Voters will determine future of communities on Tuesday

Next Tuesday, Nov. 4, registered voters will make decisions regarding the futures of their communities.

Absentee ballots have been mailed in all communities and continue to be returned to local clerk’s office for processing. Most communities, in accordance with Michigan Election Law, will participate in the tabulation of absentee ballots received. Early voting will be available. For information regarding early voting, contact the local  municipal clerk.

As in past elections, voters will be asked to show photo identification at the precinct polls when voting or,, if receiving an absentee ballot, in person at the clerk's office. A voter who does not have an acceptable picture identification or who did not bring an acceptable picture identification to the polls will be allowed to vote after signing an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification at the poll location. 

Acceptable forms of picture identification include a current driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state; federal or state government-issued picture identification; Michigan driver's license or personal identification card; military identification card with a picture; student identification with a picture from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education; tribal identification card with a picture or a U.S. passport.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for voters to make their choices. For questions regarding precinct locations, contact the local municipal clerk’s office.

In INKSTER- WAYNE-WESTLAND and sections of CANTON TOWNSHIP voters will be asked to approve the borrowing of $125 million to fund the cost of projects in the Wayne Westland School District “to create a modern learning environment for students and for health, safety, security, energy conservation and other purposes” including: remodeling, equipping, re-equipping, furnishing, re-furnishing school buildings and other facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology infrastructure and equipment in school buildings and other facilities and preparing, developing and improving sites at school buildings and other facilities.

School officials said approval of the question will not increase the current 4.48 mills of retirement debt on tax bills. “The estimated millage that will be levied to pay the proposed bonds in the first year is 2.29 mills (which is equal to $2.29 per $1,000 of taxable value); and the estimated simple average annual millage that will be required to retire each series of bonds is 2.58 mills annually ($2.58 per $1,000 of taxable value)” according to ballot language.

In BELLEVILLE- SUMPTER and VANBUREN voters will also be asked to approve the borrowing of $77 million which, Van Buren School District officials say, will not be an increase in the current school millage rate. The funds will be used for “erecting, furnishing, and equipping additions to school buildings and facilities; erecting, furnishing, and equipping school buildings and facilities; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; acquiring sites; acquiring, installing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings for instructional technology; and preparing, erecting, developing, improving, and equipping playgrounds, playfields, athletic fields and facilities, structures, and sites, according to the ballot language.
“The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2026 is 0.38 mill ($0.38 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year's levy,” the ballot language states.

Current mayors in the cities of NORTHVILLE, ROMULUS and WESTLAND are unopposed in their bids for re-election while voters will be asked to choose from a field of candidates seeking terms on the city council or commission in those communities.

In NORTHVILLE, incumbent Mayor Brian Turnbull is unopposed. Vying for the two seats on the city council are John Carter and Andrew Krenz.

In PLYMOUTH candidates seeking the four available terms on the City Commission include Joe Elliott; incumbent Jennifer Kehoe; incumbent Alanna Maguire; Kristin McHale-Johnson; incumbent Nick Moroz; Jim Mulhern; Ron Picard and Karen Sisolak.

In ROMULUS, incumbent Mayor Robert A. McCraight, incumbent City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg and incumbent Treasurer Stacy Paige are unopposed for reelection.

Candidates vying for the seven available seats on the Romulus City Council include incumbent Kathy Abdo; James Bullock; incumbent Harry Crout; Tony Heimberger; incumbent David S. Jones; Judy R. Kennard; Jeffrey F. Kotlarek; incumbent Celeste Roscoe; Lonetta Silas; Nychole Smith; incumbent Tina M. Talley; incumbent William J. Wadsworth; Mark R. Wilhide and Johnny Williams.

In WESTLAND Mayor Kevin Coleman is unopposed for re-election while voters will choose four candidates to serve four-year terms on the city council Vying for the four-year terms are Emily Bauman; Jim Hart; Delano Hornbuckle; Michael Londeau; Antoinette Martin; Lekisha M. Maxwell; Josh Powell and John Sullivan.

Voters will also choose two candidates to serve unexpired terms which will end Jan. 1, 2026. Candidates for the partial terms on the Westland City Council include Michael Londeau; Antoinette Martin; Lekisha M. Maxwell and John Sullivan.

Reconstructed Wayne Road bridge in Westland reopens to traffic  

Westland and Wayne County officials joined Mayor Kevin Coleman and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans last week in celebrating the grand reopening of the Wayne Road bridge over Tonquish Creek.

The $5.3 million reconstruction began in January 2025 and included the full replacement of the bridge deck, installation of new guardrails, upgraded storm sewers and repaving of the roadway. New sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility were also installed at the structure. During the 10-month construction Wayne Road was closed between Cowan Road /Central City Parkway and Joy Road.

The project, funded and led by the Wayne County Department of Public Services, was completed nearly five weeks ahead of schedule, officials said.

Local officers graduate from police command school

Police officers from multiple area departments recently graduated from the prestigious Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership program.

The program moves officers beyond traditional operational methods and encourages strategic thinking, along with fostering creative and innovative problem-solving skills necessary for current and future law enforcement executives, command officials said. This program paves the way for further advancement into senior leadership positions within their departments, according to officials.

Sumpter Township Police Sgt. Sean Hudson was among the graduates who completed the intensive nine-month program which requires 350 hours of classroom instruction, along with additional out-of-class study, papers, projects, and examination preparation. Hudson is the 11^th members of the Sumpter department to graduate from the EMU School of Police Staff and Command since 2010, joining three retired members and seven current members.

Canton Township Police Sgt Adam Falk and Sgt. Peter Posont also completed the rigorous classroom instruction and examination for graduation from the program. “Your commitment to this training strengthens our department and reinforces our mission to serve the Canton community,” Canton police command officials said.

Romulus Police Sgt. Darryl Nippes also completed the intensive months-long program which in included classroom hours of extensive competency-based coursework on various topics from fiscal budgeting to personnel management.

Nippes joined the Romulus Police Department in 2008 and was promoted to sergeant in 2021. He is the current range master and is responsible for ensuring all Romulus officers complete the state mandated training.

Filling the boot

Members of the Westland Fire Department presented a check for $37,000 to officials from the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Oct. 6 regular meeting of the city council. The funds were collected during the fire department annual Fill the Bood fundraiser. The Muscular Dystrophy Association will use the funding to help advance research, treatment, and increase the quality of life and life expectancy for children who have been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease, officials said.

Eighth Annual Canton Holiday Artisan Market is set for Nov. 8

More than 60 vendors are expected at the Eighth Annual Holiday Artisan Market hosted by Canton Township.

The popular event will take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at expanded space in the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton. Marketgoers will be able to find unique gift items, organizers said. There is a $2 admission fee that will benefit the Canton Farmers Market.  Seniors will receive $1 discounted admission. The first 50 patrons will also receive a special doorbuster gift.

In addition, visits with Santa Claus will be available from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Parkview Room, as well as a holiday children’s craft.  Food trucks will also be onsite offering a variety of lunch options and snacks. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will also have customizable beverages made fresh to order. Canton Farmers Market totes will also be available for purchase for $14 at the main entry area. 

The market is sponsored this year by Mueting Lyczak Group Merrill Lynch and the Learning Experience. Presented by the Canton Farmers Market, the event will feature handmade gifts created by artisans and crafters, organizers noted.

Participating vendors include: Art by Audet; Basic Babe; Baubles by Barb; Bev's Button Up Kitchen Towels; Big White Dog Studio; Blue River Mudworks; Bohemian Joy; Bonnie Villiard; Bracelet Beauties; Cards by Andrea; Chem Eco Luxe; Cindy's Christmas Creations; Darling Décor; Decorlotta; Dede Dalton Designs; Delasie; Don't Worry Bead Happy; Earth & Stone Jewelry & Art; Evermore Homestead Creations, LLC; Faai Lok Bakery; Floral and Hive, LLC; Freezie Fitz Candy; Gina Dewey Enterprise; Grandma's Knitted Toy Factory; Gregg's Cutting Boards; Hercules Pastries; Jan's Crafts and Such Gifts; Kapolnek Farms, LLC; Knots & Stitches; Luscious Bundt Cakes; Mariposa Boutique; Mitten Peanut Butter; Noel's Novelties; Northwoods Custom Creations; Parts/ Daniel Zuber Designs; Pat's Creations; Permanent Jewelry by Irose; Piece by Piece for Generations; Plymouth Flameworks; Quilty Things; Rebecca's Greeting Cards & More; Rena Simone Botanicals, Inc; Sassafras Crafts; SignWoodworks; Snap'N'Stick; Stephanie Jean Pottery; Sweet Creations by Michele's Vegan Bakery; The Cheese People of Grand Rapids; The Chubby Cow Company; The Still Bar; The Strictly Crafty Co.; Treat Your Shelves; True 2 You; and Uniquely Different.

Community Calendar

Last week to sign up for Make a Difference Day

Tomorrow is the final day to register to join the Plymouth Community United Way Make a Difference Day set for Nov. 5. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves and assist seniors and individuals with disabilities across Plymouth and Canton Township.

Lawn bags will be provided – just bring rakes, yard tools, and gloves.

Volunteers will meet at First United Methodist Church

45201 N. Territorial Road in Plymouth.

 

United Way collecting warm winter clothing

Plymouth Community United Way is collecting new men’s, women’s and children’s items including scarves, gloves, coats, blankets, boots, hats, and socks — to help ensure families and individuals in our community stay warm this winter. Donations can be dropped off at Plymouth Community United Way, 960 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Suite 2 Plymouth, MI 48170

 

Romulus plans tailgate party

Romulus is hosting a city tailgate party from 3 until 8 p.m. Nov. 9 in Romulus Historical Park.

Game kickoff is 4:25 p.m. and the game will be shown on a large screen in the park. Picnic and tailgate supplies along with chairs are encouraged to help cheer on the Detroit Lions.

 

Holiday Market Nov. 8

Canton Township will host the Eighth Annual Holiday Artisan Market from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton. 

There is a $2 admission fee that will benefit the Canton Farmers Market.  Seniors will receive $1 discounted admission. The first 50 patrons will also receive a special doorbuster gift.  The market is sponsored by Mueting Lyczak Group Merrill Lynch and the Learning Experience and will feature  more than 60 vendors onsite, organizers said.

 

Citizen input needed

Wayne County Parks officials and the Alliance of Rouge Communities will host a public input event at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at the Booker Dozier Recreation Center in Inkster.

Potential habitat improvements and public benefit at Inkster Park will be discussed.

The focus of the Inkster Park Design project is to use the park areas to connect key neighborhoods and communities with the parks and the habitat being restored there, officials said.

 

 Donations sought to fund wreath for veterans’ ceremony

A wreath-laying ceremony is planned for noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at Romulus Memorial Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America Day event. Donations to fund wreaths for the ceremony are needed.

Wreaths are priced at $17 each and donations to purchase one or more can be made through Romulus VFW #9568's Page at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/32596/Overview

Order forms are also available at Romulus Public Library and will be accepted at the Community Development Office in Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus.

More information is available at (734) 955-4539 or jhobbs@romulusgov.com.

 

Parking garage reopens

The upper level of the Central Parking Deck in downtown Plymouth has reopened as crews completed work on the ramp and in other sections of the structure. Crews will still be on site this week cleaning the area and removing signage and equipment, according to a DDA spokesman.

 

Official Tree Lighting set

The official opening of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive in Plymouth is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14. The official Tree Lighting is planned for 7 p.m.

The event which will take place on Main Street and in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth, is co-sponsored by the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority.

For more information, visit downtownplymouth.org.

 

Village Potters Guild Holiday Market planned 

The Village Potters Guild Annual Holiday Market is planned for Nov. 21-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The annual event will take place in Plymouth at 326 N. Main St., just north of the railroad tracks in the building behind Sidecar Slider Bar.

Sales hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Nov. 21 and 22 and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets area set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19. . For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

Suspect in family stabbings facing life in prison

A Canton Township man is facing life in prison if convicted of multiple felonies in the stabbing of three of his family members last week.

Derek Attee Alesmaily, 23, was arraigned on 10 charges in the incidents which occurred Oct. 14 and left his mother, brother and sister hospitalized with serious injuries. He faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of assault with intent to murder, three counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The intent to murder charges each carry a prison term of up to life.

Alesmaily was arrested by Canton Township police following officers’ response to a home on Parklawn Drive at about 3:39 p.m. Oct. 14 following a 911 call reporting a stabbing. Responding officers found two of the victims in the driveway of the home and one in the street, each suffering multiple stab wounds, according to police reports. Alesmaily’s mother, 42, his 22-year-old sister, and his 21-year-old brother were immediately transported to a nearby hospital by emergency medical personnel for treatment of their injuries. All three were later reported in serious, but stable condition.

According to police reports, Alesmaily, his mother, and brother were residents of the Canton Township home. His sister is a Dearborn resident. Police said each of the victims had been stabbed multiple times before the suspect fled the scene. Alesmaily was arrested a short time after the incident, police said.

He was arraigned last week before Judge Michael Gerou at the 35^th District Court, and bond was set at $3 million cash. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for a hearing on the charges.

“It is ironic that this happened during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “This family has experienced a horrific tragedy. We will prosecute this offender and bring the victims the justice that they deserve.”

Canton Township Deputy Chief Edward Johnson urged family members to seek help in any incident of domestic violence.

“When domestic violence erupts within a family, especially through something as brutal as a stabbing, it shatters the trust, safety, and foundation of what a home should be,” Johnson said. “Trauma can ripple outward, scarring not only those directly harmed, but also the community that cares for and surrounds them.”

Resources are available through the Canton Public Safety Department website at www.cantonmi.gov/789 or through First Step’s 24-hour hotline at (734) 722-6800, Johnson said.

Keyboard battle

AM Rotary Club hosts dueling pianos fundraiser tomorrow

The weapons of choice will be large and unwieldy, but in the hands of the professional “warriors” will prove more than effective in a proposed duel set for tomorrow night.

While that may sound somewhat ominous, it will actually be an evening of great entertainment when two talented artists perform in a piano duel co-hosted by the Plymouth AM Rotary and the Passport to Service clubs.

The “duelists” will be musicians Geff Phillips and Mike Carey, who will perform in tandem and singularly as they demonstrate their piano skills, performing musical favorites and taking requests from the crowd. Singing along is encouraged, organizers said.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 24, at The Plymouth VFW Hall, located at 1426 Mill St. Tickets are $50 per person.

Proceeds from this high-energy musical event will go toward the international End Polio Now campaign of Rotary members. To date, the Rotary organization has played a key role in the immunization of more than 2.5 billion children across 122 countries. Rotary members have contributed over $2.9 billion to the cause. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has a matching program that triples every dollar Rotary contributes.

While significant progress has been made, the fight to eradicate polio is not over, local Rotary Club members noted. World Health Organization leader Sunil Bahal explained that “Polio anywhere is a risk everywhere.”

The local fundraising event tomorrow is part of the global effort to “finish the job” organizers said.

Tickets may still be available at the door, and more information is available at (734) 288-7196 or on the Plymouth AM Rotary Club website. The morning Rotary Club was founded in 1996 and members meet from 7 a.m. until 8:25 a.m. at the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex (PARC) Door 15. Individuals who subscribe to a “Service Above Self” attitude are invited to come “try us on.” No reservations are needed.

Romulus VFW seeking volunteers, funds to honor veterans

The City of Romulus will once again honor the memory and service of more than 400 veterans interred in the city.

A wreath-laying ceremony is planned for noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at Romulus Memorial Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America Day event. Organizers said donations to fund wreaths for the ceremony are needed.

Many veterans, including a Civil War veteran and a Medal of Honor recipient from the Spanish-American War, are buried in Romulus Memorial Cemetery, established around 1833. It is the only cemetery in the city, with a history of expansions, and was designated a historical landmark in 1989.  Originally called Blair Cemetery it is located on Shook Road in the city.

The earliest recorded burial was in 1833. There are 25 Civil War veterans interred at the historic cemetery.

Wreaths are priced at $17 eac,h and donations to purchase one or more can be made through Romulus VFW #9568's Page at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/32596/Overview

Order forms are also available at the Romulus Public Library and will be accepted at the Community Development Office in Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus. Payment should be in cash or check. Checks should be paid to: Romulus Public Safety Foundation.

More information is available at (734) 955-4539 or jhobbs@romulusgov.com.

For more information about this nationwide initiative, visit: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Last year, more than 3 million sponsored veterans' wreaths were placed on the headstones of service members at 4,909 participating locations. More than 4 million volunteers helped place wreaths, a third of whom were children. This was accomplished with the support of more than 7,400 sponsorship groups, corporate contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country, according to the organization.

Veteran Northville police officer retires after 22-year career

Northville Township Police Ofc. Kristen Romac has retired from the department after a 22-year career in law enforcement.

She joined the department in 2004, having just graduated from both Eastern Michigan University with a sociology degree and the Schoolcraft College Police Academy.

She quickly established herself as an expert in defensive tactics instruction and training, becoming one of the first TASER instructors in the department, and then went on to become a Master TASER Instructor and joined the firearms training unit. 

 She’s had a decorated career and was named Officer of the Year in 2016, received the Director's Award in 2022, and completed stints as a field training officer (2016). Her career path was set early, she said, following a traumatic break-in at her family’s Dearborn home. The kindness and concern of the responding police officer motivated her at the age of 10 to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“Kristen took a good training program and made it exceptional,” said longtime colleague Deputy Police Chief Matthew MacKenzie. “Her passion for training was at a very high level.”

So is her emphasis on giving her all, said Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Scott Hilden. “What makes Kristen an amazing officer is her commitment to always providing the best service,” he said. “She truly cared about people and always doing the right thing.”

While she’ll focus on assisting the next generation of officers in a new capacity, she’s excited to make every sports practice and game in which her daughter, 12, and son, 11, participate.

She said she plans to ramp up her hours at the Oakland Police Academy in Auburn Hills, where she’s already an instructor on her off time. She’s also job shadowing at a company that teaches officers how to be trainers.

“If neither of those pans out, I feel like I’d be a great greeter at Costco or something,” she said.

“What makes Kristen a good officer is that she is compassionate, kind, and truly cares about the people of the Northville community and her co-workers," said Northville Township Police Lt. Daniel MacArthur, who is a fellow firearms instructor with Romac. 

“I'm going to miss the people I work with and the fun that I have with them, but I’m really going to miss the community,” Romac said.

Romac was the third female officer employed at Northville Township.

Canton Tree Grooming Taking Place

Canton Township is taking advantage of the fall weather to groom more than 500 trees along roads in the community.

Employees from the township Planning Services Division will trim 574 public trees along Beck, Canton Center, Cherry Hill, Denton, Haggerty, Morton Taylor, Palmer, Ridge, Sheldon, and Warren roads during the next few weeks. Grooming and trimming of the trees will be focused on shaping younger trees, thinning or reducing crown areas to improve performance in weather, improving visibility at some intersections, removing deadwood, reducing utility conflicts, and/or removing damaged limbs, according to a statement from officials.

Plans now also include the removal of 17 trees along Beck, Canton Center, Cherry Hill, Morton Taylor, Sheldon, and Warren roads. Fifteen will be replanted and an additional 11 trees will be planted elsewhere in the community, according to officials.

Species being planted include American Elm, American Hornbeam, Blackgum, Burr Oak, Dogwood, Fringetree, Greenspire Linden, Hawthorn, Kentucky Coffeetree, Northern Catalpa, Redbud, and Tuliptree. All trees come with a one-year warranty and will be replaced at no cost if they die or are in critical condition a year after planting.

For more information on the Canton Tree Program, visit www.cantonmi.gov/1523.

Community Calendar

United Way Collecting Warm Winter Clothing

Plymouth Community United Way is collecting new men’s, women’s, and children’s items, including scarves, gloves, coats, blankets, boots, hats, and socks, to help ensure families and individuals in our community stay warm this winter. Donations can be dropped off at Plymouth Community United Way, 960 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Suite 2Plymouth, MI 48170

 

Theater Offers Scary Tales From the Cemetery

The next performance at the new Hook & Ladder  Community Theater is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 30, when retired Judge Ron W. Lowe will present Scary Tales from the Cemetery. Lowe will portray the caretaker of the cemetery where long buried scary and spooky tales will be unearthed just in time for Halloween. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
The building was a fire station from 1952 to 1980 and has been renovated into a new operating theater.

The theater is located at 35255 Goddard Road in Romulus. Ticket information is available at hookandladder.ludus.com.

 

Parking Garage Closed

The upper level of the Central Parking Deck in downtown Plymouth is closed as crews begin work on the ramp. The closure is expected to be in place for several weeks.

The DDA has leased additional 8-hour public parking spots at the Christian Science Church located at 1100 W Ann Arbor Trail just west of Harvey Street for use during the closure. These spots are first-come, first-served.

Official Tree Lighting Set

The official opening of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive in Plymouth is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14. The official Tree Lighting is planned for 7 p.m.

The event which will take place on Main Street and in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth, is co-sponsored by the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority.

For more information, visit downtownplymouth.org.

 

Village Potters Guild Holiday Market Planned 

The Village Potters Guild Annual Holiday Market is planned for Nov. 21-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The annual event will take place in Plymouth at 326 N. Main St., just north of the railroad tracks in the building behind Sidecar Slider Bar.

Sales hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22, and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Long-time Plymouth city manager retires tomorrow

After nearly half a century of public service, Plymouth City Manager Paul Sincock will officially leave office tomorrow, Oct. 17.

Sincock, 68, has been a central figure in the progress and stability of the community for nearly five decades, officials said. He began his career with Plymouth in the 1970s and rose through the organization to become city manager, where he earned statewide respect for his visionary leadership, financial stewardship, and collaborative approach to governance. His tenure leaves a legacy of operational excellence and strong civic engagement, they added.

Sincock a graduate of Salem High School began working for the city in the early 1970s, making $1.65 an hour watering flowers and pulling weeds at the Cultural Center, he said. He served as arena manager, assistant recreation director, public safety director, director of municipal services, special events coordinator, acting city manager, and was named city manager in 2001.

Sincock has a family history of public service. His father, Robert, served on the city commission and as mayor and was involved with establishing both the city hall and the cultural center. His mother, Dorothy, was also involved in the community, working with special needs students. Sincock’s wife, Traci, retired as director of Maybury State Park and now leads the Northville Historical Society.

“Paul Sincock’s service to Plymouth has been nothing short of extraordinary,” added Deal. “He has shaped the very foundation of how we operate as a city and serve our residents.”
In a unanimous decision, the Plymouth City Commission has appointed Chris Porman, the Assistant City Manager and Director of the Department of Municipal Services, as the incoming city manager, effective the same day.

“This transition is a direct result of the city’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes thoughtful succession planning and leadership development,” said Mayor Suzi Deal. “We’ve worked intentionally to prepare for this moment, and we are proud to have a highly qualified leader like Chris Porman ready to take the reins.”

Porman, Sincock’s successor, brings extensive experience in public works, municipal management,and civic leadership. He was selected on a national basis and completed the American Public Works Association (APWA) Emerging Leaders Academy. He serves as Co-Chair of the Michigan Public Service Institute. He is also a founding member and planning committee member of the Midwest Advanced Public Service Institute, and an active participant in the Michigan APWA Chapter.

Locally, Porman, like Sincock, has maintained a strong commitment to community service, having served as past president of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club. 

“Chris Porman is an outstanding leader who understands both the operational demands of city government and the values of our community,” said Deal. “We are confident he will carry Plymouth’s legacy forward with great skill and heart.”

Reconstruction of Ozga Road in Romulus is on schedule

The Ozga Road repair project in Romulus remains on schedule and should be completed by Nov. 15, according to a briefing from city officials.

The project currently includes necessary construction waiting periods. Storm sewer installation is expected to begin pending weather conditions and the timely delivery of materials. This work will take place in multiple locations along the project corridor, noted Romulus Director of Public Services & Public Works Roberto Scappaticci.

Currently, traffic is being allowed on the gravel base to help identify any weak areas. If any sections of the base are found to be inadequate, they will be removed and replaced before paving begins, he added.

When the milling of the ramps on Ozga Road that pass over I-94 is complete, the gravel base will be compacted and graded in preparation for the first phase of asphalt paving, scheduled for mid-October, Scappaticci said.

“Romulus is committed to delivering a high-quality, durable roadway and we appreciate your continued patience and understanding throughout this construction process,” Scappaticci concluded in a Facebook post.

One for the book

Whiskey Joe’s adventures are topic of local author’s new children’s book

Advice given to every fledgling author: Write about what you know and love.

Plymouth resident Jill Andra Young has taken that advice to heart, and the hero of her new book, Whiskey Joe Gets Lost, is modeled after someone she loves dearly, her Basenji named, of course, Whiskey Joe.

The pair are a familiar sight as they enjoy their daily strolls in downtown Plymouth. Young says Whiskey Joe’s spirit and determination to meet everyone in town helped inspire her to write the story.

She recalled her distress when Whiskey Joe wriggled out of his harness last year and was on his own four paws for several hours as she frantically searched for him.

When he was finally located and returned to Young’s Old Village home, she said she couldn’t help but be curious about where he might have gone and who he might have encountered during his adventure.

Her curiosity grew into the new book, which chronicles Whiskey Joe’s attempts to get back home using his wits and determination. His efforts include a trip to the police station, where his microchip identifies him and his owner for a happy ending, Young said.

“Whiskey Joe is a fun, quirky dog, and his heart is enormous,” Young said. “He really does love to run and run in the nearby field.  We often visit local stores and restaurants in Plymouth on our daily walks.  He just loves meeting everyone.”

Whiskey Joe, a retired show dog, and Young have been devoted roommates for about 3 years. Young, who is a familiar face in Plymouth, has lived in the community for more than 40 years. She said she has always been partial to the Basenji breed. She adopted Whiskey Joe after losing Henry, her previous beloved companion who also achieved a level of fame by being featured in a daily newspaper story centered on Young’s former photography studio in Plymouth. Famous for her pet portraits, she operated her studio for more than 25 years.

Young also illustrated the book with a distinctive watercolor caricature of Whiskey Joe.

The book, Young said, is designed for early readers, bedtime storytelling, classroom story time, or any young dog lover. 

Young will be available for a book signing and launch event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at E.G. Nicks in downtown Plymouth. Books will be available for sale.

Whiskey Joe Gets Lost is available in paperback on Amazon as well as at local independent bookstores.

Sumpter trustees approve $250,000 new equipment purchase

Despite some concerns regarding the purchase and procedure of the request, members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees approved the purchase of $250,000 in new maintenance equipment proposed by Supervisor Tim Bowman.

Following extensive discussion, the proposed purchase was approved by a 6-1 vote at the Sept. 23 regular board meeting.

Treasurer Brad Patterson questioned the procedure of bringing the request before the board for approval. He noted that while he had no problem with the purchase, he was critical of the manner in which the item was proposed. He said he had just received an email the evening prior to the meeting without information, photos or adequate information regarding the machinery. He also questioned the addition of the purchase question to the meeting agenda just prior to the meeting.

The item was placed on the agenda by Bowman but Township Manager Ken Marten took responsibility for the delayed information to board members. He told the board members that he wrote the proposal for the purchase but failed to submit it to Clerk Don LaPorte in time to have the information included in the meeting packet sent to board members. While Marten apologized for the delay, Patterson remained critical of the failure to follow accepted purchase procedure.

“I don’t like the process,” Patterson, who cast the lone no vote on the purchase, told the members of the board.

Township Clerk Don LaPorte also had questions about the necessity for the purchase and the use of the equipment. He said he would “like to understand the scope of the work to be completed using the equipment.” LaPorte noted that this was a “quarter of a million dollars” and that he would prefer having information about the timeline of the return on investment for the township.

LaPorte also asked about the financing of the equipment purchase and was informed the expense would come from the township water fund.

Bowman responded that the equipment would be used for maintenance at the township parks and to clear streets in the event of a snowstorm. He said the new equipment would allow operators to move snow over the curb and out of the street rather than the current process of pushing large piles of snow to the side of the road.

Trustee Matt Oddy expressed his concern about proper training for the use of the heavy equipment and other board members agreed there was a safety factor for employees operating the large machines. Bowman said he could train township employees to operate the equipment as he has been using the same type of machines for 40 years.
In response to a question from Oddy about certification, however, Bowman admitted he was not certified to train drivers or operators.

Department of Public Works Director Ron Tabor said the equipment will also be used in the water department and that training classes for operators are not expensive.
“We’ll do the training,” he told the trustees.

LaPorte also asked about the financing of the equipment purchase and was informed the expense could be paid using the township water fund. Oddy suggested that the expense for the equipment be split with 75 percent of the cost be taken from the township water fund and the remaining 25 percent paid through the township general fund.

Trustees agreed to Oddy’s suggestion and the purchase was approved by a 6-1 vote.

Winners and entries in 31st Canton Fine Arts Exhibition are on display

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is currently exhibiting artwork from the 31st Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition bringing together works of some of the best artists throughout southeast Michigan. The exhibit contains works in a variety of media, including oil, acrylic, pastels, inks, pencil, colored pencil, photography, mixed media, and more.

This year, winners included: Best of Show: Sarah Crabtree for “Somewhere We Lied”; Second Place: J. Susan Aitken for "Orange over Gray"’; Third Place: Kimberly Raboin for "Hive Mind"; Honorable Mention: Jean-Paul Aboudib for "Legend of Azrael"; Honorable Mention: Linda J K Klenczar for "Sentinel: To Witness and Shelter"; Merit Award: David Giordan for “A Little Rust Never Hurt Anything” ; Merit Award: Ron DePentu for “Parade”; Merit Award: Dean Rogers for "OTR Travel"; and Merit Award: Chuck Schroeder for “Portsmouth”.

“We’re thrilled that this annual exhibition continues to feature some of the best-emerging artists in Michigan,” said Jennifer Collins, The Gallery at Cherry Hill fine arts coordinator. “We’re hoping that as many people as possible stop in before the exhibition closes on Oct. 26, to select their favorite and vote for the People’s Choice Award.”

This year 150 pieces were reviewed by juror Rocco Pisto, who has spent more than 50 years as an artist, focused primarily on abstract watercolor painting. 

The Canton Fine Arts Exhibition began in 1993 as an activity of Canton Project ARTS, a cultural programming body that provided various arts-related events and activities to the community. In 2004, Canton Project ARTS was absorbed by Canton Leisure Services and is currently guided by the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage.

The exhibit is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday and Fridays, during public performances at the theater; and by appointment by calling (734) 394-5308. The gallery is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, is closed on holidays. For more information about this latest exhibition, call 734/394-5300 or visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org.