Federal holiday Monday is dedicated to fallen veterans
Thursday, May 25, 2023
A day to remember…
Bright blooms
Federal funding aides city small businesses
A million-dollar federal grant has helped 27 small business owners in Romulus build and advance their businesses.
The Nest, a resource of the Downtown Development Authority, is available to anyone looking to build their business within Romulus. The Nest is also the home of Best Practices Consulting and the small business advocate officially opened in the city last November.
The grant, secured for the city by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, is being used in the small business innovation center, for façade programs and talent development in the community retail corridor.
Student art entries sought
Members of the Romulus Arts Council are seeking student art for the Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival digital guide.
Every year the winners of the student art contest have their art displayed in the festival guidebook. Cash prizes are awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
All students living in Romulus in pre-school through 12th grade are eligible to enter.
2 join Police Department
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| Trent Fields |
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| Jaren Bundy |
Luxury restaurant proposed at former Station 885
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| The former Station 885 on Starkweather Street in Plymouth Old Village may soon become a high-end restaurant with entertainment if plans are approved by city officials. |
Soenen has now turned his sights on the former Station 885 restaurant next to the railroad tracks in Old Village. He presented plans to the Plymouth Planning Commission this month outlining his concept of a new fine dining restaurant in the Starkweather Street building. The building was a mainstay of the Plymouth community for more than 30 years when it was known as Station 885.
Repairs to Mayflower Building could stall downtown traffic
Work began on the balconies of the building at the intersection of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail last week, according to Sam Plymale of the Downtown Development Authority.
Crews will be removing and replacing all of the balconies on the building, he said, and drivers can expect lane closures and sidewalk closures during work hours from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Friday as boom trucks and scissor lifts are utilized in the area.
Subdivision gaslights could soon be extinguished
The fate of the gas lights in the Pheasant Hills subdivision in Northville will be considered at an upcoming meeting of the Home Owners Association (HOA) and representatives from the city Department of Public Works.
City DPW Director Mike Domine told the members of the Northville City Council recently that four of the 52 poles in the area are broken and the district also includes 12 gas-lit wall sconces. Under a current arrangement, the city pays an annual fee of $2,000 to Consumers Power to clean and service the lights along with the gas fuel used. Consumers Power officials have notified the city that the residential gas-light component of service is ending. Although there is no set timeline, the utility has cut back on services provided under the contract with the city.
Above and beyond
County offering porch repairs to city residents
The Wayne County Land Bank is looking to enroll residents of the City of Inkster in a porch repair program funded by the Wayne County Land Bank and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
The program will provide repairs on the front of Inkster homes, including but not limited to roofing, steps, and railings. The porch repair program is for owner-occupied, single-family homes that are in good standing with their property tax and mortgage payments. The project cost is not to exceed $10,000 and the owner must agree to live in their home for five years following the repairs, according to a prepared statement from the agency.
Water tower is on schedule
Construction of the Northville Township water tower at Legacy Park in Northville Township is on schedule and proceeding rapidly, according to township officials. The tower will be built to the highest standards they added in a social media post and will be completed on schedule. The tower is anticipated to benefit the community and provide “safe and reliable water to all residents for years to come.”
Sunday Canton Farmers Market has opened for season
“The Canton Farmers Market staff and vendors are excited to be starting the 2023 regular market season this month, offering great local goods at our weekly Sunday markets, where there really is something for everyone,” said Canton Farmers Market Special Events Coordinator Octavian Borowicz. “Our markets remain a popular family destination where folks can access plenty of great merchandise, fresh food, live music, and special activities.”
On the job
Wayne officer completes rigorous SWAT training
City unveils 20 new hybrid police patrol cars
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| Mayor Michael Londeau celebrates the unveiling of 20 new hybrid Ford Police Interceptor vehicles with members and officials of the department. The new fleet was purchased using American Rescue Plan Act funds. |
The Ford Police Interceptors were purchased using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Each new vehicle features a 3.3-liter HEV engine with 318 combined horsepower, officials said. Ford Motor Co. describes the model as “the first-ever pursuit-rated hybrid police SUV.” The next generation engines are approximately 25 percent more fuel efficient than the previous Westland fleet of Ford Explorer models, officials said.
The new patrol cars are also equipped with all-new technology systems allowing officers to have access to as much information as possible while on patrol or responding to incidents, police officials said.
Music teacher is named as ‘Exceptional Educator’
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| John Glenn music teacher Andrea Bonner, center, was recently honored as an Exceptional Educator through a program created by the Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys law firm. |
Andrea Bonner, who has been teaching for more than 21 years, was recently named as an Exceptional Educator through a program created by the Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys law firm. Bonner has been at John Glenn for two years and had only praise for her students.
“I get to work with some of the best kids. They're passionate about what they do,” she said, during the presentation. She said music allows students to discover qualities that will help them throughout the rest of their lives, including dedication and discipline.
“Their hearts are into playing music and singing. I get to tap in. We just have fun every day. Just making music together,” she said.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
District teachers win national, state honors
Chemistry teacher Scott Milam is a finalist for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, a prestigious award presented by the White House to one math and one science teacher from across the country every other year.
Casey Swanson, who teaches psychology and social studies, received the Mary Margaret Moffett Memorial Teaching Award. The award recognizes teachers nationwide who encourage students to consider careers in psychology and demonstrate effective and innovative teaching methods.
Farm to table
Area farmer’s markets offering locally grown produce
Locally grown food is a broad term that describes food grown within a geographical region that could be considered local. Locally grown food, according to dieticians, provides benefits to consumers as it is usually preservative free, offers improved nutrition and encourages eating a well-balanced diet. In addition, locally grown fresh produce improves food safety, they noted in a recent health magazine.
Locally grown foods usually featured at farmers' markets are also beneficial to the environment, they explained as the decrease the use of fossil fuels to bring the foods to the local area thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, according to experts from the University of Waterloo.
Huron River Drive repaving begins next week
A four-month repaving of Huron River Drive in Romulus is set to begin next week.
The City of Romulus was awarded federal funding through the State of Michigan to resurface the road between Eureka and Pennsylvania Road. The contractor will begin mobilizing to the site and setting up traffic control next week. Construction on the roadway is scheduled to begin on or about May 22, city officials explained.
Huron River Drive will be resurfaced one lane at a time, while one section of the road is being completed, a flagger will be utilized to maintain two-way traffic and allow residents that live in the area to safely pass through the work zone. Throughout construction, Huron River Drive will only be open to local residential traffic, and through traffic will be prohibited, city officials cautioned drivers.
Canton Heritage Park improvements to begin
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| Canton Deputy Supervisor Joseph Hawver, at left, Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, Canton Township Trustee Tania Ganguly, Canton Trustee Sommer N. Foster, Township Trustee Kate Borninski,Canton Township Treasurer Dian Slavens and Canton Community Development Director Jon LeFever, celebrate the new amenities planned for Heritage Park. Photo courtesy of Canton Township. |
The first phase of several improvement projects approved by members of the township board of trustees is currently under way at the Heritage Park North playground. New universally Americans With Disability (ADA)-accessible play equipment is being added, including a four-person see-saw, swings, activity panels, as well as soft-fall surfacing. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-June, officials said, weather permitting. The improvements are being funded through the Community Development Block Grant program.
Township offers first responders summer Youth Academy
Teens in Canton Township have the opportunity to experience the inner workings of the public safety department this summer.
The popular Youth Academy organized by the police and fire departments in the township will teach students, ages 13 through 17, about the daily operations of each department, including the philosophy of teamwork. The academy will take place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 29.
Participants will be provided with lunch each day and light physical activity is also scheduled every day, organizers said. The interactive learning experience is designed to promote a greater understanding between the youth in the community and township police officers and firefighters. The experience will help students develop life skills that promote safe, smart thinking and decision making, officials said.
In memoriam
Inkster home explosion investigation continuing
The investigation into an explosion at an Inkster home is ongoing, according to police and fire officials. A resident in the home suffered burns over 35 percent of his body when the house exploded.
The explosion took place at a home on the 26000 block of Penn Street at about 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, according to official reports. A DTE employee working nearby was also injured in the blast, according to Inkster Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard.
Hubbard said the one-story home was fully engaged in flames when firefighters arrived but was quickly extinguished which prevented damage to nearby homes. While the fire destroyed the home where the explosion occurred, only one nearby house was damaged.
Ten-hut
Game. Set. Match! on stage at Tipping Point
Tipping Point Theatre will conclude the 15th season with the world premiere of Game. Set. Match! by local playwright Tracy L. Spada.
Performances of the new work will begin June 15 and continue weekly through July 9. The play centers on Abby, who is invited to her ex-girlfriend's wedding. Abby makes the decision to go…but not without a date; thus begins her journey into the world of online dating. Hoping for the best, she experiences a myriad of interesting, exciting and ultimately disappointing situations. And just when the search for something casual seems impossible, it's possible that she may just have found something significant.
Search effort
Bands win ‘Excellent’ rating
The Romulus High School bands were awarded an overall score of II, Excellent during a state band festival on Saturday, May 6. The band members faced several challenges during the two weeks prior to the competition, school officials said, with a hectic schedule and student tests.
"We persevered and demonstrated great grit and resilience," the district spokesperson said. "Our students looked very professional in their new blazers, and we received many compliments. Our Romulus Community Schools bands remain a strength of our district and are a reflection of our commitment to the arts. Next year, we will invest over $200,000 toward the expansion of our music program at the elementary levels," he added.
Special force
Welcome
Peace Officer Memorial Day approved in Sumpter
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| Sumpter Township Trustee Don LaPorte presents the officials proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day to Sumpter township Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police Eric Luke. |
A framed proclamation of the designation was presented to Director of Public Safety/ Chief of Police Eric Luke by Trustee Don LaPorte during the regular meeting of the board members. The memorial honors members of law enforcement organizations throughout the country. Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The day honors fallen officers across the nation and offers support to their surviving family members and officers.
State budget includes more funding for schools
The Michigan House of Representatives passed the largest School Aid budget in state history last week. which will provide free breakfast and lunch for every student in the state.
"With this historic budget, we are reinvesting in the people of Michigan by directly addressing the needs of our students," said State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), chair of the House Education Committee. "We put students first in this budget by increasing per-pupil funding by 4 percent, increasing support for student tutoring after the pandemic, and funding special education programs at 100 percent."
The budget would increase the intermediate school district operations budget by roughly 5 percent for a total of more than $3.8 billion in greater operational funding. which will provide free breakfast and lunch for every student in the state.
Renovations to downtown parking deck under way
Work on the Central Parking Deck in the city was scheduled to begin this week, according to officials from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The major renovation will include significant concrete repairs, column repairs, drainage repairs and sealant upgrades, officials said, and approximately half of the parking spots will be unavailable during construction. In an effort to ease the inconvenience, additional public parking has been secured at the Christian Science Church located at 1100 W. Ann Arbor Trail, officials said. Time limits will not be enforced at the church although enforcement of all other time limits in the Central Parking Deck and other areas of downtown will be enforced during the project.
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Suspect arrested in death of Canton senior
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| Jeffrey Dwight Locke |
Jeffrey Dwight Locke was arrested May 2 in connection with the death of 69-year-old Glen Mclean who had been reported missing earlier that evening by a family member who found Mclean's sudden disappearance “suspicious.”
When Canton police responded to Mclean's home on North River Woods Drive, they were notified that one of Mclean's vehicles was also missing. In response to an alert, Dearborn police located the missing vehicle later that evening and identified Locke as the driver. Canton police officers responded to the Dearborn location and discovered Mclean's deceased body in the trunk of the car. Police believe that Mclean was killed in his home and his body placed in the trunk of the vehicle which was driven from the home by Locke.
Information obtained during the investigation indicates that Locke had befriended Mclean several months ago and would stay with him at his Canton home. Locke reportedly assisted the senior victim with repairs to several vehicles he owned.
Top Chefs
Culinary students win national award
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| Carmen Hensley, Charles Salowich, Mazin Ahmed, Sophie Dorado and Yamir Garver, culinary students from Plymouth Canton Community Schools, won the National ProStart championship during a competition in Washington, D.C. last week. |
The top 10 teams took home nearly $200,000 in scholarships during the 2023 National ProStart Invitational. The event featured a display of culinary talent and restaurant business acumen by more than 90 of the best and brightest high school teams from 46 states. All students competing in the 2023 National ProStart Invitational earned their place by winning their state-level ProStart Invitational competitions.
The national competition is a high-stakes contest featuring some of the best culinary and restaurant management students in the country. Students on the culinary teams had 60 minutes to prepare a three-course, fine dining menu, using only two butane burners and no running water.
Wadsworth is honored as Romulus Person of the Year
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| Councilman William Wadsworth |
Wadsworth was chosen for the honor by the members of the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce. Wadsworth is a 55-year resident of the city and was selected for the honor, based on his dedication to improving the Romulus community. He has been an extraordinary example of a public servant in the city, a chamber spokesman said.
Wadsworth was the driving force behind the funding and construction of a new animal shelter in the city to replace the aging and inadequate facility located in a fire station. Wadsworth organized and worked at multiple fundraising activities which generated more than $355,000 in cash donations, along with several in-kind donations for the award-winning shelter located on Wayne Road.
Wadsworth and his wife, Virginia, are the parents of three adult sons, all of whom graduated from the Romulus Community Schools. The couple have been members of Saint Aloysius Church for 55 years and have volunteered their time to help church events and fundraising efforts. Wadsworth has served as a volunteer on several City of Romulus boards and commissions. He is a long-time member of the Romulus Chamber of Commerce.
Romulus firefighters and paramedics awarded honors
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| Firefighter Andrew Thompson |
This is the first year the event was hosted by the Romulus Public Safety Foundation. Deputy Chief Ken Chapman presented the awards. Chapman, who was a paid-on-call firefighter in the city in 1987 under former Fire Chief William Greenslait, was recently named to his new rank in the department.
Honored as 2022 Firefighter of the Year was Andrew Thompson and Summer Sokolowsk was named 2021 Firefighter of the Year during the ceremony.
Named as 2022 Paramedic of the Year was Firefighter Gerald Gauss and 2021 Paramedic of the Year was Firefighter Eric Bruley.
Unit commendations were presented to Cpt. John Thiede, Firefighter John Blanchard, Firefighter Summer Sokolowski and Firefighter Gerald Gauss. Firefighter Ryan Mehrhof was presented with a Lifesaving Ribbon during the ceremony.
Pumpkin Festival Committee seeking student art entries
Members of the Romulus Arts Council are looking for fall season art for the Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival digital guide.
Every year the winners of the student art contest have their art displayed in the annual festival guidebook. Cash prizes have been awarded to the first, second and third place winners. The first place winner will receive $200, second place will receive $150, third place will be awarded $100 and two honorable mentions which will receive $50 each.
All students living in Romulus in pre-school through 12th grade, regardless of the school they attend, are eligible to enter.
Artful design
Annual student art show set
More than 2,000 entries will be on display at the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools annual student art show set for this weekend at Salem High School.
The show will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13 in the cafeteria of Salem High School. The show will feature paintings, portraits and photography along with sculptures, pottery and mixed media works. This is the largest event of the year in the school district, a spokesman said. Students from as young as 5 years old to high school seniors will participate in the event, and having a piece selected for the show provides students with a memorable experience to display their talents to the entire Plymouth Canton Community Schools community, organizers said.
Developer planning to build 73 condos on St. John’s property
Life on the golf course may soon be available in Plymouth Township.
A proposal to construct 73 condominiums on Saint John's Resort property was approved by members of the township planning commission last month. The new condominium units will be about 2,000 square feet with a base cost of about $400,000. The proposal, by Pulte Homes of Michigan, must meet several conditions on the plan approval.
Pulte is required to complete a traffic impact study of the proposed 8-acre project, near Five Mile and Sheldon roads, before any further approvals, according to the commission members.
Ford Road merchants offering prizes to shoppers
More than $3100 in gift card prizes will be given to lucky shoppers by businesses in the Ford Road corridor in Canton Township beginning this month
The ShopLocal, ShopCanton Color Block Game, sponsored by the Canton Downtown Development Authority, in cooperation with Canton Leisure Services and Canton Chamber of Commerce, is now under way in the yellow block. Visitors who shop and dine the specials from participating merchants in that color block using the ShopCanton Guide mobile app are entered for a chance to win in a weekly drawing for a $100 gift card.
Sweet sorrow
Decades old candy shop to close
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| Nick Corden is the son of a chocolate maker, who was the son of a chocolate maker. |
Corden's Candy Carousel, operated by three generations of chocolate makers, will close this year as Nick Corden, the son of a chocolate maker who was also the son of a chocolate maker, announced his upcoming retirement.
The distinctive shop on Michigan Avenue in Inkster offers a taste of tradition with the aroma of melting chocolate and unique candies permeating the air. Three generations of chocolate makers have owned and operated Corden's Candy during the 108 years the shop has been providing sweet memories for every holiday.
Personnel issues discussed by Sumpter trustees
Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees addressed several personnel and employment issues during their April 25 meeting.
The ongoing effort to fine-tune the job description of Township Manager Tony Burdick was on the agenda for approval by the trustees. City attorney Rob Young and Trustee Matthew Oddy have been preparing the document for several weeks with input from Burdick.
Oddy told his fellow trustees that the description still wasn't as specific as they hoped to make it and further editing and work was necessary. He asked that the item be removed from the agenda as it was not as complete or comprehensive as possible.
Voters overwhelmingly approve school bond
An overwhelming majority of Northville Public Schools voters approved the $134 million bond proposal on the ballot May 2.
Unofficial results indicated that 2,756 voters were in favor of the question while only 846 voted against the bond issue. The bonds will be used to finance improvements to infrastructure and technology at every school building in the district, officials said prior to the election.
The new bond question will not increase the school tax levied in the district. With the expiration of a bond approved by voters six years ago, the sale of the new bonds will effectively continue the current school tax rate, officials said.
Out and about
Northville native returns as Channel 7 weather reporter
Northville residents may soon see a familiar face during the WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) weather reports.
Marisa Woloszyn, formerly of Northville and a graduate of Michigan State University, has joined the channel weather team. She earned her degrees in meteorology and atmospheric sciences. She joins WXYZ from WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee.
The two-time Emmy winner and mother of two started her career in Eugene, Ore. where she worked for nine years at KEZI-TV. She was hired in Milwaukee in January 2021.
Wayne Police Department wins accreditation
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| Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong, center, proudly displays the official certificate of accreditation awarded to the city police department last week after a rigorous investigation. Strong thanked the department accreditation managers, Sgt. Boruta, left, and Lt. Robert Amore, at right. |
The prestigious accreditation by MACP is achieved by fewer than 10 percent of law enforcement agencies in Michigan, according to representatives of the organization. Accredited agencies must undergo a rigorous and lengthy investigation and demonstrate the department compliance with accepted modern law enforcement policies and procedures.
Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Director Robert Stevenson noted that when police reform is discussed, the public should be aware that accredited agencies already adhere to the policies and practices that are targeted in police reform efforts.
Fewer than 10 percent of law enforcement agencies in the State of Michigan are accredited, so this is a significant honor, Stevenson said.
Students’ Random Acts of Kindness are recognized
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| Students Michael Garcia of Hamilton Elementary, Drake Kalita of Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy, and Clara Szostek of Stottlemyer Early Childhood & Family Development Center were recognized last week by members of the Westland City Council. |
The program is a partnership between the school district and the Westland Compassionate City Committee. The program that recognizes three students nominated from the 17 schools in the district that have demonstrated “Random Acts of Kindness”. The three winners were Michael Garcia of Hamilton Elementary, Drake Kalita of Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy, and Clara Szostek of Stottlemyer Early Childhood & Family Development Center.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Videos prompt resignation of Westland police chief
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| Chief of Police Jeff Jedrusik |
The 25-year-old videotapes show Jedrusik requesting offenders to perform particular tasks such as such as break dancing, performing a headstand or singing Yankee Doodle Dandy to avoid arrest. The videotapes were referred to the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy after being investigated by Michigan State Police. Worthy declined to prosecute based on 25-year-old videotapes, according to a statement from her office.
Deputy Chief of Police Kyle Dawley has been named as interim police chief according to Mayor Michael Londeau, who had been aware of the videotapes since February.
Gearing up
District now offering electric vehicle classes
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| Gerald Lickey, CTE automotive instructor and teacher leader at Canton High School,at left, Plymouth High School senior Owen Moline-Freeman, Canton High School senior Liam Pfeifer and Salem High School senior Jack Novak admire the electric vehicle. |
In the upcoming school year, the district will offer classes focused on electric vehicle technology and manufacturing, becoming the first in Michigan to teach a full design-to-drive high school curriculum.
“All over Michigan and the world, we're seeing an extremely high demand for trained employees in this new automotive technology,” said Gerald Lickey, Career and Technical Education automotive instructor and teacher leader at Canton High School. “With our new EV curriculum, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is on the cutting edge of ensuring we prepare students for careers in this important new phase of the automotive industry.”
Expert warns Sumpter Township trustees of cybercrime
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| David Behen |
David Behen, an executive with SenCy, a cyber security company based in Ann Arbor, was invited to speak to the board members by Deputy Supervisor/Trustee Tim Rush. Rush, the township delegate to the Conference of Western Wayne, heard Behen's presentation at a recent meeting and said he thought it was crucial to provide Sumpter officials with the information Behen presented.
Behen told the board members that he has been deep into cyber since 2011and previously filled leadership roles in the private and public sector for more than 20 years. He spent six years as a cabinet member for Gov. Rick Snyder as the director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, and Chief Information Officer for the State of Michigan.
Raid reveals drugs, guns, cash in home
Following a police raid at a Romulus home earlier this year, a federal complaint against the resident has been filed in the Eastern District Court of Michigan.
During the raid, officers said they confiscated fentanyl, firearms, and brass knuckles from the home of Walter Butler, 43, who had been under surveillance for several months prior to the search of the multi-family dwelling located on Waynecourse Street in Romulus. During the months-long police surveillance, investigators allege to have witnessed multiple drug transactions involving narcotics, according to the court complaint. Butler has been charged with possession with intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking in the federal complaint.
Meet the champs
City roadwork under way
Drivers in Romulus can expect a few traffic delays and detours when road construction season begins.
As early as this week, workers from the Wayne County Roads Division are slated to begin the Wayne Road and Ecorse Road intersection reconstruction project. The intersection will be closed to all traffic until the estimated completion time this fall.
The northbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 were scheduled to close at 7 a.m. May 1. The ramps will remain closed through early July, officials said. The eastbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will also be closed through early July.
Signed up
Non-verbal communication boards now installed in parks
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| Augmentative and Communication boards are now available in both Heritage and Independence parks in Canton Township. Photo courtesy of Canton Township. |
The boards are designed to enable nonverbal individuals to easily communicate through the use of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) board that will help individuals express themselves while encouraging inclusivity and conversation on the playground, explained Recreation Supervisor Laura Mortier.
“Canton Township continually works towards increasing the more inclusive amenities to our parks,” Mortier said. “These additions will go a long way to enable more park visitors of all abilities to have a positive experience at our playground, all while creating a more equitable play environment for all.”
Federal agents charge Canton man with child sex abuse
A Canton Township man is facing multiple federal criminal charges of sexually exploiting children, child pornography and producing sexually explicit material of minors for import into the United States.
In a federal criminal complaint filed last week, Charles Calahan Lowe, 49, is charged with exchanging1,600 messages and joining 177 Skype calls with a child sex trafficker in the Philippines who sells sexually abusive webcam sessions involving children. According to the indictment, Lowe paid for the child pornography with wire transfers he obtained at Rite Aid in an effort to hide his actions from his wife.
Shooting suspect faces multiple felony charges
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| Tywone Sweden |
Tywone Sweden, 31, has been charged with 14 felonies, including assault with intent to murder, felonious possession of a weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to the shooting. Prosecutors allege Sweden shot a 38-year-old man, wounding him in the leg and abdomen during the incident at the mobile home park located on Old Michigan Avenue.
New fire station study is OK’d by trustees
Members of the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees approved a feasibility study last month regarding the replacement of Fire Station No. 2 in the community.
While Supervisor Kurt Heise, Trustee John Stewart and Clerk Jerry Vorva consider the construction a top priority, Trustees Jen Buckley, Chuck Curmi and Audrey Monaghan do not place the same level of importance on the fire station, rating it as a five on a scale of one to five during a goal setting session earlier this year. Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz rated the importance of a new fire station at a three.
Heise said the current fire station on Wilcox Road should be razed and a new station built at the existing site during discussion of the issue during a recent meeting. The building will soon be 50 years old, he reminded the board members.
2 men facing murder trial in woman’s death
Shane Lamar Evans, 34, of Sumpter Township will be sentenced May 4 for his part in the death of Elizabeth (Egypt) Covington in 2017.
Evans entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. He had originally been charged with homicide-felony murder and home invasion-first degree.
Evans offered testimony against Timothy Eugene Moore, 37, of Toledo and Shandon R. Groom, 30, also of Toledo. During proceedings at the 34th District Court, Evans testified he directed Moore and Groom to a duplex on Hull Road in Van Buren Township which he believed was the home of a marijuana seller.
Moving along
City council approves Yerkes Street repairs
Members of the Northville City Council approved Director of Public Works Director Mike Domine's request for repairs to Yerkes Street in the city.
The repaving will be completed by Nagle Paving and the water main in the street will be replaced, a project that is shovel-ready, Domine explained. While the cost of the work was estimated at $833,943, council members approved a 15 percent contingency for a total of $959,035.
Nagle, the low bidder in the DPW 2022 bid for the Local Road and Water Main Replacement program, explained that the 6-percent increase from the 2022 contract is due to a rise in the cost of materials, labor, and benefits in the proposal.
Joint fire contract renewed
The cities of Northville and Plymouth will continue to share fire safety services.
The Northville City Fire Department will renew a 12-year interlocal agreement with the city of Plymouth that shares fire and emergency services, following approval of the Northville City Council members.
Skate park plan is ok’d
Friends of the Rouge volunteers to work in Inkster area
Opportunities for volunteers to join the effort to maintain and plant trees and protect the Lower Rouge River floodplain have been scheduled all summer in the Inkster area, a spokesman from the group explained.
Upcoming events designed to help preserve the local ecosystem are listed and registration to volunteer are listed at: https://therouge.org/rr-events/categories/4-act-trees/.
Friends of the Rouge is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1986 to raise awareness about the need to clean up the Rouge River in southeast Michigan. The mission of the group is the restoration, protection and enhancement of the Rouge River watershed through stewardship, education, and collaboration.
FIRST place
Robotics team travels to Texas competition
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| Atlas team members from both John Glenn and Wayne Memorial high schools traveled to Texas to compete in the 2023 FIRST Robotics Championship. |
Atlas, the name of the Wayne Westland district joint team consisting of 11 students, with additional staff members and coaches, competed against 600 teams in special playing fields using robots they designed, built, and programmed.
Off-duty officer arrested
A 26-year veteran police officer was arrested last week in Wyandotte after he allegedly threatened to shoot a man in the face.
The 52-year-old officer spent 20 years with the Detroit Police Department before joining the Westland department six years ago. According to a statement from the Westland department, the officer has been off work for some time and his return was not anticipated. There will be an internal police department investigation of the incident, according to the prepared response.
According to police reports, the officer was with a friend at the Dotte Pub on Oak Street in Wyandotte last Saturday when an altercation of some type occurred.
Farmers’ Market will open
A new farmers' market is expected to open at the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center in Westland this month.
The new market, a cooperative effort of the Wayne County Parks Department and the Eastern Market Corporation, is expected to open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13 and operate on a bi-weekly basis, according to a prepared statement from the parks department.
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