The Eagle

Thursday, February 4, 2021

City manager sues former council member

Wayne City Manager Lisa Nocerini has filed a civil suit demanding damages in excess of $25,000 as compensation for alleged actions of Christopher Sanders during his tenure on the Wayne City Council.

The suit alleges the damages were incurred during Sanders' term on the council from November 2015 until a recall election in May 2018. That designation could, according to attorneys representing Sanders, place financial responsibility for defending the claim and the obligation for any financial damages which could be awarded, on the cash-strapped city.

Supervisor Tim Bowman

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to a one-time $500 payment to Deputy Treasurer Kenneth Bednark along with a month of a back wages at a higher hourly amount.

The unanimous vote came after a protracted discussion of the situation at the Jan. 26 meeting. The topic was prompted by Trustee Peggy Morgan who also raised the issue at the Jan. 12 meeting, suggesting Bednark be compensated at the higher rate paid to the previous deputy supervisor. At that time, the question of authority to set township employee wages was referred to township attorney Rob Young for research.

Young presented his preliminary findings but told the board members last week that his research left him needing direction from the board as to their intent when they voted on the issue Dec. 15. At that meeting, the board reduced Bednark’s position to part time without benefits at a reduced hourly rate.

Marvin “Chip” Snider

Flags throughout Northville Township were lowered to half staff last week as an official tribute to former longtime Northville Township Manager Marvin “Chip” Snider, Ph.D., who died Jan. 27.

Mr. Snider, 70, who forever changed the Northville community, is being mourned throughout the area as one of the most influential leaders in the township. He retired in October, 2019 after serving the community for more than 29 years, 19 of those as the chief administrative officer of the township.

“He was a great colleague, a great leader and a great friend,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo.

Mr. Snider led the township through a decade of unprecedented growth, officials said. During his tenure, the township population increased from 17,000 in 1990 to 28,500 in 2010, a situation which called for careful management and planning, which Mr. Snider successfully achieved as he prepared the community for continued growth.

Union leader questions district student return plan

While teachers in the Plymouth-Canton Schools are eager to return to their classrooms for in-person learning, they are concerned about their safety and the safety of students in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.

Plymouth-Canton Education Association President Heather Fitchpatrick sent a statement to members of the board of education earlier this month, noting that the 1,100 members of the teachers' union feared that the district might be rushing to a full return “without specific details that keep our teachers and students safe.”

Fitchpatrick's statement was read to the board members and audience during the virtual meeting by board member Lauren Christenson. Currently, the district plans to return to full-time, in-person learning by March 1.

Trustees OK township sidewalk repair projects

Julie Brown, Special Writer

Sidewalk repairs are on tap in Canton Township this year for Glengarry North Estate, Glengarry Village 1-6, and Glengarry Woods subdivisions.

“We were in there with an extensive water main program,” noted Bill Serchak of the township engineering department at a Jan. 26 Canton Board of Trustees meeting. He said work in that area is planned to avoid conflicts with roadwork in 2021.

The subdivsions are near Cherry Hill and Canton Center roads.

Three new firefighter/paramedics were officially sworn in as members of the Canton Township Public Safety Department Jan. 26. Canton Fire Chief Chris Stoecklein, left welcomed Martin Smith, Jeremy Martzolff and Colin Murphy. Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak congratulated the new first responders .

Plymouth reminds residents clearing roads is county job

Plymouth Township officials recently issued a reminder to residents regarding snow emergencies in the township.

Officials noted that the township can probably expect several heavy snow days this winter like those earlier this week which can make both driving and walking a challenge. Plymouth Township is not responsible for the plowing or clearing of streets, officials said, that work is the responsibility of Wayne County Roads or the local homeowner's association usually through a private contractor.

Deputy supervisor resigns following public squabble

A heated exchange at the Jan. 26 meeting of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees has apparently prompted the resignation of Deputy Supervisor Kenneth Bednark.

During a study session of the board members just prior to their regular meeting, Trustee Peggy Morgan criticized the failure of Police Chief Eric Luke to return a phone call from Bednark. The call was, according to Morgan, an effort to discuss Luke's upcoming contract renewal. She asked why there was this “lack of communication.”

Luke, in attendance at the Zoom meeting, responded that the “phone call” was a voice message he had received late in the afternoon the day before and that scheduled meetings on Tuesday, along with some unexpected personnel issues, kept him from returning the voice mail from Bednark.

One Mind

Northville police officers complete mental health crisis training programs

Police departments in both Northville Township and the City of Northville have taken steps to ensure the most effective response to crisis situations involving substance abuse or mental health issues.

Northville Township Police Chief Paul Tennies said mental illness has become a common focus for law enforcement, with some departments estimating that as many as 20 percent of calls for service are related to mental health incidents. Northville Township responds to several hundred behavioral health incidents a year, Tennies said.

In Northville Township, police department personnel completed the requirements for the One Mind Campaign, an initiative by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which improves the department response to calls involving those suffering from mental illness in the community.

City Holiday Taste Fest plans already under way

Julie Brown, Special Writer

The 2021 Westland Holiday Taste Fest is being planned for 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 36375 Joy Road in Westland.

While the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic, the event this December will be even more special, organizers said. Sponsorships are available at the Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($500) and Silver ($250) levels, with information available from the Westland Chamber of Commerce.

“We're trying to bring back the annual tradition of the Holiday Taste Fest,” said Gretchen Heinicke, Westland Chamber of Commerce president. “We know that it's a ways away. It's something for people to look forward to as we go through 2021.”

Gayle Nicholson

Delano Hornbuckle

Members of the Westland City Council confirmed the reappointment of two city board members during a Jan. 19 meeting.

Westland Mayor William R. Wild reappointed long-time city resident Gayle Nicholson to the Library Board.

Her appointment was for a five-year term expiring Feb. 6, 2026. Nicholson is an active community volunteer with an extensive background in customer service and marketing.

The five-member Library Board is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by city council. The board oversees the library director and the operations of the William P. Faust Public Library.

Inkster woman is charged with birthday party stabbing

A Westland woman is facing two felony charges in the stabbing of her uncle at a family gathering in Riverview.

Ariel Purifoy, 20, has been charged with one count of felonious assault, a four-year felony and one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony in the stabbing of her 27-year-old uncle Jan. 9.

According to police reports, officers were called to a house in the 15000 block of Golfview at about 7 p.m. Jan. 9 in response to a report of a man stabbed. When officers arrived, they discovered the Riverview man with a non-life threatening stab wound to his left shoulder. Initial witness interviews indicated that a dispute arose among several people including the victim and his niece during a birthday party.

Romulus church to host 13-week grief seminars

Community members who have experienced the death of a family member or friend can now register for a 13-week seminar/support group GriefShare at 5 Points Church. The church, located at 37300 Goddard Road at Huron River Drive in Romulus, has been offering this program since 2005. .

“Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Past participant have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them,” organizers said.

The bereavement experience may be recent or current and participants will find “find encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a loved one no matter what the cause of death. This is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling,” they added.

Inkster church plans brick memorial for COVID deaths

An Inkster church is planning a permanent memorial to those lives lost due to the coronavirus.

The Prevailing Church in Inkster, under the leadership of the Rev. Rick Sykes, is constructing a memorial brick walkway along the side of the church and each brick will be inscribed with the name of a person lost to the COVID-19 virus.

Sykes said the church currently has about 2,000 bricks.

“I myself know about 50 to 60 people who have passed away. My wife was actually sick in March and she recovered. Loved ones, people I knew, also recovered but there are those who passed away from COVID-19,” he said.

Wayne HYPE center offers cost-free virus testing

Testing for COVID-19 is now available to the public in both Wayne and Westland.

The cities have cooperated with Wayne County to provide the testing sites in an effort to reach the goal of 8,000 tests each day.

In Wayne, the cost-free testing with reportedly shorter waiting times is open at the HYPE Recreation Center from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The athletic center is located at 4635 Howe Road in Wayne.

In Westland, testing will take place in the parking lot at the Westland Friendship Center, located at 1119 Newburgh Road. Residents will have no out of pocket expenses for testing. However, if insurance information is available, it will be collected for the laboratory testing fees.

National Guard to aid vaccinations

More than 300 additional Michigan National Guard soldiers are being assigned across the state to expand COVID vaccination and testing efforts, according to state officials.

The deployment is in response to the detection of the variant B.1.1.7. COVID strain found in a Wayne County man and among several people associated with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The deployment of the additional guard members which began Monday is an effort to assist the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments. The guard members will augment local health departments, as requested, in administering the vaccination in clinics in their respective areas, officials said.

B.1.1.7 spreads more easily between people, but there has been no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the United States for months, explained Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDDHHS).

Eight homes in Inkster have higher levels of lead and copper in their water than is considered safe by the Michigan Department of the Environment.

During the last six months, Inkster personnel collected water samples at 62 homes as part of the lead and copper level compliance with the state Safe Drinking Water Act. Test results for eight of the 62 homes reported lead levels higher than the Action Level of 15 ppb (parts per billion) as outlined by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Since 2019, the City of Inkster has been working to reduce lead levels in drinking water by educating customers, providing customers with water filters, replacing known lead service lines, and identifying the service line material for those that are unknown, according to an official report prepared by the city. The action level for lead is 15 ppb and the eight homes in Inkster registered 18 ppb.

Restaurants can offer inside dining Monday

Area restaurant owner heaved a giant sigh of relief and began efforts to accommodate the state requirements that will allow them to reopen for inside dining next Monday.

Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an order last week which will allow restaurants to open for indoor dining with certain requirements; concessions at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums; personal services requiring mask removal; and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households. The new order will last three weeks, until Sunday, Feb. 21.

“The pause has worked. The efforts we have made together to protect our families, frontline workers and hospitals have dramatically reduced cases and we have saved lives. Now, we are confident that starting Feb. 1, restaurants can resume indoor dining with safety measures in place,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Michigan continues to be a national leader in fighting this virus, and we must continue working to keep it that way. One of the most important things Michiganders can do is to make a plan to get the safe and effective vaccine when it's available to you. And as always, mask up and maintain 6-feet of social distancing. We will end this pandemic together.”

A second Plymouth business has been cited for violations of state health coronavirus restrictions.

All liquor licenses and other permits at The Post Local Bistro, 844 Penniman Ave., were suspended Jan. 14 by state inspectors. According to documents presented to the licensing board, The Post allowed about 100 people in an outdoor service area on at least one occasion in January, a violation of current state restrictions. The documents claim that an accredited state investigator found the establishment parking lot full of vehicles during a January inspection and found “nearly every available seat occupied” in an outdoor service area along with several people standing near tables.”

Memorial honors 92 COVID victims

Canton Township officials and residents memorialized the lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic recently in the shadow of a new testing facility in Heritage Park.

The Canton Police and Fire Department Honor Guard presented the flag while Devyn Mitchell sang the National Anthem at the ceremony. Township religious participated in the service memorializing the 92 Canton Township residents who had died of the disease to that date. Offering prayers and invocations were Geneva Presbyterian Church Pastor Bryan Smith, Tahini Peracha (Muslin Community of the Western Suburbs), TejKiran Singh (Singh Sabha of Michigan, Sikh community) and Chandru Acharya, president of South-Asian American Voices of Impact, who represented the Hindu community.

Ashleigh Apostolovski, a math teacher at Northville High
School, receives a Northville Educational Foundation grant
for her project, Desmos Digital Classroom, presented
by Northville High School Principal Tony Koski.

Teachers in the Northville School District were awarded more than $35,000 in innovated teaching grants during the past two months.

Grants were presented to 28 projects and 42 teachers across the district, according to officials from the Northville Educational Foundation (NEF) officials. More than 30 applications were received requesting about $48,000 in funding. The applications were reviewed by a committee comprising of NEF board members as well as retired Northville teachers.

Callie Hale

Callie Hale, of Romulus, understands the importance of food insecurity, and how dealing with adversity at a young age can dramatically influence the development of a child.Hale, a senior at Alma College, chose the Kids Coalition Against Hunger, a nonprofit organization based in Michigan, as the beneficiary of a $500 prize she won as part of the Sodexo Spread the Joy sweepstakes.

Sodexo, the dining partner of Alma College, chose Hale as one of 30 winners from colleges and universities nationwide, to make a donation in their name to their campus food pantry or a local hunger-related charity.

“My studies at Alma have brought me to an interest in child advocacy,” said Hale, who is double-majoring in psychology and sociology. “The Kids Coalition Against Hunger is an organization that aims to help reduce the number of hungry children in the U.S., but also reaches out worldwide to address the issue of child hunger. I was particularly drawn to their efforts and mission statement when I was considering what charity I wanted to help support.”

Rotary District 6400 has recognized two leaders of Trinity Episcopal Church - Friday Fill Up for their work in providing food and other support each week to families in food insecure households. Both Martha Hanoian, receiving the award certificate from Rotary Club of Belleville President Debra Green, right, and Gabby Burton were honored with the district Peace Chain Award for their efforts to help local families in need and in "helping make our community healthier, safer and more stable." The club donated $500 to Friday Fill Up in December and has supported Friday Fill Up with sorting, organizing and delivery in recent years.

Inkster driver involved in fatal vehicle accident

An Inkster driver struck and killed a 62-year-old wheelchair-bound woman from Ypsilanti Township last Saturday.

Washtenaw County Sheriff deputies were called to the scene at Michigan Avenue near Harvey Place in Ypsilanti at about 9 p.m. Jan. 23 when the 36-year-old Inkster woman called to report that she had struck a pedestrian. The driver had four children with her in her vehicle at the time of the incident, according to police reports, although there were no injuries to anyone in the vehicle reported.

Appointments only at township hall

Van Buren Township Hall will remain open by appointment only through March 31, according to officials.

Appointment hours are from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and some same day appointments are available.

“We're encouraging residents to use the dropbox in front of township hall or in the police lobby, to pay bills online or do business over the phone,” said township Supervisor Kevin McNamara.

Westland financial audit earns top rating

Westland city officials received a positive audit report during a council study session Jan. 19.

Auditors from Plante Moran issued an “unmodified opinion”, the highest rating available, stating that the June 30, 2020 financial statements of the city are fairly presented and accurately reflect the financial position of Westland.

The city General Fund rainy day balance showed a slight increase to more than $6.1 million while complying with all requirements issued by the State of Michigan. City COVID-19 cost containment efforts proved helpful, with nearly all departments coming in under budget for the year, auditors noted, while the report also showed a decrease in total outstanding bond debt of approximately $2.7 million.

Gino Criscenti was sworn in as an officer of the Wayne Police Department at the regular meeting of the city council last week. Criscenti recently graduated from the Wayne County Regional Police Academy and immediately began his departmental orientation process. Criscenti will fill a vacant position already budgeted for the department, officials said.

Winning shoppers are named

Wayne Main Street, which was selected as the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year by members of the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, recently celebrated the winners of the Small Business Saturday event in the community.

The event took place virtually this year due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and included a "Shopathon" which invited local residents to shop small and submit their receipts for a chance to win$250. Entrants were also asked to post a photo of themselves shopping in downtown Wayne or their purchase .

Fire damage to six SMART buses last week is not expected to interrupt service throughout the area, officials said.

The fire, apparently the result of an electrical issue, damaged the buses Jan. 18 outside the Nankin Transit parking area on Dorsey Street in Westland. Officials said the buses were plugged into a block heater which apparently caused the fire.

Nankin Transit Director Jim Ridener sid six of the seven SMART buses outside were damaged and five of those six were entirely wrecked, said Kelly Eggers, Westland fire marshal.

Wayne County distributes 3.5 million free masks

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing 3.5 million free masks as part of the state Mask Up, Mask Right campaign.

Free KN95 masks provided by MDHHS will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHSS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices.

“We are urging Michiganders to Mask Up and Mask Right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “Wearing the right kind of mask is important. Distribution of effective masks will help more Michiganders limit the spread of COVID to save lives and get back to normal sooner.”

Sweet surprise

Ice Festival set to return Feb. 12-14

The Plymouth Ice Festival this year will
not feature the large sculptures in Kellogg Park.

Better late than never is the attitude in the City of Plymouth as plans for a scaled-down ice festival set for Feb. 12 through 14 were presented to the city commission for approval this week.

James Gietzen, owner of JAG Entertainment, which produces the annual event, said the event would be markedly different this year, but still an attraction sure to draw crowds into the city. Gietzen said the 39th annual event would include smaller ice sculptures set in front of local businesses and throughout downtown while the larger ice carvings usually installed in Kellogg Park would be absent this year. Gietzen said the changes were necessary due to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

Plymouth Canton in-class learning may return March 1

After nearly a year of online and virtual learning, students in the Plymouth Canton Community Schools are expected to return to classrooms by March 1.

District officials presented a plan during a meeting last week which would return students to school buildings while maintaining strict COVID-19 safety practices including the wearing of masks and social distancing. The plan was announced by Superintendent of Schools Monica Merritt during a regular meeting of the members of the board of education.

"We know that distance learning does not work for all of our kids," Merritt said. “There truly are students who are struggling to thrive during this pandemic while learning remotely. We've been working on agreed-upon ways to get them back into the schools as safely as possible.”

Staff wage increases receive OK from board of trustees

Julie Brown, Special Writer

Part-time, variable, and seasonal Canton Township employees have gained step pay hikes, effective Jan. 1 of this year, following a unanimous vote Jan. 12 of the Canton Township Board of Trustees.

The seasonal employees will receive step raises when and if they return to work in 2021, noted Township Clerk Michael Siegrist. Some eligibility will be based on total hours worked in 2020. The pay hike is 50 cents per hour for the employees.

Members of the Canton Board of Trustees also unanimously approved on Dec. 7 a 2.5 percent pay raise for merit non-union full-time employees, along with elected township officials.

Nicholas A. Bennett

A Canton Township father has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of his 8-year-old son.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Nicholas A. Bennett, 33, in connection with the fatal shooting of his son at their Canton mobile home on Dec. 15.

Police were called to the home located in the 41020 block of Old Michigan Avenue at about 3:54 p.m. Dec. 15. According to police reports, Bennett was working on or cleaning a rifle when one round discharged and struck and killed his son who was with him in the room.

Forgotten harvest provides free food to area families

Van Buren Township and Forgotten Harvest (FH) will continue to host free pop-up food pantries every Tuesday from 2- 4:30 p.m., or while supplies last.

Anyone in need can drive up to the distribution area outside of the Community Services entrance at Township Hall, 46425 Tyler Road. Volunteers will load fresh groceries into the vehicle of anyone in need.

“We're really excited to be continuing the free food distribution partnership with Forgotten Harvest,” said Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara. “We know many of our residents and neighboring residents are in need of food and we hope this helps them during these challenging times.”

Amazon to refurbish former Spartan warehouse

The long-vacant Spartan warehouse and distribution center in Plymouth Township will soon become an Amazon facility.

The on-line retailer will convert the former grocery facility, located on Haggerty Road, across from the former Kmart center, into a sorting center. Amazon officials said there are plans to open five new such facilities in metro Detroit this year. The Plymouth Township center will sort and categorize smaller packages and is expected to begin operations this summer.

The Romulus Ministerial Alliance celebrated a community-wide march and vehicle procession on Monday to celebrate and remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The march began at Romulus Community Baptist Church and concluded at Pentecostal Baptist Church. Walkers remained at a safe distance from others, while others remained in cars to help commemorate the accomplishments of Dr. King.

Northville officials mark School Board Recognition Month

Northville Public Schools is joining 544 local and 57 intermediate school districts across Michigan to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month.

“In a year full of challenges for public education not seen in recent history, our school board members persevered through the adversity of 2020, and have grappled with providing the best possible education for our students given the ongoing challenges of a global health crisis,” noted Superintendent of Northville Schools Mary Kay Gallagher in a prepared statement. “Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one of the ways in which we can express appreciation for these dedicated public servants, who continue to devote hours of time to our district, students, families, staff and community, and who serve without monetary compensation,” she added.

30 township firefighters receive COVID-19 vaccinations

Thirty Northville Township firefighters received the first vaccination for COVID-19 in an effort expected to help control the disease and protect local residents. The firefighters are scheduled to receive the second dose this week, according to the township Facebook page.

The firefighters are in the Phase 1A designation of the vaccine rollout, set forth by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Phase 1A includes inoculating people serving in healthcare who have contact or indirect exposure to patients, as well as residents of long-term care facilities.

The Northville Township Police Department collaborated with Meijer, Northville Civic Concern and Northville Public Schools during the Hope for the Holidays initiative last month. The community donated more than $4,000 in gift cards to brighten the lives of those in need, according to a statement from the Northville Police Department. Officers delivered the gift cards, along with donations of food, hats and other winter items, to residents in need throughout the community to help brighten the holidays.

Garden Club members to meet

The Country Garden Club of Northville is offering free virtual attendance at upcoming monthly meetings in both February and March.

The business meeting will begin at 11 a.m. and the speakers are scheduled for 12:15.

The Feb. 3 speaker is Chris Lapinski who will discuss “Mason Bees and Plants They are Attracted To”. Roy Prentice will speak on the “History and Gardening at Tollgate Farm” at the March 3 meeting.

Interested parties can attend these free virtual online presentations by contacting (734) 751-1156 or e-mail at BQSturtz@comcast.net.

Chick-fil-a opens next week

The highly anticipated opening of the new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Northville Township is set for Jan. 28, according to the company Principal Development Leader Justin Lurk.

The new location for the country-wide franchise is located at 20135 Haggerty Road according to comments from Lurk at a recent Livonia City Council Zoom meeting.

City now accepting applications for police force

The City of Westland is now accepting applications to join the police department.

The department recently exhausted the eligibility list from which new officers are hired. Department officials anticipate starting a new process this month to establish the next eligibility list and as part of the process, applicants will be required to take the written portion of their testing through EMPCO (http://empco.net/).

Since testing dates could be limited due to the current health restrictions, officials are urging qualified candidates to take advantage of early registration to complete the testing in time to ensure a spot on the eligibility list. Officials urged potential candidates to meet all the requirements before paying for and taking the written test. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, not less than 21 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. Candidates must have a valid driver's license and be a graduate of a police academy and MCOLES certified (or certifiable at time of hire). Students at a law enforcement academy at time of application will be accepted.

Lt. Finley Carter

Wayne Police Lt. Finley Carter graduated from the 15th Michigan State University School of Staff and Command last week.

The MSU School of Staff and Command is a prestigious 10-week school for police executives that focuses on leadership, problem-based learning, and building partnerships with the community to respond to crime, according to the college website. Being accepted into the program and successfully completing the rigorous course work is a significant accomplishment, police officials noted. In addition to successfully completing the program, Carter was selected by a vote of his peers to serve as president of the class. Carter addressed his classmates at graduation, encouraging them to tackle some of the tough issues facing policing today.

Teen could serve 15 years in prison for fatal shooting

The Wayne teen who shot and killed a youth last July has been sentenced to 2.5 to 15 years in prison following his guilty plea.

Robert Shoats, 19, told Third Circuit Court Judge Margaret Van Houten that he apologized for shooting “close friend” Kaleb Parish and said that he prayed for the family every night.

He entered a guilty plea in November to a single charge of manslaughter and a weapons charge. Four other homicide and weapons charges were dismissed.

Flying high

Blue Angels plane now

at Yankee Air Museum

The Blue Angels plane is delivered to the Yankee Air
Museum and unloaded from two heavy-duty trailers last week.

Last week, Yankee Air Museum officials welcomed a Blue Angel F/A-18C Hornet as the latest addition to the extensive historic aircraft collection at the museum. This particular jet was the lead aircraft for the Blue Angels in a performance at the Detroit 2017 Thunder Over Michigan air show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have retired all of their F/A 18Cs and are now flying F/A-18E Super Hornets. Yankee Air Museum is the last museum to receive a Blue Angel Legacy Hornet and it will be on static display indefinitely.

Van Buren to mail masks to all township residents

Van Buren Township will spend $270,000 in hazard pay to reward the essential employees who worked the front-lines during the Corona virus pandemic.

In addition, the township will send protective face masks to every township resident in an effort to help curtail the spread of the virus which is at an all-time high across the country.

The decisions were made at the Dec. 15 meeting of the township board of trustees.

COVID-19 vaccinations are urged for African Americans

N. Charles Anderson, president/CEO of the Detroit Urban League recently issued a statement regarding the concerns of many in the African American community regarding the Corona virus vaccine.

“When the corona virus first attacked us, African Americans were unwittingly at the front of the line of those disproportionately affected and more likely to be hospitalized and die as a result of complications. A focus on making testing available for the more affected populations and the consistent promotion of safety measures started making a dent in the disproportionate impacts being felt by people of color and saved many lives,” he said.

“Now that there's a vaccine, questions are arising as to who's first in line and who is really going to take it. Clearly, health care workers are at the front of the line as they are hard at work providing care for those hospitalized as a result of complications from COVID-19. However, after that where will the other front-line workers appear on the list for vaccinations? Then the real question is how will the African American community respond to their opportunity to get the vaccine?

Highway in the Sky plans start in Romulus

City of Romulus officials are among those crafting the future of an air-traffic route for drones as plans for the first highway for autonomous aircraft in the nation near completion.

The corridor, which could include sky taxis sometime in the future, will begin with a route between Ann Arbor and Detroit, is a concern of Aerotropolis Corporation leaders and aviation officials, along with Romulus Director of Fire Services and Emergency Management Chief Kevin Krause. While autonomous aircraft carrying passengers as well as freight may be in the future, the need for regulations, permissions and traffic management is being crafted now.

Paula Bowman

Paula Bowman, president of the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Northwest Wayne County, is proud of the efforts or the organization to educate voters. Those include a print voter guide distributed last fall for the Nov. 3 general election along with the Vote411.org online site.

The Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol prompted the national League of Women voters to issue a statement specifically naming Donald Trump, an unusual move:

“Today the League of Women Voters of the United States president Dr. Deborah Turner, CEO Virginia Kase, and the full board of directors issued the following statement in response to the violent demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol:

“This is a dark day in the history of the United States of America. Today's activity on Capitol Hill should have been a procedural exercise to finalize the 2020 election. Instead, our nation's Capitol was attacked by domestic terrorists seeking to invalidate the will of the people.

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