City, county authorities visit homeless encampment

Despite efforts of both City of Westland and Wayne County officials, a long-time and growing homeless encampment remains entrenched in a wooded area behind the Kroger store on Michigan Avenue and Merriman Road in the city.

The camp is located on county-owned land and has been of concern to multiple agencies.  Westland police, behavioral health clinicians, and substance abuse disorder specialists have visited the site offering health and safety services including rides to shelters, clothing, sleeping bags and other resources. Most services and help been refused by the campers, noted Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman. He said the city is very aware of the situation and noted that since the property is owned by the county, city control is limited.

“Because it’s government property, people can kind of go on there, and unless they’re asked to leave, they stay. Certainly, some people are struggling and want to find housing. But also, for some people, it’s a choice to kind of live outdoors,” Coleman told local news media.

He said he is seeking state and federal funding in an effort to address the homeless in the city.

Westland Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Wilkie said officers have repeatedly visited the area, despite county ownership. He said officers, a department Behavioral Health Clinician and Substance Use Disorder Specialist have visited the area and spoken with people living there. Most services and aid were declined Wilkie said. That hasn’t halted department efforts, he added, and during winter months, officers and clinicians have distributed coats that convert to sleeping bags, winter clothing, and snacks.

In a statement, Wilkie said Wayne County Parks was recently on-site addressing the situation and that the department would continue working with other agencies toward a resolution.

“The Westland Police Department recognizes the public has concerns involving this situation and will continue its proactive work to offer both assistance and services to the homeless while also working toward resolving this situation with the other agencies involved,” Wilkie said.

Wayne County Communications Director Matt Allen said Wayne County Parks has addressed the encampment twice since the end of July and planned another assessment visit.

“Our approach is to treat all persons with dignity as we seek a holistic approach to solving this problem going forward,” Allen said. Currently, resources available to homeless individuals is available at Wayne County Family Center: 30600 Michigan Ave, Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 721-0590 (Emergency shelter for families); Wayne Metro CAA Westland: 32150 Dorsey St Suite 16, Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 284-6999 (Housing stability and assistance) and The Salvation Army Wayne-Westland Corps: 2300 S Venoy Road, Westland, MI 48186.

3-year-old found with loaded gun in backpack at daycare

Canton Township police are continuing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a loaded gun in the backpack of a 3-year-old at a local daycare center.

According to a notification to parents from the director of Children's World Early Learning Center on Sheldon Road, the weapon, still in a holster, was discovered when the toddler removed it from the backpack. Staff members immediately intervened, according to the center director, and secured the weapon after taking it from the child.

The statement from the director says the police were immediately contacted and officers responded to the daycare facility. It was later determined that the child’s father is a police officer in another community, according to the school director.

“Most importantly, no one was hurt or injured,” the statement from the school read. “The supervising teacher remained calm and followed the appropriate safety response.”

Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy said one of the toddler's parents was taken into custody and that the investigation is ongoing. He confirmed that other parent of the 3-year-old is a police officer in a neighboring jurisdiction, and that department is conducting a review of the officer. The name of the parents or the department where the parent is employed has not been released by police as the investigation continues.

"This is an alarming incident and I watched the video. And it's hard to watch the video even knowing the outcome is a safe one," Bialy said.

"I can tell you when the call came out, it's one you never want to get. And the officers that responded did a good job working with the staff," Bialy said.

Results of the active investigation by the Canton Police Department Detective Bureau will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review, according to a statement from the police department.

“The Canton Police Department wishes to assure the community that there is no ongoing threat associated with this incident. The Canton Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating all weapons-related offenses, taking these matters with the utmost seriousness,” the prepared statement concluded.

The school noted that the family has been disenrolled from the childcare center “as an obligation to maintain the safety and security of all children and staff.”

The incident remains under investigation.

Sumpter Township October Jam celebration set for tomorrow

Sumpter Township will light up the sky at the finale of the October Jam set to begin at 4 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 3, at the Community Center Pavilion.

While the scheduled fireworks display will conclude the free event, members of the Parks and Recreation Department have planned a full day of family entertainment. A free concert featuring The Stone Blossoms is planned with special guest artist Daniel Harrison. There will be a 45-foot obstacle course with a slide, inflatable axe throwing and bonfires among other entertainment planned.

Food trucks scheduled to be on site include The King of Ribs & Soul Food, Cookin’ with Passion and specialty drinks by Infiniteas.

The grand finale fireworks will be overseen by the Michigan Fireworks Club, organizers said and is expected to be a fitting close to the celebration.

October Jam is a family-friendly event and is free. Visitors are urged to bring their own lawn chairs and coolers and, “most importantly, bring your party spirit” organizers said

The pavilion is located at 23501 Sumpter Road.

Area mourning death of Romulus Hall of Fame coach

James Donald Stallings, a member of the Romulus Coaches Hall of Fame, died Sept. 11 at the age of 82.

A graduate of Romulus High School, Mr. Stallings attended Hillsdale College where he played football, wrestled and even did some acting.

He began his coaching and teaching career in Romulus in 1967 where he was later inducted into the Romulus Coaches Hall of Fame.  In 1974 he took his talents to Trenton where he coached wrestling for 30 years. He coached many champions and teams that placed among the top 10 in the state. He retired from coaching with a career record of 447-159-3. He was recognized by the press and his peers with many coach of the year awards and hall of fame inductions, but as much as those things were important to him Mr. Stallings consistently supported his wrestlers and assured them he was in their corner and would do whatever he could to help them be the best athlete and person they could be, his family recalled.

Mr. Stallings met the love of his life, Sherry Smith, while coaching in Romulus. The couple married in 1968 and traveled during summer vacations, along with their children and eventually, grandchildren. The family enjoyed family vacations and summers at Long Lake, Sandy Pines and Gulf Shores.

Mr. Stallings returned to college and earned his degree in Special Education at Eastern Michigan University. His family said he had incredible patience, kindness, determination, and creativity in the classroom. His proudest moments as an educator were working with his most profoundly challenged students and their families to help them to have a more joyful and well-rounded school experience.

Mr. Stallings is survived by his wife, Sherry; Bradley, Maddy and Lily Stallings, Christy, JC, Cooper Clardy, Melba Stallings Chaney, Gail Smith Stallings and many nieces and nephews, along with a host of friends and former students.

A celebration of his life is planned tomorrow, Oct. 3, at Peoples Church in Kalamazoo.

Canton police, state seize drugs during local inspection

An over-the-counter product that can simulate opioid effects has been removed from a Canton Township tobacco shop by police.

Township police said strict enforcement regarding kratom and highly concentrated 7-0H products will continue. An inspection at a local tobacco shop with MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) and Michigan State Police discovered hundreds of the Kratom products along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that causes the sensation of being "high." The substances were allegedly being sold illegally when inspectors and police visited the store Aug. 28.

The items were seized and the and the evidence and findings will be referred to the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, police said.

7-OH is 7-hydroxymitragynine, a naturally occurring chemical found in the kratom plant, native to Southeast Asia. Kratom plant leaves contain several alkaloids, including mitragynine and much smaller amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

While 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom, it is considered much more potent than mitragynine and can also be produced or concentrated from kratom extracts. Kratom products labeled as 7-OH may include tablets, gummies, powders, shots, or liquid extracts. 7-OH interacts with opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, according to scientific research. It can produce opioid-like effects, including relaxation, pain relief, and sedation.

Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, confusion, and drowsiness, experts advised. High doses may increase the risk of slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, and other serious complications, especially when 7-OH is combined with alcohol, prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedating drugs.

There is no state law in Michigan banning 7-OH products although state regulators say kratom and other unapproved psychoactive substances cannot legally be marketed as food or dietary supplement ingredients.

The substances are under consideration for designation under Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act but currently have no federal ban.

Romulus man facing charges in serious injury hit and run accident

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has filed criminal charges against a 78-year-old Romulus man in connection with a hit-and-run incident that left a 61-year-old man severely injured.

Ray Woodrow is facing one count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death. The charges stem from an incident which occurred at about 7:45 a.m. Sept. 14 in Huron Township.

Prosecutors contend that Woodrow was allegedly driving eastbound along Pennsylvania Road near Huron River Drive in Huron Township when he struck the victim who was walking on the shoulder of the road. Woodrow allegedly fled from the scene, prosecutors said.

According to police reports, medics arrived on the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment.  A Huron Township police investigation led to the arrest of Woodrow the same day. The victim was reported in critical condition at a local hospital at press time.

Woodrow was arraigned Sept. 17 in 34^th District Court before Judge Lisa Martin. He was given a $10,000 bond and prohibited by the court from driving. He is facing up to 5 years imprisonment and or a $5,000 fine and state driver’s license sanctions

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sumpter Fire Department plans annual family Open House

The Sumpter Township Fire Department will host the annual Open House from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. During the family event, the firefighters are collecting new and gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and other cold-weather gear for local children and families who may need a helping hand this winter. The day includes a children’s fun zone and games and fire truck tours. The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Halloween Safety Night set

The Sumpter Township Fire Department and Sumpter Township Police Department will be on hand from 6 until 8 p.m. Oct. 31 to check trick-or-treat candy for safety.

Previously donated winter gear collected will be distributed during the evening.

The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Fire Department Open House set before trick or treating

The Canton Fire Department will host an Open House at Fire Station No. 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Fire trucks and equipment will be on display, and the Fire Safety House will be open along with other family friendly activities.

The Heritage Park Trick or Treat Story Trail located behind the fire station will be open from 1 until 4 p.m. and fire crews will be distributing treats to visitors. Registration is required for the Trick or Treat Story Trail. Visit cantonfun.org for more information and to register.

 

Shred Day in Canton

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union will host a Shred Day event from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the branch located at 44530 Ford Road in Canton. The public can bring up to five boxes or bags of confidential documents that will be destroyed and recycled securely and efficiently. For more information, visit https://www.msgcu.org/member-appreciation-day

 

Pumpkin Palooza planned

The annual downtown Plymouth Pumpkin Palooza will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Families are invited to dress up and enjoy trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses, along with fun activities and entertainment throughout the event.

Sumpter Township police millage on November ballot

Voters in Sumpter Township will be asked to approve a millage to fund the police department, weeks after a similar request was rejected in the August primary election.

Members of the township board of trustees unanimously approved revised ballot language at a meeting immediately following the August vote which was defeated by 57 percent of voters during that balloting. Officials agreed at the time that the language of the proposal was confusing to voters who interpreted the proposal as a hefty tax increase. The new proposal combines two previous millages which will expire and increase the dedicated public safety millage by only 2 mills.

Township trustees say that without the approval of the 5 mill levy, the police department could face a 41 percent cut to the current operating budget. The shortfall in funding the police department has been made up from the township general fund for several years. The decrease in landfill fees and the recent assessment from Wayne County for drain repairs have negatively impacted the township budget, officials said, and the public safety millage question is imperative to police service in the township. 

Police Chie/Public Safety Director Eric Luke has said the department can't cut expenses to compensate for a loss of the magnitude of the two expiring millages. Luke said the combined millage proposal would cost the average township homeowner an additional $250 a year for the 24-hour, 7-day a week protection the department provides. Department funding, he explained, relies on millage money because about 99 percent of township property taxes go to Wayne County, something most homeowners do not realize.

Ballot language filed with the county shows the request is for an increase of up to 5 mills, or $5 per $1,000 of taxable value, for police operations. Luke has said he does not consider the August result as a rejection of the police. He attributed it to widespread voters' fatigue with taxes.

Sumpter officials are counting on a larger turnout at the polls in November to approve the needed funding. They estimated primary turnout at 24 to 25 percent of registered voters and said that approximately 14 percent of all registered voters sank the proposal.

Trustee Tim Rush has warned that severe cuts or a department closure would force the township to lean on outside agencies such as the Michigan State Police, which he said could mean slower emergency response. “This is crucial to our township,” Rush said.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Marching ahead

Romulus Rotary Club reveals Parade of Lights crowd favorite entries

Thousands of spectators gathered along Goddard Road last Friday to share the excitement of the annual Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights, which opened the 28th annual Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival.

Parade favorites as selected by online voting were announced by the club members earlier this week. Taking home top honors for live music was the Romulus High School Marching Eagles. Barth Elementary School was chosen as the favorite school entry while the Romulus Flyers were chosen as the favorite non-motorized entry in the parade this year. Kingdom Life Church was honored as the favorite motorized entry, and The Haunted Funeral Home was the favorite in the commercial category. Votes were tabulated from entries on the Rotary Club website, officials said.

The weekend festival took place at Romulus Historical Park and as usual attracted large crowds of residents to the family-friendly event with events and entertainment for all ages. The Downtown Development Authority-sponsored festival takes place every year starting on the third Friday in September and features music, food, crafts and games for all ages, along with a classic car show and a craft and vendor show. Pumpkin painting, Punkin Chuckin and a Romulus Idol competition drew crowds again this year. The event also featured Punkie’s 5K, a run, walk or bike through the city.

Organizers said the festival was a huge success, even with a bit of rain, and drew large crowds during the weekend.

New township finance director is selected by Sumpter trustees  

Lisa Stanfield has been selected as the new finance director in Sumpter Township.

Members of the board of trustees approved Stanfield’s hiring during their regular meeting Sept. 8. The position had been vacant since early spring, officials said.

Stanfield will be paid an annual base salary of $90,000 along with staff benefits. She will assume her new position, according to township officials, following successful completion of the required background investigation and drug screening.

Stanfield previously served as both deputy clerk and accounting clerk in Ypsilanti Township. She was the Ypsilanti Township representative with the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority in 2019 and has worked as a municipal election clerk, among her other municipal finance experience, according to officials.

Not guilty

Unique delivery vehicle is an unofficial legal police look-alike

If arresting the attention of other motorists and local residents is the goal, the delivery car sporting a wrap from the viral THOT Patrol meme network is a success.

While the exact identity or full name of the specific delivery driver using the car with a design similar to police vehicles has not been publicly released due to privacy concerns, the vehicle is used by an independent delivery driver working for services like DoorDash, UberEats or Instacart among others. Owners across the country have custom-wrapped vehicles in decals to mimic official law enforcement or border patrol vehicles, according to the internet, as a joke and attention getting device.

One of these vehicles has gained significant attention across local communities, with multiple residents spotting it making food and grocery runs throughout Canton Township, Westland, and Plymouth. The vehicle is privately owned, and the custom decal wrap operates in a specific legal gray area. Under Michigan law and local Western Wayne County ordinances, the legality of custom decal kits that mimic law enforcement hinges heavily on the intent of the driver, the wording on the decals, and the equipment attached to the vehicle.

Because the vehicle prominently displays a parody word ("THOT") rather than "POLICE," "SHERIFF," or "STATE POLICE," it generally does not meet the legal threshold for criminal impersonation on face value, according to officials. A reasonable observer would recognize it as a joke, which undermines the legal requirement of "intent to deceive."

Police departments in Canton, Westland, and Plymouth strictly enforce traffic laws but generally tolerate parody wraps as long as the driver is not actively trying to pull people over, using emergency lights, or blocking traffic. Local ordinances against public nuisances or disorderly conduct can be triggered if the driver uses the vehicle to aggressively harass pedestrians or create a safety hazard during delivery runs. To date, authorities note, there have been no complaints about any of those infractions concerning the THOT car.

The wrap is protected as a form of crude, parodied free speech under the law as it lacks real emergency gear and makes no genuine attempt to act with police authority.

While it frequently causes a stir with sightings, local police have not cited the vehicle for public disturbance or impersonation. In fact, locals online have noted that the vehicle has sometimes been driven by an older woman completing ordinary errands, further indicating it is just a highly unusual family or gig-work vehicle and not an attempt to impersonate an official police vehicle.

Canton ARToberfest festival includes Pottery Guild show and sale  

The Fourth Annual ARToberfest Family Fall Festival, a one-day artisan and vendor fair will take place from noon until 4 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 26, in Cherry Hill Village, as well as at the Arts Warehouse.

Festivalgoers can immerse themselves in art and seasonal fun throughout Cherry Hill Village, as well as at the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill.  Additional festivities of this family-friendly event include an artisan marketplace, live music, and food trucks.  In addition, cider, donuts, seasonal snacks, and more will also be available.

In addition to the artisan marketplace, the Cherry Hill Potters Guild will be hosting the fall exhibition and pottery sale at the Arts Warehouse, providing festivalgoers with a chance to peruse and buy one-of-a-kind creations. The Fourth Youth Art Fair featuring the work of promising student artists ages 8 to 18 will also take place during the event.

“The interest in this popular family fall festival that celebrates the arts has been remarkable,” stated Kevin Ryan, program director of the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill. “Each year, ARToberfest continues to evolve into an ideal fall destination. It not only offers a diverse range of creative works and merchandise for sale but also features a variety of family-friendly artistic activities that highlight the arts.”

Additional activities include a range of fall-themed activities tailored specifically for children, as well as lawn games. The 32^nd annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition will be on display throughout October in the Gallery at Cherry Hill inside the Village Theater, as well as the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill Fine Art exhibition inside its facility.  Both venues showcase a broad range of artistic styles and interpretations in a variety of mediums from emerging and well-established Michigan artists.

The Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill is located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. This event is sponsored by Blink Eye Care, UBS, and The Village Dentist. The exhibit is free. For additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5360.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sumpter sets October Jam

Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation department is hosting October Jam at the Community Center Pavilion beginning at 4 p.m. Oct. 4.

A free concert featuring The Stone Blossoms is planned along with a 45-foot obstacle course with a slide; inflatable axe throwing; cornhole games; bonfires and food trucks.

The event will close with a fireworks display. The pavilion is located at 23501 Sumpter Road in the township.

 

Fire Department Open House set before trick or treating

The Canton Fire Department will host an Open House at Fire Station No. 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 10..Fire trucks and equipment will be on display and the Fire Safety House will be open along with other family friendly activities.

The Heritage Park Trick or Treat Story Trail located behind the fire station will be open from 1 until 4 p.m. and fire crews will be distributing treats to visitors. Registration is required for the Trick or Treat Story Trail. Visit cantonfun.org for more information and to register.

 

Shred Day in Canton

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union will host a Shred Day event from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 17 at their branch located at 44530 Ford Road in Canton. The public can bring up to five boxes or bags of confidential documents that will be destroyed and recycled securely and efficiently. For more information, visit https://www.msgcu.org/member-appreciation-day

 

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.

The Plymouth Market, located in The Gathering across from Kellogg Park is open from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Westland hosts a Farmers Market from 3 until 7 p.m. on Thursday at 1901 N. Carlson, Westland.

Local clerks reassure voters of mail-in voting rights

Prior to the Supreme Court ruling Monday, local election officials were reassuring voters enrolled in the Michigan automatic absentee ballot program that there were no changes in voting by mail procedures and their ballots were valid and would be counted.

An effort by President Donald J. Trump to limit mail in voting was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court Monday in a decision upholding multiple rulings by lower courts across the country preventing federal interference in mail-in voting procedures.

In a prepared statement, the office of the Canton Township clerk said that eligible voters on the Michigan Permanent Absentee Ballot List remain on the list and should still expect ballots to be mailed to them automatically ahead of upcoming elections. The office said those voters do not need to reapply or take any other action because of the court decision."Nothing has changed for you today," the clerk's office said in the statement.

The latest ruling of the Supreme Court seemed to contradict an earlier decision Aug. 24 to lift a lower-court injunction that had blocked parts of an executive order President Trump signed in March directing the U.S. Postal Service to restrict delivery of mail ballots to voters included on a federally compiled list. The order, which the administration says was meant to bolster election security, had been put on hold in Michigan and roughly two dozen other mostly Democratic-led states after Michigan and other state attorneys general sued to block it.

That earlier Supreme Court decision did not rule on whether the executive order itself was lawful, and the latest decision Monday was considered a victory for voting rights groups, who strongly opposed interference at the federal level in elections which are run by the states, a system detailed in the U.S. Constitution.

Last week, another lower court ruled Trump’s attempts to interfere with mail-in voting were illegal and froze any new procedures at the U.S. Postal Service regarding delivery of mail-in ballots. Trump’s appeal of that decision prompted the Monday ruling from the Supreme Court which rejected his legal arguments.

Canton election officials said they would administer elections under existing Michigan and federal law and procedures and would notify voters directly if anything changes in how they register or cast ballots. The office urged voters to continue making plans as usual and to direct questions about registration or ballot status to local election officials rather than other sources.

The practical effect of the ruling on voters has been limited, and clerk's offices in nearby Wayne County communities report no changes to local absentee voting procedures because of the decision.

In Plymouth, Inkster, Romulus, Wayne and Westland, as in Canton, voters who are already enrolled in the Michigan Permanent Absentee Ballot List continue to have ballots mailed to them automatically for each election under the statewide list, which is maintained under state election law rather than by individual municipalities.

One change unrelated to the Supreme Court case is under way in the city of Plymouth. City election officials say that beginning in 2026, Plymouth will stop automatically mailing absentee ballot applications to voters who are on a separate, secondary list — the Permanent Absent Voter Application List — meaning those voters will need to request and return an application on their own to receive a ballot. The change does not affect voters who are on the Permanent Ballot List itself; those voters will continue to receive ballots automatically, according to city officials.

Michigan is among the states that sued to block the executive order and voting rights advocates say they expect further court challenges and attempts to affect voting before the November midterm elections.

Voters with questions about their registration, absentee ballot status or upcoming elections are encouraged to contact their local city or township clerk's office directly.

Breaking ground

Ceremony celebrates start of new Romulus public safety building

Romulus officials, first responders and community members met in a vacant field near Wick and Vining roads last Friday to commemorate the past and celebrate the future of public safety.

The event, specifically scheduled on Sept. 11, was a groundbreaking ceremony for the new public safety headquarters in the city. The date, officials noted, was timed to remember the heroic work of first responders during 9-11 and mark the long-awaited construction of the new police and fire headquarters in the community.
Before city officials placed the ceremonial shovels into the ground, the crowd paused to remember the thousands who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks and honor the heroic police and fire departments who worked at the site.

The new headquarters building will be constructed without any increased tax levy on residents, explained Mayor Robert McCraight.  In June, members of the Romulus City Council approved the sale of $45 million tax-increment bonds to finance a new public‑safety headquarters, purchases of technology and emergency equipment, and agreements to support infrastructure projects. Officials said the project will modernize facilities for police and fire and that residents should not see a direct tax increase as a result.

"It's exciting," said Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes. "They've been trying to get this facility for the last 35 years." He added that the current police headquarters is in a former elementary school in a city neighborhood. 

"A 100-year-old school building — it doesn't meet any of the needs of a modern police station," he said.

City leaders said the new site will also improve emergency response times.

"This is much more centrally located," Pfannes said. "The area where the station used to be is basically on a side street in a neighborhood. While residents liked it, it was not a good place for response, and we were routinely stopped by trains."

Fire Chief Dave Heavener said the building will hold nearly all fire department administration along with a four-bay station for crews responding to fire and EMS calls.

Heavener acknowledged the significance of the timing of the groundbreaking and reflected on the sacrifices made by first responders in the attacks, 25 years ago.

"Three hundred forty-three firefighters died that day from FDNY," Heavener said. "The common thing following that event was 'never forget,' and I think things that we've done here today and what we continue to do prove we're committed to not forgetting."

McCraight said the current police station no longer serves the department adequately.

"The men and women who risk their lives for this community deserve better than a repurposed 100-year-old school building," McCraight said. "They have been promised a better facility for nearly 50 years, and my administration intends to honor that commitment."

Officials said they hope to have the new headquarters operational in 2028.

Boyfriend charged with first-degree murder in shooting of teen

The 20-year-old boyfriend of a woman shot and killed last week in Westland is facing first-degree murder charges.

Daniel Jarrett Dean, 20, was arraigned last week in 18^th District Court by video before Judge Michael McNamara who set his bond at $1 million.

He is also facing one criminal count of felony firearm violations

The Wayne County Prosecutors office filed the charges following the Sept. 6 shooting death of Monica Rose Rokita, 18, who was living with the suspect in an apartment at The Landings complex near Hunter and Central City Parkway.

According to police reports officers were called to the apartment at about 6 p.m. last Sunday in response to a report of a shooting.

Officers found Rokita in the kitchen/living area of the apartment suffering gunshot wounds to her face, arm, chest and stomach. She was pronounced dead by Westland Fire Department medics at the scene, police said.

The prosecutor's office alleges that Dean fired a rifle multiple times, fatally wounding the woman, before fleeing the scene. 

Westland police arrested the suspect in the area shortly afterward. 

"This was overkill. Words cannot even begin to adequately express the utter gruesomeness of this crime. The defendant that we are alleging was responsible for this domestic violence carnage will be aggressively prosecuted and brought to justice," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a prepared statement announcing the criminal charges.

Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival begins tomorrow

Tomorrow evening the 28th Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival will open with the traditional Rotary Club sponsored Parade of Lights.

The event continues throughout the weekend with music, food, contests, and family entertainment

The festival set for Sept. 18, 19 and 20 will take place at Romulus Historical Park, where thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy the special community salute to the fall season.

The Romulus Rotary Club Parade of Lights, a nighttime procession featuring illuminated floats, bicycles and even cement trucks will begin at 8 p.m. tomorrow starting on Goddard Road (just w

est of Wayne Road) and traveling west and south toward Five Points.

Ongoing live music, entertainment, and harvest celebrations continue through the evening following the parade, organizers said.

The Saturday schedule is the festival's busiest, opening with the Punkie's 5K Run/Walk/Ride at 8 a.m., hosted by the Romulus Recreation Department, and a pancake breakfast served by the Romulus Fire Department's IAFF Local 4126. A classic car show presented by the Chevelle Club of Michigan runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Romulus Historical Society offers tours of historic buildings throughout the afternoon. The day also includes a pumpkin painting tent, an inflatable fun zone, and performances at the Freight House Stage from groups including the Romulus Public Library, Greca Martial Arts and Detroit Circus performer "Crazy Craig." A pumpkin chuckin' competition is set for late afternoon, and the day wraps up with musical acts on the main stage, including a dueling pianos show.

The festival concludes Sunday with a Worship in the Park service at the Freight House Stage, followed by more vendor booths, food trucks and family activities. Highlights include a Hometown Heroes ceremony recognizing local honorees and the "Romulus Got Talent" competition in the afternoon.

Organizers say the event, which began in 1997 after the Pumpkin Festival Committee formed the previous year, has grown into one of the city's signature community celebrations. The festival committee meets monthly at Romulus City Hall and continues to recruit volunteers, vendors and sponsors.

Most activities are free, though some, including food and craft vendors, may charge for goods. Organizers cautioned residents to purchase vendor spots or make donations only through official city-managed channels, warning that they do not accept payment through Venmo or PayPal.

Additional details, including a full schedule and vendor information, are available through the city's website or the festival's Facebook and Instagram pages, @RomulusDDAPumpkinFestival.

Police warn of area scam

Canton Township police are warning residents and contractors about a fake billing scam that demands immediate payment through wire transfers.

According to police, cybercriminals have been using correspondence that appears credible because it uses specific personal facts pulled directly from the internet and public records in emails to victims. The notices appear authentic, police said, due to the amount of correct information they may include.

Authorities said it is imperative that residents and contractors know that Canton Township never demands payments through wire transfers or accepts payments through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Other local municipalities share that policy, according to officials.

Police cautioned residents who may receive one of these letters or emails, not to send any money, click any links, or reply to the sender. Anyone who may receive a notice claiming unpaid bills to the township, or elsewhere demanding immediate payment through wire transfers, call Canton Township (734-394-5100). Callers will be transferred to the correct department to verify the legitimacy of the letter or email.

Police cautioned residents to “Never use the phone number, website, or email address printed on the suspicious notice itself.”

Authorities declined to reveal the number of potential victims or residents who may have been involved in the scam and urged all residents to be cautious of suspicious notifications.