Thursday, November 24, 2022
County to disburse federal funds for area projects
Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will be distributed to several local communities for local projects following approval by members of the Wayne County Commission earlier this month.
The commission is charged with distributing the federal funding and approved 14 local projects during the Nov. 3 meeting. The commissioners approved the report of the Committee of the Whole members recommending the use of the federal funds.
The agreements will continue through Oct. 31, 2025 and each community awarded funds is required to spend no less that 70 percent of the project award money provided through ARPA before Oct. 31, 2024.
Changing lives
Therapeutic Recreation program success celebrated by community
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| Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak (above) speaks to the audience celebrating the success of the Western Wayne County Therapeutic Recreation program at the Summit on the Park last week. |
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak explained that the program had achieved a positive impact on hundreds of program recipients whose lives had been improved with numerous opportunities to learn and reinforce life skills. These skills helped break down barriers for individuals with disabling conditions, she added. Several representatives from local communities served by the program along with Wayne County officials and other dignitaries were on hand to help recognize the positive impact of the program.
Person of the Year nominations sought
The 36th Person of the Year will be named in Romulus next spring.
Nominations for the honor will be accepted by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce until Dec. 8 by mail, email, in person or online. No nominations postmarked or received after Dec. 8 will be considered for the honor.
The criteria for the nominees are individuals that have made significant contributions to
Romulus and residents of the community. Nominations should include a biographical synopsis should stating reasons the nominee should be honored as the Person of the Year. The award presentation ceremony will take place in spring, 2023, chamber officials said.
Happy trails
Promoted
Funeral donations needed
Inkster community officials are asking the public to help with the funeral costs of two teens killed in a house fire last month.
The teens, Alex Hall, 17, and his disabled 15-year-old brother, Anthony, were unable to escape the fire and smoke at their home on Florence Street in Inkster. Authorities have ruled the cause of the fire as accidental. The boys were discovered by their mother, Shannon Hall, when she arrived home from work, officials said.
Name ‘sake’
Community center renamed to honor area commissioner
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| Abdul "Al" Haidous stands outside the newly renamed community center in Wayne which is now a tribute to his 40-years of service to the city. |
The name change, officials said, is in recognition of former Haidous' more than four-decades of service to the city as a councilman, mayor and now Wayne County Commission member.
A Democrat, he was first elected in November 2014 to represent the Wayne County Commission 11th District, which covers the cities of Belleville, Romulus and Wayne; Huron, Sumpter and Van Buren townships and part of the city of Westland. Haidous served as the mayor of the city of Wayne from 2001 until he was elected to the county commission. He served on the Wayne City Council from 1993 to 2001 and Board of Zoning Appeals from 1990-93.
Goodfellows help is available
Applications for holiday help from the Wayne Goodfellows organization will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 3.
For nearly a century, the Goodfellows organizations across the country have provided toys, groceries and gifts during the annual No Child Without A Christmas campaign. In Wayne, the group provides support and assistance to nearly 300 families annually and during the holiday. The Wayne organization offers emergency help to those who have suffered a catastrophic event all year which prevents them from providing for themselves short term. Wayne Goodfellows also support various other local organization which provide support for the community.
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| Manal Kadry and her husband, Omar Salamen were killed in a tragic single-car accident in Northville Township last week while returning home from visiting friends. They leave behind four children. |
The accident took place at 12:17 a.m. Nov. 12 on Bayberry Way in the area of Seven Mile and Napier roads in Northville Township. The couple were identified as 46-year-old Omar Salamen and his wife, 40-year-old Manal Kadry. Preliminary findings indicate the Salamen, who was driving, was attempting to navigate a curve, left the road and struck a tree. Police said neither occupant of the vehicle survived the crash. The couple was reportedly returning to their Northville Township home following a visit with friends.
Redesign of downtown city streets will be meeting topic
The Northville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and representatives from design firm Grissim, Metz and Andriese (GMA) will host a meeting regarding design plans for the downtown street closures at 8 a.m. Nov. 29 at Northville City Hall. The design consultant and traffic consultant teams (GMA and Fleis & Vandenbrink) will host a joint workshop on Dec. 7 to make presentations, gather public comment and take a walking tour of the downtown street closures.
“We're inviting anyone who is interested to attend the meetings and share your thoughts and ideas,” said DDA Director Lori Ward.
Tipping Point Theatre presents holiday classic
Tipping Point Theatre launched the 15th theatrical season this month with a production of Joe Landry's adaptation of It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
“We begin our 15th season with a classic,” said Co-Producing Artistic Director Julia Glander. “This story within a story…within a story about love and redemption holds up remarkably well in our present, pandemic world.
Longest serving mayor set to resign Jan. 16
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| Mayor William R. WIld |
Wild announced that he will resign as the mayor of the city Jan. 16 to take a position as the president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Retailer Association, based in West Bloomfield.
Wild, who was raised in Westland and is a graduate of John Glenn High School, has been the mayor of the city since 2007 and is the longest serving mayor in Westland. He served on the city council prior to becoming mayor.
Wild has guided the city in attempts to convert the old Marshall Upper Elementary School building into a community facility, was instrumental in the initial curbside recycling program in the city and the return of the program after financial concerns forced cancellation of the service.
Westland man accused of helping terrorist groups
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| Aws Mohammed Naser |
In a federal indictment unsealed last week, Aws Mohammed Naser, 34, was charged with the federal offense which, if convicted, carries a 20 year prison term. Naser is also accused of being a felon in possession of a destructive device, an offense which carries a 15-year prison term upon conviction.
“Terrorism poses significant threats to people living in our district and around the world,” United States Attorney Dawn Ison said. “We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to aid terrorists.”
Fill a SWAT truck tomorrow
There will be a menacing looking SWAT truck parked in the lot at Crunch Fitness tomorrow, but there is no cause for alarm. The vehicle is there for a good cause.
The Westland Police Department is sponsoring the fifth Stuff a SWAT Truck event, an effort that provides gifts for the Westland Goodfellows No Child Without a Christmas campaign. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. the truck will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped gifts for Westland children for Christmas. Crunch Fitness is located at 35715 Warren Road and Santa Claus will be on hand for free photos.
Library remodeling under way
A planned $5.3 million renovation and expansion of the William P. Faust Westland Public Library is now under way and will include the addition of 7,000 square feet to the building. The current location will close to the public until a potential reopening of the remodeled facility next fall. Services will be available beginning in late January at the Marshall Upper Elementary School building on Bayview Street, officials said.
While online services will continue without interruption, other services including loaning of books and materials will be available at nearby libraries include Canton Township, Garden City and Wayne. Officials said those facilities will honor a Westland library card during the project.
Red Kettle Campaign sparks friendly rivalry
Bells will soon be ringing throughout the area as the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign begins the annual drive for funding to help the less fortunate.
The traditional rivalry between the members of the Plymouth Kiwanis and Plymouth Rotary clubs is expected to be even fiercer this year and each club is determined to collect the most donations to help those less fortunate in the Plymouth communities. While the Kiwanis members out collected the Rotarians during the bell-ringing campaign last year, the Rotary Morning Club members have agreed to join the Noon Club members to ensure victory this year by sheer numbers of volunteer bell-ringers.
Clothing drive under way
With winter temperatures already here, Friends of Unity Church representatives are seeking clothing for children 3 to 14 years old-socks, underwear and warm pajamas. The clothing will go to God's Storehouse, a Detroit charity that assists people who are homeless or living in poverty.
Donors can drop off clothing through Dec. 4 at the Plymouth Community Arts Council building at 774 N, Sheldon Road, Plymouth. Clothing can be placed in a labeled drop box in the lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. until noon Sundays.
Winter Walk
Mental health workshops offered
Canton Township Leisure Services is currently offering a free series of mental health workshops to help area residents learn important self-care skills. Participants in the Family First and Social Services Workshops will receive information and be introduced to practices that support mental well-being, according to Laura Mortier, Canton recreation supervisor.
“Our goal with these free workshops is to offer resources, as well as educational opportunities, so that individuals can find tools of support for themselves or ways to help support others,” said Mortier. “These unique opportunities are designed to show and help participants learn how to nurture themselves and develop mindful self-care plans on a variety of topics.”
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Northville pedestrian pathway gaps to be completed
Critical "gaps” in the Northville Township non-motorized pathway system have been identified for completion by members of the Pathways Advisory Committee established in 2021.
Members of the committee took field trips to study the current system and after preliminary engineering review, chose three projects as the best opportunity for completion. A section on the north side of Six Mile Road, east and west of Beck; a portion on the east side of Bradner Road, from Meads Mill Middle School to Whisperwood subdivision and a portion on the north side of Arcadia Ridge, into Marv Gans Community Park have been selected as the first projects to be completed.
Helping hands
Pollinator gardens installed at parks
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| Volunteers work together installing the new pollinator gardens at Heritage Park and Ridge Road Park in Canton Township. |
Heritage and Ridge Road parks in the township each now include pollinator gardens created by volunteers from Community Financial Credit Union and the Dartmouth Alumni of Detroit/NW/Ohio, under the guidance of Creating Habitats for Pollinators. The native grasses and plants have been planted in an effort to give bees and other pollinators a place to thrive, explained Abe Vinitski, Canton parks supervisor.
“Butterflies and bees need plenty of native, flowering plants to thrive,” said Vinitski. “By increasing the amount of dedicated habitat for these pollinating insects, we hope to add nesting sites that are critical to their survival, as well as serve as inspiration to others to add pollinator habitats in their yards.”
Romulus Goodfellows Annual Turkey Trot set for tomorrow
Area runners can join a very large flock of "turkeys" tomorrow during the Romulus Goodfellows Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the Goodfellows who provide Christmas toys and food to the less fortunate in the community. There will be a $10 entry fee for the event which will be used to purchase gifts, toys and groceries for those needing help during the holidays, part of the annual Goodfellows No Child Without A Christmas project.
Winners of 28th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition named
The 28th Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition has chosen the winning artworks entered this year. Winners include: Best of Show: Jean-Paul Aboudib for 'United States of Rome'; Second Prize: Dennis Gordon for 'Thistle'; Third Prize: Chuck Schroeder for 'St. Mary's Challenger'; Juror's Choice Award: Durwood Coffey for “Close Encounter”; Honorable Mention: Sylvia Ford for 'Take Flight: Inside Embry Riddle'; Honorable Mention: Jessica Waterstradt for 'Little Wonders'; Merit Award: Aileen Mozug for 'Palm Abstract'; Merit Award: Linda Klenczar for 'Follow the Road'; Merit Award: Amanda Pringle for 'Spring Day'; and Merit Award: Mary Jo Caruana for 'Pondering his Next Move'.
Canton Goodfellows are seeking volunteers, donations
The group is seeking volunteers to help collect and distribute gifts this year. Current volunteers will meet between 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the lower level of the Township Administration Building. Information about the Goodfellows and the holiday operation will be provided along with light refreshments.
Winter Walk is planned
The park will feature seasonal light displays and decorations installed around the large pond along with visits from Santa, ice carvings and special winter refreshments for sale from vendors. The Winter Wonderland Walk will take place from 5 until 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Pre-registration for the special event is required and each visitor must register for an assigned time slot.
Spooky stuff
A new chapter
Northville Township Fire Department adds 7 members
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| Northville Township Hall had a full house last week as the fire department welcomed seven firefighters to the organization. New Northville firefighters include, from left, Francis Dreslinski, Peter Michalak, Mackenzie Slowik, Kevin Pietrasinski, Thomas Wilson, Zachary Sprys-Tellner and Kody Gazdag. |
The firefighters were sworn in by Northville Township Clerk Roger Lundberg in a township hall ceremony in front of friends and family. Each firefighter is also a paramedic.
Public service officials said that rising population rates in the township have reached nearly 32,000 which impacts requests for service. This hiring, they said, matches staffing with current incident volume.
Firms hired to design permanent downtown street areas
The firm of Grissim, Metz, and Andriese has been awarded a contract to plan a conversion of the closed sections of North Center Street and Main Street into a permanent pedestrian environment.
The $47,700 cost will be split between the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the city. Each will pay $23,850 for the development plan. The plan, assigned to the DDA, must support local businesses and foster community engagement, according to the specifications of the bid. Five design firms responded to the Request For Proposal (RFP) and those bids were reviewed by members of the DDA Economic Development Committee, along with city DPW Director Mike Domine.
Board OK’s 2 new ambulances
Officials from the Northville Township Fire Department have ordered two new ambulances to replace two aging vehicles with more than 120,000 miles on each of them. Because of the specialized equipment involved, the new models will take two years to build, officials said, and the township expects them to arrive next summer.
Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Wiggins won a $250,000 FEMA grant for Northville Township Fire Department, covering about 80 percent of the cost of one of the ambulances.
Northville Township is saving an additional $90,000 on both of the new ambulances by reinstalling the existing Stryker Power Cots that were previously purchased using funds from another grant, also secured by Wiggins.
Couple killed in crash
A Northville Township couple was killed Saturday when the vehicle in which they were riding left the roadway and struck a tree in the Steeplechase subdivision.
Police officers were called to the scene on Bayberry Way near the intersection of Seven Mile and Napier roads at 12:17 a.m. Nov. 12 following a report of a rollover accident. Northville Township Fire Department personnel utilized extrication equipment to remove the victims who were beyond life saving measures, according to police reports.
Police investigation into shooting of teen continues
Sumpter Township police are continuing the investigation into a shooting that took place Nov. 7.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the area of Rustic Lane North and Knollwood in the Rawsonville Woods Mobile Home Community at about 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in response to a report of shots fired. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 15-year-old boy who had suffered a gunshot in his upper leg/buttocks.
Cause of fatal crash is probed
The investigation into a fatal hit and run accident in Plymouth Oct. 30 is continuing, officials said.
Police are seeking the identity of a driver who fatally struck a pedestrian at about 7 p.m. on Beck Road between Powell and North Territorial Road in Plymouth Township.
The victim was treated and transported from the scene by emergency personnel but succumbed to the injuries sustained and died later at a local hospital, according to police reports.
Paid parking plan to be topic
Discussions of a plan to implement paid parking in downtown Plymouth will continue at a 5 p.m. meeting Monday, Nov. 21 at Plymouth City Hall.
Representatives from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and members of the Plymouth City Commission have been discussing the various possibilities for a paid parking system in the city. Officials said the paid parking system could potentially increase the parking stock in the area.
Congratulations
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Mistiletoe Market returns Dec. 1
Christmas will be a little early in downtown Plymouth this year with the return of the popular Mistletoe Market on Dec. 1.
Again this year, from noon until 9 p.m. The Gathering will be the site of more than 60 vendors offering a European style market with Michigan-made crafts, treats and greenery. Attractions including horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers from local school and church groups street performers and brass bands will begin to fill downtown at 5 p.m. organizers said.
Wreaths Across America celebrated in Romulus
Donations and volunteers are need for the special Wreaths Across America Ceremony planned for noon Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Romulus Memorial Cemetery.
The ceremony is being organized by the Romulus Veterans Outreach Committee and the Romulus VFW Post 78. Individuals can purchase a $15 wreath to honor a veteran in the cemetery until Nov. 29 online at: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Choose “Local Sponsorship Group” and search “Romulus VFW”.
Fond farewell
Promoted
Police car strikes pedestrian
An Inkster man was seriously injured last week when he stepped into the path of a moving Inkster Police vehicle.
According to police reports, the incident took place on Inkster Road, just south of Cherry Hill on Sunday, Nov. 6. The man was struck by the vehicle as he stepped directly in front of the moving car. Police said only that the man appeared to be in his 50s and was transported by emergency personnel to a nearby hospital in serious conditions.
No further details of the incident were released by police who said it was an ongoing investigation.
Shooting investigation continues
Inkster police officers responding to a reported "disturbance" on Halloween discovered a man dead of multiple gunshot wounds, according to official reports.
Inkster police responded to the report at about 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. When officers arrived at 26739 Yale St., they found the body of a 45-year-old Inkster man dead of multiple gunshot wounds.
Applications for Goodfellows holiday help are still available
Applications for holiday help from the Wayne Goodfellows organization will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. today, Nov. 17, and again Dec. 3.
For nearly a century, the Goodfellows organizations across the country have provided toys, groceries and gifts during the annual No Child Without A Christmas campaign. In Wayne, the group provides support and assistance to nearly 300 families annually and during the holiday.
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Canton OK’s 449 unit rental development
Creekview Landings, a 449-unit rental home project, has received approval from members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees.
Trustees agreed with the recommendation of the township planning commission where the project received approval in September. Construction on the 225-acre site north of Geddes Road and west of Denton Road could begin as early as next summer, officials said.
Plans submitted by the developer, Sunrise Land Group, include a clubhouse, pool, dog park, splash pad, basketball court and playground along with 342 detached rental homes and 107 attached for-rent units.
Lighting up
County holiday display to open next Thursday
The display will then be open from 6 until 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday until Saturday, Dec. 24. The Lightfest is closed Monday and Tuesday evenings. Wayne County officials noted that the overwhelming response to the Lightfest last year may increase wait times may be longer than normal on weekends.
Plymouth will add 2 downtown liquor licenses
Adult beverages may soon be available in two more locations in Plymouth.
Members of the Plymouth City Commission recently agreed to allow two additional liquor licenses in the downtown area. Currently, the city allows a total of 28 Class C liquor licenses, including 16 in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district. The vote increases the number of Class C licenses allowing the sale of liquor by the glass to 18 in the downtown area.
The decision of the commissioners followed a public hearing on the issue last month including an opinion from the DDA and a report from city police. Neither opposed the additional licensing.
Gobble Wobble
Annual charity turkey trot set
A very large flock of “turkeys” is expected to invade Romulus next week when the Goodfellows Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot is set to begin.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the Goodfellows who provide Christmas toys and food to the less fortunate in the community. There will be a $10 entry fee for the event which will be used to purchase gifts, toys and groceries for those needing help during the holidays, part of the annual Goodfellows No Child Without A Christmas project.
Witching hour
Halloween fun will provide Christmas joy for many Romulus residents this year following the successful gathering of local witches Oct. 27 at the Romulus VFW Hall. The witches, many dressed in elaborate attire, enjoyed special entertainment, vendors and best witch hat and broom contests during the evening of wicked fun all to help the Romulus Goodfellows with their No Child Without A Christmas campaign.
Person of the Year being sought
The 36th Person of the Year will be named in Romulus next spring.
Nominations for the honor will be accepted by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce until Dec. 8 by mail, email, in person or online. No nominations postmarked or received after Dec. 8 will be considered for the honor.
The criteria for the nominees are individuals that have made significant contributions to Romulus and residents of the community. Nominations should include a biographical synopsis stating reasons the nominee should be honored as the Person of the Year.
Star struck
Former Canton resident wins prime-time internship
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| Christopher Putlock |
Putlock, a senior at Loyola Marymount University, has been selected for the prestigious. Television Academy Foundation Internship Program. He is one of just 12 students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2022 fall program. The annual internship program provides eight-week paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies to college students nationwide, according to a prepared statement from the foundation.
Putlock is studying film and television production with a minor in screenwriting at the university.
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