A day to remember

    Memorial Day dedicated to honor American service workers

The three-day weekend many will enjoy with cook-outs and picnics is much more significant than the unofficial beginning of summer across the country.

    Next Monday is Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May each year, a holiday designated as a special time for Americans to honor and remember men and women who served and sacrificed in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day holds deep significance for the nation as a time to honor and remember the sacrifices made by military personnel. It serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who fought to protect it. The day is traditionally marked by ceremonies, parades, and various forms of tribute, including the laying of wreaths at the graves of servicemen and women and the playing of taps.
    Banks and municipal offices will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery Monday which is a federal holiday.
    In 2000, Congress enacted the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which encourages all Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. This moment serves as a unified expression of gratitude and respect for those who have given their lives in service to the country.
    Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The war, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, resulted in the loss of approximately 620,000 soldiers’ lives. In response to this massive loss, local communities began holding tributes to the fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and flags.
    The first national observance of Decoration Day took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery. The date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle, allowing it to be a day of remembrance for all who had died in the war.
    Over time, the observance of Decoration Day expanded to honor all American military personnel who had died in all wars. In 1967, the holiday officially became known as Memorial Day. Then, in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was approved, which moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971.
    Memorial Day 2025 will be observed with various celebrations and traditions across the country including the National Memorial Day Concert which takes place annually on the Sunday before Memorial Day. It is a televised event that takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
    Many cities and towns across the United States plan Memorial Day parades.

WAYNE WESTLAND
    In Westland, a parade is set to begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 25. The parade will begin at John Glenn High School and end at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden where a memorial ceremony will take place.

BELLEVILLE
    In Belleville a memorial parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Belleville High School parking lot and continue down Main Street. A ceremony by VFW Post 4434 and PLAV Post 167 is planned for 11 a.m.

PLYMOUTH
    In Plymouth, the Memorial Day parade will begin at 9 a.m. May 26 at Wing Street and travel down Main Street to the Veterans Memorial Park where a commemorative ceremony will take place.

NORTHVILLE

    In Northville, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. May 26 at Griswold and Main streets and travel to Rural Hill Cemetery where a ceremony honoring service men and women is planned.

 

Annual Canton Liberty Run set for June 12

    For the 12th year, the anticipated Liberty Run will be part of the Canton Liberty Fest. The race, marked with colorful red, white and blue patriotic costumes will feature 5K, 10K, and one Mile races, on Saturday, June 14.
    All race events will start at the clock tower corner of Veterans Way and Civic Center Boulevard, located at 1180 S. Canton Center Road. Race distances include a 5K to begin at 8 a.m.; a 10K to begin at 8:30 a.m. and a One Mile Fun Run to begin at 10 a.m. The event is organized in partnership with RF Events.
    Liberty Run entry includes a finisher’s medal for all distances. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue running garb for a chance to win the most patriotic outfit award. Race organizers will be collecting food this year for Open Door Ministries, a local food pantry located in Canton. In addition, a portion of all entry fees will help fund recreation and trail improvements in the township.
    After looping through neighborhood streets and the Lower Rouge Trail, participants are encouraged to refuel after the race at the Canton Lions Club 28th Annual Pancake Breakfast, which will take place in the Heritage Park North Pavilions from 7 – 11 a.m., while supplies last.
    Canton Liberty Fest will take place June 12-14, featuring a full spectrum of carnival rides, midway games and special attractions for all ages. For additional information about Canton’s 32nd annual Liberty Fest, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.com or call (734) 394-5360. Discount amusement ride tickets are now available for purchase.
    To register or for more information about the Canton Liberty Run, visit www.cantonlibertyrun.com.

Housing project near Cherry Hill Village OK’d by planning commission

    The second request for approval of a Planned Development District (PDD) near Cherry Hill Village was approved by members of the Canton Township Planning Commission at the May 5 meeting.
    The project, called Harvest Creek, was first presented for approval last November but met with concerns regarding traffic patterns. The developer, listed as 1205 Ridge LLC in documents presented to the commissioners, proposed the construction of 18 single-family homes for a 7-acre site on property on the east side of Ridge Road between Paine Street and Proctor Road.
    Concerns regarding the project including Ridge Road access, drainage and impact on neighboring property prompted the postponement of the proposal in November. Commissioners requested a traffic study during that initial submission of the plan. That study, conducted by engineering consultant Fishbeck, determined that despite Wayne County requirements for Ridge Road access, no left or right turn lane was necessary. The proposed homes are on the north half of the acreage with one entrance off South Ridge Road.
    Commissioner Doug Webert said his experience using Ridge Road in that area was counter to the study conclusion. He said he felt a passing lane for the area was necessary. He did, however, vote to approve the plan with fellow Commissioner Gordon Janowski casting the lone no vote.
    At the meeting, developers presented several changes to the plan with a reduction of some lot widths to 41 feet prompting Jankowski’s vote against approval of the PDD request.
    Jankowski said the density of the lots was not in keeping with Canton Township where lots are typically 55 feet wide. He said he felt the proposed development plan was “cramped” before he voted against the project.
    As presented, the homes would be about 2,500 square feet, with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a two-car garage, basement, and a covered front porch and include 41 percent of open space in the development. The homes would be priced at about $450,000, according to documents submitted for approval.
    The plan will now be presented to the members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees for consideration.

Sheetz wins national award for innovation, new products

    The grand opening of the very first Sheetz facility in Michigan last year was celebrated by standing room only crowds welcoming the Wick Road convenience store as a needed addition to the Romulus community. In response to that welcome from both the enthusiastic public and helpful city officials, a second Sheetz location in Romulus is now under construction on Smith Road in the city and the company recently announced plans for new locations in the townships of Van Buren, Orion and Shelby townships. Another location is under construction in Chesterfield Township.
    “Sheetz is proud to deepen our investment in Southeast Michigan with these new store locations, and we remain committed to being a great neighbor in every community we serve,” said Travis Sheetz, president and CEO. “The overwhelming support we’ve received from communities, local leaders, and residents reinforces what makes the Detroit region so special. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating great jobs, supporting local organizations, and delivering the Sheetz experience that customers know and love.”
    In a recent letter to the Detroit News, Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight praised Sheetz for the impact on both residents and other businesses in his city.
    “Over the last 20 years, I’ve seen plenty of companies come into communities with big promises only to fall short on follow-through,” he said in his letter, “and Sheetz has absolutely earned it.
    “Romulus has invested years of hard work into becoming a hub for innovation and forward-thinking growth — where economic development goes hand-in-hand with strong community values. Today, I’m proud to say that Sheetz has helped redefine what’s possible here. We call it the “Sheetz Effect,” a ripple of positive impact that’s energized nearly every part of our local economy,” McCraight wrote.
    Sheetz remains on track to open 50-60 locations in southeast Michigan over the next five to six years with the start of construction on several locations beginning later this year and into 2026, according to a prepared statement from the company.
    Earlier this month, Sheetz was been named to the annual list of “America’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fortune and Statista. Sheetz was honored as a leader in retail and convenience innovation and was recognized for relentless drive to stay ahead of the curve in delivering new ideas, products and initiatives to customers. Sheetz is the only convenience chain included on the list this year.

Soaring

    A Court of Honor ceremony took place last week in Plymouth Township Park celebrating theaccomplishments of three Eagle Scouts from local Troop 1537. Colin McHugh, Luke Every and Joe Scannell each achieved the prestigious honor. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest and most prestigious rank attainable in the Scouting program of Scouting America. It’s a significant achievement, with only a small percentage of Scouts ever reaching the hard-earned level. To earn the Eagle rank, Scouts must demonstrate Scout spirit, leadership, and service, including completing a substantial community service project and have been a Life Scout for at least six months and earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Plymouth Township Trustee John Stewart, also an Eagle Scout, was on hand to congratulate the three Scouts. A crowd of more than 85 friends, relatives and supporters was on hand to honor the new Eagles.

Romulus business grants available

    The City of Romulus is launching a ‘Shine for Summer’ initiative City-wide to provide brick and mortar businesses with funding to upgrade their storefront place making.
    Grant funds can be used for planters, sandwich boards, outdoor seating, and other vibrancy enhancements. Award amount will be up to $2,500, according to the city website. Projects will be evaluated for contribution to the vibrancy of the city, feasibility, and match contributions by the business owner. To apply, contact jhobbs@romulusgov.com or call (734-955-4539) for a full application. Applications are also available at City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road in Romulus. The deadline for application and project quotes is June 1.

Romulus celebrates ‘Emerald Anniversary’ of city

    City staff members and officials paid tribute to the 55th anniversary of the incorporation of Romulus as a city earlier this month donning green wardrobes, marking the “emerald anniversary” of the historic event.

    Romulus was incorporated as a city by a vote of residents in 1970 and has continued a path of growth and development in the past half century, according to historic records. In his recent State of the City address, Mayor Robert McCraight detailed the continued growth and development in the community which encompasses just under 36 square miles.
    Historic accounts of the city note that the first white settler in the area that eventually became the village of Romulus was Samuel Polyne, a French-Canadian, who settled in the area 1826, though he left soon after the township was organized in 1835. The first settler in the village proper (prior to the 1865 annexation of the whole village and township into one city) was Samuel McMath, who moved from New York state to the area in 1827. Then came other founders, including Solomon Whitaker and Charles and Joseph Pulcifer who located in the area in 1830, and in 1833, Jenks Pullen and his six sons settled on land that became known as "Pullen's Corners" now commonly called Five Points.

    The township was named Wayne in 1845 but renamed Romulus in 1848 and was a stop of the Underground Railroad in the 1800s when slaves fled plantations in the South for the free states of the North. There were two stops in Romulus and those structures remain intact today. One of those, the Samuel Kingsley Home, is a famous historic landmark in Romulus. During slave times, Samuel R. Kingsley lived in a house on Ozga Road. Historic records note that Mr. Kingsley hid slaves in an underground cellar. Today, the house is located on Hunt Street across from the Romulus Historical Museum. The White Church at the Pullens Corner / Five Points was also a stop on the underground railroad. Now called 5 Points Church, the building still sits at the corner.
    The city is the site of Detroit Metro Airport and according to the last census data available, reported 25,178 residents back in 2020. The city was chosen by General Motors for the Romulus Engine plant on Ecorse Road in 1975. In 2018, Amazon opened a fulfillment center, north of Metro Airport near Ecorse and Vining Roads. Approximately 1,600 workers are employed at the site. Grocery retailer Kroger built a $95 million automated fulfillment center to accommodate fast-paced online grocery shopping near I-275 and Eureka Road in 2021. Romulus was the site of the first Sheetz store on Wick Road and a second of the national convenience stores is now under construction on Smith Road. The city is also the site of multiple major industrial park developments and has seen exceptional growth during the past decade, according to census data.
    McCraight presented his 4th State of the City Address on Wednesday, April 16 at Romulus High School. The entire presentation is available on YouTube, https://tinyurl.com/2chdm7hn

Canton Township readies for 32nd Annual Liberty Fest

    The 32nd Annual Canton Liberty Fest will fill Heritage Park from June 12-14, offering live entertainment, carnival rides and midway games, arts and crafts, festival food, and a beer garden, as well as the popular Annual Liberty Run, a special Juneteenth Community Celebration, Friday night fireworks, and more fun for all ages.

    The Canton Liberty Fest will take place from 1 until 10 p.m. Thursday, June 12, from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday, June 12, and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Heritage Park is located adjacent to the Canton Administration Building, located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188. This year, the festival is sponsored by: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Michigan Army National Guard, Schoolcraft College, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group and WeatherGard.
    Area residents are expected to fill the park to enjoy the lineup of carnival rides, games, and special attractions, along with a Family Zone. Single-day wristbands are on sale now and offer savings on ride prices. Wristbands allow all access for one day only onto all carnival rides. Discounted single-day wristbands are available for $30 and can be used for any full day if purchased at www.cantonlibertyfest.com before 9 a.m. Thursday, June 12.
    Also available are Mega Bands that allow unlimited rides for all three days. The $100 megabands can only be purchased by 9 a.m. June 12. Online sales require a $1.99 per transaction fee. Wristbands will also be available for purchase on-site (cash only) on Thursday for $35 or Friday and Saturday for $40.
    This year, to enhance safety and crowd management, the Thrill Ride Carnival Zone area will be fully fenced, with one entrance and exit. To access this area, guests must present a valid wristband, mega band, or ride tickets. Parents or responsible adults attending with their minor child are not required to have a wristband, mega band, or ride tickets (unless they are going on the rides as well). All sales are final. For more information, call (734) 394-5360. As always, parking and admission to festival grounds are free.
    Special sensory hours are planned all three days of the festival for guests who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights. The sensory hours will take place from 1 until 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

    The festival will also include a large contingent of concession stands and gourmet food trucks, presenting signature dishes, beverages, and snacks. A special area of food trucks will be located near the Amphitheater
    Capping off the Friday festivities, the highly anticipated Liberty Fest’s fireworks display will take place just after dark. Sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard, the fireworks will only take place on Friday, allowing for a Saturday rain date. Starting as early as 6 p.m. June 13, Veterans Way, Heritage Drive, and Summit Parkway near Heritage Park will be closed to vehicular traffic.
    Saturday highlights include the 28th Annual Canton Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the North Pavilions. Chris Cakes of Michigan returns to flip pancakes high onto plates for those brave enough to catch them.
    Canton Leisure Services is again joining forces with RF Events to host the 12th Annual Liberty Run, including 5K, 10K, and One Mile events. Participants are encouraged to register at www.cantonlibertyrun.com and run, walk, or stroll in these events. Participants will also receive finisher medals, as well as a race T-Shirt. Plus, running-theme awards will be handed out to the best “Red, White, and Blue” running outfit.
    Hydration stations will be available throughout the park giving festivalgoers a chance to cool off.
    Merchandise from local artisans, crafters, businesses, and vendors will be featured around the large pond at the Liberty Fest Marketplace from 4-10 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday. Returning favorites include the Scholastic Book Fair; LEGO Station provided by MichLUG (Michigan LEGO Users Group).
    The Canton Liberty Fest mobile app for Apple and Android users will also be available prior to the event. Festival visitors will be able to access everything about the event.
    Event organizers strongly discourage visitors from bringing pets onto festival grounds. However, dogs that attend the festival must remain on a leash, be under their owner’s control, and be on their best behavior at all times. Due to the large crowds and significant traffic congestion expected during Liberty Fest, there will be no designated drop-off or pick-up location within Heritage Park.
    Organizers said they strongly encourage all festival attendees to plan ahead and coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups at locations outside the park. Identifying a safe and convenient meeting spot in advance will help ensure a smoother experience for everyone, they advised.
    All bikes must be parked in a bike corral. For more information, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.com or call (734) 394-5360.

Northville names new fire department deputy chief

    Jesse Marcotte has been named Deputy Fire chief in Northville Township.
    Marcotte will fill the vacancy created earlier this month when Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed then-Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hughes as Michigan Fire Marshal.

    Marcotte, the department Training Coordinator, explained that he knew he wanted to be a firefighter since he was 15 after attending his first Fire Explorer class. Now, after 23 years of service in the township, he is known on an international level for his skills in instructor development and evidence-based fireground tactics.
    He has served as a lead instructor for various fire department programs delivered nationally. In addition to training the entire Northville Township Fire Department on a daily basis, he is a senior education and training coordinator for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a part of UL Research Institutes, joining the team in 2023. He currently serves on the ISFSI Board of Directors.
    “His (Marcotte) passion for excellence and tireless efforts in advancing Northville Township Fire Department’s capabilities have earned the respect of colleagues, community members and the fire service at large,” said Northville Township Fire chief Brett Chief Siegel. “I’m grateful for such a talent to help lead our department.”
    “Congratulations to Tom Hughes on his appointment as State Fire Marshal,” said Marcotte said. “He is an incredible fire service professional and one of my closest friends. I will do my best to continue his legacy and am deeply honored to serve the men and women of this department. Northville Township’s unwavering commitment to exceptional fire and EMS services was one of the biggest reasons my family chose to make this community our home.”
    Township Supervisor Mark Abbo said Marcotte’s promotion comes at an opportune time for the community. The Northville Township Fire Department opening of Fire Station No. 2 at the Essential Services Complex, 40911 Seven Mile Road, was scheduled this week.
    “Jesse is an organized, thoughtful, innovative leader,” Abbo said. “His passion captures the essence of our emphasis on public safety with our new Public Safety Headquarters and our dedication to delivering exceptional service to Northville Township.”

Canton police nab suspects in storage unit thefts

    Two Indiana residents are facing felony criminal charges in relation to a series of break-ins at Canton Township storage facilities.

    Officers from the Canton Township Police Investigative Bureau initiated an investigation in April, following reports of break-ins at storage operations located in the area of Joy Road and Haggerty Road. Detectives identified Umar Long and Michelle Gilbert as people of interest during the investigation.
    Canton officers apprehended Long on April 27 in the act of breaking into additional storage units. He was taken into police custody and a search warrant issued for a Canton-area hotel where police arrested Gilbert and recovered stolen property estimated in value at tens of thousands of dollars, police said.
    Police officials said more than 30 victims of thefts by the suspects have been identified. Additional victims may exist, police said, as the investigation continues.
    The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged 45-year-old Umar Long and 41-year-old Michelle Gilbert, both of Indianapolis, Ind., each with one count of larceny of $20,000 or more, a 10-year felony; receiving and concealing stolen property, $20,000 or more, a 10-year felony and five counts of breaking and entering, each count a 10-year felony.
    Both defendants were arraigned April 29 before Judge Michael Gerou of the 35th District Court and each was issued a $50,000 cash bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, at the 35th District Court.
    Police said they encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim in this situation to contact the department at (734) 394-5400.

Northville deputy chief appointed state fire marshal

    Northville Township Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hughes has been appointed as the Michigan State Fire Marshal by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

    Hughes, a Northville Township native who spent his entire nearly 21-year career with the Northville Township Fire Department, will retire from the department May 23 to accept the prestigious state appointment. He begins his new role June 2.
    Northville Township Fire Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte, who was promoted, will step into the role of Deputy Fire Chief May 24 to ensure department continuity, a spokesman noted.
    “To have Tom Hughes selected by the governor’s office for a position that is highly impactful to the entire state of Michigan speaks volumes of his talents,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “Tom is an exceptional member of the Northville Township Fire Department. He has exceptional firefighting skills, exceptional people skills, and exceptional leadership skills. Tom Hughes is a true professional.”
    The State Fire Marshal is the chief advocate of fire safety for Michigan citizens, the fire service and others affected by the Michigan Fire Prevention Code and the Fire Fighters Training Council Act. He will lead the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
    Prior to becoming Northville Township Deputy Fire Chief in January 2024, Hughes was the Department Fire Marshal for seven years and previously, a fire inspector for five years.
    “Deputy Chief Hughes has been a cornerstone of our fire department, known for his strong leadership, deep integrity and commitment,” said Fire Chief Brent Siegel. “Over the past two decades, he has served with distinction, mentoring, leading and always putting the community first. While we will miss him, we are so proud of him and how his exemplary career has led him to this amazing opportunity.”
    Hughes’ dedication to Northville Township is life-long. He grew up in the community he currently serves, joining the department in 2004 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He developed the Northville Township fire prevention division, introducing such innovative Community Risk Reduction initiatives as the Kindergarten Fire and Life Safety Program. Since 2017, every kindergartner in Northville Public Schools learned fire prevention skills thanks to Hughes’ involvement. He recently launched a continuation of that program to educate fourth graders, winning a grant to expand the effort.
    The Northville Chamber of Commerce named him the Northville Township 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
    “Tom has long been an outstanding ambassador for Northville Township,” Abbo said. “We are so grateful for all he has done for this community. We know the rest of the state will benefit from his leadership and his talents.”
    Hughes replaces state Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, who resigned from the position he held since April 2017.
    “I want people to know how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the Northville community,” Hughes said. “My path was set early in life. After a car accident that impacted my family, the response of the Southfield Fire Department, the professionals at the University of Michigan, to experiencing a total loss house fire in middle school, service was always at the foundation of who I am. I’ve been able to spend the last 20 years serving the community, engaging with different fire service groups and boards, and working with an incredible group of professionals. It has been an honor to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. This new role is not an end, but a new chapter in my journey, and I will continue to support the incredible work happening at the Northville Township Fire Department and within our community.”

Township man charged with kidnapping, rape of 14-year-old

    A 22-year-old Northville Township man is facing multiple felony charges in connection to his enticement of a 14-year-old girl to his home for immoral purposes.

    Charles Willis was arraigned April 30, at the 35th District Court on multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, enticing a female under 16 for immoral purposes, child sexually abusive activity and criminal sexual conduct – first degree. Bond was set at $1 million, and Willis currently remains in custody at the Wayne County Jail.
    Police said the felony charges stem from an incident that began April 25. Through the course of an investigation, Northville Township detectives determined that Willis had contacted a 14-year-old female victim through the social media platform Snapchat. According to police, Willis then arranged and paid for an Uber to bring the juvenile—who resides approximately two hours west of Northville Township—to his Northville Township home.
    While at Willis’ residence, the victim was instructed to stay in the basement, according to police reports. At about 5:30 a.m. April 27, the victim was found walking alone in the area of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads, police said. Detectives from the Northville Township Police Department executed a search warrant at Willis’ residence Sunday, April 27. Willis was taken into custody at that time, police said.
    Investigators noted that Willis has had prior contacts with other law enforcement agencies related to sexually inappropriate behavior and attempts to entice minor females. His previous contact with Northville Township Police was unrelated to these charges, according to police officials.
        This is an active investigation, police said, and anyone who believes they or their child may have been in contact with the suspect, or may be a victim, is urged to contact the Northville Township Police Detective Bureau immediately at (248) 349-9400.

Meet the champs

    Members of the PVT James D Donovan/ Romulus VFW Post 78 brought home first place honors in team competition at the 78th VFW of Michigan State Pool Tournament held in Manistee recently. Teammembers included, from left, Dave Cowdrick, Norm Wisnewski, Jim Hogg, Capt. Mike O’Brien, Jon Teagan and Bob Williams. In addition to the team honors, Wisnewski, Teagan and Hogg took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in singles competition respectively.

Canton home among 3 raided by authorities

    A Canton Township home was the subject of a raid by local, state and federal agents last week. Search warrants were issued for homes in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Canton for searches in connection to campus protests at the University of Michigan, according to an attorney representing one of the homeowners. No arrests were made at any of the three homes, but agents seized electronic devices at all three locations.
    Pro Palestine college students claim the raids were in retaliation of their protest involvement although law enforcement officials denied that claim.
    “There’s no question it took everybody by surprise, the scale of it took people by surprise,” said John Philo, an attorney from a law firm representing multiple student organizations whose members have rallied for Palestine. “They’ve clearly been following the students for a period of time.”
    “They (agents) seized all their electronics,” Philo said. “We expect that there’s a search of that equipment going on now. They seized the car at one home. They searched bread boxes. Just a wide scope of things that don’t seem to point in any one direction,” Philo told a television news station.
    A spokesman from the office of the attorney general said the raids were not connected to protests at the college or college grounds. The spokesperson said ICE and immigration services were not involved in the execution of the warrants. The search warrants, according to the spokesman, were in regard to vandalism.
    “That is breathtaking, shocking and appalling, that acts of vandalism at least on the scale that’s occurred at the University of Michigan campus, are no more than misdemeanors, are drawing out federal police, the state attorney general is coordinating with Trump’s administration’s FBI, the state troopers are there, for something they’re calling acts of vandalism,” Philo said.”

Westland man facing federal charges in jewelry store theft

    A 59-year-old Westland man is facing federal charges in the April 15 armed robbery at a Warren Road jewelry store in the city.
    According to reports from Westland police officials, John Talerico is facing federal Hobbs Act robbery and firearm charges following the incident during which store employees were reportedly pepper-sprayed and locked in a storeroom. The suspect was arrested after surveillance camera data tracked his vehicle to his Westland home, according to officials.
    Talerico attempted to pawn a gold necklace taken during the robbery later the same day, according to reports. Surveillance footage shows the suspect, now believed to be Talerico, entering the jewelry store several times and returning at about 2 p.m. April 15 when the robbery occurred. The suspect brandished a black handgun and forced store employees to put 10 gold rings, three Cuban-link chains and about $200 in cash into his bag. The employees were then pepper-sprayed and locked in a back room, according to police reports.
    About an hour after the jewelry store robbery, police say the suspect pawned a men’s yellow-gold rope necklace in Detroit, providing Talerico’s Michigan driver’s license as identification. According to court records, Talerico was previously convicted for 2011 multistate robberies. A criminal complaint has been filed with the U.S District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan by a special agent from the FBI Detroit Violent Crime Task Force. Federal authorities are pursuing robbery and possession of firearm charges against Talerico.
    Details of the federal complaint allege that the suspect initially asked jewelry store employees questions about lab-created diamonds and indicated he was interested in purchasing two rings. He then briefly left the store, re-entered, and then pulled out a handgun, pointing it at one of the store employees. He ordered that employee to place 10 rings and three necklaces into a bag, threatening physical harm if an alarm was triggered.
    The suspect then led two employees to a back room, where he took $200 from a cash register.
    “The suspect then pepper-sprayed the victims, shut them in the back room and fled the location,” the FBI report said.
    Westland police checked security video from nearby stores and noticed a black sedan in the parking lot of the store that morning. The robbery suspect was seen on security video walking into the Westland Mall entrance. Police tracked the license plate on the suspect vehicle to Talerico, who faces federal indictment on the charges.

Police seize illegal ‘whippet’ devices

    Inkster police officers seized more than 3,000 illegal ‘whippets’ from a party store in the city.
    Whippets, also known as nitrous oxide chargers, are small canisters intended for use in whipped cream dispensers. They are often misused as a recreational drug, police said. When inhaled, the gas can cause a short-lived high.
    The devices were seized from the 25 Hour Party Store, located on Michigan Avenue near John near John Daly is accused of selling whippets to youths.
    “We will not tolerate this in our city,” said Police Chief Tamika Jenkins.
    The store owner was cited, and the items were confiscated during a raid last week, police said.

Westland police awarded state accreditation status

    Members of the Westland Police Department have achieved recognition of their professional performance from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC).

    The prestigious accreditation from MLEAC is presented when a police department performs in accordance with a rigid set of policies and procedures meeting the best practice standards set by MLEAC. Not only does the department need to assure that all policies are in line with these best practices, but the accreditation agency does multiple on-site assessments to assure that these standards are consistently in practice..
    Of the nearly 600 law enforcement agencies in the State of Michigan, the MLEAC accreditation has only been obtained by 90 departments. Most Michigan law enforcement agencies are accredited by either MLEAC, (State) or CALEA, (National). The Westland Police Department has worked to obtain accreditation from both agencies, making them only the fifth department throughout the entire State of Michigan to achieve dual accreditation, officials said.