Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Residents protest toxic waste expansion permit

Despite overwhelming local criticism and opposition from elected leaders and Wayne County officials, a permit application to increase the amount of toxic waste from the World War II Manhattan Project is expected to gain approval from state regulators.

Republic Services, which owns the Wayne Disposal Landfill in Van Buren Township, has submitted an application to increase disposal capacity from about 23 percent, from 22.5 million cubic yards to 27.6 million cubic yards to accept elevated radioactive waste from the manufacture of the atomic bomb and hundreds of other toxic chemicals, some considered lethal. The facility is currently permitted to accept 722 types of hazardous compounds considered too harmful to the public or the environment for disposal in a conventional landfill.

During a meeting last week, representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) told area residents and environmental activists that the permit application meets all applicable standards are requirements and will be approved on that basis.

The expansion is vertical, according to company representatives, and is now allowable following the closure of a runway at Willow Run Airport, near the waste facility. The closure of the runway removes the proposed expansion area from an airport flight path. A Republic Services representative said the new expansion was not previously permitted due to flight path regulations. With the closure of the runway, the restrictions on “vertical expansion” are no longer applicable, she said.

During the informational meeting, Christine Matlock, EGLE permit engineer for the proposed expansion at Wayne Disposal, told the audience that federal and state laws do not allow EGLE to deny an operating license if the facility can technically meet the requirements set forth by state and federal laws.

Members of the audience were critical of the proposal, and several local residents responded negatively to the plan to increase the amount of radioactive and toxic waste to be disposed of near a residential neighborhood and in proximity to Belleville Lake. One resident questioned the monitoring or contamination of water from Wayne Disposal into Cork Drain, which drains into Belleville Lake. She asked if that water is tested or treated for radionuclides, elevated radioactivity isotopes.

"The NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit, to my knowledge, does not have any radiological testing," said Jay Paquette, EGLE Radioactive Materials Unit supervisor.

"If we have to live next to this dirty, top-five most dangerous landfill, we deserve to have that level of data," the 20-year area resident said. She noted that her daughter and other children swim in the lake, and nearby contamination is a serious concern.

Public criticism of Wayne Disposal's capacity was rampant in 2023 when a plan to truck hazardous vinyl chloride waste spilled during a train derailment in Ohio to the Van Buren facility was revealed. Protests from local, state, and federal officials prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to stop those waste shipments into Michigan and subsequently dispose of that waste in out-of-state facilities. Public outcry did not halt the acceptance of 6,000 tons of soil and concrete with elevated levels of radiation from the development site of the Manhattan nuclear project last August, however.

Officials from EGLE detailed safety measures at the landfill, including the installation of synthetic liners, compacted clay layers, a leachate control system, which also controls stormwater that may drain through the landfill, along with air and water monitoring at the site.

Another audience member claimed that the EGLE environmental justice screening tool ranks Wayne Disposal in the 98th percentile for cumulative environmental impacts for burden of pollution and environmental stressors, including air quality, proximity to hazardous waste, traffic density, and socioeconomic vulnerability, including income and race-based disparities.

EGLE staff will evaluate the application and issue a public notice regarding the findings and then schedule a public hearing to receive public comments. EGLE acting Materials Management Division Director Tracy Kecskemeti said that it will happen "this calendar year, probably later this summer. Before that decision is made, we will come back here," she said.

"How do you bring the most harmful, the most destructive chemicals known to mankind, and put it outside of Belleville Lake?" asked one audience member. "You're going to put a toxic waste dump and expand it with more toxic waste to endanger our community? Shame on you."




FourGrounds

WDIV studio and coffee shop to open in downtown Plymouth

Plans for a new coffee shop and satellite TV studio are percolating in downtown Plymouth.

WDIV, in partnership with The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company, will open FourGrounds at the corner of Harvey Street and Ann Arbor Trail in the former Focal Point photography studio.

Plans for the conversion of the 1,400-foot space were presented to the city planning commissioners by architect Joseph Philips and WDIV Vice President Bob Ellis. They told the commissioners the primary use of the space would be as a coffee shop with only a small area dedicated to news broadcasts or podcasting.

The plans include the replacement of the sunroom windows, which now face Harvey Street. The proposed plan includes no satellite dishes or broadcast equipment installed on the exterior of the building, officials said.

Planning commissioners noted the approval was conditional that all exterior changes to the building would be in compliance with city ordinances.

The business is tentatively set to open in September.

“At Fourgrounds, we’re bringing journalism out from behind the screen and into your daily rhythm — as familiar and approachable as your morning coffee,” said Ellis.

“This project is a perfect match for us,” said Greg Miracle, President and Founder of Great Lakes Coffee. “Our greatest passion is bringing people together over great coffee, and we’re thrilled to help create a space that keeps Plymouth buzzing with energy, engagement, and local flavor.”

Live daily broadcasts of Live in the D will take place at the coffee shop, Ellis said.

Every product sold inside Fourgrounds will celebrate the local spirit — from Michigan-made goods to menu items named after iconic landmarks in and around Plymouth, he added.

“This will be more than just a coffee shop — it’s a gathering place,” said Plymouth Mayor Suzi Deal. “We’re thrilled WDIV and Great Lakes Coffee chose our city for a venture that blends trusted local journalism with our small-town charm.”



Area Independence Day Parades step off tomorrow

Independence Day parades step off in both downtown Northville and Plymouth tomorrow morning in celebration of the 4th of July holiday.

In Plymouth, the Good Morning USA 4th of July Parade, hosted and organized by the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth, will begin at 9 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Plymouth. The Plymouth parade includes war veterans driven in vehicles, bands, floats, flags, the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, cheer and pom teams, and several other participants. Organizers are planning for 1,500 parade participants and thousands of attendees lining Main Street to help celebrate America on the Fourth.

The Plymouth parade line-up will begin at Cordage Park Circle and march south on Court Street to downtown along Main Street and Main Street Extension, turning left onto Water Street, and finishing at Plymouth Rock, according to a social media posting.

The Northville 4th of July parade is a long-standing tradition, with origins dating back more than 130 years. The 1876 Centennial commemoration is also mentioned as a notable event in the community's history. The parade is known for its patriotic fervor and is a highlight of the community celebrations. The parade features a variety of participants, including bands, floats, antique cars, and professional mascots, and has drawn crowds in the tens of thousands in the past.

This year, the parade will start from a staging area at Griswold and East Main and travel to Center Street, then down West Dunlap, turning at Linden Street to travel down West Main Street to Wing Street back to Fairbrook.  The parade is organized and sponsored by the Northville Chamber of Commerce.

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. In that document, the 13 original colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777.

Playing along

Ribbon cutting celebrates reopening of renovated Barchester Park

 

There were some very special guests at the reopening of Barchester Park in Canton Township last week, when several potential young users attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The reopening of the 10-acre neighborhood park followed extensive renovations, including the addition of several accessible playground features, lawn games, and a bounce house for the littlest participants.  Food trucks were also on-site, including Famous Hamburger and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. 

“Canton is excited to unveil these park improvements that have been added to Barchester Park, which include the addition of several fun and accessible playground amenities,” said Greg Hohenberger, Canton Leisure Services director. “Canton received a lot of feedback from area residents that was integrated in the procurement of the playground equipment, which includes the addition of new tactile and interactive playground features that invite children of all abilities to play.” 

Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak led the festivities celebrating the improvements, funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant. Park improvements included the addition of four new site amenities that were selected based on community input that overwhelmingly indicated the need for interactive play features, climbing opportunities and swings.

Newly installed playground equipment includes: a Sensory Climbing Dome with bells, an Arch Swing, a Sensory Wave Seat, and a Sensory Ring with Buzz Reactor Game.  In addition, the project included the addition of an expanded play area with accessible ramps, two picnic tables, two Red Horse Chestnut trees, and the replacement of damaged sidewalks around the playground. Additional sidewalk improvements along Barchester Road will be incorporated later this year, officials said.

The park is located at 43021 Barchester Road near Morton Taylor and Hanford Roads and has access to paved and natural trails that are suitable for walking, jogging, or biking.

For more information about Barchester Park, visit www.cantonmi.gov/147 or call (734) 394-5360. 




Students awarded scholarships by Rotary, sororities

College tuition for several Plymouth students will be reduced with scholarship awards.

The Rotary Memorial Scholarship winners were announced earlier this month at a regular Friday luncheon meeting of the club members.

Dr. Bill Weber introduced the students and noted some of their accomplishments. The Rotary Memorial Scholarship takes into account academic achievement, as well as other important factors, including community service, financial need, and the Rotary credo of Service Above Self, a spokesperson noted.

Members of the Rotary Review Committee who determined the six scholarships were Mary Ann Wood, Denise King, Jonathan Solace, and Josh Mrozowski.

Hanna Thomas was awarded $1,000; Tess O’Donnell will receive $2,000; Cecilia Moore was awarded $3,000, and a $4000 award was presented to Priscilla Fernandes.

Shourik Das will receive $13,000 over four years and will be attending the University of Pittsburgh, where he has guaranteed admission into medical school. Saee Pawar will also receive $13,000 over four years and will be attending the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

In addition, the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority awarded annual scholarships during a luncheon and fashion show at the First United Methodist Church of Plymouth.  A majority of Delta Kappa Gamma members are educators and school administrators.

Scholarship winners were Caitlyn McDaniel, a 2025 graduate of Plymouth High School, who will be attending Grand Valley State University this fall.  Kaitlyn Courtney, a 2024 graduate of Salem High School who will begin her sophomore year at Michigan State University this fall.

Graduate students' awards sent to Sarah Perris, who is teaching at Field Elementary and pursuing a Master of Arts in teaching and curriculum from Michigan State, and Pamela Purcell, who is teaching at West Middle School and pursuing an endorsement in School Library Media Specialist, at Wayne State University.

Fashions for women at the luncheon were from Coral Sash Boutique in Brighton. Delta Kappa Gamma women are often teachers and school administrators, as well as in other professional fields.





Wayne Westland district names interim superintendent

Dr. Catherine Cost will serve as interim superintendent of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools District.

Cost’s appointment was confirmed by a vote of members of the Wayne-Westland board of education during a July 18 meeting. Her interim status will continue while a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent continues, according to a letter sent to parents of district students.

Former district superintendent Dr. John Dignan resigned last August after being placed on administrative leave following discovery of a budget shortfall estimated at $28 million. He had led the district since he was hired by board members in 2020. Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Curry served as interim district leader until Cost’s recent appointment.

In a letter to families last week, School Board President Kimberly May noted that Cost previously served as superintendent of schools in Wyandotte Public Schools for nine years following eight years as an assistant superintendent at Farmington Public Schools.

Most recently, according to May’s letter, Cost served as interim superintendent in the Hazel Park School District. In the letter, May expressed confidence in Cost saying she is expected to provide stability and support during the upcoming transition. Board members have announced plans to employ the services of a professional employment search firm and communicate with parents and others as a new permanent district leader is sought. Board members said the search would be both comprehensive and transparent. An important qualification for candidates will be the ability to foster a positive academic environment and meet district standards, the letter stated.

Cost’s resignation from the Wyandotte district followed a controversy regarding the installation of a cell phone tower, according to internet reports.

Fun Day

Sumpter Family Fun Day planned

It will be Family Fun Day in Sumpter Township July 19.

Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation is planning the family-friendly event set for noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Graham Park, located at 23483 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

Members of the Lions Club will be on hand to provide free vision screening for children, and a water bounce house with a water slide, along with swimming activities, will be part of the fun. The event will feature games including a cupcake walk, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a three-legged race, and others. A food truck and ice cream truck will be on site to purchase refreshments, organizers noted.

The event is free and open to the public.


Sumpter seeking 
2 scam suspects

Sumpter Township police are seeking information regarding reports received from area residents last week about two young men posing as representatives of utility provider DTE. Police said the suspects were going door-to-door in neighborhood approaching residents. Police suspect the two may actually be solicitors for a competing electric utility company. Anyone who can identify the suspects or provide any information is asked to call the Sumpter Township Police Department Detective Bureau at (734) 461-4833.

Community calendar

Art In The Park July 11-13

Plymouth Art In The Park returns July 11-13, for its 45th anniversary, once again transforming downtown Plymouth streets into an outdoor art gallery.

Visitors can explore a variety of original, handcrafted work, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art, and more.

The event includes living murals, street performers, professional LEGO displays,

And more than 90 young entrepreneurs are selling their creations.

Various civic groups charge for parking at the free event.

 

Romulus seeks Residential Ambassadors for meeting

Romulus is seeking individuals to become Residential Ambassadors as part of in-person focus groups occurring on July 17 and 18. Topics will include the current status of housing, home repair, and residential real estate in the city. Participants must be residents of Romulus.

Spots are limited and participants will be selected based on availability and to best represent the range of housing experiences, neighborhoods, and background. The application is available at- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKvvxlxIJmayYCuMcMIFTCceFWTZ6w094M1zWoGFwCb-feSw/viewform

More information is available from Jessica Hobbs t jhobbs@romulusgov.com or (734) 955-4539

 

Sumpter Fun Day July 19

It will be Family Fun Day in sumpter Township July 19.

Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation is planning the family friendly event set for noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Graham Park, located at 23483 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

Members of the Lions Club will be on hand to provide free vision screening for children and a water bounce house with a water slide along with swimming activities will be part of the fun. The event will feature games including a cupcake walk, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a three-legged race and others. A food truck and ice cream truck will be on site to purchase refreshments, organizers noted.

The event is free and open to the public.

 

Romulus seeking heroes

Nominations for the annual Hometown Hero awards are now being accepted in Romulus. The annual awards are presented to individuals who made a real difference in the city.  Educators, community members, seniors, neighbors, students and businesses are all eligible for the award. For more information and qualifications or an application, access fromulsgov.com or UnityAbb@gmail.com

 

Canton Farmers Market now open each Sunday

The Canton Farmers Market returns to Cherry Hill Village for another season of open-air shopping from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 12. 

The market season will initially open at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, and will relocate in July back to the regular location in Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road, for the remainder of the season.  No markets will take place May 25, June 15, July 6, Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

 

Rotary club seeking host families for exchange student

Plymouth Noon Rotary Club members are seeking hosts for a Swedish foreign exchange student for the 2025/2026 school year. The student, Malte, 17, will arrive in the country at the end of August and will attend classes at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.

A monthly stipend is provided to the student to cover his expenses, and a Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) provides training, guidance, and support to hosts and student. 

More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is available from Denise King, Plymouth Rotary YEO at (313) 310-1803 and at: dkingply@gmail.com.

 

Lifesaving classes offered

Romulus residents can register for free a hands-only CPR / AED and Gun Safety course set for 1 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Romulus Athletic Center (Cirrus Room). Join us for How to Save a Life with Romulus Fire Department and Romulus Police Department. Limited seats available so sign-up now. https://romuluspsf.square.site/.../romulus-resident.../5...

For more information, call (734)941-855.

 

Craft and merchandise applications available

Applications are now available for craft and merchandise vendors wishing to participate in the Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival. The festival will take place Sept. 19, 20, and 21. Applications must be submitted by July 1 for consideration. To submit and for more information, visit here- https://www.romulusgov.com/207/Pumpkin-Festival.


Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Gunman killed during attack on Wayne church

A front door panel and an outside wall area riddled with gunfire remain as a terrifying reminder of the shooting last Sunday at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne.

Brian Anthony Browning, 31, of Romulus, drove to the church on Glenwood Street at just before 11 a.m. Sunday. He left his Nissan truck and approached the building, firing repeatedly from both a long gun and handgun as he strode toward the place of worship. Police reported that Browning was armed with an AR-15-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and more than a dozen loaded magazines.

 A parishioner, arriving for services in his pickup truck, heard the repeated gunfire and saw Browning, dressed in a tactical military vest and camouflage gear, approaching the church. In response to the threat, he deliberately drove his vehicle into the shooter, attempting to stop the attack, according to witnesses and police reports. Two armed security guards alerted by the gunfire took immediate action and locked the front entrance to the church as they began returning gunfire at Browning, killing him at the scene. One of the two men, who did not want to be identified, suffered a bullet wound to his leg. He was transported to a local hospital and was reported in good condition following surgery, police reported. No other injuries were reported.

Responding police officers from Wayne immediately evacuated the church.

"We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church's staff members who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting," Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong said during a press conference on Sunday.

Browning, who had attended the church “about three times” with his mother who is a parishioner, was apparently suffering from a mental health crisis, police said. No other motivation for the attack was reported by officials. He was armed with an AR-15 style rifle, more than a dozen fully loaded magazines, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Hundreds of bullet casings were found at the scene, witnesses said.

Browning had no criminal history, police said. A search warrant later executed by police at Browning’s Romulus home resulted in the discovery of multiple rifles, several more semi-automatic handguns and a large amount of ammunition. All the firearms and munitions were confiscated, according to official reports.

Response to the scene from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies was immediate. More than 10 police cars were on the scene along with FBI agents and Michigan State Police.

The response was heightened as the shooting occurred only a day following the U.S. bombing in Iran. The Department of Homeland Security had issued a bulletin warning that low level attacks against U.S. targets “are likely.” The bulletin urged the public to report any suspicious activity.

Police said, "There is no evidence to believe that this act of violence has any connection with the conflict in the Middle East."

CrossPointe Community Church Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. said there were about 150 people inside the church attending a special vacation Bible school service at the time of the attack.

Kelly said members of the CrossPointe congregation established a security team and completed security training about a decade ago in response to violence committed at other places of worship around the United States. The Wayne church had not experienced any specific threats of violence, he added.

Kelly said that the children in attendance during the attack Sunday seemed to be doing well as members of the congregation were united in support of one another.

"We will be convening our leadership to put a formal plan in place for the aftermath," Kelly said.



Rolling along

Rotary Club returns Kids Bike Parade to July 4th event

A long-time favorite attraction will return to the streets of Northville this year when the Kids’ Bike Parade pedals down Main Street during the annual Fourth of July Parade.

The parade, which will as usual feature floats, bands, mascots, club marchers, celebrities and local officials, will step off at 10 a.m. this year on Friday, July 4. The hometown event traditionally draws one of the largest crowds throughout the area when thousands of viewers line the parade route dressed in their own red, white and blue patriotic attire. Many secure their viewing spots the night before the event.

The return of the bike parade is being organized and sponsored by the members of the Northville Rotary Club. One of the organizers, Lindsey Casterline, said the bike parade is a nostalgic event for many residents who actually rode their patriotically decorated bikes in the parade as children. When she suggested the return of the young riders, her fellow Rotary Club members agreed and the members of Rotary Service Committee including Casterline, Traci Sincock, Carol Schrauben and Jennifer Walker went to work organizing the bikers for the parade July 4.

Casterline said the Rotary Club entered a float in the parade last year, but she, and others, missed seeing the children on their creatively decorated bikes. This year, Casterline’s 11-year-old daughter, Lucy, will be among the kids displaying their creative decorating ideas. Casterline said the bike decoration plans were still being formulated but that it will be Lucy who designs her entry.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Casterline, a 12-year member of the Rotary Club said. 

“There is a preregistration for the bike parade required,” Casterline said, “but the riders can do it the day of the parade.” There will soon be a form on the Northville Chamber of Commerce website where riders can register. The form includes a safety waiver, Casterline said. Riders should be no older than 18 but parents are welcome to accompany their children along the route. “This is a family event,” Casterline said. The only requirement to participate is a decorated wheeled vehicle and a bike safety helmet. Casterline also suggests bringing plenty of water as in past years, temperatures on parade day “have been pretty warm.” 

In past years, the bike parade had been a competition with the best girls’ and best boys’ entry awarded a prize. This year, Casterline said, they are concentrating on fun and family participation. “The more decorations, the better,” she added.

The bikers will gather at Cady and Griswold to line up for the parade and will be among the entries in the first half of the event, which is a benefit for the young riders, Griswold added.

The Northville Rotary Club, organized in 1926, has about 55 members of the international organization, which is the world’s oldest and largest non-political, non-sectarian service club.

Since 2016, the Northville Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Northville, and its members and supporters have donated over $235,000 in grant awards and scholarships, in addition to the contribution of countless hours of service to worthwhile endeavors supporting children, individuals, families and community organizations in Northville, the metro-Detroit community, and global humanitarian projects.




Wayne man charged in shooting of 2 police officers

A 20-year-old Wayne man is facing life in prison if convicted of shooting two Southgate police officers last week.
Jeremiah Christian Kemp is accused of assault with intent to murder, three counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm; one count of discharge of a firearm causing serious impairment; one count of carrying a concealed weapon and seven counts of felony firearm violations.
The charges stem from an incident which occurred at about 6 p.m. last Thursday, June 19, when police officers were dispatched to the Village Park Drive apartments in Southgate following 911 reports of a man waving a gun on the second floor of a building. According to court filings from the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, when officers Matthew Dube and Jason Jones responded to the address, they found Kemp in a laundry room, where he allegedly fired at officers and shot at Jones, 45, and Dube, 28, injuring each of them in the legs. A third officer was not injured in the shooting.
Both officers are expected to survive the injuries.
The suspect then fled the scene, jumped out a window and was the subject of an hours-long manhunt. Police located him at a nearby residence at about 8 p.m. where he had changed clothes and gave officers a false name, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors also told the court that Kemp is accused of terrorizing residents in the apartment complex, where he was allegedly armed with a stolen handgun. Prior to his arrest, Kemp was on probation and had been convicted of domestic violence and retail fraud in various communities across the state, authorities said.
Kemp was given a $1 million cash or surety bond during his arraignment last week in 36th District Court. He entered a not-guilty plea through a court appointed public defender. Should he meet the bond provisions, the court ordered him in house arrest and to wear a GPS tether as he is considered by the court as a flight risk.



 32nd Canton Liberty Fest draws 100,000 to Heritage Park

More than 100,000 people attended the three-day Canton Liberty Fest this year, a record crowd for the popular event, which traditionally draws huge crowds to Heritage Park.
This year, the 32nd annual community celebration took place last weekend and featured a wide range of entertainment, carnival rides and games, craft and vendor marketplace, a Family Fun Fair,  an International Festival, a Juneteenth community celebration, the popular Liberty Run 5K and 10K events, and a fireworks display.
This year, organizers said several changes were put into place to help maintain a family-friendly environment and promote the safety of all festival participants.  In the future, festival organizers remain committed to continuously evaluating all events' safety measures to ensure that Liberty Fest remains a safe and welcoming community celebration.
“As with all Canton community events, safety remains a top priority, especially for this large-scale three-day community festival,” said Jon LaFever, Canton Community Development director. “Canton Township went to great lengths to ensure the safety and security of festival attendees, performers, vendors, community partners, volunteers, and staff.”
He added that the festival organizers are grateful for the community support and “look forward to making Liberty Fest 2026 an event that fosters an even stronger spirit of community, unity and celebration for all ages.”
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers served as the presenting sponsor of the event this year and additional major sponsors included: IKEA, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Michigan Army National Guard, Power Home Remodeling, Schoolcraft College, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, and WeatherGard, officials said.
During the three-day event, almost 40 hours of stage entertainment were
provided by bands, local community performance groups, and artists on both the Schoolcraft College LIVE Stage and the Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Stage.

Community Calendar June 25, 2025

Hearing to expand hazardous waste capacity permit tonight

A public information meeting regarding a request from Wayne Disposal, Inc. to expand the facility license is set for 6 until 8 p.m. tonight, June 26, at Wayne County Community College District Ted Scott Campus. The college is located at 9555 Haggerty Road in Belleville. Wayne Disposal is asking for a permit to expand capacity to truck in out-of-state nuclear waste created during the Manhattan Project. Questions regarding the application or comments should be referred to Christine Matlock at (517) 290-4612 or MatlockC2@Michigan.gov or EGLE-MMD@Michigan.gov.

 

Romulus seeks Residential Ambassadors for meeting

Romulus is seeking individuals to become Residential Ambassadors as part of in-person focus groups occurring on July 17 and 18. Topics will include the current status of housing, home repair, and residential real estate in the city. Participants must be residents of Romulus.

Spots are limited and participants will be selected based on availability and to best represent the range of housing experiences, neighborhoods, and background. The application is available at- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKvvxlxIJmayYCuMcMIFTCceFWTZ6w094M1zWoGFwCb-feSw/viewform More information is available from Jessica Hobbs at jhobbs@romulusgov.com or (734) 955-4539


Romulus seeking heroes

Nominations for the annual Hometown Hero awards are now being accepted in Romulus. The annual awards are presented to individuals who made a real difference in the city.  Educators, community members, seniors, neighbors, students and businesses are all eligible for the award. For more information and qualifications or an application, access fromulsgov.com or UnityAbb@gmail.com

 

Canton Farmers Market now open each Sunday

The Canton Farmers Market returns to Cherry Hill Village for another season of open-air shopping from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 12. 

The market season will initially open at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, and will relocate in July back to the regular location in Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road, for the remainder of the season.  No markets will take place May 25, June 15, July 6, Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

 

Rotary club seeking host families  

Plymouth Noon Rotary Club members are seeking hosts for a Swedish foreign exchange student for the 2025/2026 school year.

The student, Malte, 17, will arrive in the country at the end of August and will attend classes at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park.

monthly stipend is provided to the student to cover his expenses and a Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) provides training, guidance and support to hosts and student. 

More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is available from Denise King, Plymouth Rotary YEO at (313) 310-1803 and at: dkingply@gmail.com.

 

Lifesaving classes offered

Romulus residents can register for free a hands-only CPR / AED and Gun Safety course set for 1 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Romulus Athletic Center (Cirrus Room). Join us for How to Save a Life with Romulus Fire Department and Romulus Police Department. Limited seats available so sign-up now. https://romuluspsf.square.site/.../romulus-resident.../5...

For more information, call (734)941-855.

 

Craft and merchandise applications available

Applications are now available for craft and merchandise vendors wishing to participate in the Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival. The festival will take place Sept. 19, 20 and 21. Applications must be submitted by July 1 for consideration.

To submit and for more information, visit here- https://www.romulusgov.com/207/Pumpkin-Festival.


Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Plan for $400 million Plymouth plant postponed

One of the key components of the Michigan International Technology Center will not be bringing a planned $400 million plant to the area anytime soon.

Plans by Nel Hydrogen, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, to build a gigafactory on former prison property shared by Plymouth and Northville townships are on hold due to “uncertainty in the U.S. policy landscape and hydrogen demand” according to the recently released 2024 annual company report. Plans for the factory were announced in 2023.

The company manufactures electrolyzers for green hydrogen production and hydrogen fueling equipment.

The company received $170 million in incentives, including tax credits, grants and cash to bring the new 507,000-square-foot facility, planned for 15000 Ridge Road, to Plymouth Township. The project was predicted to create more than 500 jobs at the new plant.

Nel Hydrogen had received $75 million in cash incentives and grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Michigan, as well as up to $41 million in investment tax credits through the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C) program.

“At this stage, no final investment decision has been made,” Wilhelm Flinder, head of investor relations, communications, and marketing at Nel Hydrogen said. “While the United States is a highly promising market for us—given its significant potential for renewable hydrogen—establishing a large-scale facility requires clear, sustained market demand, driven by a supportive policy framework for our clients as well. Support for the Nel factory alone is unfortunately insufficient if there is limited demand for the equipment produced.”

MITC planner and coordinator Gary Roberts noted the significant incentives already committed to the project.

“The state and the feds and the Department of Energy and everybody has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at them,” Roberts said during a recent presentation about various MITC projects. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) said the organization is maintaining communication with Nel Hydrogen.

“MDEC remains engaged with Nel Hydrogen on their plans for a manufacturing facility in the state,” spokesperson Otie McKinley said.

Act three

Romulus fire captain hopes to open new community theater


John Thiede is beginning the third act of his professional career with the opening of the first community theater in the City of Romulus.

“It’s really about the art, about bringing art to the community,” Thiede said.

Thiede is currently a captain with the Romulus Fire Department where his career in public safety started in 1986. His professional acting career was in tandem with his firefighting career. His stage appearances began as a diversion during his off time from the department and burgeoned to include professional stage and TV appearances. His credits include a stint on the beloved soap opera All My Children, work at The Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea and Second City improv comedy theater in Detroit, among numerous other roles in both community and professional theater along with hosting a popular sports radio show,,

Now, Thiede said, as he plans for his retirement from the fire department next year, he is fulfilling another dream along with the free time he anticipates when he leaves his job.

“Romulus has supported me and my family for my entire life,” he said of his long career with the department, “It’s time to give back to the community.” He said he hopes to do that with the new Hook and Ladder Theater Company, which he plans to open in a former city fire station at Wayne and Goddard roads in the current Romulus municipal complex.

The building served as a fire station from 1952 until 1980, Thiede said, and the city was looking for a tenant to lease the space. The building spoke to Thiede, he said, and once he considered the former station as a theater, he began to realize the many other services the former station might be used for in the community.


In addition to the 24 by 14-foot stage in the planned theater, Thiede sees the possibility of hosting family game nights, acting classes for students 12 to 18 and even a small studio where local podcasters can record their broadcasts. He said he has already talked to community center leaders in the city about involving seniors, something he also has planned for his 93-year-old mother, Ruth. “She can hand out programs, and just hang around,” Thiede said. “This would be something to help keep seniors active and let them see a free show,” he added.

But above all the other plans, it’s the art, Thiede repeated. “This will bring something we don’t have now to the community.”

While Thiede was a performer from the age of 5 or 6, entertaining his mother’s friends and others with his toy record player, much of the drama in his life came while he served the city. In his first year as a firefighter, he responded to the scene of Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 and helped rescue the only survivor, a 4-year-old girl. That incident stayed with him for a long time, Thiede said. He was also among a group of firefighters deployed to the site of 9-11, where he worked for 15 days.


Theater, he said, helped him cope with the stress of his job and provided a creative outlet, something he said he believes everyone needs. He said his fledgling amateur stage work eventually led to his finding an agent and experiencing a professional acting career, and to his plans to bring live theater to the city. He hopes to open the Hook and Ladder theater within a few months. Tickets for performances, he said, would be about $15 or $20 and he is hoping only to “break even” for some time. A 501 c 3 plan is being considered, he said.

He said he is confident of a warm welcome for the new theater in the city. He already has several professional directors lined up to bring live stage productions to the Hook and Ladder and each of them, like Thiede, has a large following. He is hoping to have his first show in late fall or early summer, which he hopes will be Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.

He has plans for a live version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in October and perhaps a variation of It’s a Wonderful Life at Christmas.