Thursday, November 24, 2022
County to disburse federal funds for area projects
Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will be distributed to several local communities for local projects following approval by members of the Wayne County Commission earlier this month.
The commission is charged with distributing the federal funding and approved 14 local projects during the Nov. 3 meeting. The commissioners approved the report of the Committee of the Whole members recommending the use of the federal funds.
The agreements will continue through Oct. 31, 2025 and each community awarded funds is required to spend no less that 70 percent of the project award money provided through ARPA before Oct. 31, 2024.
Changing lives
Therapeutic Recreation program success celebrated by community
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| Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak (above) speaks to the audience celebrating the success of the Western Wayne County Therapeutic Recreation program at the Summit on the Park last week. |
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak explained that the program had achieved a positive impact on hundreds of program recipients whose lives had been improved with numerous opportunities to learn and reinforce life skills. These skills helped break down barriers for individuals with disabling conditions, she added. Several representatives from local communities served by the program along with Wayne County officials and other dignitaries were on hand to help recognize the positive impact of the program.
Person of the Year nominations sought
The 36th Person of the Year will be named in Romulus next spring.
Nominations for the honor will be accepted by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce until Dec. 8 by mail, email, in person or online. No nominations postmarked or received after Dec. 8 will be considered for the honor.
The criteria for the nominees are individuals that have made significant contributions to
Romulus and residents of the community. Nominations should include a biographical synopsis should stating reasons the nominee should be honored as the Person of the Year. The award presentation ceremony will take place in spring, 2023, chamber officials said.
Happy trails
Promoted
Funeral donations needed
Inkster community officials are asking the public to help with the funeral costs of two teens killed in a house fire last month.
The teens, Alex Hall, 17, and his disabled 15-year-old brother, Anthony, were unable to escape the fire and smoke at their home on Florence Street in Inkster. Authorities have ruled the cause of the fire as accidental. The boys were discovered by their mother, Shannon Hall, when she arrived home from work, officials said.
Name ‘sake’
Community center renamed to honor area commissioner
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| Abdul "Al" Haidous stands outside the newly renamed community center in Wayne which is now a tribute to his 40-years of service to the city. |
The name change, officials said, is in recognition of former Haidous' more than four-decades of service to the city as a councilman, mayor and now Wayne County Commission member.
A Democrat, he was first elected in November 2014 to represent the Wayne County Commission 11th District, which covers the cities of Belleville, Romulus and Wayne; Huron, Sumpter and Van Buren townships and part of the city of Westland. Haidous served as the mayor of the city of Wayne from 2001 until he was elected to the county commission. He served on the Wayne City Council from 1993 to 2001 and Board of Zoning Appeals from 1990-93.
Goodfellows help is available
Applications for holiday help from the Wayne Goodfellows organization will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 3.
For nearly a century, the Goodfellows organizations across the country have provided toys, groceries and gifts during the annual No Child Without A Christmas campaign. In Wayne, the group provides support and assistance to nearly 300 families annually and during the holiday. The Wayne organization offers emergency help to those who have suffered a catastrophic event all year which prevents them from providing for themselves short term. Wayne Goodfellows also support various other local organization which provide support for the community.
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| Manal Kadry and her husband, Omar Salamen were killed in a tragic single-car accident in Northville Township last week while returning home from visiting friends. They leave behind four children. |
The accident took place at 12:17 a.m. Nov. 12 on Bayberry Way in the area of Seven Mile and Napier roads in Northville Township. The couple were identified as 46-year-old Omar Salamen and his wife, 40-year-old Manal Kadry. Preliminary findings indicate the Salamen, who was driving, was attempting to navigate a curve, left the road and struck a tree. Police said neither occupant of the vehicle survived the crash. The couple was reportedly returning to their Northville Township home following a visit with friends.
Redesign of downtown city streets will be meeting topic
The Northville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and representatives from design firm Grissim, Metz and Andriese (GMA) will host a meeting regarding design plans for the downtown street closures at 8 a.m. Nov. 29 at Northville City Hall. The design consultant and traffic consultant teams (GMA and Fleis & Vandenbrink) will host a joint workshop on Dec. 7 to make presentations, gather public comment and take a walking tour of the downtown street closures.
“We're inviting anyone who is interested to attend the meetings and share your thoughts and ideas,” said DDA Director Lori Ward.
Tipping Point Theatre presents holiday classic
Tipping Point Theatre launched the 15th theatrical season this month with a production of Joe Landry's adaptation of It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
“We begin our 15th season with a classic,” said Co-Producing Artistic Director Julia Glander. “This story within a story…within a story about love and redemption holds up remarkably well in our present, pandemic world.
Longest serving mayor set to resign Jan. 16
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| Mayor William R. WIld |
Wild announced that he will resign as the mayor of the city Jan. 16 to take a position as the president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Retailer Association, based in West Bloomfield.
Wild, who was raised in Westland and is a graduate of John Glenn High School, has been the mayor of the city since 2007 and is the longest serving mayor in Westland. He served on the city council prior to becoming mayor.
Wild has guided the city in attempts to convert the old Marshall Upper Elementary School building into a community facility, was instrumental in the initial curbside recycling program in the city and the return of the program after financial concerns forced cancellation of the service.
Westland man accused of helping terrorist groups
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| Aws Mohammed Naser |
In a federal indictment unsealed last week, Aws Mohammed Naser, 34, was charged with the federal offense which, if convicted, carries a 20 year prison term. Naser is also accused of being a felon in possession of a destructive device, an offense which carries a 15-year prison term upon conviction.
“Terrorism poses significant threats to people living in our district and around the world,” United States Attorney Dawn Ison said. “We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to aid terrorists.”
Fill a SWAT truck tomorrow
There will be a menacing looking SWAT truck parked in the lot at Crunch Fitness tomorrow, but there is no cause for alarm. The vehicle is there for a good cause.
The Westland Police Department is sponsoring the fifth Stuff a SWAT Truck event, an effort that provides gifts for the Westland Goodfellows No Child Without a Christmas campaign. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. the truck will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped gifts for Westland children for Christmas. Crunch Fitness is located at 35715 Warren Road and Santa Claus will be on hand for free photos.
Library remodeling under way
A planned $5.3 million renovation and expansion of the William P. Faust Westland Public Library is now under way and will include the addition of 7,000 square feet to the building. The current location will close to the public until a potential reopening of the remodeled facility next fall. Services will be available beginning in late January at the Marshall Upper Elementary School building on Bayview Street, officials said.
While online services will continue without interruption, other services including loaning of books and materials will be available at nearby libraries include Canton Township, Garden City and Wayne. Officials said those facilities will honor a Westland library card during the project.
Red Kettle Campaign sparks friendly rivalry
Bells will soon be ringing throughout the area as the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign begins the annual drive for funding to help the less fortunate.
The traditional rivalry between the members of the Plymouth Kiwanis and Plymouth Rotary clubs is expected to be even fiercer this year and each club is determined to collect the most donations to help those less fortunate in the Plymouth communities. While the Kiwanis members out collected the Rotarians during the bell-ringing campaign last year, the Rotary Morning Club members have agreed to join the Noon Club members to ensure victory this year by sheer numbers of volunteer bell-ringers.
Clothing drive under way
With winter temperatures already here, Friends of Unity Church representatives are seeking clothing for children 3 to 14 years old-socks, underwear and warm pajamas. The clothing will go to God's Storehouse, a Detroit charity that assists people who are homeless or living in poverty.
Donors can drop off clothing through Dec. 4 at the Plymouth Community Arts Council building at 774 N, Sheldon Road, Plymouth. Clothing can be placed in a labeled drop box in the lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. until noon Sundays.
Winter Walk
Mental health workshops offered
Canton Township Leisure Services is currently offering a free series of mental health workshops to help area residents learn important self-care skills. Participants in the Family First and Social Services Workshops will receive information and be introduced to practices that support mental well-being, according to Laura Mortier, Canton recreation supervisor.
“Our goal with these free workshops is to offer resources, as well as educational opportunities, so that individuals can find tools of support for themselves or ways to help support others,” said Mortier. “These unique opportunities are designed to show and help participants learn how to nurture themselves and develop mindful self-care plans on a variety of topics.”
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Northville pedestrian pathway gaps to be completed
Critical "gaps” in the Northville Township non-motorized pathway system have been identified for completion by members of the Pathways Advisory Committee established in 2021.
Members of the committee took field trips to study the current system and after preliminary engineering review, chose three projects as the best opportunity for completion. A section on the north side of Six Mile Road, east and west of Beck; a portion on the east side of Bradner Road, from Meads Mill Middle School to Whisperwood subdivision and a portion on the north side of Arcadia Ridge, into Marv Gans Community Park have been selected as the first projects to be completed.
Helping hands
Pollinator gardens installed at parks
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| Volunteers work together installing the new pollinator gardens at Heritage Park and Ridge Road Park in Canton Township. |
Heritage and Ridge Road parks in the township each now include pollinator gardens created by volunteers from Community Financial Credit Union and the Dartmouth Alumni of Detroit/NW/Ohio, under the guidance of Creating Habitats for Pollinators. The native grasses and plants have been planted in an effort to give bees and other pollinators a place to thrive, explained Abe Vinitski, Canton parks supervisor.
“Butterflies and bees need plenty of native, flowering plants to thrive,” said Vinitski. “By increasing the amount of dedicated habitat for these pollinating insects, we hope to add nesting sites that are critical to their survival, as well as serve as inspiration to others to add pollinator habitats in their yards.”
Romulus Goodfellows Annual Turkey Trot set for tomorrow
Area runners can join a very large flock of "turkeys" tomorrow during the Romulus Goodfellows Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the Goodfellows who provide Christmas toys and food to the less fortunate in the community. There will be a $10 entry fee for the event which will be used to purchase gifts, toys and groceries for those needing help during the holidays, part of the annual Goodfellows No Child Without A Christmas project.
Winners of 28th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition named
The 28th Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition has chosen the winning artworks entered this year. Winners include: Best of Show: Jean-Paul Aboudib for 'United States of Rome'; Second Prize: Dennis Gordon for 'Thistle'; Third Prize: Chuck Schroeder for 'St. Mary's Challenger'; Juror's Choice Award: Durwood Coffey for “Close Encounter”; Honorable Mention: Sylvia Ford for 'Take Flight: Inside Embry Riddle'; Honorable Mention: Jessica Waterstradt for 'Little Wonders'; Merit Award: Aileen Mozug for 'Palm Abstract'; Merit Award: Linda Klenczar for 'Follow the Road'; Merit Award: Amanda Pringle for 'Spring Day'; and Merit Award: Mary Jo Caruana for 'Pondering his Next Move'.
Canton Goodfellows are seeking volunteers, donations
The group is seeking volunteers to help collect and distribute gifts this year. Current volunteers will meet between 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the lower level of the Township Administration Building. Information about the Goodfellows and the holiday operation will be provided along with light refreshments.
Winter Walk is planned
The park will feature seasonal light displays and decorations installed around the large pond along with visits from Santa, ice carvings and special winter refreshments for sale from vendors. The Winter Wonderland Walk will take place from 5 until 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Pre-registration for the special event is required and each visitor must register for an assigned time slot.
Spooky stuff
A new chapter
Northville Township Fire Department adds 7 members
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| Northville Township Hall had a full house last week as the fire department welcomed seven firefighters to the organization. New Northville firefighters include, from left, Francis Dreslinski, Peter Michalak, Mackenzie Slowik, Kevin Pietrasinski, Thomas Wilson, Zachary Sprys-Tellner and Kody Gazdag. |
The firefighters were sworn in by Northville Township Clerk Roger Lundberg in a township hall ceremony in front of friends and family. Each firefighter is also a paramedic.
Public service officials said that rising population rates in the township have reached nearly 32,000 which impacts requests for service. This hiring, they said, matches staffing with current incident volume.
Firms hired to design permanent downtown street areas
The firm of Grissim, Metz, and Andriese has been awarded a contract to plan a conversion of the closed sections of North Center Street and Main Street into a permanent pedestrian environment.
The $47,700 cost will be split between the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the city. Each will pay $23,850 for the development plan. The plan, assigned to the DDA, must support local businesses and foster community engagement, according to the specifications of the bid. Five design firms responded to the Request For Proposal (RFP) and those bids were reviewed by members of the DDA Economic Development Committee, along with city DPW Director Mike Domine.
Board OK’s 2 new ambulances
Officials from the Northville Township Fire Department have ordered two new ambulances to replace two aging vehicles with more than 120,000 miles on each of them. Because of the specialized equipment involved, the new models will take two years to build, officials said, and the township expects them to arrive next summer.
Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Wiggins won a $250,000 FEMA grant for Northville Township Fire Department, covering about 80 percent of the cost of one of the ambulances.
Northville Township is saving an additional $90,000 on both of the new ambulances by reinstalling the existing Stryker Power Cots that were previously purchased using funds from another grant, also secured by Wiggins.
Couple killed in crash
A Northville Township couple was killed Saturday when the vehicle in which they were riding left the roadway and struck a tree in the Steeplechase subdivision.
Police officers were called to the scene on Bayberry Way near the intersection of Seven Mile and Napier roads at 12:17 a.m. Nov. 12 following a report of a rollover accident. Northville Township Fire Department personnel utilized extrication equipment to remove the victims who were beyond life saving measures, according to police reports.
Police investigation into shooting of teen continues
Sumpter Township police are continuing the investigation into a shooting that took place Nov. 7.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the area of Rustic Lane North and Knollwood in the Rawsonville Woods Mobile Home Community at about 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in response to a report of shots fired. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 15-year-old boy who had suffered a gunshot in his upper leg/buttocks.
Cause of fatal crash is probed
The investigation into a fatal hit and run accident in Plymouth Oct. 30 is continuing, officials said.
Police are seeking the identity of a driver who fatally struck a pedestrian at about 7 p.m. on Beck Road between Powell and North Territorial Road in Plymouth Township.
The victim was treated and transported from the scene by emergency personnel but succumbed to the injuries sustained and died later at a local hospital, according to police reports.
Paid parking plan to be topic
Discussions of a plan to implement paid parking in downtown Plymouth will continue at a 5 p.m. meeting Monday, Nov. 21 at Plymouth City Hall.
Representatives from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and members of the Plymouth City Commission have been discussing the various possibilities for a paid parking system in the city. Officials said the paid parking system could potentially increase the parking stock in the area.
Congratulations
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Mistiletoe Market returns Dec. 1
Christmas will be a little early in downtown Plymouth this year with the return of the popular Mistletoe Market on Dec. 1.
Again this year, from noon until 9 p.m. The Gathering will be the site of more than 60 vendors offering a European style market with Michigan-made crafts, treats and greenery. Attractions including horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers from local school and church groups street performers and brass bands will begin to fill downtown at 5 p.m. organizers said.
Wreaths Across America celebrated in Romulus
Donations and volunteers are need for the special Wreaths Across America Ceremony planned for noon Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Romulus Memorial Cemetery.
The ceremony is being organized by the Romulus Veterans Outreach Committee and the Romulus VFW Post 78. Individuals can purchase a $15 wreath to honor a veteran in the cemetery until Nov. 29 online at: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Choose “Local Sponsorship Group” and search “Romulus VFW”.
Fond farewell
Promoted
Police car strikes pedestrian
An Inkster man was seriously injured last week when he stepped into the path of a moving Inkster Police vehicle.
According to police reports, the incident took place on Inkster Road, just south of Cherry Hill on Sunday, Nov. 6. The man was struck by the vehicle as he stepped directly in front of the moving car. Police said only that the man appeared to be in his 50s and was transported by emergency personnel to a nearby hospital in serious conditions.
No further details of the incident were released by police who said it was an ongoing investigation.
Shooting investigation continues
Inkster police officers responding to a reported "disturbance" on Halloween discovered a man dead of multiple gunshot wounds, according to official reports.
Inkster police responded to the report at about 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. When officers arrived at 26739 Yale St., they found the body of a 45-year-old Inkster man dead of multiple gunshot wounds.
Applications for Goodfellows holiday help are still available
Applications for holiday help from the Wayne Goodfellows organization will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. today, Nov. 17, and again Dec. 3.
For nearly a century, the Goodfellows organizations across the country have provided toys, groceries and gifts during the annual No Child Without A Christmas campaign. In Wayne, the group provides support and assistance to nearly 300 families annually and during the holiday.
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Canton OK’s 449 unit rental development
Creekview Landings, a 449-unit rental home project, has received approval from members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees.
Trustees agreed with the recommendation of the township planning commission where the project received approval in September. Construction on the 225-acre site north of Geddes Road and west of Denton Road could begin as early as next summer, officials said.
Plans submitted by the developer, Sunrise Land Group, include a clubhouse, pool, dog park, splash pad, basketball court and playground along with 342 detached rental homes and 107 attached for-rent units.
Lighting up
County holiday display to open next Thursday
The display will then be open from 6 until 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday until Saturday, Dec. 24. The Lightfest is closed Monday and Tuesday evenings. Wayne County officials noted that the overwhelming response to the Lightfest last year may increase wait times may be longer than normal on weekends.
Plymouth will add 2 downtown liquor licenses
Adult beverages may soon be available in two more locations in Plymouth.
Members of the Plymouth City Commission recently agreed to allow two additional liquor licenses in the downtown area. Currently, the city allows a total of 28 Class C liquor licenses, including 16 in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district. The vote increases the number of Class C licenses allowing the sale of liquor by the glass to 18 in the downtown area.
The decision of the commissioners followed a public hearing on the issue last month including an opinion from the DDA and a report from city police. Neither opposed the additional licensing.
Gobble Wobble
Annual charity turkey trot set
A very large flock of “turkeys” is expected to invade Romulus next week when the Goodfellows Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot is set to begin.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the Goodfellows who provide Christmas toys and food to the less fortunate in the community. There will be a $10 entry fee for the event which will be used to purchase gifts, toys and groceries for those needing help during the holidays, part of the annual Goodfellows No Child Without A Christmas project.
Witching hour
Halloween fun will provide Christmas joy for many Romulus residents this year following the successful gathering of local witches Oct. 27 at the Romulus VFW Hall. The witches, many dressed in elaborate attire, enjoyed special entertainment, vendors and best witch hat and broom contests during the evening of wicked fun all to help the Romulus Goodfellows with their No Child Without A Christmas campaign.
Person of the Year being sought
The 36th Person of the Year will be named in Romulus next spring.
Nominations for the honor will be accepted by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce until Dec. 8 by mail, email, in person or online. No nominations postmarked or received after Dec. 8 will be considered for the honor.
The criteria for the nominees are individuals that have made significant contributions to Romulus and residents of the community. Nominations should include a biographical synopsis stating reasons the nominee should be honored as the Person of the Year.
Star struck
Former Canton resident wins prime-time internship
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| Christopher Putlock |
Putlock, a senior at Loyola Marymount University, has been selected for the prestigious. Television Academy Foundation Internship Program. He is one of just 12 students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2022 fall program. The annual internship program provides eight-week paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies to college students nationwide, according to a prepared statement from the foundation.
Putlock is studying film and television production with a minor in screenwriting at the university.
Mistletoe Market returns to Plymouth Dec.1
Christmas will be a little early in downtown Plymouth this year with the return of the popular Mistletoe Market on Dec. 1.
Again this year, from noon until 9 p.m. The Gathering will be the site of more than 60 vendors offering a European style market with Michigan-made crafts, treats and greenery. Attractions including horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers from local school and church groups street performers and brass bands will begin to fill downtown at 5 p.m. organizers said.
Voters choose 4 to serve terms on school board
Voters selected four members of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools Board of Education during balloting on Tuesday.
Voters favored Patti McCoin to serve the single, 2-year term of office and chose Anupam Chugh Sidhu, Judy Westra and Sheryl Picard to serve 6-year terms on the board.
Incumbent board member McCoin received 12,762 votes or 62 percent of the votes cast for the seat. Her opponent, Sebastien Ostertag, received 15,352 or 38 percent of the total votes.
Granted
Court treatment program is awarded state funding
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| Celebrating the state grant received for the Western Wayne Regional Behavioral Treatment Court at the 29th District Court in Wayne are, from left, Home Compliance Officer Ed Johnson, Program Coordinator Karen Finney,Judge Breeda O'Leary, Probation Officer Purity Marsh, and Care Manager Elizabeth Barton. |
Judge Breeda O'Leary of the 29th District Court presides over the program.
Wayne man charged with abduction, torture
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| Jeremy Robert Brock |
Wayne officers responded to a call of a woman attempting to escape from a man at a convenience store on Annapolis Street at about 5:58 p.m. Nov. 1. After interviewing a 23-year-old Flat Rock woman at the scene, officers subsequently arrested Jeremy Robert Brock, 22, of Wayne. He now faces multiple felony charges in two separate jurisdictions, including unlawful imprisonment and torture of the woman, his former girlfriend.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Brock with torture, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of domestic violence and two counts of felony firearm.
Voters select school board, OK sinking millage
In addition to deciding on a sinking fund millage to help finance repairs and equipment in school buildings, voters in the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district selected two members of the board of education from a field of five candidates.
Voters chose incumbent David Cox and LeWanna Abney-Mitchell to fill the terms.
Cox, the current president of the school board, received a total of 9,413 votes or 27 percent of the total votes reported. Cox is employed as a tax appeal consultant and has been involved in city and school government for more than two decades.
Wayne voters choose council, reject tax proposal
Voters in the City of Wayne selected Eric Cleereman to serve as the new city councilman from Ward Five and Mathew Mulholland to serve as the council member from Ward Six on Tuesday.
Cleereman received a total of 2,347 or 60 percent of the votes cast. He defeated Rabih Darwiche who was the choice of 1,550 voters. Both were first-time candidates.
Unopposed Wayne City Councilwoman Deborah Wass will serve a two-year term as the representative from Ward Four in the city. Wass, who was appointed to the seat last year, has previously served on the city planning commission and board of review.
Mulholland, the former personnel director in the city, narrowly defeated incumbent Phillip Wagner for the Ward Six seat. Only 25 votes separated the two candidates. Mulholland received 2,085 votes or 50 percent of the total votes cast while Wagner received a total of 2,062 votes, also reported as 50 percent. Wagner had served on the council since 2018.
Cleereman was the choice of 2,347 voters while Darwiche received 1,550 of the votes cast for the council seat in Ward Five. Cleereman works in project management and serves on the city parks and trails committee.
In addition to choosing three city council members, Wayne voters rejected a new 8-mill tax hike on the ballot Tuesday. Voters cast 2,969 no votes on the proposal and 2,359 votes in favor of the millage which was promoted by city officials as a means to help fund the pension obligations of the city toward retired public safety employees. The new tax, which is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation, usually half the market value of a home, would have cost the owner of a $100,000 home in the city about $400 annually.
The request contained ballot language permitting the city to withdraw fire and police employees from the current MERS system.
The city is currently levying the maximum tax amount allowed by state law and must have voter approval to increase taxes any further. Voters rejected requests for increased millages from the city twice in past elections.
City officials have stated that the pension obligations are too steep for the current tax revenue collected. They claim that nearly 40 percent of the city budget is paid into the pension fund. Officials claim that the city will owe another $16 million into the pension fund within the next two years and does not have a revenue base to make those payments.
Holiday home tour tickets now on sale
The traditional Northville Community Foundation Holiday Home Tour has returned with a live format this year and tickets for one of the most popular events of the season are still available.
Five private homes, lavishly decorated for the holiday season, will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Tickets this year are priced at $25 if purchased in advance and $30 if purchased the day of the event.
Each of the selected homes is decorated for the season and each is unique, explained Carol Lehmann, the board administrator at the Northville Community Foundation and Maybury Farm.
Kindness reward
Veterans’ dinner registration set
Local veterans and active military families have only until Wednesday, Nov. 16, to register for the 9th Annual Veterans and Active Military and Families Holiday Meal Program.
The program is sponsored annually by Westland Mayor William R. Wild,Wayne Mayor John P. Rhaesa and Wayne-Ford Civic League President Vic Barra, along with other city officials.
Volunteers awarded checks
Eighteen community organizations in Westland received a “Volunteer Check” from Mayor William R. Wild, City Council President Jim Hart, City Controller and Event Chairman Devin Adams and President/CEO Kiersten Beckwith of the Westland Chamber of Commerce recently.
The $10,325 check was funded through the volunteer efforts of the various groups during the 2022 Blues, Brews & Barbecue event. Two of the largest Blues, Brews and Barbecue event sponsors, Wayne Ford Civic League and PPM Tree Service & Arbor Care, LLC were also recognized by city officials.
Sumpter voters select new township treasurer
Voters in Sumpter Township chose Republican Bart Patterson to serve as the new treasurer of the township during voting on Tuesday.
Patterson received 1,717 votes while his Democratic opponent Sheena Barnes was the choice of 923 voters according to unofficial tallies of votes early Wednesday morning. Patterson will complete the partial term which will expire Nov. 20, 2024.
Patterson received 65 percent of votes cast while Barnes received 35 percent of total votes, according to reports from Wayne County.
Boo-who?
Coach suspended as recruitment is investigated
The ongoing investigation into any possible violations of recruitment rules has resulted in the suspension of Belleville High School football coach Jermain Crowell.
Crowell's suspension was prompted by an investigation by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MSHAA) revealed last week. The team is currently defending their top spot in the district championship final games.
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Merritt named school superintendent of year
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| Monica Merritt |
The Michigan Superintendent of the Year award, presented annually by MASA and sponsored this year by Michigan Virtual, is presented to a superintendent who has shown tremendous effort and dedication to enriching the lives of students and the community as a whole, according to an association website. The winner is selected from a pool of nominees by a panel representing education stakeholders across the state.
“I have worked with Monica for many years, and I know what an incredible and dedicated leader she is,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Tina Kerr. “In her time at Plymouth-Canton, Monica has shown her commitment to students, staff, and the community, and it's reflected in resume and her nomination for this award. We are very proud that Monica is representing Michigan as this year's Superintendent of the Year.”
Welcome to Bedford Falls--east
Crowd support wins holiday showing of beloved film at Penn
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| Hundreds of supporters flocked to the Penn Theatre in Plymouth last week in an effort to convince Paramount to allow the showing of It's A Wonderful Life at the theater this holiday season. |
In response to the large gathering of supporters under the theater marquee last Thursday, Paramount Pictures relented and will allow the theater to show the holiday film during the first weekend in December. That decision reversed an earlier announcement that Paramount Pictures had granted exclusive licensing for “It's a Wonderful Life” to Fathom Events for the holiday season. There was a nationwide moratorium in place, and no other theaters, including the Penn, would be allowed to show the film which has been a tradition at the theater for 15 years.
No tricks, only treats
Person of the Year candidates sought
The 36th Person of the Year will be named in Romulus next spring.
Nominations for the honor will be accepted by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce until Dec. 8 by mail, email, in person or online. No nominations postmarked or received after Dec. 8 will be considered for the honor.
The criteria for the nominees are individuals that have made significant contributions to
Romulus and residents of the community. Nominations should include a biographical synopsis should stating reasons the nominee should be honored as the Person of the Year. The award presentation ceremony will take place in spring, 2023, chamber officials said.
Voters to select members of board of education
Voters will choose four members of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools Board of Education during the Nov. 8 balloting.
Two candidates are vying for the single, 2-year term of office while six others hope to fill one of the three, 6-year terms on the board.
Incumbent board member Patricia McCoin and Sebastien Ostertag are seeking the two-year term. McCoin earned her bachelor's degree in business administration at Eastern Michigan University and her master's degree at Wayne State University. She also has a graduate certificate in from Western Michigan University and works as a middle school math, social studies and ESL teacher with the Detroit Public Schools. Ostertag, 22, is a 2019 graduate of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools.
Stepping out
Registration now available for annual Turkey Trot
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| Participants enjoying previous Canton Turkey Trot for a Cause events. (Photos provided courtesy of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan) |
On a day when families and friends come together to give thanks, the Canton Turkey Trot will mark 20 years of supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan as runners and walkers will work up an appetite for a good cause on Thanksgiving morning, a Canton spokesman said.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the annual 5K chip-timed and 1-mile event will take place at the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton. The flat, picturesque course will wind through Pheasant Run Golf course and Heritage Park, ending back at the Summit. Race organizers are once again offering a virtual option, where runners can pick the time and location to suit their preferences. All ages are encouraged to take part in these races, which will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with seizure disorders.
High school football recruitment questioned
Belleville High School head football coach Jermain Crowell is currently under investigation for a possible undue influence violation by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
Crowell has denied any wrongdoing which is alleged to have occurred with attempts to recruit and enroll senior wide receiver/defensive back Jameel Croft, Jr. who plays for Detroit King High School. In an interview, Croft reportedly said that the Belleville coach made overtures to him and was picking him up for seven on seven practices before he enrolled at King. The star player said that Belleville was the first high school to reach out to him.
Sumpter voters to choose new treasurer on Tuesday
Voters in Sumpter Township will choose a new treasurer next Tuesday.
Democratic candidate Sheena Barnes and Republican Bart Patterson are each seeking the partial term which will expire Nov. 20, 2024.
Barnes, 62, has previously been unsuccessful in campaigns for Sumpter Township trustee, clerk and treasurer. She was appointed to a partial term as a trustee in 2018. Barnes has operated a BBQ food service from a truck on her Sumpter Road residence for nearly 35 years.
She is the mother of three and grandmother of five and is a graduate of Airport High School and attended Wayne County Community College.
That's the spirit
District seeking sinking fund renewal
Members of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools Board of Education have approved a sinking fund millage question which will face voters on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The 1-mill tax request is an effort to replace the current sinking fund levy which will expire next year. If approved by voters, the requested millage will become effective in 2014 and continue for a term of 10 years, according to ballot language.
Sinking funds can only be used to support school safety improvements, technology improvements and repair and construction of school buildings and facilities. New language in the state rules for use of a sinking fund millage now allows districts to use funds for security upgrades and technology upgrades or improvements.
School questions to be on ballot Tuesday
2 board member terms to be decided
In addition to deciding on a sinking fund millage to help finance repairs and equipment in school buildings, voters in the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district will also choose two members of the board of education.
Five candidates are vying for the two available terms including current board president David Cox. He is employed as a tax appeal consultant. Cox, the incumbent, has been involved in city and school government for more than two decades and cites his experience in school finance and administration among his qualifications.
Also vying for one of the two terms on the board are candidates LeWanna Abney-Mitchell; Denise Collop; Bradley Gray and Ryleigh Strong.
Wayne voters are asked to approve tax hike
In addition to choosing three city council members, Wayne voters will be asked to approve a new 8-mill tax hike on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The new tax levy will be used to help fund the pension obligations of the city toward retired public safety employees, according to city officials. The new tax, which is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation, usually half the market value of a home, would cost the owner of a $100,000 home in the city about $400 annually.
Voters to choose Wayne City Council members
Voters in Wayne will choose three city council members from five candidates each seeking a two year term during voting next week.
Seats will be filled in wards four, five and six in the city. The city will disband the ward system in 2024 so all council members will be voted on by all electors in the city. In that election, all six council seats and the position of mayor will be on the ballot.
Next Tuesday, Matthew Mulholland, the former personnel director in the city, and incumbent Phillip Wagner will vie for the seat in Ward Six. Wagner has served on the council since 2018.
City manager successor is sought
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| Pat Sullivan |
Following a special meeting Oct. 25, council members opted to recruit am interim city manager to fill the position until a permanent successor to Sullivan could be found. Sullivan will retire on Jan. 6, 2023.
During the public comment section of the agenda during the special meeting, former council woman Nancy Darga recalled that she was on the council when Sullivan was hired 16 years ago. She reminded council members that there are time-sensitive challenges in the city including pending grants and matters that must continue to advance during the leadership transition
Safety first
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