Westland police win 4th national accreditation

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The Westland Police Department received national accreditation for the fourth consecutive year last month from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
The Westland department was first accredited in 2016.
 Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik and his Accreditation Team were reviewed by the CALEA 21-member board of commissioners which reviews all findings and determines the agency accreditation status. 

Special salute

Plymouth celebrates veterans with parade 

Plymouth offered a moving tribute to veterans Monday with a speaker and then an all-vehicle parade through the community. Residents respected social distancing while honoring those who have served in military and those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.  Photos by Dave Willett

Wayne, Inkster awarded grants to upgrade security

Both the City of Inkster and the City of Wayne were among 14 municipalities receiving grants through Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program.
Michigan State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks explained that the cities facing unique financial challenges were eligible for the grant funding totaling $2.7 million.
Municipalities can participate in the FDCVT Grant Program if they are experiencing one or more conditions indicative of “probable financial stress” as defined in state law. The grants fund specific projects, services or strategies, including infrastructure and public safety enhancements, that move a city, village or township toward financial stability, Eubanks explained.

Winners of Damaris art scholarships are named

Two scholarships have been awarded through the Damaris Fine Art Scholarship fund and three merit awards were given by the Plymouth Community Arts Council to support five young artists who will represent the Plymouth-Canton community at their respective collegiate institutions in the fall.
On behalf of the family of “Dee” Damaris Schulte, the Plymouth Community Arts Council (PCAC) recognizes Plymouth-Canton School District high school seniors each year who have displayed outstanding abilities in visual arts and plan to continue their education in this field at the college or university level.

Art print aids nurses

Renown Plymouth artist Tony Roko is offering a rare, limited-edition print of one of his latest works to benefit nurses at the Henry Ford Health System.
Roko, who founded and operates the Art Foundation in Plymouth which offers art education and experience to the most underserved youth in the Metro Detroit area, is one of the best-known and honored artists in the country. His and his work is widely collected throughout the world.
While the print, titled The Nurse, is devoid of Roko's trademark vibrant colors, it is a unique example of his expressive skill.
“I wanted this to reflect the tone of the times and to match the current context,” Roko said of the original painting.

Canton Dog Park now open

The Canton Dog Park reopened this week to allow members and their four-legged friends to enjoy the weather.  Members are also asked to act responsibly and to adhere to the accepted guidelines when visiting the dog park, according to a township spokesman.
Members and pets use the park at their own risk and are expected to keep at least a 6-foot distance from others. Members are asked to wear face coverings at all times and to keep groups of people small and spread out as much as possible.

COVID-19 testing is available

Walmart has opened a new COVID-19 testing location in Canton Township.
Testing will be offered from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Any adult who meets CDC and state/local guidelines on who should be tested is eligible, including first responders, health care providers and others with symptoms of COVID-19.
Test results are expected within an average of two days.

Residents, officials thank Wayne firefighters

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Wayne Fire Department employees have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a group of local elected officials, candidates, small business owners, and citizens came together recently to show their support for the first responders.
At one time, more than half the city firefighters were out of work due to the virus requiring healthy firefighters to work exceptionally long shifts while their co-workers recovered.
To demonstrate their appreciation, the local group was able to provide enough groceries to feed the firefighters at the station three meals a day for the next week. In addition, eight $100 gift cards were provided for the firefighters at home suffering from COVID-19.

Dog's best friend

Local boy helps animal shelter

Staff members at the Romulus Animal Shelter got a surprise earlier this month when 9-year-old Dylan Lowrey arrived with a pick-up truck full of pet supplies.
While his parents helped him collect the cash donations from throughout the community, the idea was all Dylan's noted his proud family. He purchased materials for 30-hand-made dog beds, cleaning supplies, animal food and even pizza for the staff at the shelter.

Suspects nabbed after gunfire

Two men arrested following a police chase in Romulus are facing felony charges in the armed robbery of an Inkster man.
According to the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Dejon Demarkus-Roland Johnson, 23, of Detroit, and Andrew Curtis Williams, also 23, of Ypsilanti, have been charged in connection with the armed robbery of the 24-year-old victim and subsequent police chase May 15.

Warm gratitude

Neighbors, officials prepare special
BBQ dinners for area first responders  

Award-winning barbeque team member Jeff Georgic enlisted the aid of  Ed Willhite from Hoa Backyard BBQ, Buddy Hammett from Shiggin Ain't Easy, Sumpter Township Trustees Tim Rush and Matt Oddy along with Teresa LaFramboise, among many others,  to help bring his idea for  BBQ Relief meals for township first responders earlier this month. The volunteers helped package and serve more than 90 BBQ meals prepared by Georgic to first responders and their families earlier this month. Public Safety Director /Police Chief Eric Luke helped coordinate the event and volunteers, including Rush and Oddy, distributed the dinners at a drive-through window set up at the township fire station. Sumpter Township Board of Trustees members donated more than $300 to help fund Operation BBQ Relief.

Millage renewal on ballot

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees in attendance at the May 5 meeting unanimously approved ballot language for a renewal of the current 1-mill tax to support the fire department.
Trustee Don LaPorte was excused from the meeting and Treasurer Ken Bednark was not in attendance at the meeting. There was little discussion regarding the placing of the question on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot.

Neighborhood road work continues in city

Work is under way on road sand streets throughout the City of Northville.
Currently, work is being completed on North Rogers and West Cady where reconstruction of the water main and sanitary sewer is being completed. Residents in the area were notified of the construction with door hangers, officials said. In addition, Nagel Paving workers will mill and overlay Baseline Road from North Center to Novi Street, Coldspring from Coldspring Drive to McDonald Drive  and shrrie Lane, from Jeffery Drive to Hillridge Street.

Art House virtual ‘Chalk Festival’ is under way

The Northville Art House will host the virtual 2020 Chalk Festival until 4 p.m. June 19. Artists of all ages are encouraged to transform their neighborhood sidewalks and driveways into chalk art filled with color and imagination using dry, wet, and/or spray chalk. More than $350 in prizes will be awarded to four winners through juried and public selections in each division, Children ages up to 12 and Teen and Adult, ages 13 and older.

School district offers 5 Schools of Choice openings

Applications for the Northville Public Schools of Choice for the 2020-21 school will be accepted through 4 p.m. June 5.
Availability of the school of choice classes, under Section 105 and 105c of the Michigan School Aid Act, is limited to five incoming juniors applying for the full diploma program, according to a prepared statement from the district.