It’s official

Romulus hosts formal inauguration ceremony for new administration

 

Members of the Romulus City Council, Mayor Robert McCraight, Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg and Treasurer Stacy Paige were officially sworn in to their four-year terms of office during a ceremony last week.

Each gave a short acceptance speech during the inauguration ceremony, all thanking the voters; supporters and their families. McCraight noted that this was one of the few times in city history that the mayor, clerk and treasurer were unopposed in the election. “We must be on the right path,” he noted. McCraight also spoke about recent growth and development in the city and stressed the importance of team effort. He explained that the officials are a team, all working toward the single goal of improving the community “for those who live and work here.”

“We are all working toward One Romulus,” McCraight said.

The event celebrated one of the last official dates for former Mayor Pro Tem John Barden who served on the council for more than 20 years before opting not to seek election last November. During her speech, Talley mentioned the contributions and guidance Barden had offered her and thanked him for his decades of service to the city and residents.

Both Craig-Bragg and Paige thanked their supporters and Craig-Bragg took the opportunity to also praise and express her regard and gratitude to her staff members. One of her staff, Assistant City D’Sjonaun Hockenhull acted as emcee for the ceremony speaking about the responsibility of public office and the hope and optimism each official brings to public service.

Townships request changes to funding cuts in state budget

Supervisors from 119 Michigan townships have banded together to request a change in funding to the state budget adopted in October and for a seat at the table as policy and appropriations that impact local governments are considered.

Townships across the state face cutting life-saving services such as police and fire, as well as a decline in road safety, as a direct result of the state budget allocations, noted Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.

“This year’s state budget slashed funding to local governments representing over 52 percent of Michigan’s residents – hometown governments administering safe and secure elections, collecting trash and recycling, making sure our drinking water and buildings are safe, and caring for parks, natural spaces, and families throughout Michigan,” said Graham-Hudak. “These cuts to services in our hometown – many of which we take for granted – are wrong and must be fixed by Lansing.”

“If Lansing fails to act, hometowns throughout Michigan will experience a precipitous decline in quality-of-life issues not seen since the Great Recession. These state cuts to local services may lead some towns to raise taxes just to cover the basics – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s get this right Michigan: restore the funding, so our hometowns keep running,” she added.

In the letter sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, state leaders are encouraged to consider adopting a supplemental budget that backfills the sales tax revenue lost due to the redirect at the pump, thereby holding local units of government harmless.

"While the road funding package of bills helped cities offset the cuts to revenue sharing, townships will not receive any benefit from the new funding,” said Mark Abbo, Northville Township supervisor. “Therefore, with no offset for townships, we urge legislators to action to address the shortfalls to townships.”

“Local governments across Michigan are already pressed in our budgets for trying to do more with less, while maintaining quality services for our residents,” said Kevin McNamara, Van Buren Township Supervisor. “We need our state leaders in Lansing to come together to figure out a solution that doesn’t cut the revenues we rely on and place the burden on the local communities in the supplemental budget.”

In the letter, the township leaders remind state legislators that “local governments are the most connected to the residents we collectively serve, and we are asking you to work in partnership with us to ensure that we can provide the critical services needed in our communities throughout Michigan.”

Hometown heroes

The Annual First Responders Award Luncheon celebrated by the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club honored local public safety heroes last Friday. The event has been a tradition of the club for more than two decades, taking time to recognize the efforts of those “who run toward danger while the rest of us run away.”  Honored this year as the “best of the best” were, from left, Department of Municipal Services Operations Technician Evan Duffiney, introduced by Plymouth City Manager Chris Porman; City of Plymouth Firefighter EMT Sylvia Stepien introduced by Fire Chief Pat Conely; Huron Valley Ambulance Paramedic/Field Training Officer Ramsay Bialek introduced by HVA Vice President Carl Rock; Plymouth Police Department Sgt. Justin Bulmer, introduced by Police Chief Al Cox; Plymouth Township Police Department Detective Luke Drejewski introduced by Police Chief  James Knittel and Plymouth Township Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Pancoast introduced by Fire Chief Pat Conely. Each received a commemorative plaque during the ceremony attended by friends and families of the honorees.

Beloved Northville Township firefighter/paramedic retires

Northville Township Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Sims, one of the most beloved ambassadors for the department, has retired after 20 years in the fire service, including 17½ years with the Northville Township Fire Department. His final shift was Dec. 8.

He said he still remembers the exact moment the idea of this career first took root.

A friend from his hometown of Taylor, Russell McNamee, who was working for the Taylor Fire Department, told him about his own career, including the work, the teamwork, the benefits and the life of a firefighter.

“That planted the seed,” Sims said. “I remember the house we were at, the people standing in the circle.” Without that interaction, “I wouldn’t have pursued this career. I wouldn’t have landed here.”

After graduating from Eastern, where he earned a double major in political science and communication, his first job was at the American Cancer Society. He worked as a community and volunteer organizer, honing his people skills. He was the guy who coordinated Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events, lining up volunteers, planning fundraisers and living behind a desk more than he liked.

“It was good work, but it just wasn’t for me,” he said. “I didn’t want to be in an office all the time. I knew I wanted to help or be in public service in some way, but I didn’t quite know the format.”

His Taylor firefighter friend gave him a curriculum to follow to explore his future. He began taking classes at Schoolcraft College, to be an emergency medical technician (EMT), then in the fire academy and eventually a paramedic, all while still working full-time.

“I’d work at the Cancer Society during the day, then go to the part-time fire academy a couple evenings a week and all-day Saturday,” he said. “You just kind of hustle once you figure out the direction you’re going.”

In January 2005, he left the American Cancer Society and started two new jobs almost at once: as a tech in the emergency room at what was then Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne and as a firefighter with Van Buren Township, where he began in 2005.

He joined Northville Township in July 2008. During the past two decades, Sims served as both firefighter and paramedic, as well as on the department union executive board. In addition, he helped launch the Northville Township elementary school fire safety education program for kindergartners and now fourth grade. 

“He is loved by everyone inside and outside of our organization,” said Fire Chief Brent Siegel. “Jeff is a true ambassador. He brings everyone together.”

This reputation was well known in the Northville Township Police Department, too.

“If I was on a call with someone who needed medical attention and was uncooperative, I would look around to see if Jeff was on scene,” said Police Lt. Patrick Reinke. “He is so naturally good with people and would bring calm to any situation.”

More than two decades later, he’s now on a new path. Sims, 44, is choosing to retire now to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Sarah, a nurse anesthetist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, have three daughters, ages 11, 9 and 8. This new role includes full-time dad, project manager and family “organizer-in-chief.”

He’s going to miss it, he admits.

He says what stands out most are the relationships built over time with his co-workers and township residents.

"We experience this unique profession as a team, over years,” he said. “In many cases, we grow up, or old, together. Those years and experiences bond us. I'll miss that the most. Sharing meals, sharing easy and challenging days, and life experiences with the crew. There are so many good people at NTFD that I've benefitted from sharing the station with. I'm sad to lose that, but thankful to have had it all.

“I don’t plan to vanish. I hope to come back for events, see the crew for coffee or breakfast and stay connected. This place and this community have been a big part of my life.”

Veterans’ wreath laying event is Saturday in Romulus

Romulus will again this year join nearly 5,000 cemeteries across the country this Saturday during National Wreaths Across America Day.

The ceremony, set for Dec. 13, at Romulus Memorial Cemetery has become a tradition in the community. It is set to begin at noon and will honor and remember the more than 400 veterans buried at the facility. The effort in Romulus is led by members of the Romulus Veterans of Foreign Wars 9568 (VFW) who have been collecting donations to fund the project. Funds to purchase the wreaths, priced at $17 were collected since October and the group website reported that 637 wreaths, 27.3 percent more than the goal, had been purchased for the Saturday event.

Volunteers will lay the wreaths on the graves of veterans following a short memorial service. The event is family friendly and open to the public.  Last year, more than 3 million wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves during the commemorative event across the country, according to information provided by the national Wreaths Across America group.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is an organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and their families, offering a wide range of support services.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Mistletoe Market set

The annual Mistletoe Market in downtown Plymouth is set for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 this year.

The event includes horse and carriage rides, the kids’ candy cane corner, live music and entertainment and free trolley rides around town to meet and greet holiday characters. 

Hours are 2 until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 14, the event will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

More information is available at ChristmasinPlymouth.com

 

Max’s Vault is available

The Northville Township Police Department is once again helping keep “porch pirates” at bay this holiday season with Operation Max’s Vault — named for four-legged police Therapy Dog Max.

Township residents can have packages shipped to the Northville Township Police Department for safe keeping in Max’s Vault through Jan. 1, 2026. Packages should be addressed with the recipient’s name, c/0 Max’s Vault, 40911 Seven Mile Road, Northville, Mi 48167.

Packages should be retrieved within five days of delivery, officials said. This free program has become a community favorite providing safe shipping during the holiday season, officials said.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

United Way collecting warm winter clothing

Plymouth Community United Way is collecting new men’s, women’s and children’s items including scarves, gloves, coats, blankets, boots, hats, and socks — to help ensure families and individuals in our community stay warm this winter. Donations can be dropped off at Plymouth Community United Way, 960 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Suite 2 Plymouth, MI 48170.

11 communities respond to massive Belleville blaze

Fire departments from Belleville, Wayne, Canton Township and Huron Township were among 11 area first responders helping to battle a massive fire at National RV Detroit in Belleville last Saturday.

The blaze sent black smoke and flames into the air visible for several miles, witnesses said.

The fire at the recreational vehicle dealership, located at 44700 North Interstate 94 Service Drive, was reported at about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Police and fire officials reported no injuries in the blaze which was eventually extinguished. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, officials said.

In a social media post Sunday, representatives from National RV Detroit asked clients to delay bringing vehicles in for service and asked for patience as damage is assessed.

"As many of you are aware, we experienced a major fire at our dealership facility on Saturday evening. Everyone got out safe, and we are left to pick up the pieces and get things reorganized so that we can rebuild and move on. In the meantime, please do not bring any service units to our facility if you had an appointment. We will be contacting you in the next few days to make alternative arrangements. We're also determining which vehicles were affected by the fire and will contact you when we have more information. Please bear with us and be patient as we go through this process. We will be back to serving you soon."

Seven motorhomes inside the building were likely destroyed and others outside damaged, according to reports from fire officials.

Van Buren Township Fire Chief David McInally said firefighters brought the blaze under control in about two hours.

“Seven motorhomes were inside the building, and a few others outside were damaged,” McInally said. “Some had propane tanks that exploded, but those were minor and handled quickly.”

The business plans to resume complete operations, according to a spokesman.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation but is currently unknown, officials said.

Enduring memory

Renovated ARC playhouse dedicated to lifelong supporter, family

The Arc of Northwest Wayne County (The Arc NW) in Canton Township unveiled the newly renovated Carol Zago and  Family Playhouse at an official dedication last week. The newly renovated space supports the Lekotek Play Program, a program that provides guided play and toy lending to enhance development and growth for children, along with inclusion within their families, schools and communities.

A bequest by the late Carol Zago upon her passing and additional fundraising led by her family has provided more than $35,000 to support the Lekotek Play Program which has assisted in funding improvements to the space and providing programming to Lekotek Play Program participants. The organization has named the space the “Carol Zago and Family Playhouse” in her honor, a spokesperson noted in a prepared release.

Renovations to the space included new carpet, paint, double doors for accessibility, a sensory wall, climbing equipment, a wall mural, furnishings, lighting, curtains and wall decor. These improvements support the Lekotek Play Program by creating a welcoming, sensory-friendly and accessible space in which children can interact and play, officials said. 

“The Carol Zago and Family Playhouse has created a beautiful and welcoming home for our Lekotek Play Program, a program that helps families to imagine a real, included life for their child that looks like the life of anyone else,” said Gretchen Sanewsky, executive director of The Arc NW. “We are extremely grateful to the Zago family for their generous financial support which serves as an investment into our organization's sustainability and ability to serve the community for generations to come. We are honored to dedicate this space to Carol and the Zago family as a show of appreciation for all of the ways they’ve supported The Arc NW for decades.”

Carol Zago and her family were connected to The Arc NW in the 1970s as a resource for her son, Christian, who was born with multiple disabilities and medical issues. Christian passed away in 2002 at the age of 30, Sanewsky said. 

“The Arc of Northwest Wayne County’s programs, advocacy and support was transformative for my family and helped shape the life my brother got to experience,” said Michael Zago. “There are many other families like ours that The Arc NW impacts, so it was important to my family that, even after Christian passed, we find ways to support The Arc NW so they can continue their impact and provide families the support they need.”

The Carol Zago and Family Playhouse supports families in Wayne County who have a child with disabilities of any kind from birth to 12 years old. Additionally, it supports local schools, teachers, therapists, other organizations that serve people with disabilities and local communities that can take part in inclusive activities in the space.

More information about The Arc NW is available at www.thearcnw.org.

Landmark Plymouth restaurant forced to close after 66 years

A landmark in the City of Plymouth will close this month after six decades of serving residents from throughout the area.

Bode’s Corned Beef House, located on Main Street next to the railroad crossing, has been an institution in the community and surrounding area since 1959. The closure came as an unpleasant surprise to owner David Mueller who received an eviction notice from new owners of the property demanding the business vacate the building by Dec. 19.

Mueller said the increased monthly rent on the building proposed by the new owners was unsustainable for his business. He said two weeks after the notification of the rent increase, he received an eviction notice. He said he was “shocked and stunned” and admitted he had a “good cry” over the loss of his landmark business. Mueller has owned the business since 2019 after working in the kitchen for the previous owners.

Mueller said he was told the new owners plan to bring in a different restaurant concept to the historic building.

The house was built in 1868 at 280 North Main St. and was initially a boarding house and hotel for railroad workers. As years passed, the building served as a church and a music studio before becoming the famous corned beef house.

Mueller said news of the impending closure has swept through the community. He said the Chamber of Commerce, other business owners and long-time customers have contacted him offering support. He said, overall, the reaction from the public has been one of sadness to see such a longtime landmark business close.

To help the staff, who were also surprised by the impending loss of their jobs just prior to the holidays, a fundraiser has been planned at the restaurant from 4 until 8 p.m. Dec. 15. Mueller announced the effort in a social media post.

“It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts that we announce that Bode's Corned Beef House will be closing its doors on December 19th, 2025,” he said in the message. “As I’m sure you realize, being forced to close right before the Christmas holiday is a tough blow, but we hope you’ll join us on December 15th for a Christmas party fundraiser for our staff.”

Mueller said he was grateful for the years of support from the community.

“Once again, thank you for contributing to the memories we’ve made… It has been an honor serving you,” he ended the Facebook post.

Mueller said he and his wife are hoping to reopen nearby with a smaller operation and perhaps a bakery. “We may call it Bode’s Corned Beef House II,” he said.

Christmas in the Village returns to Canton Saturday

Christmas in the Village will return to Cherry Hill Village in Canton Township with new additions and holiday cheer this Saturday.

The family-friendly event will feature a curated holiday artisan market with unique merchandise along with carolers and live musicians, a petting zoo, a variety of food trucks and seasonal treats, as well as free kids’ crafts and an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus and decorate holiday cookies.

Christmas in the Village activities will take place on the campus of the Village Arts Factory, from 3 until 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The arts factory is located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road and the event will also take place at the Cherry Hill Village fountain area, Maraschinos Pub, Indigo Salon, Greenland Market and Saj Canton.

Additional event highlights include: horse and carriage rides; holiday ornament-making at Cold Stone Creamery; cookies and cocoa at the Village Grocery; kids’ hair tinsel and holiday boutique at Indigo Salon; as well as a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Village Arts Factory. The Cherry Hill Potters Guild will also be on hand, joining over 25 craft and artisan vendors selling unique crafts.

A special IKEA Uppvärmning Lodge will be erected on the event grounds, featuring complimentary warm cinnamon rolls and Swedish Glögg - while supplies last. Additional tasty food options will be available for purchase, including hot chocolate provided by Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. The festivities continue with a pizza and pop buffet, which is available for purchase at Maraschinos Pub, who will also provide visits with “Frozen” characters Elsa and Anna, as well as holiday karaoke. Greenland Market and Saj Canton will feature a snowman-making activity and build-a-snowman scavenger hunt, plus visits with the “Frozen” character Olaf.

The event is organized by the Village Arts Factory, and Canton Township and is free and open to the entire Canton community, as well as surrounding communities. Event sponsors include Schoolcraft College, Edward Jones of Cherry Hill Village, Expressions Music Academy, Jacob Matthew Jewelers, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Kumon Math and Reading Center of Canton, IKEA, Go Grow, Alphagraphics, Blink Eye Care, Story Point, Village Church, and Primrose Academy.

The festivities are appropriate for all ages. Event participants are reminded to dress for the weather. On-site parking will be limited, so participants are advised to utilize area public lots listed at www.cantonmi.gov/1384, or the shuttle service from Preservation Park and United Methodist Church.

For more information, visit www.cantonfun.org, villageartsfactory.com, or call (734) 394-5460.

Business Flex condo units OK’d

A new four-building flexible use condominium complex has been approved by members of the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees.

Township Supervisor Chuck Curmi noted that the building plan was “somewhat unique. We’ve never had anything quite like this in Plymouth Township,” he noted. The new 41-unit "mini-flex" condominium development will include warehouse-style units that will be for sale and can house a wide variety of businesses. Residential use will be prohibited.

The units will range, developer Mark Roberts said, from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, with expected sale prices between $300,000 to $500,000, depending on size and build-out. The new construction is planned for a 6-acre site near Schoolcraft Road and Haggerty.

Plymouth Flex Condominiums will fill a vacant 6-acre parcel off Schoolcraft Road east of Haggerty. The units will be small, individual warehouse-style spaces designed for light manufacturing and business storage to personal workshops and offices. The units will have steel doors, masonry walls and high windows. Management is expected to be through a condominium association of owners.

Roberts told the board members that he expects the development to be an active place. After lengthy discussion regarding the acceptable or permitted uses, the brewery designation remained intact with trustees noting that the lack of a storefront would not attract clients looking for a drinking or eating establishment.

 The project was approved by a vote of 5-2, with trustees John Stewart and Sandy Groth opposed to the development. Each expressed concern regarding the wide range of uses allowed at the new project and the inability of the township to make changes to permitted uses in the future.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 

Romulus to light up official holiday tree

The official holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 5 at Romulus Historical Park, 11147 Hunt St. in Romulus.

Photos with Santa, hayrides, photo ops, activities, and entertainment for the whole family are planned at the free, family event.
For more information call Romulus Recreation at (734) 941-8665

 

Mistletoe Market set

The annual Mistletoe Market in downtown Plymouth is set for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 this year.

The event includes horse and carriage rides, the kids’ candy cane corner, live music and entertainment and free trolley rides around town to meet and greet holiday characters. 

Hours are 2 until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 14, the event will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

More information is available at ChristmasinPlymouth.com

 

Max’s Vault is available

The Northville Township Police Department is once again helping keep “porch pirates” at bay this holiday season with Operation Max’s Vault — named for four-legged police Therapy Dog Max.

Township residents can have packages shipped to the Northville Township Police Department for safe keeping in Max’s Vault through Jan. 1, 2026. Packages should be addressed with the recipient’s name, c/0 Max’s Vault, 40911 Seven Mile Road, Northville, Mi 48167.

Packages should be retrieved within five days of delivery, officials said. This free program has become a community favorite providing safe shipping during the holiday season, officials said.

 

Donations sought to fund wreath for veterans’ ceremony

A wreath-laying ceremony is planned for noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at Romulus Memorial Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America Day event. Donations to fund wreaths for the ceremony are needed.

Wreaths are priced at $17 each and donations to purchase one or more can be made through Romulus VFW #9568's Page at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/32596/Overview

Order forms are also available at Romulus Public Library and will be accepted at the Community Development Office in Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus.

More information is available at (734) 955-4539 or jhobbs@romulusgov.com.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

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United Way collecting warm winter clothing

Plymouth Community United Way is collecting new men’s, women’s and children’s items including scarves, gloves, coats, blankets, boots, hats, and socks — to help ensure families and individuals in our community stay warm this winter. Donations can be dropped off at Plymouth Community United Way, 960 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Suite 2 Plymouth, MI 48170

Romulus to honor veterans during Wreaths Across America

As has become a community tradition, a wreath-laying ceremony is planned for noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at Romulus Memorial Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America Day event. Organizers said donations to fund wreaths for the ceremony are needed.

The tradition began in 1992 when Worcester Wreath found themselves with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, owner Morrill Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe (ret), arrangements were made for the surplus wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older cemetery sections that had been receiving fewer visitors each passing year.

For more than a decade, the annual wreath tribute went on quietly and privately. Everything changed in 2005, when a photo of the stones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the internet. Suddenly, the homespun tribute from a small town in downeast Maine was receiving national attention. Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to help purchase and lay wreaths at Arlington. Thousands more wanted to emulate the Arlington project at their local National and State cemeteries

Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Worcester began sending seven wreaths to every state: One for each branch of the military and an additional wreath to pay tribute to POW/MIAs. In 2006, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies were held at more than 150 locations around the country.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with the support of veterans organizations and a variety of other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support others around the country who wanted to do the same.

The wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago still takes place annually, on the second or third Saturday of December. 

In 2024, more than three million sponsored veterans' wreaths were placed on headstones of our nation's service members at 4,909 participating locations. More than four million volunteers helped place wreaths, a third of whom were children. This was accomplished with the support of more than 7,400 sponsorship groups, corporate contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country.

Organizers from Romulus said donations to fund wreaths for the local ceremony are needed.

Wreaths are priced at $17 each and donations to purchase one or more can be made through Romulus VFW #9568's Page at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/32596/Overview

Order forms are also available at Romulus Public Library and will be accepted at the Community Development Office in Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus.

More information is available at (734) 955-4539 or jhobbs@romulusgov.com.

Home invasion suspect apprehended by Plymouth Township police

A suspect in home invasions in both Plymouth and Bloomfield townships was arraigned Nov. 19 by Judge Joe Barone of the 35^th District Court and denied bond.

Antonio Draco Jones, Jr. is facing charges of home invasion first degree; stealing a financial transaction device and as a second offense habitual offender.

According to Plymouth Township Chief of Police James H. Knittel, Jr. dispatchers received a call from a homeowner in the Lake Pointe subdivision near Farrand Elementary School at 7 a.m. Nov. 4. The resident reported a home invasion in which cash and credit cards were taken while they were asleep in the home. The invasion and theft was not discovered until the following morning, according to police reports of the incident.

Police reported that no individual suffered any physical harm during the break in.

Plymouth Township investigators were able to develop a suspect within 48 hours, according to a statement from Knittel.

“Our detectives proceeded to monitor the suspect’s activity, while simultaneously building their case for eventual submission to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office,” he reported.

At about 3:51 p.m. Nov. 7, Plymouth Township detectives determined that the suspect was driving through a subdivision in Bloomfield Township.

Knittel stressed that the suspect had no known ties to this area.   

Plymouth detectives contacted the Bloomfield Township Police Department and the suspect was located and detained with a traffic stop by Bloomfield officers.

“It was determined that the suspect had committed another home invasion in Bloomfield Township, just prior to being stopped by the Bloomfield Township Police Department,” Knittel said. The suspect was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with Home Invasion in Oakland County.  He has been incarcerated at the Oakland County Jail with a $250,000 cash bond since his arrest.

In the Plymouth incident, Jones was charged Nov. 14 with home invasion – first degree; financial transaction device – stealing/retaining without consent 2 counts and as a habitual offender.

“These were very concerning incidents, as the families were home during both home invasions.  I commend the teamwork shown by investigators from the Bloomfield Township and the Plymouth Township Police Departments while tracking down leads and arresting this dangerous suspect” 

The Plymouth Township Police Department encourages anyone with additional information related to this case to contact Det. Sgt. Jason Hayes at (734) 354-3234.

Plymouth business owners facing federal charges in hiring of illegal workers

Moises Orduna-Rios, 36, and Raquel Orduna-Rios, 30, of Plymouth, were arrested last week and charged with federal crimes including conspiracy, transporting and harboring unauthorized aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain, conspiracy to bring in, harbor, and transport unauthorized aliens, employment of at least 10 unauthorized aliens within a 12-month period, engaging in a pattern or practice of employing unauthorized aliens, and money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 for each unauthorized alien employed by the defendants. The charges were filed last week in a New York federal court.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Orduna Plumbing Inc., is based in Michigan, with operations throughout the United States, including in New York, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio. Moises Orduna-Rios is the president of Orduna Plumbing, while Raquel Orduna-Rios is the treasurer and secretary.

Federal court filings allege that since January 2022, through December 2024, the defendants employed approximately 253 individuals. Of those, only six were confirmed to be legally present and permitted to work in the United States. The defendants collected the passports of the unauthorized aliens and housed them in overcrowded houses and hotel rooms, according to court documents. Investigators estimated that between Jan. 1, 2022, and Aug. 7, 2025, the couple generated approximately $74 million in customer revenue.  During the course of the investigation, U.S. Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 23 unauthorized aliens employed by Orduna Plumbing, in Buffalo, Rochester, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Federal authorities said the investigation uncovered messaging communications between Moises Orduna-Rios and some of the unauthorized aliens, during which they discussed payroll, proper care of company vehicles, proper use of company credit cards, concerns about being undocumented, switching housing locations to be less visible to law enforcement, and precautions that should be taken to avoid being apprehended. In one instance, on Feb. 1, 2025, Moises Orduna-Rios sent this message by way of a group chat stating, “Gentlemen, with all the controversy that is going on, it’s better to get ready, drive the speed limit, limit yourselves going to the store, only do minimal running of errands, and do not have any gatherings such as barbeques…” Orduna paid the workers $800 to $1,500 per week, according to authorities, and covered some living expenses.

In the summer of 2025, Border Patrol agents executed a search warrant at a Rochester residence that housed some of the unauthorized aliens believed to be working for Orduna Plumbing. Border Patrol found nine individuals, all of whom were illegally present in the United States, living in a small sparsely furnished residence, according to a statement from federal prosecutors.  

A financial review of Orduna Plumbing revealed the company paid hundreds of employees known to be illegally present in the United States through multiple bank accounts used and controlled by the defendants.

Moises Orduna-Rios and Raquel Orduna-Rios made an initial appearance last week in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit,  charged with conspiracy, transporting and harboring undocumented immigrants for commercial advantage or private financial gain, and money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $3,000 for each undocumented immigrant they employed.

The couple were released on bond. Their next court appearance will take place on Dec. 2 in federal court in New York, where the criminal case was filed and will be prosecuted.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty, authorities stressed.  

On the job

Romulus Police Department celebrated the promotions of three new supervisors last week. Mayor Robert McCraight, far left, congratulated new Sgt. Chris Kososki, Lt. Matt Reese and Sgt.  Bryan Perkins. The officers were introduced by Police Chief Robert Pfannes, far right. The officers were officially promoted in a city hall ceremony that also saw four new officers sworn in. New officers include Logan Northrup, Jake Wolok and Samantha Barulic who recently graduated from the 17-week Wayne County Regional Police Academy, where each scored more than 91 percent on final examinations, Pfannes noted. Jeremiah Proctor, the fourth new hire is an experienced officer from the Detroit Police Department.

Identity theft suspect arrested in Northville

A California man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest by Northville Township Police investigating an extensive tap-to-pay identity theft scheme.

Jian-Wei “Juan” Li, 40, was arrested following a multi-day surveillance operation that uncovered his involvement in more than 25 fraudulent tap-to-pay incidents at Meijer stores, dating back to May 2025, according to police reports. The scheme impacted retailers throughout Metro Detroit and nationwide, officials said.

The investigation began Nov. 11, police responded to multiple reports of an unidentified male suspect perpetrating the tap-to-pay scheme in local Meijer stores.  The Michigan Attorney General/Michigan State Police Focused Organized Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team and Northville Township Police arrested Li following a multi-day surveillance operation, according to official reports.

Investigators determined that Li was participating in a tap-to-pay scheme involving organized groups who load stolen or compromised U.S. credit card accounts into mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. He used these to purchase goods, including Apple devices, gift cards and other easily resold merchandise. He then shipped them out of state or overseas, police said.

Northville police investigators conducted intensive physical surveillance of Li, who was staying at a local hotel and driving a 2019 Mercedes SUV. Over the course of three days, investigators documented Li conducting more than 60 attempted transactions using more than 40 different card numbers across Meijer, Best Buy, Speedway, Lululemon, Macy’s, Home Depot and Trader Joe’s locations, police said.

On Nov. 18, Li was taken into custody leaving a Best Buy store without incident.

Following the arrest, investigators executed multiple search warrants. A search of Li’s hotel room recovered large quantities of gift cards, receipts for iPad purchases and documentation of declined transactions.

On Nov. 20, Li was charged through the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with three 5-year felonies of identity theft. Offiicals said he was arraigned last Sunday and given a $100,000 cash bond and would be required to be on a GPS tether if bond is posted.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 1.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Santa arrives in Plymouth

Santa arrives in Plymouth tomorrow, Nov. 28, with a parade that begins at Kiwanis Park just after 5:30 p.m. The parade will continue on to 10 different city parks/areas.

Santa is expected to arrive at his last stop in Kellogg Park at just after 7:30. Holiday fun will begin in Kellogg Park at 6:30 with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony after Santa's arrival at approximately 7:45. For more details including route information, visit https://downtownplymouth.org/.../Santas-City-of-Plymouth...

 

Westland police hoping to stuff a squad car

Westland Police Department will be holding the 9th Annual Stuff a Squad Car event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 28.

The squad car will be parked at the Westland Meijer store at 37201 Warren Road.

The Stuff a Squad Car effort is a benefit for the Westland Goodfellows, “No Child Without a Christmas” program which helps supply local children with Christmas gifts. Free photos with Santa will be available for anyone who chooses to donate a new unwrapped toy.

           

Romulus to light up official holiday tree

The official holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Romulus Historical Park, 11147 Hunt St. in Romulus.

Photos with Santa, hayrides, photo ops, activities, and entertainment for the whole family are planned at the free, family event. For more information, call Romulus Recreation at (734) 941-8665

Mistletoe Market set

The annual Mistletoe Market in downtown Plymouth is set for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 this year.

The event includes horse and carriage rides, the kids’ candy cane corner, live music and entertainment and free trolley rides around town to meet and greet holiday characters. 

Hours are 2 until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 14, the event will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

More information is available at ChristmasinPlymouth.com

 

Max’s Vault is available

The Northville Township Police Department is once again helping keep “porch pirates” at bay this holiday season with Operation Max’s Vault — named for four-legged police Therapy Dog Max.

Township residents can have packages shipped to the Northville Township Police Department for safe keeping in Max’s Vault through Jan. 1, 2026. Packages should be addressed with the recipient’s name, c/0 Max’s Vault, 40911 Seven Mile Road, Northville, Mi 48167.

Packages should be retrieved within five days of delivery, officials said. This free program has become a community favorite providing safe shipping during the holiday season, officials said.

 

Village Potters Guild Holiday Market planned 

The Village Potters Guild Annual Holiday Market is planned for Nov. 21-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The annual event will take place in Plymouth at 326 N. Main St., just north of the railroad tracks in the building behind Sidecar Slider Bar.

Sales hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Nov. 21 and 22 and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

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United Way collecting warm winter clothing

Plymouth Community United Way is collecting new men’s, women’s and children’s items including scarves, gloves, coats, blankets, boots, hats, and socks — to help ensure families and individuals in our community stay warm this winter. Donations can be dropped off at Plymouth Community United Way, 960 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Suite 2 Plymouth, MI 48170.