan, established in 2016, aims to grow six core values, including: integrity, empathy,
compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Monthly themed workshops take place from October through May and are designed to inform program participants ages 11-16 about healthy masculinity, leadership, and community involvement. In addition, this program curriculum encourages participants to interact and foster relations with public servants and community model men, who embody the program’s core values.
The Canton Youth Advisory Council is an influential group of area high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision-making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.
“The B.L.O.C.K. staff are excited to challenge these young individuals with unique experiences that will help them develop new skills and confidence,” said Chelsea Straub, Youth Recreation Specialist. “All of these opportunities help inspire participants to become real change-makers to help make a difference in their communities.”
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center. Applications are currently available on The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center website at www.cantonmi.gov/theblock and must be submitted by Sept. 20. Program space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Local volunteer and financial support have helped these programs expand their positive programming opportunities, officials said. Some current and past sponsors include: MASCO, Community Financial Credit Union, Eastern Michigan University, and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for individuals, businesses, and foundations to assist in the development of future sessions. To become involved, contact Laura Mortier at (734) 394-5376 or email
laura.mortier@cantonmi.gov.
The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, located on the third floor of the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.. For more information about Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, The Youth Advisory Council, or The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, visit www.cantonmi.gov/theblock or call (734) 398-5570.
Lead #LikeA Girl was developed in 2015 by The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center. This free program enables participants to challenge themselves, discuss relevant issues that young girls face with their peers, and foster relationships with female role models within the community. This award-winning program serves a diverse group of young women ages 11-16 and is designed to change the way that these participants, and the community-at-large, think about what it means to Lead #LikeAGirl…and ultimately live #LikeAGirl.
Be A #ModelMan, established in 2016, aims to grow six core values, including: integrity, empathy,
compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Monthly themed workshops take place from October through May and are designed to inform program participants ages 11-16 about healthy masculinity, leadership, and community involvement. In addition, this program curriculum encourages participants to interact and foster relations with public servants and community model men, who embody the program’s core values.
The Canton Youth Advisory Council is an influential group of area high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision-making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.
“The B.L.O.C.K. staff are excited to challenge these young individuals with unique experiences that will help them develop new skills and confidence,” said Chelsea Straub, Youth Recreation Specialist. “All of these opportunities help inspire participants to become real change-makers to help make a difference in their communities.”
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center. Applications are currently available on The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center website at www.cantonmi.gov/theblock and must be submitted by Sept. 20. Program space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Local volunteer and financial support have helped these programs expand their positive programming opportunities, officials said. Some current and past sponsors include: MASCO, Community Financial Credit Union, Eastern Michigan University, and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for individuals, businesses, and foundations to assist in the development of future sessions. To become involved, contact Laura Mortier at (734) 394-5376 or email
laura.mortier@cantonmi.gov.
The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, located on the third floor of the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.. For more information about Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, The Youth Advisory Council, or The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, visit www.cantonmi.gov/theblock or call (734) 398-5570.
Canton Blues, Brats and Bands event set for this Saturday
Only the location of the annual Brews, Brats, and Bands will change this year while the popular features will remain the same.
The event is set for 6 until 9 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 14 at the new location in the Heritage Park amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building. This year, Brews, Brats, and Bands will be hosted by Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors are Schoolcraft College, Provision Senior Living Communities and Beerfests.com.
“Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director. “It’s important to note that with construction taking place in our usual location of Preservation Park, we are temporarily relocating this popular fall event to Heritage Park, which is the only change to this annual event that will feature over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Village Arts Factory, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth, and senior programs.
Admission includes seven tasting tokens each good for beer, cider, or seltzer tasting samples, as well as two grilled brats with fixings (vegetarian option available), a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. The brats will be provided by Maraschinos Pub. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Atomic Radio, billed as “Detroit’s Premier Cover Band.”
Tickets are $45 online at Beerfests.com (search Canton, MI) or at the door (cash only). Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended, as there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase onsite at the event. Additional beer-tasting tickets are available on-site for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5. Limited chairs and tables will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.
For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/678.
The event is set for 6 until 9 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 14 at the new location in the Heritage Park amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building. This year, Brews, Brats, and Bands will be hosted by Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors are Schoolcraft College, Provision Senior Living Communities and Beerfests.com.
“Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director. “It’s important to note that with construction taking place in our usual location of Preservation Park, we are temporarily relocating this popular fall event to Heritage Park, which is the only change to this annual event that will feature over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Village Arts Factory, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth, and senior programs.
Admission includes seven tasting tokens each good for beer, cider, or seltzer tasting samples, as well as two grilled brats with fixings (vegetarian option available), a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. The brats will be provided by Maraschinos Pub. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Atomic Radio, billed as “Detroit’s Premier Cover Band.”
Tickets are $45 online at Beerfests.com (search Canton, MI) or at the door (cash only). Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended, as there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase onsite at the event. Additional beer-tasting tickets are available on-site for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5. Limited chairs and tables will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.
For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/678.
Northville to host Seniors Health and Wellness Expo on Oct. 10Northville to host Seniors Health and Wellness Expo on Oct. 10
Northville Senior Service will host a Health and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Northville Community Center.
The purpose of the new event is to engage and educate older adults on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as address health concerns that arise with aging, officials said. New programming offered by the Senior Services will also be introduced during the event. Similar to previous events, registrants will enjoy vendor tables, but new this year are fitness class demonstrations, a Kroger Health vaccine clinic, door prize raffles and live entertainment from Suzi Marsh. Lunch also will be provided.
“We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The population in Northville is growing older and by 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
“By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St. The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM.
“Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”
“We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The population in Northville is growing older and by 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
“By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St. The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM.
“Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Penn theater wins tax exemption battle
It took nearly 3 years, but The Penn Theatre in downtown Plymouth has prevailed in a long battle for a property tax exemption.
The financial burden of the tax could have become a factor in sustaining operations at the theater, according to Friends of the Penn Executive Director Ellen Elliott who spoke to an assembled crowd of concerned citizens during an informational meeting in August of 2023.
Friends of the Penn used private donations to save the theater from demolition and returned it to operation in 2006. The non-profit group took full ownership of the theater in December of 2021 after leasing the building for many years, paying about $25,000 annually in property taxes. With full ownership of the theatre by a non-profit, the theater should have been granted a property tax exemption, Elliott said. She said 16 other non-profit theatres in the state currently enjoy the property tax exemption.
The city of Plymouth denied the exemption, claiming the theater had not met the qualifications required of a non-profit group for tax-exempt status. Subsequently, Friends of the Penn appealed the decision to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prompting months of hearings and deliberation. The tax tribunal judge ruled last week that the Friends of the Penn does, in fact, qualify as a charitable institution and that the Penn qualifies as a non-profit theater.
Friends of the Penn purchased the building in 2021 for $1.2 million and put another million dollars into the renovations, according to Elliott.
Penn Theatre is open Thursday-Sunday. For showtimes, visit Penn Theatre’s website.
The financial burden of the tax could have become a factor in sustaining operations at the theater, according to Friends of the Penn Executive Director Ellen Elliott who spoke to an assembled crowd of concerned citizens during an informational meeting in August of 2023.
Friends of the Penn used private donations to save the theater from demolition and returned it to operation in 2006. The non-profit group took full ownership of the theater in December of 2021 after leasing the building for many years, paying about $25,000 annually in property taxes. With full ownership of the theatre by a non-profit, the theater should have been granted a property tax exemption, Elliott said. She said 16 other non-profit theatres in the state currently enjoy the property tax exemption.
The city of Plymouth denied the exemption, claiming the theater had not met the qualifications required of a non-profit group for tax-exempt status. Subsequently, Friends of the Penn appealed the decision to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prompting months of hearings and deliberation. The tax tribunal judge ruled last week that the Friends of the Penn does, in fact, qualify as a charitable institution and that the Penn qualifies as a non-profit theater.
Friends of the Penn purchased the building in 2021 for $1.2 million and put another million dollars into the renovations, according to Elliott.
Penn Theatre is open Thursday-Sunday. For showtimes, visit Penn Theatre’s website.
Road warrior
Romulus mayor accepts gruelling Hoka Key Motorcycle Challenge
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has proven he is a man who enjoys a challenge.
The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, considered the toughest motorcycle endurance race in the country takes place every two years and features travel on terrains designed to push riders and machines to the limits of their mental, physical and mechanical abilities. The event is steeped in Native American traditions and is similar to the ancient challenge faced by young Native American men to prove their worthiness and earn their designation as a warrior.
Riders in the Hoka Hey select a charity and accept pledges and donations as support for their participation in the challenge. McCraight, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and ardent supporter of veterans’ causes, selected Foundation 14 as the charity he will ride for contributions.
Foundation 14 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping veterans riding motorcycles. Founded eight years ago, Foundation 14 has helped 26 veterans by either providing them with specialized motorcycles that fit their specific disabilities or by assisting with a costly repair on an existing motorcycle. The goal is to get the veteran riding again and into positive social contact.
McCraight and the other riders began their challenge at the southernmost point on Aug 4 and are not told of their designated route to the northernmost point of the country. Some directions are provided at the starting point and further routes provided at specific checkpoints as the ride continues until Aug. 14.
“Simply put, I will be sleeping outside next to my bike for the duration of the event, using a compass and old school maps to find my way on the back roads,” McCraight said. His goal, he said, is to generate $14,000 in contributions for Foundation 14. McCraight explained that Foundation 14 is a healthy alternative to some of the negative attitudes that sometimes come with serving in a forward armed forces combat unit. These negative behaviors can range from depression, seclusion, alcohol or drug abuse.
“During my years at Foundation 14, I have witnessed firsthand the efforts of Foundation 14 and how their work can change lives,” McCraight said.
Donations to support McCraight’s efforts can be made at shorturl.at/XlgYx.
Crowds, officials welcome first Michigan Sheetz
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight declared Tuesday, Aug. 27 as “Sheetz Day” in the city during the grand opening celebration of the new facility last week.
Hundreds of area residents joined McCraight and several other elected Romulus officials in welcoming the new store to the community. Travis Sheetz, CEO of the Altoona, Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, presented $5,000 checks to Special Olympics Michigan, Forgotten Harvest and Romulus Parks and Recreation during the opening ceremony. This is the first Sheetz location in Michigan.
Sheetz said the company is planning more Michigan locations, expanding the 752 stores the company now operates across the country.
Crowds packed the location during the opening and filled the Wick Road parking lot with several people arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. hours before the scheduled 8 a.m. event.
"We felt like there was a void in the market for our type of offer, because it is unique with gas and food and everything else," Sheetz said during the grand opening. "And we like that it’s a community-based area, because that’s how we are. We’re very attached to our community — we’ve been since the beginning — and we want to go to an area that resonates in that way.”
Officials said the popularity of the well-known convenience store should help spur development in the new Romulus Trade Center nearby.
The store will be open 24/7 every day of the year, officials said. In addition to both indoor and outdoor dining the Romulus locations will feature a drive-through window. Grocery items will be available as will a menu of made-to-order foods and beverages, from breakfast to subs, pizza, and specialty drinks. The location, near Detroit Metro Airport, also features one of the largest EV (electronic vehicle) charging networks in the country.
The Romulus store is on a former vacant lot at 33380 Wick Road, off Interstate 94 and next to the Romulus Trade Center.
Hundreds of area residents joined McCraight and several other elected Romulus officials in welcoming the new store to the community. Travis Sheetz, CEO of the Altoona, Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, presented $5,000 checks to Special Olympics Michigan, Forgotten Harvest and Romulus Parks and Recreation during the opening ceremony. This is the first Sheetz location in Michigan.
Sheetz said the company is planning more Michigan locations, expanding the 752 stores the company now operates across the country.
Crowds packed the location during the opening and filled the Wick Road parking lot with several people arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. hours before the scheduled 8 a.m. event.
"We felt like there was a void in the market for our type of offer, because it is unique with gas and food and everything else," Sheetz said during the grand opening. "And we like that it’s a community-based area, because that’s how we are. We’re very attached to our community — we’ve been since the beginning — and we want to go to an area that resonates in that way.”
Officials said the popularity of the well-known convenience store should help spur development in the new Romulus Trade Center nearby.
The store will be open 24/7 every day of the year, officials said. In addition to both indoor and outdoor dining the Romulus locations will feature a drive-through window. Grocery items will be available as will a menu of made-to-order foods and beverages, from breakfast to subs, pizza, and specialty drinks. The location, near Detroit Metro Airport, also features one of the largest EV (electronic vehicle) charging networks in the country.
The Romulus store is on a former vacant lot at 33380 Wick Road, off Interstate 94 and next to the Romulus Trade Center.
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