Sumpter Township absentee ballots to be re-issued

Absentee voters in Sumpter Township will receive replacement ballots for the Nov. 3 election. The new ballots were necessitated when a printing error was found on those already mailed to registered voters, township officials said.

Representatives from the Wayne County Elections office notified Sumpter, Van Buren Township and Belleville on Sept. 28 that the ballots omitted correct information for the Belleville Area District Library Board race. The error affects all absentee voters in the three communities, and the faulty ballots are considered void, officials said.

The original absentee ballots were mailed beginning Sept. 24. In Michigan, absentee ballots must be sent out 40 days before the election.

Michelle Bellingham, interim Belleville City Clerk, said the problem involved the length of one of the terms on the library board ballot. "One of the terms was supposed to be a partial term and not full," she said.

Corrected ballots will be mailed to Sumpter Township voters as soon as they are printed. The township has not been able to confirm an exact date for the re-issue, officials said. Voters who receive a new ballot should look for additional instructions included with the mailing.

An official from the Sumpter Township Clerk's office said they are working to make sure residents have the information they need and will release more details regarding the replacement ballots as they become available. Residents can check the township website and social media pages for updates.

Voters with questions or who need help can call the Sumpter Township Clerk's office at (734) 461-6201. Voters in Belleville and Van Buren Township should contact their local clerk’s office for updated information.

Parents of toddler who had gun at daycare facing charges

The parents of a 3-year-old toddler who was found last week with a loaded gun at a daycare center have both been arraigned on misdemeanor charges before Judge Joe Barone of the 35^th District Court in Plymouth.

The father, Brandon John Ely, 28, a Detroit police officer, was charged with one count of fourth-degree child abuse, a misdemeanor punishable by a year in jail. The mother, Rabab Ibrahim Al Zayad, 27, was charged with one count of unsafe storage of a firearm, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. Both entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

The family resides in Canton Township.

It is alleged the defendants’ 3-year-old son found and removed a loaded, holstered handgun from his backpack while in a daycare classroom Sept. 28. A teacher at the Children’s World Early Learning Center observed the child displaying the handgun to other children and immediately intervened, secured the weapon and notified Canton police.

Police described the incident, which was captured on video surveillance cameras, as shocking. Investigators said the toddler removed the gun from his backpack which had been stored in the daycare building. The child found the firearm and was showing it to other children. A daycare teacher can be seen on video surveillance tapes immediately intervening and securing the firearm as police were called. The firearm, a Glock pistol, is reportedly registered to Al Zayad, the child’s mother.

“It is very unsettling to think about what may have happened in this case,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy said in a statement last week. “We are thankful that there was no loss of life at this day care center.”

Barone set bond for each defendant at $10,000 Unsecured Personal and each was ordered to surrender all firearms in their possession to the Canton Police Department while the case is pending.

“While this incident was unintentional, the responsibility for the safe and secure storage of firearms rests unequivocally with the firearm owner,” said Canton Township Director of Police Services Joseph Bialy. “Fortunately, this incident concluded without physical injury; however, it was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for all parties involved. This incident serves as an important reminder of the serious consequences that can result from an unsecured firearm.”

Childrens World Early Learning Center said in a statement that it was working closely with the police and had introduced new security measures, including backpack checks.

“At Childrens World, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety, security and well-being of the children entrusted to our care. We understand the concerns this event has caused our families, and as educators and parents ourselves, we fully share those feelings.”

The Detroit Police Department said in a statement that Ely had been placed on administrative duty, without access to his gun, while the episode was under review. “If it is determined that the officer violated department policy or the law, that individual will be held accountable,” the statement concluded.

In addition to offering free gun safety locks, the Canton Police Department has additional firearm safety information available at www.cantonmi.gov/329 including a link to various locations around that state that provide free gun safety locks.

Scary stuff

Dr. Frank N. Furter scarecrow to remain in Kellogg Park Halloween display

The Dr. Frank N Furter model will remain, as is, on display among the nearly 100 scarecrows currently on exhibit in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth.

Dr. Frank caused a stir recently when representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the annual fall array of sculpted scarecrows, suggested artisan and creator Patrick Cox cover his costume up with a medical white coat.

Nope, Cox said. Frank is modeled as a tribute to the famous character portrayed by recently deceased actor Tim Curry in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The  film released in 1975 is still shown in various theaters, especially around Halloween to huge and dedicated audiences who talk back and scream at the screen, often dressed in costumes replicating those in the movie.

Cox has refused to cover Frank up noting the fun display is not wearing lingerie but a crop-top on which he and his fellow artisans glued beads.

Cox said the designers went “above and beyond” to make sure the humorous scarecrow was not offensive. He said the builders bought a mannequin head and painted the famous Dr. Frank N. Furter face on it.

The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, however, was not amused after receiving some complaints from park visitors and suggested Cox cover up the doctor, perhaps with a surgical gown.

Laurie Mayers, president of Plymouth Canton PFLAG, an LGBTQ advocacy group and the organization credited with creating and installing the iconic Halloween film icon, said that while the chamber representatives suggested the cover up after hearing complaints, the final decision was left to the creators. They decided to leave the doc just as they installed him.

Meyers said group members discussed the reactions to the scarecrow and while some were negative, a majority of supporters in the community fondly regarded the symbol of the spooky holiday and memories of the cult film.

Cox added his thanks to the supporters and said he hopes the display is interpreted as a positive tribute to the movie and the late Tim Curry.

"The majority of the responses have been positive,” he said, “and that's what fills me with positivity," Cox said.

Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the other fantasy, cartoon and Halloween scarecrows will remain in the park through Nov. 2.

Suspects charged in armed robbery of Canton Wingstop

Two men are facing federal charges in the Sept. 29 armed robbery of a Canton Township Wingstop store, with investigators saying a GPS tether, surveillance footage and discarded clothing helped them identify the suspects within hours.

Martell Laron Franklin, 33, and Devonte Jaier Ross, 32, are charged with Hobbs Act robbery and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, according to a criminal complaint filed Oct. 2 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

In the criminal complaint, a Canton police officer assigned to the FBI Detroit Violent Crimes Task Force said that officers were called to the Wingstop on Ford Road at about 1:40 a.m. Sept. 29 for an armed robbery in progress. Dispatchers described the suspects as two Black men wearing masks and dark clothing and armed with firearms.

According to the complaint, surveillance video shows one suspect alleged to be Ross entering the restaurant first, pointing a handgun at employees and following them toward the kitchen as they ran. One or more employees tripped while trying to get away.

The second suspect, alleged to be Franklin, then entered and walked "purposefully toward the back of the restaurant," according to the complaint. Ross is accused of holding one employee at gunpoint while another opened the safe. Franklin is accused of retrieving a bag from a storage area and helping fill it with cash and other items.

Investigators said that as officers surrounded the restaurant and apartment complex, they saw a silver Buick LeSabre with two people inside leaving the area. Officers did not stop the car because they had no information connecting it to the robbery, according to court documents. Police later learned the car was registered to Franklin's brother.

Investigators used tether data from Michigan Department of Corrections which showed Franklin at the Wingstop address. Franklin is on a lifetime tether following previous criminal convictions according to authorities. Investigators said a search of Flock license plate cameras showed the location and time of the Buick at Wingstop matching Franklin’s tether data.

Around noon Sept. 29, officers said they found a gray sweatshirt with a blue logo and a blue hat in a wooded area near the restaurant, matching clothing the suspect wore in the video. Inside the hat were gloves and two face masks, the complaint says.

Franklin's tether data also placed him near Elmhurst and Cloverdale, where police said they found black latex gloves and two Huntington Bank deposit envelopes. The envelopes held Wingstop receipts, dated two days before the robbery, that listed employees' names, according to the complaint.

Franklin was arrested shortly after 1:15 p.m. Sept. 29 near the Buick.

Investigators said they then used Franklin's tether data to trace his movements before the robbery. The data report and eyewitness identification placed the suspects together at a Detroit transitional housing facility prior to the Canton robbery. Ross, who is on parole for armed robbery, felony firearm and carjacking convictions, was arrested just before 11 p.m. Sept. 29.

A Hobbs Act robbery conviction carries up to 20 years in federal prison per count. A separate federal firearm charge carries a mandatory prison term that must be served in addition to any other sentence.

Romulus police captain retires 

Romulus Police Department Capt. Roger Salwa has retired from the force after a quarter century of service to the community.

In a prepared statement, a department spokesman said, “Capt. Salwa was a dedicated professional, and someone who was known for his ability to "get things done." There wasn't an area of the department he wasn't in charge of over the course of his career.

“What he will most be remembered for is that whether working the streets or rising through the ranks, he consistently held himself and those he led to the highest standards. He set the example through his work ethic, integrity and commitment.

“We are grateful for his efforts and his contributions to the department and the City of Romulus will have a lasting impact,” the official statement concluded.

Baby girl injured in mobile home shooting recovering from injuries

A 1-year-old girl remains in stable condition at an area hospital suffering from wounds inflicted when several armed men opened fire on a mobile home in Canton Township, police said.

Officers were called to the mobile home park near Old Michigan Avenue and I-275 at about 12:30 a.m. Oct. 1 following reports of shots fired at a home in the 41000 block of Old Michigan, police said.

"Officers arrived on scene, provided medical treatment before turning the child over to the Canton Fire Department who transported her to a local hospital for additional treatment," police said in a prepared statement.

The girl's grandfather, who lives at the home in the West Point Manor / Academy Point mobile home community, told reporters that the child suffered an injury to her foot and leg. He said he was holding her when several people walked up outside the home and began shooting. At last report, he said doctors were deciding whether the child would require surgery.

Video from the scene showed at least 25 bullet holes in the mobile home. The grandfather said he counted holes from about 50 high caliber rounds, most of them near the bedrooms. According to reports, the home and neighboring properties suffered extensive damage.

According to family members, the attack appeared to be targeted toward a relative inside the home due to a personal dispute ("beefing"). Reports at press time showed no suspects in custody. Canton Police Department Detective Bureau is actively investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Department (734) 394-5420.

Annual Corn Maze at Northville Maybury Farm celebrates season

The annual corn maze at Maybury Farm in Northville is open Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, offering a 9-acre maze, a smaller maze for young children and a tractor-drawn wagon ride.

The maze, a traditional fall activity for families throughout the area is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays at the farm, 50165 Eight Mile Road. The last wagon to the maze leaves an hour before closing. Wagons run to and from the maze every 30 minutes.

The full maze takes about an hour to complete, farm officials said. The mini-maze, about 1 acre, takes about 20 minutes and includes a story walk for children. A new maze design is planned each year, and the maze includes a scavenger hunt.

Tickets are $14 at the gate and $12 per person when purchased online at least 48 hours before the visit. Members of the farm pay $6 and must show a membership card or enter their membership number online. Children younger than 2 are admitted free and must ride on a lap in the wagon. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Admission includes the wagon ride and a visit to the farm animals. The barn is open until 7 p.m. Cider, donuts and snacks are sold at the farm's general store.

A private wagon ride is available Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays for $350 for up to 25 people. It does not include use of the pavilion or a bonfire.

The farm is run by the Northville Community Foundation. Information is available at mayburyfarm.org or 248-374-0200.

Rotary grant  funds fire safety equipment

Sumpter Township firefighters and residents will be safer during emergency situations thanks to the Cozzad Grant Program of the Belleville Rotary Club. The grant program recently funded the purchase of new safety equipment for the Sumpter Township Fire Department including two Blackline Safety G8 gas monitors and two MSA RIT Packs.

The gas monitors will help firefighters quickly detect dangerous gases during gas leak and carbon monoxide calls, fire department officials said. The devices will also monitor hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a toxic gas that can be present after a fire, helping keep firefighters safe during overhaul operations.

The new RIT Packs provide an emergency air supply for firefighters if they experience an air pack problem while working inside a hazardous environment.

The new equipment will be housed on the two frontline fire engines, fire department officials said and will be used to help protect firefighters, Sumpter Township residents and mutual aid partners.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sumpter Fire Department plans annual family Open House

The Sumpter Township Fire Department will host the annual Open House from noon until 4 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 11. During the family event, the firefighters are collecting new and gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and other winter gear for local children and families who may need a helping hand this winter. The day includes a children’s fun zone and games and fire truck tours. The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Church hosts Rummage Sale

First United Methodist Church in Plymouth will host a two-day rummage sale this month.

The sale will continue from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 with a bag sale from 3 until 5 p.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the sale hours will be 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The church is located at 45201 North Territorial Road, Plymouth

Sale items include clothing, household goods, books, toys, and décor.

For more information, call (734) 453‑5280.

 

Halloween Safety Night set

The Sumpter Township Fire Department and Sumpter Township Police Department will be on hand from 6 until 8 p.m. Oct. 31 to check trick-or-treat candy for safety.

Winter gear collected will be distributed during the evening.

The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Fire Department Open House set before trick or treating

The Canton Fire Department will host an Open House at Fire Station No. 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Fire trucks and equipment will be on display and the Fire Safety House will be open along with other family friendly activities.

The Heritage Park Trick or Treat Story Trail located behind the fire station will be open from 1 until 4 p.m. and fire crews will be distributing treats to visitors. Registration is required for the Trick or Treat Story Trail. Visit cantonfun.org for more information and to register.

 

Shred Day in Canton

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union will host a Shred Day event from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 17 at the branch located at 44530 Ford Road in Canton. The public can bring up to five boxes or bags of confidential documents that will be destroyed and recycled securely and efficiently. For more information, visit https://www.msgcu.org/member-appreciation-day

 

Pumpkin Palooza planned

The annual downtown Plymouth Pumpkin Palooza will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Families are invited to dress up and enjoy trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses, along with fun activities and entertainment throughout the event.

City, county authorities visit homeless encampment

Despite efforts of both City of Westland and Wayne County officials, a long-time and growing homeless encampment remains entrenched in a wooded area behind the Kroger store on Michigan Avenue and Merriman Road in the city.

The camp is located on county-owned land and has been of concern to multiple agencies.  Westland police, behavioral health clinicians, and substance abuse disorder specialists have visited the site offering health and safety services including rides to shelters, clothing, sleeping bags and other resources. Most services and help been refused by the campers, noted Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman. He said the city is very aware of the situation and noted that since the property is owned by the county, city control is limited.

“Because it’s government property, people can kind of go on there, and unless they’re asked to leave, they stay. Certainly, some people are struggling and want to find housing. But also, for some people, it’s a choice to kind of live outdoors,” Coleman told local news media.

He said he is seeking state and federal funding in an effort to address the homeless in the city.

Westland Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Wilkie said officers have repeatedly visited the area, despite county ownership. He said officers, a department Behavioral Health Clinician and Substance Use Disorder Specialist have visited the area and spoken with people living there. Most services and aid were declined Wilkie said. That hasn’t halted department efforts, he added, and during winter months, officers and clinicians have distributed coats that convert to sleeping bags, winter clothing, and snacks.

In a statement, Wilkie said Wayne County Parks was recently on-site addressing the situation and that the department would continue working with other agencies toward a resolution.

“The Westland Police Department recognizes the public has concerns involving this situation and will continue its proactive work to offer both assistance and services to the homeless while also working toward resolving this situation with the other agencies involved,” Wilkie said.

Wayne County Communications Director Matt Allen said Wayne County Parks has addressed the encampment twice since the end of July and planned another assessment visit.

“Our approach is to treat all persons with dignity as we seek a holistic approach to solving this problem going forward,” Allen said. Currently, resources available to homeless individuals is available at Wayne County Family Center: 30600 Michigan Ave, Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 721-0590 (Emergency shelter for families); Wayne Metro CAA Westland: 32150 Dorsey St Suite 16, Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 284-6999 (Housing stability and assistance) and The Salvation Army Wayne-Westland Corps: 2300 S Venoy Road, Westland, MI 48186.

3-year-old found with loaded gun in backpack at daycare

Canton Township police are continuing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a loaded gun in the backpack of a 3-year-old at a local daycare center.

According to a notification to parents from the director of Children's World Early Learning Center on Sheldon Road, the weapon, still in a holster, was discovered when the toddler removed it from the backpack. Staff members immediately intervened, according to the center director, and secured the weapon after taking it from the child.

The statement from the director says the police were immediately contacted and officers responded to the daycare facility. It was later determined that the child’s father is a police officer in another community, according to the school director.

“Most importantly, no one was hurt or injured,” the statement from the school read. “The supervising teacher remained calm and followed the appropriate safety response.”

Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy said one of the toddler's parents was taken into custody and that the investigation is ongoing. He confirmed that other parent of the 3-year-old is a police officer in a neighboring jurisdiction, and that department is conducting a review of the officer. The name of the parents or the department where the parent is employed has not been released by police as the investigation continues.

"This is an alarming incident and I watched the video. And it's hard to watch the video even knowing the outcome is a safe one," Bialy said.

"I can tell you when the call came out, it's one you never want to get. And the officers that responded did a good job working with the staff," Bialy said.

Results of the active investigation by the Canton Police Department Detective Bureau will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review, according to a statement from the police department.

“The Canton Police Department wishes to assure the community that there is no ongoing threat associated with this incident. The Canton Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating all weapons-related offenses, taking these matters with the utmost seriousness,” the prepared statement concluded.

The school noted that the family has been disenrolled from the childcare center “as an obligation to maintain the safety and security of all children and staff.”

The incident remains under investigation.

Sumpter Township October Jam celebration set for tomorrow

Sumpter Township will light up the sky at the finale of the October Jam set to begin at 4 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 3, at the Community Center Pavilion.

While the scheduled fireworks display will conclude the free event, members of the Parks and Recreation Department have planned a full day of family entertainment. A free concert featuring The Stone Blossoms is planned with special guest artist Daniel Harrison. There will be a 45-foot obstacle course with a slide, inflatable axe throwing and bonfires among other entertainment planned.

Food trucks scheduled to be on site include The King of Ribs & Soul Food, Cookin’ with Passion and specialty drinks by Infiniteas.

The grand finale fireworks will be overseen by the Michigan Fireworks Club, organizers said and is expected to be a fitting close to the celebration.

October Jam is a family-friendly event and is free. Visitors are urged to bring their own lawn chairs and coolers and, “most importantly, bring your party spirit” organizers said

The pavilion is located at 23501 Sumpter Road.

Area mourning death of Romulus Hall of Fame coach

James Donald Stallings, a member of the Romulus Coaches Hall of Fame, died Sept. 11 at the age of 82.

A graduate of Romulus High School, Mr. Stallings attended Hillsdale College where he played football, wrestled and even did some acting.

He began his coaching and teaching career in Romulus in 1967 where he was later inducted into the Romulus Coaches Hall of Fame.  In 1974 he took his talents to Trenton where he coached wrestling for 30 years. He coached many champions and teams that placed among the top 10 in the state. He retired from coaching with a career record of 447-159-3. He was recognized by the press and his peers with many coach of the year awards and hall of fame inductions, but as much as those things were important to him Mr. Stallings consistently supported his wrestlers and assured them he was in their corner and would do whatever he could to help them be the best athlete and person they could be, his family recalled.

Mr. Stallings met the love of his life, Sherry Smith, while coaching in Romulus. The couple married in 1968 and traveled during summer vacations, along with their children and eventually, grandchildren. The family enjoyed family vacations and summers at Long Lake, Sandy Pines and Gulf Shores.

Mr. Stallings returned to college and earned his degree in Special Education at Eastern Michigan University. His family said he had incredible patience, kindness, determination, and creativity in the classroom. His proudest moments as an educator were working with his most profoundly challenged students and their families to help them to have a more joyful and well-rounded school experience.

Mr. Stallings is survived by his wife, Sherry; Bradley, Maddy and Lily Stallings, Christy, JC, Cooper Clardy, Melba Stallings Chaney, Gail Smith Stallings and many nieces and nephews, along with a host of friends and former students.

A celebration of his life is planned tomorrow, Oct. 3, at Peoples Church in Kalamazoo.

Canton police, state seize drugs during local inspection

An over-the-counter product that can simulate opioid effects has been removed from a Canton Township tobacco shop by police.

Township police said strict enforcement regarding kratom and highly concentrated 7-0H products will continue. An inspection at a local tobacco shop with MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) and Michigan State Police discovered hundreds of the Kratom products along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that causes the sensation of being "high." The substances were allegedly being sold illegally when inspectors and police visited the store Aug. 28.

The items were seized and the and the evidence and findings will be referred to the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, police said.

7-OH is 7-hydroxymitragynine, a naturally occurring chemical found in the kratom plant, native to Southeast Asia. Kratom plant leaves contain several alkaloids, including mitragynine and much smaller amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

While 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom, it is considered much more potent than mitragynine and can also be produced or concentrated from kratom extracts. Kratom products labeled as 7-OH may include tablets, gummies, powders, shots, or liquid extracts. 7-OH interacts with opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, according to scientific research. It can produce opioid-like effects, including relaxation, pain relief, and sedation.

Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, confusion, and drowsiness, experts advised. High doses may increase the risk of slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, and other serious complications, especially when 7-OH is combined with alcohol, prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedating drugs.

There is no state law in Michigan banning 7-OH products although state regulators say kratom and other unapproved psychoactive substances cannot legally be marketed as food or dietary supplement ingredients.

The substances are under consideration for designation under Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act but currently have no federal ban.

Romulus man facing charges in serious injury hit and run accident

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has filed criminal charges against a 78-year-old Romulus man in connection with a hit-and-run incident that left a 61-year-old man severely injured.

Ray Woodrow is facing one count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death. The charges stem from an incident which occurred at about 7:45 a.m. Sept. 14 in Huron Township.

Prosecutors contend that Woodrow was allegedly driving eastbound along Pennsylvania Road near Huron River Drive in Huron Township when he struck the victim who was walking on the shoulder of the road. Woodrow allegedly fled from the scene, prosecutors said.

According to police reports, medics arrived on the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment.  A Huron Township police investigation led to the arrest of Woodrow the same day. The victim was reported in critical condition at a local hospital at press time.

Woodrow was arraigned Sept. 17 in 34^th District Court before Judge Lisa Martin. He was given a $10,000 bond and prohibited by the court from driving. He is facing up to 5 years imprisonment and or a $5,000 fine and state driver’s license sanctions

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sumpter Fire Department plans annual family Open House

The Sumpter Township Fire Department will host the annual Open House from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. During the family event, the firefighters are collecting new and gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and other cold-weather gear for local children and families who may need a helping hand this winter. The day includes a children’s fun zone and games and fire truck tours. The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Halloween Safety Night set

The Sumpter Township Fire Department and Sumpter Township Police Department will be on hand from 6 until 8 p.m. Oct. 31 to check trick-or-treat candy for safety.

Previously donated winter gear collected will be distributed during the evening.

The fire station is located at 20550 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

 

Fire Department Open House set before trick or treating

The Canton Fire Department will host an Open House at Fire Station No. 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Fire trucks and equipment will be on display, and the Fire Safety House will be open along with other family friendly activities.

The Heritage Park Trick or Treat Story Trail located behind the fire station will be open from 1 until 4 p.m. and fire crews will be distributing treats to visitors. Registration is required for the Trick or Treat Story Trail. Visit cantonfun.org for more information and to register.

 

Shred Day in Canton

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union will host a Shred Day event from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the branch located at 44530 Ford Road in Canton. The public can bring up to five boxes or bags of confidential documents that will be destroyed and recycled securely and efficiently. For more information, visit https://www.msgcu.org/member-appreciation-day

 

Pumpkin Palooza planned

The annual downtown Plymouth Pumpkin Palooza will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Families are invited to dress up and enjoy trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses, along with fun activities and entertainment throughout the event.

Sumpter Township police millage on November ballot

Voters in Sumpter Township will be asked to approve a millage to fund the police department, weeks after a similar request was rejected in the August primary election.

Members of the township board of trustees unanimously approved revised ballot language at a meeting immediately following the August vote which was defeated by 57 percent of voters during that balloting. Officials agreed at the time that the language of the proposal was confusing to voters who interpreted the proposal as a hefty tax increase. The new proposal combines two previous millages which will expire and increase the dedicated public safety millage by only 2 mills.

Township trustees say that without the approval of the 5 mill levy, the police department could face a 41 percent cut to the current operating budget. The shortfall in funding the police department has been made up from the township general fund for several years. The decrease in landfill fees and the recent assessment from Wayne County for drain repairs have negatively impacted the township budget, officials said, and the public safety millage question is imperative to police service in the township. 

Police Chie/Public Safety Director Eric Luke has said the department can't cut expenses to compensate for a loss of the magnitude of the two expiring millages. Luke said the combined millage proposal would cost the average township homeowner an additional $250 a year for the 24-hour, 7-day a week protection the department provides. Department funding, he explained, relies on millage money because about 99 percent of township property taxes go to Wayne County, something most homeowners do not realize.

Ballot language filed with the county shows the request is for an increase of up to 5 mills, or $5 per $1,000 of taxable value, for police operations. Luke has said he does not consider the August result as a rejection of the police. He attributed it to widespread voters' fatigue with taxes.

Sumpter officials are counting on a larger turnout at the polls in November to approve the needed funding. They estimated primary turnout at 24 to 25 percent of registered voters and said that approximately 14 percent of all registered voters sank the proposal.

Trustee Tim Rush has warned that severe cuts or a department closure would force the township to lean on outside agencies such as the Michigan State Police, which he said could mean slower emergency response. “This is crucial to our township,” Rush said.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Marching ahead

Romulus Rotary Club reveals Parade of Lights crowd favorite entries

Thousands of spectators gathered along Goddard Road last Friday to share the excitement of the annual Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights, which opened the 28th annual Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival.

Parade favorites as selected by online voting were announced by the club members earlier this week. Taking home top honors for live music was the Romulus High School Marching Eagles. Barth Elementary School was chosen as the favorite school entry while the Romulus Flyers were chosen as the favorite non-motorized entry in the parade this year. Kingdom Life Church was honored as the favorite motorized entry, and The Haunted Funeral Home was the favorite in the commercial category. Votes were tabulated from entries on the Rotary Club website, officials said.

The weekend festival took place at Romulus Historical Park and as usual attracted large crowds of residents to the family-friendly event with events and entertainment for all ages. The Downtown Development Authority-sponsored festival takes place every year starting on the third Friday in September and features music, food, crafts and games for all ages, along with a classic car show and a craft and vendor show. Pumpkin painting, Punkin Chuckin and a Romulus Idol competition drew crowds again this year. The event also featured Punkie’s 5K, a run, walk or bike through the city.

Organizers said the festival was a huge success, even with a bit of rain, and drew large crowds during the weekend.