2 officers, suspect injured in gunfire exchange

A shooting in Romulus last week left two Dearborn police officers wounded and a suspect hospitalized in critical condition.
The shootings occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21 near Inkster and Van Born roads in Romulus as Dearborn officers attempted to arrest a Detroit man. Twelve police agencies including Romulus and Michigan State Police responded to the scene of the shootings. The Dearborn officers’ injuries were non-life -threatening, according to police while the suspect was arrested at the scene and immediately hospitalized. Police said the suspect remained in critical condition at press time.

No Romulus officers were injured in the gunfire.
The incident began when Dearborn officers were dispatched to the Pantheion Club on Michigan Avenue at about 2:15 a.m. following a report of a man brandishing a gun during an argument on the premises.
When uniformed officers responded to the scene the suspect refused to cooperate and fled the parking lot in a white flatbed tow truck, according to reports from Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. The officers pursued the vehicle but intentionally terminated the pursuit to prevent a high-speed chase which could have endangered area residents, Shahin said.
Two undercover officers from the Dearborn Special Investigations Team assumed the pursuit of the man and followed him to the Romulus Citgo gas station undetected. The gas station is near the four-corners border of Romulus, Westland, Dearborn Heights and Taylor.
According to police reports, the officers identified themselves at the scene in an effort to make an arrest. The suspect fired a handgun at the two officers and attempted to flee, according to police reports. Patrol officers from multiple surrounding communities allegedly responded to the scene of the gunfire. One Dearborn officer sustained gunshots to his stomach and arm, and the other was shot in his shoulder, according to police. The suspect sustained critical injuries, police said.
Both officers were treated for their injuries and have been released from the hospital, Shahin said, and are currently on paid leave from the department. Each is a 10-year veteran of the force, the chief noted.
The wounded suspect was identified as a 32-year-old Detroit resident who had a “violent criminal history” according to police. The man was released on parole in 2021. His name has not been released pending arraignment.
“This could have easily been a fatal encounter for my officers,” Shahin said, adding that a bulletproof vest may have saved at least one of the injured officer’s life. “I’m extremely grateful that our officers have been released from the hospital and are recovering at home.”

The incident remains under investigation by Michigan State Police.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR
 
Duck Race tickets now on sale
The Annual Lucky Ducky Rubber Duck Race sponsored by the Belleville Rotary Club is set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 on Belleville Lake at Horizon Park. Tickets, limited to 1,100, are now available from any Rotary member.
For more information, visit the Belleville Rotary Club Facebook page.
 
City-wide Garage Sale planned
 The free fall city-wide yard sale will take place in Romulus Sept. 24 through Sept. 27.
Registrations received by Friday, Sept. 18,  will be included in a list of participating addresses published in The Eagle newspaper.
Contact the clerk's office at (734) 942-7540, clerk@romulusgov.com for more information.
Applications are available at: https://www.romulusgov.com/.../Spring-Fall-Citywide...
 
Plymouth Fall Festival nears
The 70^th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival and Rotary Chicken Barbeque is set for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 this year.
Tickets for the famous Sunday Chicken Barbeque are priced at $17 presale and $20 the day of the event.
Organizers said the traditional event, which is a fundraiser for charities, civic organizations and school events will include the popular attractions and some new features.
 
17^th Annual Blues, Brats and Bands returning to Canton
The 17th annual Canton Brews, Brats, and Bands will take place at Preservation Park from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The event offers craft beer enthusiasts and attendees aged 21 and older a variety of drinks, bratwurst,  live music, and other attractions.
Tickets are $45 plus a per-ticket service charge and can only be purchased online at Beerfests.com by searching Canton, MI. Designated driver tickets are just $15, plus a per-ticket service charge
For more information on Brews, Brats, and Bands, visit www.cantonfun.org. 

A tradition of service
Plymouth Fall Festival is united fundraiser for community groups

A tradition of community service and giving will continue in the Plymouth community this year when local service clubs, civic and school groups, along with local non-profits join in a single weekend of fundraising Sept. 11, 12 and 13.
Fall Festival President Andrea Gerber noted that many people are unaware of the underlying historical purpose of the annual event. Every booth, every food truck, every amusement ride is a fundraiser for a local service club, student group or non-profit organization in the community, she stressed.
The festival began as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club who hosted a chicken barbeque in 1956 to buy some playground equipment for a local park.
Those first Rotary Club Chicken Barbeques, always dedicated to funding a local playground or civic project, evolved into the first official Fall Festival when 3,500or so folks attended the event and the Rotary club members served about 2,800 dinners. The event grew and evolved over the following years into the three-day weekend festival attended by an estimated 20,000 people last year.
One rule has remained in place during the decades-long growth and expansion of the event: to be a part of the Fall Festival, a booth, display or vendor must be sponsored by a local service or non-profit community group. No exceptions. Every vendor at the event is there to benefit the community by generating funds to be donated to a civic or school group. The wide-ranging success of those volunteer efforts can be seen throughout the community with local scholarships and multiple amenities and programs funded by civic groups.
Gerber is in her third year as president of the enormous undertaking that produces the expanded Plymouth Fall Festival. She explained that while the non-profits have their own teams managing their individual booths or events which “are now a well-oiled machine” the growth and constant expansion of the event does take real commitment. “It’s really a small group of people who know what they are doing,” she added.
The event is produced each year by JAG Entertainment, and company owner James Gietzen takes a hands-one approach to this special event. Gietzen, a member of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club, is “a real blessing” Gerber said. “He does such a great job. We are so lucky to have him.” Gietzen helps schedule the stage performances and books bands and other entertainment during the event and, as Gerber says, “just does whatever is needed.”

While the entire event continues to expand each year, Gerber said she is particularly impressed with the success and popularity of the Friday night Bingo games which fund the area Little League program. “Bingo is so popular, people love it,” she said. “It just continues to grow.”

Gerber said she and Fall Festival Vice Chairman Pam Batcho have never lost site of the real purpose of the event. “We’re all here for the community,” she said. “With everything going on, all the booths and the entertainment, there really is something for everyone here.”

Supervisor’s 3^rd attempt to pay son rejected by trustees

Sumpter Township Trustees have not reconsidered their position on the appointment of T.J. Bowman as the assistant supervisor to his father, Supervisor Tim Bowman.
The controversial appointment has been an issue since July 14 when Bowman initially announced his intent to name his son as his assistant at a salary of $8,200 annually. His motion failed by a 3-3 tie vote in the absence of Treasurer Bart Patterson prompting Bowman to abruptly leave the ongoing meeting. The item was again considered at the July 28 meeting when Trustees Matt Oddy and Tim Rush along with Patterson questioned the propriety of the appointment.
During discussion of the proposed hiring during the July 28 meeting several residents, along with Oddy and Patterson questioned the appearance of “nepotism” and stated their opposition to the hiring. Patterson told Bowman and the other board members the hiring was misguided considering the current issues facing the township and that it was in direct conflict with Bowman’s stated promises as he campaigned for election.
In response, Bowman removed the item from the agenda and announced he would arbitrarily appoint his son and have him sworn in without board approval. While Bowman is allowed by the township charter to appoint an assistant supervisor, board members control approval of any payment for the position. Bowman made the appointment and T. J. Bowman was sworn in as assistant supervisor on July 30. In that capacity, the younger Bowman has access to personnel records, legal briefings and closed session meetings of the trustees.
At the Aug. 11 meeting, Patterson said his position on the issue had not changed and a local resident questioned the younger Bowman’s qualifications during the public comment segment of the meeting. Patterson said he did not understand why the issue was back before the board as an agenda item for the third time. Bowman subsequently removed the item from the meeting agenda, avoiding another vote on the question.
This was the third attempt by Bowman to secure township employment for his son. The township did not hire the younger Bowman for a previous part-time position in the township DPW, and he was disqualified as a candidate for the township ordinance officer position following a determination by the township hiring committee that his hiring would be a conflict of interest considering his employment at his father’s construction company which does work for the township.

The salary issue followed the naming of hiring committee members to interview and participate in the hiring selection for three vacant positions in the township: township manager, finance director, and human resources/finance assistant. Following discussion, board trustees named Clerk Don LaPorte, Patterson and Oddy as the hiring committee for the finance and human resources position. The entire board will consider candidates for the township manager and finance director positions.

Annual Canton Brews, Brats and Bands set for Sept. 12

Back for the 17th year, the Canton Brews, Brats, and Bands will take place at Preservation Park from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The event offers craft beer enthusiasts and attendees aged 21 and older a variety of drinks, bratwurst,  live music, and other attractions.
Preparations are well under way for this special event, which will be hosted by Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services and the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill, in Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge Road.  Sponsors of the event include Schoolcraft College, and UBS.  

“This popular fall event provides access to over 75 specialty beers, ciders, seltzers, and now mocktails in one location, which is appealing to both newcomers and seasoned beer aficionados alike,” said Kevin Ryan, Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill community program director. “Any event involving drinking craft beers, eating brats, and listening to music with friends and family is bound to be a good time. Plus, proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is based in Canton that serves as a nexus for the arts, culture, music, and community engagement, as well as the Canton Cares Fund, which supports the Canton community by providing financial assistance to disaster relief, therapeutic recreation, youth and senior programs."
Admission includes eight tasting tokens, each good for beer, cider, mocktail, or seltzer tasting samples, plus one grilled brat of your choice (vegetarian option available), a bag of chips, a snack from the pretzel necklace-making station, water, chili cook-off tastings, and a commemorative mug. Gameday Social Bar will provide tasty brats. Additionally, musical entertainment will be performed throughout the evening by the Persuasion Band.   

Tickets are $45 plus a per-ticket service charge and can only be purchased online at Beerfests.com by searching Canton, MI. Designated driver tickets are just $15, plus a per-ticket service charge.  Advance ticket sales are encouraged. Only credit cards and debit cards will be accepted at all points of purchase, including limited day-of ticket sales at the door (if still available).  Additional beer tasting tickets are available for purchase; receive four additional tickets for $5.  Since limited chairs and tables will be provided, attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs
For more information on Brews, Brats, and Bands, visit www.cantonfun.org. 

Sumpter police reject Flock traffic cameras

The Sumpter Police Department has cancelled an agreement to install 11 Flock Falcon ALPR cameras along township borders.

Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke posted a statement on social media announcing the cancellation of an April agreement to install the controversial traffic license plate reader devices. The cameras were to have been installed at no cost to the township for a 60-day test period.  The stated purpose was an effort to alert township police when stolen vehicles or those linked to criminal activity entered Sumpter Township.

“Our goal was to leverage technology to help maintain the highest standards of safety and security for our community,” the social media post stated.

“After careful consideration of public feedback, the department has canceled the agreement with Flock, effective immediately. Since no cameras have been installed, no removal is necessary,” the post continued.

“We place the highest value on the trust our community gives us. While technology can enhance modern law enforcement, true public safety is built on direct relationships, transparency, and shared values with our community,” Luke continued.

Luke acknowledged the “passionate views” sparked by national debate over technology in policing—ranging from ALPRs to drones but said that the focus of the township department remains local.

“Our approach is always centered on the unique needs of Sumpter Township’s 36 square miles and, most importantly, on the well-being of our residents,” the post continued.

The camera installations were also removed last month from Westland following public protests and criticism.

Ten cameras primarily located along Ford Road prompted strong public criticism questioning the impact on personal privacy posed by the devices.

Westland Police Chief Kyle Dawley said controversy regarding the devices centered on access to the data collected by federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Officials from Flock Safety issued a statement defending the technology arguing that removing systems used to solve violent crimes can slow investigations.

The company said that in 2025 its technology supported more than one million criminal investigations and incidents, contributed to an estimated 20 percent of solved cases in jurisdictions where it is deployed, and helped locate more than 10,000 missing people.

Celebrating community

Plymouth and Romulus welcome fall with traditional family festivals

 

Plymouth Fall Festival

One of the oldest and most beloved community events is set to begin in downtown Plymouth Sept.11, 12 and 13 when The Fall Festival arrives.

The event, focused on supporting local nonprofit organizations, brings more than 25,000 visitors into the community each fall for a weekend of live entertainment, unique displays, food and family-friendly entertainment. In nearly seven decades, the event has not strayed from the core mission to support local nonprofits and bring the community together through a fun, family-focused event.

The now all-encompassing event began with a community family picnic, sponsored by the Plymouth Rotary Club. The picnic was suggested by Don Lightfoot, a member of the Rotary Club Youth Activities Committee. Lightfoot proposed a chicken barbecue to raise funds to fund the purchase of equipment for a playground at the end of Wing Street.

That was in May of 1956, and the event has evolved into a three-day festival which brings all the local service clubs, groups and school activities into a united fundraising weekend.

The first Plymouth Fall Festival took place on Sunday, Sept. 11, 1960, from 12:30 until 6 p.m. a far cry from the current three-day event which includes a dinner prepared by the Vietnam Veterans on Friday evening; the famous Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning followed by the Optimist Club Pet Show, an all-time favorite in the community. The Plymouth A.M. Rotary Club Spaghetti Dinner is served Saturday evening and the famous Rotary Club Chicken Barbeque takes place beginning at about 11 a.m. Sunday.

There is live entertainment on the stage in Kellogg Park featuring professional entertainers, community and school groups and live music during the weekend. A ‘Party Tent’ in a Forest Street restaurant rear parking lot traditionally offers adult beverages and popular live bands on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The highlight of the weekend remains the Rotary Chicken Barbeque which at the height of popularity served more than 20,000 chicken dinners in one afternoon, all prepared by volunteers from the Rotary club, along with volunteers from area school groups. The barbeque pits, which still use some of the original cinder blocks from decades ago, are set up in military precision Saturday evening and the pits are lit by the club ‘smoke eaters’ beginning at about 6 a.m. to ensure the famous chicken dinners start coming off the grills by 11 a.m.

While many groups have emulated the famous barbeque, none have yet mastered the ‘secret seasonings’ which have made the dinners one of the most popular annual events throughout the area.

Tickets for each of the weekend meal events are now available from various club members. More festival information is available on the Plymouth Fall Festival website.

 

Romulus Pumpkin Festival

The 28th annual Pumpkin Festival will gather the community at Romulus Historical Park the weekend of Sept. 18, 19 and 20 for a weekend including live music, food, crafts, and games for all ages. Attractions include the Classic Car Show, Craft and Vendor Show, and multiple other features. Organizers said, “It is a celebration of friends and family; a harvest celebration that generates an enthusiastic spirit and regenerates our sense of community.”

More information about the event is available at pumpkinfestival@romulusgov.com 

The event begins with the traditional Rotary Club Parade of Lights, where everything is aglow, from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to view the fun-filled lighted parade exhibits. Questions about this event should be directed to the Romulus Rotary Facebook Page @RomulusRotary or email romulus.rotary@gmail.com. There is no fee to enter the lighted parade, but a $10 donation is usually requested. The only requirement for entry is that the float or vehicle be completely lighted, the more lights the better, organizers said.

Registration for Punkie's 5k Run Walk/Ride will be accepted until Aug. 29. Punkie’s 5K,  is a family-friendly run/walk/bike through the heart of the historic city, organizers said. It is suitable for both seasoned runners chasing a personal best or those just looking for a fun way to stay active.
The Pumpkin Pub will be open Friday and Saturday at the park and the Romulus Fire Department will host a Pancake Breakfast at the Park Pavilion from 8 until 11 a.m. Saturday. Live entertainment will continue throughout the weekend at the Freight House Stage, the Gazebo Patio and the Main Stage in the park. The Pumpkin Painting Tent will be open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Inflatable Bounce Houses will be on site, and Bingo will be sponsored by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce from 11 a.m. until 8 on Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The unique and popular Pumpkin Chuckin’ competition is set for 4 until 5 p.m. on Saturday and the traditional Romulus Got Talent Competition will close the festival from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday.

All Canton primary ballots included in final election reports

All ballots cast in the Aug. 4 primary election in Canton Township have been counted, recorded and included in the official results certified by the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.

More than 800 absentee ballots were initially omitted from the unofficial election night reporting totals, according to the Canton Township Clerk’s office. Those 823 ballots were discovered during the official review of the tabulations by the Wayne County board and have now been properly cast, scanned and tabulated in the voting total reports.

Election officials explained that the impacted ballots came from 10 township precincts and the discrepancy was caused by an involving the rollers on two high-speed absentee ballot scanners used to tabulate ballots. Election workers moved additional batches of ballots to a second high-speed scanner, but election officials say that system couldn't accept two batches with identical batch names.

As a result, according to officials, some ballots were tabulated but not included in the election night reporting. That situation has been corrected and the updated totals submitted for certification.

A spokesman noted that the clerk’s staff is preparing equipment and procedural updates ahead of the November 2026 general election, including tabulation methods, to prevent any possible recurrence of the incident.

No ballots were omitted from the official certified results, officials stated.

Canton names new police director/police chief

Joseph Bialy has been named as the new Canton Township Director of Police Services/Police Chief.

Bialy was officially sworn into his new rank at the regular meeting of the Canton Township board of Trustees last week. He had been serving as the interim police chief following the retirement of former Director Chad Baugh. In his new role, will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the law enforcement agency consisting of 145 full-time employees, including 102 sworn police officers, according to a township spokesman.

Bialy joined the CALEA-accredited Canton Police Department in 2005 after serving several years with the Detroit Police Department. Throughout his career, he has commanded and overseen many department operations, including Patrol, Investigations, Records, Training, Professional Standards, and the accreditation and re-accreditation programs for the department.

Bialy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Degree from Madonna University and a Master of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University.  He is a graduate of the 33rd Session of Eastern Michigan University's Executive Leadership Program, the 19th Session of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, and the 296th Session of the FBI National Academy. Bialy is an active member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and serves as co-chair of the Canton Coalition for Inclusive Communities and the Canton Police Transparency and Guidance Committee. 

Bialy said he believes that strong community partnerships, accountability, and professional development are essential to building public trust and ensuring the department remains prepared to meet the evolving needs of our community.
“Chief Bialy brings more than two decades of experience, proven leadership and the confidence of the Canton Police Department to his new position. His commitment to protecting crime victims, as well as community policing, our embedded clinician program, youth diversion programs, and modernizing department policies, including our use of force policy, reflects the thoughtful, forward-looking leadership we want in Canton Township,” said Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.  “I have tremendous confidence in Joe and his ability to lead the Canton Police Department into its next chapter.”

Bialy’s wife, three daughters and his mother joined numerous friends and co-workers in congratulating him on his new position during his official swearing in ceremony last week.

The MAIN idea

Canton supervisor continues to promote area-wide development plan

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak has spent recent weeks promoting the Michigan Avenue Innovation Network, or MAIN, a regional effort to turn the historic Michigan Avenue corridor into a hub for technology companies and jobs in southeastern Michigan.

The MAIN is a regional project where communities work together to improve infrastructure, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen both the economy and region. Last month, Graham Hudak introduced The MAIN concept to attendees of the Mayors Innovation Conference in Madison, Wisconsin and recently spoke on a panel about The MAIN at the Michigan Economic Developers Association meeting. Last week she met with staff and representatives from MichAuto on ways to move The MAIN project forward.

MAIN is envisioned as a technology corridor running along Michigan Avenue from Canton east through Detroit, with participation from Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Van Buren Township. Canton led the planning process, and the effort brings together township supervisors and city mayors along the route between Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The network builds on a corridor study of Michigan Avenue that the Canton Board of Trustees members began pursuing in 2023, aimed at identifying funding opportunities for technology and mobility improvements along the road.

Graham-Hudak who has supported the effort since the onset said the goal is to give technology companies another place to cluster in the region, arguing that maintaining the status quo — even in a township with Canton's amenities — won't be enough to secure the area's economic future. In an early announcement of the project, she cited her own background as a longtime engineer and project manager at Ford Motor Co. and other Detroit Three suppliers as motivation for her push for the initiative.

MAIN is one of several projects Canton officials are advancing including: Town Square at Cherry Hill Village — A redevelopment of the Cherry Hill Village area featuring a reimagined village square, expanded trail connections, arts and culture partnerships, additional public parking and renovation of the Village Arts Factory building. The project is funded through a mix of township, Wayne County and federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars: Ford Road DDA retail corridor — A 3.25-mile stretch of Ford Road offering varied retail development, overseen by the Downtown Development Authority and Airspace Link partnership — An effort to integrate drone operations into Canton businesses and services through what officials describe as a "drone highway" into the township. A related integration study has already been completed.

Residents with questions about the projects can contact Canton Economic Development Manager Gavin Beckford, at municipalservices@cantonmi.gov.

Naked ‘peeper’ sought

The Northville Township Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with a Peeping Tom incident on Wildflower Drive.

The activity occurred between approximately 1 and 3:45 am Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to police. The suspect is described as a white male, possibly 25 to 40 years old, who was wearing only a baseball cap and black socks/shoes during the incident.

Anyone who can identify the individual or who may have information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Northville Township Police Department immediately at (248) 349-9400.

Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 

Duck Race tickets now on sale

The Annual Lucky Ducky Rubber Duck Race sponsored by the Belleville Rotary Club is set for 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 on Belleville Lake at Horizon Park. Tickets, limited to 1,100, are now available from any Rotary member.

For more information, visit the Belleville Rotary Club Facebook page.

 

City-wide Garage Sale planned

 The free fall city-wide yard sale will take place in Romulus Sept. 24 through Sept. 27.

Registrations received by Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, will be included in a list of participating addresses published in The Eagle newspaper.

Contact the clerk's office at (734) 942-7540, clerk@romulusgov.com for more information.

Applications are available at: https://www.romulusgov.com/.../Spring-Fall-Citywide...

 

Plymouth Fall Festival nears

The 69^th Annual Plymouth Fall Festival and Rotary Chicken Barbeque is set for Sept. 11, 12 and 13 this year.

Tickets for the famous Sunday Chicken Barbeque are priced at $17 presale and $20 the day of the event.

Organizers said the traditional event, which is a fundraiser for charities, civic organizations and school events will include the popular attractions and some new features.

 

Artists exhibit in Canton

The Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill’s Fine Art Gallery will present the works of three accomplished artists in a vibrant exhibition, entitled The Aura of Blue. Works of Elena Adam, Sylvia Bandyke and Sharlene Welton will be display through Aug. 25.

The Fine Art Gallery at the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill, is located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road in Canton. Admission to the exhibit is free.

Nepotism troubles trustees in new appointee’s pay

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees were expected to vote Tuesday on a salary amount for newly appointed deputy supervisor T.J. Bownam, the son of current supervisor Tim Bownan.

Despite public outcry and objections from trustees, Bowman appointed his son as deputy supervisor in the township after removing the item from the July 28 meeting agenda to avoid consideration by board members.

T.J. Bowman was sworn into office as the deputy supervisor July 30.

While the supervisor does have the authority to appoint a deputy, according to the township charter, members of the board of trustees set the salary for the job.

Both township Treasurer Bart Patterson and Trustee Matt Oddy expressed objections to the appointment which failed by a tie vote at the July 14 meeting in Patterson’s absence.

During a workshop session prior to officially opening the meeting July 28, Patterson stated his objections to the appointment in light, he said, of the critical issues currently facing the township.

Patterson also questioned the qualifications of the younger Bowman who has no municipal government experience. Bowman, who campaigned for election based on eliminating nepotism and “Drain the Sumpter swamp” said he had “changed his mind” about nepotism when repeatedly questioned by Patterson.

“I just don’t see the need pending the important issues pending,” Patterson said. He noted that the clerical and maintenance tasks Bowman submitted as duties his son would perform were already handled.

“We already have all these things covered.”

Oddy also questioned the job duties as he did during Bowman’s first attempt to appoint his son at the previous meeting. The deputy supervisor duties are described as “statutory” although Bowman said he wanted his son to do more.

“You don’t have to appoint a deputy,” Oddy told Bowman.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, two residents spoke against the appointment urging the trustees to reject the agenda item. One resident told the board several of her neighbors opposed the appointment.

“Legal doesn’t mean it’s right,” she said.

Another resident spoke against the appointment noting, “This is not the right thing to do. If I were king, it would be a felony. This is the wrong thing to do, period,” he said.

This was the third attempt by Bowman to secure township employment for his son. The township did not hire the younger Bowman for a previous part-time position in the township DPW, and he was disqualified as a candidate for the township ordinance officer position following a determination by the township hiring committee that his hiring would be a conflict of interest considering his position with his father’s construction company.

“We are looking to curb spending where we can trim, especially from now until November,” Oddy said. “There is nothing for a deputy supervisor to do.”

As deputy supervisor, the younger Bowman will now be privy to confidential financial and personnel information in the township and will be allowed to attend closed sessions of the board with the township attorney discussing legal matters.

Getting a glow on

Traditional Rotary Club Lighted Parade will open Romulus Pumpkin Festival

One of the most anticipated and brightest events of the season will take place again this year as the Romulus Rotary Parade of Lights officially opens the 28^th Annual Romulus DDA Pumpkin Festival.

The free three-day fall harvest event set for Sept. 18, 19 and 20 at Romulus Historical Park includes live music, food booths, craft vendors, a classic car show, and Punkie's 5K run/walk/bike. The popular city event also features a "Romulus Got Talent" showcase on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Runners, bikers and walkers can register for the 5k event until Aug. 21 online at the Romulus Parks and Recreation website romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival

The opening Rotary parade, which brings thousands of visitors to Goddard Road in downtown Romulus includes floats and vehicles with only one requirement for entry: Everything in the parade must be completely illuminated. Because this is a night parade, all entries must be heavily decorated with an abundance of working lights, organizers said. Standard glow sticks are not sufficient, and unlit entries will be turned away at the gate, officials noted. The parade is set for 8 until 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

Preregistration for the parade is not required, organizers said but pre-registration is “highly appreciated.” While there is no entry fee, the club members typically ask for an optional $10 donation per entry. Entrants can complete advance registration on the Romulus Pumpkin Festival page or download the registration download the registration packet from the Romulus Rotary Facebook page.

Entrants can register the day of the parade by bringing a completed entry form to the lineup area. Parade staging will begin at 6:30 and all parade entries must be at the Goddard Road west of Wayne Road staging area no later than 7:30 p.m.

The run events begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. The race begins and end at the Romulus Senior Center at 36525 Bibbins St. A free 1-mile kids’ run is also planned.

Standard registration until Aug. 21 is $25 and includes a T-shirt and finisher medal. Late registration from Aug. 23 through 31 is $40. Strollers, wagons, bicycles, and leashed dogs are welcome on the 3.1-mile neighborhood course, organizers said.

For more information, visit romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival.

Sumpter Township to place police millage on November ballot

Sumpter Township officials have unanimously approved placing the Police Protection 5 mill levy on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot.

The question, considered by officials as crucial to funding the police department, was not approved by voters during the Aug. 4 primary election. Negative votes on the question totaled 1,284 or 56.7 percent of votes cast while 982 or 43.3 percent of voters were in favor of the millage.

This was the first police millage increase request in the township in 15 years and officials said the failure was due to a lack of information and misinformation.

The new millage set at 5 mills would be in effect for 4 years and be dedicated to police protection in the township. Current millages, totaling 3 mills, expired last year. The average homeowner in the township would have seen an increase of approximately $250 annually with the approval of the ballot proposal, which is a 2 mill increase.

That increase, noted Trustee Matt Oddy, may have discouraged township voters who are currently facing a substantial county drain assessment and the SMART bus tax.

Oddy said the township needs a “more robust plan” to provide voters with correct information concerning the need for the millage.

“If people could hear what these officers do on a day-to-day basis. People don’t realize how crucial these officers are and what they do day-to-day. They are on every fire department emergency call because HVA won’t go in until the scene is secure.”

Oddy said he felt most residents are unaware of the serious situations the police officers face and the number of calls the department handles in an effort to provide the safe environment in the township.

Trustee Tim Rush said he felt both misinformation and a lack of information surrounding the issue contributed to the failure of the ballot question.

“Before the election a woman asked me, ‘What are you going to do with the extra money,’, Rush said.

“There is no extra money, right now we subsidize the police department from the general fund and royalites,” he said.

Rush added that he felt the restrictions on the ballot language also contributed to the lack of support with voters.

“We are very limited in the way we have to word the question,” he said. “Many people thought this was a 5 mill increase, which just isn’t the case.”

Treasurer Bart Patterson agreed noting that the officials have had several meetings attempting to compose ballot language voters could understand within the regulations imposed by election laws.

Patterson explained that most residents are not aware that the police department is underfunded and that the general fund budget supplements funding the police.

Patterson said the trustees had been in three special meetings attempting to design language and a plan for the November ballot question.

“People just didn’t have enough information,” Rush said.

Wayne resident files lawsuit against city, police, officials

The City of Wayne is facing another lawsuit alleging violations of the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that the city and officials used a non-codified fire marshal policy as criminal law to repeatedly enter the Glenwood property of DeVincent A. McFarlin, Sr. and his wife, Luisa Maria Baez Burgos without warrants, criminally prosecute and jail him and limit his access to public buildings.

In the filing, McFarlin identifies himself as a medically retired Army veteran and an outspoken critic of the City of Wayne government — including the police and fire departments. He claims in his suit that city actions were in response to his public comments, criticism of public officials, his recording of government employees and his political activity. He claims in the court filings that all his actions are protected by the First Amendment.

His core allegations claim the use of an internal city fire policy against outdoor burning was misused as an established law and the basis for criminal charges and severe limits on his liberty, including a 90-day incarceration. He claims the city and the police and fire departments inflicted multiple criminal violations of his civil rights as retaliation for his criticism of Wayne officials.

The filing further cites missing police and fire reports, body-camera muting and discovery disputes as central to his case.

The issue was the enforcement of the Wayne Fire Marshal’s internal policy regarding outdoor fire pits as a criminal ordinance. McFarlin claims the misapplied policy was used to allow police and fire officials to enter his home, detain him and extinguish his outdoor fire pit. He alleges these actions, including criminal prosecution, were never, in fact, a law in the city and had no defined criminal penalties, no formal approval process and no defined standards for enforcement.

The complaint claims fire and police officers entered his property on four separate occasions last year without a warrant, consent or any emergency justification. McFarlin says that body camera footage shows officers searching for a valid ordinance to justify their actions. The lawsuit claims one officer asked, "How are we going to spin this?"

The complaint alleges the city used the criminal justice system and municipal power to retaliate against him for his criticism. He claims charges were brought based on that non-law policy, and even after those charges were dismissed, the city used bond and probation conditions to restrict his speech, movement, and access to government services.

McFarlin claims he was banned from municipal buildings without notice, restricted from discussing the case on social media, and tethered with GPS monitoring.

McFarlin claims previous warnings to the City of Wayne regarding violation of citizens’ civil rights were included in an independent study authorized by city officials. An ongoing lawsuit filed by resident Mark Blackwell, who was also an outspoken critic of offiicals, alleges some of the same civil rights violations.

McFarlin claims that city officials subsequently enacted a formal ordinance after the fact, which according to the court filing supports the claim that the earlier policy was not a valid law.

In addition to more than 90 days of incarceration, GPS tethering, home confinement, and exclusion from the city, the disabled veteran cites public stigmatization, reputational harm, emotional distress, family disruption, and financial burdens. His wife also suffered from the repeated intrusions and loss of privacy, according to the court filings. In addition, he claims he was faced with property tax disputes and the selective enforcement of municipal codes, adding to the economic pressure the couple faced in light of the criminal prosecution.

The plaintiff is seeking unspecified compensatory, punitive, and declaratory damages along with all costs and fees incurred in the pursuit of the lawsuit.

McFarlin was a recent candidate for a term on the Wayne City Council. The primary election last week narrowed the field from seven to six with McFarlin receiving the fewest votes.

EMUs on the Loose Emusical to premiere in Canton

The world premiere of Emus on the Loose: An Emu-sical! Is planned for Aug. 28 in Canton Township.

The presentation is a one-act musical about four self-involved emus who escape from their farm enclosure in Kalamazoo and go on an adventure visiting some iconic Michigan locations, all while avoiding the local sheriff.

The show is based on a semi-true story, producers said. When a fierce windstorm swept through Oshtemo Township Nov. 30, 2022, and blew open the gate to the emu enclosure at Llama Woods Farm a crashing tree branch gave the resident emus just the scare they needed to make a break for it

Soon, a Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputy spotted one of the giant birds strolling down the road and the chase was on. With help from the Dyk family, they were able to round up the feathered fugitives and return them safely to their home.

News outlets around the world pounced on the story, resulting in a viral social media sensation as individuals shared the deputy’s body cam footage showing the capture of the big birds, as well as created posts depicting wild antics to save themselves from stampeding emus. 

Emus on the Loose, An Emu-sical! is an adaptation of the hit children’s book, Emus on the Loose, by Steven and Beth Boughton, based on those real events.

The one-hour show, with book and lyrics by Steve Boughton and Ben Frick and music by Ben Frick, brings the book to life for young audiences, ages 6 and up. 

Emus on the Loose: An Emu-sical! will premiere at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.  Additional performances are set for noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

Audience members are invited to a post-event Meet and Greet with the book’s authors, as well as the Emu characters. Saturday performances will feature arts and crafts activities with the book illustrator and snacks after each show.

Tickets are on sale now for $10 and can be purchased online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org or by calling (734) 394-5300. Tickets can also be purchased at The Village Theater Box Office one hour prior to show time.

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, MI, 48187. For more information visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call (734) 394-5300.

Going for gold

Athletes from Romulus are competing this week in the annual Senior Olympics which began Monday and continue through tomorrow at various venues throughout the downriver community.

The participants are all 55 and older competing in various regional events including pickleball, bowling, golf, bocce, shuffleboard, billiards, tennis, basketball, brain games, a fun walk, a 5K bike race, and others. Romulus Senior Center team members are participating this week in the multi-community games where seniors compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.

The Romulus Senior Services Department provides entertainment, recreation and essential services for Romulus' older adult population. The fully staffed Senior Citizen Center is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center is located at 36525 Bibbins Road in the city.