Hazardous waste permit comment deadline extended

Concerned residents have been given additional time to comment on the proposed expanded hazardous waste operating license at Wayne Disposal in Van Buren Township.

The public comment period has been extended by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Materials Management Division until Oct. 31. The landfill is seeking an expansion of the hazardous waste permit, allowing the disposal of toxic and radioactive waste. The expansion is requested following the closure of a runway at Willow Run Airport, placing the proposed site within the regulated boundaries.

The company is seeking a 23 percent vertical expansion that would increase its capacity by about 5.2 million cubic yards. The site has accepted radioactive waste and some of the most harmful chemicals in existence, including PCBs, dioxins, and PFAS chemicals, according to reports.

Expansion and operation at the landfill, owned by Republic Service, has been the subject of public outcry and criticism from local officials in surrounding areas. Residents have expressed concern regarding the disposal of radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project, which produced the atomic bomb in World War II.
The draft license, application, and associated materials are available online and paper copies are also available at the Belleville Area District Library at 167 Fourth St., Belleville.
Email comments will be accepted at EGLE-MMD-HWS@Michigan.gov . Written comments can be mailed to: EGLE, Materials Management Division, Attn: Christine Matlock, P.O. Box 30241,
Lansing, MI 48909-7741.

A preliminary court injunction issued earlier this year blocked all shipments of Manhattan Project-era waste to Wayne Disposal, and said the facility could potentially impact local waterways.

“Runoff rainwater and/or contaminated surface water from the WDI Facility, if not fully contained and treated on site, would flow into one or more of the county drains and/or could drain into nearby Belleville Lake, the Huron River, and Lake Erie,” Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox said in the order. 

Bright lights

The 27^th Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival last weekend drew huge crowds of residents to Historical Park for the three-day event which featured live entertainment all weekend; the Romulus Fire Department famous pancake breakfast; crafts; games; a Classic Car Show and the famous Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest. The Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights which traditionally marks the beginning of the festival drew major crowds and multiple parade entries again this year. From firetrucks to car haulers, buses to earth moving equipment, and most vehicles in between, the parade lit up Goddard Road to cheers from the crowds as the entries passed by. Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight was among the multiple entrants that drew cheers from the onlookers. The parade, sponsored by the Romulus Rotary Club, accepted online voting for the best entries in several categories this week. The winners this year were not available at press time. 

Death of former State Senator Bruce Patterson is mourned

Former Michigan State Sen. Bruce Charles Patterson, 78, died Sept. 15, 2025.

Born Feb. 7, 1947, in Detroit, Mr. Patterson earned both a Bachelor of Arts (1969) and a Juris Doctor (1972) from Wayne State University, launching a career that combined private law practice, higher education advancement, and public service.

Mr. Patterson practiced law for many years and served as president and partner of McCabe, Middleton & Patterson, P.C. Before entering elected office, he served as Director of Planned Giving at Eastern Michigan University (1991–1994), where he coordinated faculty/staff development campaigns and led planned-giving efforts to strengthen the university philanthropic programs.

Mr. Patterson served as a Wayne County Commissioner (1995–1998) before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1999. As a freshman state representative, he served as Associate Speaker Pro Tempore, and in his second term he was elected Majority Floor Leader. In 2002 he was elected to the Michigan State Senate representing the 7th District (Belleville, Canton, Northville, Plymouth), where he served two terms from 2003 to 2010. During his tenure in the Senate, he chaired the Energy Policy & Public Utilities Committee and served on the Health Policy, Judiciary, and Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs committees. He was known as a thoughtful legislator who championed consumer protections, environmental stewardship, and government transparency.

Mr. Patterson was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. He found great joy in hunting, golfing, fishing, and taking long drives — but family remained his greatest pleasure, his family recalled. Among his survivors are his wife, Phyllis; children Justin (Jess) Patterson, Denise (Anthony) Mettetal, and Lauren (Jeffrey) Winner, and grandchildren Tannis, Maverick, Arlette, and Winston. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Patterson.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or to  Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154 in his memory. 

Charges against driver dismissed ‘by reason of insanity’

The woman who deliberately drove her vehicle into other cars and left a new father of twins an amputee was found not guilty of 17 felony charges by reason of insanity earlier this month.

April Graves, who faced multiple felony charges including two counts of attempted murder, received the verdict following an examination by the Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry.

Two of the victims in the incident, which occurred at about 7:15 p.m. Aug. 10, 2024 were Luke and Hailey Vinsko, who had just returned to their home on the 34000 block of Florence Street in Westland. The couple had just become the parents of twin boys.

Hailey Vinsko told reporters that she heard a car accelerating just before in crashed directly into her husband. The driver then reversed the car, striking neighbors’ vehicles and driving into Vinsko’s car, parked in the driveway. Her car rolled over her husband, and the severe impact broke the garage door down. Luke Vinsko’s right leg was injured so badly that doctors were forced to amputate it at his knee.

Both Vinskos told investigators that Graves was a stranger to them, and they knew of no motive for the attack. Both told news sources that they felt Graves attempted to kill them.

Saint John’s is chosen as top resort and hotel in Michigan

Saint John's Resort in Plymouth Township has been named the No. 1 Best Hotel in Michigan by U.S. News and World Report. The Plymouth resort also earned the top spot as No. 1 Best Resort in the state and No. 1 Best Business Hotel in Michigan.

The former seminary was  established by the Catholic bishops of the region in 1948 to train candidates for the priesthood before it was transformed into a humanitarian-focused luxury resort. The seminary officially closes on June 7, 1988 due to a declining number of seminary candidates, according to officials records.  The property, which had been dormant for several years, was revived by Cardinal Adam Maida as a center for diocesan youth and families in 1994. 

The main seminary buildings were repurposed and opened as the St. John's Golf & Conference Center in 2000 and the property became a popular venue for corporate events, social functions, and Catholic celebrations. The 118-room luxury hotel and the restaurants were added to the property in 2006 and it was renamed Saint John’s Resort.

In 2021 the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation acquired the property from the Archdiocese of Detroit and began a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion. The property was officially rebranded as Saint John's Resort. According to the website, The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation operates the resort as a "Humanitarian Hotel," donating 100 percent of  net profits to educational and humanitarian charities in the Metro Detroit area and globally.

The multi-year, $50 million transformation included a complete redesign of the golf facilities by architect Ray Hearn. The new courses include the 18-hole Cardinal course and the 7-hole Little Cardinal short course. The Cardinal recently hosted the LIV Golf Team Championship.

In June 2025, Saint John’s unveiled the crown jewel of the renovation: the Monarch Ballroom. The 24,000 square foot event space features indoor and outdoor areas with sweeping glass walls and capacity for up to 1,500 guests.

Northville names Officer of the Year

Northville Police Ofc. Scott Groff has been honored as the 2024 Officer of the Year. Groff was officially awarded the title during a meeting of the Northville City Council earlier this month. The award honors an officer who represents the very best of the Northville Police Department   through leadership, dependability, and dedication to public service, officials said.

Groff has served in law enforcement for nearly 20 years, including more than 10 years with the Northville department. Before joining Northville, he spent nine years in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member..
Groff grew up in Plymouth and said he visited Northville often.

“I always enjoyed coming to the area growing up so it made the decision to work here easy,” said Groff. “I am very appreciative of the ability to work in a community in which the citizens are very supportive of our department. This is such a great community in which everyone keeps an eye out and helps each other out it certainly helps when it comes to keeping the community safe.”
Receiving the Officer of the Year award is a milestone Groff accepted with gratitude and humility. “Being named Officer of the Year is an honor,” said Groff. “While this is a single officer award a lot of the work that I put in to achieve this selection would not have been possible without the help of many of the other officers in the department as well, so I would be remised to not mention that and the fact that I am very grateful and appreciative of the team we have built in the department.”
Groff also credits his family for their unwavering support throughout his nearly 20 years of service in both the military and law enforcement. “Receiving an award such as this would not be possible without them behind me. They are one of the biggest reasons I do what I do,” Groff said. 

Northville Township police department awarded accreditation

The Northville Township Police Department appeared before the CALEA Accreditation Commission in Little Rock, AR, recently for a hearing regarding the department reaccreditation vote by commission members.

Director of Public Safety Scott Hilden, Deputy Chief Matthew MacKenzie, and Lt. Patrick Reinke represented the Northville Township department, answering questions about the department, including the new ESC, crime prevention, community policing, recruiting, and other topics.

“Our community policing program is not a program… it’s our department culture,” Hilden shared, explaining how dedicated officers—supported by tools like license plate readers and cryptocurrency tracking software—help keep the community safe. MacKenzie acknowledged challenges but credited strong community support, while Reinke noted that staff referrals often bring in top talent from other agencies.

The hearing also had lighter moments—particularly when Commissioner Renee Gordon asked if Support Dog Max would get jealous of a “Maxine.”  Hilden replied, “Max seems to like everyone, and he’d probably really like a girlfriend.”

The commission unanimously voted to re-accredit Northville Township Police Department in the CALEA Advanced Law Enforcement and Communications programs—what Hilden calls “a true reflection of our people’s exceptional service, dedication, and commitment to the safety and success of our community.”

Construction of new traffic roundabout is underway

Work on the new $2.55 million roundabout in downtown Northville began last week.

The traffic project will include the intersection of Seven Mile, Sheldon and Center Street. Offiicals said this is the first roundabout in Wayne County and is designed to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and make the intersection safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The roundabout will feature narrower crossings at single lanes. The medians will be landscaped, according to plans, and bicycle ramps will be installed. The work will also include resurfacing and striping along Seven Mile, Wing Street and St. Lawrence Boulevard.

According to city officials, Center Street is now closed south of Fairbrook and Sheldon Road is closed just north of the bridge. Detour routes are posted on Six Mile, Beck and Eight Mile roads. The closures will remain in effect for the entire project while Seven Mile Road is open in both directions. The project is expected to be complete in late November, according to a spokesman.

Best of Second City touring company performs on Canton stage tomorrow

The legendary sketch and improv comedy touring company, The Second City, will return to The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton to perform “The Best of The Second City: 65 Years of Funny” at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The evening of comedy features adult themes and language celebrates 65 years of legendary laughs with hilarious songs, unforgettable characters, and iconic sketches written for the stage by such comedy greats as Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Catherine O’Hara, Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert, and others. These classics have been reimagined and brought to life by live comedy performers in a high-energy revue of six and a half decades of revolutionary satire and groundbreaking improv comedy.

The Second City is known for cutting-edge satirical revues and for launching the careers of generation after generation of comedy’s best and brightest. Today, The Second City is home to a world-class entertainment company, continuing to produce premier talent and entertaining more than one million audience members each year.

Tickets for the event are $35-$40 (including fees) and can be purchased online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org  or by calling (734) 394-5300.  Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the box office one hour prior to show time

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton

For more information visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org, or call (734) 394-5300.

Community calendar 

School supply drive set for this Saturday

A school supply collection drive is set for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at 318 S. Main St. in Plymouth. The notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and other supplies will help teachers and students at Canton-Plymouth schools.

The collection is sponsored by MOD Mortgage and Bakehouse 46.

 

Stage performance set

Once Upon a Mattress, a musical twist on the classic story of “The Princess and the Pea,” will be at The Jack Wilcox Theatre at the PARC this weekend, Sept. 25, 26 and 27. The show is presented by Ovation Performing Arts

Tickets can be purchased online for $15 or $17 at the door. Advance booking is recommended. ADA seating is available. For tickets and more information, visit plymouthmusiclessons.com

Parking garage closed

The upper level of the Central Parking Deck in downtown Plymouth is closed as crews begin work on the ramp. The closure is expected to be in place for several weeks.

The DDA has leased additional 8-hour public parking spots at the Christian Science Church located at 1100 W Ann Arbor Trail just west of Harvey Street for use during the closure. These spots are first-come, first-served.

 

Goodfellow holiday help applications now online

Applications for the 2025 Romulus Goodfellows Assistance Program are officially available.

If you or someone you know needs support, visit https://romulusgoodfellows.wixsite.com/.../applications...

Romulus Goodfellows

seootrnpSd1tit91469fA 6uu29hlls1th9t26a30m9621:gM2a 0 itu aA  to apply. Completed applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 15.

 

Recycling and shred day set

A Shred and Electronic Recycling Day is set for 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Oc. 4 at Plymouth Township Hall parking lot, 9955 North Haggerty Road in Plymouth.

Proof of residency in the City or Township of Plymouth will be required.

Each vehicle will be allowed five file-size boxes to be shredded.

Some household and electronic items will be accepted. For information, visit the Plymouth Township website.

 

Dueling Pianos will fight polio

The Rotary Club of Plymouth AM at the Rotary Passport to Service Club are sponsoring Dueling Pianos For a Cause set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at the Plymouth VFW Hall, 1425 S. Mill St. in Plymouth. Tickets are $50 and the event is fundraiser for the End Polio Worldwide effort of Rotary Clubs around the world. Geff Phillips and Mike Caey will perform. Tickets are available from Rotary Club members.

 

Fire station open house is planned in Plymouth

The Plymouth Fire Department will host the annual Fire Safety Open House from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Fire Station 1, 9955 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth. A full day of fire safety activities and demonstrations is planned.

 

Potters Guild sale set

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

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

Threat of child sex predators prompts new police effort

The increasing number of sexual predators victimizing children has prompted a Michigan State Police effort designed to focus awareness of the looming danger to young people in the digital environment.

Sexual predators use social media, messaging apps and gaming platforms to gain access to children and the use of these tools can be like opening a door right into your child’s bedroom, according to the new public awareness campaign aimed at teaching parents and children how to safely navigate the digital world.

“At any given time, there are tens of thousands of predators online looking to exploit children,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). “Any child who is online can be a target – even yours, so it’s important to have conversations with your children about what to do if they encounter a stranger online.”

To talk to your child about online predators, start with open, age-appropriate conversations and make it clear you're a trusted resource they can come to without fear of anger or punishment. Establish a "no friends before meeting in person" rule, set clear tech boundaries and privacy settings, and teach them how to recognize risky situations and what to do if they encounter one. Reassure them that if they encounter a predator or see inappropriate content, it's not their fault, and you'll help them are suggestions from the Child Rescue Coalition.

Counselors urge parents to learn how to use parental controls and privacy settings and educate themselves about popular sites. Teens need to understand the permanent nature of online data and the dangers of sexting and inappropriate content. With younger children, psychologists suggest parents use "stranger danger" analogies. Explaining to younger children that "tricky people" can act differently online than they do in real life is suggested. 

Children should learn to never share personal information such as their address online and to 9 ways to protect your child from online predators.

The internet offers multiple expert resources for parents offering ways to help keep children safe from internet predators.

The “Opening the Door” campaign, led by the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, includes a video public service announcement drawing attention to online predatory behavior like grooming and sextortion, and encouraging adults to be proactive in talking to their children about online dangers. Using federal funds, the video will be shared through a paid social media campaign that began this week and will continue through December.

“Education is your best defense against online predators,” said Capt. Lizabeth Rich, commander of the MSP Intelligence Operations Division. “We encourage parents to work with their children to create a plan for internet use that includes parental controls. They should get comfortable talking about online dangers and familiarize themselves with how to report any odd activity they encounter.”

Report child sexual exploitation or abuse, including grooming or harm, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.

Prepare youth for what can happen and what to do if something scary or harmful occurs by visiting www.michigan.gov/ICAC.

The Michigan ICAC Task Force is part of a national network ​of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 law enforcement agencies who are continually engaged in proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of people involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the ​internet.

Romulus Pumpkin Festival

The 27^th Annual Romulus Pumpkin Festival begins tomorrow and continues Saturday and Sunday.

The event will begin tomorrow night with the traditional  Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights.

Festival events will take place at the Romulus Historical Park, located at 11147 Hunt St.

The annual Pumpkin Festival is a three-day event that traditionally begins on the third Friday in September. The highly anticipated Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights features participants from bicycles to cement trucks, all brightly festooned with as many lights as possible. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to cheer as the parade entries pass by.

The weekend festival offers music, food, crafts, and games for all ages. Festivities include a Classic Car Show, a Craft and Vendor Show and live music in the park all three days.

“The festival is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community, organizers said.

Tomorrow, will feature Bingo games, a Bounce House and the Pumpkin Pub for those 21 and older along with live music and other attractions. Saturday will begin with the annual Fire Department Pancake Breakfast and then Punkies 5K Run Walk will take place. The Classic Car Show will continue, and the Pumpkin Painting tent and Fun Zone will be open. There will be live entertainment all afternoon and the traditional Pumpkin Chuckin’ Competition will begin with the Romulus Ministerial Alliance Worship in the Park and continue with the Romulus Talent Show, the Hometown Heroes Ceremony, Pumpkin painting and a special one day only Zip Line, Nerf zone attraction.

Admission to the Pumpkin Festival is expected to draw crowds to the event.

Sunday is free although there are fees at food vendors and craft merchants.

Northville Victorian Festival

For decades, the annual Northville Victorian Festival has recognized and celebrated the historic significance of the community.

Since the celebration began in 1989, the event has been designed as more than just a gathering, organizers said. “It was designed to be the cornerstone event, a celebration of our community's identity, and a vital fundraising opportunity for local nonprofits and community groups. This festival, named in honor of the Victorian architecture that graces our beloved town, has become a cherished tradition, bringing together residents and visitors alike to enjoy all things Northville,” states the website promoting the event.

Now called the Northville Heritage Festival, the event is a celebration of the Victorian architecture preserved throughout the community. The festival begins with the annual Victorian Parade through downtown with marchers in authentically styled costumes from the Victorian ages and horse drawn carriages helping visitors take a trip back in time. The parade begins at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Center streets this year.

The weekend continues with themed activities like vintage baseball games and educational programs at Mill Race Village .the village is a living history exhibit, with restored 19th-century buildings. It serves as a central location for educational activities, historical tours, and events like Victorian weddings and cream teas. 

Power Play

Activities like the Victorian Saloon beer tent and the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast help raise funds for local causes, while students participate in field trips and educational programs centered around the history of the town.

Events tomorrow include the opening at 5 p.m. of the nonprofit, craft, and vendor Booths. Power Play Detroit will entertain on the Town Square State at 7 p.m. The Marquis Theater will host the Rockin’ Country Party with the Neon Crows at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the Northville Rotary Club will serve pancakes from 9 a.m. until noon at the American Legion Hall. The horse and carriage rides begin at 11 a.m. and the Northville District Library will host Step Into a World of Wonder with Magician Christopher on the Town Square Stage at 11:30 a.m. At 1 p.m. Guy Lewis will entertain and the Eclipse Vintage Baseball game begins at Ford Field. Al Carmichael will perform on the Town Square Stage from 3 until 5 and the popular Shawn Riley Band will entertain from 6 until 8:30 p.m.

Sunday will include entertainment beginning at 10 a.m. on the Town Square Stage where Steve Pichan will entertain beginning at 3 p.m.  Carriage rides will be available at 11 a.m. starting at city hall. Mill Race Village will be open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with activities and games along with live music. The anticipated Duck Race will take place at 3 p.m.

The festival will close at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Canton Township man facing murder charges in death of wife

A Canton Township man is facing life in prison if convicted of first degree premeditated murder charges in the death of his wife.

Michael Shaonan Shen, 30, is accused of the strangulation death of his wife, Yu Zhao, 30. Shao of New York, N.Y. and Shen were living in Canton at the time of her death. According to police reports, Canton police officers were dispatched to a home in the 200 block of Pinehurst Drive at about 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8 in response to a report of a person not breathing.  

Responding officers reported observing the victim in a bedroom of the home. She was unresponsive, according to official reports, and when township medics arrived she was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Following an investigation, prosecutors allege that Shen strangled his wife at about 1 a.m. Sept. 8 causing her death. Shen was arraigned Sept. 11 before 35^th District Court Judge James Plakas and remanded to jail without bond.

Wayne man accused of shooting in Sumpter Township

A 22-year-old Wayne man will return to court next week facing multiple felony charges.

According to police reports, the charges stem from an incident reported to Sumpter Township Police at about 11 p.m. Sept. 10.
Officers were dispatched to the 46000 block of Reed in response to a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found a 40-year-old man who had been wounded by gunfire, once in the left upper chest and another graze wound to his right cheek.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment by Huron Valley Ambulance medics.

Investigators determined that the defendant, Dominic Michael McBride, had encountered his former girlfriend and another man at the Emagine Theater in Canton Township. Investigators were told that following contact with the pair, the defendant began following them as they left the theater. The suspect followed the two approximately 18 miles to the residence on Reed where the victim and the suspect had a brief encounter. The couple had called the victim to explain the situation, prompting him to leave the house, police said. After telling the assailant to leave, the shooter allegedly produced a handgun while seated in his vehicle and shot the victim, who was standing in his yard.

Police said the suspect drove nearby to await officers' arrival and was subsequently taken into custody. The handgun believed to be used in the shooting was recovered, police said.

McBride was arraigned in 34th District Court on charges of assault with intent to murder; assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; assault with a dangerous weapon and felony firearm. He was given a $500,000 or 10 percent bond and must wear a GPS tether. His next court appearance is set for Sept. 24.

ARToberfest returns to Canton Township Sept. 27

The popular one-day ARToberfest will return to Canton Township from noon until 6 p.m. Sept. 27.  The event will be sponsored by Blink Eye Care, Edward Jones of Cherry Hill Village, Expressions Music Academy, Jacob Matthew Jewelers, StoryPoint Canton, Uptown Salon, Village Church, and The Village Dentist.

Festivalgoers will have a chance to fully immerse themselves in art and fall fun in and around Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge Road, as well as on the Village Arts Factory campus, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road.  Shuttles will also be available between Preservation Park and the Village Arts Factory, organizers said.

Additional festivities include an artisan marketplace, live music, food trucks, along with beer and adult beverages for the 21 and older crowd.  In addition, cider, donuts, seasonal snacks and more will be available.

The Cherry Hill Potters Guild Fall Exhibition and Pottery Sale at the Village Arts Factory, providing festivalgoers with a chance to peruse and buy one-of-a-kind creations. The Third Youth Art Fair featuring the work of promising student artists aged 8 to 18 will also be under way Preservation Park.

“The interest in this popular family fall festival that celebrates the arts has been amazing,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory Program Director.  “Each year ARToberfest keeps developing into a perfect fall destination that not only offers a full range of creative works and merchandise available for purchase but also features a variety of family-friendly artistic and creative activities that showcase the arts.”

In addition, an Oktoberfest beer tent that is hosted by Maraschinos Pub, plus a stein-holding contest.  Live entertainment will also be featured.  Additional activities include a range of engaging fall-themed activities tailored specifically for children, including the Detroit Institute of Arts kids’ craft tent that is available, as well as lawn games hosted by Oak Pointe Church Canton.

Festivalgoers will also be able to view the 31st annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition, on display throughout October in the Gallery at Cherry Hill inside the Village Theater, as well as the Village Arts Factory Fine Art exhibition inside its facility.  Both of these venues showcase a broad range of artistic styles and interpretations in a variety of mediums from emerging and well-established Michigan artists.

Admission to ARToberfest is free. For additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5360.

Public police academy planned

The Plymouth Township Police Department will host the fall 2025 Citizen Police Academy. This free 8-week program is designed to provide students with an inside look at the operations, challenges and technology that define modern policing.

This is a hands-on, interactive experience where students will learn directly from the officers and professionals, a spokesman noted. Those attending will go behind the scenes at the dispatch center, learn about patrol tactics and equipment, and understand the national police accreditation process.

In addition, the academy offers deep dives into traffic enforcement and accident investigation to crime scene processing and criminal investigation. The work of specialized units like the Drug Enforcement and Homeland Security task force will be covered along with discussions on use of force, legal precedents and decision making.

Students will have an opportunity to test their skills and judgment in the firearm simulator and learn about the workings of the justice system. The final sessions will include the SWAT team procedures and other special operations within the department.

This is a unique opportunity for residents and space is limited. Sessions will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays Oct. 2 through Nov. 20 at the at the Plymouth Township Hall - Multi-Function Room - 9955 N. Haggerty Road. Applications are available on the Plymouth Township Police website.

Going gold

Romulus athletes brought home a total of 54 medals in the 2025 Downriver Senior Olympics. The annual event took place in Southgate this year and concluded with a banquet for all the athletes. Romulus seniors medals were in various competitive activities and games throughout the weeklong event.

Community Calendar 

Hazardous waste permit hearing is tonight

A public hearing regarding the pending hazardous waste management facility operating license for Wayne Disposal, Inc. is 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.

The public informational meeting and hearing is set for 5 until 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at Wayne County Community College District, Ted Scott Campus, 9555 Haggerty Road in Van Buren Township. 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. Public comment can be made by mail or email until 5 p.m. Sept. 29. To attend online, register at https://bit.ly/MMD09182025.

Mayflower repairs planned

A reconstruction project at the Mayflower building at Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail is under way. Lane closures will be necessary on both roads Monday through Thursday through October. Sidewalks will be intermittently closed., Access to some businesses or buildings may be affected.

Romulus Youth Council applications now due

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight’s office is now accepting applications for appointments to the new Mayor’s Youth Council, a group of students in grades 9–12 interested in sharing ideas, learning about local government and developing leadership skills.

Applications are due by Sept. 22. Monthly meetings will take place in the Romulus City Hall Council Chambers from 2:30 until 4 p.m. every third Tuesday from October 2025 through May 2026. There will be no meeting in February 2026.

More information is available by contacting Julie Wojtylko, Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor,  at jwojtylko@romulusgov.com or by phone at (734) 955-4501

 

Stage performance set

Once Upon a Mattress, the hilarious musical twist on the classic story of “The Princess and the Pea,” is coming to The Jack Wilcox Theatre at the PARC Sept. 25, 26 and 27. The show is presented by Ovation Performing Arts

Tickets can be purchased online for $15 or $17 at the door. Advance booking is recommended. ADA seating is available. For tickets and more information, visit plymouthmusiclessons.com

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.

Fire station open house is planned in Plymouth

The Plymouth Fire Department will host the annual Fire Safety Open House from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Fire Station 1, 9955 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth.

A full day of fire safety activities and demonstrations is planned.

Local high schools named among best in Michigan

Four high schools in the area ranked among the top educational performers in the state according to ratings from U.S. News & World Report which prepares the prestigious annual survey.

Criteria considered in the evaluations included factors such as graduation rates, college readiness, test performance, and student demographics, according to a statement from the publication, which ranked 1,136 Michigan public high schools by student success. The annual report evaluates public high schools nationwide, statewide, and by metro area, factoring in graduation rates, college readiness, and test performance. It also tracks the percentage of minority and economically disadvantaged students at each school.

Northville High School was ranked seventh in the state and 351 in the nation. The ranking reported an enrollment of 2,489 students with a student/teacher ratio of 23:1. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Northville High School is 68 percent. The total minority enrollment was reported at 34 percent, and 8 percent of students were reported as economically disadvantaged

Plymouth High School was ranked at 32 in the state and 1,119 nationally. Enrollment was reported to be at 1,903 and the student/teacher ratio as 19. Minority enrollment at Plymouth High School was reported at 38 percent. Graduation rate was 98 percent, and the overall score was 94/100.

Salem High School earned a statewide ranking of 33., The national ranking was 1,237. Enrollment was reported as1,878 and student/teacher ratio at 21. Minority enrollment was at 41 percent and economically disadvantaged students reported at 21 percent. The overall graduation rate was 97 percent with an overall score of 93/100

Canton High School earned a statewide ranking of 36 and a national ranking of 1,303. Enrollment was reported as 1,906 and the student/teacher ratio at 20:1. Minority enrollment was reported at 39 percent and economically disadvantaged students at 20 percent. The graduation rate reported was at 95 percent. The overall score was 93/100.

Annual Pumpkin Festival rolls into Romulus next week

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 festival begins with the Parade of Lights, where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to wait for the fun. The street festival offers music, food, crafts, and games for all ages. The weekend includes a Classic Car Show, Craft and Vendor Show and live music all three days. The festival is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community, organizers said.

Friday will feature Bingo games, a Bounce House and the Pumpkin Pub for those 21 and older along with live music and other attractions. Saturday will begin with the annual Fire Department Pancake Breakfast and then Punkies 5K Run Walk will take place. The Classic Car Show will continue, and the Pumpkin Painting tent and Fun Zone will be open. There will be live entertainment all afternoon including Bingo and the traditional Pumpkin Chuckin’ Competition is expected to draw crowds to the event. Live entertainment will continue all day and into the evening.

Sunday will begin with the Romulus Ministerial Alliance Worship in the Park and continue with the Romulus Talent Show, the Hometown Heroes Ceremony, Pumpkin Painting and a special one-day-only Zip Line, Nerf Zone attraction.

Admission to the Pumpkin Festival is free although there are fees at food vendors and craft merchants.