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.

Red Cross declares blood shortage emergency

The American Red Cross is urgently calling for blood and platelet donations ahead of the “100 Deadliest Days” of summer after a sharp drop in donations caused the national blood supply to fall by several thousand units in just one week.

A representative from the Red Cross recently told members of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club that scheduled donations  which account for about 90 percent of all blood donations, have declined significantly in recent weeks as the country enters the dangerous stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day commonly referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days.” 

According to AAA, fatal crashes involving teen drivers rise by 30 percent during this period. The summer months often bring an increase in severe injuries caused by car crashes, ATV accidents, sports injuries and other seasonal activities, the Red Cross spokesman said.

“A single person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood,” she added.

“For a person suffering from severe bleeding — and the emergency medical responders caring for them — stopping the bleeding and stabilizing them is a race against an unforgiving clock,” said Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross. “Every minute matters.”

Coberly said the risk of death increases by 11 percent for every minute a patient experiencing hemorrhagic shock goes without a blood transfusion.

The nonprofit said summer travel, school breaks, extreme heat and severe weather can all disrupt blood drives and make it harder to maintain a stable blood supply during one of the busiest trauma periods of the year.

A blood drive is planned from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. July 7 at the Plymouth Cultural Center, located at 525 Farmer.
Donors can schedule an appointment through RedCross Blood.org and enter sponsor code plymouth.com or call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733 2767). Streamline donation time by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete a pre-donation reading and health history question.

To be eligible to donate, individuals must be in good health and feeling well and must be at least 26 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Donations can be made every 56 days, up to six times each year.

While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O, A negative and B negative blood. O positive, the most frequently transfused type, is compatible with 85 percent of patients, while O negative, the universal blood type, is critical in emergencies. B negative, found in less than 2 percent of the population, and A negative, found in only 6 percent, are both rare and essential because patients with these blood types can only receive transfusions from donors with the same type or O negative blood.

Celebrating liberty

33^rd Annual Canton festival set for next Thursday , Friday, Saturday

The 33rd Annual Canton Liberty Fest will take over Heritage Park from June 18-20, offering exciting 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.

Beginning this year, the festival carnival and midway areas will implement significant changes, including earlier start times daily at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. each evening.  In addition, Canton’s community fireworks will now take place on Thursday, July 9, during the special event, “Canton Ignites the Night”, which is an “America 250” celebration marking the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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.

To enhance safety and crowd management, the entire carnival area will be fully fenced, with two entrances. To access this area, guests must present a valid wristband, mega band, or ride ticket.  Parents or responsible adults attending with their minor child are not required to have a wristband, mega band, or ride tickets (unless they are going on the rides, as well). Bag checks will be performed only at the carnival entry areas. Although not required, attendees with clear bags may experience quicker inspection for entry. These safety protocols and adjusted hours are intended to enhance Liberty Fest’s family-friendly atmosphere while prioritizing the safety and comfort of attendees, volunteers, performers, and staff.

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. KultureCity sensory-friendly Rest & Relax Tents will also be available on the north side of Heritage Park, providing a safe space for those with sensory challenges to rest.  In addition, Parent Tents will be available to serve as changing or feeding tents with furniture sponsored by IKEA.

The Canton Liberty Fest mobile app for Apple and Android users will also be available prior to the event.  The app will allow festivalgoers to access everything about the event, including entertainment schedules and performer information, Carnival Zone details, and festival food and drink information.  Users will also receive news and updates during the three-day festival.  

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, and behave well at all times. Due to the large crowds and significant traffic congestion expected during Liberty Fest, there will be no designated drop-off or pick-up location within Heritage Park.

“We strongly encourage all festival attendees to plan ahead and coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups at locations outside of the park. Identifying a safe and convenient meeting spot in advance will help ensure a smoother experience for everyone,” organizers said.

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.

Northville Township water rate hike to begin July 1

Northville Township Board of Trustees members have approved a 3 percent increase in water and sewer rates, effective July 1.

This will be the first rate increase for water and sewer services in a decade, a township spokesperson noted. “The proposed rate will return our customers to their 2016/2017 rates,” she added. The increase adds approximately $20 per year for an average user or about $1.70 per month for each homeowner. That’s about a nickel a day.”

Current water and sewer rates of $6.33/1,000 gallons of water and $4.94/1,000 gallons of sewer service will be increased to $6.50/1,000 gallons for water and $5.10/1,000 gallons for sewer service. The rates were rounded to the nearest $0.05 due to phase out of the penny, the spokesperson noted.

The increase was recommended to the board members following a rate survey completed by a third-party specialist in 2024. The increase will ensure adequate capital investments and reserves are maintained for our public infrastructure,” a prepared statement from the township noted.

“The 3 percent increase is less than the 5.62 percent increase the township will be paying for our wholesale water from GLWA (Great Lakes Water Authority), so Northville Township is absorbing some of the cost to assist residents,” the statement concluded. 

$11 million county drain project begins in Sumpter Township

Three Sumpter Township road crossings will be replaced as part of the $11 million infrastructural upgrade to the North Branch Big Swan Creek Intercounty Drain. The drain spans Monroe, Wayne and Washtenaw counties and is being managed by the Intercounty Drainage Board. The project is an effort to clear logjams, excavate open channels and replace failing infrastructure to reduce flooding along the 18.1 mile stretch of drain.

In Sumpter Township the Willis Road crossing, located approximately 1,500 feet west of Sumpter Road, was scheduled to be replaced beginning June 1, according to a notice from project managers.

Clean-up and channel maintenance are under way and upcoming work on the Willis Road crossings in Sumpter Township will require rolling detours and road closures, according to officials overseeing the project. The project is scheduled to continue until late fall

The total project cost is divided between Wayne County which is paying 80.5 percent of the cost;  Washtenaw County paying 15.75 percent, and Monroe County paying about 3.75 percent of the fees. Property owners within the drainage district are being assessed to fund the infrastructure repairs.  Assessments will be collected via winter tax bills, though many homeowners had the option to pay in full to avoid long-term bond interest, according to the drain project management.

For details on property assessments, project maps, and road closures, check the Sumpter Township North Branch Big Swan Page or the official updates from the Wayne County Treasurer.

Fired up

Student moving on to EMT classes

Sumpter Township firefighters were among those who helped Landon Hall, shown with his parents, celebrate his high school graduation last week.

Township fire department officials said Hall, “has already shown incredible dedication to the fire service, completing his Firefighter I & II certifications through Schoolcraft College during his junior and senior years—an outstanding accomplishment while still in high school.”

Hall will continue his emergency service journey by attending Wayne County Community College to earn his EMT certification, with the full support of township fire department officials. “His commitment, work ethic, and passion for serving others make him a tremendous asset to our team,” a spokesman noted.

On the trail

Nature area dedicated during ceremony

Canton Township hosted the official naming ceremony of the Zheshkwédokan Nature Area and celebrated National Trails & River Day last week. The ceremony featured a welcome by Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, a brief history of this land and the culture of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, provided by culture keeper Madalene Big Bear and Representations Outreach Board Member Julie Dye, and dance performances with drum accompaniment. Members of the Friends of the Rouge were on hand to offer kayaking opportunities, and participants also enjoyed educational and other recreational activities during the afternoon event.

Granted

Westland Library receives program funds

The William P. Faust Westland Public Library has been awarded grant funding to help combat loneliness and social isolation among seniors in the community.

The funding comes through Molina Healthcare of Michigan as part of a larger statewide effort supporting libraries and senior-focused programs, officials said.

Library officials said the library will use the grant to create “Traveling Library” program kits designed for seniors who may face mobility challenges. The kits will include activities such as puzzles, bingo, trivia, crafts, and hands-on workshops aimed at keeping seniors socially engaged and mentally active.

Library staff also plan to bring programming directly into senior living communities throughout Westland.

“By bringing engaging, accessible programming directly to senior living communities, our Traveling Library Program kits will reduce isolation, foster meaningful social connection, and ensure all seniors—regardless of mobility—can benefit from lifelong learning opportunities,” said Katelin Smith of the library. “We thank Molina for making this initiative a reality.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Romulus celebrates Flag Day

The Romulus VFW Post 78 Color Guard will present the colors during the celebration of Flag Day at 11 a.m. tomorrow, June 12 at Romulus Historical Park.

The event is a commemoration of the adoption of the United State Flag which occurred June 14, 1777. The park is located at 36095 Goddard Road in the city.

 

Festival ride tickets available

Canton Liberty Festival visitors can enjoy the lineup of carnival rides, games, and special attractions during the June 18, 19 and 20 events.

Single Day wristbands that allow all access for one day only to all the carnival rides are now on sale for $30 and can be used for any full day if purchased at www.cantonlibertyfest.org before 9 a.m. Thursday, June 18.

Mega Bands that are good for unlimited rides for all three days are priced at $100 and can only be purchased online before 9 a.m.  June 18.  All online sales require a per ticket fee. Wristbands will be available for purchase on-site (cash only) on Thursday for $35 or Friday and Saturday for $40. All sales are final.

For more information, call (734) 394-5360.

 

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.