Police officers, motorists injured in fiery crash

The six Canton Township Police officers injured while pulling trapped motorists from their vehicles during a fiery truck crash last week have each been released from the hospital.

At press time, three people trapped in a burning vehicle remain hospitalized in serious condition, according to updated reports.

The much-publicized multiple vehicle crash took place at about 1 p.m. last Wednesday, March 18 at the intersection of Ford and Haggerty roads, near I-275 in Canton Township. Interim Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy initially told media representatives that an SUV was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Haggerty Road and crashed first into a truck and then into  the fuel tank of a semi-truck attempting to turn right at the intersection. The impact of the speeding vehicle caused a fuel spill from the semi, which ignited and trapped multiple motorists on Ford Road in their vehicles.

Canton officers were immediately on the scene and pulled passengers and drivers to safety but at least six of the officers were injured du
ring the rescues, according to police reports. The officers were treated and released from a local hospital along with the driver of the semi-truck who all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The three people traveling in the SUV involved in the crash remained hospitalized early this week.

The crash and subsequent extreme fire damage closed the heavily-traveled intersection for several hours. Officials noted that firefighters battled the high flames and intense heat for the fire for some time. Bialy said the intense heat from the fire melted the traffic control signals at the intersections, which will have to be replaced.

“They fought courageously to get these flames down,” Bialy said.

An investigation into the circumstances and cause of the crash remains ongoing, according to police, and the final investigative findings will be referred to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor for determination of any criminal charges.

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak expressed her respect for the lifesaving actions of both the police and fire departments in the situation.

"Lives were saved because of the expertise and bravery of our public safety team," Graham Hudak said. "They moved quickly to secure the fire in the area and prevent further danger, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication."

Canton Township Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Strassner said the fast action of his department in controlling what could have been a disastrous situation.

He said fire crews quickly shifted into hazardous materials response mode while working to contain the ignited diesel fuel, protect nearby waterways and coordinate cleanup of the area while prioritizing care and transport of injured drivers and passengers. He said crews controlled the blaze and heavy black smoke within 10 minutes. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including mutual aid partners from neighboring communities.

Strassner said the rate of speed involved in the crash could have resulted in a much more serious outcome. Officials were grateful, he said, there were no fatalities in the incident.

Easter ‘EGGStravaganza’

Communities plan annual celebrations to welcome spring holiday

Easter events including marshmallow drops and Easter egg hunts are scheduled throughout the area and include multiple activities for children.

 

In CANTON TOWNSHIP:

Egg Hunt Poolooza is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28 in the Summit Aquatic Center pools followed by a rubber ducky race. This is a unique egg hunt where children find eggs in the pools to redeem for prizes, organizers said. The cost is $15 for Canton residents and $20 for non-residents.

In INKSTER:

Several Easter egg hunts are scheduled in and around Inkster including a unique Helicopter Drop Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. April 4, featuring free lunch, community activities, and candy-filled eggs. Another event includes an Easter Extravaganza with a, "Kiddie Disco" featuring a bunny meet-and-greet from 4 until 8 p.m. on April 4 at 27114 Michigan Ave. The event includes a bunny experience and egg hunt. Cost is $10 per child. 

In PLYMOUTH:

The annual Plymouth Township Easter Egg Hunt will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Plymouth Township Park baseball fields. The community event is sponsored by the Plymouth Lions Club and is for children 10 and younger. 

Easter EggStravaganza is set for 10 a.m. until noon at Trinity Church March 28, and an Easter Brunch at Saint John's Resort is planned for 10 a.m. April 5

It is recommended to check the websites of the Plymouth Park Department Plymouth Park Department or specific venues for potential registration requirements. 

In SUMPTER TOWNSHIP:

Sumpter Township will host an Easter celebration from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at Graham Park, 24560 Sumpter Road in Belleville. An egg hunt, coloring contest and egg relay race are planned along with photos with Flop-E-Bunny. There is no admission fee.In WAYNE WESTLAND:

Several Easter egg hunts and spring events are scheduled in the Wayne/Westland area  including the traditional Wayne County Parks Marshmallow Drop. Thousands of marshmallows will be dropped from a helicopter. Special prizes will be awarded for lucky finds.

The drop this year will take place Friday, April 3, at Nankin Mills Park, 33275 Edward North Hines Dr, Westland. The annual event will feature a special sensory Marshmallow Drop at 9 a.m. and a general drop at 11 a.m.

The event is free and is limited to children 12 and younger.

Wayne Church Egg Hunt is set for noon this Sunday, March 29 at the church located at 210 S Wayne Ave.

Sumpter Township man facing federal child sex abuse charges

A 30-year-old Sumpter Township man is facing federal criminal charges in connection to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

Bryce Silas Patterson was charged with sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crime (SEMTEC) Task Force, the FBI and the Sumpter Police Department according to United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. and Sumpter Township Police Chief Eric Luke.

Patterson appeared in federal court Monday, March 23, and was ordered detained by a magistrate judge. His preliminary court examination on the charges is set for April 2.

According to the criminal complaint, agents with SEMTEC conducted an undercover operation in an effort to recover a minor who was believed to be the victim of sex trafficking. Information gathered by the agents alleged that Patterson posted advertisements for commercial sex, which included photos of minor girls, on a commonly used website. In addition to posting the ads, Patterson would arrange for the transportation of the minor on sex dates and collect payments from the minor victims, according to claims submitted to the federal court.

A search of Patterson’s cellular device revealed images and a video which contained child sexual abusive material, which Patterson had created depicting one of the minor victims he trafficked, according to a charging statement. Sumpter Township Police and federal task force agents arrested Patterson last week, according to a statement from the federal authorities.

“The Sumpter Township Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their dedicated efforts and professionalism in successfully identifying and apprehending Patterson, a resident of Sumpter, for the alleged crimes stated in the complaint,” commented Luke. “The commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing justice has a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and well-being of our residents. We remain steadfast in our shared mission to safeguard our community from those who seek to do harm” Luke continued.

“These alleged crimes are disgusting,” commented Gorgon. “SEMTEC is designed to hunt down sex traffickers who try to sell our children. And we are honored to do this good work with our federal, state and local partners,” he added.

Federal agents and Luke requested anyone with information about this case or who may be a victim call the FBI at (313) 965-2323.

 Suspect facing charges in Sumpter shooting death

The office of the Wayne County Prosecutor has charged Jordan DeJuan Winn in the death of a Sumpter Township woman last week.

According to police reports, Sumpter Township officers responded to a report of a shooting at about 4:10 p.m. last Wednesday, March 18. Upon arrival at the Edgewood Rive location in the Rawsonville Woods Mobile Home, responding officers discovered a 20-year-old woman lying in the street with a gunshot wound to her upper torso. While emergency lifesaving measures were administered, the woman died at the scene.

Police said the suspected shooter, rumored to be the victim’s boyfriend, was arrested and two other individuals were detained for questioning. The victim and the detainees know each other, according to police who stressed there was no ongoing threat to the community.

Winn was arraigned Sunday on weapons charges including careless discharge causing injury of death. He was given a $10,000 personal bond and required to wear a tether. His next court appearance is set for March 31 at 34^th District Court.

Plans for new Ann Arbor Road LaFontaine dealership OK’d

Members of the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees will soon consider a plan for the development of a new LaFontaine Chevrolet dealership at the former site of Bennigan’s restaurant on Ann Arbor Road.

Plans for the new construction include a full-service dealership building along with a detailing and storage building and large lot for vehicles. The site plan was approved by a 5-2 vote of the Plymouth Township Planning Commission during the March 18 meeting. The approval is contingent on lighting adjustments, contributions to the township tree fund and changes to the façade on one of the buildings, requested by planning commissioners.

Max Muncey, corporate communications director for LaFontaine, said the goal is to make the new building the “Number one Chevrolet dealership in the entire world.”

LaFontaine acquired the former Lou LaRiche Chevrolet dealership in 2023 and that Plymouth Road building will remain open and will be used for vehicle service, used vehicle sales and internal operations, Muncey said.

Construction for the new facility will be completed in

two three phases, according to plans submitted to the planning commissioners. First, a new 52,000 square foot dealership building will be construction on the 3.5 acres of property on Ann Arbor Road. Following will be the construction of a 22,000 square foot detailing and storage building and vehicle lot on 9.5 acres behind the dealership building.

Some existing trees will be preserved, and a 60-foot buffer and new landscaping are planned to protect residential neighbors from noise and lighting at the building. Gary Laundroche, corporate facilities manager for LaFontaine, said the plan submitted met all township ordinance requirements and incorporates changes to accommodate concerns of nearby neighbors. He noted the buffer increased, a dumpster enclosure moved, landscaping added and noise reducing features were in the revised plans submitted.

No planned date for construction was announced as the plans now move forward for consideration by the board of trustees.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 

Court sets Law Day

The 5th Annual Community Day is planned for Friday, May 1, on the grounds of the 34^th District Court in Romulus.

The first half of the day, from 9 a.m. until noon will be dedicated to area fourth-grade elementary students. Throughout the day, there will be public safety exhibits; a community car show; live entertainment; local vendors offering complimentary giveaways and a variety of food trucks on site.

The court is located at 11129 Wayne Road in Romulus.

 

Eco-Fair set in Romulus

The Romulus Garden Club is sponsoring the 2026 Eco-Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Romulus Athletic Center.

More than 20 eco-friendly organizations and vendors will participate at the free event which includes speakers and presenters. Free activities for all ages are planned. Door prizes will be awarded.

The athletic center is at 35765 Northline Road.

  

Parking deck repairs begin

The 2026 Central Parking Deck Maintenance Project in downtown Plymouth was scheduled to begin last week. Crews will begin staging for the project with extensive work beginning this week. Approximately 15-20 parking spaces will be blocked off on both the lower and upper levels for the duration of the project

For approximately one week, at some point in mid to late April, the entire upper level will be closed for some traffic coating

The project is expected to be completed in May of 2026 Updates on the project will be provided at www.downtownplymouth.org and on Facebook.

 

Trees, deer habitat cleared by road project

A large, wooded area along Interstate 94 near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus has been reduced to stumps, small logs and twigs to make way for the Restore 94 road project.

The formerly wooded area in the median in the area of Inkster and Ecorse roads was home to a large deer population but has been taken “down to the dirt” as rebuilding of the freeway is under way, according to Diane Cross of the Michigan Department of Transportation. Signs now caution drivers to be cautious of deer in the area but no increase in deer-related crashes have been reported, she said.  Wildlife behavior in the area was considered during the planning of the reconstruction, according to Cross. 

The Restore I-94 project is a 3-year, $353 million, 12.7-mile construction effort that began early this month to rehabilitate the I-94 corridor from Romulus (east of I-275) to Dearborn (west of U.S. 12/Michigan Avenue. Motorists have been advised to expect significant delays, with traffic reduced to two lanes in each direction through 2029. 

The Romulus area is part of "Segment 1," specifically focusing on the stretch between Wayne Road and Middlebelt Road, officials said.

The rebuilding will include bridge work, drainage improvements, and a new Ecorse Road interchange.

Officials said access to Detroit Metro Airport will be maintained throughout the project using Merriman or Middlebelt roads as well as I-275 and Eureka Road.

Cross said more than 100,000 drivers use the freeway daily and the reconstruction will reroute part of the aging roadway through what was the wooded area, requiring the removal of the trees. The trees will be replaced when the construction is complete, Cross said.

“We are putting back 3,000 trees once the project is done,” Cross said. “They will be along the outside lanes because we want the trees to help absorb the fumes coming off the freeway and help with noise, that kind of thing.”

According to Cross, the planting of the replacement trees is intended, in part, to discourage a large deer population from reestablishing itself immediately next to the roadway.

Hometown heroes

Members of the Romulus Fire Department were recently honored for their outstanding service to the community during the Annual Awards Ceremony.

Firefighter of the Year and Paramedic of the Year honors were presented to recipients for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the citizens of Romulus. Honored were Firefighters Ewing H. Joyce V and Anthony Pegouskie. Pegouskie, pictured at right with Fire Chief David Havener, received double honors during the ceremony as he was named as Firefighter of the Year for two consecutive years. Paramedics Ryan Mehrhof, Ryan Wilson and Melani Arnold were honored for their outstanding service during medical emergencies in the city.

“These honors reflect the hard work, compassion, and excellence they bring to our department and community each and every day,” noted Havener.

Special recognition went to Capt. John Thiede for his 35 years of service to the Romulus community. “This incredible milestone is a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and years of faithful service to the Romulus Fire Department and the community we are proud to protect,” Havener noted.

Law Day celebration set at Romulus 34^th District Court

The 5th Annual Community Day is planned for Friday, May 1, on the grounds of the 34^th District Court in Romulus.

Every year on May 1, communities across the country celebrate Law Day May 1 as a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of the rule of law in protecting citizens’ rights and supporting justice. It's an opportunity to reflect on how the legal system helps safeguard the freedoms the rule of law provides, according to court officials.

Throughout the day, there will be public safety exhibits; a community car show; live entertainment; local vendors offering complimentary giveaways and a variety of food trucks on site.

Community Day is designed to bring residents, educators, students, and public servants together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose, organizers said.

The first half of the day at the Romulus court, from 9 a.m. until noon, will be dedicated to area fourth-grade elementary students. Students have been invited to participate in the court Art and Writing Contests centered on themes: The Rule of Law and/or The American Dream.

These activities are designed to promote civic understanding and inspire young minds to appreciate the role of the judicial system in their everyday lives, a court official noted.

The 2nd Annual Fieger Law “All We Do Is Win” High School Quiz Bowl will begin at noon featuring competition among students from Romulus, Belleville, Summit, and Huron high schools. Teams will compete for The Fieger Law All We Do Is Win trophy in what promises to be “an exciting and engaging academic showcase,” the spokesperson added.

The court is located at 11129 Wayne Road in Romulus.

Wayne 29^th District Court offering month long amnesty program

The 29^th District Court in Wayne is offering a limited-time amnesty program during March for individuals with delinquent court cases. The program provides an opportunity for participants to settle outstanding financial obligations at a reduced cost, while also assisting the court in efficiently clearing a backlog of cases without additional court resources or collections costs, explained Court Administrator Denise S. Steffens in a prepared statement.

The program will continue only until March 31, she said and is open to any individual with a past due payable violation. To participate in the amnesty program, individuals must contact the court to determine eligibility and for instructions on participation.

Eligible participants will have default, late fees and warrant fees waived, reducing total amount owed to the original fine. Warrants will be canceled upon full payment of the original fine although a $45 clearance fee will still apply and cannot be waived.

“This is a one-time opportunity,” Steffens said. “After Marach 31, 2026 the curt will resume aggressive enforcement and collection efforts, including the full imposition of penalties and late fees,” the court administrator explained.

Payment must be made by cash, credit card with a 4 percent service fee applied, certified check or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted.

More information and eligibility requirements are available by contacting the court at (734) 722-5220 or at cityofwayne.com/200/29^th-Distrcit-Court.

Mental Health and Wellness Fair set in Plymouth Kellogg Park next month

Plymouth Community United Way will participate in the 5^th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair set for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth.

More than 120 mental health and wellness booths are expected including therapy dogs, a walk-through brain experience, free vision screenings and Healing with Horses exhibit.

Children’s activities planned include a petting zoo, face painting and a clown and a magician performing at noon.

The event is hosted by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools to promote mental health and to recognize the number of mental health resources available in the community.

The event is free and will include food and music, organizers said.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Sumpter celebrates Easter

Sumpter Township will host an Easter celebration from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday;, March 28 at Graham Park, 24560 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

An egg hunt, coloring contest and egg relay race are planned along with photos with Flop-E-Bunny.

There is no admission fee.

 

Parking deck repairs begin

The 2026 Central Parking Deck Maintenance Project in downtown Plymouth is expected to begin March 23. Crews will begin staging for the project the week of March 23, with extensive work beginning the following week. Approximately 15-20 parking spaces will be blocked off on both the lower and upper levels for the duration of the project

For approximately one week, at some point in mid to late April, the entire upper level will be closed for some traffic coating

The project is expected to be completed in May of 2026 Updates on the project will be provided at www.downtownplymouth.org and on Facebook.

 

Yard waste pickups resume

Plymouth Township waste haulers will begin sidewalk pickup of yard waste April 6.

Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, branches and twigs can be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on residents’ regular collection day but no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before.

 

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 are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

Opponents continue to battle Northville street closures

 Traffic patterns in the City of Northville were expected to change this summer with the approval of a special event permit by members of the city council.

Councilmembers approved a special event permit during the Feb. 2 meeting which authorized the closure of Main Street between Center and Hutton streets from 3 p.m. Fridays to 7 a.m. Mondays during summer months. Center Street was to remain open except during larger, long-running festivals.

The decision follows a continuing dispute about the street closures. A letter to the city from an attorney representing Let’s Open Northville, a group battling the street closures, claims the latest permit violates a court order opening the downtown streets to vehicle traffic.

Attorney Kyle Konwinski claimed in the letter that the repeated weekend closures amount to the same type of seasonal closures the court previously ruled against.

“Meaning, the City authorized its own consecutive 27-weekend closure of Main Street,” the letter said.

The group has been battling downtown street closures since 2023 claiming in court filings the closures were unlawful. The court agreed and ruled the streets could only be closed for special events. The court also ruled that all dining platforms along Main and Center streets be removed in a decision last year.

City officials contend the newly approved closures are in compliance with the court ruling.  The new plan will close the streets in alignment with Department of Public Works schedules. The $250,000 retractable bollards installed downtown will be raised Friday afternoon and retracted Monday morning, according to the disputed special event permit.

The Let’s Open Northville group is also challenging a planned 8-week shutdown of downtown streets during a $3.3 million improvement project at Town Square.

Konwinski’s letter claimed the city actions are an attempt to accomplish what the court expressly prohibited.  He suggested the group will seek legal redress if the issue is not resolved.

Northville officials say the special permit plan complies with the court’s order and the actions are consistent and fully within the parameters of the court orders.

The social media post from the city stated that the closures necessary during the Town Square project are routine during “municipal infrastructure work.”

Words from the wise…

Romulus resident offers insights gained in 99 years of life experience

Florence Rupert is hesitant to offer life advice, but if convinced to do so, she will gently provide the benefit of her more than nine decades of experience. “Mind your own business, live a good life and try to be happy.”

Her counsel merits serious consideration as Rupert has seen both joys and sorrows during her near century of life.  Rupert celebrated her 99^th birthday last month and she and her family are looking forward to marking her centennial next Feb. 2.

Rupert has lived on Moore Street in Romulus for 95 years, first moving as a toddler with her parents Rachel (Lewis) and Oliver Wilson Sr. to the family home at 11238 Moore. She and her late husband, Jackson Rupert, moved to a home just a block away at 11095 Moore when the couple married in 1950. She still makes her home there today, helped by family members with daily routines.

Rupert has witnessed world-altering changes during her life including the speeding advances in technology and social norms.

The most significant, she said, affects the lives of women. “The changes for women, that women can vote, work outside the home…the number of choices they have,” are the most impactful advances she has experienced, she said. 

As for technology, her introduction to the wizardry of electronics came decades ago with her first black and white television, after she was married. She said that later the microwave was the precursor to so many other electronic devices including cell phones and computers that have changed the world and daily lives.

Her world was markedly different from that of women today.

As a young housewife, Rupert’s priority was, like women of her generation, caring for her home and children. Her involvement outside her home included volunteering with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) while her children attended elementary school in Romulus and helping to plan social events to raise funds for the school. She never learned to drive and depended on her husband and family for transportation. She never considered a job outside her home until her children were grown.

At that juncture of her life in the 1990s, she took a job working in the Romulus High School cafeteria while her granddaughters were students there. When they graduated, she retired but credits her time working outside her home as providing her one of her first opportunities to understand a changing society during outings with coworkers and friends.

Rupert’s life has included the sorrowful loss of five of her seven children and all six of her siblings. She is obviously a treasure to her remaining family members who help care for her. Her daughter, Mario, 73, lives with her and another daughter, Elaine, 70, who lives in Brownstown, are instrumental in helping her with daily tasks. One of the highlights of her days, Rupert said, are greatly anticipated lunches with her nieces. While the nieces would like to think she wants to be with them, sometimes it might just be about lunch at her favorite local restaurant, she confided.

Rupert’s age continues to surprise to those first meeting the vibrant woman with the beautiful complexion and the jovial laugh. Her health, her family said, is remarkable. She doesn’t wear glasses and her hearing remains sharp. She admits to taking vitamins and a “pill for my blood pressure” as her only medications.

Rupert was a lifelong member of Parks Memorial AME church until it closed following COVID in 2024. In her youth, the family regularly attended church, and she participated in youth activities and Sunday School. As an adult she sang in the choir, ushered on alternating Sundays, was a secretary for the church, helped to serve communion and was a member of Parks Memorial AME Sarah Waters Missionary Society.

Looking back on her life, Rupert said, she thought she might have become an evangelist, studying and discussing the Bible. The church was an important part of her life, she recalled. 

Rupert was one of nine senior women of the Romulus community who were recognized at First Baptist Church during a morning worship service Sept. 18, 2022. Rupert continues to proudly display the trophy she was awarded during the “Showers of Love from God” event. The celebration honored the amazing lives of the elderly women, recognized their contributions in the Romulus community, and proved that their ordinary lives mattered, noted Rupert’s niece, Maria Holmes.

Rupert was also recognized by the City of Romulus with the approval of an honorary street sign with her name on the north end of Moore Street.

Holmes said her aunt is an inspiration and her family plans to celebrate every day with her until she officially marks her 100^th birthday next year.

“From Feb. 2, 2026, to February 2027, she will be turning 100. This is something to celebrate,” Holmes said, “so why wait.”

Sumpter officials demand repair of hazardous roads in township

Sumpter Township officials have declared the condition of gravel roads in the community a Public Safety Emergency and are demanding help from Wayne County, responsible for maintenance of the roads by state law.

An official correspondence to Wayne County was approved by members of the township board of trustees during the Feb. 24 meeting cited the unsafe and hazardous conditions of the roads and detailed the threat posed to area residents. Board members characterized the current conditions as a dire threat to public health and safety are urged Wayne County to take immediate action to repair the roads as soon as possible.
According to township officials, several sections of gravel roads in the township remain severely wash-boarded, rutted, and potholed, currently contain standing water due to drainage failures, and significant segments of road are nearly impassable. Most critically, according to the letter sent to Wayne County by the township, “the current hazardous condition of the gravel roads imposes an alarmingly significant delay in response time for emergency services – police, fire, and ambulance. Transport of a patient whose situation deems higher-level care is likewise severely compromised. When a life is at stake, every delayed second counts,” the board members stated in the plea to the county.
In addition, the current hazardous condition of the gravel roads poses ongoing inconvenience to township residents in terms of the additional time it takes to get from place to place, as well as the ongoing threat of vehicle damage while driving at any speed, the letter detailed.
“Township Supervisor Tim Bowman and members of the Sumpter Board of Trustees formally invite Wayne County officials to personally drive the gravel roads in Sumpter Township for a day to experience firsthand what township residents tolerate on a daily basis,” the letter noted.
Township officials urged Wayne County to take action as soon as possible to correct this ever-worsening situation by conducting an emergency assessment to determine the most affected gravel roads; scheduling immediate grading and repair wherever necessary;
preparing a gravel road maintenance schedule with timelines and dates and preparing a multi-year plan for durable improvements.
The statement from township officials noted that Sumpter Township “will not accept continued delay,” by Wayne County.

Huron Township officials have now followed Sumpter Township in demanding repair to roads in their community, also declaring a public safety emergency regarding the hazardous gravel road conditions.

No response from Wayne County was reported at press time.

Millage disparity questioned by Sumpter Township trustees

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees and Supervisor Tim Bowman expressed their criticism of the current inequity in public safety millage payments by mobile home parks during a meeting last month.

The discussion followed Clerk Don LaPorte’s comment that calls for medical assistance from the Sumpter Township Fire Department had increased to 133 incidents during the past 31 days. Fire Chief Jamie Goode supported LaPorte’s report, telling the board members that from 2020 to 2025 the department saw a 58 percent increase in calls.

LaPorte cautioned the board members that currently Goode is the only full-time member of the fire department, something LaPorte suggested may have to be considered as calls for aid increase.

The reported increases in service calls and subsequent service cost increases prompted Trustee Matthew Oddy to comment on the disparity in tax structure between residential public safety tax rates and those paid by mobile home parks. Oddy explained that while the population density in mobile home parks is higher than other residential property, the tax rate for public safety is much less than other property owners pay.

He told the board members that currently 30 percent of township residents live in mobile home parks and those residents should be paying for public safety services at a tax rate commensurate with other township residents. He noted that the same costs for fire services exist whether the emergency calls are to a home, business or mobile home park. The fire and police millage rates should be equally applicable to mobile home parks, he said.
Township attorney Rob Young noted that currently the manufactured housing community has legislative lobbyists encouraging state officials to maintain the status quo. Currently, according to Young, mobile homes pay $3 per month per unit or $36 per year. Young said at some point the state Legislature should reexamine the current tax rate.
“We can’t discriminate against the manufactured housing community,” Young stated.
Bowman said he has witnessed township police officers writing tickets in the mobile home parks and he was aware that the parks are considered private property. He said he could recall when the mobile home parks were privately patrolled by pickup trucks with “Security” painted on the doors.
Currently, Bowman said, township police are policing private property by patrolling in the mobile home parks.

Young explained that emergency calls could not be ignored and that first responders could not discriminate between apartments, trailer parks and other residences. He reiterated that the inequity in taxing could only change at the state level.
Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke noted that while 30 to 35 percent of the township population resides in the mobile home parks, these residents pay only about 2 percent of the current public safety millage amount.

The discrepancy, however, is not the responsibility of the mobile home residents, Luke said, and officers continue to enforce the 15-mph speed limit in the parks and stop sign violations along with school bus safety laws.
Bowman continued his criticism of the inequity and current situation.

“I can’t get over it. We are patrolling private property,” Bowman said.

Building owners dispute proposed downtown Northville zoning change

A recent public hearing scheduled by members of the Northville Planning Commission drew conflicting opinions about the impact of a new proposal to prohibit new street-level offices in key blocks of the downtown area.

The proposed change to zoning laws is an effort to protect retail spaces from office tenants, supporters said. Currently, some retail spaces are being displaced by tenants willing to pay a premium for street level office space. Those in opposition to the proposal, including building owners, are not in favor of the change, claiming it could limit their rentals,

During the packed hearing at city hall last week, Community Development Director Justin Quagliata said the Central Business District, at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, is a prized commercial area in the city. He said rising property values are creating pressure on the spaces that make it thrive. He noted that currently, there are no vacancies downtown.

He cautioned however that as demand for downtown space grows, businesses looking for office space are increasingly offering higher lease payments for restaurants for street-level storefronts than retailers and restaurants.

The zoning change would require office users to occupy upper floors in the area including two blocks on Main Street and one block on North Center Street.

Quagliata also emphasized that the ordinance would not force out any existing street-level offices.

"They would be able to continue to operate under the ordinance without any ramifications," Quagliata said.

Northville business owner Dan Welch said the proposal was overreach, arguing that the city cannot legislate consumer demand. He said the new ordinance would place a financial burden on property owners looking to attract or build out tenants and limit his options as a property owner.

Several audience members opposing the proposed zoning change suggested planning commissioners delay moving forward with the proposal, which ultimately would have to go before members of the city council for any final decision.

Northville Library seeks public input for future

Members of the Northville District Library Board of Trustees want to know exactly what city and township residents would like to see in the future of the facility.

Residents are being asked to complete a brief, 10-question survey available through April 15. The survey is designed to take approximately five minutes to complete, officials said and city and township residents of all ages are being asked to participate and help the library officials better understand community priorities regarding space, services, access and other features, according to a prepared statement.

The survey follows two community forums on space planning hosted by the library in October and November of last year. During the meetings, library trustees, Library Director Laura Mancini, and attendees discussed key challenges with the current building, along with the common complaints from the public. Among the most frequently cited concerns were inadequate parking, insufficient space for programming and collections, and overall constraints of the existing facility.  The Community Forum presentation and additional supporting documents are available on the library website: https://nvillelib.org/NDLSpacePlanning

Trustees are now seeking broader community feedback with the online survey, officials noted.

“This survey is an important next step in our listening process,” said Mancini. “No decisions have been made. We are counting on hearing from residents across No
rthville to help guide thoughtful, community-informed planning.” As a thank you, participants will have the option to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of ten $50 Barnes & Noble gift cards after completing the survey.

The input gathered will help trustees evaluate community preferences and priorities as part of ongoing planning discussions to address current limitations and ensure the library continues to meet the evolving needs of Northville residents, Mancini said.

The survey is available at: https://nvillelib.org/SpringSurvey2026 or visiting the library to complete a paper copy at the checkout desk.

More information is available on the library website or by email at nortref@northvillelibrary.org, or phone at (248) 349-3020.