Judge to hear hazardous waste arguments Oct. 5

    The evidentiary hearing in a lawsuit filed by several local communities seeking to prevent the disposal of nuclear waste in the area has been rescheduled for Oct. 9.
    Canton Township, Van Buren Township, the City of Romulus, and the City of Belleville were awarded a Temporary Restraining Order earlier this month, stopping Wayne Disposal, Inc. from accepting scheduled shipments of radioactive World War II era nuclear waste at the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township.
    The planned shipment of 8,400 tons of radioactive waste material from Project Manhattan in New York to the Van Buren Township landfill was temporarily blocked by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox last week in response to an injunction filed by attorneys representing the communities.
    “We are very pleased that the judge saw merit in our case for the residents surrounding this waste facility,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.
    She said Canton officials took immediate action when the plans to truck the radioactive waste were first revealed in the media.
    “Wayne Disposal is just three miles south of Canton, and located in the Huron River Watershed, close to our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. It sits next to two schools and residential neighborhoods immediately to the east and south. According to EGLE, (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) the harmful chemicals PFAS have been detected at Wayne Disposal,” Graham Hudak said in a prepared statement. She said the landfill has been cited multiple times for safety violations, according to media reports, and has had leaks and fires. Graham-Hudak said reports claim that Wayne Disposal has been cited for at least 15 violations by state and federal regulators in the past decade and fined for than $471,000. “Exposure to radioactive waste damages organs, causes birth defects and leads to cancer. In large doses, as with a radioactive spill or accident, it causes vomiting, skin burns, hair loss and even death. In other words, it will take just one leak or fire to cause permanent and irreversible injury to the health and welfare of Canton residents and the surrounding communities,” she said.
    The hazardous material which contains elevated radioactivity was to be shipped from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site in Lewiston, New York where the waste had been stored. The waste matter is from uranium extraction during the development of atomic bombs from 1944 until 1952. Original plans scheduled about 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated yards of soil and concrete in about 25 semitruck shipments through January 2025.
    State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township introduced state legislation to prevent disposal or trucking of hazardous, radioactive waste through local communities. She said this was a health and safety issue, not one of politics.
    Plans to transport the waste to Wayne Disposal Inc. site were only revealed to state and county officials on Aug. 12, prompting protests and complaints from area residents.
    The court filing followed a contentious public meeting attended by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Miller and several local officials. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Wayne Disposal owner Republic Services attempted to explain the safety and legality of the waste transport to the local site.
    Steve Pylypiak, chief of special projects for the Buffalo District of the Army Corps of Engineers assured the crowd that federal inspections of the Van Buren site as of 2022 found that it met all mandated safety protocols, despite public claims of several fires at the site. He said the trucking contractors would be required to follow federal safety requirements for transporting the waste through local communities and maintained that accidents involving trucks during transport of waste material were “rare.”

Man Shot Early Monday Morning in Canton - No Suspect in Custody

 At 12:45 Monday morning, a man was found dead on Kopperick Road just east of Holly Drive.  Usually a quiet neighborhood, residents reported hearing gunshots thinking it was fireworks.  However, one neighbor felt something was off, stepping outside he saw headlights on a red Chevrolet Equinox that was sitting in the road.  Getting in his car, he took a ride to the scene, where he found a body on the roadway.  This is when he called 911.  The Michigan State Police and Canton Police responded.  Kopperick Road was blocked off until early afternoon as police 

conducted a thorough investigation.

Neighbors were stunned that the shooting took place in what has always been a quiet middle class bedroom 

community   Not having answers, residents wondered who the victim was and what happened.  However, a friend of the victim did come forward and identified the body.  It turns out that the vehicle is registered to the victim and his address is less than a mile from the crime scene.

Canton police have said that there is no further danger to the public  As of Wednesday afternoon they had no one in custody. 

Anyone with information can call Canton Police at 734-394-5400

Community mourns death of John Santomauro

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Retired Public Safety Director John R. Santomauro.    

John started his 24-year career with Canton in 1985, and was the first named Director of Public Safety.  He was successful in transforming the police and fire departments into premier emergency service agencies in Michigan.  He believed in strong leadership, training, and education to develop his workforce.  Throughout his career, John maintained positive working relationships with his staff, unions, community leaders and elected officials. 

John was well-respected throughout the law enforcement community, but no more so than by the many individuals that worked for him throughout the years.  We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Technical assist

Winners from the second annual Canton Technology Committee App-a-thon, as well as the Judges, are shown here with their prizes and certificates.  The theme of the 2024 Canton App-a-thon focused on how to utilize technology to assist residents.  The participants were spot-on in creating apps for speaking to each other during crisis, translating documents and finding information on happenings in Canton.  This year's Judges, included: Canton Supervisor Graham-Hudak, Trustee Tania Ganguly, Abdullah Ahmet, Chris Falco, Winston Koo, and Victor Ibegbu.

Making a splash

Canton celebrates reopening of renovated Aquatic Center

Canton Township officials gathered last week to celebrate the official grand reopening of the Summit on the Park newly renovated Aquatics Center with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed by a free community open swim for 200 individuals. 

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak presided over the festivities and recognized the many individuals who were instrumental in completing this construction project on time and under budget. Also in attendance were members of the Canton Board of Trustees and other Canton officials, Summit on the Park management and aquatics staff, as well as construction professionals from AM Higley, who were responsible for completing the renovations. 

Township fire department accepting applications

With the new year comes the opportunity for a new career.

Currently, Canton Township is accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in joining the Canton Fire Department as a firefighter/medic.

According to a statement from the public safety department, there are multiple immediate vacancies to be filled. According to the department, the 2023 pay scale range included a starting annual wage of  $52,716. That increases, by union contract to $63,790 the second year,  $71,654 the third year of employment, $79,512 the fourth year and $87,375 the fifth year.

Applications will be accepted until all open positions are filled, officials said.

Ford Road reconstruction project set to begin

Drivers using Ford Road next year will find a long-sought construction effort under way in response to the exceptional number of reported vehicle crashes along the highly trafficked roadway.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials revealed the construction timeline of the recently approved project which will include the temporary widening along Ford Road. Officials said the construction was prompted by the number of crashes at Ford Road intersections which exceed the Michigan average by as much as 186 percent in some areas. While officials refused to set an exact date for construction to begin, they announced the project would begin “in early 2024.” 

Ford Road reconstruction project set to begin

Drivers using Ford Road next year will find a long-sought construction effort under way in response to the exceptional number of reported vehicle crashes along the highly trafficked roadway.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials revealed the construction timeline of the recently approved project which will include the temporary widening along Ford Road. Officials said the construction was prompted by the number of crashes at Ford Road intersections which exceed the Michigan average by as much as 186 percent in some areas. While officials refused to set an exact date for construction to begin, they announced the project would begin “in early 2024.” 

Kettle campaign

Members of the Canton Police Department were on the job throughout the community recently as they volunteered to help the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. The 2023 Red Kettle goal has been set at $7.9 million for Metro Detroit. The theme of the effort this year, Love Beyond Christmas, is a reminder, officials said, of the help needed by the most vulnerable all year long. The Christmas Red Kettle Campaign provides shelter, meals and gifts to the less fortunate during the holiday season through the volunteer efforts like those of the Canton Township officers, officials said. The bell ringing campaign ended on Christmas Eve.

Warren Road ‘Underground Railroad’ house demolished

The historic two-story, red brick house at the corner of Warren and Morton Taylor roads in Canton Township was demolished last week and the last of the remains hauled from the site.

The 150-year-old home was a popular topic with Civil War history fans who suggested the house was a stop along the Underground Railroad used by runaway slaves fleeing the southern states and attempting to get to Canada. 

Major upgrades planned at Canton Sports Center

Canton Sports Center, a popular sports destination for local softball/baseball leagues and national tournaments in the Metro Detroit area, is set to undergo several significant renovations in early 2024.

The facility, located in Victory Park in Canton Township, will be upgraded in 2024 with a new state-of-the-art LED lighting system, that will improve on-field lighting and visibility in the 12 softball fields, as well as reduce energy consumption and enhance the overall experience for players and spectators, officials said. This project, which is currently in progress, is scheduled to be completed in April 2024 by the opening day of the 2024 spring season. 

Summit Aquatic Center reopens following major renovations

While a grand re-opening of the Summit Aquatic Center is planned for Jan. 5, the five-lane pool was quietly opened for lap swimming as the $2.4 million in renovations to the facility are completed.

The construction project included tile replacement in all pools, including the lap pool and family pool, as well as on the pool decks, officials said. Tile was also replaced in the spa and sauna, as well as in the men's, women's, family, and inclusive locker rooms.  Further enhancements include the addition of a colorful 6-foot tall Gum Drop water feature, as well as the painting of the pool deck roof.  Summit members and guests will now be able to access only the lap pool from 6 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Warm wishes

The Canton Township Police Department winter clothing drive collected a van stuffed with cold weather wear. The donations were recently collected at the Canton Meijer and officers said the generous donations would provide the gift of warmth for many children and families during the winter. Canton officers distributed the donated items at Open Door Ministries last week during the weekly food distribution. More than 460 families were served as part of the effort. Officers posted a note of thanks on social media to all those who contributed to the effort.

Special delivery

School staff members, Whiteline Express deliver holiday meals

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools partnered with a local business to help spread some holiday cheer to dozens of families. 

The school district and Whiteline Express, a trucking company in Plymouth, distributed turkeys and all the sides to families with students in district schools from Dec. 19 through today, Dec. 21. Part of a years-long partnership, Whiteline contributes the food while school district staff members deliver it.

Gunfire leads to arrest of 3

Jason Marqavis Smith

Gunfire erupted during an attempted escape from the scene of an assault and robbery in Canton Township last week. Three suspects were arrested when the car in which they were fleeing crashed into a ditch adjacent to Michigan Avenue. 

According to police reports, the victim met with the assailants at a Michigan Avenue credit union to complete a sale at about 1 p.m. Dec. 1. According to a press release, the victim was assaulted and robbed at gun point and the three suspects then fled the scene with the victim in pursuit. During the vehicle chase, “shots were fired by the suspects as both vehicles were traveling along Michigan Avenue.”

Following the gunfire, the vehicle in which the suspects were fleeing crashed into a ditch and the suspects attempted to leave the scene.  Canton Township police officers were nearby and three suspects were immediately arrested.

Life lessons

Students in the Plymouth Canton Community Schools district are now MI HEARTSafe certified and Canton Fire Department responders were on scene to assist with the first cardiac arrest drill at Liberty Middle School last week. Canton fire officials said this is a "huge achievement for the school district and the fire department is honored to participate in their success." There are more than 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests per year and bystander intervention is key to survival, according to national statistics. The Plymouth Canton Community Schools students are now trained and equipped to provide this life saving care prior to EMS arrival.

Cobras proposed as replacement for Chief mascot

The Canton Cobras may be the future while the Canton Chiefs will remain part of the history of the Canton High School.

While protests from parents and alumni have accompanied the effort to change the Canton Chiefs mascot and logo, members of the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Board of Education heard the first reading of an official name change during their meeting last month. If board members agree with the proposed change, it could be formally adopted following a second public reading.

The change was first proposed by a group of students who argued that the Chiefs could be interpreted by other students as racially biased. After more than a year, and a second effort by students to have the name changed, members of the board agreed to retire the Canton High School Chief mascot and logo. The 6-1 vote of the board members resulted in an ongoing recall effort against those members who voted in favor of the change.

Christmas Market

Village Arts Factory sale returns

Previous Christmas in the Village events featured family
friendly activities and unique gifts for sale along with
 the popular petting zoo which returns this year.
 Photo courtesy of the Village Arts Factory.

The Village Arts Factory will be transformed into a winter wonderland including a live petting zoo, caroling musicians, children's crafts and an old world Christman Market next month.

Christmas in the Village will return to the Village Arts Factory with new additions and even more holiday cheer from 3 until 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, organizers said.  Additional event highlights include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus; horse-drawn carriage rides from 4-8 p.m. and a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. with special guests Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, Santa Claus, and the Dodson Elementary School Choir, under the direction of Jessie Allstaedt.  The Cherry Hill Potters Guild will also be on hand, joining more than 25 craft and artisan vendors, selling unique crafts. 

Graduation day

Canton Township Fire Training Chief Shawn Skelly recently graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Fire Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program. The program requires nine-months of study and more than 360 hours of instruction to ensure graduates are prepared for fire department leadership roles. Local officials congratulated Skelly on his completion of the advanced professional curriculum.

Student led walkout included Israeli flag desecration

While law enforcement officials are confident the recent student walkout and flag destruction at Plymouth Canton Educational Park was protected by free speech, Superintendent of Schools Monica Merritt described the incident as “disruptive” and “in violation of board policies.”

A social media post Nov. 1 showed unidentified students ripping apart an Israeli flag while others cheered them on laughing and chanting “Rip it up, rip it up.”

The walkout, according to a notice to parents from Merritt on Wednesday, was student organized and student led. The walkout included students from Canton, Plymouth and Salem high schools, all located on the educational campus in Canton.