2 resign from Plymouth Township Board of Trustees

Plymouth Township officials will be seeking candidates to fill two unexpired terms following the resignation of  Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz and Trustee Jen Buckley, who officially announced their plans to leave the board during the June 23 meeting. Each of the official resignations leaves leave a partial term vacancy on the board. Both Doroshewitz, who has served on the board since 2003, and Buckley, first named to the board in 2022, said their decisions were not prompted by the recent fractious board meetings during the search to replace former Clerk Jerry Vorva, who retired earlier this year.

Vorva retired last February, citing an ongoing battle with cancer. The board hesitated for more than three months in accepting his resignation, apparently in an effort to avoid an election to fill his position. Public dissention among board members resulted in a lawsuit filed by Vorva against fellow board member John Stewart, alleging a hostile working environment among other claims of misconduct.

Eventually, following unsuccessful bids for the position from both Buckley and Trustee Sandy Groth, Kim Gaedekew was appointed to fill Vorva’s unexpired term as township clerk.

Doroshewitz told his fellow officials during the meeting that he plans to leave his position at the end of the year or early next year, about halfway through his four-year term. The treasurer’s position pays an annual salary of $120,000, plus benefits.. 

“I wanted to let the board know early, and now the public will know,” he said. “That will give us six months to search for the right replacement.  I don't want to say I'm retiring for health reasons because that's the only part of the story,” he said, noting he and his wife plan to travel, spend time at the family home up north and focus on a healthy lifestyle. "It's just time,: he said.

Doroshewitz was first elected to the board as a trustee in 2004 and was appointed treasurer in 2022 to fill a vacancy. He was elected to the treasurer’s position in 2024. He said he hopes to oversee a software transition and preparation of winter tax bills before leaving.

Buckley sent a letter outlining her potential resignation to the board with a caveat that she could rescind her decision. She said her decision was based on a probable family move outside the township but noted she could withdraw her resignation if the purchase of the new home is not completed prior to formal acceptance of her departure by board members. Trustees are paid about $13,200 annually.

She was appointed to the board position in 2022, a decision also marked by public dissention and disagreement during board meetings. Buckley was eventually named to fill the unexpired term of Doroshewitz when he was appointed to fill the treasurer’s position following the resignation of Mark Clinton due to health issues. In her letter, Buckley thanked the board for the “great honor of working for the betterment” of the community. 

Candidates named to the two positions will be required to seek election in 2028 if they wish to remain in the appointed positions.

Join the parade

Local communities celebrate Semi-quincentennial of America

While the annual celebration of the 4^th of July is traditionally marked with hometown parades in the area, this year the events are also marking the 250^th birthday of our country. The Semiquincentennial, will be celebrated in both the Plymouth and Northville communities where annual parades traditionally reflect the history of the nation.

Each community is expecting an even larger audience this year with the special anniversary of the nation.

The historic charm and respect for history of both communities is an example of the enduring American spirit, freedom, and the pioneer drive, parade organizers noted. 

The 4^th of July parade in Plymouth will begin at 9 a.m. and travel down Main Street throughout the downtown area. More than 100 entries will join the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of America. A United States Coast Guard flyover is planned at 9 a.m. along with inflatable balloon figures, patriotic floats, acrobats and circus performers, drill teams and veterans. The famous Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and the Plymouth High School Marching Band will join several other attractions. Organizers said parking will be available on side streets and at business lots throughout the community.

In Northville, the parade will travel down Main Street, cross to Dunlap and then back to Cady Street. All the traditional attractions which bring more than 10,000 people into the Northville community will again join the celebration of America. Organizers from both communities have encouraged visitors to wear red, white and blue, wave flags and cheer for the performers and veterans who bring the celebrations to life. The 250-year mark of the nation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the founding of our country and the continuous evolution of America, officials said.  

Death of former Westland Mayor Charles Pickering mourned

The death last weekend of former Mayor of Westland Charles “Chuck” Pickering, 83, was announced by city officials earlier this week.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time.

Mr. Pickering served as the mayor of Westland from 1982 until 1985. He served more than 19 years on the Westland City Council, including six years as council president.

Through his years in both the mayor's office and on the city council, Pickering was remembered throughout the community as a positive influence who helped shape the trajectory of Westland through his dedication to civic progress.

Before embarking on his extensive career in local politics, Mr. Pickering served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He became a resident of Westland in 1971 and remained deeply involved in the community for the rest of his life while pursuing his career as a Real Estate Broker.

He passed away after a life of dedicated service to his country and his city, leaving behind a lasting impact on Westland and a legacy that continues to be remembered by community leaders and residents, commented several local officials who worked with him.

Throughout his time as mayor and during his subsequent campaigns and tenures on the Westland City Council, Mr. Pickering focused heavily on localized civic improvements, constituent advocacy, and economic development.

Current Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman expressed his sympathies to Mr. Pickering’s family in a social media post.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Westland Mayor Chuck Pickering. He was a great influence on me over the years and I’ll always be grateful to have been a friend. He served our country in the Marines and our city in many ways including on the city council. Westland is better because of him. My deepest sympathy goes to his friends, family and loved ones,” Coleman said.

Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson remembered the generous support Mr. Pickering offered him during his career in public service.

“Chuck Pickering and I had numerous conversations over the years and he was always willing to do good for others. He gave me good advice and always was on the side of our citizens. I will miss him terribly. Thank you Chuck for your friendship and all you did for our city,” Anderson posted on Facebook.

The official statement from the city noted Mr. Pickering’s decades of service to the community and the “lasting impact he made on our city.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” the official statement noted.

Funeral arrangements were expected to be posted when complete on the city website.

Canton Township fireworks display ‘Ignites the Night’

Canton Ignites the Night, a special America 250 community celebration is planned from 6:30 until 10:30 next Thursday, July 9 in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.

The special event which includes a fireworks show is sponsored by Advanced Orthodontics, Jacob Matthew Jewlers, and Schoolcraft College. Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham Hudak will welcome the audience, and the winners of the America 250 poster contest will be announced. Organizers said food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, and other entertainment, all leading up to the fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. In addition, Washtenaw Community College will be onsite with a mobile classroom, featuring a free liberty-themed family-friendly activity.

“We’re hoping all ages will join us to commemorate America’s 250^th in Heritage Park, where they’ll be able to experience an unforgettable night of live music, delicious local food and drinks, as well as a spectacular fireworks finale,” said Laura Mortier, Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services deputy director. “Canton has a well-respected tradition for its fireworks, so we hope that area residents will celebrate this special milestone in American history together that culminates with some of the best fireworks around.” 

Featured entertainment will include performances by the Detroit Drive Band at the Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m., as well as an 8 p.m. performance of  DJ Zaneta on the Canton LIVE Stage, which is located on the north side of Heritage Park.

Spectators are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enhance their experience during this outdoor community celebration. There is no admission fee for this outdoor event, and parking is free. For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

Canton Township Deputy Clerk honored by state association

The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) has named Canton Township Deputy Clerk Katie Baker as the organization’s 2026 Deputy Clerk of the Year.

Katherine “Katie” Baker entered public service in 2020, just weeks before one of the most demanding election cycles in modern history. What began as a challenging introduction quickly became the foundation of her passion for the clerk’s profession, noted a prepared release announcing the award.

“She immersed herself in every aspect of the office — elections administration, records management, statutory compliance, and resident services — earning the confidence of her colleagues and leadership through professionalism, adaptability, and an exceptional work ethic. Her rapid mastery of operations led to her promotion to Deputy Clerk and Electi
ons Manager in 2022,” officials said.

Baker has worked tirelessly to transform service delivery in Canton Township noted township officials.  She led the migration of all clerk’s office applications, permits, and licenses to digital platforms – reducing paper usage, improving efficiency, and expanding accessibility for residents. She further developed Quick Reference Guides that have become essential tools for staff and election workers, ensuring consistency and “futureproofing” the clerk’s office for anyone to step into any role or responsibility with confidence, they added.

Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist described Baker as a “trusted leader, a mentor, and a steady presence in moments of pressure and uncertainty,” noting that “she has earned the respect of community leaders, fellow clerks, our staff, and most importantly the residents we serve. Our office is stronger, more professional, and more compassionate because of her leadership.”

In addition to her technical and operational achievements, Baker mentors high school students and participates in the MastHERmind program, where she introduces young women to careers in public service and municipal leadership.

Baker is an active member of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), and the Association of Wayne County Clerks. She serves on the Wayne County Clerk Working Group and has participated in statewide initiatives, including the Proposal 2 Implementation Committee with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Her contributions have helped shape best practices adopted by the Bureau of Elections.

Baker earned her Bachelor of Science in English from Central Michigan University and holds both the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk (MiPMC) and Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designations. She is actively pursuing her Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) certification.

“Knowledge alone is valuable. However, knowledge shared in a way that others can understand and use – that is what truly elevates performance,” Baker said.

“Baker’s contributions to the profession are exemplary and her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the MAMC wants to thank her for her years of service to her community and to the association,” a spokesperson noted.

The MAMC is a professional organization that exists to promote, enhance, and encourage the professional development and standing of municipal clerks through cooperation, communication,

education and training by utilizing seminars, institutes and meetings; to promote and encourage improvement of methods and procedures of duties performed by clerks; and to address legislative matters relating to the municipal clerk’s responsibilities.

Of the eight states that administer elections on the local level, Michigan is one of the largest with approximately 280 city clerks and 1,240 township clerks. Michigan’s elections system is administered by more than 1,603 county and local election officials, making it one of the most decentralized in the nation. Additionally, there are more than 250 village clerks in Michigan, who are also represented by the MAMC.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Canton Ignites the Night set

A special America 250 celebration is planned in Canton Township from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m. July 9 in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.

Organizers said festive food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, – leading up to the big fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. 

For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

 

School Supply Drive set by United Way

The annual Plymouth Community United Way School Supply Drive will continue from July 1 through July 31. The goal this year is to collect supplies to fill 200 student backpacks. Information regarding donations is available on the United Way website and social pages.

 

Duck Race tickets on sale

The Annual Lucky Ducky Rubber Duck Race sponsored by the Belleville Rotary Club is set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 on Belleville Lake at Horizon Park. Tickets, limited to 1,100, are now available from any Rotary member.

For more information, visit the Belleville Rotary Club Facebook page.

 

Art in the Park set for weekend of July 10-12

Nearly 3,000 visitors are expected to fill Kellogg Park and the downtown streets in Plymouth during the annual Art in the Park event set for July 10-12.

To alleviate crowded city parking, a $9 shuttle service will run from Schoolcraft College, offering free parking and transportation to the center of the downtown event. Children 12 and younger ride free.

Federal government scraps plan for Romulus detention center

Federal immigration officials have abandoned plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus into an immigration detention center according to an announcement from the office of Michigan State Attorney General Dana Nessel,

The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the city of Romulus and Nessel challenging the project.

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said he was pleased with the decision that was in the best interest of the city.

“The city’s position should not be confused with opposition to responsible enforcement of our country’s laws. Instead, the facility’s proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and wetlands made it the wrong location. Locating a facility like this in our community would have been an incredible burden on our already limited public safety resources and a violation of our zoning ordinance,” McCraight said.

“We want to thank DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for listening to us and taking into consideration the issues that would have made this the wrong location for a detention facility,” said McCraight. “Romulus will be in a better position to grow and continue to thrive with this decision,” McCraight continued.

McCraight thanked Nessel for her assistance in the situation which had prompted numerous public protests at the Cogswell Road warehouse site.

“We thank Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for assisting the city in taking this legal action. Attorney General Nessel worked side by side with Romulus from day one in our joint effort to resolve this matter,” McCraight said.  

“And we thank the many citizens and leaders who stayed in regular contact with us during this time, including the Romulus City Council, State Reps. Miller, DeSana, and Wegela, State Sen. Camilleri, U.S. Reps. Dingell and Talib, and U.S. Sen. Slotkin.” 

“While this situation is not completely resolved, we are optimistic that it will soon be complete,” McCraight concluded. 

 The former commercial warehouse, located at 7525 Cogswell Road was purchased by government officials early this year as part of a plan to convert the building into a center to house 500 detainees and staff members. Following public outcry and protests at the site, Nessel and the city filed a federal lawsuit, against ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Nessel then filed a request for a preliminary injunction, to temporarily halt the conversion plan. 

The complaint alleged that the plan was not appropriate because the facility is located within a mile of multiple schools, abuts residential neighborhoods, lies within a floodplain, lacks the adequate infrastructure to support the projected number of detainees and staff, and violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to adequately consider alternative facilities. 

Federal officials repeatedly delayed construction plans, first postponing work until late June and later through the end of July. According to Nessel’s office, ICE has now informed state officials plans for the detention center will not proceed and the building will be placed for sale.

“Less than three months after we filed suit, DHS and ICE appear to have folded,” Nessel said.

Despite the announcement, the lawsuit remains active. Nessel said the state will continue to pursue the case until a formal written agreement is reached, ensuring that the warehouse will never be used as an immigration detention facility and confirming plans to sell the property.

Federal agencies have not publicly commented on the decision.

A walk in the park

Opening of $20 million Downs River Park celebrated in Northville

Northville residents and officials helped celebrate the official opening of the long-anticipated Downs River Park last week.

While the new 10-acre, $19.6 million park offers pedestrian bridges, walking and cycling trails, drinking fountains and bike stations, the most popular attraction is the restored section of the Rouge River. Restoration of the waterway required unearthing the river which had been buried under the former Northville Downs racetrack for decades. Funding for the massive project included millions in American Rescue Plan dollars from Wayne County and money from the state Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) department, along with funding from Hunter Pasteur and Toll Brothers developers of the $350 million Northville Downs project.

The project was not without challenges noted Landscape Architect Nancy Darga, a founding member of Friends of the Rouge, and chair of the Northville River Restoration Task Force. She has promoted the restoration of the river and the construction of a public riverwalk and was a moving force in the development of the site for many years.

Darga told reporters that the success of the long, complicated process exceeded her expectations. Restoring the river, she said, was due in part to the strong support of city residents.

“They wanted it to restore it to a healthy watercourse, and so we just kept pushing and getting people to start working together on it," Darga said.

"It is a lifetime achievement. There are so many people that worked on this in the task force. I would say it is our greatest achievement for this decade, for the future children and the descendants of the children," Darga said.

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull said the new park will benefit more than just Northville. He said the park would help connect regional pathways north to Mackinaw City, south to Ohio, and east-west through Wayne and Oakland counties, including Maybury State Park and Hines Drive. He added that the construction of two 5-acre bioswales and the floodplain pond were designed to help reduce downstream flooding in Wayne County communities all the way to Dearborn and the Detroit River.

Wayne County CEO Warren Evans helped celebrate the opening of the new park and said a partnership of the city, the state, the county and the developer were key to success of the project.

"Collaboration is really the new currency," Evans said.

"This is a generational asset for the city of Northville," said Seth Herkowitz, COO of Hunter Pasteur. He told the crowd at the officials opening that work planned for the next two years includes completing two additional sections of riverwalk north of the park, with partners like DTE and SEMCOG. He said the park would be linked to the new Oakland County Nine Mile pathway project and that additional parking and drainage improvements are planned along with $1.6 million in development of better park access.

Traditional Independence Day parades planned in Plymouth, Northville

As the entire country celebrates the 250^th birthday of our country, the Semiquincentennial, the Plymouth and Northville communities seem to perfectly reflect the broader story of America, celebrated during traditional 4^th of July parades in each community.

The historic charm and respect for history of both communities is an example of the enduring American spirit, freedom, and the pioneer drive, parade organizers noted as they urged residents from throughout the area to attend the celebrations. 

In Plymouth this year the parade will begin on Main Street at 9 a.m. and more than 100 entries will march through the downtown area.

The 4^th of July parade in Plymouth will travel down Main Street throughout the downtown area. More than 100 entries will join the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of America. A United States Coast Guard flyover is planned at 9 a.m. along with inflatable balloon figures, patriotic floats, acrobats and circus performers, drill teams and veterans. The famous Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and the Plymouth High School Marching Band will join several other attractions. Organizers said parking will be available on side streets and at business lots throughout the community.

In Northville, the parade will travel down Main Street, cross to Dunlap and then back to Cady Street. All the traditional attractions, which usually brings  crowd of more than 10,000 people into the community to view the “Norman Rockwell” event, will again join the celebration of America. Organizers from both communities have encouraged visitors to wear red, white, and blue, wave flags and cheer for the performers and veterans who bring the celebrations to life.

The 250-year mark of the nation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the founding of our country and the continuous evolution of America, officials said. The parades celebrate the timeless ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence, such as liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While the United States began with the signing of the Declaration on July 4, 1776, the survival and growth of our nation have always depended on the energy and endurance of local municipalities like Plymouth and Northville, parade organizers noted.

On the air

Rotary Foundation funds student-run radio station

The Plymouth Rotary Foundation recently awarded a $200,000 check to the Plymouth Canton Community School District and WSDP Radio, after the student-run and operated station successfully met the Rotary Challenge Grant for a total project value of more than $500,000. WSDP Radio, an award-winning student station, plays a vital role in preparing students for careers in broadcasting and other industries, a Rotary spokesman said. The station Amplification Capital Campaign, made possible by the Rotary grant, will renovate existing space into a cutting-edge broadcasting facility. Among those celebrating the grant were student station members, Superintendent of Plymouth Canton Schools Monica Merritt, Rotary Foundation Board members and retiring Station Manager Bill Keith.

Sumpter voters asked to approve police millage

Sumpter Township voters will decide on a Police Protection Millage renewal and increase proposal on the Aug. 4 ballot.

If approved, the ballot proposal would allow an increase of up to 5.00 mills which is $50 per $1,000 of taxable value which will be in effect from 2026 through 2029. The millage would be used to fund operations, maintenance, and protection at the Sumpter Township Police Department.

The millage would generate an estimated $2,428,884 during the first year. A 5-mill levy on property generates $500 in taxes per $100,000 of taxable value, which is usually about 50 percent of a property retail value. The estimate of a 5-mill levy will equal $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. For a 5-mill rate, multiply the taxable value by 0.005 (or multiply by 5 and divide by 1,000).

A Sumpter Township home with a $100,000 market value would have a taxable value of about $50,000, meaning a 5-mill levy would actually cost the taxpayer $250 per year to fund police protection in the community.

Exact ballot language before voters will read:

“Shall Sumpter Township impose an increase of up to 5 mills ($5.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan constitution and levy it for 4 years, 2026 through 2029 inclusive, for police protection, operations, and maintenance of the Sumpter Township police department, which 5 mills increase will raise an estimated $2,428,884 in the first year.”

Complete voter registration information and absentee ballot requests can be found on the Sumpter Township Clerk’s Office web page.

Gas station near airport accused of price gouging

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched legal action against a gas station located in Romulus next to Detroit Metro Airport following multiple complaints of price gouging.

Nessel said in a court filing this month that her office had received numerous reports of unfair or unlawful prices at the BP gas station at 9201 Middlebelt Road in Romulus, including 16 complaints in 2025 and 2026.

According to officials, an investigator from Nessel’s office purchased fuel at the station April 9 for $5.24 per gallon. On that same day, data from online gasoline pricing compiler GasBuddy allegedly showed that numerous other stations across Metro Detroit were charging between $3.79 and $3.99 per gallon. Investigators from the department continued to compare gas rates to those of other gas stations and allegedly observed a gross disparity ranging from 22 to 72 percent more than competitors for similar gasoline.
“With the price of everything already squeezing families, the last thing Michiganders and our visitors who are rushing to return a rental car need is to be taken advantage of at the pump,” said Nessel. “Allegations of marking up prices, here by as much as 72 percent over the average, call for a vigorous investigation. My office remains committed to pursuing those who engage in illegal price gouging to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Michigan Consumer Protection Act makes it unlawful for a person or business engaged in trade or commerce to charge “a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold.”  Nessel previously conducted an investigation into the same gas station in December 2023, when it was believed to be under different ownership.
To file a complaint or for more information, contact the attorney general's Consumer Protection Team at: P.O. Box 302103, Lansing, MI 48909, 517-335-7599 or toll free at 877-765-8388.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 

Plymouth parade planned

The 4^th of July parade in Plymouth will begin a 9 a.m. and travel down Main Street throughout the downtown area.

More than 100 entries will join the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of America. A United States Cost Guard flyover is planned at 9 a.m. along with inflatable balloon figures, patriotic floats, acrobats and circus performers, drill teams and veterans. The famous Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and the Plymouth High School Marching Band will join several other attractions.

 

Red Cross sets blood drive

A Red Cross Blood Drive to help meet the critical shortage of donations is set for 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 at the Plymouth Cultural Center at 525 Farmer in Plymouth.

To schedule an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: plymouth.com or call 1-800-733 2767.

 

Farmers Markets are open

The Northville Farmers Market will open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Thursday through Oct. 29.

The market takes place at 550 Seven Mile Road.

The Canton Farmers Market is open Sundays offering weekly access to fresh food, local goods and family-friendly activities at Preservation Park. Located at 500 N. Ridge Road, the market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on most Sundays through Oct. 11, rain or shine.

 

Northville celebrates Independence Day

The traditional Northville 4^th of July Parade will begin at 10 a.m. this year. The event which historically draws more than 10,000 visitors will march down Main Street, turn to march down Dunlap and return down Cady Street.

Voters to decide fate of county bus system Aug. 4

All Wayne County residents will be asked to approve a proposed millage to fund county-wide transportation services on the Aug. 4 ballot.

Property owners in 17 communities which do not use the SMART (Suburban Mobility for Regional Transportation) services will be asked to approve a millage to fund the service. Locally, Belleville, Canton Township, Northville and Northville Township, Plymouth and Plymouth Township and Sumpter Township which have opted out of the service will be asked to approve a new millage to fund public transportation services in the county. Currently, 26 other communities in the county do use the SMART service, including Inkster, Romulus, Wayne and Westland. Communities using the current service would not see a tax increase if the Aug. 4 ballot proposal is approved.

The ballot question would allow the county to levy up to a maximum rate of just under 1 mill, or 0.9831 mills, which translates to $0.98 cents per $1,000 of taxable value for a 10-year term. The tax would become effective during the 2026 tax year and remain in place until 2035. Estimates are the new millage would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $8 annually, or $80 for the course of the levy. Approval of the millage would extend the tax in communities which currently use the service and levy a new tax in those who previously opted out of the service. 

Last year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill ending the ability of Wayne County communities to opt out of funding SMART.

The proposed transit millage prompted a group of Wayne County residents to file a lawsuit claiming a lack of transparency surrounding the question and opposing the tax as too costly. The court filings claim that the members of the Wayne County Transit Authority approved the language for the August primary ballot during a secret March meeting that was not properly publicly posted. The court filing also alleges the ballot language is designed to “confuse voters.” 

County officials deny those claims and say the meeting was posted in accordance with the law and that the language was approved by county election officials.

Supporters of the millage claim the funding would close service gaps for communities without SMART service. They claim the funding would allow for expanded services connecting area communities and providing an affordable option for seniors and those with disabilities.

SMART General Manager and CEO Tiffany Gunter said the millage, if approved, would allow for continue existing service and add service in the communities which previously opted out of the service. If approved, SMART would add eight new routes, five new route extensions and on-demand service over the course of approximately three years, though that depends on being able to get new vehicles to provide additional service, Gunter said.

Smaller transit providers funded through SMART, such as Nankin Transit, which serves seniors, would get additional money as well to shore up services, Gunter added.

Gone fishin’

Sumpter Fishing Derby ‘reels in’ huge crowd of young anglers

The 2026 Sumpter Township Kids Fishing Derby drew a crowd of 500 children and adults to Banotai Park last Saturday for a morning full of fun and, of course, fishing.

Organized by the Township Parks and Recreation Department, junior anglers from ages 8 to 17 were welcome to compete for nine awards including the largest and smallest fish in each of three age groups and the most fish caught for each age group. Multiple awards and prizes were awarded at noon.

The biggest fish of the day measured an impressive 16.5 inches and was caught by an 11-year-old angler.

Those younger than 15 had to have a parent accompany them at the derby. Rules allowed adults to assist children with activities, but the youngster had to be the one to hook and reel in the fish to receive credit for the catch.

The free event didn’t require a fishing license as it aligned with the Michigan Free Fishing Weekend across the state.

The Wayne County Fishing Derby set for the same date at Waterford Bend Park in Northville was cancelled due to high water conditions. That annual event is sponsored in cooperation with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Plymouth/Canton Chapter 528.

33^rd Annual Canton Liberty Fest begins 3-day celebration today

The three-day Annual Canton Liberty Fest will fill Heritage Park tomorrow, Friday and Saturday with live entertainment, carnival rides and midway games, arts and crafts, festival food, and beer garden, as well as the Annual Liberty Run, a car show, and even more family friendly festivities for all ages.

The festival carnival and midway areas will open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. each evening

This year’s presenting sponsor is Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Additional sponsors include Boost Mobile, IKEA, LeafFilter, Schoolcraft College, State Farm, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, and WeatherGard.

Festival visitors can enjoy the lineup of carnival rides, games, and special attractions and the special Family Zone.

As always, parking and admission to festival grounds are free.  Designated sensory hours will take place daily, designed for guests who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights. This year sensory hours will be offered daily from 10 a.m. to noon.

Hydration stations will be available throughout the park to help festivalgoers cool off. Visitors are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle.

The Canton Liberty Fest mobile app for Apple and Android users is available and information regarding entertainment schedules and performer information and Carnival Zone details is available. 

Event organizers strongly discourage visitors from bringing pets onto festival grounds.  However, dogs attending the festival must remain leashed, be under their owner’s control.

Festivalgoers are reminded that all bikes must be parked in a bike corral.  For more information, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.org or call (734) 394-5360.

Old Glory

Romulus celebrates annual Flag Day

The traditional Flag Day ceremony in Romulus took place last week at the Pavilion at the Romulus Historical Park.

Roberto J. Scappaticci, director of Romulus Public Services and Works, acted as emcee during the memorial ceremony and City Clerk Ellen Craig Bragg sang the national anthem. The memorial event was attended by a crowd of residents and several city officials and also featured the Romulus VFW Post 78 Color Guard. The annual celebration of the official adoption of the American flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777 is a long standing tradition in Romulus.

Nationally, Flag Day also honors the flag as a unifying emblem of freedom and national identity and also marks the birthday of the U.S. Army. Congress approved the first Flag Act June 14, 177 stating the flag would have 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 white stars on a blue field. The national celebration of the flag began in 1916 under President Woodrow Wilson. In 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress making National Flag Day an official, permanent observance although it is not a federal holiday.

Romulus Community Schools and the City of Romulus also marked the occasion by encouraging all residents and staff to fly the American flag proudly from their homes to honor those who have served in the military.

Barricaded man surrenders to police

A Van Buren Township man who barricaded himself and two hostages in his home remains hospitalized pending medical examination.

The incident began at about 4 p.m. Monday, June 15, when Canton Police Department dispatchers received a call reporting a driver, armed with a gun, heading into Canton with the possible intent of harming himself or others. When located by a Canton officer, the driver refused to comply with the officer’s attempts to stop the suspect’s vehicle.

Police said a short pursuit led to the driver’s residence in the 6000 block of Sandalwood in Van Buren Township. The suspect ran into the home and barricaded himself inside, taking two family members as hostages, according to police reports. Officers from Canton and Van Buren Township responded and secured the scene around the residence. After approximately one hour of negotiations, members of the Canton Crisis Negotiation Team were able to convince the suspect to release the hostages, both physically unharmed.

The Western Wayne County Special Operations Team also responded and provided assistance with additional tactical officers, along with officers from the City of Wayne Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, police said.

The suspect surrendered himself into police custody at 8 p.m. He was transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation.

An investigation report will be submitted to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor for a review and determination of charges, police said.

On the air

Rotary Foundation funds student-run radio station

The Plymouth Rotary Foundation recently awarded a $200,000 check to the Plymouth Canton Community School District and WSDP Radio, after the student-run and operated station successfully met the Rotary Challenge Grant for a total project value of more than $500,000. WSDP Radio, an award-winning student station, plays a vital role in preparing students for careers in broadcasting and other industries, a Rotary spokesman said. The station Amplification Capital Campaign, made possible by the Rotary grant, will renovate existing space into a cutting-edge broadcasting facility. Among those celebrating the grant were student station members, Superintendent of Plymouth Canton Schools Monica Merrit, Rotary Foundation Board members and retiring Station Manager Bill Keith.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Juneteenth celebrated in Romulus Saturday

A community celebration of Juneteenth is set for noon until 5 p.m. this Saturday, June 20, at Romulus Historical Park, 11120 Hunt St..

Vendors, food, and entertainment are planned during the event.

For more information, contact the Romulus City Clerk’s office at (734) 942-7540 or email clerk@romulusgov.com.

 

Trailwood Garden Walk tickets now on sale

The Trailwood Garden Club Garden Walk will take place from 11 a.m. until 7p.m. Tuesday, June 23

Five home gardens throughout Plymouth and nearby neighborhoods—will be on display.  Advance tickets priced at $12 are on sale at several downtown shops including Sideways, Specialty Pet Supplies, Wild Rose Boutique, and Vitrine.

Tickets are priced at $15 the day of the event. For more information, visit trailwoodgardenclub.com

 

Blood Drive planned

A Red Cross Blood Drive to help meet the critical shortage of donations is set for 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 at the Plymouth Cultural Center at 525 Farmer in Plymouth.

To schedule an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: plymouth.com or call 1-800-733 2767.

 

Farmers Markets are open

The Northville Farmers Market will open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Thursday through Oct. 29.

The market takes place at 550 Seven Mile Road.

The Canton Farmers Market is open Sundays offering weekly access to fresh food, local goods and family-friendly activities at Preservation Park. Located at 500 N. Ridge Road. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on most Sundays through Oct. 11, rain or shine.