Nepotism troubles trustees in new appointee’s pay

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees were expected to vote Tuesday on a salary amount for newly appointed deputy supervisor T.J. Bownam, the son of current supervisor Tim Bownan.

Despite public outcry and objections from trustees, Bowman appointed his son as deputy supervisor in the township after removing the item from the July 28 meeting agenda to avoid consideration by board members.

T.J. Bowman was sworn into office as the deputy supervisor July 30.

While the supervisor does have the authority to appoint a deputy, according to the township charter, members of the board of trustees set the salary for the job.

Both township Treasurer Bart Patterson and Trustee Matt Oddy expressed objections to the appointment which failed by a tie vote at the July 14 meeting in Patterson’s absence.

During a workshop session prior to officially opening the meeting July 28, Patterson stated his objections to the appointment in light, he said, of the critical issues currently facing the township.

Patterson also questioned the qualifications of the younger Bowman who has no municipal government experience. Bowman, who campaigned for election based on eliminating nepotism and “Drain the Sumpter swamp” said he had “changed his mind” about nepotism when repeatedly questioned by Patterson.

“I just don’t see the need pending the important issues pending,” Patterson said. He noted that the clerical and maintenance tasks Bowman submitted as duties his son would perform were already handled.

“We already have all these things covered.”

Oddy also questioned the job duties as he did during Bowman’s first attempt to appoint his son at the previous meeting. The deputy supervisor duties are described as “statutory” although Bowman said he wanted his son to do more.

“You don’t have to appoint a deputy,” Oddy told Bowman.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, two residents spoke against the appointment urging the trustees to reject the agenda item. One resident told the board several of her neighbors opposed the appointment.

“Legal doesn’t mean it’s right,” she said.

Another resident spoke against the appointment noting, “This is not the right thing to do. If I were king, it would be a felony. This is the wrong thing to do, period,” he said.

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 position with his father’s construction company.

“We are looking to curb spending where we can trim, especially from now until November,” Oddy said. “There is nothing for a deputy supervisor to do.”

As deputy supervisor, the younger Bowman will now be privy to confidential financial and personnel information in the township and will be allowed to attend closed sessions of the board with the township attorney discussing legal matters.

Getting a glow on

Traditional Rotary Club Lighted Parade will open Romulus Pumpkin Festival

One of the most anticipated and brightest events of the season will take place again this year as the Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights officially opens the 28^th Annual Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival.

The free three-day fall harvest event set for Sept. 18, 19 and 20 at Romulus Historical Park includes live music, food booths, craft vendors, a classic car show, and Punkie's 5K run/walk/bike. The popular city event also features a "Romulus Got Talent" showcase on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Runners, bikers and walkers can register for the 5k event until Aug. 21 online at the Romulus Parks and Recreation website romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival

The opening Rotary parade, which brings thousands of visitors to Goddard Road in downtown Romulus includes floats and vehicles with only one requirement for entry: Everything in the parade must be completely illuminated. Because this is a night parade, all entries must be heavily decorated with an abundance of working lights, organizers said. Standard glow sticks are not sufficient, and unlit entries will be turned away at the gate, officials noted. The parade is set for 8 until 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

Preregistration for the parade is not required, organizers said but pre-registration is “highly appreciated.” While there is no entry fee, the club members typically ask for an optional $10 donation per entry. Entrants can complete advance registration on the Romulus Pumpkin Festival page or download the registration download the registration packet from the Romulus Rotary Facebook page.

Entrants can register the day of the parade by bringing a completed entry form to the lineup area. Parade staging will begin at 6:30 and all parade entries must be at the Goddard Road west of Wayne Road staging area no later than 7:30 p.m.

The run events begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. The race begins and end at the Romulus Senior Center at 36525 Bibbins St. A free 1-mile kids’ run is also planned.

Standard registration until Aug. 21 is $25 and includes a T-shirt and finisher medal. Late registration from Aug. 23 through 31 is $40. Strollers, wagons, bicycles, and leashed dogs are welcome on the 3.1-mile neighborhood course, organizers said.

For more information, visit romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival.

Sumpter Township to place police millage on November ballot

Sumpter Township officials have unanimously approved placing the Police Protection 5 mill levy on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot.

The question, considered by officials as crucial to funding the police department, was not approved by voters during the Aug. 4 primary election. Negative votes on the question totaled 1,284 or 56.7 percent of votes cast while 982 or 43.3 percent of voters were in favor of the millage.

This was the first police millage increase request in the township in 15 years and officials said the failure was due to a lack of information and misinformation.

The new millage set at 5 mills would be in effect for 4 years and be dedicated to police protection in the township. Current millages, totaling 3 mills, expired last year. The average homeowner in the township would have seen an increase of approximately $250 annually with the approval of the ballot proposal, which is a 2 mill increase.

That increase, noted Trustee Matt Oddy, may have discouraged township voters who are currently facing a substantial county drain assessment and the SMART bus tax.

Oddy said the township needs a “more robust plan” to provide voters with correct information concerning the need for the millage.

“If people could hear what these officers do on a day-to-day basis. People don’t realize how crucial these officers are and what they do day-to-day. They are on every fire department emergency call because HVA won’t go in until the scene is secure.”

Oddy said he felt most residents are unaware of the serious situations the police officers face and the number of calls the department handles in an effort to provide the safe environment in the township.

Trustee Tim Rush said he felt both misinformation and a lack of information surrounding the issue contributed to the failure of the ballot question.

“Before the election a woman asked me, ‘What are you going to do with the extra money,’, Rush said.

“There is no extra money, right now we subsidize the police department from the general fund and royalites,” he said.

Rush added that he felt the restrictions on the ballot language also contributed to the lack of support with voters.

“We are very limited in the way we have to word the question,” he said. “Many people thought this was a 5 mill increase, which just isn’t the case.”

Treasurer Bart Patterson agreed noting that the officials have had several meetings attempting to compose ballot language voters could understand within the regulations imposed by election laws.

Patterson explained that most residents are not aware that the police department is underfunded and that the general fund budget supplements funding the police.

Patterson said the trustees had been in three special meetings attempting to design language and a plan for the November ballot question.

“People just didn’t have enough information,” Rush said.

Wayne resident files lawsuit against city, police, officials

The City of Wayne is facing another lawsuit alleging violations of the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that the city and officials used a non-codified fire marshal policy as criminal law to repeatedly enter the Glenwood property of DeVincent A. McFarlin, Sr. and his wife, Luisa Maria Baez Burgos without warrants, criminally prosecute and jail him and limit his access to public buildings.

In the filing, McFarlin identifies himself as a medically retired Army veteran and an outspoken critic of the City of Wayne government — including the police and fire departments. He claims in his suit that city actions were in response to his public comments, criticism of public officials, his recording of government employees and his political activity. He claims in the court filings that all his actions are protected by the First Amendment.

His core allegations claim the use of an internal city fire policy against outdoor burning was misused as an established law and the basis for criminal charges and severe limits on his liberty, including a 90-day incarceration. He claims the city and the police and fire departments inflicted multiple criminal violations of his civil rights as retaliation for his criticism of Wayne officials.

The filing further cites missing police and fire reports, body-camera muting and discovery disputes as central to his case.

The issue was the enforcement of the Wayne Fire Marshal’s internal policy regarding outdoor fire pits as a criminal ordinance. McFarlin claims the misapplied policy was used to allow police and fire officials to enter his home, detain him and extinguish his outdoor fire pit. He alleges these actions, including criminal prosecution, were never, in fact, a law in the city and had no defined criminal penalties, no formal approval process and no defined standards for enforcement.

The complaint claims fire and police officers entered his property on four separate occasions last year without a warrant, consent or any emergency justification. McFarlin says that body camera footage shows officers searching for a valid ordinance to justify their actions. The lawsuit claims one officer asked, "How are we going to spin this?"

The complaint alleges the city used the criminal justice system and municipal power to retaliate against him for his criticism. He claims charges were brought based on that non-law policy, and even after those charges were dismissed, the city used bond and probation conditions to restrict his speech, movement, and access to government services.

McFarlin claims he was banned from municipal buildings without notice, restricted from discussing the case on social media, and tethered with GPS monitoring.

McFarlin claims previous warnings to the City of Wayne regarding violation of citizens’ civil rights were included in an independent study authorized by city officials. An ongoing lawsuit filed by resident Mark Blackwell, who was also an outspoken critic of offiicals, alleges some of the same civil rights violations.

McFarlin claims that city officials subsequently enacted a formal ordinance after the fact, which according to the court filing supports the claim that the earlier policy was not a valid law.

In addition to more than 90 days of incarceration, GPS tethering, home confinement, and exclusion from the city, the disabled veteran cites public stigmatization, reputational harm, emotional distress, family disruption, and financial burdens. His wife also suffered from the repeated intrusions and loss of privacy, according to the court filings. In addition, he claims he was faced with property tax disputes and the selective enforcement of municipal codes, adding to the economic pressure the couple faced in light of the criminal prosecution.

The plaintiff is seeking unspecified compensatory, punitive, and declaratory damages along with all costs and fees incurred in the pursuit of the lawsuit.

McFarlin was a recent candidate for a term on the Wayne City Council. The primary election last week narrowed the field from seven to six with McFarlin receiving the fewest votes.

EMUs on the Loose Emusical to premiere in Canton

The world premiere of Emus on the Loose: An Emu-sical! Is planned for Aug. 28 in Canton Township.

The presentation is a one-act musical about four self-involved emus who escape from their farm enclosure in Kalamazoo and go on an adventure visiting some iconic Michigan locations, all while avoiding the local sheriff.

The show is based on a semi-true story, producers said. When a fierce windstorm swept through Oshtemo Township Nov. 30, 2022, and blew open the gate to the emu enclosure at Llama Woods Farm a crashing tree branch gave the resident emus just the scare they needed to make a break for it

Soon, a Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputy spotted one of the giant birds strolling down the road and the chase was on. With help from the Dyk family, they were able to round up the feathered fugitives and return them safely to their home.

News outlets around the world pounced on the story, resulting in a viral social media sensation as individuals shared the deputy’s body cam footage showing the capture of the big birds, as well as created posts depicting wild antics to save themselves from stampeding emus. 

Emus on the Loose, An Emu-sical! is an adaptation of the hit children’s book, Emus on the Loose, by Steven and Beth Boughton, based on those real events.

The one-hour show, with book and lyrics by Steve Boughton and Ben Frick and music by Ben Frick, brings the book to life for young audiences, ages 6 and up. 

Emus on the Loose: An Emu-sical! will premiere at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.  Additional performances are set for noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

Audience members are invited to a post-event Meet and Greet with the book’s authors, as well as the Emu characters. Saturday performances will feature arts and crafts activities with the book illustrator and snacks after each show.

Tickets are on sale now for $10 and can be purchased online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org or by calling (734) 394-5300. Tickets can also be purchased at The Village Theater Box Office one hour prior to show time.

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, MI, 48187. For more information visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call (734) 394-5300.

Going for gold

Athletes from Romulus are competing this week in the annual Senior Olympics which began Monday and continue through tomorrow at various venues throughout the downriver community.

The participants are all 55 and older competing in various regional events including pickleball, bowling, golf, bocce, shuffleboard, billiards, tennis, basketball, brain games, a fun walk, a 5K bike race, and others. Romulus Senior Center team members are participating this week in the multi-community games where seniors compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.

The Romulus Senior Services Department provides entertainment, recreation and essential services for Romulus' older adult population. The fully staffed Senior Citizen Center is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center is located at 36525 Bibbins Road in the city.

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.

 

Plymouth Fall Festival set

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.

 

Romulus Pumpkin Festival set

The Romulus Downtown Development Authority Pumpkin Festival is set for Sept. 18, 19 and 20.

This is the 28^th year for the event  and event

Runners, walkers and cyclists for the 5K event are still sought. Pre-registration is open until Aug. 21.

For more information,  visit romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival.

Voters decide millage questions, choose slate

Voters throughout the area made their choices Tuesday, rejecting a Sumpter Township Police Protection 5 mill levy for 4 years, the first millage increase in the community in 15 years. Current millages, totaling 3 mills, expired last year. The average homeowner in the township would have seen an increase of approximately $250 annually with the approval of the ballot proposal.

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP POLICE PROTECTION MILLAGE: NO votes totaled 1,284 or 56.7 percent of votes cast while YES votes totaled 982 or 43.3 percent of votes cast.

NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP OPERATING MILLAGE: With one precinct still unreported at press time, the Northville Township Operating Millage was approved by 7,616 YES votes and 3,913 NO voters.

NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE: With one precinct unreported at press time, YES votes 8,220, NO votes 3,913.

The CITY OF WAYNE LIBRARY MILLAGE was APPROVED with YES voted totaling 2,313 and NO votes reported at 1,919. 

A WAYNE WESTLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSAL was approved by YES votes totaling 942 and NO votes reported at 5,560.

Early reports regarding the WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MILLAGE with only just under half precincts reporting saw the proposal ahead with 218,659 YES votes and 111,441 NO votes on the question.

Voters in the CITY OF WAYNE CITY COUNCIL PRIMARY eliminated one candidate from the Nov. 3 General Election ballot reducing the field of candidates from seven to six. Voters’ choices were Kathy Lawrence: 1,374; M thew P. Mulholland: 1,164 votes; Shannon Rochon: 1,040 votes; Alfred Brock: 823; Brett Macek: 614; Donald L. Quarles: 496 and DeVincent A. McFarlin: 456 votes. McFarlin has been eliminated from the November ballot to select three candidates to serve 4-year terms on the Wayne City Council.

These are all unofficial results not yet certified by the Wayne County Clerk.

         Local water supply was not affected by cyber attack

Local water systems are safe and were not among those targeted in a cyber-attack last week, according to a spokesman from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) which supplies water to local communities.

Despite news photos of the Plymouth, Minnesota water tower, the water in both the local Plymouth Township and city was not affected by the attempted sabotage, officials said in a prepared statement.

“The Great Lakes Water Authority is aware of reports regarding potential cyber threats targeting water systems and is closely monitoring the situation as it develops,” GLWA officials said in a statement. “At this time, GLWA’s water and wastewater systems continue to operate normally.”

The water authority provides water services to Belleville, Canton Township, Inkster, Northville city and township, Plymouth city and township, Van Buren and Sumpter townships and both Wayne and Westland. The communities individually manage local distribution of water to users.

While officials refused to identify the providers attacked, the Lansing system was reported by some news outlets as a possible target. In addition to Michigan, attacks were attempted on water suppliers in Minnesota. Federal officials said none of the attempts to disrupt the flow of water and sewer functions was successful and there was no impact on any of the targeted systems.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued a statement noting that the state first learned of the threat after receiving a federal cyber alert warning of attempts to tamper with operational technology at water systems.

“Following that notification, we received a small number of reports from Michigan communities indicating activity consistent with what federal agencies described,” EGLE officials said in a statement.

In at least one case, officials said, hackers changed passwords and network settings, locking operators out and preventing them from controlling water flow.  Authorities have not officially named a suspect. However, U.S. intelligence and investigative officials view Iran as a primary suspect, according to news reports.

The incidents came days after federal agencies updated a warning about ongoing Iranian cyber threats targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, though investigators have not publicly linked the latest attacks to Tehran.

“Even water organizations with mature cybersecurity processes should validate their external connections,” the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in an alert issued last week. It outlined several procedures, including adding extra layers of password security and disconnecting key systems from the internet. 

Dale George, the director of communications for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, said in a statement Saturday that “all systems continued to operate safely.”

Federal and state agencies continue to investigate the perpetrator of the failed cyber-attacks.

          Sumpter supervisor defies board, appoints son as deputy

Despite public outcry and over objections from trustees, Sumpter Township Supervisor Tim Bowman has appointed his son, T.J. Bowman, Jr. as deputy supervisor in the township.

Bowman removed the item from the July 28 meeting agenda after Treasurer Bart Patterson and Trustee Matt Oddy expressed objections to the appointment which failed by a tie vote at the July 14 meeting in Patterson’s absence.

Patterson said he felt the appointment was inappropriate while the township faced critical issues, including management positions which remain unfilled, the pending annual audit and financial governance.

Patterson also questioned the qualifications of T.J. Bowman and the description of duties he was to perform. Patterson noted that the tasks listed to be performed by the deputy were already assigned to current township employees, including answering phones and managing township hall maintenance.

“I just don’t see the need with the important issues pending,” Patterson said. “We already have all these things covered.”

Oddy also questioned the job duties as he did during Bowman’s first attempt to appoint his son at the previous meeting. The deputy supervisor duties are described as “statutory” and limited to taking phone calls for the supervisor and providing the necessary signature of a township official when the supervisor is unable to do so.

“You don’t have to appoint a deputy,” he told Bowman.

Patterson also reminded Bowman that during his original campaign for election to the job, he promised to “Drain the Sumpter Swamp” and “get rid of all the nepotism.”

“Those are your words, too much nepotism,” Patterson said asking Bowman if his opinion on nepotism had now changed. Bowman responded, “ Well then yes, my opinion has changed” after reminding the board of two township employees related to Sumpter officials.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, one resident told the board embers that she had taken a poll of her neighbors that morning regarding Bowman’s plan to appoint his son. She said the response was totally negative.

“Legal doesn’t mean it’s right,” she said. She also addressed Bowman’s conduct at the earlier meeting when he threw his paperwork to the floor and stormed out of the meeting following the failure of his proposal to appoint his son.

“As a public official you are held to a higher level of control,” she told Bowman. She said his “tantrum” undermined the confidence of the public in their township leaders.

A second resident agreed noting that he had no idea if the younger Bowman was a Rhodes Scholar or someone far less educated. “This is not the right thing to do. If I were king, it would be a felony. This is the wrong thing to do, period,” he said.

Township attorney Rob Young also took to the podium during the public comment segment and told the board members he wanted to speak as a citizen, not as the township attorney for 40 years.

“Local government is the last bastion of democracy,” he said. He cautioned the audience members that opinions about one board member should not influence their opinion of the efficacy of township services. He reminded the audience that the upcoming millage vote for support of the township police department should be based on the best interest of the township, not on dislike or opinion of one individual.

Young noted the exceptional reputation of the Sumpter Township Police Department throughout the area and at the county level. “Sumpter is viewed as the best department in Wayne County,”

Young said. He cited confidence in the Wayne County prosecutor’s office places in the township detectives and the leadership and training of the department.

“I hope everyone is voting in the best interest of the community, and I hope and pray the police department is supported,” he concluded.

This was the third attempt by Bowman to secure township employment for his son. The younger Bowman was not hired for a DPW part-time position, and the board appointed another candidate as the ordinance officer after the hiring committee deemed his position with his father’s construction company was a conflict of interest.

Plymouth trustee resigns citing  ‘deceitful’ nature’ of administration

Plymouth Township Trustee Mark Clinton attended his final meeting as a member of the board July 28, when he submitted a fiery resignation letter citing the “deceitful nature” of Supervisor Chuck Curmi and two other trustees.

Clinton criticized the conduct of Curmi and the two unnamed trustees who, he said, “knowingly excluded (him) from the process of selecting a new trustee during the most recent township meeting. The decision appeared to have been made behind the scenes and without my involvement,” Clinton said in his resignation letter.

Board members on July 21 appointed former planning commission Bill Ickes to fill the unexpired term of former Trustee Jen Buckley. Her July resignation letter cited a family relocation out of the township making her ineligible to serve.

“I believe the citizens deserve a process that is open, transparent, and collaborative,” Clinton said of Ickes’ appointment which was approved by a 5-1 vote. Clinton cast the lone dissenting vote.

"I wish Mark Clinton well and Plymouth Township thanks him for his service. We will be accepting his resignation on Aug, 5," Curmi said in a statement. He added the replacement process would follow usual procedure.

"We're going to follow the legal process that's been around for many years, most likely, but it's up to the board. The board makes a decision on who's the replacement. The way it works is the board nominates somebody, we deliberate and then we vote," Curmi said.

Clinton’s resignation is the fourth departure from the board of trustees announced this year. Township Clerk Jerry Vorva resigned in March but was not replaced until May 12 when the board members hired Kim Gaedeke. Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz recently announced his plans to leave office later this year, citing health concerns.

Vorva is currently embroiled in a lawsuit filed against fellow trustee John Stewart citing a hostile working environment in township hall and the “threatening” behavior of Stewart during meetings.

Clinton, who served as township treasurer from 2016 through 2021, criticized Curmi’s leadership citing what he described as the lack of meaningful progress during the current administration.

Former Supervisor Kurt Heise also had harsh words for the current administration and claimed in a social media post that in addition to the four board members, the township deputy police chief, the finance director, the ordinance officer and FOIA coordinator had all resigned. Heise claimed in a social media post that the long-serving township attorney also resigned “rather than have his ethics compromised.”

Critics of Heise’s administration, however, noted that township residents faced a significant tax increase and a new tax administration fee during those years. Heise, critics said, unsuccessfully attempted to move the Northville Downs racetrack to Plymouth and had publicly encouraged Meijer to sue the township. Critics also cited accusations of intimidation tactics, higher costs to residents and questionable spending practices during the years Clinton described in his letter as “making meaningful progress.”

“Serving the residents of Plymouth Township has been an honor, and I sincerely appreciate the trust they placed in me,” Clinton said.

Moving right along

There’s good news and bad news.

The continued improvements to the North Branch Big Swan Creek Intercounty Drain includes the recent opening one roadway and closed another.

In Sumpter Township, three road crossings on Willis Road are scheduled for replacement. The “west” Willis Road crossing located approximately 300 feet west of the Elwell Road-Willis Road intersection, and the “middle” Willis Road crossing located approximately 420 feet west of the Willis Road and Wilmot Road intersection have been completed.

Both crossings are scheduled to open tomorrow with replaced asphalt. The “east” Willis Road crossing, located approximately 1,400 feet west of the Sumpter Road and Willis Road crossing, has been prepared and installation of the new crossing was scheduled to begin July 29.

The tentative schedule for replacing all the Willis Road crossings and removing the Willis Road detour is the week of Aug. 10.

The work is being completed by the Monroe and Wayne County Drain commissions and the Washtenaw County Water Resource Commission.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Canton Roundabout is topic

Representatives from the Canton Township Engineering Services Division, along with the Wayne County Department of Public Service and The Mannik and Smith Group, will be hosting an open house to discuss the upcoming 2027 roundabout construction at the Sheldon and Palmer intersection.

The discussion is scheduled from 3 until 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Summit on the Park Banquet Room.

Staff and experts will answer questions, review materials, and showcase a to-scale model representation of how the roundabout.

More information is available at (734) 394-5150.

 

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.

 

Plymouth Fall Festival set

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 combined fundraiser for charities, civic organizations and school events will include the traditional popular attractions and some new features.

 

Belleville sets City Wide Sale

A city-wide array of garage and yard sales is set in Belleville from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13.

Clothing, furniture and housewares, children’s items and clothes along with books and collectibles will be sold by local residents at individual sales throughout the community.

Wayne County leads country in produce borne viral infections

Health officials report that while Michigan leads the nation in the number of debilitating cyclosporiasis infections caused by a virus on fresh fruits and vegetables,  Wayne County has reported more instances of the illness than any area throughout the country. More than 8,100 cases have been reported in the state and Wayne County has recorded 1,201 cases of the intestinal infection which stems from the Cyclospora parasite, heavily tied to fresh produce and leafy greens

A recent poll found that four in 10 Americans are carefully weighing the purchase of fresh produce in the area and have curtailed eating salads and garnishes of lettuce, tomato and cucumber, in light of the potential illness.

While Michigan officials say lettuce is the potential source, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to find a positive link to the parasite in any food product, leaving the investigation open.

The virus spreads via food or water contaminated with microscopic feces; it does not pass directly person-to-person, health officials said. Symptoms include frequent, watery diarrhea (often explosive); severe abdominal cramps and bloating; nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue and often a low-grade fever.

Offiicals said symptoms usually start about a week after exposure but can take up to two weeks. 

Medical experts advise residents to buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-bagged mixes, discard the outer leaves, and wash the inner leaves thoroughly under clean running water. Cooking greens destroys the parasite, they added. 

Those who have ongoing symptoms are urged to contact their physicians and specifically request a test for Cyclospora. Treatment relies on prescription antibiotics like Bactrim (TMP-SMX), medical experts advised.

40 and out

Romulus firefighter marks 4 decades of service at retirement celebration  

Romulus Fire Department Capt. John Thiede made his retirement official earlier this month and celebrated his four decades of emergency service to the community.

Thiede, has “answered the call with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community,” for 40 years, officials said. “His leadership, experience, and willingness to mentor those around him have left a lasting impact on our department and everyone fortunate enough to serve alongside him.”

One of the most memorable events in Thiede’s career took place immediately following the disastrous Flight 255. Thiede, a rookie firefighter in 1987 when the plane crashed immediately after takeoff killing all 156 souls aboard, was one of the first firefighters responding at the scene of the wreckage. He and two other firefighters discovered the only survivor of the crash, 4-year-old Cecila Chichan who was strapped into a booster device in her airplane seat. Her miraculous survival was celebrated across the country.

Thiede has since come to know Cichon as an adult and was even invited to her wedding.

Thiede has also gained fame with his second career as an actor. He is well-known throughout the area and beyond for his professional appearances in multiple stage and film productions. He trained at Second City Theater in Detroit and has appeared on Detroit 1-8-7 and All My Children among many other professional credits. He also hosted the weekly sports show Sports Talk 60 on the Comcast Sports Channel, fulfilling a lifelong dream, he said.  

Thiede is also the founder of the Hook and Ladder Theatre Company in Romulus which presents live stage productions in the community.

During his official retirement ceremony, he was presented with a resolution by Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight along with a certificate from Mayor Pro Tem Tina Talley.

Officials recalled details of Thiede’s long career and his well-known humor.

“Forty years in the fire service is more than a career—it’s a legacy of sacrifice, dedication, and countless lives touched. While his presence on the apparatus floor will be missed, the example he has set will continue to influence future generations of firefighters,” officials said.

In a Facebook posting, the department staff thanked Thiede “For your extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment. We wish you and your family nothing but health, happiness, and many well-earned adventures in retirement.”

Thiede recently accepted a position as City of Belleville Fire Chief.

Proposed deputy supervisor choice splits Sumpter Township trustees

Sumpter Township trustees were expected to vote again Tuesday on the proposed appointment of Supervisor Tim Bowman’s son as deputy township supervisor.

The proposal by Bowman to name his son for the annual $8,200 part time job was rejected by members of the board by a 3-3 vote during the July 14 meeting. Following the failure of his motion appointing his son to the position, Bowman abruptly left the meeting throwing his meeting paperwork to the floor and expressing his displeasure with the vote.

Trustee Tim Rush, a long-time member of the board, chaired the remainder of the meeting. Rush formerly served as deputy supervisor but resigned from the position. While Rush did vote in favor of the motion, he said in a later interview he realized the appointment of Bowman’s son was controversial in the township.

Trustee Matthew Oddy was opposed to the appointment and the practice of officials’ naming family members to township jobs noting during the meeting that the optics of such appointments were not favorable. He said past appointments of spouses, children or family members were not a good image for the township.

“I’m not a proponent of nepotism,” he said

This was the second effort by Bowman to secure a township position for his son, T.J. Bowman. In May, T.J. Bowman applied for a job as a part-time township ordinance inspector. Members of the township hiring committee noted that in that capacity, Bowman, operator of West Branch Building, would be in a position of authority over contractors working in the township, including work by some of his business competitors and possibly his own company. A hiring committee member cautioned the board members at the time that the appointment would be a conflict of interest.

Subsequently, trustees approved hiring another candidate during the May 26 meeting. Bowman criticized that vote and publicly stated at the meeting that the board had “discriminated” against his son, officials said.

The duties of the deputy supervisor are described as “statutory” with a limited scope of duties and authority.  During extended discussion of the proposed appointment during the meeting this month, Bowman said he wanted his son to “do more” and suggested the job be retitled as “Deputy Supervisor Plus.”  Oddy said his concern was that designation and assignment of additional municipal duties could result in the younger Bowman becoming an employee of the township. In that capacity, Oddy said, the position would not be answerable to the supervisor but would be directed by the board of trustees.

Bowman’s motion failed on a 3-3 vote, and in response Bowman loudly announced he was through with the meeting, threw his pen and paperwork to the floor and angrily left the meeting room. Rush chaired the remainder of the meeting during which several agenda items were approved and discussed.  Bowman reportedly later returned to the meeting room as the board went into closed session to discuss legal matters with the township attorney.

Oddy said that his objections were based on the lack of a detailed job description of the expected hours and scope of duties of the deputy supervisor, along with a discussion of benefits and pay “before the board approved paying someone $8,200 per year for a position that isn’t full-time.”

Trustee James Frazier voted in favor of the proposed hiring along with Bowman and Rush. In the excused absence of Treasurer Bart Patterson, the motion failed on a tie vote with Oddy, Clerk Don LaPorte and Trustee John Henry casting no votes.

The item was on the agenda for the meeting Tuesday.

Safety officials lower vehicle weight limit on Sheldon Road bridge

Safe travel across a Sheldon Road bridge in Canton Township depends on the make and model of vehicle being driven.

Following a safety inspection by staff members from the Wayne County Department of Public Services in May, the bridge has been determined unsafe for vehicles of more than 3 tons. That would include heavy-duty consumer trucks, commercial box trucks and large luxury SUV vehicles, according to a cautionary statement from Wayne County issued last week.

The bridge, which connects Michigan Avenue and Palmer Road was formerly designated as safe for vehicles up to 18 tons, officials said. Passenger cars, light-duty pickup trucks and most other vehicles usually weigh less than the 3-ton limit and can safely use the Sheldon Road bridge which provides access across the Sine Drain, officials said. Township officials noted on a media post that vehicles including the “Ford F-550, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, Ram 3500 and Lincoln Navigator L may exceed” the new limit imposed by safety inspectors.

The replacement of the bridge is scheduled for “sometime in the fall of next year,” according to a statement from Canton Township.

Officials said the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is usually found on the information sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. The information, sometimes labeled GVWR, is included with the tire and loading information provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

Wayne County officials said no disruption is expected to businesses or residents using vehicles within the new limit but cautioned drivers to use caution while crossing the bridge.

More information is available from the Wayne County 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Canton Roundabout is topic

Representatives from the Canton Township Engineering Services Division, along with the Wayne County Department of Public Service and The Mannik and Smith Group, will be hosting an open house to discuss the upcoming 2027 roundabout construction at the Sheldon and Palmer intersection.

The discussion is scheduled from 3 until 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Summit on the Park Banquet Room.

Staff and experts will answer questions, review materials, and showcase a to-scale model representation of how the roundabout.

More information is available at (734) 394-5150.

 

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.

 

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. Saturdays.

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