Communities will mark Martin Luther King Day

The life, legacy and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King will be celebrated as a federal holiday on Monday, Jan. 19.

Area communities are preparing for the upcoming holiday dedicated to honoring the achievements of Dr. King, the preeminent leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January near Dr. King’s Jan. 15 birthday. The day is dedicated to commemorating the Civil Rights icon’s role in advancing racial equality, social justice, and voting rights through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

Among Dr. King’s most memorable achievements, considered pivotal in the fight for civil rights, are his leading of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott; his organizing of the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech and his influence in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Schools, banks, government offices, the stock market and postal services will be closed.

The federal holiday dedicated to his achievements was designated by Congress in 1994 and characterized as a National Day of Service and is often described as “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” It is the only federal holiday that carries this designation, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities to help realize Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community". In Romulus, Martin Luther King Day Planning Committee members have committed to a service project titled “Romulus Community Warm-Up” to assist and support the unhoused community.

Items including gloves, hats, socks, toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer, etc.), blankets, large tote bags, or ponchos are sought for the project. Items can be dropped off at Romulus City Hall, Romulus Athletic Center, Romulus Public Library, Public Service Credit Union, and Walter's Bar/Romulus Lanes through Jan. 12.

The items will be packaged following the One Romulus: Living the Dream in Action walk and ceremony set to begin at 7:30 a.m. at Romulus Middle School. Walkers will march to Romulus High School beginning at 8 a.m. where the service project packaging is scheduled from 8 until 9:30 a.m. Following that effort, participants will meet in the high school cafeteria for refreshments provided by Kroger. The official celebration and ceremony honoring Dr. King will begin in the high school auditorium at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public and is organized by the City of Romulus, Romulus Community Schools and Romulus Ministerial Alliance. Shuttle bus service for walkers will begin at 7 a.m. from the high school to the middle school.

Canton Township and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools are hosting a joint celebration to honor Dr. King’s legacy.  The commemorative event is set for 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road. The event is free and open to all ages, featuring student performances, art displays, and spoken word presentations.

The key speakers will be Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak and Plymouth Canton Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Monica Merritt. 

In Westland, Dr. Cleamon Moorer, Jr. will be the speaker at a commemorative ceremony honoring Dr. King. The event is open to the public as is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Burning Bush International Ministries at 30355 Annapolis Road in Westland.

The day serves as a time for national reflection on the progress made toward equality and the "unfinished work" of the movement. It provides a platform to address modern issues like systemic racism, economic disparity, and voting access, ensuring Dr. King’s dream remains an active pursuit rather than just a historical memory, according to a national spokesman. 

Man arrested in armed attempt to enter middle school

Romulus police are continuing to investigate circumstances surrounding an armed man arrested at Romulus Middle School Tuesday morning.

According to police reports, officers responded to the middle school on Wick Road at about 9:53 a.m. following reports of an “active shooter” at the school. School employees observed a man brandishing a handgun attempting to enter the school through the main doors. The school was immediately placed on lockdown by employees and police notified. There were reports of shots fired, according to police reports of the incident.

Unconfirmed reports claimed that the man fired six rounds attempting to gain access to the building.

Officers were on the scene within 2 minutes and observed the 44-year-old man near the main doors to the school and immediately took him into custody. A handgun was recovered at the scene, police said.

Police said the investigation into the subject’s motive or intentions is ongoing but stressed there is no threat to the school or the community.

Police commended the quick action of school employees who recognized the danger took immediate action and called 911. “Their professional and timely actions may have prevented this incident from becoming much worse,” police said in a prepared statement.

"It’s your worst nightmare if it doesn’t go well. So, great relief that officers were able to get here so quickly, that the school did all the right things, that our protocols that were in place worked. It worked the way it supposed to," said Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes.

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight praised the fast action of the police department and school officials who immediately placed the school on soft lockdown.

“Safety protocols and quick acting staff made all the difference in the world today,” McCraight said in a social media post. “Joint efforts between Romulus Community Schools and Romulus Police Department helped prevent what could have been a tragedy if we weren't prepared. A deep heartfelt thank you to everyone who responded appropriately to keep our children safe.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer was also aware of the incident and noted that her office was closely following the incident and was in contact with police officials. “Thank you to law enforcement and school personnel for acting quickly to keep students and staff safe,” Whitmer said.

Police have asked anyone with information related to the incident to contact Det. Sgt. J. Otter at (734) 942-6857. Callers may remain anonymous, police said.

8^th Annual Curling Royale Tournament set in Romulus

A popular charity event next week will determine the local champions of a sport sweeping the country next week during the 8^th Annual Curling Royale in R District Tournament next week.

This year the friendly competition is set for Jan. 17 at Mary Ann Banks Park in Romulus, where the first curling tournament in the area took place about eight years ago. This year, teams have already begun to register for the precision ice sport where two teams slide heavy granite stones toward a target (the "house") on a sheet of ice, aiming to get their stones closer to the center than their opponents’ to score points. The sport combines strategy with physical sweeping to control the stone's path, often called "chess on ice" for its tactical depth. Played with four players per team (Lead, Second, Third, Skip), it involves delivering stones in "ends," with sweeping reducing friction to alter speed and curl, making it a unique blend of accuracy, strategy, and teamwork, according to game analysts. 

Players need no experience in the sport to participate in the Romulus tournament and snacks and refreshments will be available for donations to the designated non-profit.

This year the tournament is a benefit for the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids and organizers stressed that all fees generated from registrations will go directly to the camp which provides a unique experience that promotes healing, self-esteem and confidence for burn injured children. Located near Jackson, the camp is mostly volunteer operated dedicated to creating a safe space for campers to grow and bond with other burn survivors, according  to the non-profit organization website,

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Teams can also register beginning at noon the day of competition. The cost is $100 per team/$25 per person. Checks should be made payable to Great Lakes Burn Camp. Registration fees can be submitted at the Romulus Community Development office in city hall, 11111 Wayne Road. Advance registration is available at https://www.romulusgov.com/.../8th-Annual-Curling-Royale or by calling (734) 942-7545.

The event is weather permitting, and the backup date is Jan. 24.

According to the Great Lakes Burn Camp website, many of the young campers attending the sessions have needs beyond their injuries. “Through generous donations we are able to provide all kinds of items to campers, including clothing, toiletries, coats, boots and many other items. Campers at summer camp also receive free backpacks and school supplies,” the site continue notes.  

New year brings new name to Canton department

The new year will bring a name change to Canton Township. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Leisure Services and Community Development Departments have merged and will become Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services (CPRCS), “reflecting the continuing evolution of services, facilities, recreational programs, classes, events, and green space preservation within the Canton community,” according to officials.

The rebranded department name clarifies the numerous roles of the department and will help residents more easily identify it as the central resource for all things parks, recreation, and community services, explained department Director Jon LaFever.

“As the Canton community grows, so do the needs for recreation, green space conservation, as well as community amenities and services, leading to new initiatives in parks, recreation, and community services,” LaFever, whose new title is Canton Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Director, said. “This new department name better reflects our current strategic goals as we move into the next decades of services greatly expanding the impact of traditional parks and recreation and residents can expect the same high-quality programs and services from its dedicated staff.” 

The combined departments annually offer more than 2,000 innovative programs, classes, and events that enhance the quality of life for all ages and abilities in the Canton community. State-of-the-art facilities currently maintained by the new township department, include: the Summit on the Park Community Center, The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, the Canton Sports Center, The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center, Pheasant Run Golf Club, Canton Club 55+ senior center, as well as community parks, historical sites, and more. Residents can expect the same high-quality programs and services from this dedicated staff, LaFever noted.

Originally accredited in 2004 by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, CPRCS is currently one of three accredited agencies in the state of Michigan and 222 nation-wide. For more information about Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services, call (734) 394-5360 or visit www.cantonfun.org.

Driver facing multiple felony charges in fatal hit and run

A 37-year-old Westland woman is facing multiple felony charges in a hit and run crash that killed a 61-year-old man.

According to Westland police, officers were called to the area of Grand Traverse near Belding Court at about 4 a.m. Jan. 1, following reports of a man down in the roadway. Responding officers discovered a 61-year-old Westland man unconscious, lying in the street. Lifesaving measures by Westland police officers and paramedics were performed at the scene but the man did not survive and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to police.

The driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the man fled the scene, according to police reports but was located at her residence a short time after the accident. Jasmine Wynn has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year-felony, failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death, a 5-year felony and assaulting, resisting, obstructing a police officer, a 2-year felony.

Wynn was arraigned Jan. 3 on the charges in front of 36th District Court Judge William Burton and given a $10,000 personal bond with an alcohol tether. She is scheduled for a probable cause conference at the 18th District Court Jan. 15, according to Westland police. Police have not released any further details about the incident.

Police are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident contact the Westland Police Department Traffic Bureau at (734) 722-9633.

Sumpter Township Fire Chief retires

The first full-time fire chief in Sumpter Township has retired after 40 years with the department.

Members of the Sumpter Board of Trustees accepted Fire Chief Rick Brown’s retirement with regret during the regular meeting Dec. 9. Township Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke congratulated Brown on his decades of service and presented him with a traditional fire ax plaque acknowledging his years of dedication to the community. His retirement became official Dec. 31.

In a congratulatory media post, the fire department congratulated Brown and noted, “You have served with dedication, honor and integrity and it has been a pleasure working with you.”

Board members appointed Fire Captain Jamie Goode as interim chief of the department. Goode also congratulated Brown. “It truly has been an honor and a lot of fun working with you,” he posted on the fire department site.

Brown was named full-time chief in June of 2021 after serving as acting chief for about 2 months.  Brown replaced part-time Fire Chief Joe Januszyk as the first full-time chief of the department.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Penn to feature film salute to World War II generation

Tickets are now on sale for an exclusive showing of the Mark Salloum and Keith Famie documentary film which pays tribute to the heroes of World War II.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. and at 5 p.m. and again Sunday, Jan. 11 at the Penn, 760 Penniman Ave. in Plymouth.

For tickets or information call (734)453-0870 or visit penntheatre.com.

 

8^th Annual Curling Royale Jan. 17 in Romulus

The 8^th Annual Curling Royale in “R” District will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Mary Ann Banks Park in Romulus.

Registration for four-person teams is not required, but recommended. On site registration will begin at noon the day of the competition. Fees are $100 per team or $25 per person. All proceeds will be donated to the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids. Registration checks, payable to Great Lakes Burn Camp, can be submitted to the Romulus Community Development Office at city hall. Sign up is available at https://www.romulusgov.com/.../8th-Annual-Curling-Royale... or by calling (734) 942-7545. This event is weather permitting. The backup date is Jan. 24. No experience is necessary for this event, and snacks and refreshments are available for donation.

 

Romulus celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King holiday

Romulus city offices will be closed Jan. 19 in recognition of the federal holiday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The annual freedom march in the city will take place with the theme, One Romulus: Living the Dream in Action. The event is hosted by the City of Romulus, Romulus Community Schools and Romulus Ministerial Alliance. Marchers will meet at 8 a.m. and march from Romulus Middle School to Romulus High School for a service project followed by a (:30 a.m. ceremony in the auditorium.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

 

2026 Ice Festival scheduled

Downtown Plymouth is expecting more than 100,000 guests when the 2026 Plymouth Ice Festival returns Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1. The traditional event attracts families, visitors and those who appreciate the art of ice sculpture from across the state. More than 150 professionally carved sculptures will be on display in downtown Kellogg Park and on sidewalks throughout the downtown area.