The Eagle

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Romulus Trade Center is OK’d by city council

The first reading of plans for a new, multi-million dollar trade center were approved by members of the Romulus City Council this month.

The new, 171-acre development is planned along the south side of Smith Road, the east side of Vining Road and north of Wick Road and is the second proposal for the site proposed to city officials by NorthPoint Development.

The initial plans presented months ago by the developer were rejected by council members prompting a video apology from NorthPoint owner and founder Brent Miles during the meeting Sept. 13. Miles said the new proposal was a “long journey over several months” with the city and that the plan “didn't start off in the best manner.”

Jewell Jones

Michigan State Rep. Jewell Jones will remain in police custody awaiting a mental health evaluation requested by his attorney, former Inkster Mayor Byron Nolan.

Attorney Ali Hammound, who had represented Jones during drunk driving, resisting arrest and contempt of court charges since April, withdrew as counsel Friday morning. He told Livingston County Chief Judge Michael Hatty that his withdrawal was “due to a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship” and his withdrawal was in the best interest of both Jones and himself.

Nolan requested the mental health evaluation which was granted by Hatty who ordered Jones to remain in custody pending the findings of that examination.

Canton Township will celebrate the end of summer with a
band tomorrow night. Plans include food, live music
and fireworks at the Canton Township Picnic in the Park set
for 5 until 9 p.m. Sept. 24 in Heritage Park.

Canton Township will celebrate the end of summer with a band tomorrow night. Plans include food, live music and fireworks at the Canton Township Picnic in the Park set for 5 until 9 p.m. Sept. 24 in Heritage Park.

Visitors can enjoy food choices from area restaurants and food trucks, popular music artists performing on two stages leading up to the fireworks extravaganza scheduled to begin at dusk.

"We're hoping friends and neighbors grab their big blankets and head over Heritage Park, where they'll be able to pick a spot for their picnic and watch our live music performances, choose from a variety of great local eats and drinks, and then sit back and enjoy some amazing fireworks," stated Jon LaFever, Canton Leisure Services deputy director.

Councilwoman criticizes city meeting procedures

Romulus Councilwoman Virginia Williams expressed her frustration last week with the current procedures in place regarding the public comment portion of the council meeting agendas.

During the public comment section of the meeting, long-time city resident Sharon Walker asked about the status of the veterans' memorial.

“The court is done, the parking lot is done, what is happening with the memorial?” she said. She said she was unaware of any meetings about the memorial or plans to have it reinstalled near city hall.

Safety first

Donations fund fire safety equipment services for city businesses

Nearly 50 small business owners in Westland got some unexpected help from the city fire department where funds are now available to pay for the servicing of fire safety equipment.

The Westland Fire Administration Public Awareness Committee officially announced the funding for the program last month. The nonprofit group members hosted a summer raffle and generated $10,000 to be used to service 49 businesses in the city.

The businesses are those selected through the Westland CARES program, a city fund to assist struggling business owners and their employees. Grants to the 49 local businesses ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, officials said.

During National POW / MIA Recognition Day, which occurs annually on the third Friday in September, the VFW 9885 BOVA Post, hosted a special ceremony to honor those military veterans who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. The event took place on the post grounds on North Hix Road in Westland and the public was invited to participate. The theme of the memorial was "You Are Not Forgotten" and the event was attended by a large crowd, officials said.

Sumpter to allow kayaks, canoes at Sherwood Pond

Sumpter Township residents may soon be able to enjoy a kayak or canoe ride in Sherwood Pond at Banotai Park, pending an opinion from the township insurance carrier.

During a meeting of the members of the township board of trustees last month, trustees agreed to allow the non-motorized watercraft pending approval of current insurance coverage. Township attorney Rob Young said he would send the ordinance allowing the kayaks and canoes to the insurance carrier and report back to the board members if there were any objections or if any other coverage might be needed.

Plasma donation center wins court approval to open in city

The former Rite Aid building on the corner of Wayne and Ford roads in Westland will soon see some new blood.

Octapharma, a plasma donation center, will remodel and renovate the building as part of a consent judgment reached with the city in Wayne County Circuit Court. The proposed facility was rejected by a vote of city council members last September.

Former Detroit Pistons star Chauncey Billups speaks to the large crowd
outside Inkster City Hall last week during the announcement of
plans for high-speed, internet in the city.

Inkster is about to become a “Smart City.”

Plans were announced last week to increase internet access and speed in the city with the installation of a new $20 million fiber optic infrastructure.

Flagstar Bank officials said the company is contributing the first $1 million to Detroit-based Strategic Alliance Community Development Corp. to create the new fiber-optic infrastructure and provide high-speed broadband internet in Inkster. Ground-breaking for the project and training for workforce development will occur later this year, officials said and the project, named Smart City, is scheduled to be complete by mid-2023.

For the second time in his law enforcement career, Wayne Police Sgt. Nicholas Boruta, center, was honored as the city 2020 Officer of the Year in ceremonies earlier this month. Boruta was selected for the honor by the department awards committee, which includes patrol officers, command officers, and Police Chief Ryan Strong, left. Boruta was selected due to his consistent professionalism, calm demeanor, and ability to mentor younger officers, according to the proclamation at the regular meeting of the Wayne City Council, read by Mayor John Rhaesa, right.

First responders from Northville Township, Northville, Plymouth, Plymouth Township and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office joined together last week for the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 at the First Responders Memorial at Haggerty Road and Edward Hines Drive in Plymouth Township. The audience heard keynote speaker Patrick Anderson, a Sept. 11 survivor, who offered a message of hope while honoring those who lost their lives and the critical role first responders played. More than 125 people attended, including, from left, Northville Township Fire Fighter Jeff Darby, Fire Fighter Mike Mandziuk, Fire Marshal Tom Hughes, Ofc. Andrew Domzalski, Ofc. Dan MacArthur, Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte and Fire Fighter Jake Fedel.

Maybury Farms Corn Maze is now open

One of the most popular and eagerly awaited attractions of autumn is now open weekends at Maybury Farm in Northville.

The annual Corn Maze at the farm will continue to welcome visitors every weekend through Oct. 24 to the 9-acre maze newly-designed by the Ford Volunteer Corp. this year, the attraction also includes a scavenger hunt, and there is a 1-acre Mini Maze for those less adventurous members of the family.

Walking the entire 10-acre maze should take about an hour, Maybury officials said, while the mini maze can be completed in about 20 minutes.

For those seeking more of a challenge, the maze will remain open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with the last wagon-ride leaving an hour before closing. That allows the bravest to attempt to traverse the maze in the dark. The maze is open until 7 p.m. on Sundays with the last wagon leaving at 6 p.m.

Arts Council names winners of Savage Studio awards

The Plymouth Community Arts Council (PCAC) recently chose the winners of the 2021 Savage Studio Art Awards.

Established in 2021 by Plymouth artist Leonardo Savage, these talent-based art awards and scholarships are for students in the 5th-9th grades. They are awarded to encourage the creative artistic pursuits of the young people as they move through the "middle grades" into high school. These students were nominated by their Plymouth Community Arts Council summer art camp instructors based on talent, dedication to their art, and creative expression.

Garden Club meetings set

Members of the Country Garden Club of Northville have changed their meeting location. The meetings will now take place at Plymouth First United Methodist Church 45201 North Territorial Road in Plymouth.

Meetings take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. The Oct. 6 speaker will be Ken Breven whose topic will be Dahlias and on Nov. 3, speaker Allen Chartier will discuss Hummingbirds. The Holiday Luncheon of the group is planned for Dec. 1.

Speakers begin their one-hour presentations at 11:30 a.m. and a brief business meeting follows.

Little Shop of Horrors comes to Canton stage

Connor Rhoades as Seymour Krelborn and Jeff Powers as the
voice of Audrey II prepare their roles in the Spotlight
Players production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Village Theater.

One of Broadway and Hollywood's sci-fi smash musicals, Little Shop of Horrors, is appearing on the Main Stage at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton this weekend.

Presented by Spotlight Players, performances of the popular musical are set for Sept. 24, 25 and 26.

The plot introduces audiences to meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn as he stumbles across a new breed of plant that he names “Audrey II” - after a coworker on whom he has a crush. The foul-mouthed, singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood.

Growth Works honors township police officers’ work

Growth Works, which helps at-risk youth, recently honored area police officers for their efforts.

The Growth Works Juvenile Advisory Council lauded Canton Police for their outstanding work and partnership with youth and families. The late Ofc. Ed Jagst, who was killed in a domestic dispute, was among the officers honored.

Jagst’s widow accepted the award during the Sept. 14 Canton Board of Trustees meeting. “I know he would be honored, as I am,” she said.

State Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, presented a proclamation recognizing the work of the township police department during the meeting.

Planning commission OK’s proposal for BJ’s buying club

Members of the Canton Township Planning Commission have approved plans for a BJ's Wholesale Club at the former JC Penney store on Ford Road.

Commissioners recommended approval of the planned alterations to the building at 43690 Ford Road which has been vacant for several months. The current zoning allows for retail superstores and the alterations requested for BJ’s included only a reduction in the number of parking spaces to allow the installation of cart corrals and a tire center to be installed inside the building.

Historical society seeks new board members

The Canton Historical Society, a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of local historical information and resources, is currently accepting letters of interest to fill three board member positions.

The Canton Historical Society offers valuable opportunities for individuals interested in helping keep the history of the township alive, officials said. Once appointed, these volunteer board members will begin a three-year term starting in January 2022.

Landfill must pay $750,000 in court settlement

Last week, Arbor Hills Energy settled with the State of Michigan and the Department of Justice agreeing to significantly reduce the odor causing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at the Salem Township landfill gas-to-energy facility. SO2 is a dangerous, foul-smelling pollutant that can cause substantial harm to human health and air quality which has prompted complaints from residents in neighboring Northville Township since 2015. The decision comes almost a year after the suit was initially filed in October 2020 by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), following alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and state laws.

The company also agreed to pay two $375,000 fines - one to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and another to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

It will be a big night in Romulus tomorrow when the annual Rotary Club Parade of Lights officially begins the 23rd Annual Pumpkin Festival in the city.

The three-day event traditionally begins the third Friday in September with Parade of Lights, where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. The street festival offers music, food, crafts, and games for all ages, explained Merrie Dryor, director of activities and TIFA for the Romulus downtown Development Authority

Events include:

Friday, Sept. 17

Beer Tent "Pumpkin Pub" (6 p.m. - 12 a.m.) at the Romulus Historical Park Pavilion Food Trucks (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.) on Hunt Street

Romulus Rotary "Parade of Lights" (8 p.m. - 10 p.m.) on Goddard Road between Moore and Five Points

The Northville Heritage Festival may be a bit different this year, but the celebration of the history and tradition of the Northville community remains unchanged.

The smaller festival, organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, will take place this weekend, starting tomorrow, Sept. 17.

The traditional Victorian Parade will begin the Heritage Festival at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. The celebration will continue with some of the most popular festival features throughout the weekend. Currently planned is the inclusion of community nonprofit booths, live and street entertainment, crafters, Painting with Paws, History Hike, Lions Kid Sight Trailer, Petting Farm, Vintage Baseball, Mill Race Village Grounds and the Annual Duck Race.

The schedule of Heritage Festival activities will be available on the Heritage Festival website at https://www.northville.org/northville-heritage-festival soon and will continue to be updated as events are secured.

Plymouth absentee ballot applications are mailed

Plymouth residents currently registered on the permanent absent voter application list have already been receiving applications for ballots in the mail for the Nov. 2, General Election, according to the office of the city clerk.

Voters who are not on the list can obtain an application at Plymouth City Hall or complete an application online at MVIC https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication.

Applications for absentee ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at Plymouth City Hall using one of three available drop boxes. The 24-hour drop boxes are located in the Church Street entrance to city hall and at the Plymouth District Library drive-up book drop area, with a third drop box located in the main lobby of city hall. That box is open to the public during regular city hall business hours.

Plymouth City Hall is located at 201 S. Main, Plymouth.

State Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), hosted Canton Township Director of Police Services Chad Baugh during the 911 commemoration ceremony at the Lansing State Capitol last week. “Today, I was proud to be joined by Director Baugh as we honored the lives and memories of those we lost 20 years ago in the Sept. 11 attacks. The brave and courageous actions of those first responders helped save many lives that tragic day. Honoring their lives and telling their stories allows us the opportunity to shine a light on a day that looms so dark. The attacks forever changed our country and led to a dramatic rise in hate crimes for many communities. It is important to continue to work together to build an America in which we are all safe and welcome. Director Baugh and his men and women honor the sacrifices made each and every day as they continue that all-important work, and for that, I thank them.”

Amazon facility OK’d in Canton

Like the sprawling facilities in neighboring Plymouth and Romulus, Amazon is planning to open a 183,000 square-foot delivery center in Canton Township.

The Canton facility will be located on Michigan Avenue between Beck and Denton roads and will employ about 100 people, according to an announcement from Amazon. The delivery station is expected to open sometime next year, officials said.

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak said the township welcomed the new operation and that officials were excited to have been chosen for the facility.

Parks and Recreation offices return to Hillside

The offices of the Northville Parks and Recreation Department are returning to the Recreation Center at Hillside Middle School.

Following completion of a renovation as part of the new school facility construction project, the recreation center opened for programming Sept. 7.

Visitors now will have access to more convenient parking, a dedicated entrance and interior improvements like family changing rooms and an observation window into the gym, explained Northville Parks and Recreation Director Mark Gasche.

Wayne officials demand answers at DTE meeting

While several Wayne residents suffered long-term power outages following the recent heavy rains an inclement weather, Wayne officials have issued an official update regarding the situation.

“The City of Wayne has been in contact daily with DTE Energy about the unacceptable amount of power outages throughout areas of the city whether there was storm or not. With your help contacting the Michigan Public Service Commission, we are making strides towards getting DTE to make the necessary changes to the infrastructure so that this does not continue to happen,” an official posted on the city administration Facebook page.

According to the posting, city officials met with the DTE regional manager and several DTE Engineers last week and were given specifics regarding the outages.

The DTE engineers told city officials that Wayne, like most communities, is not on a single circuit and most of the circuits are on the borders of the community and impact other cities as well when the power goes out, engineers explained.

Inspire Theatre will present Monty Python's Spamalot during October weekends at the Westland Center for the Arts. Lovingly copied from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. Due to the uncertainty of the times, and in order to protect the safety of cast, crew and patrons, all attendees are required to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Belleville Area Museum has reopened.

“We're so excited to open our doors once again,” said museum Director Katie Dallos. “We have missed you all and can't wait to see everyone back at the Belleville Area Museum and at our fall events.”

Hours at the museum are noon until 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, although those may change in December, due to the holidays, Dallos said.

Current displays included a Women's Suffrage and Vintage Department Store Room which includes a 19th Amendment flag along with hats and costumes to try on.

The Van Buren Township Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Halloween Costume Drive and Give-Away for children and teenagers, ages 0-18.

“We're extremely excited to be offering free costumes to area children. We're asking that everyone goes home and pulls out a few gently-used costumes from their Halloween bins or better yet buy a few new costumes to donate to our event,” said Recreation Director Jennifer Zaenglein.

Belleville Community Chorus preparing for holiday concert

Members of the award-winning Belleville Community Chorus have begun rehearsals for the holiday season. This will be the 15th year for the holiday concert of the group which meets at Open Arms Lutheran Church, 7865 Belleville Road.

Membership in the chorus, directed by Racheal Paar, is open to "all who love music and singing".

Singers from 16 to 96 are being sought to join the choral group, whether an experienced signer or a performance veteran who has sung with the chorus previously. All vocal ranges are welcome, whether soprano, alto, tenor, bass, or not sure, organizers said.

State legislator jailed for repeated bond violations

State Rep. Jewell Jones, D-Inkster, was remanded to jail by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty on Tuesday for repeated positive alcohol consumption readings on his court-ordered monitor and his attempt to tamper with the electronic device.

Jones, who entered a guilty plea to the bond violations, will remain in the Livingston County Jail until at least tomorrow when a motion hearing is scheduled. Jones has been free on bond while awaiting trial on four counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer; four misdemeanors, operating a motor vehicle with a high blood alcohol content, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a weapon while under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.

Members of the Romulus Police Department and city officials congratulate newly-promoted Police Sgt. Darryl Nippes and Lt. Nicole Harris who were named to their new ranks last week. The promotions were celebrated by officials and families of the officers. “Both have been assets to the city and will continue to be in their new roles,” said an official statement from the department.

Boil-water advisory lifted by city officials in Inkster

The boil-water advisory for Inkster residents has been lifted and the water is now safe for drinking, cooking and bathing, according to city officials.

The recent loss of water system pressure within the southwest quadrant of the city have been resolved, a city spokesman said and the system is back to normal pressures. The system has been flushed and consecutive bacteriological samples have been taken per the State of Michigan requirements and show no signs of bacteria, he added.

Governor helps welcome new Westland hospital

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Westland Mayor William Wild
celebrate the opening of the new Westland Community

Health Center.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Westland last week to help celebrate the opening of the new Westland Community Health Center.

The new facility, operated by Garden City Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare is located at located at 35700 Warren Road in Westland, very near Westland City Hall. .

Following remarks by the governor, members of the hospital staff guided visitors on tours of the new health care center.

The new facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art free-standing emergency department which offers access to quality care, close to home, for area residents. With more than $10 million invested, the center features a spacious, open floor plan emergency room with 14 private rooms, two state-of-the-art trauma bays, CT Scans, digital x-rays, and a full-service lab. The free-standing emergency department will be operated by experienced and knowledgeable staff that has brought Garden City Hospital local and national recognition for clinical expertise and patient safety.

Joyful ending

Plymouth Fall Festival president to retire after 12 years at helm of event

This will be a bittersweet Fall Festival for Eric Joy.

Joy, who has served as president of the civic event for 12 years, has announced that he is leaving the volunteer position to move on to other things in his changing life.

“It is just time,” he said. “I think it is time to give someone else a chance. Maybe they will have new ideas,” he said.

Joy, who comes from a family dedicated to community service, has been involved with the Fall Festival for much longer than he has been president. He worked the event for many years as a volunteer under other leaders, eventually agreeing to take on the full responsibility for the event.

‘Chicken Sunday’

Safety is main ingredient at Rotary

Club Chicken Barbeque this year

The Plymouth Fall Festival returns this weekend, Sept. 10, 11 and 12, bringing many of the traditional events that attract thousands of people to the community each year.

Tickets are already on sale for the traditional Plymouth Noon Rotary Club Barbeque Chicken Dinners, a mainstay of the club.

This year, the festival and the barbeque will have an added concentration on safety and health precautions.

Romulus firefighters planning special 911 memorial

The Romulus Fire Department will host a special ceremony from 5 until 7 p.m. tomorrow to pay tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives during the attacks on 9/11 and to honor local firefighters and EMS workers.

The Firefighter Appreciation Ceremony will take place at the Romulus Athletic Center.

“One of the most devastating attacks in American history occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Twenty years later, we remember these heroes by commemorating the tragic events of that day and honoring the sacrifices they made,” said Kevin Krause, director of Fire Services and Emergency Management for Romulus Fire Department. “The bravery of every firefighter called to duty that day is an admirable quality found right here in the City of Romulus. Being a first responder is a lifelong duty of helping others in need and we are thankful every day for the men and women in our community who have dedicated their lives to service.”

Eric Luke

A new program of blight control in Sumpter Township resulted in a pleasant surprise for Director of Public Safety Eric Luke.

Luke told members of the Township Board of Trustees during a meeting last month that the level of cooperation with the program was exceptional.

“This has been very successful,” he told the trustees. “I was surprised. We are getting a good reaction and feedback from those who need to make changes to structures in the township.”

Luke explained that in February, several of the township departments formed a new committee to “get rid of some hurdles we were facing with blight enforcement.” He said that with several departments in the township cooperating and providing input, the enforcement process was much more effective and streamlined.

Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival set for Sept. 17, 18 and 19

Another step out of the shadow of the COVID pandemic is planned in Romulus with the 23rd Annual Pumpkin Festival set for Sept. 17, 18 and 19 this year.

The festival is a three-day event that traditionally begins the third Friday in September with the Rotary Club Parade of Lights, where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to view the parade, organizers said. This year, as always, there is no registration fee to enter the parade, although preregistration is required. All entries must be decorated with working lights, “the more the better” according to Rotary Club members.

The street festival offers music, food, crafts, and games for all ages, explained Merrie Dryor, director of activities and TIFA for the Romulus Downtown Development Authority. The Pumpkin Festival also includes a Classic Car Show, Craft and Vendor Show and live music, along with other events, games and activities.

Police investigation into crash that killed 11-year-old continues

Van Buren Township police are seeking witnesses to a traffic accident that took the life of an 11-year-old Ypsilanti Township boy last week.

According to police reports, the incident took place just before 6:20 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 on Michigan Avenue near Denton Road. Officers were called to the scene following a report of a crash involving a pedestrian.

A preliminary investigation by responding officers indicated that a disabled vehicle was parked partially in the travel lanes of eastbound Michigan Avenue, apparently due to a mechanical failure. Three people were standing outside the disabled vehicle when a 61-year-old Canton Township resident driving a Ford Fusion east on Michigan Avenue crashed into the vehicle.

One of the three individuals standing o

Inkster residents warned to boil all water

Inkster residents remain under a boil water advisory due to a bacterial contamination, according to a notice from the city.

According to a public notice sent to residents, the city water supply system experienced a drop in pressure Aug. 27, in the area south of Michigan Avenue and west of Inkster Road. An unknown source caused the pressure reduction which, in turn, may have allowed bacterial contamination.

“Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment,” officials said. “Corrective measures are being undertaken to correct the situation.”

Jewell Jones

State Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) has come under harsh public criticism for several social media posts that appear to question both the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and the need for vaccinations against the virus which has killed more than 20,000 Michigan residents.

As cases of the Delta-variant of the virus continue to rise in the state and hospitalizations of children affected by the strain are taxing hospital systems, Jones' posts drew fire from parents, state officials and health experts, along with his political party leaders.

Jones, last week, posted an Instagram meme with actor Jon Hamm's face and verbiage “Stop saying you did your research before you got the injection.You are the research.”

Scary season

Scarecrow contest entries are now being accepted

Again this year, Wayne Ripple Effect will sponsor and organize the Scarecrow Contest in the city.

The artistic and original creations are constructed by individuals, families and businesses on a pre-made frame. Each scarecrow will wear a placard stating the organization or family named while being displayed on West Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road this year. Entry fees range from $20 to $30.

Following the installation of the scarecrows, photos of each entry will be uploaded on the Wayne Ripple Effect Facebook page. Live voting and the announcement of the winning entries will take place during the official scarecrow reception in Derby's Alley set for Oct. 16.

The Scarecrow registration form includes rules, dates and fees for entry and is available online. As the group no longer has a physical location, a spokesman urged residents to register online using Eventbrite.

Museum masterpieces on display in Westland

Some of the greatest artists of all time have come to visit Westland.

The Detroit Institute of Arts has completed the installation of reproductions of museum masterpieces throughout the city as part of the Inside Out program.

The program, now in the 12th year, has brought six weather-resistant reproductions of masterpieces from DIA collection to the Westland community.

“The City of Westland is proud to accept these six pieces and have chosen community buildings, Westland City Hall and some Westland parks as incredible display locations for this celebration of art,” commented Mayor William R. Wild. “We are thrilled to see this program return to our community.”

Township celebrates with family picnic Sept. 24

There will be festive food, live music and fireworks at the Canton Township Picnic in the Park set for Friday, Sept. 24.

The event will take place from 5 until 9 p.m. in Heritage Park and include food choices from area restaurants and food trucks, popular music artists performing on two stages, before the fireworks extravaganza scheduled to begin at dusk.

“We're hoping friends and neighbors grab their big blankets and head over Heritage Park, where they'll be able to pick a spot for their picnic and watch our live music performances, choose from a variety of great local eats and drinks, and then sit back and enjoy some amazing fireworks,” stated Jon LaFever, Canton Leisure Services deputy director.

Canton Fire Department is awarded federal grant

Members of the Canton Board of Trustees formally accepted a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant

The grant was awarded to the Canton Township Fire Department in the amount of $129,163.64, with a 10 percent match of $12,916.36 by the department. The total amount of $142,080 will cover enhanced physicals and cancer screenings for firefighters, during a two-year period.

Return to history

Northville Heritage Festival will fill downtown streets next week

The Heritage Festival may be a bit different this year, but the celebration of the history and tradition of the Northville community remains unchanged.

The smaller festival, organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, will take place Sept. 17, 18 and 19 with a different location, parade route, event days/times, and several other changes.

"Please be patient as the details unfold. We look forward to bringing a little cheer and normalcy to our Northville community. We hope to bring the festival back in full strength in 2022, but let's enjoy ourselves in 2021," a chamber spokesperson said.

Students throughout the district will see a new face in the hallways this school year as they are joined by Northville Township Police Ofc. Michael Brown. Brown, who joined the Northville Township Police Department in 2019, has been named School Resource Officer. The classroom is familiar to him as he is currently pursing a master's degree in Homeland Security and Technology at Eastern Michigan University, where he also received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. While at Eastern, he was a member of the football team and nominated captain his senior season. He graduated from the Wayne County Regional Police Academy in 2017. The native of Sandusky, Ohio, began his career as a police officer at Eastern Michigan University Police Department, where he interned as an undergrad.

Garden Club meetings set

Meetings take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. The Oct. 6 speaker will be Ken Breven whose topic will be Dahlias.

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Romulus Clerk Craig-Bragg is 2021 City Clerk of the Year

Ellen Craig-Bragg

For years, Romulus residents and officials have ‘bragged’ they had the best city clerk in the state.

Now, they can prove it.

Romulus City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg has been named the City Clerk of the Year by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. She was to be honored yesterday at a luncheon during which Michigan Secretary of State Joceyln Benson was scheduled to present her with the award in response to her long list of accomplishments in the Romulus community.

Craig-Bragg said she was “deeply honored” to have been nominated for the prestigious honor.

Links

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