Canton sewer resolution prompts heated response

The long-sought Salem Township sewer line through Plymouth, Van Buren and Canton townships has again sparked controversy following a recent resolution approved by members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees.

The sewer line is necessary to service development of 1,400 acres of property near Godfredson and Napier roads. A development of about 550 residential units along with condominiums, and mixed-use commercial buildings is planned for the area. To provide sewer service to the development, Salem Township officials initially proposed constructing the sewer line through neighboring Superior Township. Following a three-year court battle, the refusal of Superior Township to allow the sewer line was upheld by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

The proposal to construct the sewer line through Canton, Plymouth and Van Buren to send sewer treatment to the Ypsilanti Community Utility Authority (YCUA) was then devised as an alternate following the court decision. Plymouth Township trustees reluctantly agreed to allow the line through that municipality after long negotiations and repeated refusals. Members of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees have reportedly indicated their willingness to consider approval of the line.

In the Canton resolution, however, approval of the plan is contingent on Salem Township connecting Canton residents currently using septic systems along the proposed route of the sewer line to the new system. The connections, according to the formal Canton resolution, would be funded by Salem Township.

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak was adamant regarding the conditions of approval.

"For us to say to our residents, 'We know you are on septic, and we are allowing sewage from another community coming through, but you have to stay on septic,' isn't right," Graham-Hudak said.

Salem Township Supervisor Gary Whittaker responded to the Canton resolution with a letter expressing his displeasure.

"To say we are offended and disappointed would be an understatement," Whittaker stated in his response. Whittaker reportedly characterized the Canton stipulation as “extortion” and called the condition “absurd.” Whittaker claims he told Canton officials that the connection requirement stipulation in the approval resolution “will not and cannot be accepted by Salem Township."

Graham-Hudak defended the stipulations in the Canton resolution noting there is nothing unusual about communities paying fees to another municipality when construction is within their borders. She was adamant, too, that state taxpayers are already funding the planned development. She said the Salem project has received three state Legislature-approved economic development and workforce grants totaling $35 million for water and wastewater needs − $10 million approved in 2017, another $10 million in 2018 and $15 million in 2022.

"They got $35 million from all of us, from all of the residents of Michigan, to pay for this development," Graham-Hudak said.

The grants have been questioned by some critics as the main developer of the Salem project is Schostak Brothers & Co. Inc. Robert Schostak, a director with the family firm, was chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 2011 to 2015. The Schostak family is a generous contributor to the Republican Party and Republican political candidates, according to campaign records.

Whittaker said Salem Township will now pursue the construction of a wastewater treatment plant within township borders, something he said the township “never wanted.” That plant would reportedly dump 850,000 gallons of effluent daily into Fellows Creek in Canton, a plan Canton offiicals strongly oppose. Whittaker said Salem Township can't wait any longer. "I've got a developer breathing down my neck," he said.

"If this alternative is not supported, I just want everyone to know we are prepared to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the wastewater treatment plant," Phil Argiroff from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), told Canton officials during the meeting when the conditional resolution was approved. "But our preference certainly is − on environmental reasons, on compliance reasons, and on water quality reasons − is to use the sewer (line) alternative, to take that flow with capacity to the Ypsilanti Community Utility Authority." He reiterated that statement in a July 3 letter to Graham-Hudak noting that he had hoped the alternative solution to a new wastewater plant could have been negotiated.

Graham-Hudak said she believes EGLE is applying pressure to Canton Township, essentially taking sides with Salem. She said Canton Township will "absolutely" pursue legal action should Salem Township attempt to proceed with a new wastewater treatment plant.

Off to market

Popular outdoor marketplace returns to renovated Preservation Park site

The Canton Farmers Market is on the move.

Beginning this Sunday, July 27, the popular outdoor marketplace will return to Preservation Park on Ridge Road following major renovations at the site

The upgraded site includes a newly constructed 70-foot by 30-foot pavilion, which was built using 35,000 pounds of Douglas Fir beams and Oak wooden pins, according to a township spokesperson. The pavilion construction used a traditional Scandinavian style of joining timbers and wooden pins by means of giant oak mallets to create “a durable and aesthetically pleasing structure that will be used for all future farmer markets, as well as special community events.”

“All of our market staff are thrilled to be able to unveil this gorgeous new pavilion to our vendors and patrons that we’re sure everyone will love,” said Canton Recreation Coordinator Chelsea Straub.  “We’re confident that this new pavilion, along with additional site improvements, will enhance an already positive and vibrant experience for our marketgoers.”

Further improvements made to the 7-acre park include the addition of a new storage building, and hard surface accessible parking areas near two site pavilions. Added enhancements will be made to all the historic buildings located throughout Preservation Park in the coming months, officials said, including the replacement of a significant amount of wood planking and ramp and pillar replacements at the Bartlett Travis House, which is an historic property that was originally built in 1838 and moved to this park setting in 1988.

All of these significant renovations were funded by Wayne County SLFRF (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds), which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), as well as a Wayne County Parks Millage and funding from Canton Township. 

The remainder of the Canton Farmers Markets 2025 season will take place, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. most Sundays through Oct. 12.  No markets will take place Aug. 31 or Sept. 28.

Visitors to the farmers’ market can also watch for family-friendly themes with special activities. Visit the Canton Farmers Market webpage at www.cantonmi.gov/496 for a detailed list of themes and activities. For a detailed list of market themes and activities, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or access Facebook @CantonFarmersMarket and on Instagram @CantonFarmersMarketMI.

State board approves petition language to recall Herzberg

Registered voters in Canton, Dearborn Heights, Wayne and Westland may soon be asked to sign a petition seeking the recall of state Rep. Peter Herzberg, D-Westland.

Herzberg was chosen to fill the unexpired term of former 25^th District State Representative Kevin Coleman during a special election in April of 2024. Coleman vacated the unexpired state term when he was elected as mayor of Westland. Herzberg was reelected to the state office in November 2024.

Herzberg previously served on the Westland City Council for 8 years after first being elected in 2016.

Last week, members of the Board of State Canvassers unanimously agreed that language submitted for a petition to recall Herzberg provided a “factual and sufficiently clear reason” for the effort to oust him from office. The recall petition, submitted by Keith Butkovich, cited Herzberg’s vote against a Republican proposal to lower the state income tax rate.

Michigan's elections panel cleared the way for a recall effort targeting state Rep. Peter Herzberg, a Democrat from Westland, for his vote against a Republican plan to lower the state's income tax rate. Herzberg has a 10-day window from the July 18 decision to appeal the determination.

A recall election petition requires signatures from 25 percent of district voters who cast votes in the last gubernatorial election. Petitioners have 60 days to collect the signatures. 60-day window.

The petition stems from a March 18 House vote on a Republican bill to lower the state income tax rate from 4.25 percent to 4.05 percent. Herzberg, like the majority of house Democrats, voted against the legislation. The state senate has not voted on the proposal.

Political watchers said they do not expect the recall effort to reach voters as previous efforts to recall state representatives have not been successful.

Romulus schools seeking bond issue on Aug. 5 ballot

A $153 million Building and Site Bond Proposal is on the ballot for Romulus Community Schools voters on Aug. 5. The proposal is not a millage renewal, but a request to authorize the district to borrow money and issue bonds for various improvement projects, according to information provided by the district website. 

The bond would fund projects including the remodeling, equipping, or re-equipping of school buildings, athletic fields, playgrounds, and other facilities, as well as an addition to the transportation building. It would also cover furnishing or re-furnishing new or remodeled buildings, preparing and improving sites, purchasing school buses, and acquiring or upgrading technology in school buildings. 

The estimated millage for the bonds in 2026 is 2.70 mills, which is a net increase of 0 mills from the previous year. The estimated average annual millage to pay off the debt is 5.13 mills, and the bonds could be active for up to 25 years, school officials said. 

Residents seeking more details can visit the Romulus Community Schools website, contact the officer of the Romulus City Clerk, review the Notice of Special Election, or attend Bond Open Houses at Romulus High School set for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31. 

The estimated simple average annual millage required to retire the bond debt is 5.13 mills. This figure represents the average tax rate needed over the life of the bonds to pay back the borrowed funds, officials said. A mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. For every $1,000 of taxable value, property owners would pay $2.70 in 2026 and an average of $5.13 per year to repay the bond debt. The exact impact on individual tax bill will depend on the taxable value of your property not the market value and any other applicable millage rates.

The millage will be levied over the life of the bonds to repay the debt, if approved. The district plans to participate in the Michigan School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to help manage debt payments.

The bond would fund extensive upgrades and renovations to Romulus Community Schools, as outlined by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Benjamin Edmondson. Key areas would include infrastructure upgrades, making all district buildings structurally sound and in compliance with all current building codes to improve safety and accessibility for all students. The bond funding would also be used for implementing enhanced safety measures, potentially including secure vestibules, more secure doors, upgraded fire suppression systems, and improved communication technology throughout the district. Included in the plans are improvements to learning environments, possibly through the addition of air conditioning in all classrooms, updates to furniture and classroom designs, and enhancements to learning spaces.

Plans also include updating science classrooms with new equipment and providing new furniture for all classrooms along with site work and renovation of a mixed-use development, including critical infrastructure work and facility system upgrades, and safety/security improvements. 

The bond proposal acknowledges the changing world and aims to create safer learning environments, according to Edmondson. In addition to physical security upgrades, the proposal may also include upgrades to technology systems like school connectivity and network infrastructure to support enhanced security measures.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Sumpter police win honors

The Sumpter Township Police Department was recently recognized as a silver-level agency by  Lexipol Connect. This is the fourth consecutive year for the prestigious designation which honors  consistent, effective training that emphasizes safety, professionalism, and service to the community.

The Lexipol Connect program evaluates the performance of a police department based on five key metrics to measure success in training management. Sumpter Township achieved silver recognition for effective management of online training, which includes tracking assigned training hours, monitoring completion rates, engaging personnel, and logging external training activities through the Lexipol online PoliceOne Academy training program.

In a social media post, police officials noted, “We are committed to upholding high standards in training management and ensuring that our personnel are well-prepared to meet the needs of our residents.”

Northville school millage renewal on Aug. 5 ballot

Voters in the Northville Public Schools district are asking voters to renew a Building & site Sinking Fund on the Aug. 5 ballot.

The proposal would extend the current 0.9357 mill levy for an additional 10 years (2026–2035), with no increase to the existing tax rate, officials said.

The Sinking Fund is a limited property tax used by school districts in Michigan to fund infrastructure repairs, building upgrades, safety and security enhancements, and instructional technology. If approved, the renewal is expected to generate approximately $4.1 million annually, according to information prepared by school officials.

During the past five years, Northville has used Sinking Fund dollars for critical projects such as replacing aging roofs and HVAC systems, upgrading security systems, improving school entrances, and supporting technology infrastructure across all school buildings.

“The Sinking Fund supports the day-to-day maintenance and long-term care of our facilities,” said Superintendent Dr. RJ Webber. “It’s one of the tools that helps us protect our community’s investment in our schools, without adding debt or impacting the General Fund that supports classroom learning.”

The Sinking Fund is separate from the 2023 Bond Program, which focused on large-scale capital projects such as STEAM center additions, new playgrounds, and major building improvements. The Sinking Fund provides ongoing support for regular maintenance and timely upgrades.

Due to ongoing construction, two precincts will have temporary polling location changes for the Aug. 5, election only.  Precincts 3 and 4 (normally voting at Northville High School) will vote at Ridge Wood Elementary and Precinct 12 (normally voting at Meads Mill Middle School) will vote at Silver Springs Elementary, officials explained.

This proposal represents a renewal—not a new tax. The current Sinking Fund millage, originally approved by voters in 2020, is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025.

Voters are encouraged to double-check their polling location before heading to the polls.

More information including frequently asked questions, a breakdown of past projects, and information on voter registration, is available at www.northvilleschools.org.

Purrfectly safe

DPW crew rescues feline family from shed

Northville Township provides for the safety of even the tiniest residents as proved by the recent rescue of an abandoned cat and her litter of tiny kittens. A DPW team cleaning out a storage shed on Beck Road heard soft mewing noises and expected to find a mouse in the debris—but instead found a litter of kittens with their watchful mother nearby. Team members personally supplied food, water and other necessities for the young township residents and are now working to have the kittens and mother examined by a local veterinarian. Crew members are hoping to find new, “loving homes”  for all the felines but for now, they are all safe and cared for, “thanks to the kindness of the township crew,” noted a spokesman in a Facebook post.

 Community calendar

Rally on Ridge tomorrow

One of the most popular events in Canton Township is planned for 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. tomorrow, July 25, when the 10^th Annual Rally on Ridge takes place.

The event, a fundraiser for the Canton Farmers Market, will feature food trucks, live music, and a Beer Garden, offering a selection of Michigan beers and hard ciders.

Organizers said those who wish to stay for the music should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets as seating is limited.

The fundraising event will take place in and around Preservation Park, as well as on Ridge Road beginning at Roanoke Avenue. For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496.

Romulus seeking heroes

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

Plymouth Library hosting Popsicles in the Park

The Plymouth District Library is hosting programs in local parks with popsicles, crafts a reading tent and other activities. The next event is set for 6:60 until 7:30 Tuesday, July 29 at Jack Wilcox Park located at Byron and Dewey streets.

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.

Life-saving classes offered

Romulus residents can register for free a hands-only CPR / AED and Gun Safety course set for 1 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Romulus Athletic Center (Cirrus Room). Join us for How to Save a Life with Romulus Fire Department and Romulus Police Department. Limited seats available so sign-up now. https://romuluspsf.square.site/.../romulus-resident.../5...

For more information, call (734)941-855.

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.

Romulus teen charged in shooting at Detroit fireworks

A 19-year-old Romulus man has been arrested and charged in the shooting of two people during the Detroit fireworks show on June 23.

According to police reports, Alphonso Cooper, Jr. was arrested and charged with multiple weapons and assault charges on July 7 following a two-week police search. He was located by officers at a home in Washtenaw County, according to police reports. Cooper is accused of firing a weapon multiple times during the crowded annual fireworks display, injuring a 17-year-old Van Buren Township resident and a 22-year-old woman from Ferndale. Police said the shootings apparently followed a dispute about a $200 debt.

Detroit police officers in the area of Randolph Street and Cadillac Square reported hearing gunshots at about 10:04 p.m. June 23. The perpetrator fled the scene before officers and medics arrived, according to police reports. The male victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his legs, and the woman was injured in her hand. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and are expected to survive. Prosecutors allege that Cooper and the male victim were engaged in a physical altercation when the defendant pulled a handgun and fired repeatedly, disregarding the crowd.

Police and witnesses said the injured woman was a bystander and had no involvement in the alleged dispute that led to the shooting.

A second man was initially sought by police for allegedly helping Cooper flee the scene. Police said that everyone believed to be involved in the incident is now in custody, and there are no other suspects or persons of interest.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Cooper with two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, one count of carrying a concealed weapon, and four counts of felony firearm violations.

“These shootings allegedly occurred because the defendant could not handle a disagreement and introduced a deadly weapon into the mix. This defendant did not care that there were hundreds of potential victims in the area. Bullets have no eyes, and it is extremely fortuitous that more fireworks attendees were not injured,” Worthy said in a statement.

Cooper pleaded not guilty during his arraignment July 10 in 36^th District Court before Magistrate William Burton. He was given a $500,000 cash bond with a GPS tether and house arrest.

Detroit police credited the department Fugitive Apprehension Services Team and the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for the arrest.

Heart smart

Northville Township awarded prestigious Lifeline achievement award

The Northville Township Fire Department was honored this year with American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award. This prestigious national award recognizes the commitment of the township to providing top emergency medical services (EMS) to the community, amplifying the dedication to enhancing treatment for patients suffering from severe cardiac emergencies, including heart attacks and strokes.
This year marks the first time the township fire department applied to be a part of this program.
The Mission: Lifeline initiative emphasizes access to rapid and appropriate care by implementing best practices in coordination with hospitals, EMS agencies and first responders, according to a prepared statement from the township. By meeting strict performance measures, Northville Township Fire Department has demonstrated a high standard of care and dedication to saving lives throughout the community.
“This award highlights the incredible work of our EMS personnel and their relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Northville Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel. “We are honored to be recognized and remain committed to providing the highest level of prehospital care.”
The Northville Township Fire Department trains daily for all emergencies. Each firefighter is also a paramedic. Every frontline vehicle is licensed and equipped to provide Advanced Life Support, the highest level of pre-hospital medical care. Tasks performed include cardiac monitoring, intubation and administering IV medications, according to township sources.
In 2024, the Fire Department responded to 2,859 medical emergencies. Paramedics assessed 2,871 patients and transported 1,640 patients to the hospital.
The entire department takes pride in the rate of cardiac arrest survival outcomes. In 2024 alone, the department successfully resuscitated five victims of cardiac arrest who were discharged from the hospital with good neurological function. A person who experiences cardiac arrest (specifically ventricular fibrillation (VFIB) arrests) in Northville Township has a survival rate that is almost three times greater than the national average, according to fire department statistics. The department has achieved this by implementing the best practices used across the world, including high-performance CPR, officials said.
Achieving the Silver Award is a testament to the team’s training, dedication, and lifesaving impact in the community.
“I am happy to report the only reason we did not achieve the Gold Achievement Award is because it is not awarded your first year in the program,” explained Siegel. “We met the award criteria for Gold, but this is not awarded until year two.”
The award shows residents the dedication of the township to public safety, said Township Manager Glenn Caldwell.
“Our residents are in excellent hands and our Fire Department continues to be the standard in top-notch care,” Caldwell said. “Thank you to all the first responders who work diligently daily for such terrific outcomes.”

Police and Good Samaritans save woman from fiery vehicle crash

Canton Township police are crediting the exceptional actions of officers and witnesses in the early morning fiery crash that sent two drivers to the hospital.
According to police reports, Canton officers responded to a call of a two-car crash on westbound Michigan Avenue at about 2:12 a.m. July 5. When they arrived on the scene, officers reported a blue Chevrolet Trax, driven by a 31-year-old Canton woman and a silver Ford Fusion, driven by a 29-year-old Canton, woman engulfed in flames following a vehicle crash. 
A 6-year-old child riding in the burning Ford Fusion was rescued by a passing motorist who stopped to give aid. The driver of the vehicle was trapped in the car and multiple attempts to rescue her by police officers were unsuccessful, according to police reports. Witnesses said the officers worked relentlessly to control the blaze, using every fire extinguisher available at the scene, including one provided by a passing semi-truck driver who also stopped to try to help.
The officers continued their efforts until Canton Township fire trucks and firefighters arrived on the scene. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and extricate the trapped driver, according to police reports of the incident.
Canton police officials commended the “exceptional courage, professionalism, and determination displayed by our officers and the Good Samaritans who rendered aid. Their quick actions were critical in this life-threatening situation.”
Canton emergency responders transported the driver of the Chevrolet Trax to a local hospital and she has been treated and released, according to police reports. The driver of the Ford Fusion remained hospitalized in serious but stable condition at press time.
Police said an investigation into the crash is ongoing. “Preliminary information suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor,” according to a social media post from police.

Out of office

Ending a 33-year career in public service, Westland City Clerk Richard LeBlanc will officially be retired July 21.

During his final city council meeting last week, LeBlanc, 66, was honored by both Mayor Kevin Coleman and members of the city council. Coleman presented LeBlanc with a key to the city during the celebration of his three-decade career.

LeBlanc, who began his career in 1992 as a member of the Wayne-Westland Board of Education, has served terms on the Westland City Council, in the Michigan House of Representatives, and as a Wayne County Commissioner. He was first elected as Westland City Clerk in 2016.

“Clerk LeBlanc has shown exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to our community,” officials noted during his final council meeting July 7.

Following his three-year term serving on the Westland board of education, he served two terms on the city council and three terms as the representative from the 18^th District in the Michigan House of Representatives. Following his terms in Lansing, he was elected as the Wayne County Commissioner for Westland, Garden City, and Inkster, before his election as Westland City Clerk. Officials praised his performance during his tenure as the city clerk, noting that he modernized the clerk’s office, guided the city through multiple election cycles, and made participation in local government more accessible.

Several members of the council spoke about the lasting impact of LeBlanc’s service in the city and as a representative of Westland at both the county and state levels.

LeBlanc officially announced his retirement in May, noting that family considerations had moved his planned timeline. He assured Coleman and the council members that he was leaving the clerk’s office well prepared. He urged council members to name Deputy Clerk Shannon Inman as his successor, calling her “fully qualified” and ready to take the reins.

Council members are expected to consider the appointment of Inman at a future meeting.

Rally on Ridge

Annual Farmers Market benefit set for next week

One of the most popular events in Canton Township is planned for 4 until 9 p.m. July 25 when the 10^th Annual Rally on Ridge takes place.

The event, a fundraiser for the Canton Farmers Market, will include food trucks offering their finest menu items for purchase; live music from the C3 and the Third Generation Band. Also planned is a bounce obstacle course provided by Cosmic Bounce.

“Once again the Canton Farmers Market is excited to host our 10^th annual Rally on Ridge, which has become one of the most popular summer events in Cherry Hill Village,” said Chelsea Straub, recreation coordinator.  “We’re hoping that individuals take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy a pleasant summer evening outside with some delicious eats from a fantastic lineup of gourmet food trucks, along with some refreshing beverages, and dynamic live music.”

In addition to food trucks, a Beer Garden, featuring a curated selection of Michigan beers and hard ciders, will also be available for participants 21 years of age and older. While admission is free, food truck items will be for sale.

Organizers said those who wish to stay for the music should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets as seating is limited.

The Rally on Ridge this year is sponsored by: DTE, Edward Jones of Cherry Hill Village, Expressions Music Academy, and The Village Dentist.

The fundraising event will take place in and around Preservation Park, as well as on Ridge Road beginning at Roanoke Avenue. For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496.

Top cops

Canton Township Police Department Sgt. Joe Keimig, Ofc. Jeff Seifert, and Ofc. Brian Zinser were awarded the Medal of Valor by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police at the 2025 summer conference. The Medal of Valor recognition is reserved for those who exhibit extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of danger, display bravery, quick decision-making, and unwavering commitment to protecting the public, a spokesman explained. “Each of their efforts reflects the very best of our department and the law enforcement profession as a whole,” commented Police Chief Chad Baugh. “Their actions not only saved lives but also brought great credit to themselves, their families, and the entire department,” he added.

Community calendar

Sumpter Family Fun Day set

It will be Family Fun Day in Sumpter Township this Saturday, July 19.

Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation staff members are planning the family-friendly event set for noon until 3 p.m. at Graham Park, located at 23483 Sumpter Road in Belleville.

Members of the Lions Club will be on hand to provide free vision screening for children, and a water bounce house with a water slide, along with swimming activities, will be part of the fun. The event will feature games including a cupcake walk, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a three-legged race, and others. A food truck and ice cream truck will be on site to purchase refreshments, organizers noted.

The event is free and open to the public.

 

Park rededication planned

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand re-opening of Preservation Park, as well as the unveiling of a new open-air pavilion, is planned for 5 p.m. July 22. Join Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, along with elected officials and members of the board of trustees, as well as Wayne County dignitaries for the special event. Preservation Park is located at 500 N. Ridge Road in Canton.

 

Romulus seeking heroes

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

Plymouth Library hosting Popsicles in the Park

The Plymouth District Library is hosting programs in local parks with popsicles, crafts, a reading tent, and other activities. The next event is set for 6:30 until 7:30 on Tuesday, July 29 at Jack Wilcox Park located at Byron and Dewey streets.

 

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 Aug. 31, and Sept. 1.

 

Lifesaving classes offered

Romulus residents can register for free a hands-only CPR / AED and Gun Safety course set for 1 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Romulus Athletic Center (Cirrus Room). Join us for How to Save a Life with Romulus Fire Department and Romulus Police Department. Limited seats available so sign-up now. https://romuluspsf.square.site/.../romulus-resident.../5...

For more information, call (734)941-855.

 

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.

Caution urged as discount utility service is offered

Area residents are being warned about a possible scheme to defraud homeowners under the guise of lowering utility costs.

In Sumpter Township last week, police received reports of two young men posing as representatives of utility provider DTE going door-to-door in neighborhoods. Police said the suspects were approaching residents, claiming they could lower the costs for utility services. Police suspect the two may be solicitors for a competing utility company.

In Romulus, an 84-year-old victim of a similar ploy signed up for the promised reduction in gas service costs, which resulted in him paying significantly more to the new provider. The senior citizen was solicited for the service change by phone, according to reports, and paid more than $1,400 in higher costs for gas service.

He said he was promised lower bills, but the monthly service that previously cost $76 from DTE increased to $224. Bills continued to increase each month, he said. The victim called DTE and confirmed the disparity in monthly charges.

A spokesman from DTE said the ruse is not actually illegal and is allowed by state law, which allows customers to buy service from alternate providers. Often, however, the spokesman said, the monthly charges are much higher than the savings promised to the homeowner. “The prices may be different from what the fine print says,” the spokesman noted. The prices are not regulated and are subject to whatever terms and conditions in the agreement the customer signs.

A DTE representative cautioned that no door-to-door solicitation is ever authorized, and the company does not ever offer limited-time discounts. If approached by a salesperson, in person or by phone, the company urges customers to call DTE for information.

Graduation day

Citizens Academy celebrates young students

An elite group of young students completed the extensive week-long training at the Canton Public Safety Youth Academy last week. The students, all Canton Township residents, spent several days side-by-side with both police officers and firefighters getting hands-on experience with multiple public safety operations.

A spokesman noted that during the week-long academy, students practiced medical intubations and used the Jaws of Life during a rescue scenario. They talked with a highly trained Special Operations Team member and experienced the capabilities and skills of the K-9 units. The students learned how to control and aim a fire hose like the professionals. The students were provided insight into traffic safety and enforcement techniques, and each became CPR certified while a member of the class.

A department spokesman said the academy was “an incredible opportunity for these future leaders to explore careers in public safety, build confidence, and form lasting connections.”

The event was an effort of the public safety department who provided staff and guest instructors for the academy students, along with the families who supported students’ participation. Sponsors of the week-long classes were Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, Mission BBQ, and 911 Restoration.

Death of Romulus firefighter is mourned throughout area

Area firefighters and public safety professionals from throughout the area are mourning the death of Romulus Firefighter Luke Alexander Joyce, 22, of Westland.

Romulus Director of Community Safety Kevin Krause revealed the July 4 death of the off-duty firefighter last week on social media.

“It is with profound sadness that the Romulus Fire Department announces the off-duty passing of one of our own, Luke Joyce,” Krause posted.

Krause said Joyce was a “beloved member of our fire family and was a dedicated firefighter who served the City of Romulus with honor, bravery, and compassion.”

Krause said the death “leaves a tremendous void in our department and in the lives of all who knew him.”

No details regarding funeral arrangements were available at press time.  

“We extend our deepest condolences to the firefighter’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this loss. We will share more details as they become available,” Krause posted.

Art In The Park

Weekend event celebrates 45^th year in downtown Plymouth Kellogg Park

It’s been 45 years since Plymouth resident Dianne Quinn asked a few of her friends to join her in an outdoor art fair and painting exhibition in Kellogg Park.

How things have changed. This year, Art In The Park marks 45 years of success and has grown into a three-day celebration featuring more than 400 artists from 32 states and Canada and drawing nearly 300,000 attendees to the heart of downtown Plymouth.

Art In The Park will fill the streets of downtown beginning tomorrow, July 11, through Sunday, July 13. The award-winning event has received wide recognition, noted owner and Director Raychel Rork, who has managed the exhibition since her mother, Quinn, retired. The Plymouth exhibition has been chosen as "Best Local Event" by the Detroit Free Press;  Voted "The Best of Detroit" by HOUR Detroit Magazine; named one of the "Gems of the Great Lakes" by AAA Magazine, and ranked as one of the Best Shows in America by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Rork, now the owner and director of the event, said the show would feature a wide variety of original, handcrafted work - including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art and other mediums again this year as downtown Plymouth is transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Visitors can enjoy the art along with live performances, interactive experiences, and a food lineup. Hours this year are 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Highlights of the exhibition this year include live art experiences; a massive 40-foot LEGO display, featuring custom-built Jurassic Park scenes; a giant Jurassic Park-themed chalk mural, and the traditional Living Mural where live models are painted into scenes from Jurassic Park. As has become a tradition, an interactive kids' mural will be painted by children in the park and donated to the Michigan Humane Society.

The event also features more than 90 young artist-entrepreneurs (ages 7-18) exhibiting and selling their own work in Kellogg Park. Crazy Craig, a stunt juggler, will perform on his unicycle and CometDancerr (sic), a pro hula hoop artist, will provide entertaining stunts.

My Adventure Theater, an interactive children’s show, will return to Kellogg Park when children become part of the play, and George Tait, The Human Statue, will perform street illusions and magic on Main Street. Live music from Roots Vibrations, a reggae band, and viral percussionist Deon Forrest will perform Saturday from 6 until 7 p.m.

Admission to the event is free, although parking fees are collected by local civic groups and donated to various charities, benefiting the community. A convenient round-trip shuttle runs all weekend from Schoolcraft College in Livonia. The fee is $8 round trip; children 12 and younger ride free in air-conditioned vehicles, which feature restrooms and accommodations for strollers and purchases.