Construction at Northville Legacy Park under way

Construction of amenities and buildings at Legacy Park in Northville Township continue with some expected openings as early as November. 

Unity Skatepark is well under way as Spohn Ranch Inc. staff members oversee the 10,000 square-foot community amenity. Plans for the next weeks include the creation of a pump track, rails, a bowl, ledges, pads and embankments being installed for those who enjoy wheeled sports. The projected cost is $655,500, with the bulk of the funding coming from individual contributions, various supporters  and fundraisers.

The anticipated opening is planned for November, officials said.

In one year, all but one remaining buildings on the property which formerly housed parts of the Northville Psychiatric Hospital, have been demolished. Building 14, the former laundry facility, will be repurposed, officials said. Contractors are currently demolishing building foundations and tunnels on Buildings D, F, G, crushing the concrete and hauling the debris away.   

Private opinions?

Organizer refuses to reveal harness track petition signers

Members of the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees appear to be as divided in their opinions about petition signatures opposing a proposed township racetrack as they are about the issue.

Township Supervisor Kurt Heise insists that he and the members of the board of trustees should be able to see petitions being circulated opposing the Northville Downs at Plymouth harness raceway proposed for a site at Five Mile and Ridge Road. The track, reportedly a move from the current location at Seven Mile and Sheldon in Northville, would include a half-mile oval harness racetrack, a two-story grandstand, racing building, horse barn and maintenance building on the 128-acre site.

Canton Gallimore Elementary named as Blue Ribbon School

Gallimore Elementary School in Canton Township was recently recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Sheldon Road school was among 11 in Michigan receiving the recognition which is based on  overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups on assessments.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Sidewalk repairs throughout the city of Romulus are currently under way, at no cost to homeowners. 

The repairs will be funded by a grant, officials said, and residents will be asked only to identify and mark any and all sprinkler heads or other irrigation-related devices the sidewalk installation might involve.  Flags or stakes work best in marking the fixtures, officials said, although any marking which easily identifies the sprinkler location is helpful. By identifying sprinkler heads and irrigation systems, the possibility of damage to them during construction is decreased, officials said.

 The repairs began last week and are under way in various areas throughout the city.  Officials said that during the construction process, the sidewalks will only be removed and replaced in select areas and not along entire streets. Residents will be notified at least 24 hours in advance if the sidewalk across the home driveway will be removed and replaced, affecting access to the driveway.

Romulus to participate in emergency testing Oct. 4

Romulus officials have issued a “heads up” notice to area residents regarding disaster alerts planned for next month.

Officials said that the city would be among those across the country coordinating with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and would be part of a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in October. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

Ditched?

Township water line installed in 1978 must be relocated

An error in the placement of a 1,000-foot water line in a ditch along Rawsonville Road in Sumpter Township could be a public safety hazard and must be relocated.

The question facing the members of the township board of trustees is which government entity installed the line in 1978 and could therefore be responsible for the expense of the relocation. Members of the board discussed the issue during the regular meeting Sept. 12 and agreed to fund the design and preparation of bid specifications for the relocation of the line. The contract with Hennessey Engineers, approved by a 5-2 vote of the trustees, limits the cost to “up to $25,000.” 

Marvelettes founder Kathryn Schaffner is mourned

Katherine Anderson Schaffner, 79, a driving force in the Motown musical sound, died Sept. 19. Mrs. Schaffner, the co-founder of the Marvelettes, died of heart failure, according to family members. 

Ms. Schaffner was born Jan. 16, 1944, and grew up in the Carver Homes project in Inkster. Her father was a cement worker and her mother worked as a nurse's aide. 

Ms. Schaffner, Gladys Horton, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart Motley and Georgia Dobbins founded the Marvelettes while schoolmates and friends at Inkster High School in 1960. The group performed in a school talent competition and while they did not win, they were spotted by a record producer affiliated with Tamla Records. When Tamla became Motown, Berry Gordy changed their name from the Casinyets, as in "can't sing yet" to the Marvelettes. The group released their single, Please Mr. Postman, in 1961, the first Motown number one hit. 

State of City address set

Michael P. Londeau

Westland Mayor Michael P. Londeau will deliver his first State of the City address beginning at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 4 at The Friendship Center, located at 1119 N Newburgh Road. Audience members will be admitted beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a lunch immediately following the address. The address this year is themed, “Taking Care of Business” and will include a look back on the progress the city has made this past year as well as a preview for what is to come in 2024, a spokesman said.  

The State of the City Address will also include special awards presentations to City Clerk Richard LeBlanc for the Circle of Excellence Award, Former Mayor William R. Wild for the Legacy of Leadership Award, and Director of Senior Resources Barbara Schimmel Marcum for the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The Butler Did It

Miss Maple, a dowager with a reputation for "clever" weekend parties, invites a group of detective novel writers to eerie Ravenswood Manor on Turkey Island where they are to impersonate their fictional characters. The hostess has arranged all sorts of amusing incidents: a mysterious voice on the radio, a menacing face at the window, a mad killer on the loose.  Then, a real murder takes place and Miss Maple is outraged. She offers an immense reward to the "detective" who can bring the killer to justice. The climax unmasks the true killer and almost everyone turns out to be someone else in the Inspire Theatre presentation,

Police department seeking school crossing guards

The Westland Police Department is looking for candidates to serve as crossing guards and parking lot crossing guard attendants (permanent or substitute) to work at schools in the city. Immediate openings available including posts near Johnson Elementary and Hayes Elementary schools.

Crossing guards will receive training in topics such as stranger danger, CPR/First Aid, missing persons, and other topics.  Crossing guards be assigned to a variety of posts in school parking lots and at intersections throughout the city.

The minimum qualifications as outlined by police officials include individuals of good moral character as determined by a criminal history check. 

Cherry Hill Village set to celebrate ‘ARTober’

ARTober is being celebrated at the Village Arts Factory and the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton Township. The one-day arts festival will take place from noon until 5 p.m. Sept. 30 throughout Cherry Hill Village.

The Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road, will host a Youth Art Fair featuring the work of artists ages 8 to 18. In addition to the student artists, the event will also feature resident artisans from the Village Arts Factory, who will also be on site selling their original works providing festival-goers with a chance to peruse and buy one-of-a-kind creations.

Food trucks will also be onsite between the Village Arts Factory and the Village Theater, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road.  In addition, a Chalk Art Festival will connect the two facilities.  

Commissioner is named Volunteer of Year

Wayne County Commissioner 

Al Haidous

Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous (D-Wayne) was recently recognized by Michigan WORKS! earning the prestigious Volunteer of the Year honor for 2023.

Haidous, who represents Belleville, Flat Rock, Wayne, Sumpter Township, Van Buren Township, Huron Township and Romulus, was lauded for his outstanding service to the Michigan WORKS! System. 

“I am humbled in receiving this honor and take great pride in volunteering for Michigan WORKS! and the great people of Wayne County,” Haidous said. “Michigan WORKS! is an organization that keeps Michigan moving by educating and inspiring people to seek employment and help build up their communities.”

Haidous is chair of the county commission Economic Development Committee and a member of Committee on Public Services, is vice-chair of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) board and a member of the Detroit Wayne County Airport Authority board. He is a former long serving mayor of Wayne. 

Michigan WORKS! Provides job skills and job training services to employees, employers and those seeking employment. It maintains Wayne County centers in Wayne, Dearborn, Detroit, Grosse Pointe, Highland Park, Livonia and Southgate.

Official welcome

Jeremiah Roberts took his official oath of police service from City Clerk Tina Rowe during the meeting of the Wayne City Council last week. Roberts graduated from the Washtenaw Police Academy Sept. 8, after 18 weeks of intense training in areas of weapon proficiency, defensive tactics and emergency driving.

City water remains unsafe

Water from residential taps in the City of Wayne remains contaminated with high levels of lead, according to inspectors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Wayne residents should continue to put lead filters on home water faucets and consider having children tested for lead in their blood following levels of the neurotoxin found in city water supplies.

According to a posting on the city website nine of 60 homes tested in Wayne had excessive levels of lead. 

Downs development plan OK’d by council

Members of the Northville City Council voted 4-1 to approve the $300 million Downs Development Agreement with Hunter Pasteur of Northville during a meeting this month. Mayor Pro-tem Barbara Moroski-Browne cast the lone no vote on the agreement.

Hunter Pasteur Northville representative Seth Herkowitz told the council members that the company, now operating as Perennial Northville, LLC, was seeking approval of agreement negotiated by the developer and the city administrative team. He said the agreement had undergone extensive legal review and advice. 

Bright idea

Updated lights being installed in downtown parking deck

Crews were scheduled to begin lighting upgrades in the Central Parking Deck in downtown Plymouth last Monday.  

The work is expected to be complete in a week, officials said, but this week up to 20 parking spaces on both the upper and lower level may be closed so crews can work safely. Motorists are asked not to move any cones or barriers in the parking deck while the work continues.

The lighting upgrades follow recent upgrades to security cameras in and around the Central Parking Deck, officials said. Members of the Downtown Development Authority board approved the upcoming lighting upgrades at the September meeting. 

Questions can be directed to splymale@plymouthmi.gov. or dda@plymouthmi.gov.

New waste center set to open

Residents from Northville Township and the City of Northville will have access to a free new Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center, which opens Oct. 3.

Operated by Washtenaw County in collaboration with GFL Environmental, the facility is located in the Arbor Hills complex at 10843 W. Five Mile Road, just west of Napier Road.  

The 2,400-square-foot HHW Center is open for residents by appointment only Tuesday through Friday. 

It will begin scheduling weekday drop-off appointments Sept. 25 for dates beginning Oct. 3. 

To make an appointment or find a list of acceptable materials, visit HomeToxicsCenter.org.

State awards training funds to area businesses

Businesses in Belleville, Canton Township, Northville and Romulus will receive state funding to help more than 230 local workers receive the training necessary to gain and retain high-skill, high-wage careers.

Statewide, approximately $13.5 million in grants from the second cycle of fiscal year 2023 Going PRO Talent Fund were awarded to nearly 300 Michigan businesses to help approximately 8,500 workers secure employment, industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state's greatest asset - our people - helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and build a better life in Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These grants help us put Michiganders first, ensuring paths to good-paying jobs and empowering Michigan businesses to develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy. Let's keep connecting hardworking Michiganders with the training they need to Make it in Michigan.”

A step in time

Victorian Festival to begin in Northville tomorrow

Authentic Victorian costumes are a tradition during the
Northville Victorian Festival which celebrates the history of the community.

Northville will celebrate the history of the community during the annual Victorian Festival set for this weekend, Sept. 22, 23 and 24.

The three-day celebration opens with the Victorian Parade tomorrow evening and continues through Saturday and Sunday. The traditional event includes live music, theatrical performances, Victorian-era re-enactors, educational presentations, craft vendors, duck races and other entertainment.

The festival booths will open from 4 until 9 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 22 on Main and Center streets. Throughout the weekend, local non-profit, school groups, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors will be engaging with visitors in the heart of town, providing food and activities. 

Plymouth-Canton schools rated among best in nation

Three high schools in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district are ranked among the best in the nation, according to a report from U.S. News and World Report.

According to the list of the best public high schools in the country published by the magazine, Canton, Salem and Plymouth high schools were rated among the top 10 percent. Among Michigan public high schools, Canton High School is ranked No. 21, Salem is 31st and Plymouth is 37th. Michigan has more than 1,700 high schools. 

Romulus Pumpkin Festival celebrates community

The traditional Rotary Club Festival of Lights opened the 25th Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival last weekend. Vehicles including bicycles to cement trucks and nearly everything in-between filled the streets to the delight of the large crowds along the parade route. The weekend included live music food, crafts and games and entertainment for all ages, include a classic car show. There were Bingo games and a pancake breakfast served by the Romulus firefighters. In addition, there was a Corn Hole tournament to benefit for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and a 5K run and walk.

Such a character

Disney Ice Show performer trained in Canton

Madison DeLuca

While area audiences may not recognize her in the various costumes she wears while bringing Disney characters to life on ice, Madison DeLuca is a familiar face at Arctic Edge ice rink in Canton Township.

DeLuca, now 27, trained at the ice rink for several years during her competitive skating career before joining the performers in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero which opens at 7 p.m. tonight, Sept. 21 at Little Caesars Arena.

DeLuca began her skating career at the age of 3, following her older sister. She eventually skated in both regional and sectional competitions and has completed both Senior Free Skate and Senior Moves-in the Field ratings. 

Since joining the Disney performers in 2014, she has traveled to 39 countries. The best thing about living on the road, she said, is traveling to so many different cultures. “The worst thing about living on the road is definitely my packing skills, I want to bring everything,” she said.

Hot tempered

Canton Police are seeking the identity of the driver of an SUV in connection with an attack on an employee at Tim Horton's on Ford Road near Canton Center Road. The male driver of the vehicle, possibly a Chevy Trailblazer, was a patron at the drive through window of the restaurant at about 6:30 a.m. Sept. 1. According to police reports, after receiving his order, the driver became upset and threw hot coffee on an employee standing inside the building at the drive-through window. Witnesses described the driver as a white male approximately 60 to 70 years of age with disheveled white hair, and a white goatee. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the driver is asked to phone Canton Police Det. Kelley at (734) 394-5431.

Cherry Hill Village to celebrate ‘ARTober’

ARTober is being celebrated at the Village Arts Factory and the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton township. 

The one-day arts festival will take place from noon until 5 p.m. Sept. 30 throughout Cherry Hill Village.

The Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road, will host a Youth Art Fair featuring the work of artists ages 8 to 18. 

In addition to these promising student artists, the event will also feature resident artisans from the Village Arts Factory, who will also be on site selling their original works providing festival-goers with a chance to peruse and buy one-of-a-kind creations.

New assistant recreation director named

Greg Morris

Industry veteran Greg Morris joined the Northville staff of professionals as the assistant Parks & Recreation director last week. 

Morris is now responsible for the day-to-day department operations including administration, marketing, event management and customer service. He oversees the recreation division of the department, which will include playing a key role in hiring personnel, cultivating recreation programming and planning special events, according to an official announcement of his hiring. 

He joins the management team led by Derek O. Smith, who was named director of Northville Parks & Recreation in July. 

Morris' first day was Sept. 13. 

“Northville Parks & Recreation has the potential to grow and I am excited to be a part of it,” Morris said. “I'm looking forward to meeting residents and working alongside our team to provide programs and events that will make memories for a lifetime.” 

Saddle up

Maybury Riding Stable seeking return of horses at park

Efforts to remount one of the most treasured features of Maybury State Park remain unsuccessful after more than two years.

The empty stables and unused guided trails of the horse paths through the 8 miles of wooded park area were formerly one of the most popular and unique attractions at the park. Since the departure of Maybury Riding Stables, the vendor who provided the guided rides through the park for nearly 15 years, no one has taken up the reins to provide the unique horseback experience. The provider housed 20 to 30 riding horses at the park stable and charged riders of all skill levels $60 for about an hour-long ride. A percentage of the revenue from the guided rides was shared with the park to help offset expenses.

Redesigned entrance signs are installed at city borders

Visitors to Northville will be welcomed by new contemporary signs at key entrances to the historic town. 

The new signage incorporates the new city logo and brand, designed by Buzz Bizzell, of North Carolina. The signs have a distinctive raised "Northville" above a swirl pattern, creating a layered effect with the word welcome at the bottom right-hand corner. The colors are lime green and shades of light and medium brown, interspersed with gray. The signs are reflective so they can be seen in the dark, and are constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials, officials said.

New water bill service is approved by trustees

Water bills in Sumpter Township will have a new look beginning next month.

Members of the township board of trustees approved using KCI of Grand Rapids to print and mail the water and sewer bills. KCI currently prints and mails the township tax billings, officials said.

Cost for the service is expected to be $2,500 per quarter for the preparation and postage on the 3,300 water billings prepared quarterly. 

Showing off

Renown local artist and founder of the Art Foundation is visiting Paris working with young overseas artists. Gilito is a French expatriate from Cape Verde, Africa. Roko has worked with the young artist and accompanied him to visit museums introducing him to classic artwork.  Roko will also be working with several other underserved youths and their work will be featured in his Paris exhibition, opening Sept. 28 at La Commanderie du Clos Montmartre. Information is available at the Roko website or Facebook.

Grounded

The historic Courthouse Grille on Plymouth Road was demolished recently to make room for a condominium development planned for the property. A 103-unit luxury apartment will be built on the site of the beloved restaurant. The project will be partially funded with a State of Michigan EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) grant and loan. Officials said the site is contaminated with metals and petroleum compounds and has debris in the ground left over from use as a landfill prior to 1930. The state awarded a $535,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to install a vapor mitigation system and a separate $1 million EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Loan will be used to offset the cost of special deeper foundations needed on the land.

State grant to fund drivers ed program

Wayne-Westland Community Schools will be in the driver's seat of a new training system funded by a $250,000 state grant.

The State of Michigan awarded the through an award of $250,000 to support an innovative Driver's License Pilot Program. 

This initiative aims to empower students with essential life skills and enhance future opportunities by giving them access to driver's education, officials said.

Bomb successfully defused in Wayne

The Detroit Metro Airport Bomb Squad was called to Wayne last week to defuse a homemade bomb found in the wheel well of a truck parked on Gloria Street between Annapolis and Clinton Street. 

Wayne police were called to the site at about 3:34 p.m. Sept. 10 in response to a call concerning a suspicious package discovered in the vehicle.  Responding officers called the airport bomb squad and experts responded immediately, according to police reports. Residents were asked to evacuate the area during the incident. 

Explosive specialists determined the device to be a credible threat and defused the potential explosive on site. Police said there was no danger to nearby residents who were evacuated for several hours.

Future fans

Wayne Westland Community Schools district elementary students were invited to Wayne Memorial High School last week to join the Youth Night festivities. Excitement buzzed as the young students eagerly formed a welcoming line to greet the high school football team. The team faced Fordson High School in a league game which ended in a disappointing loss, 33 to 7.

Library program continues

The Leanna Hicks Public Library will present a lecture in the continuing mental health series from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.

The presentation will include topics including engaging in discussions on mental health and the effects on relationships. Attendees will learn practical techniques to manage stress and gain insights into trauma recovery, presenters said.

The workshop will also include deep breathing techniques for stress reduction and a discussion on unaddressed childhood trauma, healing and moving forward. 

The workshop is free, and more information is available at InksterLibrary.org. or call (313) 563-2822.

The library is located at 2500 Hamlin Dr. In Inkster. 

Water remains unsafe

Water from residential taps in the City of Wayne remains contaminated with high levels of lead, according to inspectors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Wayne residents should continue to put lead filters on home water faucets and consider having children tested for lead in their blood following levels of the neurotoxin found in city water supplies.

Filters are available between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Wayne Department of Public Works, 35200 Forest Ave. in Wayne. 

Wayne vs. Miller lawsuit goes to appeals court

While the City of Wayne lawsuit against former Councilman Anthony Miller was dismissed Aug. 30 by Third Circuit Court Judge Sheila Gibson, a counter claim by Miller will be heard by the Michigan Court of Appeals and could establish a legal precedent.

Miller is claiming discrimination by city officials and is demanding redress under the Elliott Larsen Act which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion or sexual orientation. The city argument is that Miller, as an elected official, was not a city employee and therefore not afforded those protections.

Miller's attorney, James Rasor of the Rasor Law Firm, strongly disagrees with the city argument noting that the city “ruthlessly attacked” Miller and he is entitled to the same protections as “usual employees.” Should the appeals court find in Miller's favor, it could establish a legal precedent for other elected officials, Rasor said. 

Celebrate the season

Traditional Romulus Pumpkin Festival begins tomorrow

The 25th annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival, a three-day event that begins on the third Friday in September each year, will begin tomorrow, Sept. 15, at Romulus Historical Park located at 11147 Hunt St.

The event will begin tomorrow evening with the traditional Rotary Club Festival of Lights where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to wait for the vehicles to pass by during the event. Information about the parade rules and entry requirements is still available on the Romulus Rotary Facebook page or email Romulus.rotary@gmail.com. 

School board recall petitions are rejected by county

Petitions to recall three of the seven members of the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Board of Education were rejected by members of the Wayne County Election Commission last month.

The petitions, seeking the recall school board members Lauren Christenson, Patrick Kehoe, and Shawn Wilson were filed Aug. 7 and rejected for lack of clarity on Aug. 17. The remaining three board members were too recently elected to be subject to recall by state law. 

According to election commission documents, the petitioner was Howard L. Ring.  The recall campaign was reportedly prompted by objections to the school board members' 6-1 vote to retire the Canton High School arrowhead logo and eliminate the name "Chiefs" in response to possible claims of cultural appropriation. Trustee Sheryl Picard cast the sole dissenting vote against the measure.

Top cops

Wayne honors police officers

Wayne Police Department officers were awarded commendations for their
service during the regular meeting of the city council last week. In July, Lt. Robert
Amore was named Officer of the Year for 2022.

Wayne police officers were recognized for outstanding performance during the regular meeting of the city council last week.

Police Chief Ryan Strong presented the commendations to each officer. Selections for the awards were made by an awards committee which included patrol and command officers, along with Strong. The committee members meet annually to choose commendation awardees.

Officers James Serman and Scott Bouchie received commendations for their response and investigation into a serious assault case.

Giving thanks

Registration opens for Thanksgiving

meals for veterans and servicemen

While Halloween pumpkins and decorations are just beginning to appear throughout the community, Wayne and Westland officials have Thanksgiving on their minds.

Westland Mayor Michael Londeau, Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa and Wayne Ford Civic League President Vic Barra are already planing the 10th Annual Holiday Meals for Wayne-Westland veterans, surviving spouses, and families of active duty service members.

Section of Wayne Road to close

Wayne Road will be closed for repairs at the bridge just north of the Holliday Park building in Westland sometime before Nov. 15, according to an announcement on social media.

The road will remain closed for about a year during the removal and rebuilding of the bridge across the river in the area.

Checking in

The Romulus Public Safety Foundation received a $5,000 donation from Domino's last week. The funds will be used for events like the annual P.A.C.T. (Police and Community Together) bike ride where the path to the donation began, officials said. During the bike ride earlier this summer, Assistant to the Police Chief Monique Talley, far left, was in conversation with Cathy McCoy, in the yellow top, the manager at Gateway Townhomes in the community. McCoy, well known for her community activism, spoke to her son, Kevin Robinson, with the white stripe on shirt and hat, a Domino's Supply chain employee. He nominated the police foundation for the Domino's Supply Chain award as part of the company annual charitable giving program.

Shooting suspect sought by police

Joshua Hill 

Following a weeklong manhunt, a 25-year-old Inkster resident suspected of killing his mother was arrested by Detroit police last Sunday.

Joshua Hill, who was reported to be armed and dangerous, was sought by police in connection with the death of his 64-year-old mother. According to police reports, officers were called to a home in the 29020 block of Glenwood near Central Street in Inkster on Tuesday, Sept. 5 where they discovered the body of Hill's mother, who apparently died from gunshot wounds.

Traditional Victorian Festival begins next week

Authentic Victorian costumes are a tradition during the Northville
Victorian Festival which celebrates the history of the community.

Northville will celebrate the history of the community during the annual Victorian Festival set for Sept. 22, 23 and 24.

The three-day celebration opens with the Victorian Parade on Friday evening and continues through Saturday and Sunday with a wide range of events. The traditional event includes live music, theatrical performances, Victorian-era re-enactors, educational presentations, craft vendors, duck races and other entertainment.

Mayor Brian Turnbull will discuss the rich Victorian history at the Northville District Library at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20  at the Northville District Library. He will share stories of the people, places, and businesses from Northville's past. Registration is available on the library online portal.

Greenway consultants present city connectivity study

Representatives from the Greenway Collaborative believe they have found ways to improve connectivity between Northville parks, neighborhoods and local destinations.

The draft report of the consultants was presented to members of the Northville City Council Aug. 24 and included an update of the non-motorized plan developed in 2013. The report included plans for a proposed traffic roundabout, a riverwalk pathway, seasonally closed downtown streets and new developments at the Downs and Foundry Flask.

The report demonstrated ways paths, trails and sidewalks in the city can be better connected within the city and also link to regional pathways to improve conditions in the near term, with a focus on safety, access, and creating an environment that inspires people to walk and bicycle more, a spokesman noted.

Penn Theatre awarded Dunning Foundation grant

Friends of the Penn has received a grant of $19,000 from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to support the upgrade of house lighting at the Penn Theatre.

Built in 1941, the Penn was built exclusively as a movie theater. The current house lighting offers  adequate illumination when films are featured, but presents a challenge for events that are not film-based, explained Ellen Elliott, executive director of  Friends of the Penn.

“The whole community has the potential to benefit from this project. We host a mental health lecture series for the Plymouth-Canton Community School District that benefits our youngest citizens. 

Museum exhibit offers look into history of community

The Old Village Inn stood at the junction of Mill Street and
the railroad tracks where a brutal murder took place in 1981.

Almost every small town in America can claim some skeletons in the closet and Plymouth is no exception, historians agree.

This Plymouth story begins with the Old Village Inn, at left, that stood at the junction of Mill Street and the railroad tracks. A hotel or boarding house stood on this location as early as 1875, according to researchers.

Names changed through the years, including San Francisco House, Commercial House, Hotel Victor, Hotel Anderine, Hotel Nelson, and finally the Old Village Inn. 

Because of its location just east of the train depot, the establishment was frequented by rail workers and later by transients and renters. 

Board OKs larger warning signs at Sherwood Pond

While it may be a bit late in the season, visitors to Sherwood Pond in Sumpter Township can expect to see much larger signs advising them to swim at their own risk.

Currently, testing for bacteria in the pond water is limited due to scheduling inconsistencies with available laboratories and there is no lifeguard on duty at the pond. Last month, Trustee Matt Oddy suggested taking the precaution of prohibiting swimming at the pond due to several drownings in surrounding municipal water attractions. Most members of the board agreed with Oddy that some precautions were necessary but were hesitant to ban swimming at the township park.

Following discussion at a previous meeting, a public meeting was scheduled for input regarding township residential ponds. Oddy said there was no public input on the proposed ban at Sherwood Pond at that meeting.

Brews, Brats and Bands returns to Preservation Park

Brews, Brats and Bands has always attracted the older than 21
crowd to Preservation Park in Canton Township.
The event this year is set for 6 until 9 p.m. Sept. 23.

A 14-year tradition will return to Preservation Park in Canton Township Sept. 23.

Since 2010, Brews, Brats and Bands has attracted craft beer lovers and the older than 21 crowd to the special event set for 6 until 9 p.m. The event has been revamped by host Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors of the event include Schoolcraft College, Maraschinos Pub, and Beerfests.com. 

“Metro Detroit's growing craft beer culture can taste and appreciate over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director.

City lawsuit against former councilman dismissed

The City of Wayne lawsuit against former Councilman Anthony Miller was dismissed Aug. 30 with prejudice by Third Circuit Court Judge Sheila Gibson.

The lawsuit claimed that Miller, now 64, had breached his fiduciary responsibility to the city when he provided a hostile work environment investigation report to Michigan State Police as part of a criminal investigation. The 2018 report dealt with the conduct of former City Manager Lisa Nocerini and concluded that she should be disciplined “up to and including termination.” 

Chicken Sunday

67th Plymouth Fall Festival weekend events begin tomorrow

Rotary Club members will build the huge barbeque pits
from cement blocks, some dating back to the first
 barbeque 60 years ago, in the parking lot behind
The Gathering. The first of the famous dinners
should be available at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Tomorrow is the big day.

The 67th Plymouth Fall Festival will begin as the traditional booths, entertainment and attractions along with some new features welcome crowds the community.

Attractions include a barbeque spare rib dinner from 3 until 6 p.m. tomorrow in the tent behind E.G. Nicks prepared by the Vietnam Veterans; the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Saturday morning; spaghetti dinners prepared by the Morning Rotary Club, and the start of it all, the Rotary Chicken Barbeque on Sunday beginning at about 11 a.m.

Tornado and storm damage survey continues in Canton

Members of the Canton Township Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer program, as well as township staff and elected officials, are continuing the door-to-door damage assessments in neighborhoods affected by the severe weather last week. The information will be provided to the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Michigan State Police.  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency and Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak has declared a local state of emergency.

Preparations for Annual Pumpkin Festival under way

The 25th annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival, a three-day event that begins on the third Friday in September each year, will take place next weekend, Sept. 15, 16 and 17 at Romulus Historical Park located at 11147 Hunt St.

The event will begin Friday evening with the traditional Rotary Club Festival of Lights where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to wait for the vehicles to pass by during the event. Information about the parade rules and entry requirements is available on the Romulus Rotary Facebook page or email Romulus.rotary@gmail.com. 

On the move

The Romulus Recreation Department has moved to an office inside the Romulus Athletic Center at 35765 Northline Road. Director Colleen Dumas said staff members are eager to help residents learn about and sign up for the upcoming fall programs. Registration is currently open for Youth Gymnastics and PeeWee Basketball, she said. Adult drop-in volleyball will begin in October, and ticket information for the popular Daddy Daughter Dance in October will be coming out soon, she added.

Township receives top rating on financial audit

Sumpter Township received the highest possible rating on the financial audit for the fiscal year  which ended March 31.

Auditor Rana Emmons of the Post, Smythe, Lutz and Ziel accounting firm presented the audit findings to members of the township board during the Aug. 22 meeting. She said the township had received a clean audit with no clarifying opinions and no exceptions or disclaimers from the independent auditors. “We have nothing bad to report,” she told the board. “This is the highest level possible.”

Emmons complimented Township Finance Director Scott Holtz and his staff on their work on recording and reporting financial matters of the township and said the entire township staff had been cooperative and efficient in providing the information needed for the audit.

Curtain going up…

Tipping Point Theatre opens season

Tipping Point Theatre will open the 16th theatrical season on Oct. 4 with the 1988 beloved classic Driving Miss Daisy, followed by the comedic Hallmark spoof A Very Northville Christmas on Nov. 22, the Michigan premiere of The Chinese Lady on Feb. 7, and conclude with The Squirrels on April 10. 

“After a successful and challenging 'interim' season, I am so excited to introduce our 'inaugural' season with something for everyone” said Tipping Point Theater Producing Artistic Director Julia Glander. “Changes abound with any new experience, and that is what I was thinking about as we chose the new season.

Financial strategy

Christie Bankhead, the Northville Township accounts payable associate, has been named as the new purchasing director in the township finance department. Bankhead will be the first individual to hold the newly created position. She will lead the township team of finance associates, which includes overseeing the daily cash receipting process and will oversee diverse purchasing tasks, from vendor relations to fraud controls. Her role also involves technical duties like managing vendor accounts and credit cards, preparing 1099s, and aiding in the annual audit. 

Beth Stewart honored with Whipple award

Beth Stewart, executive director of the Michigan Philharmonic,
proudly shows off the Ruth Huston-Whipple Award she was
awarded for her contributions to the Plymouth community.

Beth Stewart, executive director of the Michigan Philharmonic, was honored with the Ruth Huston-Whipple Award for her contributions to the Plymouth community.

Stewart accepted the award at a meeting of the Plymouth City Commission last month. Prior to joining the Philharmonic organization, she was executive director of the Plymouth Historical Museum where she served for 17 years.

Stewart earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in historic preservation with an emphasis in educational programming and management. She and her husband, current Plymouth Township Trustee John Stewart, are long-time Plymouth residents. 

Topped off

The City of Wayne Police Department was surprised last week with the donation of a Leer folding cover and bed liner for the Ford F-150 truck which is part of the department motor fleet. The donation from Kurt Jarman, at right, seemed appropriate as he is the owner of Kurt's Caps in the city. A department spokesperson posted a thankyou from the entire department on social media last week, noting the officers appreciate Jarman's donation and his support.

Local woman facing embezzlement charges

Former Wayne County Roads Division employees Jazmine Bass, 32, of Westland and Kevin Gunn, 64, of West Bloomfield have been charged with theft of more than $4000 in county funds.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has charged each defendant with one count of larceny over $1,000 but less than $20,000. According to prosecutors, Kevin Gunn was the supervisor of Jazmine Bass when she worked in the Wayne County Roads Division in the Bridges Department. On Dec. 5, 2022, it is alleged that Gunn diverted county workers who were paid overtime and took county-owned building materials to build out Bass' store, Romulus Nutrition, located in Romulus. Romulus Nutrition is not a Wayne County enterprise. 

All aboard

Westland Historical Society members are planning a trip into the past Sept. 16.The tour, on a trolley, will explore the historical significance of Nankin Township and City of Westland. The tour. Set for 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., will begin at the Westland Historic Museum.The trolley will make several stops along the route, so visitors can explore and learn more about Nankin Mills, the Perrinsville schoolhouse, historic neighborhoods of Norwayne and Annapolis Park, Garden City and Wayne Historic Museums, plus the Malcom X House in Inkster.

Family seeking answers in shooting death

Anthony "Nick" Jones

Survivors were overcome with emotion last week during a press conference seeking clues to the death of Anthony “Nick” Jones who was killed 4 years ago in Inkster.  

Jones, a 54-year-old photographer, cameraman and house-flipper, was fatally shot Aug. 31, 2019 as he was reportedly driving through the area looking for a house to buy near Lehigh Street in the city.  According to police reports, Jones might have had a verbal confrontation with his assailant who reportedly was driving a red vehicle. That information has not been validated. Police have no new clues or information in the killing.

Jones' uncle, Larry Spencer, said that the family has had no information about the investigation and said his family is “hurting now more than ever before.” The family believes the shooter confronted Jones, shot him and then fled the scene in a red vehicle.

Brews, Brats and Bands set for Sept. 23

Brews, Brats and Bands has always attracted the older than 21 crowd
to Preservation Park in Canton Township. The event this year is set
 for 6 until 9 p.m. Sept. 23.

A 14-year tradition will return to Preservation Park in Canton Township Sept. 23.

Since 2010, Brews, Brats and Bands has attracted craft beer lovers and the older than 21 crowd to the special event set for 6 until 9 p.m. The event has been revamped by host Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors of the event include Schoolcraft College, Maraschinos Pub, and Beerfests.com. 

“Metro Detroit's growing craft beer culture can taste and appreciate over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director. “Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time.

Registration for B.L.O.C.K. programs under way

Applications are now being accepted for the Canton Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, and Youth Advisory Council programs for the 2023-2024 school year. The free programs are available through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center for local youths who are interested in developing critical life skills, such as: self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, stress management, and leadership skills, organizers said.

Lead #LikeA Girl was developed in 2015 by The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center. This free program enables participants to challenge themselves, discuss relevant issues that young girls face with their peers, and foster relationships with female role models within the community. This award-winning program serves a diverse group of young women ages 11-16 and is designed to change the way that these participants, and the community-at-large, think about what it means to Lead #LikeAGirl…and ultimately live #LikeAGirl.

Art exhibit set

Interpreting Life, a mixed media collaborative art exhibition showcasing the artists' interpretation of the natural world around them, will be on display at the Village Theatre at Cherry hill through Sept. 24. The three contributing artists to the exhibit are Amanda Pringle, Andrea Rose, and Christina Czaja. 

The art exhibit at The Gallery at Cherry Hill is free and open to the public during gallery hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.; during all public performances or by special appointment arranged via email to elli.fassois@cantonmi.gov. 

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton.