The Eagle: July 2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Local millage questions on Tuesday ballot

Voters throughout the area will be asked to make important decisions next Tuesday during the scheduled Primary Election Aug. 2.

Votes must be partisan and voters can only choose all Democrat or all Republican candidates to move on to the Nov. 8 ballot where many will face challengers from the opposing party. The Primary Election determines who will be on the ballot in November.

Voters cannot choose candidates from each party but must cast votes for candidates all from the same party. Any cross-party voting will spoil the ballot and the vote will not be counted, local election clerks cautioned. Voters should have a photo identification with them, if possible.

Romulus awarded $456,300 water study grant

The City of Romulus has been awarded $456,300 in a state Drinking Water Asset Management grant.

The grant, according to Romulus Department of Public Works Director Roberto Scappaticci, will allow the city locate and investigate any homes in the city that have lead pipes or connections to the city water service. The grants were awarded to fund the updating of municipal water service plans or to create a process to identify and work toward the removal of hazardous materials that are part of the distribution system, such as lead service lines.

Al Haidous

Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous delivered some unwelcome news to Sumpter Township officials during the July 12 meeting.

Haidous explained that the funding for a proposed recreational trail connecting the township to a statewide biking and walking path had been markedly reduced by federal officials and the $6.22 million planned for various projects like the proposed trailway had been reduced to $2.2 million. He said the county portion of the federal grant was reduced from $2 billion to $3 million and said the project would require more funding from the local community. He asked the Sumpter officials if they would be willing to approve $250,000 for the project.

The popular Music in the Air free weekly concert series will continue at 7 p.m. tomorrow, July 29, and continue through Sept. 3 at the Kellogg Park stage in downtown Plymouth, officials from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) office said.

The concerts are sponsored by the DDA; the Bank of Ann Arbor; the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club and Hines Park Lincoln.

The line-up this year again includes various area bands and tomorrow, Lady Sunshine & the X Band (Detroit's' own - Emotion, Fire, Pride, and Soul) will perform.

Born on a plantation near the Mississippi Delta in West Helena Arkansas, Lady Sunshine grew up singing gospel music as a little girl.

After 48 years of owning and operating Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, sisters Sandy Mily, at right, and Kathy Aznavorian have retired. Heritage Golf Group will be taking over the operations at Fox Hills and will continue to offer the same service at the facility. The sisters began with an 18-hole golf course and a log cabin and today, Fox Hills features 63 holes of golf, three clubhouses, three banquet venues and a state-of-the-art performance center.

Work is now under way on the third and final phase of the reconstruction of Beverly Road in Romulus.

The project is a collaboration of the city, Wayne County Federal Aid Committee and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and is expected to take four to six months to complete, officials said.

Beverly Road has been a point of complaint in the community for many years, they said.

Mayor Robert A. McCraight

Romulus city officials will be hosting “One Romulus” community meetings, a listening tour that provides residents the opportunity to speak with Mayor Robert A. McCraight, elected officials, public safety leaders and neighbors.

Launched as part of a continuing effort to foster collaboration among residents and city leaders, the “One Romulus” community meetings will occur throughout the summer at 6 p.m. in selected locations including Wednesday, Aug.17 at Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road

“When I was campaigning across Romulus, I repeatedly heard community members express a desire to meet face-to-face with their elected officials,” McCraight said. “The 'One Romulus' community meetings will provide this invaluable facetime while sparking partnerships and collaborations that will strengthen our city.”

The Police & Community Together (P.A.C.T.) group in Romulus is planning the fourth-annual bike ride beginning at 2 p.m. this Saturday, July 30, at Fernandez Park.There will be food and giveaways at the park, located at 6017 Columbus St. in the city. Register by visiting the Romulus Police Google Form link: https://bit.ly/3ndok2n

In a ‘pickle’

City opens new pickleball courts

Westland city officials were among the crowd at the official dedication and ribbon cutting of the new pickleball courts at Corrado Park, located at 30400 Gladys. The event featured bounce houses, a DJ provided by The Dance Academy, hot dogs, chips and water, and spotlighted the city public safety departments. The summertime tradition also included city equipment from the Department of Public Service and Police and Fire departments, Rio and Odin, the K9 dogs and Bella, the arson dog were also in attendance.

Council approves funding for first city dog park

The dog days of summer are soon to be a reality in Westland as construction of the new off-leash dog park is set to begin.

The new facility will be constructed next to the city recycling center on Marquette and will have separate areas for large and smaller dogs. The park will include benches for dog parents along with a dog water station and an agility course in each area. The new facility will dedicate about a half- acre in size for smaller dogs and an acre of park for larger dogs.

Thornetta Davis

Westland officials are making plans for one of the most anticipated and popular events in the community.

Blues, Brews and Barbecue will return Aug. 5 and Aug. 6, officials said, with live music, fireworks and the drone light show. Top barbecue pitmasters have already signed on for the event, they said, and there will be several craft brews available at the popular festival.

The Northville Township Police and Fire departments, as well Clerk Roger Lundberg volunteered last week for the two-day "Ruffled Up in Grief" children's camp for New Hope Center for Grief Support at Maybury Farm. This free children's grief camp is for those ages 5-14 who have lost a loved one. The record-setting attendees learned coping skills from all who were present, including the animals at Maybury Farm who also grieve for their own offspring, a farm spokesperson said. Members of the Northville Township Fire Department dropped by and gently sprayed the attendees to cool off in the summer heat.

City police department earns state accreditation

The City of Northville Police Department was awarded accreditation from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) with a formal celebratory presentation at the meeting of the city council recently.

“This pursuit of excellence was a team effort that was led by Accreditation Manager Sgt. Ken DeLano and Ofc.Melissa Ambrosius,” officials said.

Asbestos removal under way

Buildings at the former site of the Northville Psychiatric Hospital are being sealed as abatement of hazardous material begins prior to demolition.

Northville Township contracted Asbestos Abatement Inc. for the work, including the clearing around all the building remaining on the property. Clearing has been completed and abatement will begin, officials said.

Crash splits pickup truck in half, 4 injured

An Inkster man remains hospitalized after the Mercedes he was driving struck a Ford F-150 and left the vehicle cut in half.

Witnesses told responding Dearborn Heights Police officers that the Mercedes was being driven “recklessly” and was traveling at speeds more than 100 mph when the vehicle struck the pickup truck broadside. The truck was ripped in half due to the velocity of the impact.

Members of the Wayne Rotary Club and staff of the Family Resource
Center of the Wayne Westland schools present bags with tools fornon-verbal
communication to Police Chief Ryan Strong and Fire Chief Michael Stradtner.

Emergency responders in Wayne now have another means of communicating with those in need of help in the community.

Core in the Community bags, a program to provide non-speaking individuals with the ability to express their needs and wants, were presented to Police Chief Ryan Strong and Fire Chief Mike Stradtner during the July 20 city council meeting.

The bags, presented and funded by members of the Wayne Rotary Club in cooperation with the Wayne-Westland Community School Family Resource Center, contain resources and tools to help first responders community with non-verbal individuals.

Detroit Retro Society

Canton Township continues to host free concerts in Heritage Park from 7-8:30 p.m. each Thursday. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the Amphitheater lawn.

Organizers said at least three food options will be on site weekly starting at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a Beer and Wine Tent sponsored by Maraschinos Pub of Canton. All of the proceeds from the beverage sales will benefit Second Chance At Life, a non-profit organization. Wine will be priced a $6 while beer is priced at $5.

Voters face several local questions on Aug. 2 ballot

The Aug. 2 primary election ballot will include candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties seeking to continue their campaigns and move forward onto the Nov. 8 ballot.

In addition to the Wayne County, State of Michigan and federal terms on the ballot in various communities, there are several local questions voters will be asked to consider. Voters are reminded by local clerks to complete both sides of the ballot.

Absentee ballots are still available from clerks’ offices

Absentee ballots for the Tuesday, Aug. 2 statewide primary election have already been mailed to voters who applied to vote absentee. The ballots are also available at the offices of local municipal clerks in local city and township hall buildings.

Following voter approval of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.

Check voter registration status at Michigan Voter Information Center Michigan.gov/Vote

“Voters have numerous secure options for how to cast their ballots this August,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

On stage

Tipping point presents ‘Tracy Jones’

Tracy Jones learns what is in a name at the latest
production of Tipping Point Theatre in Northville.

What's in a name? Audiences at the latest Tipping Point theatre production of Tracy Jones may find out during performances of Stephen Kaplan's new work.

Heroine Tracy Jones has always wished that she didn't share a full name with almost 7,000 other individuals in the U.S. alone. If only she could have been born with a name like Constance Rumplemeyer then her life would be just as different and exciting as her name. In a last-ditch effort for human connection, she seeks comfort from the many individuals who seem to have being 'Tracy Jones' all figured out by announcing a party for those who share the same name.

Art House hosting exhibit of ‘en plein air’ paintings

The Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St, will present the City of Northville: Plein Air Paint Out & Exhibition featuring artworks created outdoors and within the city limits of Northville. Up to 40 artists are invited on a first-come first-serve basis to capture en plein air, a French phrase meaning "in the open air," the historic buildings, Victorian-era architecture, intriguing landmarks, and scenic parks in Northville. The public is encouraged to watch the artists paint at various locations throughout the city and historic downtown during the Paint Out set for July 22 - 24, then view the completed artworks at the exhibition. The exhibition opens with a Live @ 5 Event, from 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday, July 30, and continues through Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Northville Art House.

Northville Township Clerk Roger Lundberg administers
the oath of office to the newest Northville
Police Ofc. Mark Foster during official
ceremonies at township hall.

Northville Township Clerk Roger Lundberg administered the oath of office to the newest Northville Police Ofc. Mark Foster recently. The official ceremony took place at township hall and was witnessed by Foster's family and friends along with township officials.

Foster spend seven years as a full-time officer with the Richfield Township Police Department where he also served as a T.E.A.M. instructor, teaching, educating and mentoring young students on safety, responsible citizenship and positive character traits, officials said.

From left, seated, are Township Clerk Esther Hurst,
Supervisor Tim Bowman and Treasurer Vincent Warren.
Standing from left are Trustee Tim Rush, Trustee Peggy Morgan
and Trustee Matt Oddy. Not pictured is Trustee Don LaPorte who
was excused from the July 12 meeting. Photo by David Willett.

Sumpter Township officials publicly expressed their fury and frustration at the allegations of racism and incorrect reporting recently published in a local newspaper.

The issue which has simmered among the officials for weeks, came to a boil during a July 12 board meeting when Supervisor Tim Bowman threatened legal action against a local newspaper which had published accusations of racism leveled at him by Trustee Peggy Morgan. Morgan accused Bowman of being racially prejudiced against Nelson Po based on his Filipino heritage during a loud and contentious confrontation following a meeting June 23.

The Leanna Hicks Public Library of Inkster and Welcome Center is scheduled to receive $1.2 million as part of the $76.7 billion recently approved Michigan state budget.

The new budget will become effective Oct. 1, but no date for funding the library and welcome center was announced.

Michigan State Sen. Betty Jean Alexander (D-Detroit) said she was very pleased with the allocations for funding in her district.

The eighth annual Rally on Ridge is set for 4 until 9 p.m. this Saturday, July 23.

The event is a benefit for the Canton Farmers Market and will take place on and around the grounds of Cheery Hill School.

In addition to gourmet menu items available for purchase from a variety of food trucks, the fundraiser will also feature live music performed by the Cancel Monday band. Those who plan to stay for the music are encouraged to bring along a lawn chair or picnic blanket.

Teen safety seminar set for Saturday at Summit in Canton

The Canton Police Department is partnering with Canton Leisure Services to present a Personal Safety for Your Teen and College-Bound Student seminar from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23. This special presentation will take place at the Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton.

This free seminar is open to participants 14 years of age and older. Participants will learn some basic life-skills that will help them make the transition into adulthood, be it in dorm life or as a high school student, officials said.

Softball showdown

Police outrun firefighters for title

Members of the Westland Police Department softball team put out the flames of rival players on the Westland Fire Department during the annual “Battle of the Badges” Charity Softball Game and Homerun Derby last weekend.

Police “Bacon Boomers,” snuck by with a win over fire department “Too Hot to Handle” players during the home run derby.

The winners were determined by the last play of the game, with the “Bacon Boomers” executing a perfect relay throw from the outfield to throw out the potential game tying run at the plate that wasn't “Too Hot to Handle” to end the game 14-13.

Heather Holcomb was sworn in as a police officer for the City of Wayne Police Department at a recent meeting of the Wayne City Council. Holcomb joins the Wayne force with more than 15 years of law enforcement experience, officials said. She took her official oath of office administered by City Clerk Tina M. Parnell and was introduced to the officials by Police Chief Ryan Strong.

Mosquito abatement set

Westland officials are taking action against some of the worst pests in the city.

The city will begin the summer mosquito abatement program this week in an effort to control the pesky insects. Officials said the continued summer rains have resulted in standing water in the city sewer system and the abatement program is designed to eliminate mosquito larvae in sewer systems before hatching.

Amazon delivers $1,000 donation to city police

Romulus public safety officers will be a bit safer thanks to a recent donation from Amazon.

Amazon DTW1 Loss Prevention Manager Jennifer Underwood and Procurement Specialist Denzel Raines presented a donation of $1,000 to the Romulus Public Safety Foundation last month. The donation came in response to a month-long community safety campaign which began in April 2022. Funds are used to advance public safety interests such as innovative projects, education, and equipment for Romulus residents, officials explained.

The Plymouth District Library has received a grant of $50,000 from the Margaret Dunning Foundation.

Library Director Shauna Anderson said the grant will support significant technology updates in the community meeting rooms. With this grant, the library will update the audio-visual systems in the Walldorf and Dunning meeting rooms to better enable simultaneous online and in-person program participation, she said.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the library moved community programming to an online format, which was “very successful” Anderson said.

Stolen puppy returned

Rocky has come home, thanks to assistance the public provided to Romulus police detectives.

The puppy, a French bulldog-Boston terrier mix, was returned to his owners Jason and Amber Schlegel after being taken from them at gunpoint during a robbery last month. The owners were lured to a location on Mesa Way in the city in response to a call for emergency locksmith aid.

Grant to fund $49 million Metro Airport upgrades

Travelers using Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus will soon see major improvements at the facility funded by a $49,600,000 grant from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding includes $28 million to rehabilitate public restrooms to be more accessible for travelers; $17,600,000 to repair baggage claim belts and $4 million $4,000,000 to start a replacement program for the passenger boarding bridges. The new boarding bridges will provide enhanced accessibility and energy efficiency upgrades, airport officials said.

“Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for tourism, commerce and economic development,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who worked to secure the budget item. “This funding is another critical piece of the infrastructure investments coming to our state and will improve customer experiences at our airports.”

Avon calling…

Shakespearean festival will ‘returneth’ to Canton stage

Photos provided by Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Works of 'The Bard of Avon' will take to the stage at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton beginning this week when the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, the official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan, will return to the theater for performances from July 19 through Aug. 21. This is the only time in the 27-year history of the festival that the entire run will be performed at one theater.

“We're so pleased that our home in Canton is welcoming us back for our 2022 season, and we're thrilled to be able to rehearse, tech, and open our shows at The Village Theater,” Shakespeare Artistic Director Janice L. Blixt said.

The three Main Stage shows will be the heroic and epic drama Henry V, featuring Ann Arbor native Sam Hubbard as the king, the bright comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor being directed by award-winning Artistic Associate Robert Kauzlaric, and the silly farce Charley's Aunt by Brandon Thomas featuring Edmund Alyn Jones.

Sumpter board of trustees names new township manager

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees approved the promotion of Deputy Township Clerk Anthony Burdick to the position of township manager during the June 28 meeting.

Burdick has been the township deputy clerk for about 3 ½ years and assumed his new position effective July 1. His promotion was unanimously recommended to the board by members of the hiring committee who met to review his qualifications and experience.

During the meeting, Burdick said he hoped to support the needs of township residents, staff and issues in his new position. He said he looks at his job as fulfilling the direction provided by board members. Burdick's formal resume lists nearly 40 years of steadily advancing management responsibilities and accomplishments.

Trustee challenges appointment of new manager

The appointment of Anthony Burdick as the new township manager in Sumpter met with harsh criticism from Trustee Peggy Morgan who cast the lone no vote on the motion during the June 28 meeting.

When the motion to accept the unanimous decision of the Hiring Committee to appoint Burdick to the job was presented to the board members during the study session prior to the meeting, Morgan insisted that the board had no authority to name him to the position.

Maintenance of township parks discussed by trustees

Vandalism and old age led to the removal of the dock at Sherwood/Banotai Park in Sumpter Township earlier this month.

During his report from the Parks and Recreation Commission during the June 28 meeting, Deputy Supervisor/Trustee Tim Rush explained that he was called to the park by police officers back in May when there was concern about the safety of the dock. He said he went to the park and found the railing on the main deck and other damage which he documented with photos. He said he believed the damage was recent.

“It was a major safety issue. Somebody falling off that deck with no ladder to get back up.” He added that there were pieces of the deck missing and the structure was in such disarray “something had to be done.”

Mayor hosts meeting for public next Wednesday

Romulus city officials will be hosting "One Romulus" community meetings, a listening tour that provides residents the opportunity to speak with Mayor Robert A. McCraight, elected officials, public safety leaders and neighbors.

Launched as part of a continuing effort to foster collaboration among residents and city leaders, the "One Romulus" community meetings will occur throughout the summer at 6 p.m. in selected locations including next Wednesday, July 21 at Barth Elementary School, 38207 Barth St. and Wednesday, Aug.17 at Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road

"When I was campaigning across Romulus, I repeatedly heard community members express a desire to meet face-to-face with their elected officials," McCraight said. "The 'One Romulus' community meetings will provide this invaluable facetime while sparking partnerships and collaborations that will strengthen our city."

Time capsule from 1985 will be reburied in Romulus

Romulus City Councilman William Wadsworth has plans for Oct. 25, 2035, the year he will celebrate his 90th birthday.

Wadsworth, the longest serving member of the Romulus City Council, told his fellow officials during a meeting last month that he wanted to inform them of a bit of history in the city. He explained the in 1985, during the sesquicentennial of the city, officials hosted multiple events and celebrations in the community. Among those events, he said, along with the 4th of July parade in the city, officials buried a time capsule intended to be opened on Oct. 25, 2035.

Pumpkin Festival Sunflower contest entries being sought

Romulus Pumpkin Festival organizers are searching for the largest sunflower in the city.

To enter the annual festival Sunflower Contest, residents can take a clear video of the sunflower in its entirety in the frame of the picture as someone is holding a measuring tape from the bottom of the stem to the center of the flower face. One the flower is within the frame, step closer to the measuring tape which should reveal the height of the plant in inches. This should be done in one video, organizers said.

Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik

As the country continues to mourn the victims of the tragic event at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the Westland Police Department is adding measures to their safety and security programs to help ensure Westland students and staff are safe and prepared with the training and protocols.

Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik said the continued effort in the city includes the continuation of certifying more than 2,700 Wayne-Westland Community School District staff and volunteers in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evaluate) by certified instructors. Another crucial enhancement is the expanded and Enhanced Crossing Guard School Safety Program, increasing personnel from 12 to 27 with additional lifesaving training.

Wayne clerk has mailed city-wide absentee ballots

Wayne City Clerk Tina Parnell had already sent out 1,229 absentee ballots that had been requested by city residents by the end of last month. The ballots, for the Aug. 2, primary election were taken to the Wayne Post Office for delivery and should have been received by voters who requested them by now.

Completed, signed ballots can be placed in the secure official ballot container outside Wayne City Hall, 3355 South Wayne Road. Voters may also bring the ballot inside city hall and submit it at the clerk's office.

As temperatures hovered near 100 degrees, Westland treated nearly a thousand residents citizens and friends to one of the coolest free events ever at the grand reopening of the H2O Spray Park. The newly renovated dinosaur-themed park proved a popular attraction for children and parents. Visitors enjoyed more than 1,000 hot dogs, along with chips and tons of water to cool everyone off prior to watching “The Good Dinosaur.”

Non-profit group plans independent housing project

Apartments designed to provide independence, safety and long-term stability for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are planned in Canton Township.

Members of Independent Living Alliance, a 501 c 3 organization, met June 23 to announce plans to construct an intentional community in Canton.

The catalyst behind the project, a spokesman said, was a group of concerned parents with IDD adult children seeking an inclusive and intentional community where residents will be engaged daily with a positive, caring, and supportive staff, enabling all to live the most fulfilling and enriching lives possible.

Michigan Philharmonic annual cruise raffle is under way

Tickets for the Michigan Philharmonic raffle of a cruise of the Pacific Northwest for two are now available.

The trip raffle is the largest fundraiser for the Michigan Philharmonic, officials said, and will be a wine cruise along the Columbia and Snake rivers from Oct. 30 through Nov. 7. The prize includes the nine-day cruise aboard the American Empress and roundtrip airfare for two.

Travelers will experience the serenity of the wilderness in the Pacific Northwest with scenery and waterways leading to wine country, tasting vintages and experiencing the feel of a paddleboat-style cruise ship,officials said.

Magic Bus will take to the Kellogg Park stage in concert tomorrow night.

The popular Music in the Air free weekly concert series will continue at 7 p.m. tomorrow, July 15, and continue through Sept. 3 at the Kellogg Park stage in downtown Plymouth, officials from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) office said.

The concerts are sponsored by the DDA; the Bank of Ann Arbor; the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club and Hines Park Lincoln.

The line-up this year again includes various area bands and tomorrow, Magic Bus will perform music of the 60s, psychedelic music from the Woodstock era, a time of musical and creative energy that has never been equaled before or since, according to band members.

The popular Northville Farmers Market was one of the top
priorities respondents listed in a recent improvement survey.

The top three improvement projects selected by respondents to a recent Northville survey included land for the Farmers Market, a riverwalk at the Northville Downs property and a master plan for Ford Field.

Members of the city council, City Manager Pat Sullivan and consultants Nate Geinzer and Jaymes Vettraino attended a special meeting June 29 to prioritize the projects recommended by three separate task forces in the city including the Rouge Restoration Task Force, the Ford Field Task Force and the Farmers Market Task Force.

Inkster wins grant to protect residents from radon

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $504,797 to Inkster Housing Commission to protect low-income families in public housing properties from radon. Inkster Housing Commission will use the funds to test 710 ground-floor units and mitigate those above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines of 4 pCi/L.

The award is part of $4 million awarded to nine public housing agencies (PHAs) throughout the country through the HUD new Radon Testing and Mitigation Demonstration Program. Public housing administrators will use the funds in public housing properties where low-income families reside to conduct testing and, when needed, mitigate radon in public housing units they manage.

Sumpter supervisor, trustees admonish board member

Sumpter Township Supervisor Tim Bowman, township attorney Rob Young and Trustee Matt Oddy had strong words of criticism during the June 28 meeting in response to the actions of Trustee Peggy Morgan following the June 23 meeting. (See related story, page 4.)

Morgan admitted that she had angrily confronted Bowman following the June 23 meeting, an encounter Bowman described as a “verbal assault” and said he “didn't appreciate.”

Green space

Annual Northville Garden Walk set

Ken and Nancy Thelen's extensive perennial garden will be one
of the six homes featured on the upcoming 28th Annual Garden
Walk sponsored by the Country Garden Club of Northville, a
branch of the Women's National Farm & Garden Association.

Ken Thelen has only two jobs in his wife, Nancy's extensive garden: lifting items too heavy for her and accepting compliments from strangers.

The garden at the Thelen home on Springfield Court in Northville will be one of six featured this year as part of the 28th Annual Garden Walk sponsored by the Country Garden Club of Northville, a branch of the Women's National Farm & Garden Association.

The garden, Nancy Thelen, explained has been expanding and in progress for all of the 30 years the couple has lived in the home. Now retired from her career as a special education teacher and counselor and a part-time teaching position at Oakland Community College, she has more time to devote to her hobby.

Cary Anthony Taylor

A Westland man is facing first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of his former girlfriend last week.

Wayne County prosecutors allege that Cary Anthony Taylor, 41, fatally shot Tabitha Cornwell, also of Westland, twice in the head as she sat in her vehicle at about 12:06, June 29.

According to Westland police, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 35270 block of Glenwood following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the victim inside her parked Jeep Grand Cherokee, unresponsive with two gunshot wounds to the left side of her head. Police suspect she may have been attempting to get away from the suspect following an argument. Medics arrived on scene and pronounced Cornwall deceased.

Jewell Jones

State Rep. Jewell Jones was back in court last Thursday to answer charges of probation violations.

Jones was serving a 2-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to two felonies and a list of misdemeanors earlier this year in connection with an arrest for drunk driving April 6, 2021. That arrest escalated at the scene when Jones refused to provide identification and physically resisted and assaulted first responders attempting to provide medical help to his female passenger, according to police reports. His blood alcohol level was reported by police at more than twice the legal limit for intoxication.

He entered a guilty plea to charges including operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and being in possession of a firearm while intoxicated after initially declining a plea deal. The deal included prosecutors dropping the DUI charges.

Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull delighted crowds Monday during the 4th of July Parade when he appeared with his family in one of the rare Ford F-150 Lightning electric trucks. The truck was a huge hit with crowds who lined the streets of Northville for the annual patriotic display celebrating America. Photo by David Willett

42nd Art In The Park begins tomorrow in Plymouth

Art In The Park will return to downtown Plymouth for the 42nd year beginning tomorrow, July 8 and continuing Saturday and Sunday.

Organizers said the art show and sale will include 400 artists from 28 states.

In addition to the display of art, the event will feature live entertainment, live art demonstrations and food along with the traditional hands-on children's mural. Visitors during the weekend will be able to watch as a group of chalk artists create a masterpiece with a Star Wars theme, while a different group will be painting live models into a canvas of Jedi art.

Participants in the 2022 Canton Township Police and Fire Youth Academy celebrated their graduation last week. The program taught participants about the daily operations of both the police and fire departments in an effort to give them a better understanding of the role that local police officers and firefighters have within the community. Students learned about several special units within each department as well the dangers of driving under the influence, how to use a fire extinguisher, CPR certification, K9 demonstration, team building activities and various other topics throughout the week.

Voluntary water use restrictions implemented in city

City of Plymouth officials have implemented voluntary water use restrictions in an effort, they said, to help control future water rate increases and reduce potential instances of lower water pressure.

Residents are asked to voluntarily limit water use between the hours of 5 and 10 a.m. and from 5 until 10 p.m. when the demand on the water system is highest. Residents should set sprinkler systems to avoid these time periods. Officials also suggest using dishwashers or washing machines outside these peak times.

Trustee’s allegations of racism are denied by officials

Sumpter Township Supervisor Tim Bowman addressed his outrage at allegations of racism and misconduct leveled at him by a trustee following a meeting June 23.

At the June 28 meeting, Bowman stated that he felt he was verbally attacked by Trustee Peggy Morgan immediately after a meeting the previous week. He said she shouted and was “yelling at the top of her voice” at him following that earlier meeting and had, in fact, accused him of racist conduct.

According to several witness accounts, the confrontation took place immediately following the special meeting June 23 when Morgan accused Bowman, Deputy Supervisor/Trustee Tim Rush and township attorney Rob Young of actions unfair to Nelson Po, one of her campaign and political supporters.

Missing

Reward offered for puppy stolen at gunpoint

Rocky, a 12-week-old puppy,
was taken during an armed
robbery in Romulus last week.

A Romulus couple robbed at gunpoint last Wednesday are pleading with the perpetrators to return an 12-week-old puppy taken during the crime.

Romulus police responded to a call for help on Mesa Way Street at about 8:37 p.m. June 29 where officers encountered the couple who said they had been robbed by three unknown Black men. The victims had responded to a call for a locksmith at the address from a man claiming to be locked out of his car near the Gateway Townhouses. The man said he needed another key made for his vehicle. The husband, a professional locksmith in a tool-equipped van, explained that he would need to see a driver's license and a vehicle registration proving ownership of the car before he could proceed with making a key.

Roaring Thunder will roll into Romulus on Saturday

The annual Roaring Thunder for Vets, a Wounded America charity motorcycle ride, will roll through Romulus this Saturday, July 9, in an effort to raise $30,000 for local veterans.

The city is hosting food and games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Romulus Historical Park, which will provide a view of the Roaring Thunder motorcycle riders as they pass through. A motorcycle rider with a passion for supporting veterans in the community, Mayor Robert A. McCraight, will be among those participating in the escorted ride.

Romulus firefighters recently teamed up to install more than 30 smoke alarms in Metro Commons in the city. The safety of the community is a top priority for the first responders in the City of Romulus, fire officials said. “It's important we work together to be vigilant and proactive against potential dangers like home fires and carbon monoxide,” they added.

Bus tour

School district offers books, games, and materials for summer learning

School may be on hiatus for the summer, but books, school supplies and learning materials are available at local elementary schools in the Wayne Westland Community School District.

BUSting with Learning will continue throughout the district through Aug. 17 and staff member have loaded up the buses to bring free literacy resources to kindergarden through third-grade students in the community.

The Westland Rotary club awarded $12,000 in scholarships to local
high schoolstudents during the annual presentation ceremony.

Members of the Westland Rotary Club in conjunction with the James North Charitable Foundation awarded $12,000 in scholarships to six high school students during the annual club ceremony.

This year, $2,000 scholarships were awarded to John Glenn High School students Tina Vu and Ida-alot Wiafee, William D. Ford Career-Technical Center students Ayanna Harris and Justin Taylor and Wayne Memorial High School students A'miya DUralic and Venessa Prush.

The Westland Rotary is an international service organization that has been meeting weekly for more than 50 years in and around the city at lunchtime. The primary purpose of the club is to come together as business owners and try to improve our city.

Resident sentenced in veterans fraud case

The Westland woman accused of defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Michigan Department of Treasury of hundreds of thousands of dollars has been sentenced to spend up to 15 years in prison.

Prosecutors alleged that Melissa Flores, 55, and co-defendant Steven Decker, 34, of Wyandotte, created aliases and obtained or created fraudulent documents to claim veterans' survivor benefits and property from the Michigan Department of Treasury. Prosecutors alleged in court that the scheme continued between 2013 and 2019 and that Flores and Decker received more than $40,000 of unclaimed property from the Michigan Department of Treasury and more than $430,000 from the Veteran's Administration.

Links

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Thursday, July 7, 2022