Dog owners face drug, weapons, child abuse charges

The owners charged in the recent brutal dog mauling of a Plymouth Township jogger are now facing penalties for child abuse, torture, unlawful imprisonment, narcotics trafficking and felony firearm violations.

According to Plymouth Township police, multiple calls to the 911 emergency line May 7 triggered a further investigation at the Beaco
n Hill Circle home. Kelita Yolanda Jackson-Holland, 56 and her boyfriend, Edward Alan Turner, 56, residents at the address, were already facing charges in the dog attack. In that case, two cane corsos and a pit bull escaped from the yard March 28 and attacked a jogger who was seriously injured. Prosecutors charged Jackson-Holland with three counts tied to dangerous animals causing serious injury and Turner with one count related to ownership of one of the dogs. The victim, a man in his mid-60s, remained in serious condition and is still recovering, police said.

Police Chief James H. Knittel Jr. said while the defendants had been “cooperative” during the investigation of the dog attacks, the latest charges were disturbing.

“To have someone mauled, and then to uncover all of these other allegations afterward -- it’s very concerning,” Knittel, told reporters. “This neighborhood has really been jarred by this situation. It’s a very quiet neighborhood, and all of a sudden you have all these negative issues developing.”

The child abuse investigation was triggered by several 911 calls at about 6:45 a.m. May 7, reporting a disturbance and fighting outside the home. Responding officers observed two men fighting in the driveway of the home and several bystanders shouting. Officers reported that one teen at the scene was visibly and “extremely emotional and crying” while holding unattached dreadlocks in his hand. Officers reported the teen also had visible injuries, including a bloody mouth.

The teen told officers his grandmother, whom he identified as Jackson-Holland, woke him from a sound sleep brandishing a machete. The teen said Jackson-Holland accused him of taking her 9mm firearm and repeatedly “tried to poke is face with the knife but was unable to reach due to the position of the blanket,” according to police reports. The teen, according to officers, said Jackson Holland slapped him repeatedly, and threatened to cut off his hand. She and Turner then tied the teen to a chair with zip ties and a rope, he told officers. Investigators found evidence at the scene corroborating the teen’s allegations. He told officers Jackson-Holland cut off his braids.

According to the report, Jackson-Holland yelled toward officers that the teen had stolen her 9mm handgun and “needs to go to jail.” She later admitted to police she put zip ties on the teen.

Police documented injuries to the teen, including cuts to his lip and face, bruising, scratches near his eye, marks on his wrists and arms, and the braids that had been cut off.

“When we spoke with the teens, it was very concerning,” Knittel said. “We were able to substantiate not only through statements, but through physical evidence, child abuse, to include torture and false imprisonment.”

Township Police called in the Western Wayne Special Operations Team, a SWAT-style unit, to assist in their search of the home after dispatchers received reports of weapons and drugs at the home.

In the child abuse case, Jackson-Holland and Turner are both charged with first-degree child abuse, torture, unlawful imprisonment, assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic violence.

Each was issued a $25,000 cash bond during arraignment at 35^th District Court with conditions prohibiting contact with minors and possession of firearms.

The couple also face drug charges. Police reported that during the initial search of the home they observed evidence of drug trafficking in plain view, prompting a second search warrant. Cocaine was found in the home, along with scales and packaging material. Police said approximately 9.2 grams of suspected cocaine were confiscated. Investigators also confiscated psychedelic mushrooms, other hallucinogens, mescaline, and peyote, as well as glass vials containing residue and a digital scale, along with packaging materials.

Multiple firearms including an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun with a defaced serial number were also found in the home. Police said they also found ammunition, seized multiple cell phones, and more narcotics paraphernalia.

Jackson-Holland and Turner are charged with delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance involving cocaine under 50 grams, two counts of felony firearm, and safe firearm storage violations involving minors based on the evidence officers found in the home. Both were issued $25,000 bonds during arraignment on the charges at 35^th District Court.

“These are difficult cases because they involve family members,” Knittel said. “Our investigators did a phenomenal job. We worked pretty much straight for four days pulling everything together.”

Jackson-Holland and Turner are scheduled to appear for preliminary examinations on the additional charges May 29 in 35th District Court.

$3 billion entertainment complex planned in Romulus

Developers are planning a $3 billion, 452-acre major tourism, entertainment, sports and hospitality destination site next to Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus.

The proposed Motown Sports Village is planned for a 452-acre site north of the airport, bordered by Wick, Vining, Ecorse and Wayne roads. Members of the Romulus planning commission approved the concept last year, according to developers who said construction could begin in 2027 and some facility openings as early as 2029.

“This project will transform the entire Detroit metro area into a youth travel sports and entertainment destination resort for families, boosting the economy of Romulus and the surrounding communities,” Kenneth W. Bardwell, chairman and CEO of Motown Sports Group Holdings, said in a statement.

Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight said the project could be a boon to the community.

“With its location adjacent to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and along the I-94 corridor, Romulus is uniquely positioned to host a project of this magnitude,” McCraight said in a statement. “We are excited by Motown Sports Village’s potential to generate thousands of jobs and to establish Romulus as a premier sports and entertainment destination.”

The project will be funded by JLL Capital Markets and Motown Sports Group Holdings, Inc. according to information provided by company officials.

The entire development is estimated to cost $3 billion with the initial phase sourcing $40 million to $50 million in predevelopment and land acquisition, the finance company said in an official announcement of the project. The project includes a sports arena, an IMAX theater, hotels, playing fields and indoor sports courts, according to the developers.

"Motown Sports Village, located along Interstate 94 in Romulus, offers easy access to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and sits 20 miles from downtown Detroit and 25 miles from Ann Arbor," the statement noted. "The site's location provides access to 2.5 million residents within a 25-mile radius and 8.6 million within 100 miles, while benefiting from visibility to approximately 100,000 vehicles daily on I-94."

A 9,000 to 11,000-seat arena for major tournaments, basketball, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, concerts and family shows is planned along with a  youth sports complex featuring 12 basketball and volleyball courts; four hockey rinks convertible to indoor soccer fields; a half-mile indoor running track and family entertainment amenities like an arcade, bowling, rock climbing and an IMAX theater.

Also projected for development at the site is a 450,000-square-foot indoor water and surf park; outdoor football and soccer fields; a 96-tee golf center and three hotels with 2,000 rooms

"The city stands ready to support Mr. Bardwell and his team through infrastructure coordination, intergovernmental communication and a fast-track approval process,” commented McCraight."

Federal officials include local GM plant on ‘Heartland Tour’

By Katherine Dailey

Michigan Advance

Ro Khanna, a Democratic member of the U.S. House from California’s Silicon Valley, spent a recent Saturday asking staff and union members at the General Motors Romulus Propulsion Systems facility for their ideas on policies to make sure plants like theirs can succeed in Michigan and around the United States — specifically, how to ensure that American manufacturing can compete fairly with Chinese manufacturing.

Khanna, the ranking member of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, was joined by U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), a member of the Select Committee, and Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) for a tour of the Romulus facility. 

“We’re really here to learn what policies we should have to be tough with China’s dumping, to make sure that we’re supporting the electric vehicle industry, to make sure that we’re supporting the battery industry, and see what we can learn for the China committee,” Khanna said. “So your insights on any of the trade issues with China would be very helpful.”

The visit was part of a “Heartland Tour” by Khanna and other members of the committee through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan — other stops included a steel manufacturing plant, an automotive glassmaker and an electric vehicle battery cell manufacturer, as well as a stop at the UAW Local 600 chapter in Dearborn. 

Stevens emphasized the importance of this visit in advance of President Donald Trump’s visit to China and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

“We are all very concerned about the trade rules and the upending of worker protections, trade rules that the entire supply chain for automotives in North America has been playing by,” she said, emphasizing that she hoped that Michigan autoworker and automaker voices would be heard in summits like the one happening between Trump and Xi. 

All three representatives on the visit were critical of Trump’s trade policy and its impacts on American manufacturing, especially on automotive manufacturers in Michigan. 

“Instead of tackling China, we saw a trade war begin with Canada, which has been obviously pretty damaging to the country’s manufacturing base. We’ve lost 100,000 manufacturing jobs in 10 straight months,” Stevens added, emphasizing the important role of unions. “We recognize that we have to have a 21st-century industrial policy plan.”

Eric Feldman, executive director of U.S. Federal Affairs at General Motors, also emphasized the national footprint and success in the automotive marketplace, including for electric vehicles, to the members of Congress prior to the tour. 

He highlighted that there are around a million jobs either directly or indirectly supported by General Motors — including over 94,000 GM employees. 

Throughout the tour, the members saw the facility at work — staff noted that it is a 24-hour endeavor, with shifts at the plant continuing all the time. 

The Romulus facility, which first opened in 1976, is going to become a full transmission plant, having in the past focused on making diesel engines and then transitioning to gas engines. Currently, the plant primarily makes transmissions for larger rear-wheel-drive vehicles, like the Chevrolet Silverado. 

Asked specifically what she would hope to see coming out of Trump’s meeting in China, Stevens added that it would be ideal for her to see the summit conclude without letting more Chinese cars into the United States. 

“We are really eager to embark on a rigorous review process of USMCA, to strengthen the worker protections, to strengthen American content and to beat China,” she continued. “We’re going to beat China with good trade policies, alongside our innovation partners and proven trade partner allies.”

Stevens is one of three Democrats seeking the nomination in the August primary for U.S. Senate. Also in the race are state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) and former director of the Detroit Health Department, Abdul El-Sayed.

Dingell told reporters after the tour that she and her colleagues are worried that policies on investment into Chinese manufacturing might be suddenly announced via social media by Trump without any warning. Dingell is not a member of the special committee, though she is a part of the Congressional U.S.-China Working Group.

Throughout the visit, Khanna emphasized the importance of hearing directly from manufacturers about what support the American auto industry could use from Washington — he added that the chair of the Select Committee, Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Caledonia), was open to working across the aisle on the issue.  

“If there are bipartisan ideas on the China committee that can make sure that there’s not unfair competition, that we’re not allowing in Chinese cars or Chinese subsidies, and that we’re making sure that our workers are competing fairly, we want to hear that,” Khanna said. “We want to hear what you need to make sure that plants like these are succeeding.”

“We cannot allow China to be flooding their cars, and we cannot allow them to be setting up companies in the United States where they’re not playing by the rules,” he added after the tour.

Reprinted with permission from Michigan Advance https://michiganadvance.com 

8 units destroyed in Plymouth apartment fire

Plymouth Township fire officials suspect the fire at Hines Park Place apartments last week may have been caused by an electrical issue, but the final determination of the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Firefighters from Plymouth Township and multiple neighboring departments responded to the blaze, which was reported just before noon last Thursday, May 14. First responders at the scene found the building fully engaged in flames with black smoke pouring from the roof of one building. All residents of the complex were evacuated as a safety precaution, officials said.

About 24 units in the complex, located near Wilcox Road and Hines Park, were damaged according to township Fire Chief Pat Conely, although no serious injuries were reported.

"Eight units are affected directly, another 16 in the adjoining were probably affected by smoke," he said. "There was a vacant unit on the first floor. It possibly originated in there, but until we actually do our cause investigation, we won't determine that,” he added.

One firefighter was injured when part of the roof of the building collapsed, but he returned to duty quickly, according to official reports. No residents were injured and all pets were reportedly safely returned to owners, they added.

Conely noted that the high wind conditions added to the intensity of firefighter’s efforts.

"The wind was a factor, and these buildings also have double roofs on them, so that really was a challenge for us," said Conely.

Officials said all residents were expected to be returned to their homes this week. The Salvation Army Disaster Service representatives were onsite and continue to assist tenants who have been displaced and lost most, if not all, of their possessions in the blaze. Eight units were completely destroyed according to Conely.

Suspected ‘Fox Gang’ members arrested on gun charges

Two suspects arrested in Romulus face federal charges after officers recovered Glock handguns equipped with illegal machine gun conversion devices linked to five shootings in Inkster. One of the suspects is also connected to a June 2025 homicide investigation, according to Inkster police who did not release the name of the 16-year-old juvenile.

The teen was arrested in Romulus along with 19-year-old Latron Hammock after police recovered Glock handguns equipped with the gun conversion devices commonly known as “switches,” according to official reports. 

According to a complaint filed by federal prosecutors, the arrests happened May 5, during police surveillance at a Romulus apartment complex where investigators were searching for the juvenile suspect in connection with an Inkster homicide. During the operation, officers allegedly encountered Hammock carrying a Glock 23 with a functional switch capable of converting the weapon into a fully automatic machine gun, along with an extended 30-round magazine.

Federal agents say the switch was tested and confirmed functional. The juvenile suspect was later located hiding in a closet in the home, according to a federal affidavit, and admitted a bag containing a firearm outfitted with a switch was his.

Investigators also allege social media messages directly connect both suspects to the homicide investigation. According to court records, the juvenile allegedly sent a message stating, “Boi we kilt yo brotha,” while Hammock allegedly sent another message taunting the victim’s family about seeing their mother cry. “yo brotha is dead how it feel seeing yo mama cry,” the complaint reads.

Federal authorities further claim Hammock is a validated member of Detroit’s “Fox Gang” street gang, and additional firearms with switches were recovered during the arrests.

Court records also connect the case to Nicholas Wilson Jr., who was separately charged in a federal machine gun case, police said. Wilson is also connected to the Fox Gang, as is the juvenile suspect, according to police.

National Trails and River Day marked at Canton trailhead

The annual Canton National Trails and River Day celebration is set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6, rain or shine, at the Lower Rouge Trailhead, located off Morton Taylor Road and Michigan Avenue.

Kayaking the Rouge River is the highlight of the day, offering a way  to connect with nature, organizers said. The guided experience is designed for both experienced and veteran kayakers. Kayak rides are available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 12 and older for $50 per person in a single-rider kayak. The fee includes paddles, a personal flotation device, and shuttle service.  Personal boats can be launched for $15 per boat. Pre-registration is required at https://qrcodes.pro/7kbKMA as space is limited.

“This special event was designed to showcase the incredible Lower Rouge Trail system and give participants the chance to experience the beauty of outdoor recreation on the water right here in Canton,” said Sarah Pushies, Canton Health & Wellness Recreation Specialist.  “We encourage anyone who has never kayaked in the area to come paddle, explore, and enjoy one of Canton’s best outdoor experiences.” 

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that occurs annually on the first Saturday of June and inspires the public to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in outdoor activities, clinics, and trail stewardship projects. National Trails Day® is a registered trademark of American Hiking Society.

This event will also feature nature walks, birdhouse building, educational booths, and more. For additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Romulus Firefighters Chicken BBQ is May 25

Romulus firefighters are pre-selling tickets for the Memorial Day Chicken BBQ. The annual fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. until dinners are sold out.

The $15 dinner ticket includes a half chicken, baked beans, potatoes, roll and bottle of water. Drive through and walk-up service is planned.

Department members have tickets which are also available at C&C Automotive or Midlakes Metal in the city.

 

Car show in Canton

The Canton Township Liberty Fest will feature a Classic and Contemporary Car Show, according to organizers. The show is being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Canton and is set for 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Those interested in taking part can register online for $30 per vehicle by June 6, at https://bit.ly/carshow26. Onsite registration will be $35. For more information visit www.cantonlibertyfest.org or call (734) 394-5360.

 

Farmers Markets are open

The Northville Farmers Market will open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. today, May 14, and continue each Thursday through Oct. 29.

The market takes place at 550 Seven Mile Road.

The Canton Farmers Market is open Sundays offering weekly access to fresh food, local goods and family-friendly activities at Preservation Park. Located at 500 N. Ridge Road, the market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on most Sundays through Oct. 11, rain or shine. The Plymouth Farmers Market is open each Saturday until noon at The Gathering, across from Kellogg Park downtown.

Owners facing felony charges in dog attack

The owners of three large dogs that seriously injured a jogger in Plymouth Township last month have been arraigned on multiple felony charges which carry 4-year prison terms.

Kelita Jackson Holland, 56, and Edward Alan Turner, 56, both of Plymouth Township, were arraigned May 8 before 35^th District Court Judge Joseph Barone. Jackson-Holland faces four counts of dangerous animal causing injury and Turner faces one count of the same felony offense.

The victim, identified by police only as a 64-year-old man, suffered severe injuries in the attack and was rushed to a hospital for treatment. He is still recovering from his wounds, police said.

The attack took place as the victim was jogging in the 12000 block of Canton Center Road at about 6:35 a.m. March 28. Plymouth Township Police received 911 calls reporting a vicious attack of a man by three large dogs. Callers told police the man had fallen to the ground and was no longer able to fight off the animals.

The dogs, two large cane corsos and a pit bull, charged at responding officers and prevented them from immediately helping the victim. Officers fired a warning shot to frighten the animals away from the man and one of the cane corsos was then captured at the scene. The other two dogs fled.

Police later located the other cane corso in back yard of a nearby home. Police reported that the animal again charged at them and was viciously aggressive during capture attempts forcing them to shoot the animal. The third dog, a pit bull, escaped capture for several days and was finally apprehended March 31 by officers in the city of Plymouth after a resident near Fairground Park notified police. Officers from both the township and city attempted to capture the animal, police said, but the dog again demonstrated aggressive behavior and charged at the officers forcing them to fire warning shots. One of the rounds struck the pit bull which had to then be forcibly removed from under a patrol vehicle by officers using animal control poles. The animal was taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment but died of the injuries.

“The failure to secure and control these dangerous dogs caused a violent attack of an innocent jogger,” said Plymouth Township Police Chief James Knittel. “This attack resulted in significant injuries to the jogger, who is still recovering.”  Reports of the incident were forwarded to the office of the Wayne County prosecutor who filed felony charges against the owners.

Knittel said the actions of residents calling 911 probably saved the life of the victim. He added that the township department is "committed to holding dog owners responsible."

“The last thing in the world we want to do is harm an animal if we don’t have to,” Knittel said. “But at the end of the day, our job is to keep everybody safe.”

Barone issued Jackson-Holland a $75,000 unsecured bond and Turner a $25,000 unsecured bond and required both to wear GPS tethers and have no possession of animals, especially dogs. They are also forbidden to possess any firearms and have no contact with the victim. They each face a preliminary court examination of the charges on May 29.

Honored

City clerk is Person of the Year

The long-term and consistent contributions to the Romulus community by City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg were recognized and honored last week as she was named Person of the Year by the Romulus Chamber of Commerce.

Craig-Bragg’s history of service includes her more than 15 years as city clerk and her previous term on the city council but her history of dedication to her community service goes far beyond her professional expertise, noted Mark Lewkowicz who acted as emcee at a Chamber of Commerce banquet honoring Craig-Bragg last week.

Honors, formal resolutions and awards were presented to Craig-Bragg by Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight; State Sen. Darrin Camilleri; Mayor Pro tem Tina Talley, Jazmine Danci of the Romulus Rotary Club; the Rev. John Cole of Union Grove Baptist Church; Carolyn Jones of the American Progressive Association and the Rev. Arthur Willis, among many
others.

Each presenter detailed Craig-Bragg’s history and dedication to volunteer work in the community and her church. While she was honored as the 2021 City Clerk of the Year by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, her service, several presenters noted, goes far beyond her recognized professional expertise.

Her history of service began years ago in the Romulus Community Schools where she started as an aide and parent volunteer at Halecreek Elementary School. She worked as a substitute teacher coordinator in the school board office and eventually became the secretary in the Guidance and Counseling office at the high school. She coached cheerleading for the Romulus flyers and led programs at the local Boys and Girls Club prior to her service on the city council. She co-chaired the Martin Luther King Day celebration and the Juneteenth program and she is an active member of the volunteer Romulus Drug Task Force.

The celebration would not have been complete, however, without a nod to Craig-Bragg’s musical background. She has served as the entertainment coordinator for the traditional Pumpkin Festival and as the Music Minister at Union Baptist Church where her family worships.

She is uniquely qualified for the music ministry as the daughter of a recording artist and member of the Merced Blue Notes during the 1950s. In addition to her father’s musical career, her mother is a well-known gospel singer.

While attending Merrit College in California, Craig-Bragg sang with the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Her musical history also includes her time in Frankfurt, Germany where her husband was stationed during his military career. She was the music director for the Atterberry Military Chapel and led the 97^th General Hospital Chapel programs. The five choirs she led performed in community events and concerts throughout Germany.

Closer to home, Craig-Bragg has performed the national anthem at multiple civic celebrations and memorials including Wreaths Across America and Veterans Day celebrations.

During the multiple awards presented to Craig-Bragg, her exceptional volunteer work in the community was repeatedly noted by dignitaries noting the honor was “deeply deserved.”  The evening included musical performances in tribute to Craig-Bragg.

Fellow city and township clerks from several local communities were in attendance honoring Craig-Bragg along with multiple area dignitaries and her devoted family.

“An honor that is incredibly well deserved. Ellen’s dedication to public service and commitment to the Romulus community continue to make a real difference every day,” Lewkowicz noted as the crowd stood for multiple standing ovations to Craig-Bragg’s career of community service.

Township trustees expected to name new Plymouth clerk

The Plymouth Township Board of Trustees was expected to confirm the appointment of Kim Gaedeke as the new township clerk at a meeting Tuesday, May 12.

If approved, Gaedeke would complete the term of former clerk Jerry Vorva who resigned in March. Vorva cited his health and a hostile working environment as his reasons for leaving his role and is currently involved in a lawsuit with board Trustee John Stewart.

Board members appeared to agree to compromise and reach a 4-2 agreement to appoint Gaedeke after an extensive meeting with multiple candidates earlier this month

Gaedeke, is a 20-year Plymouth township resident who currently works for the University of Michigan Opioid Research Institute. She has previous experience in state government and has worked in leadership with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Gaedeke told the board members the clerk’s position would give her the opportunity to return to public service although it would be a “significant reduction in pay.”

The Plymouth Township Clerk is currently paid an annual salary of $120,000, plus a benefit package. 

“I prefer service over making a ton of money,” Gaedeke said. “I’m blessed that I’m financially in a situation where I’m able to take a pay cut.”

The appointment follows weeks of disagreement and a deadlocked vote on two clerk candidates who are also board trustees. Both Sandy Groth and Jennifer Buckley had expressed interest in the position which resulted in a tie vote of the six members eligible to vote on the appointment in recent discussions.

During the May 5 meeting, Supervisor Chuck Curmi, Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz, Trustee Mark Clinton and Buckley tentatively agreed to support Gaedeke. Groth and Stewart did not indicate their projected vote.

Northville Township fire chief moving to city department

 

Northville Township Fire Department Battalion Chief Brent Muller has retired from the department.

As one of the first full-time firefighters in the township, Muller has been part of the growth at the department for nearly three decades. He was 18 when he first put on township fire turnout gear. At the time, Six Mile Road was an unpaved dirt road and the current Northville High School had yet to be built. After 28 years, his last shift is set for today, May 14, and his official retirement date is June 1.

He is not going far, though. He will be stepping into a new role as the first-ever deputy fire chief for the City of Northville,

“It was just a very tough decision, because the work here is great,” Muller said. “The people on the fire department are great. The township has been great. These last three, four years have been the best out of my 28 years in the fire service.”

He was sought out for this new opportunity, though, he said, and he will be the first deputy fire chief in the city of Northville. In his new role, Muller will help lead a department that serves both the City of Northville and the City of Plymouth.

“This is a rare opportunity, not just professionally, but regionally,” said Township Manager Glenn Caldwell. “Having someone with deep roots in Northville Township stepping into a leadership role next door creates a stronger connection between our departments and ultimately benefits the residents we both serve. I’m excited for our community and for Brent.”

Muller echoed that sentiment, noting that his move is not a departure, but an evolution.

“I’m lucky. It’s right down the road. I already know the community, and I’ll still get to work with the people here from time to time,” he said.

When Muller joined the department in 1997, first as a paid on-call firefighter and then becoming  full-time career firefighter in 1999, crews responded to fewer than 1,000 calls annually. Today, that number has grown to nearly 4,000 runs per year, reflecting both the township’s expansion and the increasing complexity of modern emergency services, he recalled.

“The best part of the job is sitting down with your crew, sharing a meal, and just laughing together,” he said. “That’s your second family.”

Muller said family is the reason he pursued a firefighting career. His father, uncle and cousin were all in the industry. “It’s the family business,” Muller said. “I’m one of the lucky ones who knew what I always wanted to do since I was a young kid.”

Muller and his wife, Kristal, have three children. The oldest, Landon, 16, wants to be a firefighter as well. His 15-year-old twins, Dylan and Morgan, haven’t committed to it…yet.

Plymouth Township, city formalize joint police

Plymouth City Commissioners have approved the PCPP (Plymouth Community Policing Partnership), an intergovernmental agreement which formalizes long-standing cooperation between the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township police departments and creates a structured framework for joint investigative efforts.

“Many people aren’t aware that the Plymouth community is served by two separate—but highly effective—police departments,” said Plymouth Director of Public Safety and Plymouth Police Chief Al Cox.

“Some residents don’t differentiate between city and township services, so it’s important that we successfully work seamlessly with the township to remain laser focused on keeping our residents safe and secure.”

The PCPP is designed to coordinate post-initial response to criminal investigations that would benefit from shared personnel, intelligence, and specialized resources. Rather than creating a new department or command structure, the partnership functions as a collaborative consortium in which both agencies remain equal partners, officials said. The formalized agreement also highlights some of the key objectives in the city of Plymouth 5-year Strategic Plan including, but not limited to: departmental collaboration, training opportunities, and partnerships.

The general purpose of the PCPP is to enhance public safety and quality of life within both communities through coordinated and cooperative law enforcement investigative operations, officials noted.

The agreement is authorized under Michigan law, including the Mutual Police Assistance Agreements Act, the Urban Cooperation Act, and other applicable statutes governing intergovernmental police cooperation. Each department remains responsible for its own personnel costs, equipment, insurance coverage, discipline, and administrative oversight. Investigative expenses are generally borne by the originating agency unless otherwise agreed.

Additionally, the PCPP will serve as a collaborative training consortium, allowing both agencies to coordinate in-service criminal justice training and share instructional and facility resources. “This agreement strengthens regional collaboration, improves investigative capacity, promotes efficiency, and enhances public safety, while maintaining clear lines of authority, accountability and fiscal responsibility,” Cox added.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Farmers Markets are open

The Northville Farmers Market will open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. today, May 14, and continue each Thursday through Oct. 29.

The market takes place at 550 Seven Mile Road.

The Canton Farmers Market is open Sundays offering weekly access to fresh food, local goods and family-friendly activities at Preservation Park. Located at 500 N. Ridge Road, the market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on most Sundays through Oct. 11, rain or shine.

Library plans public meeting

The results of a community survey regarding the future of the Northville District Library will be presented by representatives from The Ivy Group at a public meeting set for 7 p.m. May 21 at the Northville Community Center. Information required pre- registration is available at the library website: www.northvillelibrary.org, by email at nortref@northvillelibrary.org, or by phone at  (248) 349-3020.

 

Liberty Festival dates set

Canton Township officials have approved changes to the traditional Liberty Festival set for June 18-20 this year.

The new focus for the 33^rd annual festival will be a renewed emphasis on family-friendly activities.

The traditional fireworks display will be moved to a later date in the summer to join the nationwide “America 250” celebration.

GM to invest $300 million in Romulus plant

General Motors will invest $300 million in the Romulus Propulsion Systems plant on Ecorse Road, according to a corporate announcement last week.

The plant, originally opened in 1976, produces engines for General Motors vehicles. These components are used in some of the highest-volume GM products, including next-generation full-size pickups and SUVs. The investment builds on a prior $300 million allocation announced late last year, in response to an announced demand for expanded output. Romulus employs about 1,000 workers, and the added capacity should stabilize operations as new vehicle programs ramp up, according to a prepared statement from General Motors.

“I am proud to continue working and growing with GM in Romulus. Thank you GM for your investment in our community and bringing additional jobs and opportunities,” noted Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight in a social media post.

The capital injected into the Romulus facility will expand production capacity for high-volume 10-speed transmissions, a key component of the GM truck lineup.

GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra has consistently framed such investments as a commitment to American manufacturing and jobs.

“We believe the future of transportation will be driven by American innovation and manufacturing expertise,” Barra stated earlier this year in a  statement regarding the company’s U.S. investment strategy. The company is leveraging its flexible manufacturing footprint to remain competitive and meet the robust demand for its vehicles from customers, she said.

This series of investments paints a clear picture of an automaker doubling down on its U.S. operations, analysts noted.

“By channeling funds into key component plants like Romulus, GM is ensuring its manufacturing ecosystem is primed to support a significant production ramp-up scheduled for 2027, solidifying the foundation for its next generation of trucks and SUVs,” industry experts noted.

Scams, frauds prompt warnings from area police

Local police departments have recently issued warnings regarding scams in the area.

In prepared statements and social media posts, police from Canton Township, Romulus and Wayne said their departments had become aware of a text‑based scam in which individuals receive messages claiming they have unpaid parking fines, along with a fictitious summons containing a QR code for payment. Those who use the QR code risk having their credit card information compromised, police warned.

Additionally, at least one Canton resident has been approached by a scammer impersonating a DTE worker in an attempt to gain access to her home. Police say this scheme is used primarily to defraud or rob senior citizens.

“We are also aware of similar schemes in which suspects falsely claim to be affiliated with the 36th District Court or other law enforcement agencies,” the statement noted. Residents are reminded that legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals via text message to request payment of fines.

Police warned anyone who might receive one of these suspicious messages not to click on the links or scan the QR codes. Residents should not use any phone numbers provided in the message, police cautioned but should look up the official agency phone number on its website and contact them directly to verify.

“The Final Enforcement Notice going around is not legitimate. It’s a scam designed to scare you into paying or giving up personal information,” both Romulus and Wayne police warned.

Canton cautioned residents, especially seniors, to always ask for identification. All DTE employees and most contractors carry an ID badge—residents should ask to see it.

“If you’re unsure, keep your door locked and call DTE directly at 800‑477‑4747 to confirm whether a worker should be at your home,” police said.

“If someone refuses to show ID, becomes agitated, or acts suspiciously, do not allow entry and call 911,” officials added.

Residents are also reminded that DTE employees will never request or collect payment at your home or deliver cash refunds or ask to see your bill. DTE does not sell solar panels or ever require prepaid debit cards or threaten immediate shutoffs.

Anyone who suspects they may have encountered a scam, should report the incident to DTE and contact their local police department.

Judge orders Northville officials to open downtown streets

Downtown streets in Northville will remain open to traffic until a formal ruling on the issue from an appeals court.

Last week, Judge Charlene Elder of the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Wayne County denied a request from city officials for a stay on a previous court ruling opening the downtown streets while an appeal of that ruling awaits a court decision.

The original ruling opening the streets was in response to a lawsuit filed by Let’s Open Northville, a group opposed to the closing of all downtown Northville streets to traffic. Kyle Konwinski, the attorney representing the group, said he was pleased with the denial of the motion from the city.

He noted the court called the city request to close the streets, a “veiled attempts to thwart the court’s judgment’.” He said that the city’s request to open the streets during the pendency of the appeal made little logical sense, particularly because “the entire purpose of the week-long trial was to determine the legality of the city’s street closures.”

The original decision ruled the closure of the downtown streets were illegal for a number of reasons, Konwinski said. This effort was the second time the city attempted to “skirt the court’s judgment,” he said and added that he is “hopeful that the city will finally abide by the court’s clear and unambiguous judgment, even though the city is clearly dissatisfied with the result.”

The hearing also dealt with the city scheduling of 27 consecutive weekends of special events which would close the streets until Nov. 1, 2026.  Court documents from Let’s Open Northville objected to every weekend being considered “special” which the group alleged constituted a new version of seasonal closures -- already defeated in the June 2025 trial.  Elder agreed, stating this was “the city’s attempt to maneuver” around that ruling.

While the group also opposed the current construction on one block of downtown Main Street as possibly illegal, Elder said since the city had accomplished the demolition prior to the hearing, she would not stop this phase of reconstruction. She noted that the city had not requested approval from the court for the construction and therefore had not offered reasons the construction was necessary.

The latest ruling follows Elder’s ruling that the City of Northville must pay Let’s Open Northville $5,855 plus sanctions during the pendency of the trial as a result of past improper actions.

Happy anniversary

Wayne theater marks 80 years

 The State Wayne Theater is celebrating 80 years of serving audiences and acting as a beacon in the Wayne community.

Located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Newberry Street, the theater first opened in 1946. Today, owners say preserving its historic charm has helped usher in new audiences.

"I think it’s about consistency. It’s about the history of what this is," Cory Jacobson, president of Phoenix Theatres, which took over the State Wayne Theater in 2012 said.

The State Theater was first operated by the Shafer family in 1946 for Wayne Amusements.

The theater was originally a single screen facility, later carved in four screens, when National Amusements operated the facility.

The City of Wayne began managing the historic 1,600 seat building in early 1990 after the theater had been closed and dark for many years, offic

ials said. The city added screens and seats but did not change the retro look of the exterior, including the giant lighted marquee.

Phoenix followed that example in preserving the historic image of the building while adding heated, reclining seats and a digital cinema experience to the building.

"We want you to drive by the theater today in 2026 and have it look exactly like it did in 1946," Jacobson said.

Officials said the 80-year-old building continues to attract audiences and about 100,000 tickets are now sold annually at the historic site.

Phoenix Theatres began showing first-run movies at the State Wayne in 2015, officials said.