Family demands police camera tape of fatal shooting

    Protests regarding the fatal shooting by police of a Wayne man curtailed the meeting of the members of the Wayne City Council last week.

    Mayor John Rhaesa adjourned the meeting after only 4 minutes as audience members continued to demand the release of the body camera video of the of the shooting of John Zook Jr., 40, who was shot and killed by a Wayne police officer June 18.
    Zook called the Wayne Police 911-line June 18 to report that he needed help as he was suicidal and having a mental health crisis, according to official accounts of the incident. Police arrived at Zook’s Newberry Square Apartment in about 2 minutes and found Zook armed with a kitchen knife. Officers reported that Zook has cut himself several times in a suicide attempt.
    Wayne Police Chief Finley Carter told reporters that the responding officers made multiple requests for Zook to drop the knife. When he did not respond to verbal commands, officers twice used a taser on Zook, according to official reports of the incident. As the situation escalated, Zook was shot with a handgun six times, killing him at the scene in front of his 4-year-old son. Police claim that he lunged at the officers prompting the fatal response.
    Zook’s family, friends, and community members have demanded the release of unedited body camera footage, and the name of the officer or officers involved in the shooting, but their demands have been refused or ignored by city and police officials. A recent rally took place outside Wayne police headquarters on Michigan Avenue, demanding the video and more information about the death of Zook. Family members have repeatedly stated that they believe the situation could have been handled differently and have repeated their questions regarding the six gunshots Zook suffered in the situation.
    Attorney Todd Perkins, representing the Zook family, said that training could have resolved the situation and that it could have ended with Zook going to the hospital instead of the morgue. He said he and the family have filed a Freedom in Information Act request for all records of the incident.
    Community activists, family members and friends repeatedly shouted “shame” at a previous city council following the failure of a motion by a councilmember to release the body camera footage, the 911 call and the results of the Michigan State Police investigation. Zook’s father, a retired Highland Park police sergeant, his wife and Zook’s sister have seen only an edited version of the taped confrontation. The family is demanding to see the entire record of the confrontation and shooting. Zook’s father told reporters than the footage the family viewed does not match the police accounts of the incident or police claims that his son charged at the officers with a knife.
    Perkins said the family has learned that an investigation by the Michigan State Police has been completed and the file referred to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor. A spokesman from that office said the investigation would be reviewed for any charging decision. Zook’s father said he expects charges against both the shooter and another responding officer.
    “When they (prosecutors)look at evidence, I think they (the officers) should be charged,” John Zook Sr. said.

Fish story

 Federal, state and local officials celebrate hatchery restoration

    U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and John O’Meara, executive director of the Alliance of Rouge Communities were among the crowd who officially celebrated the completion of the habitat restoration and Johnson Creek Fish Hatchery Park.

    The $1.2 million project was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fish Hatchery Park holds historical significance as the former site of the first federal fish hatchery in the U.S., once one of the largest in the country. Johnson Creek is now the only remaining cold-water fishery in the Rouge River, officials said. The restoration project, initiated in 2018, aimed to address the loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
    Stabenow, who originally drafted the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem, helped plant a native tree at the site.
    The restoration included removal of 2,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment in the pond to create deeper water for fish habitats; planting of more than 250 native trees and 300 native shrubs to filter stormwater runoff; creation of a fish passage channel between the pond and Johnson Creek and removal a concrete wall, stabilizing and naturalizing 1,250 feet of streambank.
    During the ceremony, officials discussed the site long history of the site and the significance of the project in removing the Rouge River from the list of Areas of Concern (AOCs). Northville Mayor Brain Turnbull, Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo, Crawford White of the Environmental Protection Agency and John O’Meara, executive director of the Alliance of Rouge Communities.

Canton Township ceremony marks International Day of Peace

    The International Day of Peace will be marked in Canton Township with a special ceremony set for 10 a.m. until noon Sept. 21 at the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza.
    The event is hosted by Canton Township, Canton Rotary, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, and the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The plaza is located at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and Veterans Way in Canton.
    Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, the International Day of Peace provides a globally shared date to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. Every year on Sept. 21, the United Nations invites the world to mark the International Day of Peace, as it encourages all to: “…strive even harder to promote dialogue, empathy, and human rights in a world mired by conflict, inequalities, and discrimination.”
    “It is important to come together as a community in the spirit of peace and harmony to demonstrate a commitment to foster peace in the world,” said Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. “It is so fitting to celebrate this global day of peace in the Heritage Park Peace Pole Plaza, where the universal symbol of peace bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” stands proud. Now more than ever before, everyone’s individual and collective responsibility should be to act as catalysts for change and agents for peace.”
    To celebrate the official International Day of Peace, this free event will include a reflective walk around the Heritage Park pond, a meditation activity, messages of peace, and more.
    The program will also feature a welcome from Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, as well as special remarks by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). Students from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools will also provide a kids’ choir performance.
    No preregistration is required. Light refreshment samples will also be served.
    For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov or call (734) 394-5185.

On the B.L.O.C.K.

Canton youth leadership programs now accepting applications

    Applications are now being accepted for the Canton Township Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, and Youth Advisory Council Programs for the 2024-2025 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 life skills, such as self-confidence, interpersonal communication skills, stress management, and leadership skills.
    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.
    Be A #ModelMan, established in 2016, aims to grow six core values, including: integrity, empathy,
compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Monthly themed workshops take place from October through May and are designed to inform program participants ages 11-16 about healthy masculinity, leadership, and community involvement. In addition, this program curriculum encourages participants to interact and foster relations with public servants and community model men, who embody the program’s core values.
    The Canton Youth Advisory Council is an influential group of area high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision-making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.
    “The B.L.O.C.K. staff are excited to challenge these young individuals with unique experiences that will help them develop new skills and confidence,” said Chelsea Straub, Youth Recreation Specialist. “All of these opportunities help inspire participants to become real change-makers to help make a difference in their communities.”
    Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center. Applications are currently available on The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center website at www.cantonmi.gov/theblock and must be submitted by Sept. 20. Program space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
    Local volunteer and financial support have helped these programs expand their positive programming opportunities, officials said. Some current and past sponsors include: MASCO, Community Financial Credit Union, Eastern Michigan University, and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for individuals, businesses, and foundations to assist in the development of future sessions. To become involved, contact Laura Mortier at (734) 394-5376 or email
laura.mortier@cantonmi.gov.
    The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, located on the third floor of the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.. For more information about Lead #LikeAGirl, Be A #ModelMan, The Youth Advisory Council, or The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center, visit www.cantonmi.gov/theblock or call (734) 398-5570.

Canton Blues, Brats and Bands event set for this Saturday

    Only the location of the annual Brews, Brats, and Bands will change this year while the popular features will remain the same.
    The event is set for 6 until 9 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 14 at the new location in the Heritage Park amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building. This year, Brews, Brats, and Bands will be hosted by Canton Leisure Services and the Village Arts Factory. Sponsors are Schoolcraft College, Provision Senior Living Communities and Beerfests.com.
    “Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory program director. “It’s important to note that with construction taking place in our usual location of Preservation Park, we are temporarily relocating this popular fall event to Heritage Park, which is the only change to this annual event that will feature over 50 specialty beers, ciders, and seltzers in one location.”
    Proceeds from the event will benefit the Village Arts Factory, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth, and senior programs.
    Admission includes seven tasting tokens each good for beer, cider, or seltzer tasting samples, as well as two grilled brats with fixings (vegetarian option available), a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. The brats will be provided by Maraschinos Pub. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Atomic Radio, billed as “Detroit’s Premier Cover Band.”
    Tickets are $45 online at Beerfests.com (search Canton, MI) or at the door (cash only). Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended, as there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase onsite at the event. Additional beer-tasting tickets are available on-site for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5. Limited chairs and tables will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.
    For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/678.

Northville to host Seniors Health and Wellness Expo on Oct. 10Northville to host Seniors Health and Wellness Expo on Oct. 10

    Northville Senior Service will host a Health and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Northville Community Center.

    The purpose of the new event is to engage and educate older adults on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as address health concerns that arise with aging, officials said. New programming offered by the Senior Services will also be introduced during the event. Similar to previous events, registrants will enjoy vendor tables, but new this year are fitness class demonstrations, a Kroger Health vaccine clinic, door prize raffles and live entertainment from Suzi Marsh. Lunch also will be provided.
    “We are still going to have dancing and the party atmosphere,” said Senior Services Supervisor Debbie Giulianelli-Smith. “We are excited for this new emphasis, which has an educational element to it.”
    Senior Services recently added several fitness classes and enrichment programs for social well-being to the curriculum. The Expo will draw attention to some of them in hopes of promoting healthy lifestyles while having fun. Officials said the Health & Wellness Expo comes at an opportune time. Currently, a quarter of Michigan’s population is 65 or older. The state is in the midst of what’s called the “silver tsunami,” where 4.1 million Americans are poised to turn 65 this year and every year through 2027.
    This represents the largest surge of retirement-age Americans in history. The population in Northville is growing older and by 2045, the largest population growth area will be those 85 and older with an 86 percent increase, according to SEMCOG. That’s why Senior Services is putting a new emphasis on well-being, Giulianelli-Smith said.
    “By having this in October, which is often the start of flu season, we are giving those who want it the opportunity to get vaccinated,” she said.
    Northville Senior Services is a division of Northville Parks & Recreation. The Northville Community Center is at 303 W. Main St. The day-long event is priced at $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://npar.info/3SC57HM.
    “Our community is so active that this new Expo makes sense,” said Northville Parks & Recreation Director Derek O. Smith. “We expect the community to embrace this magical day planned just for them.”

Penn theater wins tax exemption battle

    It took nearly 3 years, but The Penn Theatre in downtown Plymouth has prevailed in a long battle for a property tax exemption.
    The financial burden of the tax could have become a factor in sustaining operations at the theater, according to Friends of the Penn Executive Director Ellen Elliott who spoke to an assembled crowd of concerned citizens during an informational meeting in August of 2023.
    Friends of the Penn used private donations to save the theater from demolition and returned it to operation in 2006. The non-profit group took full ownership of the theater in December of 2021 after leasing the building for many years, paying about $25,000 annually in property taxes. With full ownership of the theatre by a non-profit, the theater should have been granted a property tax exemption, Elliott said. She said 16 other non-profit theatres in the state currently enjoy the property tax exemption.
    The city of Plymouth denied the exemption, claiming the theater had not met the qualifications required of a non-profit group for tax-exempt status. Subsequently, Friends of the Penn appealed the decision to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prompting months of hearings and deliberation. The tax tribunal judge ruled last week that the Friends of the Penn does, in fact, qualify as a charitable institution and that the Penn qualifies as a non-profit theater.
    Friends of the Penn purchased the building in 2021 for $1.2 million and put another million dollars into the renovations, according to Elliott.
    Penn Theatre is open Thursday-Sunday. For showtimes, visit Penn Theatre’s website.

Road warrior

Romulus mayor accepts gruelling Hoka Key Motorcycle Challenge

    Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has proven he is a man who enjoys a challenge.

    For the next week or so, he will have a chance to demonstrate those skills as one of a selected group participating in the Hoka Hey, an event designed to test the limits of physical and mental endurance while traveling across the country on a motorcycle. The 100 riders, selected from hundreds of applicants, are prohibited from using electronic navigation devices, highways or hotels or motels.
    The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, considered the toughest motorcycle endurance race in the country takes place every two years and features travel on terrains designed to push riders and machines to the limits of their mental, physical and mechanical abilities. The event is steeped in Native American traditions and is similar to the ancient challenge faced by young Native American men to prove their worthiness and earn their designation as a warrior.
    Riders in the Hoka Hey select a charity and accept pledges and donations as support for their participation in the challenge. McCraight, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and ardent supporter of veterans’ causes, selected Foundation 14 as the charity he will ride for contributions.
    Foundation 14 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping veterans riding motorcycles. Founded eight years ago, Foundation 14 has helped 26 veterans by either providing them with specialized motorcycles that fit their specific disabilities or by assisting with a costly repair on an existing motorcycle. The goal is to get the veteran riding again and into positive social contact.
    McCraight and the other riders began their challenge at the southernmost point on Aug 4 and are not told of their designated route to the northernmost point of the country. Some directions are provided at the starting point and further routes provided at specific checkpoints as the ride continues until Aug. 14.
    “Simply put, I will be sleeping outside next to my bike for the duration of the event, using a compass and old school maps to find my way on the back roads,” McCraight said. His goal, he said, is to generate $14,000 in contributions for Foundation 14. McCraight explained that Foundation 14 is a healthy alternative to some of the negative attitudes that sometimes come with serving in a forward armed forces combat unit. These negative behaviors can range from depression, seclusion, alcohol or drug abuse.
    “During my years at Foundation 14, I have witnessed firsthand the efforts of Foundation 14 and how their work can change lives,” McCraight said.
    Donations to support McCraight’s efforts can be made at shorturl.at/XlgYx.

Crowds, officials welcome first Michigan Sheetz

    Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight declared Tuesday, Aug. 27 as “Sheetz Day” in the city during the grand opening celebration of the new facility last week.
    Hundreds of area residents joined McCraight and several other elected Romulus officials in welcoming the new store to the community. Travis Sheetz, CEO of the Altoona, Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain, presented $5,000 checks to Special Olympics Michigan, Forgotten Harvest and Romulus Parks and Recreation during the opening ceremony. This is the first Sheetz location in Michigan.
    Sheetz said the company is planning more Michigan locations, expanding the 752 stores the company now operates across the country.
    Crowds packed the location during the opening and filled the Wick Road parking lot with several people arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. hours before the scheduled 8 a.m. event.
    "We felt like there was a void in the market for our type of offer, because it is unique with gas and food and everything else," Sheetz said during the grand opening. "And we like that it’s a community-based area, because that’s how we are. We’re very attached to our community — we’ve been since the beginning — and we want to go to an area that resonates in that way.”
    Officials said the popularity of the well-known convenience store should help spur development in the new Romulus Trade Center nearby.
    The store will be open 24/7 every day of the year, officials said. In addition to both indoor and outdoor dining the Romulus locations will feature a drive-through window. Grocery items will be available as will a menu of made-to-order foods and beverages, from breakfast to subs, pizza, and specialty drinks. The location, near Detroit Metro Airport, also features one of the largest EV (electronic vehicle) charging networks in the country.
    The Romulus store is on a former vacant lot at 33380 Wick Road, off Interstate 94 and next to the Romulus Trade Center.

Family time

Children join 15-year barbeque volunteer

    The Rotary Chicken Barbeque this Sunday during the Plymouth Fall Festival is a real family affair for Ron Schmyr and his entire family.

    Schmyr, 65, his wife, seven children and his sons-in-law have been volunteering at the charity event for more than 15 years and they will be there again Sunday, manning the barbeque grills as more than 8,500 chickens are cooked to perfection.
    “It’s amazing to me that decades ago some engineer figured out how hot the grills had to be, how far from the coals the chickens should be and exactly how long it would take to get them to the perfect temperature,” Schmyr said. He said he and his family had been fascinated by the barbeque for decades as they live close to downtown Plymouth and the enticing aroma on Fall Festival Sunday would fill the air. “The kids grew up smelling the chicken,” said.
    When he moved his financial services business to downtown Plymouth, he joined the Rotary Club. That led to his first volunteer effort behind one of the enormous charcoal pits used to grill the chickens. He has eagerly maintained that position for more than 15 years and has been joined by two of his sons-in-law, his daughters and soon, he expects, three of his 11-year-old grandchildren. A sense of being able to give something back to the community is ingrained in his family, Schmyr said.
    He explained that when his family moved to Plymouth from downtown Detroit decades ago, he was amazed that a place like Plymouth even existed. He was used to the rigors of Detroit which at the time was experiencing serious unrest. “I saw tanks in the street when I was 8 years old” he recalled, “so coming to Plymouth was an explosion of senses.”
    He subsequently met his wife Julie when she was in the 5th grade and he in 7th and after their graduations they married and made their home in Plymouth where they raised their family.
    “There is no other way to say it, this is just a very special community and I am very proud to be a part of it. I simply can’t phrase it any other way, this is just a love affair with Plymouth,” he said.
    After 15 years, Schmyr has earned his spot near the head of the pit where he will man the grill from about 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon this Sunday, Sept. 8.

Canton Center Road closed for ‘essential’ repair work

    The Wayne County Department of Public Services has temporarily closed Canton Center Road over Willow Creek, south of Joy Road in Canton Township to perform emergency repairs. The closure is necessary, according to officials, to address critical issues with the culvert and ensure the safety and functionality of the road.
    Motorists are advised to use detour routes to navigate around the closure. Northbound traffic on Canton Center Road can proceed straight through the intersection of Canton Center Road and Sheldon Center Road, turn right onto Sheldon Center Road, then onto Sheldon rod. Continue north of Sheldon Road to Joy Road and then turn left onto Joy Road and continue west to Canton Center Road.
    Southbound traffic on Canton Center Road should turn left onto Joy Road and travel east to Sheldon Road. Turn right onto Sheldon Road and proceed south to Sheldon Center Road and turn right onto Sheldon Center Road and continue to Canton Center Road.
    Officials said the essential repairs would be completed as quickly as possible. For more information, contact the 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273.

Honored

    Last week, the City of Westland honored former Community Media Director Craig Welkenbach who

passed away earlier this year. Mr. Welkenbach served the community for more than 25 years earning many awards and the love and respect of everyone he came in contact with, officials said during the dedication of the plaque marking the renaming of the building. “In recognition of all that he did for the city and for the friend he was to so many people, the WLND Studios have been dedicated in his honor and are now officially called The Welkenbach Studios,” noted officials before a large crowd who attended the ceremony in memory of Mr. Welkenbach.