Plan for $400 million Plymouth plant postponed

One of the key components of the Michigan International Technology Center will not be bringing a planned $400 million plant to the area anytime soon.

Plans by Nel Hydrogen, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, to build a gigafactory on former prison property shared by Plymouth and Northville townships are on hold due to “uncertainty in the U.S. policy landscape and hydrogen demand” according to the recently released 2024 annual company report. Plans for the factory were announced in 2023.

The company manufactures electrolyzers for green hydrogen production and hydrogen fueling equipment.

The company received $170 million in incentives, including tax credits, grants and cash to bring the new 507,000-square-foot facility, planned for 15000 Ridge Road, to Plymouth Township. The project was predicted to create more than 500 jobs at the new plant.

Nel Hydrogen had received $75 million in cash incentives and grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Michigan, as well as up to $41 million in investment tax credits through the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C) program.

“At this stage, no final investment decision has been made,” Wilhelm Flinder, head of investor relations, communications, and marketing at Nel Hydrogen said. “While the United States is a highly promising market for us—given its significant potential for renewable hydrogen—establishing a large-scale facility requires clear, sustained market demand, driven by a supportive policy framework for our clients as well. Support for the Nel factory alone is unfortunately insufficient if there is limited demand for the equipment produced.”

MITC planner and coordinator Gary Roberts noted the significant incentives already committed to the project.

“The state and the feds and the Department of Energy and everybody has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at them,” Roberts said during a recent presentation about various MITC projects. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) said the organization is maintaining communication with Nel Hydrogen.

“MDEC remains engaged with Nel Hydrogen on their plans for a manufacturing facility in the state,” spokesperson Otie McKinley said.

Act three

Romulus fire captain hopes to open new community theater

John Thiede is beginning the third act of his professional career with the opening of the first community theater in the City of Romulus.

“It’s really about the art, about bringing art to the community,” Thiede said.

Thiede is currently a captain with the Romulus Fire Department where his career in public safety started in 1986. His professional acting career was in tandem with his firefighting career. His stage appearances began as a diversion during his off time from the department and burgeoned to include professional stage and TV appearances. His credits include a stint on the beloved soap opera All My Children, work at The Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea and Second City improv comedy theater in Detroit, among numerous other roles in both community and professional theater along with hosting a popular sports radio show,,

Now, Thiede said, as he plans for his retirement from the fire department next year, he is fulfilling another dream along with the free time he anticipates when he leaves his job.

“Romulus has supported me and my family for my entire life,” he said of his long career with the department, “It’s time to give back to the community.” He said he hopes to do that with the new Hook and Ladder Theater Company, which he plans to open in a former city fire station at Wayne and Goddard roads in the current Romulus municipal complex.

The building served as a fire station from 1952 until 1980, Thiede said, and the city was looking for a tenant to lease the space. The building spoke to Thiede, he said, and once he considered the former station as a theater, he began to realize the many other services the former station might be used for in the community.

In addition to the 24 by 14-foot stage in the planned theater, Thiede sees the possibility of hosting family game nights, acting classes for students 12 to 18 and even a small studio where local podcasters can record their broadcasts. He said he has already talked to community center leaders in the city about involving seniors, something he also has planned for his 93-year-old mother, Ruth. “She can hand out programs, and just hang around,” Thiede said. “This would be something to help keep seniors active and let them see a free show,” he added.

But above all the other plans, it’s the art, Thiede repeated. “This will bring something we don’t have now to the community.”

While Thiede was a performer from the age of 5 or 6, entertaining his mother’s friends and others with his toy record player, much of the drama in his life came while he served the city. In his first year as a firefighter, he responded to the scene of Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 and helped rescue the only survivor, a 4-year-old girl. That incident stayed with him for a long time, Thiede said. He was also among a group of firefighters deployed to the site of 9-11, where he worked for 15 days.

Theater, he said, helped him cope with the stress of his job and provided a creative outlet, something he said he believes everyone needs. He said his fledgling amateur stage work eventually led to his finding an agent and experiencing a professional acting career, and to his plans to bring live theater to the city. He hopes to open the Hook and Ladder theater within a few months. Tickets for performances, he said, would be about $15 or $20 and he is hoping only to “break even” for some time. A 501 c 3 plan is being considered, he said.

He said he is confident of a warm welcome for the new theater in the city. He already has several professional directors lined up to bring live stage productions to the Hook and Ladder and each of them, like Thiede, has a large following. He is hoping to have his first show in late fall or early summer, which he hopes will be Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.

He has plans for a live version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in October and perhaps a variation of It’s a Wonderful Life at Christmas.

 

Canton Planning Commission Oks permit for new mosque

Members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees will consider a proposal for construction of a new mosque and community center on North Ridge Road.

The Canton Planning Commissioners recommended approval of a special land use permit for the new Muslim Educational Community Center of America, a 508-seat prayer space with 358 parking spaces and preserved natural areas along Fellows Creek in the 11.5-acre site between Ford and Hanford roads.

Hassan Beydoun presented the plan to the planning commissioners during the June 2 meeting, seeking a special land use permit for the project. Beydoun identified himself as one of the founding members of the Muslim Educational Community Center of America (MECCA) group and the treasurer of the organization.

He told the planning commission that his group sees the need for a new mosque center and that the group is seeking a place to “gather, congregate, pray and maybe for the younger guys to maybe have a little fun.” The proposal includes the possibility of a future day care and/or private school at the site, but Beydoun said those facilities might be considered in the future.

While some residents had questions regarding the impact of the project on traffic in the area, commissioners and other audience members were in favor of the project. Beydoun said typical prayer times are usually around 4:20 a.m., again at midday and in the evening hours. He said the usual times would not interfere with heavy traffic times in the area and that the issue had been specifically addressed in the traffic study performed regarding the proposed project.

Traffic concerns, including left-turn lanes, were expressed by some commissioners and residents, although approval of the permit was recommended. The proposal will now go before the township board of trustees for consideration.

Veteran Canton Township police officer retires from force

Jessica Nuottila retired last month after a 22-year career with the Canton Township Police Department.

Nuottila began her career with the Canton department as a Public Safety Service Officer, providing the services of police and fire radio dispatch, 911 call taker and jail attendant. She was then selected to participate in the department’ Career Development Program which provided sponsorship to a police academy. Following completion of academy training, Nuottila became a sworn Canton Township Police officer in 2011.

Nuottila was first assigned to the patrol division responding to calls for service, providing traffic enforcement and conducting investigations. She spent the majority of her career working the night shift where supervisors said her high energy, knowledge, and passion for the job enabled her to excel as a patrol officer. In addition to providing emergency services to the community, she was always willing to share her enthusiasm for law enforcement by mentoring the new officers she worked with, officials added.

In addition, Nuottila participated in numerous special units including bicycle officer, bicycle instructor, evidence technician, rapid response unit, training officer, recruiter and field training officer. In 2021, she was selected as the department training coordinator. In this new role she was responsible for coordinating all in-house department training required for officers to maintain their certifications. In addition, she sought out additional training opportunities for staff, enhancing the level of police services provided to the community.

Throughout her career Nuottila has received numerous awards and citations, including Officer of the Year in 2018. She has also received countless notes of appreciation from citizens complimenting her professionalism and kindness displayed to them in their time of need.

“Officer Jessica Nuottila has set a lasting example for all officers by maintaining the highest standards of commitment and professionalism throughout her distinguished career. In her most recent role as the department’s training coordinator, she mentored both new and seasoned officers, helping them refine and elevate their policing skills. She was recently recognized for off-duty lifesaving efforts which exemplifies the way she approaches this profession with courage and excellence, and she stands as a model for all who wear the badge. We congratulate Officer Nuottila on a well-deserved retirement and with her the very best,” said Chad Baugh, director of police services.

Stars and Stripes

The Annual Flag Day celebration in the City of Romulus drew a large audience last week when the event took place at the pavilion at Historical Park. Members of the Romulus VFW Post 78 Color Guard helped raise the American flag and short tributes included remarks from Mayor Robert McCraight. The city annually hosts the event which was established as a national holiday in 1916 by a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson. Congress officially established June 14 as a federal holiday in 1946.

Community Calendar

Juneteenth celebration set

The City of Romulus will host the annua city Juneteenth Celebration from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at Romulus Historical Park. The family-friendly event will include vendors, music, crafts, food trucks and activities. The event is free and open to the public. Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name is derived from combining June and Nineteenth. For more information, contact the office of the city clerk at (734)942-7540 or email clerk@romulusgov.com.

Trailwood Garden Club hosts 27th annual garden walk

The 27th Garden Walk “Flowers are Forever” hosted by the Trailwood Garden Club will take place from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Visitors can tour five gardens and find a special item at the plant/treasures sale. Tickets are $12 in advance until midnight Saturday, June 21 and $15 the day of the Garden Walk. Tickets can be purchased online or at Sideways, 505 Forest Ave. or Specialty Pet Supplies, 1449 West Ann Arbor Road. For more information or purchase a ticket visit https://www.trailwoodgardenclub.com/

Romulus seeking heroes

The annual awards are presented to individuals who made a real difference in the community, Educators, community members, seniors, neighbors, students and businesses are eligible for the award. For more information and qualifications or an application, access fromulsgov.com or UnityAbb@gmail.com

Canton Farmers Market now open each Sunday

The Canton Farmers Market returns to Cherry Hill Village for another season of open-air shopping from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 12. The market season will initially open at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, and will relocate in July back to the regular location in Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road, for the remainder of the season. No markets will take place May 25, June 15, July 6, Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

Rotary club seeking host families for exchange student

Plymouth Noon Rotary Club members are seeking hosts for a Swedish foreign exchange student for the 2025/2026 school year. The student, Malte, 17, will arrive in the country at the end of August and will attend classes at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park. Monthly stipend is provided to the student to cover his expenses and a Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) provides training, guidance and support to hosts and student. More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is available from Denise King, Plymouth Rotary YEO at (313) 310-1803 and at: dkingply@gmail.com.

Craft and merchandise applications available

Applications are now available for craft and merchandise vendors wishing to participate in the Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival. The festival will take place Sept. 19, 20 and 21. Applications must be submitted by July 1 for consideration. To submit and for more information, visit here- https://www.romulusgov.com/207/Pumpkin-Festival.

Joint police blitz nabs 23 shoplifting suspects

Police from Canton, Northville and Plymouth townships arrested 23 suspects last week in a coordinated effort to disrupt or dismantle a retail shoplifting ring.

Retail industry reports show more than $100 billion is lost nationwide to large-scale theft of merchandise that is often resold for profit. Last year, Canton officers investigated 563 incidents of retail fraud—defined as the theft of merchandise from retail establishments during business hours, according to a police report. “These crimes not only lead to increased costs for consumers but also pose safety risks to employees and customers, particularly when suspects are confronted by store personnel or loss prevention staff,” police said.

The latest effort, in cooperation with 17 local and national retailers was part of a larger country-wide two-day effort called the Organized Retail Crime Blitz. This operation was also part of a larger national initiative in which more than 100 law enforcement agencies across 40 states conducted similar enforcement actions targeting organized retail crime, police said.

Locally, the crime blitz took place in 36 locations in Canton and officers worked with loss prevention officers from 16 separate retailers. In one instance, Canton officers arrested a woman outside a local shopping center and removed multiple articles of clothing from the pregnant woman’s shirt. That arrest was among the nearly two dozen made during the coordinated two-day effort to discourage thefts from local merchants.

"These boosters, which is what we call them, shoplifters, people stealing items, a lot of them are drug addicts who are going out there stealing these items. The high-dollar value items to sell to a fence," said Canton Police Lt. Michael Andes. Fences can be found at gas stations, liquor stores, or pawn shops where stolen goods are sold at minimal prices, often pennies on the retail dollar value. Fences then resell the items.

Canton Township Police Chief Chad Baugh said thieves keep improving their strategies and that the efforts of retailers to help stop thefts are critical.

Typically, loss prevention specialists who observe suspicious individuals carefully watch them inside the stores. If they notice a theft, they report it to police officers posted outside the store and if the individual leaves with stolen merchandise, officers stop the suspected thief and, if found with stolen goods, arrest the individual.

During the blitz last week, one suspect was found with a device to defeat the security tag in her purse. Police said the suspect was using it to pry security tags off several hundred dollars’ worth of clothing which she attempted to take from the store. Another woman was arrested outside the Michigan Avenue Home Depot where loss prevention agents said she had stolen several items. She entered a car in the parking lot where another woman was waiting, police said, and subsequently both were found to have outstanding warrants.

Police said the annual losses to theft in Canton Township alone totaled “millions of dollars” and that cost is then passed on to customers.

"Ultimately, we’re all paying extra for our items, and the prices continue to go up, and we’re here to combat that problem as well as bringing these addicts into our community that are committing crimes, and that's what we don't want to have here," Andes told a local television station.

Honored

Romulus Deputy City Clerk awarded 2025 title by state association

D’Sjonaun Hockenhull has been honored as the Deputy Clerk of the Year by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. The prestigious award was presented to the Romulus Deputy Clerk during an official ceremony last week.

Hockenhull has served as the City of Romulus Deputy Clerk since September of 2020. He was appointed to the position during the 2020 Presidential election. Hockenhull began his career with the municipality in 2007 working at the 34th District Court.

Hockenhull was nominated for the honor by Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight.

“D’Sjonaun identified the need and oversaw the implementation of a number of efficiencies to enhance not only the day-to-day operations of the city clerk’s office, but all city departments.

“Some notable projects include implementation of DocuSign, automated FOIA software, online applications, and forms…Romulus is fortunate to employ such a talented and dedicated young man, and I am proud to submit his name for consideration for the MAMC 2025 Deputy Clerk of the Year,” McCraight said in his nominating letter.

Hockenhull was also nominated for the honor by long-time City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg.

“His ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, elected officials, and community leaders contributes to a positive work environment. D’Sjonaun has a strong understanding of municipal and election law, which can be showcased by successfully coordinating an Early Voting site during the 2024 election cycle and dedicating the time to study Prop 22-2 and the new election laws,” she said.

Hockenhull secured a $27,000 Election Security Grant through FEMA administered by Michigan State Police to enhance and upgrade the security camera system for the City of Romulus early voting site. In addition to the grant, he created training manuals and procedures for processing early voting ballots, officials said.

Hockenhull is an active member of the Association of Wayne County Clerks, MAMC, IIMC, and Michigan Municipal League. In 2023 he was elected treasurer for the Association of Wayne County Clerks and then re-elected in 2025. In addition, he serves as the treasurer of the Juneteenth Planning Committee and member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Planning Committee for the City of Romulus.

Hockenhull currently serves on the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Municipal Services Committee and the MML Municipal Services Subcommittee on Elections where he offers a clerk’s perspective on bills introduced by the Legislature. He said his goal is to elevate the voices of clerks in other domains of government while using relevant connections to solve complex issues. Hockenhull is also an advocate for the needs of the profession by budgeting appropriately and responsibly, officials noted.

“My prior experience gave me only a limited understanding of the role. I was quickly overwhelmed by the breadth of responsibilities. It’s truly a job no single person can fully handle. I see my position as a gatekeeper for the clerk…They trust that the office is running smoothly, as if they were personally overseeing every detail,” Hockenhull said.

The MAMC is a professional organization that exists to promote, enhance, and encourage the professional development and standing of municipal clerks through cooperation, communication, education and training by utilizing seminars, institutes and meetings; to promote and encourage improvement of methods and procedures of duties performed by clerks; and to address legislative matters relating to the municipal clerk’s responsibilities, according to a prepared statement.

Of the eight states that administer elections on the local level, Michigan is one of the largest with 280 city clerks and 1,240 township clerks. The Michigan elections system is administered by 1,603 county and local election officials making it one of the most decentralized in the nation. There are an additional 257 village clerks in Michigan, represented by the MAMC, the statement continued.

The award was presented at the 25th Annual MAMC Summer Conference – Sterling Silver Jubilee Celebration on June 5. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson addressed the crowd of clerks and presented her recognition to the award recipients.

Canton Liberty Fest includes annual International Festival

One of the most highly anticipated events of the traditional Canton Liberty Fest will return this year when the International Festival takes place from 11:30 until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the Schoolcraft College LIVE! State located on the north side of Heritage Park.

The celebration of diversity includes free performances suitable for all ages. Featured countries across the globe participating this year include: China, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Tahiti, and others.

“Every year, our International Festival provides a great opportunity for audience members to experience music and dance from around the globe that helps bridge cultures and presents unique musical entertainment all in one location,” said Canton Performing Arts Coordinator Ben Frick. “Audiences will be delighted as the stage comes alive with colorful costuming, exotic instruments and stirring rhythms when these talented individuals share their heritage and some traditions that date back centuries.”

Groups and performers are scheduled to take the stage at the following times:

11:30-12:30 p.m. Hoaloha Polynesian Dance Group; SYZ Starlight Dance Group; Unity in Diversity – Aadyam Dance School

12:30-1:30 p.m. Sweet & Spice; CiCi’s Dance Club; Canton YiRen Dance Group; Michigan New Century Chinese School (MNCCS) Children’s Traditional Dance; Michigan New Century Chinese School (MNCCS) Children’s Contemporary Dance; Michigan New Century Chinese School (MNCCS) Yoyo Team; and Michigan New Century Chinese School (MNCCS) Adult Contemporary Dance

1:30-2:30 p.m. Michigan New Century Chinese School (MNCCS) Adult Traditional Dance; Michigan New Century Chinese School (MNCCS) Chinese Traditional Instrumental Music; Sitar performance by Students of Manjula Verma

2:30-3:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Jade Dance Studio; Michigan Chinese Folk-Dance Group; New Century Dance Group; Tree Town Multicultural Dance League

3:30-4:30 p.m. AnnHua Waist Drum Team; Ann-Hua Chinese Music Ensemble; Mimi’s Rockstars; Parul’s Dance Corner

4:30 p.m. D S2dios; AnnHua Gongs & Drums; Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan.

The three-day Liberty Fest begins today in Heritage Park in Canton and continues through Saturday. The annual fireworks display will take place at dusk on Friday. Heritage Park is located adjacent to the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, between Cherry Hill Road and Summit Parkway.

A complete guide to the festival including a schedule of attractions and map is available at Associatednewspapers.com and in print at multiple locations throughout the area.

For more detailed information visit www.cantonlibertyfest.org or call (734) 394-5460.

Legacy Park is named as Project of the Year

Northville Township’s 350-acre Legacy Park has been named the 2025 Project of the Year by the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The organization recognized the “Redevelop & Recycle: Legacy Park” project at the annual conference. In addition to Northville Township, the project contractor, Asbestos Abatement Inc. and consultant Fleis & VandenBrink, were included in the award.

“This was a great achievement for our community,” said Director of Public Services Bob Belair. “The board of trustees had a vision to get these buildings down after owning the site for several years. We finally have a clean palette to start developing the park and making it accessible to our residents who own the property.”

Legacy Park has been a multi-year project. Once the former Northville Psychiatric State Hospital on Seven Mile Road, Northville Township took ownership of the property as a result of a successful millage election in 2009. The goal of the land purchase was to provide recreational opportunities for township residents and to preserve a unique piece of nature within the community. At the time, there were 22 deteriorating buildings, a water tower, smokestacks, related utility tunnels and roads on the 350-acre site.

Demolition of the nine-story main hospital was completed in 2018. Northville Township approached this in a fiscally responsible manner, completing the project. Beginning in 2022 and completed in 2023, all remaining 10 buildings were safely abated and demolished, leaving a blank slate to shape a recreation and public services complex.

Throughout the demolition, Northville Township and Asbestos Abatement Inc. recycled much of the concrete, building debris and steel. Much of the concrete was ground down and reused under the foundation of the new Essential Services Complex and as the base of the parking lot. Some of the recycled concrete material was sold and put into roads being constructed throughout the state. The steel and metal were recycled or scrapped to keep prices down on the project, officials noted.

“This Project of the Year honor acknowledges how truly special Legacy Park is,” said Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “Northville Township prizes its greenspace and we are committed to being good stewards of the crown jewel of our community. It remains a work in progress but the best is yet to come.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Juneteenth celebration set

The City of Romulus will host the annua city Juneteenth Celebration from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at Romulus Historical Park.
The family-friendly event will include vendors, music, crafts, food trucks and activities.
The event is free and open to the public.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name is derived from combining June and Nineteenth.
For more information, contact the office of the city clerk at (734)942-7540 or email clerk@romulusgov.com.

Trailwood Garden Club hosts 27th annual garden walk

The 27th Garden Walk “Flowers are Forever” hosted by the Trailwood Garden Club will take place from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Visitors can tour five gardens and find a special item at the plant/treasures sale. Tickets are $12 in advance until midnight Saturday, June 21 and $15 the day of the Garden Walk. Tickets can be purchased online or at Sideways, 505 Forest Ave. or Specialty Pet Supplies, 1449 West Ann Arbor Road. For more information or purchase a ticket visit https://www.trailwoodgardenclub.com/

Romulus seeking heroes

The annual awards are presented to individuals who made a real difference in the community, Educators, community members, seniors, neighbors, students and businesses are eligible for the award. For more information and qualifications or an application, access fromulsgov.com or UnityAbb@gmail.comCanton Farmers Market now open each Sunday

The Canton Farmers Market returns to Cherry Hill Village for another season of open-air shopping from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 12. The market season will initially open at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, and will relocate in July back to the regular location in Preservation Park, 500 N. Ridge Road, for the remainder of the season. No markets will take place May 25, June 15, July 6, Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

Rotary club seeking host families for exchange student

Plymouth Noon Rotary Club members are seeking hosts for a Swedish foreign exchange student for the 2025/2026 school year. The student, Malte, 17, will arrive in the country at the end of August and will attend classes at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park. A monthly stipend is provided to the student to cover his expenses and a Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) provides training, guidance and support to hosts and student. More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is available from Denise King, Plymouth Rotary YEO at (313) 310-1803 and at: dkingply@gmail.com.

Craft and merchandise applications available

Applications are now available for craft and merchandise vendors wishing to participate in the Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival. The festival will take place Sept. 19, 20 and 21. Applications must be submitted by July 1 for consideration. To submit and for more information, visit here- https://www.romulusgov.com/207/Pumpkin-Festival.

Northville celebrates opening of Essential Services Complex

    Northville Township officials, staff members and residents celebrated the grand opening of the new 96,000-square-foot Essential Services Complex (ESC) last week — a major milestone nearly one year to the day after the groundbreaking for the project.

    The complex was designed to foster dedication to public safety and deliver faster, more efficient services to residents, officials said. The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort between the township, Cunningham-Limp, PARTNERS in Architecture, PLC, and OHM Advisors (Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc.).
    The new public safety headquarters is housed on Seven Mile Road, part of a 350-acre project recently named the 2025 Project of the Year by the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). In addition to new stations for both police and fire services, the complex is headquarters for the municipal Department of Public Works. Northville Township first acquired the former site of a psychiatric hospital complex in 2009. Demolition of buildings on the site began in 2012 and following a $12 million bond sale in 2018, the remainder of the 20 buildings, a water tower and power plant were demolished. The actual 250,000-square-foot, multi-story psychiatric hospital was razed in 2018. Redeveloping the site included asbestos and lead abatement in several of the buildings and property. The complex also includes Legacy Park, a recreational site which has walking and biking trails among other amenities.

    Both Police Chief Scott Hilden and Fire Chief Brett Siegel were enthusiastic about the improvements in service the new headquarters would provide for residents. Siegel said he was confident of improved response times because of the new geographical location of the station.
    “We spend a tremendous amount of time training in developing our staff, but the one operational deficiency that we could not address through training is our response times. Opening this station will significantly reduce response times, which will lead to lives being saved,” Siegel said. The new fire station hosts half of the current fire department staff. Fire Station 1 is off Six Mile Road, across from Northville High School.
    The prominent visibility of the new station is also an asset noted Hilden.
    “This complex was never meant to be closed off from the public,” Hildon said. “It was meant to be part of it. This is a place where community connections are made stronger; a place where engagement, outreach and trust are front and center. This will be a more connected Northville Township.”
    “We’re celebrating a promise fulfilled,” said Township Manager Glenn Caldwell. “The promise to protect, to serve and to secure the well-being of every member of the community for generations to come.”

Community effort

 Annual Canton Liberty Fest supports multiple township civic groups

    Canton Township has some very special partners in helping present the 32nd Annual Liberty Fest which begins next week.

    Joining major sponsor, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and sponsors IKEA, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Michigan Army National Guard, Schoolcraft College, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group and WeatherGard, are several non-profit community groups. This year, the annual celebration of the community will include:

88.1 The Park:
WSDP is the student-operated radio station owned by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in Canton and can be found at 881. FM on the dial. Currently operated from Salem High School, the station has been in operation since 1972. During Liberty Fest, 88.1 The Park will be broadcasting live from 1 until 5 p.m. Friday, June 13. For more information, visit www.881thepark.com.

Canton Historical Society:
Established with a commitment to preserving the history of Canton Township, this all-volunteer, 501(c)(3)) non-profit organization is dedicated to safeguarding the rich history and cultural heritage of the Canton community. To accomplish this goal, the Canton Historical Society maintains a vibrant museum, historical buildings, and hosts events that celebrate local history. During the Liberty Festival, members will be presenting information about Canton history while providing rocking chairs for those in need of a short rest while enjoying oldies music during their “Rock ‘n Roll” event from 3-9 p.m. Friday, June 13 near the Heritage Park north pavilion. Learn more about the Canton Historical Society at https://cantonhistoricalsocietymi.org.

Canton Lions Club:
Celebrating 28 years of hosting the Liberty Fest Pancake Breakfast and more than a half century of dedicated service in the community, the Canton Lions Club is a group that comes together and shares a common interest in community service, supporting the Lions motto “We Serve.”
    The club exists so that members may pool their skills, talents and resources for the betterment of the community. This year, the annual Pancake Breakfast will take place from 8 until 11 a.m. (while supplies last) Saturday, June 14 in the Heritage Park north pavilions. A stack of golden pancakes hot off the griddle along with sausage will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 years of age and younger. This year, the Canton Lions will be working with Chris Cakes of Michigan, who will be serving up fun with every order by flipping pancakes high onto plates for those brave enough to catch one.
    All proceeds will benefit local Lions Club charities. For more information about the Canton Lions Club, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/canton_mi/.

Partnership for the Arts & Humanities:
    The Partnership for the Arts & Humanities is the 501(c)(3) organization behind the Village Arts Factory, which is a multipurpose arts complex located in the heart of the township. The facility serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music and community engagement. This historic arts studio complex is dedicated to providing equitable, innovative and inclusive arts programing and experiences for all to enjoy.
    During Liberty Fest, the Partnership for Arts and Humanities will be hosting the Beer Garden with support from the American Cancer Society Life is a Cabaret (Relay); Canton Chamber of Commerce; Canton Running Club; Kiwanis Club of Canton; Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club and St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church. Festivalgoers 21+ can enjoy a selection of craft beers and seltzers from 4 until 10 p.m. Thursday, June 12, from 2-10:30 p.m., Friday, June 13 and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. The Beer Garden will be located near the Heritage Amphitheater. Learn more about the Village Arts Factory at www.villageartsfactory.com.

The Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club:
Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local clubs, whose members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities, and in themselves. The local Plymouth-Canton Club has served the schools and community since 1949 with numerous community-centered events. During Liberty Fest, the Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club will be hosting BINGO from 1 until 4 p.m. and from 6 until 9 p.m. Thursday, June 12 in the Heritage Park north pavilions. For more information, visit: www.optimist.org/member/clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=17325.

    The 32nd annual Canton Liberty Fest will take place from 1 until 10 p.m. June 12; from 1 until 11 p.m. on Friday, June 13 and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. The event will be located in Heritage Park, located adjacent to the Canton Administration Building, located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton.
    For more information visit www.cantonlibertyfest.org or call (734 )394-5460.

Canton officer’s heroics honored by state organization

    Canton Police Department K-9 Ofc. Brian Zinser has been named as Officer of the Year by the statewide Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM).

    Zinser was chosen for the prestigious honor following his actions in saving a child from a burning home in November of 2024. Canton police dispatch received a 911 call reporting a house fire and Zinser was one of the first to arrive on the scene where flames and smoke were visible and consuming the house, according to offiicals reports.
    Zinser entered the home without protective fire gear or breathing apparatus to search for anyone who might still be inside. As he entered the smoke-filled home, Zinser located a small child hiding in a cabinet just a few feet from the front door. Zinser notified the child’s father, who had also re-entered the home with a garden hose, and together they safely removed the child from the home. Three other children died in the blaze.
    “This prestigious award is a testament to Zinser’s unwavering dedication, professionalism and outstanding service to our community. His commitment to protecting and serving others is an inspiration to us all, and we are honored to have him on our team,” police officials said.
    The Police Officer of the Year Award recognizes officers who demonstrate exceptional valor, leadership, and dedication to duty, a group spokesman said. Zinser’s actions on Nov. 24 saved a life and reminded us of the critical role officers play in responding to emergencies of every kind.”

Plymouth Rotary Club seeking homes for Swedish exchange student

    Plymouth Noon Rotary Club members are seeking hosts for a Swedish foreign exchange student for the 2025/2026 school year.
    The student, Malte, 17, will arrive in the country at the end of August and will attend classes at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park for the 2025-26 school year. Malte will return to Sweden in mid-July 2026. He is fluent in English and is described by organizers as “a kind- hearted and caring person you can image, with a good sense of humor”. He enjoys playing golf and floor-ball, which is similar to floor hockey. Malte is also a movie fan and spends time making 3-D models.
    An individual, couple or family can host a student. To qualify, potential hosts must complete an application, successfully pass a criminal background check, obtain two references and complete an on-line and in-person training. A visit to the home is also needed before hosts can be approved. Hosts need to live within the Plymouth or Canton communities.
    Malte will live with three hosts for 3.5 months each. Proper living quarters are necessary, including a bedroom (can be shared with another child of the same sex), a dresser and a reasonable place to study. Hosts must provide meals for the student.
    A monthly stipend is provided to the student to cover his expenses and a Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) provides training, guidance and support to hosts and oversight of the student. A Rotary Counselor is involved in the student’s life to offer direction and assistance. Rotarians offer assistance to hosts with such things as transportation and taking the student on activities.
    More information about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, is available from Denise King, Plymouth Rotary YEO at (313) 310-1803 and at: dkingply@gmail.com.