Public hearing set for hazardous waste permit

Area residents will have a chance to be heard regarding the pending hazardous waste management facility operating license for Wayne Disposal, Inc. during a public information meeting and hearing set for Sept. 18.

The hazardous waste facility in Van Buren Township is currently seeking a state permit to expand disposal capacity, sparking significant community opposition. Residents and elected officials have expressed concerns regarding the disposal of radioactive waste from the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment and World War II-era Manhattan Project sites. Members of the public have protested the expansion and past waste shipments, advocating for increased transparency and stricter state regulations to prevent what they call a "bargain bin for dumping waste". 

The waste disposal facility is located at 49350 North I-94 Service Drive and is currently licensed to dispose of hazardous waste by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). There has been significant community opposition for the expansion proposal and past acceptance of radioactive waste.  A lawsuit by local governments has already halted shipments of contaminated soil and rubble from the construction of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. That radioactive waste was eventually shipped to another disposal site following the public outcry regarding the proximity of the disposal near Belleville Lake and residential neighborhoods.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EGLE) representatives have already given notice of intent to approve the permit and licensing for expansion at Wayne Disposal Inc. (WDI). The facility is proposing expansion of disposal volume and the addition of hazardous waste storage capacity. The new permit would allow WDI to begin storing hazardous waste in containers, and to continue disposing of hazardous waste, certain radiological materials, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) waste generated offsite.
The Sept. 18 in-person public informational meeting and hearing set for 5 until 9 p.m. Sept. 19 at Wayne County Community College District, Ted Scott Campus, 9555 Haggerty Road in Van Buren Township, will start with an open house from 5-6 p.m. for residents to come and talk to EGLE and U.S. EPA staff one-on-one, ask questions and learn about the facility in general, according to an announcement from the licensing agency.
The open house will be followed by a presentation from 6-7 p.m. about the application and draft license, and a session with a panel. The public meeting will be followed by a public hearing from 7-9 p.m. where interested individuals will have an opportunity to submit oral or written comments on the draft license into the formal record. Public comment can be made by mail or email until 5 p.m. Sept. 29.
To attend online, register at https://bit.ly/MMD09182025 and participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting. For those who do not have internet access and would like to join by phone only, use the following phone number: (636) 651-3142, and conference code 374288. Pre-registration is not required to attend. The draft license, application, and associated materials for more detailed information are available at the Belleville Area District Library. All individuals attending the public hearing in person who intend to speak are requested to register by filling out a comment card.
Comments may be given at any time before the end of the comment period at 5 p.m. Sept. 29. Participants may provide comments on the draft license in person at the public hearing; by email: EGLE-MMD-HWS@Michigan.gov or by U.S. mail: EGLE, Materials Management Division, Attn: Christine Matlock, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, MI 48909-7741
For questions about the application or draft license, contact Matlock at (517) 290-4612, MatlockC2@Michigan.gov or EGLE-MMD-HWS@Michigan.gov.

Glowing reception

Romulus Rotary hosts annual Pumpkin Festival Parade of Lights

The 27^th Annual Pumpkin Festival will roll into Romulus Sept. 19, 20 and 21, led off by the traditional Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights.

The festival will take place at the Romulus Historical Park, located at 11147 Hunt St.

The annual Pumpkin Festival is a three-day event that annually begins on the third Friday in September. The Parade of Lights which traditionally signifies the opening of the event, takes place Friday evening when every entry in the parade is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line up along Goddard Road to enjoy the creative talents on display as the lighted vehicles pass by.

During the weekend, the Pumpkin Festival offers music, food, crafts, and games for all ages. Residents can visit or enter the Classic Car Show, Craft and Vendor Show, or join the fun, relax and enjoy the live music. The annual festival is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community, organizers said.

The Rotary Parade of Lights is now accepting entry applications available on Facebook as Romulus Rotary or the Romulusgov.com/Pumpkin Festival sites. A complete set of rules is also available. There is a $10 donation requested per entry and there will be a $50 cash prize for the winners in several categories. Preregistration is appreciated but not required, Rotary organizers said. Audiences can vote for favorite entries on the Romulus Rotary Facebook page. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 21 and will be invited to a club meeting to be recognized for their creativity and awarded prize money. 

The six categories this year are: Commercial, Motorized, Non-Motorized (People/Animal Powered), Classic Cars, Live Music and Schools.

The most important rule, organizers stressed, is that all entries must be decorated with an abundance of working lights. No entries without plenty of lights will be allowed to participate. Glow sticks are not sufficient lighting for a float or participants.

The more lights, the better, organizers said.

Parade of Lights line-up will begin rain or shine at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 directly on Goddard Road, west of Wayne Road. Entries must enter off of Wayne Road for staging. For complete rules and ab an application visit https://tinyurl.com/2025ParadeofLights 

69^th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival will begin tomorrow

One of the most popular and highly anticipated events of the season will return to Plymouth this weekend, transforming downtown city streets into a celebration of community, food, and fun.

This is the 69^th year of the event, and the festival will again offer entertainment for every age — while raising vital funds for dozens of local non-profit organizations.

“This event is about more than rides and music,” said Festival Manager James Gietzen. “It’s about the power of neighbors coming together and supporting the groups that make our community such a great place to live.”

The festivities begin tomorrow, Sept. 5,  with the ever-popular Vietnam Veteran’s Association Rib Dinner from 3 until 6 p.m. behind E.G. Nicks. Evening activities include Bingo at the Plymouth Gathering from 6 until 9 p.m. leading into a live performance by Geff Philips and Friends at 7 p.m. on the Kellogg Park Main Stage.

Saturday Sept. 6 begins with the traditional Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. until noon followed by the Optimist Pet Show at 9 a.m. Entertainment fills the Kellogg Park Main Stage all afternoon

Car lovers will have two chances to browse the festival Car Show, open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday featuring a collection of classic and custom vehicles.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club famous Chicken BBQ, served starting at 11 a.m. until nearly 9,000 dinners are sold.

Canton man charged in traffic death of 2 sisters

A Canton Township man has been charged in an automobile crash that killed two children and left a teen seriously injured.

Amir Khalid, 41, was arraigned last week in 36th District Court in Detroit on three charges, according to a prepared statement from the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Khalid is charged with two counts of reckless driving causing death, and one count of reckless driving causing serious injury.

Prosecutors claim that Khalid was responsible for the crash which took place at about 12:39 a.m. Aug. 23 on Gratiot near Houston Whittier in Detroit. According to police reports, a young girl was found by officers trapped in a vehicle located on the sidewalk in front of a gas station in the 12600 block of Gratiot. The child was later identified as Savannah Allen, 8.

The girl was extricated from the vehicle and transported along with two other girls who had been in the vehicle to a local hospital. Both the 8-year-old and her 15-year-old sister, Syiana, were pronounced dead a short time later. A 16-year-old was also injured in the crash and received medical treatment at the hospital, police said.

The girls’ grandmother was reportedly driving them home. She also suffered injuries in the crash, according to reports.

Prosecutors allege that Khalid was recklessly driving and speeding north on Gratiot when his vehicle collided with the car occupied by the victims. Police said Khalid’s vehicle was traveling at about 80 mph in a 35-mph zone when the crash happened.  The family of the young girls launched a GoFundMe page in an effort to fund funerals for the children.

"Losing one child is heartbreaking beyond words but losing both sisters on the same day has left our family shattered," Katherine Yancy wrote on the page which she organized. "They were vibrant, loving, and full of life, and they will forever remain in our hearts."

Khalid was arraigned on Aug. 25, in 36^th District Court before Magistrate Joseph Boyer and received a $250,000 cash/surety bond with a GPS tether and conditions of a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, and no driving.

Police continue investigation of sexual misconduct incidents

A 22-year-old Rochester Hills resident is due in court again tomorrow facing multiple felony charges including criminal sexual conduct – third degree and accosting a child for immoral purposes.

Valor James Harrison was arraigned Aug. 28 at the 35^th District Court on multiple felony charges. His bond was set at $100,000 (no 10 percent). Police said Harrison had been remanded and was currently housed at the Wayne County Jail. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Sept. 5 and a preliminary court examination on the charges set for Sept. 12.

Detectives from the Northville Township and Canton Township Police departments said they took Harrison into custody Aug. 26. Police said the charges stem from an incident that began in July when an investigation determined that Harrison had contacted a 15-year-old girl through the social media platform Instagram. Harrison then met the juvenile to engage in sexual activity, according to police accounts. No further details concerning the victim will be released, police said, to protect the young person’s identity and privacy.

Investigators stated that Harrison has had a prior encounter with law enforcement related to sexually inappropriate behavior.

A spokesman from the Northville Township Police Department stated that the investigation into this case is active and ongoing. Police have urged anyone who believes they or their child may have been in contact with the defendant, or may be a victim, to contact the Northville Township Police Detective Bureau immediately at (248) 349-9400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Day set

The annual Hazardous Waste Round-up will take place in Canton Township from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 6. The disposal will be available at the Canton Division of Public Works Building, located at 4847 Sheldon Road, just south of Michigan Avenue.

This free event is open to Canton residents only and ID will be required. To obtain a detailed list of what is and is not accepted, visit www.cantonmi.gov/248. Participants should be prepared for long lines as this is a high-volume event, organizers said.

Community Calendar

Hike With a Naturalist

All ages can participate in a ‘Hike with a Naturalist” on Saturday, Sept. 6 on the Flodin Nature Trails, located in Flodin Park at Saltz and Morton Taylor Roads in Canton Township.

An expert from Huron-Clinton Metroparks will lead free interactive hikes through the flora and fauna of the nature trails at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. A scavenger hunt for kids and light refreshments will be served after each session. Online registration is now open at  www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460

 

Brews, Brats & Bands returns to Heritage Park

Brews, Brats, and Bands will return to the Heritage Park Amphitheater in Canton Township next month. The event is planned from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.  The amphitheater is located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road. 

Admission is limited to those 21 and older. The fundraiser is presented by the Village Arts Factory.

Tickets are $45 plus a per ticket service charge and can only be purchased online at Beerfests.com by searching Canton, MI. For additional event details, visit www.cantonfun.org.  

 

City-wide sale planned

The free fall City-wide Yard Sales in Romulus will take place Sept. 25-28. Rain dates will be Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5. Residents wishing to have a yard or garage sale without a permit fee should sign up with the city clerk’s office at https://www.romulusgov.com/FormCenter/Clerk-Encrypted-Forms-17/FallSpring-CityWide-GarageYard-Sale-Regi-141

Registrations received by Friday, Sept. 19 will be included in a list of participating addresses published in "The Eagle" newspaper.

For more information call (734)942-7540.

 

Library renovations continue

Renovations at the Plymouth District Library began in June and continue. The library launched a drive-thru service last month so users can easily pick up books on hold. Renovations will continue throughout the summer.

The library will be closed for main level renovations through Sept. 14. The main and upper levels will reopen Sept. 15 while lower-level renovations begin.

More information is available at info@plymouthlibrary.org

 

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

 

Summit shut down for annual maintenance

The Summit on the Park is closed for maintenance. The facility will reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. All regularly scheduled classes will resume after the shutdown. For more information, visit www.summitonthepark.org or contact the Summit front desk at (734) 394-5460.