Judge to hear hazardous waste arguments Oct. 5

    The evidentiary hearing in a lawsuit filed by several local communities seeking to prevent the disposal of nuclear waste in the area has been rescheduled for Oct. 9.
    Canton Township, Van Buren Township, the City of Romulus, and the City of Belleville were awarded a Temporary Restraining Order earlier this month, stopping Wayne Disposal, Inc. from accepting scheduled shipments of radioactive World War II era nuclear waste at the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township.
    The planned shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan in New York to the Van Buren Township landfill was temporarily blocked by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox last week in response to an injunction filed by attorneys representing the communities.
    “We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
    She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
    “Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal,” Graham Hudak said in a prepared statement. She said the landfill has been cited multiple times for safety violations, according to media reports, and has had leaks and fires. Graham-Hudak said reports claim that Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined for than $471,000. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said.
    The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity was to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where the waste had been stored. The waste matter is from uranium extraction during the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
    State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
    Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
    The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
    Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”

Romulus residents celebrate 26th Annual Pumkin Festival

    Thousands of people lined Goddard Road last Friday as the traditional Parade of Lights organized by

the Romulus Rotary Club officially opened the 26th Annual Pumpkin Festival. The festival, which drew a large crowd to Historical Park last weekend, featured live entertainment, music, food, crafts and vendors along with games and a Classic Car Show. “Our Downtown Festival is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community,” said officials from the Downtown Development Authority which organizes the event.

Northville, Canton police seeking suspects in area car thefts

    Investigators from the Northville Township Police Department and the Canton Township Police Special Operations Group are working to identify suspects involved in recent car break-ins and thefts.
    Area residents have been cautioned by Northville Township Police to take extra precautions following reports of several break-ins of parked vehicles. In some cases, the vehicles were stolen, while others were either unlocked or broken into with personal items and valuables removed, police sources said. In one reported instance, the vehicle owner left the key fob inside, making it easier to be stolen.
    “Our detectives have been working on this since August and they’ve made significant progress on it,” said Northville Township Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Scott Hilden.
    “We are all about prevention here, so we are advising our residents to secure their vehicles, remove valuables and avoid leaving personal items and key fobs inside parked cars. This will help prevent theft,” Hilden said.
    In one incident, a suspect fled after being confronted, and personal belongings from a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee were recovered nearby. Multiple thefts followed, including the thefts of a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford Explorer in September.
    The Northville Township Police Department is collaborating with the Canton Police Department Special Operations Group to identify those involved.
    “This collaboration allows us to join forces to make our communities safer,” Hilden said. To share information about the crimes, contact the Northville Township Police Department at (248) 349-9400.

Hot Project

    Westland officials celebrated the groundbreaking for a new $7 million Fire Station #2 and Brian

Woehlke Command Training Facility and Todd Stanaway Training Tower last week. The state-of-the-art facility will be fully funded by a $7 million grant from the State of Michigan. Officials said the new facility will improve response times and boost the efficiency of the fire department. Fire Chief Darrell Stamper told the assembled crowd, “This new station will ensure our firefighters are better trained and closer to the community they serve, making Westland even safer.” The new facility will be located at 7300 N. Merriman Road. “I would like to thank our partners in Lansing, Governor (Grethen) Whitmer’s office and State Sen. Dayna Polehanki for being supportive of expanding Westland’s public safety,” stated Mayor Kevin Coleman. “With their help, as well as the funding I secured as state representative, this brand-new fire station will help shorten response times and make our first responders more efficient.”

Nuclear waste dumping temporarily halted by court

    The planned shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan in New York to a Van Buren Township landfill has been temporarily blocked by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox.
    The shipments, originally planned to begin this month, were halted by Cox in response to a lawsuit filed by the cities of Belleville and Romulus along with Van Buren and Canton townships. “We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
    She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
    “The day that the Free Press story broke on New York’s radioactive waste being dumped in Michigan, we took immediate action. Our team visited the site, surveyed the surrounding area and drafted a resolution,” Graham-Hudak said.
    “Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal. And, according to the Detroit Free Press, this dump has a long history of violations, leaks and fires. Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined more than $471,000.”
    Graham-Hudak continued. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said in a prepared statement.
    The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity were to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where they had been stored. The storage site accepted waste from uranium extraction from the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. The waste was to be shipped to Wayne Disposal in Van Buren, one of the largest hazardous waste landfills in the county. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
    State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation last week to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
    “I’m pleased to hear about the temporary injunction to block these shipments, but make no mistake — this is one small victory in a much bigger fight, and I will not rest until there is a permanent solution. The people of Wayne County have spoken loud and clear: Our hometown will not be the dumping ground for toxic, radioactive waste, and I stand with them 100 percent, be they Democrat, Republican or Independent,” she said in a prepared statement.
    Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
    The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
    Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
    Graham-Hudak was critical of the failure of the company to notify local authorities of the pending disposal. She said public hearings took place in New York where the exact routes for hauling the waste through those communities were detailed.
    “Our residents are just as important as those in New York” she said.
    The judge ordered Wayne Disposal attorneys to file a written response to the complaint and scheduled a hearing on the issue for today.

A walk in the park

Canton Township celebrates completion of major park improvements

    Taking a walk in Canton Township just became an even more pleasant and more accessible experience.

    Extensive path improvement projects in Canton Heritage Park, as well as Pheasant Run Golf Club have recently been completed, officials said. Visitors to both locations will be greeted by newly renovated paths that will provide improved avenues for physical activity and enhanced outdoor experiences, she added.
    “The main focus of these multi-phased construction projects is to increase both safety and accessibility of these recreational areas for all ages and abilities,” stated Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “We are proud to be able to provide this type of investment in Canton’s green spaces where residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities, connect with nature, and come together for social interactions.”
    The path replacement project in Heritage Park, which was funded by a Wayne County Parks Millage and Canton Township, included the removal of the old asphalt pavement and underlying sub-base materials, as well as the construction of a new 10-foot-wide asphalt path throughout 3,000 square feet of the park, as well as on the north side of the Summit on the Park, the community recreation center. Further aspects of this $330,000 construction project, which was managed by the Canton Municipal Services Department, included the addition of several electrical service connection points, which were added throughout the park to provide electricity supply to previously ‘off-grid’ sections of the park to improve outdoor special events.
    An official ribbon-cutting for the Heritage Park Path Improvement Project is planned for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 near the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza, located at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and Veterans Way. The event is open to the public.
    The scope of the $1.5 million construction project at Pheasant Run Golf Club, which was funded as part of a Canton Capital Improvement Project and managed by the Canton Municipal Services Department, involved pulverizing existing paths and installing new asphalt pathways resurfacing all cart paths for the 27-hole course totaling 10.3 miles of 8-feet-wide paths.
    Heritage Park, located just west of the Canton Administrative Office at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, is one of the premier parks in the township, where visitors can enjoy 105 acres of green space, including two playscapes, a splash pad, four pavilions, a picturesque gazebo, two large ponds, walking paths, an amphitheater, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a sand volleyball court, fishing area, and much more.
    Pheasant Run Golf Course, is located at 46500 Summit Parkway, was designed by world-renowned architect Arthur Hills
    For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov.

Plymouth Township receives prestigious historic designation

    Plymouth Township is now officially an American World War II Heritage City.
    Members of the township Historic District Commission nominated the Phoenix Mill, originally a dam and grist mill, which was converted to a manufacturing operation during World War II. Women employees at the facility produced electrical parts for B-24 Liberator aircraft. The building is currently operated as an event planning space.
    Only eight communities were named for the Heritage City designation by the National Park Service this year. The program was created to honor the late Sen. John Dingell as part of more than 100 bills introduced to commemorate him as the longest-serving member of congress from Michigan. The program currently includes 38 states and one U.S. territory as World War II heritage cities. Each state is limited to only one location for the prestigious historic designation, according to the National Parks website.
    Female employees at the mill plant built electrical harnesses used for assembly at the Willow Run plant for B-24 bomber planes along with electrical wiring for the M7 machine gun. Called “Rosies” after the iconic Rosie the Riveter wartime poster, the women had to be unmarried or widowed as a condition of employment. They were paid at the same rate as men working in other plants converted by Henry Ford to produce military supplies during the war.
    The Phoenix Mill site was one of several village industries in Southeast Michigan and Canada owned by Ford. The building, with architectural work by Albert Kahn & Associates, opened in 1922.
    “The Rosies played an integral role in the United States’s war efforts and their patriotism is a critical aspect of the American Story in World War II,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, in a letter supporting the Plymouth Township bid for the designation. American World War II Heritage Cities are featured on the National Park Service website.

Street closing question removed from Northville ballot

    The question of opening up downtown streets in the City of Northville will not be on the Nov. 5 ballot.
    At a recent meeting of the Northville City Council, Anne Gabbert, a lawyer attending on behalf of Anthony Chubb, said both Wayne County and Oakland County clerks approved the ballot language to have an advisory question regarding the contentious street closure question placed on the November ballot. Currently, sections of both Main and Center streets have been closed to downtown traffic by the council.
    Gabbert explained that the state director of elections, however, advised that his office was not in agreement with the placement of an advisory, non-binding question on the ballot, Subsequently, clerks from both Wayne and Oakland counties have removed the street closure question from the proposed ballot proof.
    State officials based the decision on their determination that, by law, the community must have an option for advisory ballot questions as part of the city charter. The Northville City Charter does not include this provision and is therefore prohibited from the advisory ballot question, she said.
    To move forward with the advisory ballot question for the November ballot would require emergency litigation in both County Circuit Courts, she said, which would entail court costs which could be extensive. Members of the council discussed the issue and agreed not to proceed with litigation of the matter.

Human Library

 Program allows ‘borrowing’ of people to promote understanding

    Michael McEvoy is an open book.
    McEvoy is participating in the Human Library event, which began in Denmark in the early 2000s. As part of the Northville District Library team for the past 25 years, McEvoy handles all things tech at the

facility and has also chosen to participate in the global initiative to challenge assumptions about himself. The Human Library encourages dialogue, empathy, and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds. Instead of borrowing books, Human Library participants “borrow” human beings who volunteer to share their personal stories and experiences. These “books” often represent individuals who have faced prejudice or stereotypes, and the goal is to break down barriers and foster meaningful connections among people who might not otherwise interact, a library spokesman explained.
    October will mark McEvoy’s seventh time participating in the Human Library. He said while the first time was challenging. It was also a new experience for him—but the feedback from those who “borrowed” him made the experience worthwhile. He said that each time he participates, he learns more about himself and how others perceive him. He said that while volunteering as a “book” could put him in a vulnerable position, the rewards far outweigh the discomfort.
    McEvoy has been deaf for most of his life. One reaction he often encounters during these events, he said, is disbelief, as he doesn’t “sound” like people expect a deaf person to sound. There’s a misconception that deaf people either can’t speak or speak in a way that others perceive as “different.” McEvoy defies these assumptions and said while it is impossible to answer some questions as his experience in the world is the only one he knows.
    McEvoy said one question that has stayed with him was “How can I better communicate with someone who’s deaf?” While the answer varies depending on whether someone is partially or fully deaf, the simple desire to understand and connect resonated with him, he said.
    Despite the growing popularity of American Sign Language (ASL) he has never been formally taught the signing system. He said he knows the basics, like numbers and the alphabet, but not enough to carry on a conversation. One thing he can sign, though, is “I do not know sign language,” he said. This defies another common assumption—that all deaf individuals automatically know ASL. While McEvoy, who has been deaf since childhood, doesn’t know ASL, he said he appreciates that more people are eager to learn it.
    McEvoy said programs like the Human Library are important for libraries like Northville District Library and the Plymouth District Library.
    “Not everyone enjoys reading traditional books—whether paper, hardcover, or eBooks—but a human book can open doors to other types of learning and often have a greater impact.” On a personal note, McEvoy said he enjoys borrowing other human books at these events and finds them to be some of the most fascinating people he’s ever met. He said he always hopes that everyone who participates leaves with more knowledge and empathy than when they arrived.
    McEvoy said he is particularly excited to bring the Human Library experience to the Plymouth District Library which will allow him to reach a broader audience than his previous events, which were primarily for college students. As always, he said, he expects to come away from the event knowing even more about himself.
    The Human Library is scheduled for 1 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. The library is located at 223 S. Main St. For more information, phone (734) 453-0750 or email info@plymouthlibrary.org.

Senior Health and Wellness Expo is planned in Northville

    Northville Senior Service will host a Health and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Northville Community Center.
    The purpose of the new event is to engage and educate older adults on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as address health concerns that arise with aging, officials said. New programming offered by the Senior Services will also be introduced during the event. Like previous events, registrants will enjoy vendor tables, but new this year are fitness class demonstrations, a Kroger Health vaccine clinic, door prize raffles and live entertainment from Suzi Marsh. Lunch also will be provided.
    “We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
    Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
    This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The Northville Township population is growing older. By 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
    “By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
    Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St.
The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM
    “Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”

Dumping, trucking of nuclear waste prompts protests

    Residents, state, county and local officials are protesting plans to truck hazardous waste through area communities to a disposal site in Van Buren Township.

    The shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan into Van Buren Township is expected to begin next Wednesday, Sept. 25.
    The radioactive waste has been stored at a 191-acre site in New York since 1944 and includes residue and waste from uranium ore processing during the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
    Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents and proposed state legislation to ban all radioactive material disposal in the state. Several area communities have agreed to participate in a lawsuit against the landfill parent company to prohibit the dumping of hazardous waste at the site.
    “I’m willing to do what it takes to protect our community and our state,” said State Rep. Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren Township who introduced the bill last week. “The bill that I submitted will ban radioactive waste in Michigan.”
    Miller introduced the bill to ban waste along with legislation to increase fees charged to trucking companies transporting the material through area communities. Plans include the trucking of 25 loads of hazardous waste from New York to Van Buren each week until January of next year.
    Her proposed legislation follows a lengthy and contentious public meeting at the Ted Scott Campus of Wayne County Community College in Belleville recently. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several other local officials scheduled the town hall meeting for residents. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site but were met with strong criticism from the crowded audience who at times jeered and booed comments.
    “As part of our process for these types of projects, we seek to find where there are permitted disposal facilities,” said Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers. “Wayne Disposal being one of them.” He said other sites licensed to accept the waste were being held in reserve for material with a higher radioactivity than the waste coming to Van Buren.
    He assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors will be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities. He maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”
    His assurances did not alleviate the concerns and criticism of the audience as multiple residents spoke at length of the threat and danger they believe the waste poses to the entire area, including the water table and effects on the local soil. The disposal site is near the I-94 service drive in Van Buren.
    Dingell and Miller said they agreed with a proposal by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to significantly increase dumping fees at the site, a plan that has not been enacted.
    The soil and concrete are only “slightly radioactive,” said Liz Browne, materials management division director for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She said a sample of the material was analyzed and determined to be within acceptable standards for disposal in Van Buren.
    Despite the comments and assurances from officials, members of the crowd continued to criticize the disposal and demand a change in the disposal plan during the meeting which continued for more than 3 hours. The meeting grew contentious and included heated exchanges between current office holders and those seeking election to various state and county offices.
    According to Van Buren Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara, the townships of Canton, Ypsilanti, Sumpter and Van Buren along with the cities of Belleville and Romulus have pledged to pay the cost of a lawsuit against Republic Waste, owners of Wayne Disposal, prohibiting the disposal of hazardous waste in the communities.
    “I don’t want radioactive waste in my community,” McNamara stated during a recent meeting of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees during which participation in the lawsuit against the landfill was approved.

Cutting edge

 Historic tree preserved as city sculpture

    The towering Augustine Ascending Elm tree that graced the Northville city green for generations has been resurrected as a city monument after falling victim to Dutch Elm Disease.

    The historic 110-foot tree which had to be removed in the summer of 2023 after being killed by the disease was long considered a landmark and symbol in the community and several nonprofit civic group members were determined to somehow preserve it. Their success will be officially recognized this Saturday when officials, including Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, are on hand to dedicate a carving by chainsaw artist Tom Fink in the preserved trunk of the tree. The wooden tree trunk was moved to the grounds of the Northville Public Library, near city hall, where Fink has been carving the high school mascot from the remaining wood of the trunk.
    The artwork, officials said, pays tribute to the history of Northville.
    “We are so pleased to turn the sadness at the loss of the wonderful old elm tree into a monument celebrating Northville’s trees, history and community spirit. With this magnificent tree sculpture we are reminded of how lucky we are, whether a resident or visitor, to have lovely tree-lined Northville,” said Northville Tree Champions President Jim Porterfield.
    Northville resident Stacy Pearson, of “Stacy Kathryn Art”, created the initial concept design and renderings of the mustang. The mustang is carved from the top of the trunk and below, spiraling around the trunk of the tree, is an artistic relief of images depicting contributions to the Northville community and a number of thriving industries. The carvings were created by Fink who is a retired automotive designer who now operates “Cut n Carve.”

    “It’s been a pleasure working with everyone involved with this incredible project. I carved a number of large trees but this has been one of my biggest challenges,” Fink said. “I’ve also really enjoyed the interaction and compliments of so many people I’ve met in the process.”
    Officials said the carving could not have been completed without the support of the Northville Community Support Fund. More about the nonprofit organizations involved in the project is available online at: Northville Tree Champions, Northville District Library, Northville Historical Society, Northville Art House, and Northville Garden Club.
    The official dedication is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct 21 in the city green space behind the Northville District Library at the corner of Wing and Cady streets.

Canton Center Road remains closed for emergency repairs

    The Wayne County Department of Public Services has temporarily closed Canton Center Road over Willow Creek, south of Joy Road in Canton Township to perform emergency repairs. The closure is necessary, according to officials, to address critical issues with the culvert and ensure the safety and functionality of the road.

    Motorists are advised to use detour routes to navigate around the closure. Northbound traffic on Canton Center Road can proceed straight through the intersection of Canton Center Road and Sheldon Center Road, turn right onto Sheldon Center Road, then onto Sheldon Road. Continue north on Sheldon Road to Joy Road and then turn left onto Joy Road and continue west to Canton Center Road.
    Southbound traffic on Canton Center Road should turn left onto Joy Road and travel east to Sheldon Road. Turn right onto Sheldon Road and proceed south to Sheldon Center Road and turn right onto Sheldon Center Road and continue to Canton Center Road.
    Officials said the essential repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. For more information, contact the 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.

Family demands police camera tape of fatal shooting

    Protests regarding the fatal shooting by police of a Wayne man curtailed the meeting of the members of the Wayne City Council last week.

    Mayor John Rhaesa adjourned the meeting after only 4 minutes as audience members continued to demand the release of the body camera video of the of the shooting of John Zook Jr., 40, who was shot and killed by a Wayne police officer June 18.
    Zook called the Wayne Police 911-line June 18 to report that he needed help as he was suicidal and having a mental health crisis, according to official accounts of the incident. Police arrived at Zook’s Newberry Square Apartment in about 2 minutes and found Zook armed with a kitchen knife. Officers reported that Zook has cut himself several times in a suicide attempt.
    Wayne Police Chief Finley Carter told reporters that the responding officers made multiple requests for Zook to drop the knife. When he did not respond to verbal commands, officers twice used a taser on Zook, according to official reports of the incident. As the situation escalated, Zook was shot with a handgun six times, killing him at the scene in front of his 4-year-old son. Police claim that he lunged at the officers prompting the fatal response.
    Zook’s family, friends, and community members have demanded the release of unedited body camera footage, and the name of the officer or officers involved in the shooting, but their demands have been refused or ignored by city and police officials. A recent rally took place outside Wayne police headquarters on Michigan Avenue, demanding the video and more information about the death of Zook. Family members have repeatedly stated that they believe the situation could have been handled differently and have repeated their questions regarding the six gunshots Zook suffered in the situation.
    Attorney Todd Perkins, representing the Zook family, said that training could have resolved the situation and that it could have ended with Zook going to the hospital instead of the morgue. He said he and the family have filed a Freedom in Information Act request for all records of the incident.
    Community activists, family members and friends repeatedly shouted “shame” at a previous city council following the failure of a motion by a councilmember to release the body camera footage, the 911 call and the results of the Michigan State Police investigation. Zook’s father, a retired Highland Park police sergeant, his wife and Zook’s sister have seen only an edited version of the taped confrontation. The family is demanding to see the entire record of the confrontation and shooting. Zook’s father told reporters than the footage the family viewed does not match the police accounts of the incident or police claims that his son charged at the officers with a knife.
    Perkins said the family has learned that an investigation by the Michigan State Police has been completed and the file referred to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor. A spokesman from that office said the investigation would be reviewed for any charging decision. Zook’s father said he expects charges against both the shooter and another responding officer.
    “When they (prosecutors)look at evidence, I think they (the officers) should be charged,” John Zook Sr. said.

Fish story

 Federal, state and local officials celebrate hatchery restoration

    U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and John O’Meara, executive director of the Alliance of Rouge Communities were among the crowd who officially celebrated the completion of the habitat restoration and Johnson Creek Fish Hatchery Park.

    The $1.2 million project was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fish Hatchery Park holds historical significance as the former site of the first federal fish hatchery in the U.S., once one of the largest in the country. Johnson Creek is now the only remaining cold-water fishery in the Rouge River, officials said. The restoration project, initiated in 2018, aimed to address the loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
    Stabenow, who originally drafted the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem, helped plant a native tree at the site.
    The restoration included removal of 2,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment in the pond to create deeper water for fish habitats; planting of more than 250 native trees and 300 native shrubs to filter stormwater runoff; creation of a fish passage channel between the pond and Johnson Creek and removal a concrete wall, stabilizing and naturalizing 1,250 feet of streambank.
    During the ceremony, officials discussed the site long history of the site and the significance of the project in removing the Rouge River from the list of Areas of Concern (AOCs). Northville Mayor Brain Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, Crawford White of the Environmental Protection Agency and John O’Meara, executive director of the Alliance of Rouge Communities.

Canton Township ceremony marks International Day of Peace

    The International Day of Peace will be marked in Canton Township with a special ceremony set for 10 a.m. until noon Sept. 21 at the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza.
    The event is hosted by Canton Township, Canton Rotary, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, and the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The plaza is located at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and Veterans Way in Canton.
    Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, the International Day of Peace provides a globally shared date to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. Every year on Sept. 21, the United Nations invites the world to mark the International Day of Peace, as it encourages all to: “…strive even harder to promote dialogue, empathy, and human rights in a world mired by conflict, inequalities, and discrimination.”
    “It is important to come together as a community in the spirit of peace and harmony to demonstrate a commitment to foster peace in the world,” said Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “It is so fitting to celebrate this global day of peace in the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza, where the universal symbol of peace bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” stands proud. Now more than ever before, everyone’s individual and collective responsibility should be to act as catalysts for change and agents for peace.”
    To celebrate the official International Day of Peace, this free event will include a reflective walk around the Heritage Park pond, a meditation activity, messages of peace, and more.
    The program will also feature a welcome from Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, as well as special remarks by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). Students from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools will also provide a kids’ choir performance.
    No preregistration is required. Light refreshment samples will also be served.
    For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov or call (734) 394-5185.

On the B.L.O.C.K.

Canton youth leadership programs now accepting applications

    Applications are now being accepted for the Canton Township Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, and Youth Advisory Council Programs for the 2024-2025 school year. The free programs are available through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center for local youths who are interested in developing life skills, such as self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, stress management, and leadership skills.
    Lead #LikeA Girl was developed in 2015 by The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center. This free program enables participants to challenge themselves, discuss relevant issues that young girls face with their peers, and foster relationships with female role models within the community. This award-winning program serves a diverse group of young women ages 11-16 and is designed to change the way that these participants, and the community-at-large, think about what it means to Lead #LikeAGirl…and ultimately live #LikeAGirl.
    Be A #ModelMan, established in 2016, aims to grow six core values, including: integrity, empathy,
compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Monthly themed workshops take place from October through May and are designed to inform program participants ages 11-16 about healthy masculinity, leadership, and community involvement. In addition, this program curriculum encourages participants to interact and foster relations with public servants and community model men, who embody the program’s core values.
    The Canton Youth Advisory Council is an influential group of area high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision-making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.
    “The B.L.O.C.K. staff are excited to challenge these young individuals with unique experiences that will help them develop new skills and confidence,” said Chelsea Straub, Youth Recreation Specialist. “All of these opportunities help inspire participants to become real change-makers to help make a difference in their communities.”
    Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center. Applications are currently available on The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center website at www.cantonmi.gov/theblock and must be submitted by Sept. 20. Program space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
    Local volunteer and financial support have helped these programs expand their positive programming opportunities, officials said. Some current and past sponsors include: MASCO, Community Financial Credit Union, Eastern Michigan University, and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for individuals, businesses, and foundations to assist in the development of future sessions. To become involved, contact Laura Mortier at (734) 394-5376 or email
laura.mortier@cantonmi.gov.
    The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, located on the third floor of the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.. For more information about Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, The Youth Advisory Council, or The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, visit www.cantonmi.gov/theblock or call (734) 398-5570.

Canton Blues, Brats and Bands event set for this Saturday

    Only the location of the annual Brews, Brats, and Bands will change this year while the popular features will remain the same.
    The event is set for 6 until 9 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 14 at the new location in the Heritage Park amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building. This year, Brews, Brats, and Bands will be hosted by Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors are Schoolcraft College, Provision Senior Living Communities and Beerfests.com.
    “Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director. “It’s important to note that with construction taking place in our usual location of Preservation Park, we are temporarily relocating this popular fall event to Heritage Park, which is the only change to this annual event that will feature over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location.”
    Proceeds from the event will benefit the Village Arts Factory, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth, and senior programs.
    Admission includes seven tasting tokens each good for beer, cider, or seltzer tasting samples, as well as two grilled brats with fixings (vegetarian option available), a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. The brats will be provided by Maraschinos Pub. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Atomic Radio, billed as “Detroit’s Premier Cover Band.”
    Tickets are $45 online at Beerfests.com (search Canton, MI) or at the door (cash only). Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended, as there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase onsite at the event. Additional beer-tasting tickets are available on-site for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5. Limited chairs and tables will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.
    For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/678.

Northville to host Seniors Health and Wellness Expo on Oct. 10Northville to host Seniors Health and Wellness Expo on Oct. 10

    Northville Senior Service will host a Health and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Northville Community Center.

    The purpose of the new event is to engage and educate older adults on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as address health concerns that arise with aging, officials said. New programming offered by the Senior Services will also be introduced during the event. Similar to previous events, registrants will enjoy vendor tables, but new this year are fitness class demonstrations, a Kroger Health vaccine clinic, door prize raffles and live entertainment from Suzi Marsh. Lunch also will be provided.
    “We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
    Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
    This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The population in Northville is growing older and by 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
    “By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
    Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St. The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM.
    “Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”

Penn theater wins tax exemption battle

    It took nearly 3 years, but The Penn Theatre in downtown Plymouth has prevailed in a long battle for a property tax exemption.
    The financial burden of the tax could have become a factor in sustaining operations at the theater, according to Friends of the Penn Executive Director Ellen Elliott who spoke to an assembled crowd of concerned citizens during an informational meeting in August of 2023.
    Friends of the Penn used private donations to save the theater from demolition and returned it to operation in 2006. The non-profit group took full ownership of the theater in December of 2021 after leasing the building for many years, paying about $25,000 annually in property taxes. With full ownership of the theatre by a non-profit, the theater should have been granted a property tax exemption, Elliott said. She said 16 other non-profit theatres in the state currently enjoy the property tax exemption.
    The city of Plymouth denied the exemption, claiming the theater had not met the qualifications required of a non-profit group for tax-exempt status. Subsequently, Friends of the Penn appealed the decision to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prompting months of hearings and deliberation. The tax tribunal judge ruled last week that the Friends of the Penn does, in fact, qualify as a charitable institution and that the Penn qualifies as a non-profit theater.
    Friends of the Penn purchased the building in 2021 for $1.2 million and put another million dollars into the renovations, according to Elliott.
    Penn Theatre is open Thursday-Sunday. For showtimes, visit Penn Theatre’s website.

Road warrior

Romulus mayor accepts gruelling Hoka Key Motorcycle Challenge

    Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has proven he is a man who enjoys a challenge.

    For the next week or so, he will have a chance to demonstrate those skills as one of a selected group participating in the Hoka Hey, an event designed to test the limits of physical and mental endurance while traveling across the country on a motorcycle. The 100 riders, selected from hundreds of applicants, are prohibited from using electronic navigation devices, highways or hotels or motels.
    The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, considered the toughest motorcycle endurance race in the country takes place every two years and features travel on terrains designed to push riders and machines to the limits of their mental, physical and mechanical abilities. The event is steeped in Native American traditions and is similar to the ancient challenge faced by young Native American men to prove their worthiness and earn their designation as a warrior.
    Riders in the Hoka Hey select a charity and accept pledges and donations as support for their participation in the challenge. McCraight, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and ardent supporter of veterans’ causes, selected Foundation 14 as the charity he will ride for contributions.
    Foundation 14 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping veterans riding motorcycles. Founded eight years ago, Foundation 14 has helped 26 veterans by either providing them with specialized motorcycles that fit their specific disabilities or by assisting with a costly repair on an existing motorcycle. The goal is to get the veteran riding again and into positive social contact.
    McCraight and the other riders began their challenge at the southernmost point on Aug 4 and are not told of their designated route to the northernmost point of the country. Some directions are provided at the starting point and further routes provided at specific checkpoints as the ride continues until Aug. 14.
    “Simply put, I will be sleeping outside next to my bike for the duration of the event, using a compass and old school maps to find my way on the back roads,” McCraight said. His goal, he said, is to generate $14,000 in contributions for Foundation 14. McCraight explained that Foundation 14 is a healthy alternative to some of the negative attitudes that sometimes come with serving in a forward armed forces combat unit. These negative behaviors can range from depression, seclusion, alcohol or drug abuse.
    “During my years at Foundation 14, I have witnessed firsthand the efforts of Foundation 14 and how their work can change lives,” McCraight said.
    Donations to support McCraight’s efforts can be made at shorturl.at/XlgYx.

Crowds, officials welcome first Michigan Sheetz

    Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight declared Tuesday, Aug. 27 as “Sheetz Day” in the city during the grand opening celebration of the new facility last week.
    Hundreds of area residents joined McCraight and several other elected Romulus officials in welcoming the new store to the community. Travis Sheetz, CEO of the Altoona, Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, presented $5,000 checks to Special Olympics Michigan, Forgotten Harvest and Romulus Parks and Recreation during the opening ceremony. This is the first Sheetz location in Michigan.
    Sheetz said the company is planning more Michigan locations, expanding the 752 stores the company now operates across the country.
    Crowds packed the location during the opening and filled the Wick Road parking lot with several people arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. hours before the scheduled 8 a.m. event.
    "We felt like there was a void in the market for our type of offer, because it is unique with gas and food and everything else," Sheetz said during the grand opening. "And we like that it’s a community-based area, because that’s how we are. We’re very attached to our community — we’ve been since the beginning — and we want to go to an area that resonates in that way.”
    Officials said the popularity of the well-known convenience store should help spur development in the new Romulus Trade Center nearby.
    The store will be open 24/7 every day of the year, officials said. In addition to both indoor and outdoor dining the Romulus locations will feature a drive-through window. Grocery items will be available as will a menu of made-to-order foods and beverages, from breakfast to subs, pizza, and specialty drinks. The location, near Detroit Metro Airport, also features one of the largest EV (electronic vehicle) charging networks in the country.
    The Romulus store is on a former vacant lot at 33380 Wick Road, off Interstate 94 and next to the Romulus Trade Center.

Family time

Children join 15-year barbeque volunteer

    The Rotary Chicken Barbeque this Sunday during the Plymouth Fall Festival is a real family affair for Ron Schmyr and his entire family.

    Schmyr, 65, his wife, seven children and his sons-in-law have been volunteering at the charity event for more than 15 years and they will be there again Sunday, manning the barbeque grills as more than 8,500 chickens are cooked to perfection.
    “It’s amazing to me that decades ago some engineer figured out how hot the grills had to be, how far from the coals the chickens should be and exactly how long it would take to get them to the perfect temperature,” Schmyr said. He said he and his family had been fascinated by the barbeque for decades as they live close to downtown Plymouth and the enticing aroma on Fall Festival Sunday would fill the air. “The kids grew up smelling the chicken,” said.
    When he moved his financial services business to downtown Plymouth, he joined the Rotary Club. That led to his first volunteer effort behind one of the enormous charcoal pits used to grill the chickens. He has eagerly maintained that position for more than 15 years and has been joined by two of his sons-in-law, his daughters and soon, he expects, three of his 11-year-old grandchildren. A sense of being able to give something back to the community is ingrained in his family, Schmyr said.
    He explained that when his family moved to Plymouth from downtown Detroit decades ago, he was amazed that a place like Plymouth even existed. He was used to the rigors of Detroit which at the time was experiencing serious unrest. “I saw tanks in the street when I was 8 years old” he recalled, “so coming to Plymouth was an explosion of senses.”
    He subsequently met his wife Julie when she was in the 5th grade and he in 7th and after their graduations they married and made their home in Plymouth where they raised their family.
    “There is no other way to say it, this is just a very special community and I am very proud to be a part of it. I simply can’t phrase it any other way, this is just a love affair with Plymouth,” he said.
    After 15 years, Schmyr has earned his spot near the head of the pit where he will man the grill from about 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon this Sunday, Sept. 8.

Canton Center Road closed for ‘essential’ repair work

    The Wayne County Department of Public Services has temporarily closed Canton Center Road over Willow Creek, south of Joy Road in Canton Township to perform emergency repairs. The closure is necessary, according to officials, to address critical issues with the culvert and ensure the safety and functionality of the road.
    Motorists are advised to use detour routes to navigate around the closure. Northbound traffic on Canton Center Road can proceed straight through the intersection of Canton Center Road and Sheldon Center Road, turn right onto Sheldon Center Road, then onto Sheldon rod. Continue north of Sheldon Road to Joy Road and then turn left onto Joy Road and continue west to Canton Center Road.
    Southbound traffic on Canton Center Road should turn left onto Joy Road and travel east to Sheldon Road. Turn right onto Sheldon Road and proceed south to Sheldon Center Road and turn right onto Sheldon Center Road and continue to Canton Center Road.
    Officials said the essential repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. For more information, contact the 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.

Honored

    Last week, the City of Westland honored former Community Media Director Craig Welkenbach who

passed away earlier this year. Mr. Welkenbach served the community for more than 25 years earning many awards and the love and respect of everyone he came in contact with, officials said during the dedication of the plaque marking the renaming of the building. “In recognition of all that he did for the city and for the friend he was to so many people, the WLND Studios have been dedicated in his honor and are now officially called The Welkenbach Studios,” noted officials before a large crowd who attended the ceremony in memory of Mr. Welkenbach.

 

Fatal crash takes lives of father and son

    A Go-Fund-Me account has been established to help the survivors of a horrific car crash that occurred last weekend, claiming the lives of a Plymouth father, his youngest son and critically injuring his wife.

    According to the latest posted information, Dan and Anna Hordov of Plymouth and their two children, were returning from a Grand Rapids soccer tournament on Sunday, Aug. 18 when the accident occurred.
    According to multiple reports, Hordov and his son, Wyatt, succumbed to their injuries while his wife, Anna, sustained a serious spinal injury and remains hospitalized. Their oldest son, Zachary, has been released from the hospital after being treated for minor injuries. He is reportedly with family members.
    Zachary is a member of the Plymouth Reign Soccer Club which regularly plays at Edward Hines Parkway, the fields of Robert Bosch and Lake Pointe Soccer Park.
    Dan Hordov, 44, was a member of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club where he led the
    Interact program at the high school campus. He was employed as an insurance agent- broker with the Kennedy Nemier Insurance Agency of Plymouth. Members of the Rotary Club have expressed their shock and sorrow at the incident, noting what an active member of the club Mr. Hordov had been and how well regarded he was. Rotary Club members have pledged to aid the family as soon as more details are available.
    Currently, donations are being collected for the family at a Go-Fund-Me account under the family name.
    Monday morning more than $96,000 had been donated to help the family.

Helping hands

 68th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival to begin next week

    The 68 Annual Plymouth Fall Festival will fill the downtown streets with more than 85,000 visitors next weekend, as crowds enjoy free stage entertainment, Bingo, a car show and a craft show on the streets. In addition, the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is set for Saturday morning, along with the pet show which includes both a parade and a dog training lesson this year.

    The Sept. 6, .7 and 8 festival in Plymouth is an effort to support all local civic and charity groups in the community. Every exhibitor, booth or participant must be there and registered to support a civic or school group.
    “It’s the one time of year every group comes together and works together to help everyone,” said Festival President Andrea Gerber. She noted that the festival had the best year ever last year with increased participation at the carnival and at the booths and shows. “We’re hoping to match that this year,” she said. “We just need good weather.”
    “There really is a close-knit core group of prominent people, volunteers, public officials, business leaders and members of service clubs that keep this festival going,” Gerber said. She added that many civic leaders and officials can be found quietly volunteering at various jobs throughout the festival events. “You never know who you might see,” she added.
    The Plymouth Canton Vietnam Veterans will be grilling spareribs Friday afternoon and the Plymouth-Canton Little League sponsors the popular Bingo event on Friday evening. On Saturday, the morning Rotary Club members serve their renowned Spaghetti Dinner and of course, the Rotary Club Chicken Barbeque takes over Kellogg Park most of the day on Sunday.
    This year, according to Barbeque President Eric Joy, the club will prepare more than 8,500 chicken dinners, grilled on the huge charcoal pits the club members construct the night before in the parking lot behind The Gathering on Penn Avenue.

    To accomplish the effort, more than 700 volunteers man the pits which are lit as early at 7 a.m. When the coals are “just right” the seasoned chickens are on the grills until perfect, then boxed along with chips, an ear of corn, a bottle of water, a roll and butter and a cookie. The menu hasn’t changed for many years, and crowds continue to fill the park all afternoon picnicking, although the drive-through take out location at West Middle School is almost as popular, Joy said.
    The Party Tent behind E.G. Nick’s restaurant on Forest Avenue is the site of both the Rotary Spaghetti Dinner and the Vietnam Veterans barbeque spareribs. After those event, the popular tent hosts live music from popular bands along with beer and wine service. In addition, Chef Frank Agostini from the restaurant, advises both groups and, as a long-time Rotary Club member, helps oversee the chicken barbeque.
    “We started doing the tent as a way to add something to the festival, to have fun. It has now grown to add the veterans and the Rotary spaghetti. We donate the space to the groups as a way to give back to the community,” Agostini said. “We do it because it is fun, everybody has a great time and it’s a way to help out so many people,” Agostini said.
    His sentiments were echoed by James Gietzen of JAG entertainment who produces the event and works with the charity groups to help plan the event. “This is one of my favorites,” Gietzen said. “It really is an event that helps the entire community.”

A complete guide to the Plymouth Fall Festival can be found at Associatednewspapers.net.

Westland man charged with murder in stabbing

    A local man is facing murder charges in the stabbing death of a Westland resident Aug. 18.

    Police arrested Richard Waltiere, Jr., 48, also of Westland at about 4 a.m. Aug. 19 after an investigation of the incident. Westland police officers were called to the area of Grand Traverse and Missaukee Court at about 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 following a report of a man down.

    When officers arrived on the scene, they found 58-year-old Donald Soulliere of Westland lying on the ground unconscious but breathing, according to police reports. Officers determined that Soulliere had been stabbed and immediately began life saving attempts. The Westland Fire Department arrived and transported Soulliere to Beaumont Annapolis Hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
    Westland police began an immediate investigation and were quickly able to establish a suspect’s name and description, police reports said. Officers who were actively searching the location for the suspect, Waltiere, were able to locate him and place him under arrest at approximately 4 a.m. a.m. Monday, Aug. 19.
    Police said Waltiere was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was arraigned in the 18th District Court Aug. 21 in front of Magistrate David Wiacek on one count of homicide – murder- second degree. Waltiere was issued a bond of $1,000,000 cash or surety and ordered to reappear for his Probable Cause Conference at the 18th District Court on Aug. 29.

Grant to help fund renaming of school mascot

    The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district will receive $145,894.40 from the Native American Heritage Fund to help fund the change of team names and mascot at Canton High School.
    The mascot and team names will be changed from the Chiefs to the Cobras. The longstanding Chiefs identity was considered defamatory by some students who advocated a change, approved by members of the school board amidst controversy and complaints from alumni. Canton High School students conducted surveys of potential new names, before a majority of students voted for the Cobras designation in November. Officials said the rebranding initiative is within the district policies.
    The Native American Heritage Fund is a Michigan public body that distributes grants to schools, colleges and universities, and local governments to support initiatives to improve curricula and resources related to Native American issues, and mascot or imagery revisions. Funding from the grant will be used to support the estimated cost of updating uniforms, logos and other paraphernalia related to the mascot rebrand.
    “Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is grateful to the Native American Heritage Fund for its generous support as we prepare to launch an exciting new phase for Canton High School that builds toward the future,” said Plymouth Canton Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt.
    The grant was approved by the board members of NAHF along with grants to 10 state entities, the largest award to Plymouth Canton schools.
    “Over the past several years, we have helped 15 schools retire and rebrand their mascots,” said NAHF chairperson Dori Rios, who is also the tribal council chairperson of the Nottawaseppi Huron band of the Potawatomi. “In 2018 we started with six R-word (redskins) mascots. After this year, will have zero in Michigan.”

Legacy Park water tower could help lower water rates

    The new Northville Township water tower in Legacy Park is now fully operational and is providing critical data to officials regarding water use in the township.

    The data will be used to determine the rate paid to Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), the water provider for the community. In addition to redundancy and pressure stability, the 500,000-gallon water tower lowers the water demands during peak-use periods, normally in the morning and evening. Officials said the demand is reduced by filling the water tower at night — or off peak — particularly during the high-demand summer season. It takes approximately five hours to fill the tank.
    “By showing GWLA that we did lower our demand during peak-use times, hopefully we can negotiate a better water rate after the proving period is complete,” explained Public Services Director Bob Belair.
    He explained that following the township irrigation restrictions when using the public water system is an important factor. The extra effort by system users also helps reduce the demands during peak times. Township residents may only water their lawn between midnight to 6 a.m. on odd or even dates, which coordinate with their odd or even number address.
    “By watering at night, we all work together to keep our peak usage in check and that will keep water rates from rising more quickly than necessary,” Belair said.
    The total cost to build the tower was $8 million. Officials said that cost is expected to be recouped within the next five to seven years because of the stabilization of demands and lower wholesale rates.
    “This project has been in the planning stages for many years, so it’s great to see it operating so well, helping our residents out,” Belair said.

Brews, Brats and Bands will move to Heritage Park this year

    Only the location of the annual Brews, Brats, and Bands will change this year while the popular features will remain the same.
    The event, is set for 6 until 9 p.m. Sept. 14 at the new location in the Heritage Park amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building. This year, Brews, Brats, and Bands will be hosted by Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors are Schoolcraft College, Provision Senior Living Communities and Beerfests.com.
    “Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director. “It’s important to note that with construction taking place in our usual location of Preservation Park, we are temporarily relocating this popular fall event to Heritage Park, which is the only change to this annual event that will feature over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location.”
    Proceeds from the event will benefit the Village Arts Factory, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth, and senior programs.
    Admission includes seven tasting tokens each good for beer, cider, or seltzer tasting samples, as well as two grilled brats with fixings (vegetarian option available), a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. The brats will be provided by Maraschinos Pub. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Atomic Radio, billed as “Detroit’s Premier Cover Band.”
    Tickets are $45 online at Beerfests.com (search Canton, MI) or at the door (cash only). Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended, as there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase onsite at the event. Additional beer-tasting tickets are available on-site for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5. Limited chairs and tables will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.
    For more information, visit: www.cantonmi.gov/678.

Northville resident loses $300,000 in Bitcoin scam

    One Northville Township resident lost nearly $300,000 in a Bitcoin scam operation recently, prompting a warning from police authorities.Residents are being cautioned following a recent surge in fraudulent scams targeting unsuspecting individuals involving Bitcoin and even gold bricks, according to a prepared statement from police.
    In these scams, perpetrators falsely represent themselves as law enforcement officials to intimidate victims into making immediate payments under false pretenses, police said. Victims usually receive calls from unknown individuals claiming to be police officers. These callers inform victims that they are under investigation for alleged crimes or have warrants for their arrest.
    Victims are coerced into staying on the phone and are instructed not to disclose the situation to anyone. The caller often exerts pressure and demands immediate payment, typically requested as bitcoin or cash transfers.
    In the recent Northville Township resident, suspects made contact with the victim multiple times, obtained nearly $300,000 in cash, Bitcoin and ultimately came to the victim’s home and retrieved where gold bricks, police said.
    Email phishing cases are also on the rise during which victims receive an email and are misled into believing they have overpaid their PayPal or similar account. The victims are directed to provide immediate access to their accounts to rectify the supposed overpayment. In July, a resident became a victim to one of these emails phishing scams, resulting in the loss of $50,000 in cash and an additional $50,000 in Bitcoin.
    In this case, too, the suspects came to the resident’s home to collect the payment then fled the area. Northville Township investigators utilized License Plate Reader (LPR) technology and the suspects were apprehended in Ohio and $50,000 recovered.
    “We want to remind our residents that law enforcement agencies do not request payments over the phone, especially in the form of Bitcoin. If you receive a call or email claiming you are under investigation or have warrants, and the only way to resolve the issue is by making an immediate payment, it is undoubtedly a scam,” cautioned Northville Township Deputy Police Chief Matthew MacKenzie.
    To safeguard against these fraudulent schemes, residents are cautioned to verify callers and remember that law enforcement agencies do not demand payments over the phone. Residents should cautious of unsolicited calls claiming legal issues requiring urgent payment and never grant remote access to your computer to unknown individuals.
    If instructed to stay on the phone and not disclose the situation while making a payment, it is likely a scam, officials warned. Genuine entities do not pressure for immediate payments via unconventional methods such as Bitcoin or gift cards, they added. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications to local authorities promptly.
    For further information or to report a potential scam, contact the Northville Township Police Department at (248) 349-9400.

A step in time

 Polish National Association dancers mark 44th year at Plymouth Fall Festival

    It’s about tradition and heritage and when the Polish National Association Centennial Dancers (PNA) take to the Kellogg Park stage during Fall Festival this year, they bring centuries of history with them.
    The twirling skirts and festive ribbons that adorn the bright costumes are symbols of a treasured ethnic heritage being passed from generation to generation through dance.

    Marie Boyle, director of the group, noted that the 44-year long history of the PNA dancers at the Fall Festival has been helpful in allowing the group to continue to preserve their heritage.
    The PNA Centennial Dancers are a children’s Polish folk-dance ensemble serving the Polish American communities in Wayne, Oakland and Livingston counties. Formed in 1980 by the Polish National Alliance (PNA) Lodge 53, formerly PNA Lodge 3240, the dance ensemble has been educating students, ages 3-18, and sharing Polish heritage and culture through music and dance for four decades.
    Boyle, who has been involved with the group for 32 years, danced with the troupe herself from the age of 3 until she was 18 and now her daughter Gabriella, 5, has joined the dancers. Her tiny costume includes the same traditional skirt Boyle wore when she danced on the Kellogg Park stage. Boyle said many families in the group even pass down the costumes which are authentic to their Polish heritage. She added that her youngest daughter, Hannah, who is 2, is eager to start dancing with the group this year.

    “Each year our dancers learn both regional and national dances of Poland as well as Polish American polkas. Our co-choreographers are Pani Paulina Kowalczyk and Pani Natalia Jackson, together they choreograph nearly 15 dance numbers a year and teach them to our more than 60 dancers. We also offer beginner Polish language classes for children ages 6 and older which are taught by Pani Ania Doman,” Boyle explained. She added that this year the dancers are a mix of both girls and boys.
    “The boys have their own traditional unique steps in the dances,” she said, “Authentic Polish dances are partner dances, so it’s good to have the boys.”
    In addition to the colorfully clad dancers performing on stage at the Fall Festival every year, the group hosts the famous Polish Kitchen, usually at the corner of Main Street and Penniman, where genuine Polish recipes are available for sale. The families all volunteer at the booth which is the main fundraiser of the year and supports the group’s operating budget and ability to buy and create new costumes for the dancers. Boyle said her husband, Andrew would be manning the booth with the other volunteers.
    “It’s critical for us, so we are very grateful for the ways the community comes out to support us each year,” Boyle said. “I also would be remiss to not thank our food supplier, Srodek’s Quality Polish Food. They have been a wonderful partner with our organization for many years,” she added.
    “We are so grateful to the Fall Festival,” Boyle said. “We love being there.” She added that some of her happiest childhood memories are of performing on the Kellogg Park stage.
    “There are several families in the group who have passed down the traditions,” she said. “We have a corps of alumni families like my father, John Stawasz and Ron and Barb Martin, who have been mainstays of the group for years. They play such a critical role in our group, but now they are trying to pass the responsibilities on to the next generation,” she said.
    The dancers will appear on the Kellogg Park stage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept.7 during the three-day Plymouth Fall Festival which begins Friday, Sept. 6.