Sumpter Township police thwart armed home invasion

Police have arrested all four suspects in an armed home invasion that occurred Thursday night in the 44000 block of Wear Road, according to the Sumpter Township Police Department.

Sumpter Township Police officials said a call was received at about 10:24 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 reporting a home invasion in progress. The caller was not a resident of the home but a friend of the victims who was on a FaceTime video call with them when she witnessed them being ambushed and assaulted, police said. The call was disconnected during the attack.

Investigators said four armed men — carrying rifles and handguns — had staked out the residence before stealthily approaching the home and confronting the people inside. Officers said one resident was pistol-whipped and handcuffed while the suspects demanded money, firearms and other valuables.

The assault was interrupted when officers arrived at the scene, police said, and the four suspects fled into a heavily wooded area nearby.

Multiple agencies joined the search using drones, K-9 units and a Michigan State Police aviation unit. Three suspects were taken into custody during the initial search, police said.

The fourth suspect remained at large for about 11 hours. Police said a resident called in a tip after seeing a man leave the wooded area along Wear Road and get into a waiting vehicle. Officers took the man into custody around 9:30 a.m. Friday, according to police reports.

Long-time Sumpter Township Trustee Tim Rush said police reports indicated officers were on the scene within 3 minutes of the initial report and in about 2 minutes when the call about the fourth suspect was received. Rush said he was told that none of the suspects spoke English and an interpreter had to be called from another department following the arrests. He said his information was that all four suspects were illegal immigrants.

“Our police department proved how professional and efficient these officers are,” Rush said. “This is such a safe community because of them.”

Police said the victims' dog, named Chip, went missing during the chaos of the home invasion, but was later found and returned home.

The Sumpter Township Police Department credited assisting agencies, including the Huron Township, Van Buren, Pittsfield Township, Milan and Monroe police departments, the Huron-Clinton Metropark Police, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, and Michigan State Police canine, aviation and emergency services units.

Anthony Carlo Marquez, 39, Einer Eloy Altamirano Barbosa, 24, and Gilbert David Machado Gonzalez, 20, all of Detroit, along with Jesus D. Blanco Amador, 34, of Cornelia, Georgia, have been arraigned on charges of one count of armed robbery, one count of first-degree home invasion, one count of felonious assault, two counts of unlawful imprisonment and four counts of felony firearm - pneumatic gun.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sumpter Township Police Department Detective Bureau at (734) 461-4833, ext. 4.

Serving a purpose

Rotary A.M. spaghetti dinners support community groups, students

The large canvas tote bags loaded with an authentic Italian dinner prepared by members of the Rotary Club of Plymouth A.M. during the Fall Festival are much more than a welcome convenience.

The bags are a symbol of support for a long list of community projects and services the club supports.

The Rotary Club of Plymouth A.M. celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the club this year, noted charter member Kate Rosevear.

Rosevear, who remains active with the club, which was founded in 1996, said the morning club members are still “doing a lot of good” in the Plymouth Community and throughout the world. “The club is small, but mighty,” she added.

Proceeds from this 18^th annual spaghetti dinner set for Saturday, Sept. 12 will be used to provide scholarships for Plymouth-Canton area students who have overcome significant challenges in completing classes to graduate from high school; to help fund the Plymouth Champions Program at Starkweather Academy; to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas household essential items to 20 Plymouth families; to maintain two eco-friendly rain gardens and three Little Libraries in Plymouth; to support the Plymouth Canton Community Schools Mental Health and Well Being Fair; to provide financial and other assistance to the autistic and differently-abled members of the community through ParcLifeNow; and to continue to produce and provide the “Waving the Flag for Veterans” program through the streets of Plymouth in May and November. 

Again, this year the dinners will include a large portion of Mama Mucci’s spaghetti with an authentic Italian marinara sauce topped with two generous-sized meatballs. The meatballs can be excluded for vegetarians, organizers noted. Also included is a special Italian Coleslaw salad, champagne-garlic bread from The Whitney in Detroit, a Jimmy John’s colossal chocolate chip cookie, a bottle of spring water, and specialty coffees provided by Alwadi Café.

Pre-event tickets for dinners are $12.50 per adult while tickets purchased at the dinner or on Saturday are priced at $15 per adult. As has been traditional, dinners for children 5 and younger are free with the purchase of an adult meal, on a one-to-one basis. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any member of the morning Rotary Club; by credit card online at www.plymouthamrotary.org; or by cash or check at Travel Leaders, 44623 Five Mile Road at Sheldon Road, (734) 455-5810. Tickets can also be purchased at the bar at E.G. Nick’s, the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, or at the Fall Fest Dinner Ticket booth at Penniman and Main Street, Friday night or Saturday until noon during the Fall Festival.

The popular drive-through carry-out service will be available from 3 until 7 p.m. Saturday, or until the dinners are sold out.

The Rotary Club of Plymouth A.M. members meet for breakfast early Tuesday mornings and have guest speakers twice a month, Rosevear said.  Meetings take place from 7 until 8:15 a.m. at the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex, Door 15. Individuals who subscribe to a “Service Above Self” attitude are invited to come “try us on.” No reservations are needed.

Visit www.plymouthamrotary.org for more information.

New trustee appointed to serve on Plymouth Township Board

The Plymouth Township Board of Trustees voted 6-0 Aug. 25 to appoint Joe Reilly to the board, filling a seat left vacant when Trustee Mark Clinton submitted his resignation.

Township Clerk Kim Gaedeke swore Reilly into office during the regular meeting. He will serve the remainder of Clinton's term, which expires in 2028.

"I want to thank the members of the board," Reilly said after the vote. "I look forward to serving the township."

Reilly, 31, has lived in the township for seven years and is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. He has served for about a year and a half on the township Zoning Board of Appeals, where he is currently vice chairman.

Township Supervisor Chuck Curmi said seven people applied for the seat and trustees interviewed four finalists individually before selecting Reilly. Board members pointed to the "generational representation" Reilly could bring given his age.

Reilly described more than a decade of experience in operations, financial accountability and high-stakes negotiations, including work as an operations director in the automotive industry, where he oversaw teams nationwide and led contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers. He said that background prepared him to handle high-pressure situations, listen carefully and protect long-term interests of the township.

The term was vacant following Clinton’s July resignation, citing what he called his exclusion from the process that led to the appointment of William Ickes, a member of the Plymouth Planning Commission as Trustee Jennifer Buckley's replacement earlier that month. Clinton said he was not told a candidate had already been selected before the July 21 vote of the board members confirming that appointment.

In his resignation letter, Clinton said elected trustees should be included in major decisions and that residents deserve an open, transparent and collaborative process.

Reilly's appointment is the latest development in months of turnover on the seven-member board.

Buckley resigned earlier this year after buying a home outside the township. Former Clerk Jerry Vorva resigned effective March 13, and after weeks of public disagreement among board members, trustees appointed Kim Gaedeke — former head of the University of Michigan's Opioid Research Institute — as clerk on May 12. Curmi pushed for a unanimous vote on Gaedeke's appointment, calling the preceding weeks "a very low point in the history of Plymouth Township."

Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz told the board at a June 23 meeting that he plans to resign later this year or in early 2027, though he said the decision was unrelated to the internal conflicts of the board members.

A lawsuit stemming from the turmoil remains pending: Vorva has sued Trustee John Stewart, alleging Stewart lunged at him during a closed-session meeting and created a “hostile working environment.” Stewart has denied the allegation.

Suspect faces felony charges in dollar store stabbing

A 22-year-old Inkster man is facing multiple felony charges in the stabbing of a 63-year-old woman at a local dollar store.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Stephen Patrick Ross, Jr., in connection with the non-fatal stabbing of a Phyllis Robinson of Westland.

Inkster Police were dispatched to a dollar store at about 2:49 p.m. Aug. 24 in response to a reported stabbing, according to a statement from Worthy’s office.

When officers arrived at the store located in the 100 block of Inkster Road, they observed the victim inside the store, suffering from multiple stab wounds to her head, back, and arms. Medics arrived on the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment, where she was reported in critical condition due to her injuries.

It is alleged that Ross used a knife that was for sale in the store to stab the victim multiple times. The defendant and the victim did not know each other, according to police reports.

Ross has been charged with one count of assault with intent to murder, one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and one count of felonious assault. He was arraigned in 22^nd District Court before Judge Sabrina Johnson and remanded to jail.

“This incident is a disturbing act of violence, and we want our residents to know that violence of this nature will not be tolerated in the city of Inkster. Every person should be able to shop, work, and live in our community without fear of becoming the victim of a random act of violence,” said Inkster Police Chief Tamika L. Jenkins in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family as she receives medical treatment. We also commend the responding officers for their professionalism and swift response in addressing this incident,” she added. “Our primary concern remains the well-being of Ms. Robinson. We ask our community to keep her and her family, and everyone affected by this incident in your thoughts as we hope for her continued recovery,” the chief concluded.

Registration for Romulus Pumpkin Festival 5K run available

The 28th annual Pumpkin Festival will gather the community at Romulus Historical Park Sept. 18, 19 and 20 for a weekend including live music, food, crafts, and games for all ages.

The event begins with the traditional Rotary Club Parade of Lights, where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to view the fun-filled lighted parade exhibits. Questions about this event should be directed to the Romulus Rotary Facebook Information is available on the Romulus Rotary webpage or by email at romulus.rotary@gmail.com. There is no fee to enter the parade, but a $10 donation is usually requested. The only requirement for entry is that the float or vehicle be completely lighted, the more lights the better, organizers said.

More information about the festival is available at pumpkinfestival@romulusgov.com 

Registration for Punkie's 5k Run Walk/Ride will be accepted until Aug. 29. Punkie’s 5K, is a family-friendly run/walk/bike through the heart of the historic city, organizers said. It is suitable for both seasoned runners chasing a personal best or those just looking for a fun way to stay active.
The Pumpkin Pub will be open Friday and Saturday at the park and the Romulus Fire Department will host a Pancake Breakfast at the Park Pavilion from 8 until 11 a.m. Saturday. Live entertainment will continue throughout the weekend at the Freight House Stage, the Gazebo Patio and the Main Stage in the park. The Pumpkin Painting Tent will be open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Inflatable Bounce Houses will be on site, and Bingo will be sponsored by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce from 11 a.m. until 8 on Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The unique and popular Pumpkin Chuckin’ competition is set for 4 until 5 p.m. on Saturday and the traditional Romulus Got Talent Competition will close the festival from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Community calendar

City-wide Garage Sale planned

 The free fall city-wide yard sale will take place in Romulus Sept. 24 through Sept. 27.

Registrations received by Friday, Sept. 18, will be included in a list of participating addresses published in The Eagle newspaper.

Contact the clerk's office at (734) 942-7540, clerk@romulusgov.com for more information.

Applications are available at: https://www.romulusgov.com/.../Spring-Fall-Citywide...

 

Firefighters broil chicken

The Sumpter Township Fire Department and MAFF 343 will host the annual Chicken Broil from noon until 5 p.m. Sept. 13. This is the return of the event since it was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.

Dinners, priced at $15, include a half, chicken, corn on the cob, Cole slaw, roll, and beverage.

The dinners will be served at the fire station, 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Plymouth Fall Festival nears

The 69^th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival and Rotary Chicken Barbeque is set for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 this year.

Tickets for the famous Sunday Chicken Barbeque are priced at $17 presale and $20 the day of the event.

Organizers said the traditional event, which is a fundraiser for charities, civic organizations and school events will include the popular attractions and some new features.

 

17^th Annual Blues, Brats and Bands returning to Canton

The 17th annual Canton Brews, Brats, and Bands will take place at Preservation Park from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The event offers craft beer enthusiasts and attendees aged 21 and older a variety of drinks, bratwurst,  live music, and other attractions.

Tickets are $45 plus a per-ticket service charge and can only be purchased online at Beerfests.com by searching Canton, MI. Designated driver tickets are just $15, plus a per-ticket service charge

For more information on Brews, Brats, and Bands, visit www.cantonfun.org. 

2 officers, suspect injured in gunfire exchange

A shooting in Romulus last week left two Dearborn police officers wounded and a suspect hospitalized in critical condition.
The shootings occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21 near Inkster and Van Born roads in Romulus as Dearborn officers attempted to arrest a Detroit man. Twelve police agencies including Romulus and Michigan State Police responded to the scene of the shootings. The Dearborn officers’ injuries were non-life -threatening, according to police while the suspect was arrested at the scene and immediately hospitalized. Police said the suspect remained in critical condition at press time.

No Romulus officers were injured in the gunfire.
The incident began when Dearborn officers were dispatched to the Pantheion Club on Michigan Avenue at about 2:15 a.m. following a report of a man brandishing a gun during an argument on the premises.
When uniformed officers responded to the scene the suspect refused to cooperate and fled the parking lot in a white flatbed tow truck, according to reports from Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. The officers pursued the vehicle but intentionally terminated the pursuit to prevent a high-speed chase which could have endangered area residents, Shahin said.
Two undercover officers from the Dearborn Special Investigations Team assumed the pursuit of the man and followed him to the Romulus Citgo gas station undetected. The gas station is near the four-corners border of Romulus, Westland, Dearborn Heights and Taylor.
According to police reports, the officers identified themselves at the scene in an effort to make an arrest. The suspect fired a handgun at the two officers and attempted to flee, according to police reports. Patrol officers from multiple surrounding communities allegedly responded to the scene of the gunfire. One Dearborn officer sustained gunshots to his stomach and arm, and the other was shot in his shoulder, according to police. The suspect sustained critical injuries, police said.
Both officers were treated for their injuries and have been released from the hospital, Shahin said, and are currently on paid leave from the department. Each is a 10-year veteran of the force, the chief noted.
The wounded suspect was identified as a 32-year-old Detroit resident who had a “violent criminal history” according to police. The man was released on parole in 2021. His name has not been released pending arraignment.
“This could have easily been a fatal encounter for my officers,” Shahin said, adding that a bulletproof vest may have saved at least one of the injured officer’s life. “I’m extremely grateful that our officers have been released from the hospital and are recovering at home.”

The incident remains under investigation by Michigan State Police.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR
 
Duck Race tickets now on sale
The Annual Lucky Ducky Rubber Duck Race sponsored by the Belleville Rotary Club is set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 on Belleville Lake at Horizon Park. Tickets, limited to 1,100, are now available from any Rotary member.
For more information, visit the Belleville Rotary Club Facebook page.
 
City-wide Garage Sale planned
 The free fall city-wide yard sale will take place in Romulus Sept. 24 through Sept. 27.
Registrations received by Friday, Sept. 18,  will be included in a list of participating addresses published in The Eagle newspaper.
Contact the clerk's office at (734) 942-7540, clerk@romulusgov.com for more information.
Applications are available at: https://www.romulusgov.com/.../Spring-Fall-Citywide...
 
Plymouth Fall Festival nears
The 70^th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival and Rotary Chicken Barbeque is set for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 this year.
Tickets for the famous Sunday Chicken Barbeque are priced at $17 presale and $20 the day of the event.
Organizers said the traditional event, which is a fundraiser for charities, civic organizations and school events will include the popular attractions and some new features.
 
17^th Annual Blues, Brats and Bands returning to Canton
The 17th annual Canton Brews, Brats, and Bands will take place at Preservation Park from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The event offers craft beer enthusiasts and attendees aged 21 and older a variety of drinks, bratwurst,  live music, and other attractions.
Tickets are $45 plus a per-ticket service charge and can only be purchased online at Beerfests.com by searching Canton, MI. Designated driver tickets are just $15, plus a per-ticket service charge
For more information on Brews, Brats, and Bands, visit www.cantonfun.org. 

A tradition of service
Plymouth Fall Festival is united fundraiser for community groups

A tradition of community service and giving will continue in the Plymouth community this year when local service clubs, civic and school groups, along with local non-profits join in a single weekend of fundraising Sept. 11, 12 and 13.
Fall Festival President Andrea Gerber noted that many people are unaware of the underlying historical purpose of the annual event. Every booth, every food truck, every amusement ride is a fundraiser for a local service club, student group or non-profit organization in the community, she stressed.
The festival began as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club who hosted a chicken barbeque in 1956 to buy some playground equipment for a local park.
Those first Rotary Club Chicken Barbeques, always dedicated to funding a local playground or civic project, evolved into the first official Fall Festival when 3,500or so folks attended the event and the Rotary club members served about 2,800 dinners. The event grew and evolved over the following years into the three-day weekend festival attended by an estimated 20,000 people last year.
One rule has remained in place during the decades-long growth and expansion of the event: to be a part of the Fall Festival, a booth, display or vendor must be sponsored by a local service or non-profit community group. No exceptions. Every vendor at the event is there to benefit the community by generating funds to be donated to a civic or school group. The wide-ranging success of those volunteer efforts can be seen throughout the community with local scholarships and multiple amenities and programs funded by civic groups.
Gerber is in her third year as president of the enormous undertaking that produces the expanded Plymouth Fall Festival. She explained that while the non-profits have their own teams managing their individual booths or events which “are now a well-oiled machine” the growth and constant expansion of the event does take real commitment. “It’s really a small group of people who know what they are doing,” she added.
The event is produced each year by JAG Entertainment, and company owner James Gietzen takes a hands-one approach to this special event. Gietzen, a member of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club, is “a real blessing” Gerber said. “He does such a great job. We are so lucky to have him.” Gietzen helps schedule the stage performances and books bands and other entertainment during the event and, as Gerber says, “just does whatever is needed.”

While the entire event continues to expand each year, Gerber said she is particularly impressed with the success and popularity of the Friday night Bingo games which fund the area Little League program. “Bingo is so popular, people love it,” she said. “It just continues to grow.”

Gerber said she and Fall Festival Vice Chairman Pam Batcho have never lost site of the real purpose of the event. “We’re all here for the community,” she said. “With everything going on, all the booths and the entertainment, there really is something for everyone here.”

Supervisor’s 3^rd attempt to pay son rejected by trustees

Sumpter Township Trustees have not reconsidered their position on the appointment of T.J. Bowman as the assistant supervisor to his father, Supervisor Tim Bowman.
The controversial appointment has been an issue since July 14 when Bowman initially announced his intent to name his son as his assistant at a salary of $8,200 annually. His motion failed by a 3-3 tie vote in the absence of Treasurer Bart Patterson prompting Bowman to abruptly leave the ongoing meeting. The item was again considered at the July 28 meeting when Trustees Matt Oddy and Tim Rush along with Patterson questioned the propriety of the appointment.
During discussion of the proposed hiring during the July 28 meeting several residents, along with Oddy and Patterson questioned the appearance of “nepotism” and stated their opposition to the hiring. Patterson told Bowman and the other board members the hiring was misguided considering the current issues facing the township and that it was in direct conflict with Bowman’s stated promises as he campaigned for election.
In response, Bowman removed the item from the agenda and announced he would arbitrarily appoint his son and have him sworn in without board approval. While Bowman is allowed by the township charter to appoint an assistant supervisor, board members control approval of any payment for the position. Bowman made the appointment and T. J. Bowman was sworn in as assistant supervisor on July 30. In that capacity, the younger Bowman has access to personnel records, legal briefings and closed session meetings of the trustees.
At the Aug. 11 meeting, Patterson said his position on the issue had not changed and a local resident questioned the younger Bowman’s qualifications during the public comment segment of the meeting. Patterson said he did not understand why the issue was back before the board as an agenda item for the third time. Bowman subsequently removed the item from the meeting agenda, avoiding another vote on the question.
This was the third attempt by Bowman to secure township employment for his son. The township did not hire the younger Bowman for a previous part-time position in the township DPW, and he was disqualified as a candidate for the township ordinance officer position following a determination by the township hiring committee that his hiring would be a conflict of interest considering his employment at his father’s construction company which does work for the township.

The salary issue followed the naming of hiring committee members to interview and participate in the hiring selection for three vacant positions in the township: township manager, finance director, and human resources/finance assistant. Following discussion, board trustees named Clerk Don LaPorte, Patterson and Oddy as the hiring committee for the finance and human resources position. The entire board will consider candidates for the township manager and finance director positions.

Annual Canton Brews, Brats and Bands set for Sept. 12

Back for the 17th year, the Canton Brews, Brats, and Bands will take place at Preservation Park from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The event offers craft beer enthusiasts and attendees aged 21 and older a variety of drinks, bratwurst,  live music, and other attractions.
Preparations are well under way for this special event, which will be hosted by Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services and the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill, in Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge Road.  Sponsors of the event include Schoolcraft College, and UBS.  

“This popular fall event provides access to over 75 specialty beers, ciders, seltzers, and now mocktails in one location, which is appealing to both newcomers and seasoned beer aficionados alike,” said Kevin Ryan, Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill community program director. “Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time. Plus, proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is based in Canton that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth and senior programs."
Admission includes eight tasting tokens, each good for beer, cider, mocktail, or seltzer tasting samples, plus one grilled brat of your choice (vegetarian option available), a bag of chips, a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. Gameday Social Bar will provide tasty brats. Additionally, musical entertainment will be performed throughout the evening by the Persuasion Band.   

Tickets are $45 plus a per-ticket service charge and can only be purchased online at Beerfests.com by searching Canton, MI. Designated driver tickets are just $15, plus a per-ticket service charge.  Advance ticket sales are encouraged. Only credit cards and debit cards will be accepted at all points of purchase, including limited day-of ticket sales at the door (if still available).  Additional beer tasting tickets are available for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5.  Since limited chairs and tables will be provided, attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs
For more information on Brews, Brats, and Bands, visit www.cantonfun.org. 

Sumpter police reject Flock traffic cameras

The Sumpter Police Department has cancelled an agreement to install 11 Flock Falcon ALPR cameras along township borders.

Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke posted a statement on social media announcing the cancellation of an April agreement to install the controversial traffic license plate reader devices. The cameras were to have been installed at no cost to the township for a 60-day test period.  The stated purpose was an effort to alert township police when stolen vehicles or those linked to criminal activity entered Sumpter Township.

“Our goal was to leverage technology to help maintain the highest standards of safety and security for our community,” the social media post stated.

“After careful consideration of public feedback, the department has canceled the agreement with Flock, effective immediately. Since no cameras have been installed, no removal is necessary,” the post continued.

“We place the highest value on the trust our community gives us. While technology can enhance modern law enforcement, true public safety is built on direct relationships, transparency, and shared values with our community,” Luke continued.

Luke acknowledged the “passionate views” sparked by national debate over technology in policing—ranging from ALPRs to drones but said that the focus of the township department remains local.

“Our approach is always centered on the unique needs of Sumpter Township’s 36 square miles and, most importantly, on the well-being of our residents,” the post continued.

The camera installations were also removed last month from Westland following public protests and criticism.

Ten cameras primarily located along Ford Road prompted strong public criticism questioning the impact on personal privacy posed by the devices.

Westland Police Chief Kyle Dawley said controversy regarding the devices centered on access to the data collected by federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Officials from Flock Safety issued a statement defending the technology arguing that removing systems used to solve violent crimes can slow investigations.

The company said that in 2025 its technology supported more than one million criminal investigations and incidents, contributed to an estimated 20 percent of solved cases in jurisdictions where it is deployed, and helped locate more than 10,000 missing people.

Celebrating community

Plymouth and Romulus welcome fall with traditional family festivals

 

Plymouth Fall Festival

One of the oldest and most beloved community events is set to begin in downtown Plymouth Sept.11, 12 and 13 when The Fall Festival arrives.

The event, focused on supporting local nonprofit organizations, brings more than 25,000 visitors into the community each fall for a weekend of live entertainment, unique displays, food and family-friendly entertainment. In nearly seven decades, the event has not strayed from the core mission to support local nonprofits and bring the community together through a fun, family-focused event.

The now all-encompassing event began with a community family picnic, sponsored by the Plymouth Rotary Club. The picnic was suggested by Don Lightfoot, a member of the Rotary Club Youth Activities Committee. Lightfoot proposed a chicken barbecue to raise funds to fund the purchase of equipment for a playground at the end of Wing Street.

That was in May of 1956, and the event has evolved into a three-day festival which brings all the local service clubs, groups and school activities into a united fundraising weekend.

The first Plymouth Fall Festival took place on Sunday, Sept. 11, 1960, from 12:30 until 6 p.m. a far cry from the current three-day event which includes a dinner prepared by the Vietnam Veterans on Friday evening; the famous Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning followed by the Optimist Club Pet Show, an all-time favorite in the community. The Plymouth A.M. Rotary Club Spaghetti Dinner is served Saturday evening and the famous Rotary Club Chicken Barbeque takes place beginning at about 11 a.m. Sunday.

There is live entertainment on the stage in Kellogg Park featuring professional entertainers, community and school groups and live music during the weekend. A ‘Party Tent’ in a Forest Street restaurant rear parking lot traditionally offers adult beverages and popular live bands on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The highlight of the weekend remains the Rotary Chicken Barbeque which at the height of popularity served more than 20,000 chicken dinners in one afternoon, all prepared by volunteers from the Rotary club, along with volunteers from area school groups. The barbeque pits, which still use some of the original cinder blocks from decades ago, are set up in military precision Saturday evening and the pits are lit by the club ‘smoke eaters’ beginning at about 6 a.m. to ensure the famous chicken dinners start coming off the grills by 11 a.m.

While many groups have emulated the famous barbeque, none have yet mastered the ‘secret seasonings’ which have made the dinners one of the most popular annual events throughout the area.

Tickets for each of the weekend meal events are now available from various club members. More festival information is available on the Plymouth Fall Festival website.

 

Romulus Pumpkin Festival

The 28th annual Pumpkin Festival will gather the community at Romulus Historical Park the weekend of Sept. 18, 19 and 20 for a weekend including live music, food, crafts, and games for all ages. Attractions include the Classic Car Show, Craft and Vendor Show, and multiple other features. Organizers said, “It is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community.”

More information about the event is available at pumpkinfestival@romulusgov.com 

The event begins with the traditional Rotary Club Parade of Lights, where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to view the fun-filled lighted parade exhibits. Questions about this event should be directed to the Romulus Rotary Facebook Page @RomulusRotary or email romulus.rotary@gmail.com. There is no fee to enter the lighted parade, but a $10 donation is usually requested. The only requirement for entry is that the float or vehicle be completely lighted, the more lights the better, organizers said.

Registration for Punkie's 5k Run Walk/Ride will be accepted until Aug. 29. Punkie’s 5K,  is a family-friendly run/walk/bike through the heart of the historic city, organizers said. It is suitable for both seasoned runners chasing a personal best or those just looking for a fun way to stay active.
The Pumpkin Pub will be open Friday and Saturday at the park and the Romulus Fire Department will host a Pancake Breakfast at the Park Pavilion from 8 until 11 a.m. Saturday. Live entertainment will continue throughout the weekend at the Freight House Stage, the Gazebo Patio and the Main Stage in the park. The Pumpkin Painting Tent will be open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Inflatable Bounce Houses will be on site, and Bingo will be sponsored by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce from 11 a.m. until 8 on Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The unique and popular Pumpkin Chuckin’ competition is set for 4 until 5 p.m. on Saturday and the traditional Romulus Got Talent Competition will close the festival from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday.

All Canton primary ballots included in final election reports

All ballots cast in the Aug. 4 primary election in Canton Township have been counted, recorded and included in the official results certified by the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.

More than 800 absentee ballots were initially omitted from the unofficial election night reporting totals, according to the Canton Township Clerk’s office. Those 823 ballots were discovered during the official review of the tabulations by the Wayne County board and have now been properly cast, scanned and tabulated in the voting total reports.

Election officials explained that the impacted ballots came from 10 township precincts and the discrepancy was caused by an involving the rollers on two high-speed absentee ballot scanners used to tabulate ballots. Election workers moved additional batches of ballots to a second high-speed scanner, but election officials say that system couldn't accept two batches with identical batch names.

As a result, according to officials, some ballots were tabulated but not included in the election night reporting. That situation has been corrected and the updated totals submitted for certification.

A spokesman noted that the clerk’s staff is preparing equipment and procedural updates ahead of the November 2026 general election, including tabulation methods, to prevent any possible recurrence of the incident.

No ballots were omitted from the official certified results, officials stated.

Canton names new police director/police chief

Joseph Bialy has been named as the new Canton Township Director of Police Services/Police Chief.

Bialy was officially sworn into his new rank at the regular meeting of the Canton Township board of Trustees last week. He had been serving as the interim police chief following the retirement of former Director Chad Baugh. In his new role, will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the law enforcement agency consisting of 145 full-time employees, including 102 sworn police officers, according to a township spokesman.

Bialy joined the CALEA-accredited Canton Police Department in 2005 after serving several years with the Detroit Police Department. Throughout his career, he has commanded and overseen many department operations, including Patrol, Investigations, Records, Training, Professional Standards, and the accreditation and re-accreditation programs for the department.

Bialy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Degree from Madonna University and a Master of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University.  He is a graduate of the 33rd Session of Eastern Michigan University's Executive Leadership Program, the 19th Session of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, and the 296th Session of the FBI National Academy. Bialy is an active member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and serves as co-chair of the Canton Coalition for Inclusive Communities and the Canton Police Transparency and Guidance Committee. 

Bialy said he believes that strong community partnerships, accountability, and professional development are essential to building public trust and ensuring the department remains prepared to meet the evolving needs of our community.
“Chief Bialy brings more than two decades of experience, proven leadership and the confidence of the Canton Police Department to his new position. His commitment to protecting crime victims, as well as community policing, our embedded clinician program, youth diversion programs, and modernizing department policies, including our use of force policy, reflects the thoughtful, forward-looking leadership we want in Canton Township,” said Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.  “I have tremendous confidence in Joe and his ability to lead the Canton Police Department into its next chapter.”

Bialy’s wife, three daughters and his mother joined numerous friends and co-workers in congratulating him on his new position during his official swearing in ceremony last week.

The MAIN idea

Canton supervisor continues to promote area-wide development plan

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak has spent recent weeks promoting the Michigan Avenue Innovation Network, or MAIN, a regional effort to turn the historic Michigan Avenue corridor into a hub for technology companies and jobs in southeastern Michigan.

The MAIN is a regional project where communities work together to improve infrastructure, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen both the economy and region. Last month, Graham Hudak introduced The MAIN concept to attendees of the Mayors Innovation Conference in Madison, Wisconsin and recently spoke on a panel about The MAIN at the Michigan Economic Developers Association meeting. Last week she met with staff and representatives from MichAuto on ways to move The MAIN project forward.

MAIN is envisioned as a technology corridor running along Michigan Avenue from Canton east through Detroit, with participation from Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Van Buren Township. Canton led the planning process, and the effort brings together township supervisors and city mayors along the route between Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The network builds on a corridor study of Michigan Avenue that the Canton Board of Trustees members began pursuing in 2023, aimed at identifying funding opportunities for technology and mobility improvements along the road.

Graham-Hudak who has supported the effort since the onset said the goal is to give technology companies another place to cluster in the region, arguing that maintaining the status quo — even in a township with Canton's amenities — won't be enough to secure the area's economic future. In an early announcement of the project, she cited her own background as a longtime engineer and project manager at Ford Motor Co. and other Detroit Three suppliers as motivation for her push for the initiative.

MAIN is one of several projects Canton officials are advancing including: Town Square at Cherry Hill Village — A redevelopment of the Cherry Hill Village area featuring a reimagined village square, expanded trail connections, arts and culture partnerships, additional public parking and renovation of the Village Arts Factory building. The project is funded through a mix of township, Wayne County and federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars: Ford Road DDA retail corridor — A 3.25-mile stretch of Ford Road offering varied retail development, overseen by the Downtown Development Authority and Airspace Link partnership — An effort to integrate drone operations into Canton businesses and services through what officials describe as a "drone highway" into the township. A related integration study has already been completed.

Residents with questions about the projects can contact Canton Economic Development Manager Gavin Beckford, at municipalservices@cantonmi.gov.

Naked ‘peeper’ sought

The Northville Township Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with a Peeping Tom incident on Wildflower Drive.

The activity occurred between approximately 1 and 3:45 am Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to police. The suspect is described as a white male, possibly 25 to 40 years old, who was wearing only a baseball cap and black socks/shoes during the incident.

Anyone who can identify the individual or who may have information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Northville Township Police Department immediately at (248) 349-9400.

Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Duck Race tickets now on sale

The Annual Lucky Ducky Rubber Duck Race sponsored by the Belleville Rotary Club is set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 on Belleville Lake at Horizon Park. Tickets, limited to 1,100, are now available from any Rotary member.

For more information, visit the Belleville Rotary Club Facebook page.

 

City-wide Garage Sale planned

 The free fall city-wide yard sale will take place in Romulus Sept. 24 through Sept. 27.

Registrations received by Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, will be included in a list of participating addresses published in The Eagle newspaper.

Contact the clerk's office at (734) 942-7540, clerk@romulusgov.com for more information.

Applications are available at: https://www.romulusgov.com/.../Spring-Fall-Citywide...

 

Plymouth Fall Festival nears

The 69^th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival and Rotary Chicken Barbeque is set for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 this year.

Tickets for the famous Sunday Chicken Barbeque are priced at $17 presale and $20 the day of the event.

Organizers said the traditional event, which is a fundraiser for charities, civic organizations and school events will include the popular attractions and some new features.

 

Artists exhibit in Canton

The Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill’s Fine Art Gallery will present the works of three accomplished artists in a vibrant exhibition, entitled The Aura of Blue. Works of Elena Adam, Sylvia Bandyke and Sharlene Welton will be display through Aug. 25.

The Fine Art Gallery at the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill, is located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road in Canton. Admission to the exhibit is free.