Teachers’ lawsuit alleges district age discrimination

Officials from the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools have not commented on a lawsuit filed by four district teachers alleging age discrimination. The district does not comment on pending legal matters as a matter of policy, said Frank Ruggirello Jr., spokesperson for the district.

The four teachers, all formerly employed at Bentley Elementary School, filed the lawsuit in May, claiming in Wayne County Circuit Court documents that they were subjected to age-based discrimination and hostility as “the district engaged in a systemic effort to remove older teachers and replace them with substantially younger, less experienced individuals.”

Teachers Michelle West, 61, Linda Verduzco, 54, Julie Casser, 50, and Sheri Bowler, 55, all represented by attorney David Nacht, included Bentley Elementary Principal Edward Latour in their complaint which claims LaTour targeted older educators with openly hostile acts, false performance reviews and inappropriate re
tirement surveys. All four of the complainants said they had not planned on retirement but left their jobs due to the alleged conduct and discrimination by LaTour. All claim they were replaced by young teachers.

"We worship youth and vitality, but for skills like teaching, people get better the longer they do it," Nacht said. "In general, we learn from our mistakes, and we get better and improve. The idea that we would deprive our children of the best public-school teachers simply because they got older is just terrible public policy.”

When Latour became principal at Bentley in 2023, he allegedly did a retirement survey of teachers at the school demanding to know who intended to retire or transfer. He allegedly conducted a "targeted campaign" against older teachers who didn't want to leave and was “belittling and degrading in meetings and launched false accusations and patterns of intimidation” against them, according to the lawsuit.

“Defendant’s conduct was not isolated. It reflected a broader pattern and practice of targeting older teachers for removal based on age and cost considerations,” according to the lawsuit. “The district’s own independent investigation found Latour violated Board Policies governing staff ethics and professionalism.”

The teachers are seeking an unspecified monetary amount in damages; back pay;  lost wages and benefits and compensation for loss of future earning capacity.

‘Spoke’tacluar

Eagle Scout rolls out new wooden bike racks in Canton parks, trails

Visitors to several Canton Township parks and trails will notice the addition of new wooden bike racks thanks to the hard work of Jimmy Ackron, a local Boy Scout of Canton Troop 854.

As a Wayne State freshman studying engineering, Ackron undertook the challenge as part of his final Eagle Scout project, which is one of the last steps in achieving the highest rank in scouting. Ackron’s project consisted of researching and developing design plans, fundraising for supplies, and constructing six wooden bike racks.

To accomplish his project, Ackron had to raise more than $500 in funds for the materials, as well as recruit and train more than a dozen of his fellow scouts to help build and stain the structures.

Ackron’s 8-foot-long wooden bike racks can be found at the Canton Lower Rouge Trailhead, located at Michigan Avenue and Morton Taylor Road, on the grounds of the Summit on the Park community recreation center at 46000 Summit Parkway, and on the north side of Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.

“The entire project was a great experience that taught me a lot,” Ackron said. “This included planning, fundraising, building, and eventually placing the bike racks.” To gain access to Canton parks and the Summit on the Park, Ackron worked closely with Summit staff, as well as his troop, to get their approval.

“Jimmy has been an absolute delight to work with,” said Beth Myers, Summit on the Park special events coordinator. “Seeing him pour such dedication into this project is a powerful example of how success can be achieved at any age.”

Ackron thanked his fellow troopmates for their help in completing all the necessary tasks. “It was great to see this project through successfully from beginning to end, and to instruct and guide other Scouts during the process showed me what it takes to be a good leader,” Ackron said. “It’s a great feeling to see how visitors to these parks are already using them and how it’s making a real difference in their lives without them even realizing it.”

James Ackron, a proud father, said he is proud his son completed the project.  He added that he is even happier that his son made a positive contribution to his hometown of Canton.  “It was wonderful really seeing him grow and struggle through the challenges to see the end result of all his hard work,” James Ackron said.

Troop 854 is a Boy Scout Troop with the Boy Scouts of America that is part of the Michigan Crossroads Council – Sunset District, chartered by St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Canton. Originally chartered in 1975, Canton Troop 854 has seen more than 125 scouts earn the rank of Eagle.

For additional information on how to submit an Eagle Scout project for consideration, contact the Canton Park Office at (734) 394-5310.  For more information about Canton Parks, visit www.cantonmi.org/147.

License plate reading cameras coming down in Westland

The highly controversial Flock Safety license plate reading cameras will be removed from all 10 sites in Westland at the end of this month.

Westland Police Chief Kyle Dawley issued a statement stating he would not bring the renewal of the contract for the devices to members of the city council for a vote following strident public criticism of the cameras and apparent divergent opinions among council members. The city contract for the cameras expires at the end of July.

Flock cameras are a specialized Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) manufactured by Flock Safety. Each camera is solar-powered and pole-mounted device that captures the license plate, vehicle make, model, color, and unique identifying features (like bumper stickers or dents) of every passing car, storing the data in a searchable database.

The cameras are marketed as a vital tool for recovering stolen vehicles and solving violent crimes, but civil rights organizations like the ACLU argue that widespread use of the devices creates a mass surveillance system that tracks the daily movements—such as doctor visits, workplaces, and places of worship—of everyday, innocent citizens without a warrant. Because of these privacy issues, major police departments have at times halted their use of the cameras.

Westland officials said the controversy regarding the devices was primarily due to access to the collected data.

“The access of the information of your license plate follows you any place that you go that has a Flock camera, and anyone can access it from basically any police station across the country,” noted Councilwoman Melissa Sampey.

City Council President Mike McDermott said in a prepared statement that he opposes continued use of the cameras, citing privacy and constitutional concerns, including worries about corporate data-sharing practices and access by outside agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Westland residents and local advocacy groups, including DeFlock Michigan and the Socialists of Western-Wayne, repeatedly raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of the cameras during council meetings. McDermott said the public comments influenced his position on the use of the cameras.

Flock Safety cited the success of the cameras in solving violent crimes and finding missing people. In a statement from the business a spokesman said removing the cameras can slow police investigations. The statement claimed that in 2025 its technology “supported more than one million criminal investigations and incidents, contributed to an estimated 20 percent of solved cases in jurisdictions where it is deployed, and helped locate more than 10,000 missing people.”

“Cases will take longer to solve, organized retail theft crews will operate with fewer obstacles, an Amber Alert may not be returned home, and victims may wait longer, or indefinitely, for justice,” the company stated.

Police officials said no change in police procedures or local enforcement would take place following removal of the devices which are primarily installed along Ford Road.

Community Cooling Centers open to fight brutal heat

With the forecast predicting continued soaring temperatures above 90 degrees, area residents have several cooling centers available to provide relief during the heat wave.

In Canton Township, two primary locations will serve as cooling centers during regular business hours:

• Summit on the Park
  Guests are asked to check in at the front desk upon arrival.
• Canton Public Library
  These centers will also offer charging stations for phones and electronic devices. Visitors are advised to bring their own reading materials or personal items for comfort.

Cooling centers are activated when the weather forecast predicts extreme heat—temperatures or heat indexes reaching 104 degrees or higher. Besides Canton, nearby communities such as Westland, Wayne, Belleville, Plymouth, and Northville have designated cooling spots:

• Westland offers multiple locations including Fire Station #1, Police Department, friendship centers, community vitality centers, libraries, and city hall, all equipped with air conditioning and charging stations.
• Wayne provides access to its Police Department lobby (open 24 hours), HYPE Athletics Center, and Wayne Public Library.
• Belleville residents can visit the Belleville Area District Library, Sumpter Township Community Center, and Van Buren Township Hall for cooling relief.
• Plymouth has the Plymouth District Library, Summit on the Parkway, and Canton Public Library nearby, plus outdoor options like the Sprayscape splash pad at Plymouth Township Park.
• Northville residents can cool off at the Northville Community Center, Northville District Library, and Township Hall/Public Safety facilities.

Health officials remind everyone that extreme heat can be dangerous. The human body functions best within a certain temperature range, and prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to heat illnesses, which include heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s essential to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat, and seek air-conditioned spaces when needed.

For more details on cooling center locations, hours, and safety tips, residents can contact their local municipal offices.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Sumpter sponsors Blood Drive

An American Red Cross Blood Drive is set for noon until 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 at the Sumpter township Community Center.

The center is located at 23501 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

To schedule an appointment access RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Sumpter or call the township office at (734) 461-6201.

Mother Son Bowling planned

Plymouth Recreation is hosting a Mother and Son Bowling night at Plaza Lanes.

The cost is $22 per bowler which includes: 2 hours of bowling; shoe rental; one large pizza per lane; soft drinks and raffle prizes. Registration deadline is Aug. 9, Register at registerrecreation@plymouthmi.gov.

Plaza Lanes is located at 42001 Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth.

 

United Way School Supply Drive continues until July 31

The annual Plymouth Community United Way School Supply Drive will continue through July 31. The goal this year is to collect supplies to fill 200 student backpacks. Information regarding donations is available on the United Way website and social pages.

 

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.

Brutal storm causes damage, 3 children dead

Severe storms with 60-70 mph wind gusts last weekend caused widespread damage and is blamed, in part, for the accidental death of two children and a teen in Sumpter Township. Two children, 12 and 8, were found lying in the garage of a residence on Executive Drive where a portable gas-powered generator was running. Sumpter Township rescue officers were dispatched to the address at about 10:20 a.m. Saturday, July 4. The children were unresponsive, according to police reports, and attempts to resuscitate them were unsuccessful.

The portable gas-powered generator was operating during the power outage caused by the high winds during the weekend storm, according to officials. In a separate incident, police said, Sumpter officers also discovered an unresponsive 16-year-old in the basement of a home with a generator nearby.

The generators were apparently being used following the loss of electric power to more than 300,000 homes caused by severe thunderstorms during the holiday weekend. Officials said Romulus was one of the hardest-hit areas and the high winds on July 3-4 also knocked out power to significant portions of both the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township. Wayne County was the hardest-hit area in the state, peaking at more than 137,000 active outages, according to DTE. More than 78,000 customers in Wayne County were without power on Friday, but the number was reduced to roughly 51,000 remaining without power Monday, according to DTE.

The Romulus Fire Department reported an unusually high number of calls for rescue service where wind gusts of 67 mph were reported by the National Weather Service. Downed power lines and fallen trees were reported across several local neighborhoods, including along Middle Belt Road and the Shelbourne area.

A spokesman from DTE said work to restore power is progressing quickly, but there still could be downed wires. DTE offiicals and local fire departments urged residents to stay at least 25 feet from any possible downed wire.

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight praised the efforts of city personnel and DTE workers in attempting to restore power as quickly as possible.

“Although the city does not own, operate, or maintain the electrical infrastructure, we are committed to collaborating with DTE to provide resources and support to our residents. Our team has been working closely with DTE over the weekend, facilitating the deployment of their community resource truck to the RAC and identifying suitable locations for out-of-state crews. Currently, over 100 out-of-state crews are working in the western Wayne region to restore power, with 50-75 more anticipated by the end of the day. We recognize the challenges posed by the power outage and heat, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the city's concerns are conveyed to DTE,” McCraight said in a message to residents.

In Plymouth Township firefighters also recorded an increase in calls for emergency help.

“With the combination of extreme temperatures, the holiday weekend, and Friday evening's severe storms, our firefighters have responded to a significant increase in emergency calls throughout the community. Over the past week, our crews have answered numerous medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, vehicle fires, carbon monoxide incidents caused by improperly placed generators, a dumpster fire, and a working residential house fire,” noted the Plymouth Township firefighters union on Facebook.

A spokesman from DTE said crews continue restoration efforts and “Our crews and additional contractors from across the United States are working around the clock on getting your power back as quickly and safely as possible.”

Art in the Park

2^nd largest art show, sale in state begins in Plymouth tomorrow

Organizers expect about 20,000 visitors to fill Kellogg Park and all the downtown streets in Plymouth this weekend with the arrival of the annual Art in the Park event.

This will be the 46^th year for the event which will bring about 400 juried artists to the city streets beginning tomorrow, July 10 and continuing through Sunday, July 12. The art sale is the second largest in the state, exceeded only by the famous Ann Arbor Art Show, according to organizers.

As has become a tradition, artists installed in small white tents throughout the downtown streets will offer paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass art, woodworking items, photography, folk art and several other items The

Organizers said the event this year will include the traditional favorites and introduce some new features. Highlights this year will feature a professional speed painter whose paint-splattering style turns into artwork as the audience looks on. Entertainment will also include professional street artists creating a huge circus-themed chalk mural at the intersection of Main Street and Penniman Avenue throughout the weekend event.

This year, artists who use vintage cookie tins as the material for jewelry and a craftsman who transforms old clocks and watches in jewelry will join the host of hopeful artisans offering their works for sale. Organizers noted that the event offers artwork in a wide range of price points, “from $10 to $1000, we want you to find what you’re looking for.”

As has become a regular feature of the event, youth artists will be stationed in Kellogg Park offering paintings, drawing woodworks, metal work and digital art. Organizers said the event would also offer food vendors, live music, street performers, magicians, dancers and interactive demonstrations.

To alleviate crowded city parking, a $9 shuttle service will run from Schoolcraft College, offering free parking and transportation to the center of the downtown event. Children 12 and younger ride free.

For more information, access the Art in the Park website.

Canton Township Clerk named as state association president

Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist was officially sworn in as President of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) during the Annual Association Conference last month.

Siegrist, who has served as Canton Township Clerk since 2016, will lead one of the largest and most respected local government professional organizations in Michigan. MAMC represents approximately 1,400 members serving communities across the state and the organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in municipal administration, elections, records management, and public service.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks,” said Siegrist. “Municipal clerks are often the first point of contact between residents and their local government. I look forward to working with clerks across Michigan to continue advancing professionalism, education, and public trust.”

During his tenure as Canton Township clerk, Siegrist has overseen significant changes in election administration, including the implementation of constitutional voting reforms, expanded early voting opportunities, and the administration of numerous high-turnout elections. Under his leadership, Canton Township has become recognized for innovation in voter outreach, election administration, and civic engagement, an organization spokesperson said. Siegrist was elected Township Clerk of the Year in 2021 and his office won a United States Election Assistance Commission Clearinghouse Award in 2020 for Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology. In 2024, the Canton clerk’s office won a 2024 MiExcellence Award for Excellence in Security and Cybersecurity.

Siegrist has been actively involved with MAMC for many years. Throughout his service, he has been a strong advocate for clerk education, professional development, and legislative engagement, according to a prepared statement from the group. Siegrist also teaches in the Oakland University Election Administrator Certificate program and is on the advisory board of the University of Minnesota’s Certificate in Election Administration program.

A resident of Canton Township, Siegrist has devoted much of his career to strengthening local government and supporting the professional growth of municipal clerks throughout Michigan, officials said. As president of MAMC, his responsibilities will include guiding the association strategic priorities, educational programming, and legislative initiatives during a critical period for local government and election administration.

End of an era

Longest serving Romulus Fire Chief retires after 47-year career

Romulus Fire Chief David Allison took a traditional ride home in a city fire engine last month marking the end of his 47-year career with the department.

Allison has been with the department for nearly five decades and is the longest serving fire chief in the history of the city. He was taken on the traditional last ride through the community to his home, marking the close of his career with the deeply embedded rite reserved for retiring fire officials practiced by fire departments throughout the country.

Allison’s career is marked by his deep roots and unwavering commitment in the community, according to an announcement June 25. A native of Romulus, he spent his entire career serving his hometown, according to a Facebook tribute posted by the department. He is a former Rotary Club member, and served as president of the Romulus Goodfellows for 10 years. Allison has served as fire chief since he accepted the position in 1996.

“His leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and steady presence have helped shape this department across generations. Whether through his focus on public safety or his dedication to mentoring those who followed in his footsteps, David’s impact on our residents and our department will be felt for years to come,” a department spokesman posted.

“Chief Allison, thank you for your decades of professionalism, sacrifice, and service. Your legacy is not just measured in years, but in the countless lives you have protected and the example you have set for us all,” the post concluded.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Canton Ignites the Night

A special America 250 celebration is planned in Canton Township from 6:30 until 10:30 tonight in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.

Organizers said festive food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, – leading up to the big fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. 

For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

 

School Supply Drive set by United Way

The annual Plymouth Community United Way School Supply Drive will continue through July 31. The goal this year is to collect supplies to fill 200 student backpacks. Information regarding donations is available on the United Way website and social pages.

 

Duck Race tickets 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.

2 resign from Plymouth Township Board of Trustees

Plymouth Township officials will be seeking candidates to fill two unexpired terms following the resignation of  Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz and Trustee Jen Buckley, who officially announced their plans to leave the board during the June 23 meeting. Each of the official resignations leaves leave a partial term vacancy on the board. Both Doroshewitz, who has served on the board since 2003, and Buckley, first named to the board in 2022, said their decisions were not prompted by the recent fractious board meetings during the search to replace former Clerk Jerry Vorva, who retired earlier this year.

Vorva retired last February, citing an ongoing battle with cancer. The board hesitated for more than three months in accepting his resignation, apparently in an effort to avoid an election to fill his position. Public dissention among board members resulted in a lawsuit filed by Vorva against fellow board member John Stewart, alleging a hostile working environment among other claims of misconduct.

Eventually, following unsuccessful bids for the position from both Buckley and Trustee Sandy Groth, Kim Gaedekew was appointed to fill Vorva’s unexpired term as township clerk.

Doroshewitz told his fellow officials during the meeting that he plans to leave his position at the end of the year or early next year, about halfway through his four-year term. The treasurer’s position pays an annual salary of $120,000, plus benefits.. 

“I wanted to let the board know early, and now the public will know,” he said. “That will give us six months to search for the right replacement.  I don't want to say I'm retiring for health reasons because that's the only part of the story,” he said, noting he and his wife plan to travel, spend time at the family home up north and focus on a healthy lifestyle. "It's just time,: he said.

Doroshewitz was first elected to the board as a trustee in 2004 and was appointed treasurer in 2022 to fill a vacancy. He was elected to the treasurer’s position in 2024. He said he hopes to oversee a software transition and preparation of winter tax bills before leaving.

Buckley sent a letter outlining her potential resignation to the board with a caveat that she could rescind her decision. She said her decision was based on a probable family move outside the township but noted she could withdraw her resignation if the purchase of the new home is not completed prior to formal acceptance of her departure by board members. Trustees are paid about $13,200 annually.

She was appointed to the board position in 2022, a decision also marked by public dissention and disagreement during board meetings. Buckley was eventually named to fill the unexpired term of Doroshewitz when he was appointed to fill the treasurer’s position following the resignation of Mark Clinton due to health issues. In her letter, Buckley thanked the board for the “great honor of working for the betterment” of the community. 

Candidates named to the two positions will be required to seek election in 2028 if they wish to remain in the appointed positions.

Join the parade

Local communities celebrate Semi-quincentennial of America

While the annual celebration of the 4^th of July is traditionally marked with hometown parades in the area, this year the events are also marking the 250^th birthday of our country. The Semiquincentennial, will be celebrated in both the Plymouth and Northville communities where annual parades traditionally reflect the history of the nation.

Each community is expecting an even larger audience this year with the special anniversary of the nation.

The historic charm and respect for history of both communities is an example of the enduring American spirit, freedom, and the pioneer drive, parade organizers noted. 

The 4^th of July parade in Plymouth will begin at 9 a.m. and travel down Main Street throughout the downtown area. More than 100 entries will join the celebration of the 250^th anniversary of America. A United States Coast Guard flyover is planned at 9 a.m. along with inflatable balloon figures, patriotic floats, acrobats and circus performers, drill teams and veterans. The famous Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps and the Plymouth High School Marching Band will join several other attractions. Organizers said parking will be available on side streets and at business lots throughout the community.

In Northville, the parade will travel down Main Street, cross to Dunlap and then back to Cady Street. All the traditional attractions which bring more than 10,000 people into the Northville community will again join the celebration of America. Organizers from both communities have encouraged visitors to wear red, white and blue, wave flags and cheer for the performers and veterans who bring the celebrations to life. The 250-year mark of the nation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the founding of our country and the continuous evolution of America, officials said.  

Death of former Westland Mayor Charles Pickering mourned

The death last weekend of former Mayor of Westland Charles “Chuck” Pickering, 83, was announced by city officials earlier this week.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time.

Mr. Pickering served as the mayor of Westland from 1982 until 1985. He served more than 19 years on the Westland City Council, including six years as council president.

Through his years in both the mayor's office and on the city council, Pickering was remembered throughout the community as a positive influence who helped shape the trajectory of Westland through his dedication to civic progress.

Before embarking on his extensive career in local politics, Mr. Pickering served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He became a resident of Westland in 1971 and remained deeply involved in the community for the rest of his life while pursuing his career as a Real Estate Broker.

He passed away after a life of dedicated service to his country and his city, leaving behind a lasting impact on Westland and a legacy that continues to be remembered by community leaders and residents, commented several local officials who worked with him.

Throughout his time as mayor and during his subsequent campaigns and tenures on the Westland City Council, Mr. Pickering focused heavily on localized civic improvements, constituent advocacy, and economic development.

Current Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman expressed his sympathies to Mr. Pickering’s family in a social media post.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Westland Mayor Chuck Pickering. He was a great influence on me over the years and I’ll always be grateful to have been a friend. He served our country in the Marines and our city in many ways including on the city council. Westland is better because of him. My deepest sympathy goes to his friends, family and loved ones,” Coleman said.

Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson remembered the generous support Mr. Pickering offered him during his career in public service.

“Chuck Pickering and I had numerous conversations over the years and he was always willing to do good for others. He gave me good advice and always was on the side of our citizens. I will miss him terribly. Thank you Chuck for your friendship and all you did for our city,” Anderson posted on Facebook.

The official statement from the city noted Mr. Pickering’s decades of service to the community and the “lasting impact he made on our city.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” the official statement noted.

Funeral arrangements were expected to be posted when complete on the city website.

Canton Township fireworks display ‘Ignites the Night’

Canton Ignites the Night, a special America 250 community celebration is planned from 6:30 until 10:30 next Thursday, July 9 in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.

The special event which includes a fireworks show is sponsored by Advanced Orthodontics, Jacob Matthew Jewlers, and Schoolcraft College. Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham Hudak will welcome the audience, and the winners of the America 250 poster contest will be announced. Organizers said food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, and other entertainment, all leading up to the fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. In addition, Washtenaw Community College will be onsite with a mobile classroom, featuring a free liberty-themed family-friendly activity.

“We’re hoping all ages will join us to commemorate America’s 250^th in Heritage Park, where they’ll be able to experience an unforgettable night of live music, delicious local food and drinks, as well as a spectacular fireworks finale,” said Laura Mortier, Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services deputy director. “Canton has a well-respected tradition for its fireworks, so we hope that area residents will celebrate this special milestone in American history together that culminates with some of the best fireworks around.” 

Featured entertainment will include performances by the Detroit Drive Band at the Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m., as well as an 8 p.m. performance of  DJ Zaneta on the Canton LIVE Stage, which is located on the north side of Heritage Park.

Spectators are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enhance their experience during this outdoor community celebration. There is no admission fee for this outdoor event, and parking is free. For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

Canton Township Deputy Clerk honored by state association

The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) has named Canton Township Deputy Clerk Katie Baker as the organization’s 2026 Deputy Clerk of the Year.

Katherine “Katie” Baker entered public service in 2020, just weeks before one of the most demanding election cycles in modern history. What began as a challenging introduction quickly became the foundation of her passion for the clerk’s profession, noted a prepared release announcing the award.

“She immersed herself in every aspect of the office — elections administration, records management, statutory compliance, and resident services — earning the confidence of her colleagues and leadership through professionalism, adaptability, and an exceptional work ethic. Her rapid mastery of operations led to her promotion to Deputy Clerk and Electi
ons Manager in 2022,” officials said.

Baker has worked tirelessly to transform service delivery in Canton Township noted township officials.  She led the migration of all clerk’s office applications, permits, and licenses to digital platforms – reducing paper usage, improving efficiency, and expanding accessibility for residents. She further developed Quick Reference Guides that have become essential tools for staff and election workers, ensuring consistency and “futureproofing” the clerk’s office for anyone to step into any role or responsibility with confidence, they added.

Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist described Baker as a “trusted leader, a mentor, and a steady presence in moments of pressure and uncertainty,” noting that “she has earned the respect of community leaders, fellow clerks, our staff, and most importantly the residents we serve. Our office is stronger, more professional, and more compassionate because of her leadership.”

In addition to her technical and operational achievements, Baker mentors high school students and participates in the MastHERmind program, where she introduces young women to careers in public service and municipal leadership.

Baker is an active member of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), and the Association of Wayne County Clerks. She serves on the Wayne County Clerk Working Group and has participated in statewide initiatives, including the Proposal 2 Implementation Committee with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Her contributions have helped shape best practices adopted by the Bureau of Elections.

Baker earned her Bachelor of Science in English from Central Michigan University and holds both the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk (MiPMC) and Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designations. She is actively pursuing her Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) certification.

“Knowledge alone is valuable. However, knowledge shared in a way that others can understand and use – that is what truly elevates performance,” Baker said.

“Baker’s contributions to the profession are exemplary and her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the MAMC wants to thank her for her years of service to her community and to the association,” a spokesperson noted.

The MAMC is a professional organization that exists to promote, enhance, and encourage the professional development and standing of municipal clerks through cooperation, communication,

education and training by utilizing seminars, institutes and meetings; to promote and encourage improvement of methods and procedures of duties performed by clerks; and to address legislative matters relating to the municipal clerk’s responsibilities.

Of the eight states that administer elections on the local level, Michigan is one of the largest with approximately 280 city clerks and 1,240 township clerks. Michigan’s elections system is administered by more than 1,603 county and local election officials, making it one of the most decentralized in the nation. Additionally, there are more than 250 village clerks in Michigan, who are also represented by the MAMC.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Canton Ignites the Night set

A special America 250 celebration is planned in Canton Township from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m. July 9 in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.

Organizers said festive food choices from area restaurants and food trucks will be available, as well as live music, kids’ activities, – leading up to the big fireworks extravaganza that is scheduled to begin after dusk. 

For more information about Canton Ignites the Night, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

 

School Supply Drive set by United Way

The annual Plymouth Community United Way School Supply Drive will continue from July 1 through July 31. The goal this year is to collect supplies to fill 200 student backpacks. Information regarding donations is available on the United Way website and social pages.

 

Duck Race tickets 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.

 

Art in the Park set for weekend of July 10-12

Nearly 3,000 visitors are expected to fill Kellogg Park and the downtown streets in Plymouth during the annual Art in the Park event set for July 10-12.

To alleviate crowded city parking, a $9 shuttle service will run from Schoolcraft College, offering free parking and transportation to the center of the downtown event. Children 12 and younger ride free.

Federal government scraps plan for Romulus detention center

Federal immigration officials have abandoned plans to convert a warehouse in Romulus into an immigration detention center according to an announcement from the office of Michigan State Attorney General Dana Nessel,

The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the city of Romulus and Nessel challenging the project.

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said he was pleased with the decision that was in the best interest of the city.

“The city’s position should not be confused with opposition to responsible enforcement of our country’s laws. Instead, the facility’s proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and wetlands made it the wrong location. Locating a facility like this in our community would have been an incredible burden on our already limited public safety resources and a violation of our zoning ordinance,” McCraight said.

“We want to thank DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for listening to us and taking into consideration the issues that would have made this the wrong location for a detention facility,” said McCraight. “Romulus will be in a better position to grow and continue to thrive with this decision,” McCraight continued.

McCraight thanked Nessel for her assistance in the situation which had prompted numerous public protests at the Cogswell Road warehouse site.

“We thank Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for assisting the city in taking this legal action. Attorney General Nessel worked side by side with Romulus from day one in our joint effort to resolve this matter,” McCraight said.  

“And we thank the many citizens and leaders who stayed in regular contact with us during this time, including the Romulus City Council, State Reps. Miller, DeSana, and Wegela, State Sen. Camilleri, U.S. Reps. Dingell and Talib, and U.S. Sen. Slotkin.” 

“While this situation is not completely resolved, we are optimistic that it will soon be complete,” McCraight concluded. 

 The former commercial warehouse, located at 7525 Cogswell Road was purchased by government officials early this year as part of a plan to convert the building into a center to house 500 detainees and staff members. Following public outcry and protests at the site, Nessel and the city filed a federal lawsuit, against ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Nessel then filed a request for a preliminary injunction, to temporarily halt the conversion plan. 

The complaint alleged that the plan was not appropriate because the facility is located within a mile of multiple schools, abuts residential neighborhoods, lies within a floodplain, lacks the adequate infrastructure to support the projected number of detainees and staff, and violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to adequately consider alternative facilities. 

Federal officials repeatedly delayed construction plans, first postponing work until late June and later through the end of July. According to Nessel’s office, ICE has now informed state officials plans for the detention center will not proceed and the building will be placed for sale.

“Less than three months after we filed suit, DHS and ICE appear to have folded,” Nessel said.

Despite the announcement, the lawsuit remains active. Nessel said the state will continue to pursue the case until a formal written agreement is reached, ensuring that the warehouse will never be used as an immigration detention facility and confirming plans to sell the property.

Federal agencies have not publicly commented on the decision.