Mayor urges ‘clean campaign’ in race for council seats

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has issued a caution to all candidates seeking one of the expiring 4-year terms on the city council.

While McCraight said that it has been a “relatively quiet” election year, he warned candidates about inaccurate rhetoric.

“I thought that perhaps Romulus had turned a corner this election year,” the mayor posted. “It’s not too much to ask...just run a clean campaign. Candidates should stand on their work and accomplishments not spread false narratives and mislead residents to secure votes. Public officials should not intentionally mislead the public at any level, period,” he cautioned.

Absentee ballots for the upcoming Nov. 4 election have been arriving in the homes of voters this week.

Voters will choose all seven members of the city council from a field including both newcomers and incumbents. The elected candidates will serve on the city council for 4-year terms.

McCraight, City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg, and Treasurer Stacy Paige are unopposed in the election, which will return each of them to 4-year terms in office.

Current topics of campaign literature indicate that economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvements, along with senior citizen services, will be the main topics in efforts to influence voters, some of which apparently prompted McCraight’s comments on social media.

“So, to set the record straight.... there will be NO cuts to senior services in our community. If anything, we are trying to find creative ways to expand them. Please make certain that any senior citizens in your family who rely on those services are aware. Have them contact me directly if they have any questions,” McCraight posted in response to some campaign rhetoric.

Newcomers and incumbents on the nonpartisan ballot include incumbent Kathy Abdo; James Bullock; incumbent Harry Crout; Tony Heimberger; incumbent David S. Jones; Judy R. Kennard; Jeffrey F. Kotlarek; incumbent Celeste Roscoe; Lonetta Silas; Nychole Smith; incumbent Tina M. Talley; incumbent William J. Wadsworth; Mark R. Wilhide; and Johnny Williams.

Current Mayor Pro Tem John Barden, a long-time member of the city council and one of the top voters’ choices in past elections, opted not to seek reelection for another term.

Festival of Lights

5^th Annual Diwali celebrating triumph of good over evil set in Canton

Canton Township will celebrate a 10,000-year-old Indian tradition again this year during the fifth annual Festival of Lights, a tradition of Indian culture celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Canton Leisure Services is again partnering with several community groups to present the event, which is a celebration of lights that symbolizes the “victory of light over darkness.”  Sponsors of the event this year include: miindia.com and Lexus.    

Program activities available during this free event will include Indian cultural performances, music, and dancing, as well as free henna designs.  Indian snacks will also be available for an additional fee. Vendors will also be on hand selling clothes and other merchandise, and the community celebration will culminate with a short fireworks display.  

“Canton is proud to continue to host this annual celebration, which is open to all community members to learn and celebrate together,” said Laura Mortier, Recreation and Performing Arts manager. “By presenting this type of event, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and awareness of this 10,000-year-old Indian tradition within our community by providing this excellent opportunity to experience this type of cultural celebration.”

The event is planned for 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, in Canton.

There is no admission fee to attend this special event. For more information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

Aide to imprisoned Inkster mayor admits lying to federal agents

The former executive assistant of imprisoned Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly entered a guilty plea last week to charges he lied to federal agents during their investigation into Wimberly’s bribery scheme

Saif Alsenad, 33, of Dearborn Heights, served as Wimberly’s executive assistant from May 2021 through June 2023. According to prosecutors’ claims, Alsenad lied to FBI agents and told them he was not aware that Wimberly had corruptly solicited, demanded, and agreed to accept $100,000 with the intent to assist an investor in acquiring a vacant 13-acre parcel owned by the city of Inkster. At the time he made the statements, prosecutors alleged Alsenad knew the claims were false because he knew Wimberly had agreed to accept cash bribes in exchange for Wimberly’s assistance in obtaining the parcel of land for the developer. Alsenad was charged with making a false statement or representation to a department or agency of the United States, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). This charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. His plea agreement was taken under advisement, and sentencing is set for Jan. 14, according to federal court records.

In September 2024, Wimberly pleaded guilty to agreeing to accept $100,000 in cash bribes. He was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment following an investigation that federal prosecutors said involved transfers of money at a strip club, a Detroit bar, and the driveway of his home.

“When law enforcement officers are investigating a crime, lying to them to help shield the offender is never the right decision. This is especially true when those involved are government officials who have a duty to serve the public’s interest, not their own,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

"Today’s guilty plea by Saif Alsenad demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to investigate those who undermine the public’s trust, regardless of their position or influence,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Working for an elected official does not exempt anyone from accountability when engaging in public corruption. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force for their outstanding investigative work throughout this investigation.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.

Alsenad was charged Aug. 14 in an information in federal court. He resigned as director of government and public affairs for Wayne County on Aug. 4. Alsenad was hired by Wimberly in 2019. According to court records, a local investor met with Alsenad in 2022 to inquire about buying a vacant, city-owned property. Prosecutors allege that Alsenad told the investor and a second person interested in purchasing the property that Wimberly expected a payment of $100,000 to ensure the sale and the necessary permits.

Wimberly was convicted of accepting cash bribes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Nov. 18, 2022, through April 4, 2023, totaling $50,000. Alsenad told FBI agents during an October 2024 interview that he "never saw anything weird" during his employment with Wimberly, according to court documents.

Alsenad did not benefit financially from the bribes, according to the plea agreement.

Opening night

Hook & Ladder Theater opens tomorrow

Local theater enthusiasts and supporters of the arts will be on hand tomorrow for opening night at the new Hook & Ladder Community Theater in Romulus.

The new theater, spearheaded by professional actor and Romulus fireman John Thiede, will present Barefoot in the Park as the inaugural performance in the converted fire station on Goddard Road.

The show is already sold out for tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday, and a few tickets are available for Oct. 1, 11, or 12. Curtain time is 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The next performance at the new community theater is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 30, when retired Judge Ron W. Lowe will present Scary Tales from the Cemetery. Lowe will portray the caretaker of the cemetery where long-buried scary and spooky tales will be unearthed just in time for Halloween. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
The building was a fire station from 1952 to 1980 and served as housing for other uses since the fire department operations were moved. Under Thiede’s careful and professional eye, the building has been renovated into an operating theater.

“Now the theater will come alive. A place to gather and spread the love of the arts. Lots of ideas planned. The old gal will be reborn. Join us, support us, enjoy the arts,” Thiede said.

Thiede trained at Second City Theater in Detroit and has appeared on Detroit 1-8-7 and All My Children. He also hosted the weekly sports show Sports Talk 60 on the Comcast Sports Channel, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Thiede has performed in multiple professional roles on stage and TV and is a well-known actor in theater circles.

The theater is located at 35255 Goddard Road in Romulus. Ticket information is available at  hookandladder.ludus.com.

Absentee voter ballots arrive in City of Plymouth

Eight candidates are vying for the four expiring terms on the Plymouth City Commission. Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 4 to make their choice, while others will use the absentee ballots already delivered by mail to some registered voters in the city.

Three of the four candidates chosen by voters will serve four-year terms on the commission, while one will serve a two-year term.

On the ballot will be first-time candidate Joe Elliott; incumbent Jennifer Kehoe; incumbent Alanna Maguire; Kristin McHale Johnson; incumbent Nick Moroz; Jim Mulhern; Ronald Picard

Any voter currently on the Permanent Ballot List at the city clerk’s office will automatically receive an absentee ballot for the election. Voters not currently on the Permanent Ballot List, but on the Permanent Absent Voter Application List, should have received the application in the mail already. Applications can also be found online at Michigan.gov/vote and at the Clerk's office.
Beginning in 2026, the City of Plymouth will no longer maintain a Permanent Absent Voter Application List. This means that Absent Voter Ballot Applications will no longer be automatically mailed to residents prior to an election. These voters will need to individually request and return an application to receive a ballot in the mail.

Voters who wish to receive an Absent Voter Ballot automatically for all elections can sign up to be added to the Permanent Ballot List on the 2025 Absentee Voter Application, online at Michigan.gov/vote or at the clerk’s office.

Northville school district teachers ratify new union contract

Teachers in the Northville Community Schools District have a new contract, officially ratified by membership Sept. 23.

Northville Education Association President Richard Tabor, who has worked in the district for 32 years, said the teachers were pleased with the agreement and relieved that negotiations were complete. He said the main issue of the contract was teachers’ pay and that the new agreement includes a 3 percent increase in the first year, along with step pay increases for teachers who qualify. In the second year of the contract, teachers will receive both step increases and an increase of 2 or 3 percent, tied to the district fund balance.

Teachers who lead extra-curricular activities will also receive a stipend, an issue which proved problematic in early negotiations.

Tabor said the agreement sees many improvements and that the district negotiators were helpful and focused. The agreement, Tabor said, was also a result of the community support for the teachers.

Board of Education President Lisa McIntyre was also pleasedthat  negotiations were successfully concluded. She said the contract will provide stability for teachers and the district. She added that the new contract provisions will help the district recruit and retain teachers.

Both sides agreed that the uncertainty of state-level funding was a factor in the negotiations. Northville currently receives the minimum per-pupil foundation allowance from the state. McIntyre said the district is counting on state increases to sustain the wages the district hopes to offer teachers and other employee groups.

McIntyre and Tabor expressed gratitude to the community for the support and patience demonstrated during the negotiations.

Wall of art

As a part of the "Art in the R-District" initiative, a new mural created by Detroit artist Fel3000ft has been completed at 37135 Goddard Road. The artwork highlights development in the city and the history of the community.  The mural was created in collaboration with residents, the city officials, and the Romulus Downtown Development Authority. The artwork was funded by a Small Business Administration grant.

Construction, repairs to Ozga Road in Romulus remain on schedule

The Ozga Road repair project in Romulus remains on schedule and should be completed by Nov. 15, according to a briefing from city officials.

The project currently includes necessary construction waiting periods. Storm sewer installation is expected to begin pending weather conditions and timely delivery of materials. This work will take place in multiple locations along the project corridor, noted Romulus Director of Public Services & Public Works Roberto Scappaticci.

Currently, traffic is being allowed on the gravel base to help identify any weak areas. If any sections of the base are found to be inadequate, they will be removed and replaced before paving begins, he added.

Starting midweek of Sept. 29, the contractor will mobilize specialized equipment to mill the ramps on Ozga Road that pass over I-94. After this work is complete, the gravel base will be compacted and graded in preparation for the first phase of asphalt paving, scheduled for mid-October, Scappaticci said.

“Romulus is committed to delivering a high-quality, durable roadway, and we appreciate your continued patience and understanding throughout this construction process,” Scappaticci concluded in a Facebook post.

2 Northville Township first responders join elite Western Wayne SWAT team

Northville Township Police Ofc. Kevin VanDussen and Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob Fedel of the Northville Township Fire Department recently graduated from SWAT School and officially joined the Western Wayne Special Operations Team (WWSOT).

VanDussen was selected to represent the Northville Police Department as part of the township reentry into the Western Wayne Special Operations Team. After successfully completing the intense two-week, 100-hour SWAT School hosted by Schoolcraft College and the WWSOT Consortium, he now responds to high-risk incidents that go beyond the scope of standard police work.

Firefighter/Paramedic Fedel also earned his spot on the team after successfully completely a demanding physical test and interview. Trained alongside law enforcement, Fedel was held to the same physical, written, and shooting standards. Now serving as a medic on the SWAT team, he’ll support missions by operating SWAT vehicles, drones, and robotics—while providing critical medical care to team members in the field. Fedel’s brother, a Van Buren police officer, is a member of the SWAT training cadre

Community Calendar

One Romulus meeting includes pancakes

The latest "One Romulus" community meeting will be hosted by Mayor Robert McCraight at the Romulus VFW Post#78 located at 39270 Huron River Dr., beginning at 9 a.m.

McCraight will be preparing pancakes but will step away from the grill at 10 a.m. to provide updates on city news and announcements, followed by time reserved for questions. This is a free event, but reservations are requested at (734) 942-7571 or at vtoliver@romulusgov.com by Monday, Oct. 13. 

 

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. to noon this Saturday, Oct. 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 is permitted to bring up to five file-size boxes for shredding. 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 and 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 a 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. to 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. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

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.