11 communities respond to massive Belleville blaze

Fire departments from Belleville, Wayne, Canton Township and Huron Township were among 11 area first responders helping to battle a massive fire at National RV Detroit in Belleville last Saturday.

The blaze sent black smoke and flames into the air visible for several miles, witnesses said.

The fire at the recreational vehicle dealership, located at 44700 North Interstate 94 Service Drive, was reported at about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Police and fire officials reported no injuries in the blaze which was eventually extinguished. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, officials said.

In a social media post Sunday, representatives from National RV Detroit asked clients to delay bringing vehicles in for service and asked for patience as damage is assessed.

"As many of you are aware, we experienced a major fire at our dealership facility on Saturday evening. Everyone got out safe, and we are left to pick up the pieces and get things reorganized so that we can rebuild and move on. In the meantime, please do not bring any service units to our facility if you had an appointment. We will be contacting you in the next few days to make alternative arrangements. We're also determining which vehicles were affected by the fire and will contact you when we have more information. Please bear with us and be patient as we go through this process. We will be back to serving you soon."

Seven motorhomes inside the building were likely destroyed and others outside damaged, according to reports from fire officials.

Van Buren Township Fire Chief David McInally said firefighters brought the blaze under control in about two hours.

“Seven motorhomes were inside the building, and a few others outside were damaged,” McInally said. “Some had propane tanks that exploded, but those were minor and handled quickly.”

The business plans to resume complete operations, according to a spokesman.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation but is currently unknown, officials said.

Enduring memory

Renovated ARC playhouse dedicated to lifelong supporter, family

The Arc of Northwest Wayne County (The Arc NW) in Canton Township unveiled the newly renovated Carol Zago and  Family Playhouse at an official dedication last week. The newly renovated space supports the Lekotek Play Program, a program that provides guided play and toy lending to enhance development and growth for children, along with inclusion within their families, schools and communities.

A bequest by the late Carol Zago upon her passing and additional fundraising led by her family has provided more than $35,000 to support the Lekotek Play Program which has assisted in funding improvements to the space and providing programming to Lekotek Play Program participants. The organization has named the space the “Carol Zago and Family Playhouse” in her honor, a spokesperson noted in a prepared release.

Renovations to the space included new carpet, paint, double doors for accessibility, a sensory wall, climbing equipment, a wall mural, furnishings, lighting, curtains and wall decor. These improvements support the Lekotek Play Program by creating a welcoming, sensory-friendly and accessible space in which children can interact and play, officials said. 

“The Carol Zago and Family Playhouse has created a beautiful and welcoming home for our Lekotek Play Program, a program that helps families to imagine a real, included life for their child that looks like the life of anyone else,” said Gretchen Sanewsky, executive director of The Arc NW. “We are extremely grateful to the Zago family for their generous financial support which serves as an investment into our organization's sustainability and ability to serve the community for generations to come. We are honored to dedicate this space to Carol and the Zago family as a show of appreciation for all of the ways they’ve supported The Arc NW for decades.”

Carol Zago and her family were connected to The Arc NW in the 1970s as a resource for her son, Christian, who was born with multiple disabilities and medical issues. Christian passed away in 2002 at the age of 30, Sanewsky said. 

“The Arc of Northwest Wayne County’s programs, advocacy and support was transformative for my family and helped shape the life my brother got to experience,” said Michael Zago. “There are many other families like ours that The Arc NW impacts, so it was important to my family that, even after Christian passed, we find ways to support The Arc NW so they can continue their impact and provide families the support they need.”

The Carol Zago and Family Playhouse supports families in Wayne County who have a child with disabilities of any kind from birth to 12 years old. Additionally, it supports local schools, teachers, therapists, other organizations that serve people with disabilities and local communities that can take part in inclusive activities in the space.

More information about The Arc NW is available at www.thearcnw.org.

Landmark Plymouth restaurant forced to close after 66 years

A landmark in the City of Plymouth will close this month after six decades of serving residents from throughout the area.

Bode’s Corned Beef House, located on Main Street next to the railroad crossing, has been an institution in the community and surrounding area since 1959. The closure came as an unpleasant surprise to owner David Mueller who received an eviction notice from new owners of the property demanding the business vacate the building by Dec. 19.

Mueller said the increased monthly rent on the building proposed by the new owners was unsustainable for his business. He said two weeks after the notification of the rent increase, he received an eviction notice. He said he was “shocked and stunned” and admitted he had a “good cry” over the loss of his landmark business. Mueller has owned the business since 2019 after working in the kitchen for the previous owners.

Mueller said he was told the new owners plan to bring in a different restaurant concept to the historic building.

The house was built in 1868 at 280 North Main St. and was initially a boarding house and hotel for railroad workers. As years passed, the building served as a church and a music studio before becoming the famous corned beef house.

Mueller said news of the impending closure has swept through the community. He said the Chamber of Commerce, other business owners and long-time customers have contacted him offering support. He said, overall, the reaction from the public has been one of sadness to see such a longtime landmark business close.

To help the staff, who were also surprised by the impending loss of their jobs just prior to the holidays, a fundraiser has been planned at the restaurant from 4 until 8 p.m. Dec. 15. Mueller announced the effort in a social media post.

“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts that we announce that Bode's Corned Beef House will be closing its doors on December 19th, 2025,” he said in the message. “As I’m sure you realize, being forced to close right before the Christmas holiday is a tough blow, but we hope you’ll join us on December 15th for a Christmas party fundraiser for our staff.”

Mueller said he was grateful for the years of support from the community.

“Once again, thank you for contributing to the memories we’ve made… It has been an honor serving you,” he ended the Facebook post.

Mueller said he and his wife are hoping to reopen nearby with a smaller operation and perhaps a bakery. “We may call it Bode’s Corned Beef House II,” he said.

Christmas in the Village returns to Canton Saturday

Christmas in the Village will return to Cherry Hill Village in Canton Township with new additions and holiday cheer this Saturday.

The family-friendly event will feature a curated holiday artisan market with unique merchandise along with carolers and live musicians, a petting zoo, a variety of food trucks and seasonal treats, as well as free kids’ crafts and an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus and decorate holiday cookies.

Christmas in the Village activities will take place on the campus of the Village Arts Factory, from 3 until 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The arts factory is located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road and the event will also take place at the Cherry Hill Village fountain area, Maraschinos Pub, Indigo Salon, Greenland Market and Saj Canton.

Additional event highlights include: horse and carriage rides; holiday ornament-making at Cold Stone Creamery; cookies and cocoa at the Village Grocery; kids’ hair tinsel and holiday boutique at Indigo Salon; as well as a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Village Arts Factory. The Cherry Hill Potters Guild will also be on hand, joining over 25 craft and artisan vendors selling unique crafts.

A special IKEA Uppvärmning Lodge will be erected on the event grounds, featuring complimentary warm cinnamon rolls and Swedish Glögg - while supplies last. Additional tasty food options will be available for purchase, including hot chocolate provided by Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. The festivities continue with a pizza and pop buffet, which is available for purchase at Maraschinos Pub, who will also provide visits with “Frozen” characters Elsa and Anna, as well as holiday karaoke. Greenland Market and Saj Canton will feature a snowman-making activity and build-a-snowman scavenger hunt, plus visits with the “Frozen” character Olaf.

The event is organized by the Village Arts Factory, and Canton Township and is free and open to the entire Canton community, as well as surrounding communities. Event sponsors include Schoolcraft College, Edward Jones of Cherry Hill Village, Expressions Music Academy, Jacob Matthew Jewelers, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Kumon Math and Reading Center of Canton, IKEA, Go Grow, Alphagraphics, Blink Eye Care, Story Point, Village Church, and Primrose Academy.

The festivities are appropriate for all ages. Event participants are reminded to dress for the weather. On-site parking will be limited, so participants are advised to utilize area public lots listed at www.cantonmi.gov/1384, or the shuttle service from Preservation Park and United Methodist Church.

For more information, visit www.cantonfun.org, villageartsfactory.com, or call (734) 394-5460.

Business Flex condo units OK’d

A new four-building flexible use condominium complex has been approved by members of the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees.

Township Supervisor Chuck Curmi noted that the building plan was “somewhat unique. We’ve never had anything quite like this in Plymouth Township,” he noted. The new 41-unit "mini-flex" condominium development will include warehouse-style units that will be for sale and can house a wide variety of businesses. Residential use will be prohibited.

The units will range, developer Mark Roberts said, from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, with expected sale prices between $300,000 to $500,000, depending on size and build-out. The new construction is planned for a 6-acre site near Schoolcraft Road and Haggerty.

Plymouth Flex Condominiums will fill a vacant 6-acre parcel off Schoolcraft Road east of Haggerty. The units will be small, individual warehouse-style spaces designed for light manufacturing and business storage to personal workshops and offices. The units will have steel doors, masonry walls and high windows. Management is expected to be through a condominium association of owners.

Roberts told the board members that he expects the development to be an active place. After lengthy discussion regarding the acceptable or permitted uses, the brewery designation remained intact with trustees noting that the lack of a storefront would not attract clients looking for a drinking or eating establishment.

 The project was approved by a vote of 5-2, with trustees John Stewart and Sandy Groth opposed to the development. Each expressed concern regarding the wide range of uses allowed at the new project and the inability of the township to make changes to permitted uses in the future.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 

Romulus to light up official holiday tree

The official holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 5 at Romulus Historical Park, 11147 Hunt St. in Romulus.

Photos with Santa, hayrides, photo ops, activities, and entertainment for the whole family are planned at the free, family event.
For more information call Romulus Recreation at (734) 941-8665

 

Mistletoe Market set

The annual Mistletoe Market in downtown Plymouth is set for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 this year.

The event includes horse and carriage rides, the kids’ candy cane corner, live music and entertainment and free trolley rides around town to meet and greet holiday characters. 

Hours are 2 until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 14, the event will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

More information is available at ChristmasinPlymouth.com

 

Max’s Vault is available

The Northville Township Police Department is once again helping keep “porch pirates” at bay this holiday season with Operation Max’s Vault — named for four-legged police Therapy Dog Max.

Township residents can have packages shipped to the Northville Township Police Department for safe keeping in Max’s Vault through Jan. 1, 2026. Packages should be addressed with the recipient’s name, c/0 Max’s Vault, 40911 Seven Mile Road, Northville, Mi 48167.

Packages should be retrieved within five days of delivery, officials said. This free program has become a community favorite providing safe shipping during the holiday season, 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.

 

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. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

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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 to honor veterans during Wreaths Across America

As has become a community tradition, 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.

The tradition began in 1992 when Worcester Wreath found themselves with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, owner Morrill Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe (ret), arrangements were made for the surplus wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older cemetery sections that had been receiving fewer visitors each passing year.

For more than a decade, the annual wreath tribute went on quietly and privately. Everything changed in 2005, when a photo of the stones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the internet. Suddenly, the homespun tribute from a small town in downeast Maine was receiving national attention. Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to help purchase and lay wreaths at Arlington. Thousands more wanted to emulate the Arlington project at their local National and State cemeteries

Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Worcester began sending seven wreaths to every state: One for each branch of the military and an additional wreath to pay tribute to POW/MIAs. In 2006, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies were held at more than 150 locations around the country.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with the support of veterans organizations and a variety of other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support others around the country who wanted to do the same.

The wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago still takes place annually, on the second or third Saturday of December. 

In 2024, more than three million sponsored veterans' wreaths were placed on headstones of our nation's service members at 4,909 participating locations. More than four 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.

Organizers from Romulus said donations to fund wreaths for the local 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.

Home invasion suspect apprehended by Plymouth Township police

A suspect in home invasions in both Plymouth and Bloomfield townships was arraigned Nov. 19 by Judge Joe Barone of the 35^th District Court and denied bond.

Antonio Draco Jones, Jr. is facing charges of home invasion first degree; stealing a financial transaction device and as a second offense habitual offender.

According to Plymouth Township Chief of Police James H. Knittel, Jr. dispatchers received a call from a homeowner in the Lake Pointe subdivision near Farrand Elementary School at 7 a.m. Nov. 4. The resident reported a home invasion in which cash and credit cards were taken while they were asleep in the home. The invasion and theft was not discovered until the following morning, according to police reports of the incident.

Police reported that no individual suffered any physical harm during the break in.

Plymouth Township investigators were able to develop a suspect within 48 hours, according to a statement from Knittel.

“Our detectives proceeded to monitor the suspect’s activity, while simultaneously building their case for eventual submission to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office,” he reported.

At about 3:51 p.m. Nov. 7, Plymouth Township detectives determined that the suspect was driving through a subdivision in Bloomfield Township.

Knittel stressed that the suspect had no known ties to this area.   

Plymouth detectives contacted the Bloomfield Township Police Department and the suspect was located and detained with a traffic stop by Bloomfield officers.

“It was determined that the suspect had committed another home invasion in Bloomfield Township, just prior to being stopped by the Bloomfield Township Police Department,” Knittel said. The suspect was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with Home Invasion in Oakland County.  He has been incarcerated at the Oakland County Jail with a $250,000 cash bond since his arrest.

In the Plymouth incident, Jones was charged Nov. 14 with home invasion – first degree; financial transaction device – stealing/retaining without consent 2 counts and as a habitual offender.

“These were very concerning incidents, as the families were home during both home invasions.  I commend the teamwork shown by investigators from the Bloomfield Township and the Plymouth Township Police Departments while tracking down leads and arresting this dangerous suspect” 

The Plymouth Township Police Department encourages anyone with additional information related to this case to contact Det. Sgt. Jason Hayes at (734) 354-3234.

Plymouth business owners facing federal charges in hiring of illegal workers

Moises Orduna-Rios, 36, and Raquel Orduna-Rios, 30, of Plymouth, were arrested last week and charged with federal crimes including conspiracy, transporting and harboring unauthorized aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain, conspiracy to bring in, harbor, and transport unauthorized aliens, employment of at least 10 unauthorized aliens within a 12-month period, engaging in a pattern or practice of employing unauthorized aliens, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 for each unauthorized alien employed by the defendants. The charges were filed last week in a New York federal court.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Orduna Plumbing Inc., is based in Michigan, with operations throughout the United States, including in New York, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio. Moises Orduna-Rios is the president of Orduna Plumbing, while Raquel Orduna-Rios is the treasurer and secretary.

Federal court filings allege that since January 2022, through December 2024, the defendants employed approximately 253 individuals. Of those, only six were confirmed to be legally present and permitted to work in the United States. The defendants collected the passports of the unauthorized aliens and housed them in overcrowded houses and hotel rooms, according to court documents. Investigators estimated that between Jan. 1, 2022, and Aug. 7, 2025, the couple generated approximately $74 million in customer revenue.  During the course of the investigation, U.S. Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 23 unauthorized aliens employed by Orduna Plumbing, in Buffalo, Rochester, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Federal authorities said the investigation uncovered messaging communications between Moises Orduna-Rios and some of the unauthorized aliens, during which they discussed payroll, proper care of company vehicles, proper use of company credit cards, concerns about being undocumented, switching housing locations to be less visible to law enforcement, and precautions that should be taken to avoid being apprehended. In one instance, on Feb. 1, 2025, Moises Orduna-Rios sent this message by way of a group chat stating, “Gentlemen, with all the controversy that is going on, it’s better to get ready, drive the speed limit, limit yourselves going to the store, only do minimal running of errands, and do not have any gatherings such as barbeques…” Orduna paid the workers $800 to $1,500 per week, according to authorities, and covered some living expenses.

In the summer of 2025, Border Patrol agents executed a search warrant at a Rochester residence that housed some of the unauthorized aliens believed to be working for Orduna Plumbing. Border Patrol found nine individuals, all of whom were illegally present in the United States, living in a small sparsely furnished residence, according to a statement from federal prosecutors.  

A financial review of Orduna Plumbing revealed the company paid hundreds of employees known to be illegally present in the United States through multiple bank accounts used and controlled by the defendants.

Moises Orduna-Rios and Raquel Orduna-Rios made an initial appearance last week in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit,  charged with conspiracy, transporting and harboring undocumented immigrants for commercial advantage or private financial gain, and money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 for each undocumented immigrant they employed.

The couple were released on bond. Their next court appearance will take place on Dec. 2 in federal court in New York, where the criminal case was filed and will be prosecuted.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty, authorities stressed.  

On the job

Romulus Police Department celebrated the promotions of three new supervisors last week. Mayor Robert McCraight, far left, congratulated new Sgt. Chris Kososki, Lt. Matt Reese and Sgt.  Bryan Perkins. The officers were introduced by Police Chief Robert Pfannes, far right. The officers were officially promoted in a city hall ceremony that also saw four new officers sworn in. New officers include Logan Northrup, Jake Wolok and Samantha Barulic who recently graduated from the 17-week Wayne County Regional Police Academy, where each scored more than 91 percent on final examinations, Pfannes noted. Jeremiah Proctor, the fourth new hire is an experienced officer from the Detroit Police Department.

Identity theft suspect arrested in Northville

A California man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest by Northville Township Police investigating an extensive tap-to-pay identity theft scheme.

Jian-Wei “Juan” Li, 40, was arrested following a multi-day surveillance operation that uncovered his involvement in more than 25 fraudulent tap-to-pay incidents at Meijer stores, dating back to May 2025, according to police reports. The scheme impacted retailers throughout Metro Detroit and nationwide, officials said.

The investigation began Nov. 11, police responded to multiple reports of an unidentified male suspect perpetrating the tap-to-pay scheme in local Meijer stores.  The Michigan Attorney General/Michigan State Police Focused Organized Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and Northville Township Police arrested Li following a multi-day surveillance operation, according to official reports.

Investigators determined that Li was participating in a tap-to-pay scheme involving organized groups who load stolen or compromised U.S. credit card accounts into mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. He used these to purchase goods, including Apple devices, gift cards and other easily resold merchandise. He then shipped them out of state or overseas, police said.

Northville police investigators conducted intensive physical surveillance of Li, who was staying at a local hotel and driving a 2019 Mercedes SUV. Over the course of three days, investigators documented Li conducting more than 60 attempted transactions using more than 40 different card numbers across Meijer, Best Buy, Speedway, Lululemon, Macy’s, Home Depot and Trader Joe’s locations, police said.

On Nov. 18, Li was taken into custody leaving a Best Buy store without incident.

Following the arrest, investigators executed multiple search warrants. A search of Li’s hotel room recovered large quantities of gift cards, receipts for iPad purchases and documentation of declined transactions.

On Nov. 20, Li was charged through the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with three 5-year felonies of identity theft. Offiicals said he was arraigned last Sunday and given a $100,000 cash bond and would be required to be on a GPS tether if bond is posted.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 1.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Santa arrives in Plymouth

Santa arrives in Plymouth tomorrow, Nov. 28, with a parade that begins at Kiwanis Park just after 5:30 p.m. The parade will continue on to 10 different city parks/areas.

Santa is expected to arrive at his last stop in Kellogg Park at just after 7:30. Holiday fun will begin in Kellogg Park at 6:30 with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony after Santa's arrival at approximately 7:45. For more details including route information, visit https://downtownplymouth.org/.../Santas-City-of-Plymouth...

 

Westland police hoping to stuff a squad car

Westland Police Department will be holding the 9th Annual Stuff a Squad Car event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 28.

The squad car will be parked at the Westland Meijer store at 37201 Warren Road.

The Stuff a Squad Car effort is a benefit for the Westland Goodfellows, “No Child Without a Christmas” program which helps supply local children with Christmas gifts. Free photos with Santa will be available for anyone who chooses to donate a new unwrapped toy.

           

Romulus to light up official holiday tree

The official holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Romulus Historical Park, 11147 Hunt St. in Romulus.

Photos with Santa, hayrides, photo ops, activities, and entertainment for the whole family are planned at the free, family event. For more information, call Romulus Recreation at (734) 941-8665

Mistletoe Market set

The annual Mistletoe Market in downtown Plymouth is set for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 this year.

The event includes horse and carriage rides, the kids’ candy cane corner, live music and entertainment and free trolley rides around town to meet and greet holiday characters. 

Hours are 2 until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 14, the event will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

More information is available at ChristmasinPlymouth.com

 

Max’s Vault is available

The Northville Township Police Department is once again helping keep “porch pirates” at bay this holiday season with Operation Max’s Vault — named for four-legged police Therapy Dog Max.

Township residents can have packages shipped to the Northville Township Police Department for safe keeping in Max’s Vault through Jan. 1, 2026. Packages should be addressed with the recipient’s name, c/0 Max’s Vault, 40911 Seven Mile Road, Northville, Mi 48167.

Packages should be retrieved within five days of delivery, officials said. This free program has become a community favorite providing safe shipping during the holiday season, officials said.

 

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 are 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.

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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.

 

Local townships appeal budget cuts to governor

Late last week, a joint letter signed by 119 Michigan township supervisors was sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office requesting both supplemental action on the recently signed October budget and a seat at the table as policy and appropriations that impact local governments are considered.

In the letter, supervisors from several townships including Anne Marie Graham Hudak from Canton, Chuck Curmi from Plymouth, Mark Abbo from Northville and Kevin McNamara from Van Buren, claimed that while the approved state budget has attributes that are beneficial to local governments, such as additional funding for roads and public safety, they have concerns as to how the budget will impact the operations of townships.

The township leaders expressed concern regarding the reduction of constitutional revenue sharing which decreases revenue critical to the ability of townships to provide services to the residents. This could mean reduction of services, higher local taxes, or a loss of firefighters to some, according to the mailing.

“This year’s state budget slashed funding to local governments representing over 52 percent of Michigan’s residents – hometown governments administering safe and secure elections, collecting trash and recycling, making sure our drinking water and buildings are safe, and caring for parks, natural spaces, and families throughout Michigan,” said Graham-Hudak. “These cuts to services in our hometown – many of which we take for granted – are wrong and must be fixed by Lansing.”

“If Lansing fails to act, hometowns throughout Michigan will experience a precipitous decline in quality-of-life issues not seen since the Great Recession. These state cuts to local services may lead some towns to raise taxes just to cover the basics – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s get this right Michigan: restore the funding, so our hometowns keep running.,” she said.

The letter also encourages state leaders to consider approving a supplemental budget that backfills the sales tax revenue lost due to the redirect at the pump, thereby holding local units of government harmless.

The letter asks the governor to work in tandem to provide needed services for townships.

“Local governments are the most connected to the residents we collectively serve, and we are asking you to work in partnership with us to ensure that we can provide the critical services needed in our communities throughout Michigan,” the letter stated.

Winter Wonderland

2^nd annual Canton holiday walk and parade set for this weekend

The second Annual Winter Wonderland Walk & Parade will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.

“The Winter Wonderland Walk and Parade are the perfect kickoff to the holiday season,” said Evan Sweet, recreation specialist. “We invite everyone to join us for a variety of festive activities and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit during this special event that has something for everyone.”

The Winter Wonderland Parade, presented by Papaya Fruit, Inc., will take place from 4-5 p.m. The parade will step off at the Trinity Health Medical Center of Canton and will travel along Veterans Way to Heritage Park Drive, where marchers will disperse at the North Pavilions. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs, wear festive lighted attire, and watch the parade near the Canton Public Library and Canton Administration Building. Featured paraded participants include community groups, lively musicians and performers, as well as beloved characters.

The celebration will continue after the parade with the Winter Wonderland Walk from 5-7 p.m. around the Heritage Park Pond, featuring interactive activities, dazzling light displays, and more live entertainment. Snacks and dinner options will also be available for purchase on-site.

Participants can also enjoy a meet and greet with The Grinch and Olaf, an acoustic performance by Devyn Mitchell, fire ring show presented by the Detroit Circus, instant family holiday photos, and free hot chocolate (while supplies last). In addition, seasonal refreshments and personalized holiday items will be available for purchase.  A Build-A-Bear mobile trailer will also be on site.

This special event will take place outdoors, so participants are advised to dress for the weather.  Strollers and wagons are also recommended for the youngest participants. There is no admittance fee to attend.

This festive event is sponsored by Papaya Market, DTE, Central City Dance, National Heritage Academy, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Expressions Music Academy, The Learning Experience, Behavior Frontiers, Kenz Coffee, and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. 

For more information visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

3 area men arrested in joint police pedophile operation

Three local men were among those arrested last week by Taylor police during an undercover operation targeting child sexual predators.

Among the 14 men arrested following the year-long investigation were Johnathan Lee McKissack, 30, of Romulus; Michael Joseph Miller, 33, of Westland and Jeffrey Brian Hellems, 38, of Canton Township.

The three men are awaiting court hearings on the charges. Police said the 14 suspects  thought they were chatting with girls as young as 13 on dating apps and some gaming platforms used to meet for sex. Some of the suspects brought weapons, sex toys and even their own children to a location designated as a meeting place for the minor girls an investigator said. Three of the men arrested have already entered guilty pleas with the court including charges of child sexually abusive commercial activity (attempt), accosting a child for immoral purposes and computer/internet communicating with another to commit a crime. The remaining 11 suspects, including the three local men, are awaiting court hearings, according to police.

Taylor Police Chief John Blair said the success of the undercover operation was enhanced using advanced technology, including Brinc drones, Flock Safety systems, Axon technology, and StarChase. These tools were instrumental in helping investigators safely identify, monitor, and apprehend suspects while maintaining officer and community safety, the chief said.

“Technology plays a critical role in modern policing, especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable citizens—our children,” said Blair, in a statement. “By combining cutting-edge tools like drones and license plate recognition with skilled investigative work and strong partnerships with our federal and regional task force partners, we are able to act quickly and effectively to bring these offenders to justice.”

Also involved in the investigation and arrests were Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Secret Service, the Metro Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

“These arrests reflect our department’s ongoing commitment to protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit them,” Blair added. “We will continue leveraging technology, training, and collaboration to keep Taylor and surrounding communities safe.”

Off road

New vehicles improve police emergency accessibility

Northville Township police officers and firefighters are learning to navigate off-road terrain with specialized vehicles as they prepare to respond to emergencies in the expanding township park system.

The township recently purchased two utility task vehicles (UTVs) specifically designed to reach areas inaccessible by traditional emergency ambulances or trucks. During a recent training exercise, the new vehicles were deployed in wooded areas designed to simulate real emergency conditions. First responders practiced navigating hills, rough terrain, water areas and muddy conditions at various speeds with the new vehicles.

Police officials said the training comes at a crucial time with the opening of Legacy Park at the site of the former Maybury psychiatric hospital.

The specialized vehicles address a growing need as more hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts visit the parks, officials said. Traditional emergency vehicles struggle to access remote trail areas, potentially adding critical minutes to response times.

"We don't want each mile to equal several minutes for that person in need. We want to be able to go exactly where they are," explained Deputy Fire Chief Jesse Marcotte.

"It's nice for us to come together and train together so that we're both familiar with the equipment and know what each other is capable of," said Northville Township Police Lt. Joshua Pike.

"The gist of it is to make sure the first time somebody is driving, this isn't during an emergency incident. So we've come up with a few obstacles that are unique to the park," said Chris Wiggins, training coordinator for Northville Township Fire Department.

One of the new vehicles can transport patients, providing additional medical response capabilities in remote areas.

"They have this extra little insurance policy while they're out there having fun and enjoying the moment," Marcotte said.

The Northville Fire Department has operated a UTV at Maybury State Park for nearly 20 years for emergency response, Marcotte noted. The new vehicles expand that capability and standardize joint police–fire operations. 

Director honored

City of Romulus Downtown Development Authority Director Jerry Frayer has been named 2025 Director of the Year by the Michigan Downtown Association. Molly LaLone, director of the association, presented the award to Freyer during a recent meeting. Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said, “This well-deserved recognition highlights his dedication, leadership, and commitment to strengthening and revitalizing Downtown Romulus. Congratulations, Jerry,” in a social media post. Founded in 1980, the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) is a state-wide, non-profit organization and a driving force in the interest and growth of downtowns and communities throughout Michigan, according to the association website.

Register now for Shop With a Cop

Applications for the 2025 Shop with a Cop in Romulus are now available.

Those interested in participating this year should complete an application and include a detailed explanation of the reasons the child should shop for holiday gifts with a Romulus police officer this year. This event is an annual event funded by officers to help those with limited resources in the city during the holiday season.

Only Romulus residents are eligible and will be considered. Families already receiving holiday assistance from another organization will be ineligible, organizers said. Applications can be obtained and returned to the Romulus Police Department or emailed to mtalley@romulusgov.com.

The application is available online at https://bit.ly/RPDSWC25 and 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 it to mtalley@romulusgov.com or print the document and return to Romulus police headquarters at t 11165 Olive St., Romulus.