Members of the Wayne County Commission have approved the sale of the Wilcox Mill in Plymouth, again.

The original buyer, artist Tony Roko, was forced to abandon his plans for an artists' workshop and housing for his art foundation due to the economic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. During a meeting May 20, commissioners approved a plan to negotiate the sale of the historic property to Richard Cox, a developer already involved in the remodeling and repurposing of the other two mill sites owned by the county.

Cox, through Donofrio Wil Cox, LLC, has already purchased The Phoenix Mill at 14973 Northville Road in Plymouth Township and that building has been under development. Newburgh Mill at 37401 Hines Drive in Livonia is still owned by Wayne County although Cox is negotiating a modified agreement for that site. The sale of The Wilcox Mill, located at 230 Wilcox Road in Plymouth will now be negotiated with Cox' company, county officials confirmed. Cox was the second-highest bidder for the property prior to the sale agreement between Roko and the county for the property.

It takes a village

Local donations help Romulus High School seniors attend prom

2021 Senior Class Advisor Kyleen Zoltowski, from left, City Councilwoman

and sponsor Kathy Abdo, Class Advisor Wendy Pachota and co-sponsor

Sandy Tenny,  show off a mocked-up check for the donations collected to

fund tickets to the senior prom at Romulus High School.

Several Romulus High School students had an extra reason to celebrate at their prom last night.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had made the $75 tickets to the prom out of reach for several area families this year. When class advisors Wendy Pachota and Kyleen Zoltowski realized the number of students who could not attend the traditional senior high school event, they reached out to City Councilwoman Kathy Abdo, who taught at the high school for more that 40 years. Pachota and Zoltowski sought help from Abdo, who also spent decades as a class advisor at the school, wondering if she might know of any group or local business willing to donate enough to pay for one or two tickets for the students. 

Cady-Boyer Barn destroyed in fire

An investigation into the fire that completely destroyed the historic Cady-Boyer Barn last Sunday afternoon is under way, according to fire officials.

The barn served as a museum and community gathering venue and was the site of the Farmers Market every Sunday. Only last week, a new pavilion was opened at the site.

Former Township Supervisor Pat Williams said that the loss “breaks my heart.” 

The Cady-Boyer Barn was originally built before the Civil War by one of the first township supervisors, David Cady, and was then enlarged and remodeled in 1908 by Aruna Cady, one of the pioneer families in Canton.

Canton library returns to regular pre-pandemic hours

Regular hours of operation resumed at the Canton Public Library this week for the first time since March 13, 2020.

Library Director Eva Davis said that with the number of changes during the past year, “it feels great to return a little bit of normalcy to our patrons.”

“As vaccination rates rise and COVID-19 infection rates drop in our community, we've been slowly and carefully expanding our services and operations,” Davis said.

She noted that the recent hiring of new employees has brought the library closer to full staffing.

Traffic accident claims lives of 85-year-old couple

An 85-year-old man and wife from Canton Township were killed May 26 when a pickup truck crashed into the side of their car in Monroe County.

According to police reports, the incident occurred at 5:23 a.m. last Wednesday on North Dixie Highway in front of the Sterling State Park entrance.

Larimore Clifford McDougall, 85, was reportedly driving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata with his wife, Marilyn Ann McDougall, also 85, in the passenger seat when a 55-year-old Monroe woman driving a red, 2011 GMC Sierra pickup truck crashed into their vehicle.

According to police reports, McDougall was turning left onto Dixie Highway from the park exit when the vehicle was struck on the driver's side by the pickup truck which was traveling north on Dixie Highway.

Thanks, Friends

The work of volunteers who participated in the Garlic Mustard Removal Event May 15 at Coldwater Springs Nature Area improved the natural habitat for local plants and flora, officials said. The work was one part of the annual Rouge Rescue event which took place at locations throughout the Rouge Watershed. During the day-long event, volunteers collected 40 large bags and 808 pounds of the invasive, destructive weed from the nature area. Officials from The Friends of the Rouge, Northville Township and Northville Parks and Recreation Department issued a formal thanks to all those who participated in the event.

Northville is officially named as ‘Tree City’

It's now official.

Northville has been awarded an official Tree City designation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Arbor Day Foundation.

While the city has been widely recognized for the tree-lined streets that beautify neighborhoods and vast landmark trees that grace city parks, cemeteries and the Historic District, the official state designation only came last week.

"Tree City is an important goal for many communities and is one of the most visible indications of your community's commitment and achievement in the care of trees," said Kevin Sayers, urban and community forester for the Michigan DNR.

Local BP Gas station is accused of price gouging

Owners of a Plymouth Township gas station have until next Monday to explain the high cost of fuel during the recent gas shortage.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Plymouth Township resident, said that her office received reports that the BP Gas station at 38600 Ann Arbor Road, just east of Interstate 275, was charging prices nearly $1 more per gallon of fuel than other stations in the area.

Nessel said that an investigator from her office went to the station which was selling unleaded gas for $3.899 and premium for $4.899 per gallon, prices that were, in fact, about $1 more than other local stations. Nessel said that representatives at the gas station refused to offer any explanation for the prices to the investigator, prompting her office to issue a cease and desist order against the station  on May 27. 

Westland plans neighborhood police meetings

Westland police want to "take a meeting" with local residents as part of a new community policing initiative called the Westland Police Neighborhood Safety Program. 

"Our police department recognizes that every neighborhood has different concerns and public safety needs," said Mayor William R. Wild. "The goal of this program is to meet directly with the residents of specific neighborhoods to discuss their concerns." 

The program will set up meetings at various locations and in various neighborhoods in the city. The first meeting is set for 10 a.m. this Saturday, June 5, at Rotary Park in the city.

“Working in partnership with neighborhood residents, the Westland Police Department will identify and resolve specific quality of life problems or concerns in particular areas. In addition, this is a great opportunity for neighbors to meet each other while also meeting their city police officers,” Wild said. 

Investigations into multiple fatal shootings continue

Investigations into two separate shootings that killed three people in Inkster May 24 and May 25 are continuing, police said.

During an early-evening basketball game in the 27900 block of Rosewood Street on Monday night, May 25, four people were shot, two of them fatally.

All of the victims were transported to a local hospital with their injuries. One victim died the same night at the hospital while a second died early Tuesday.

Witnesses told Michigan State Police investigators that several suspects ran between houses and opened fire with multiple weapons on the four victims playing basketball. All the shooters fled the scene and police have not yet identified the suspects.

Economic development to be topic of survey, session

Westland officials want to know what residents think about the economic development in the city.

City administrators are in the process of formalizing a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan. The goal is to identify initiatives and methods that will encourage diversity of the economic base in the city and tap opportunities for economic expansion in an effort to help to promote community wealth building. 

The process for building the plan includes significant analytic research coupled with input obtained from the business community, residents, non-profit organizations and other key community stakeholders. In order to obtain this input, city officials have developed a survey to gather insights and guide to plan formation. 

Wayne councilman resigns

Anthony Miller

Wayne Councilman Anthony Miller has announced his resignation from the municipal body. He said his last meeting will be this month and that he has sold his Wayne home and will be moving from the city to Florida.

Miller was first appointed to the city council Dec. 16, 2014 and took office in January of 2015. He won election to a full term on the council in November of 2016 and was selected as Mayor Pro Tem in January of 2017. He was reelected in November of 2018 and his current term will continue until Nov. 14, 2022. 

Miller said that he turned 62 this year and retired in March. A brief vacation trip to Florida following his new-found freedom turned into a month-long stay and “things just snowballed from there.” He said he found a new home in Florida and that selling his Wayne house was “financially a good move.”

Bittersweet day

 

Last Friday, members of the Romulus Police Department introduced their newest member, Ofc. Caitlin Dorsey, left, as they said goodbye to one of the longest serving officers in the department. Dorsey is a resident of the city and a graduate of Romulus High School. She is also a graduate of the Wayne County Regional Police Academy and is completing her degree at Wayne County Community College. The same day, officers helped Cpt. Josh Monte, right, one of the longest serving members of the Romulus Police Department, celebrate his retirement during his last day on the job. Fellow officers said that Monte was more than an officer or city employee, “he was a leader, a mentor, and true servant of the community.”

Wayne police install new electronic speed sign

Wayne police have received numerous reports of vehicles traveling at excessive speeds through Wayne neighborhoods.

To combat the problem, grant funds were recently used to purchase an electronic speed measurement sign for police use. The problem is serious, officials said, as speed is a factor in more than 25 percent of all fatal traffic crashes, according to national statistics.

Officers said that traditional traffic enforcement in neighborhoods would be continued, and that the electronic device would be used to remind drivers of the speed they were driving and the need to obey posted speed limits.

Ride ‘em cowboy

Midwest Rodeo is coming to Fairgrounds June 11-12

There will be steer wrestling, calf roping, relay races and bull riding, along with many other traditional rodeo events June 11 and 12 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.

The Midwest Invitational Rodeo - the top showcase of the Black cowboy/cowgirl story - will return for one weekend only and guests can experience the authentic African-American Rodeo and join in celebration of Juneteenth. Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans will participate as the Grand Marshall. 

With more than 50 years of rodeo production experience, Midwest Invitational Rodeo is a competitive traveling rodeo that showcases the top rodeo talents in the nation. 

The family-friendly event will feature activities for all ages. 

Rotary Club scholarships are awarded

Four local high school graduates were awarded scholarships from the Rotary Club of Belleville during ceremonies last week. 

Since the inception of the scholarship program, the Rotary Club of Belleville has awarded $587,000 to Belleville High School students. This year, during the 76th Annual Scholarship Program, four $5,000 scholarships were presented to local students. Three of those were academic awards presented to Joshua Jeng, Nicholas Rafferty and Kyler Warren. The Charles B. Cozaad Community Service Award was presented to Jessica Ley.

School administrators, parents, family members joined several Rotarians during the brief May 25 program at Belleville High School during which the awards were presented.

Memorial Day events return to local communities

Next Monday will be the national celebration of Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and honor for those who have died in service of our country.

While many celebrate the day, few are aware of the significance and history of the event which began as Decoration Day in the 1860s to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War. That war, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the first national cemeteries in the country.

Memorial Day was originally celebrated on May 30 but in 1968, Congress approved the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing the holiday would always fall on the last Monday in May. 

Veteran police officer retires after 25 years

Sgt. Dale Waltz

Canton Township Police Department Sgt. Dale Waltz will officially retire at the end of this month after a quarter of a century on the job.

Waltz began his 25-year career with the Canton department in 1996 as a Public Safety Service Officer (PSSO), performing the tasks of call taker, dispatcher and jail attendant. Two-years later, he took a leave of absence and put himself through the police academy and in 1999, he tested for and was promoted to the position of police officer. 

Department administrators took note of the organizational benefits of a PSSO transitioning to a sworn officer and soon after put a formal program into place, of which 18 full-time PSSOs have since participated and been promoted to either a police officer or firefighter within the township. 

Father who shot son will serve probation

Nicholas Bennett

The man who accidently killed his 8-year-old son while cleaning a rifle will serve three years probation.

Nicholas Bennett pleaded guilty to carelessly discharging a firearm causing injury or death, a lesser charge than the involuntary manslaughter crime prosecutors originally filed against him. Bennett, 34, was also ordered by Third Circuit Judge Darnella Williams-Claybourne to pay nearly $1,500 in fines and court costs. As part of his probation, as ordered by the court, Bennett cannot possess any firearms and he cannot be in the company of anyone possessing firearms. 

The boy’s death took place the afternoon of Dec. 15 as Bennett was working on a rifle in the family home on Old Michigan Avenue in Canton Township. The gun discharged, striking and killing the 8-year-old who was in the same room. The child was transported by Canton emergency responders to a nearby hospital.

Art contest is now under way in Canton

How do you spell CANTON?

Members of the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage are welcoming unique interpretations of the name using photos of objects in the community to spell out the township name. The letter art photography will continue to accept original artwork entries through Sept. 6.

Canton residents or groups with at least one Canton resident are asked to take pictures in the Canton community to create a unique sign spelling out C.A.N.T.O.N. for a chance to win a gift basket featuring a variety of gift cards valued at more than $100.  

Flying high

Yankee Air Museum offers World War II plane rides

Yankee Air Museum will be flying its UH-1 Huey Greyhound helicopter on Saturday, May 29 and Hairless Joe, the C-47 troop transport on Sunday, May 30 in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

“We are encouraging everyone to take a ride on the adventurous side this holiday weekend,” exclaimed Kevin Walsh, president and CEO of  Yankee Air Museum.  “Our World War II era C-47 and Vietnam era UH-1 Huey are each the venerable workhorse of the conflict in which they flew.  People flying on these aircraft pay homage to the men and women who sacrificed so much for us.  Their support keeps us flying.”

Romulus Hometown Heroes nominations are sought

Romulus residents have only until tomorrow to submit nominations for the annual Home Town Heroes awards for 2021.

Nominations for educational services professionals who are dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in schools; citizens who consistently demonstrate excellent community leadership and have made a significant contribution to the community and individuals who exemplify courage, kindness, and unselfish character through their acts of heroism in or out of the community are now being sought.

Industrial Park is fully leased

Kansas City-based developer NorthPoint Development has nearly completed a two-building industrial park, Ecorse Commons, in Romulus.

The buildings total 654,000 square feet of industrial space and NorthPoint Development officials say the development is already fully leased. NorthPoint partnered with local brokerage firm CBRE, Lauren Scarpace and Eugene Agnone III to  lease the development in just 12 months. Tenants scheduled to occupy the buildings include retail logistics, warehouse distribution and supply chain solutions, according to a NorthPoint representative.

Volunteers are named to city commissions

Mayor William R. Wild has named several volunteers to city commissions and committees, including appointments to the Commission on Aging, Disability Concerns Committee, Downtown Development Authority, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission, Economic Development Corporations/ Tax Increment Finance Authority/ Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Westland Historical Commission, Local Development Finance Authority, Municipal Services Bureau, Parks & Recreation Advisory Council and Youth Assistance Advisory Council. 

Commission on Aging

Desmond Jackson has been reappointed to a two-year term expiring April 2023. Jackson has served on the Commission on Aging since October 2018 and has brought innovative programs to the Friendship Center and is very involved in the community, Wild said. 

Mel Tockstein has been reappointed to a four-year term expiring February 2025. Tockstein has served on the Commission on Aging since September 2005 and is the chairperson of the Commission on Aging. 

Bond sale will help fund city retiree pension debt

Westland has found a way to pay the majority of the city unfunded pension liability for former city employees.

Mayor William R. Wild said that a successful debt refinancing completed in March will result in significant savings to the city. Westland issued $82,470,000 in bonds to pay for a majority of the costs of the unfunded pension liability for the defined benefit pension plan for government employees administered by the Michigan Employees Retirement System of Michigan (MERS).

Marching on

Fife and Drum Corps reunion is planned 

The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps (PFDC) is conducting a nationwide search for alumni to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the group

All former members, parents and instructors are being sought to join in marking the half-century of the founding of the non-profit group dedicated to preserving the ancient arts of color guard, fifing and drumming. The students, ages 12-18, perform all year at parades, historical and patriotic celebrations, concerts, cultural affairs and other civic events.  The music spans the 17th to 20th centuries with an emphasis on music played during the Revolutionary War.

$6 million cannabis processing plant breaks ground

It has taken more than four years to cultivate, but a new $6 million Black-owned marijuana growing and processing facility is scheduled to open in Inkster this fall.

Members of the Inkster City Council first approved the city-ordinances allowing the facility in October of 2019.  Groundbreaking at the huge, 25,500-square-foot building took place last Friday. The cannabis growing and distribution facility is being built by Michigan Agricultural Services. 

Mark Stockdale, the founder and CEO of the business said that financing and capital investment were hurdles the company had to overcome during the planning of the facility. 

Free air purification kits are now available in Inkster

Free air filtration kits are now available to Inkster businesses and residents.

The kits are funded by the City of Inkster, Wayne County Economic Development, and Ford Motor Co. who have partnered to distribute and deliver the air filtration kits. 

The target useage for the kits are schools, small businesses, and nonprofits, officials said. “These are great for restaurants, hair salons/barbers, and any other small space.

Click it or Ticket program is now under way

While families are celebrating the Memorial Day holiday this weekend, local law enforcement officers will be out trying to save lives.

Officers from local police departments, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and Michigan State Police will all be on patrol conducting seat belt enforcement across the state during the Click It or Ticket campaign that will continue until June 6.

“So often, critical injuries and the loss of life on our roadways could have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. “Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and most effective thing you can do to reduce injuries and save lives. Buckle up every trip, every time.”  

Former teacher to serve 9-30 years for sexual assaults

Jason Dean 

A former teacher at both Wayne Memorial and Northville high schools will serve nine to 30 years in prison after being convicted of five counts of first-degree sexual conduct with a student at Cedar Crest Academy.

Jason Dean, 37, of Livonia, who was sentenced to prison May 20, also served as a coach with the area-wide Michigan Hawks girls' soccer team.

The victim, now an adult, was in the eighth grade at the time of the original sexual incidents. She went to police with her complaints last year, explaining that Dean had begun the campaign of sexual abuse in 2010 when he was associated with Cedar Crest Academy in Springfield Township. When he was arrested in 2020, Dean was teaching at Northville High School. 

Canton to reopen Summit Aquatic Center June 1

The patience of Canton Township residents during the COVID-19 pandemic could be rewarded as soon as June 1.

Officials tentatively plan to reopen the Aquatic Center at the Summit on the Park June 1. While the scheduled date is contingent on a number of factors and is subject to change, officials said they are reasonably confident that they are on track to open the pool as planned with COVID-19 safety protocols and limited capacities in place. 

Order in the court

Communities celebrate ribbon cutting at new 34th District Courthouse

Court is now in session, sort of.

Officials from the area celebrated the official dedication of the new 50,000 square foot 34th District Court in Romulus last Monday, although many court procedures are still being handled electronically due to pandemic restrictions.

The court serves the host city of Romulus, as well as the City of Belleville, Van Buren and Sumpter townships and Detroit Metro Airport. The court also handles week-end arraignments for Wayne County and some 149,000 people visit the facility each year.

Trustees seek more information on lawn contract

Canton Township officials opted to seek more information before awarding the annual contract for lawn moving services in the municipality.

The vote on the $44,000 contract was planned for the May 11 meeting of the board of trustees, but was delayed when officials requested more information regarding the scoring used in the bidding process and vendor qualifications.  

“Can I honestly say this is the right vendor?” asked township Clerk Michael Siegrist during the meeting. Trustees Kate Borninski and Tania Ganguly also expressed concern that they were being asked to vote on the contract May 11 with incomplete information.

Annual Mother-Son Dance returns to Canton Saturday

Moms, aunts, and grandmothers can treat the special young men in their lives to an afternoon of fun and dancing at Canton Leisure Services Annual Mother/Son Dance on Saturday, May 22.  

Spots are still available for the 1-3 p.m. dance, which will take place at the new Preservation Park outdoor pavilion and the Cady-Boyer Barn, located at 500 N. Ridge Road.  The 4:30-6:30 p.m. dance timeslot is currently filled to capacity. 

“We are so happy to be able to offer this annual tradition that helps create special memories between young boys and the special women in their lives,” said Laura Mortier, Canton recreation specialist. “Plus, participants will be able to have a good time outside under our new Preservation Park Pavilion, especially with our Beach Party theme.”

Family tradition

Assistant Canton Township Clerk Anthony Essmaker administered the oath of office for new township firefighter Zachary Sprys-Tellner, prior to his badge pinning performed by his father, Greg Sprys-Tellner. The elder Sprys-Tellner is a retired deputy chief of the Canton Fire Department, making the event even more special, the pair agreed.

Forgotten Harvest coming to Sumpter Township

Despite concerns expressed by Trustee Peggy Morgan, Forgotten Harvest will be coming to Sumpter Township to provide services to residents.

Morgan first suggested allowing Forgotten Harvest to use township facilities to distribute food and other items to residents at a meeting of the board members earlier this year. At a subsequent meeting, however, she claimed that the group had adamantly refused to utilize the township facilities due to the conduct and “attitude” of a township employee when Forgotten Harvest leaders visited the township.  Morgan told the board members that the unnamed employee displayed an uncooperative attitude during the visit which prompted the group to abandon plans to come to the township. 

Promotion of 2 veteran police officers approved by trustees

Capt. Patrick Gannon

The promotions of two members of the Sumpter Police Department were unanimously and enthusiastically approved by members of the township board of trustees during a meeting last month.

Public Safety Director Eric Luke requested approval for the promotion of Lt. Patrick Gannon, a 29-year veteran of the force to the rank of captain. Gannon has been a lieutenant with the department for the past six years. He continues as the second-in-command in the department, Luke said.

Church celebrates partnership with Salvation Army

Two mainstays in the Plymouth community are celebrating a decade of cooperation this year.

A relationship between The Salvation Army and NorthRidge Church in Plymouth made perfect sense when it began more than 10 years ago - and is even stronger toda, a spokesman said. NorthRidge consistently donates food to the pantry at The Salvation Army Plymouth Corps Community Center and to the Bed & Bread program.

GoFundMe site set up for fire department Explorers’ program

The Explorer Program of the Northville Fire Department is feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Northville Fire Department has hosted an in-house youth Explorer Program for 27 years, providing a safe environment for boys and girls ages 14-20 to learn basic skills and training that help them launch careers in the fire and Emergency Medical Service. Explorer Post 1717 is funded almost entirely by private donations and fundraising events and effort which usually take place all year in an effort to pay for the program safety gear and equipment. 

Local Farmers’ Market is now open in Northville every Thursday

The Northville Chamber of Commerce Farmers' Market  is open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Thursday, featuring local growers and food vendors. 

“Opening day was great. Everyone and everything cooperated - the vendors, the customers and the weather,” said Jody Humphries, executive director of the chamber.  

The Farmers' Market has local seasonal offerings by Michigan growers and vendors. Crafters will return once the COVID safeguards are eased, Humprhries said. There are plenty of flowers, produce, honey, baked goods and more, depending on the season, she added. 

‘Clean Sweep’ set for Saturday in Romulus

Romulus officials have taken spring cleaning seriously.

May has been declared “Romulus Spring Cleaning” in a continued effort to create a sustainable local environment and beautify the community, they said. To encourage residents to do their part in keeping the community clean, city departments have launched several free events and activities, including: Free Dumping Days: Romulus residents with large quantities of bulk items can dump those items for free at the Romulus DPW South Lot on 12600 Wayne Road. Free dumping is available from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. today, May 20 and tomorrow, Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22. For more information, call (734) 942-7579.

Council OK’s lease of new rescue ambulance

Members of the Romulus City Council unanimously approved the lease of a new ambulance for use by the fire department.

The lease, for a total cost of $209,902 during four years, will include a power lift load system, officials said, which will reduce risks to firefighters when loading patients into the ambulance, and a stretcher.

“With the power lift load system, the firefighters don't have to lift patients, the lift connects to the stretcher,” a fire department officials explained.

Home vaccinations available

Inkster residents unable to travel to one of the local clinics for a COVID-19 vaccination have help as near as their phone.

Wayne County is providing home-vaccinations for the elderly, home-bound or those who lack transportation. The home-bound program is part of Wayne County Executive Warren Evans' ongoing effort to increase inoculations for COVID for those residents who want to be protected from the illness.

Transfer of teachers prompts protest march

State legislators Jewell Jones and Kevin Coleman
join the teachers' protest march.

Teachers from the Wayne Westland Community Schools and members of the Michigan Education Association joined in a protest march May 14 outside  both Edison and Elliot schools. 

Union activists are claiming unfair labor practices by the district administration and the protesters claim that teachers are being “strong armed” at  Edison and Elliot into switching  grade levels with little to no preparation and no union conversations.

 State Reps. Kevin Coleman and Jewell Jones both briefly joined the protest demonstration during the afternoon. Coleman said the turnout among teachers was strong and that horns were honking in support from area residents and added, “They made a statement that the administration needs to work with the teachers and not against them.”  

Repairs to Newburgh Road are approved by city council

Area motorists will have a much smoother trip down Newburgh Road this fall.

Members of the Westland City Council unanimously approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) May 3 for improvements to the road which will include the area from Cherry Hill Road to approximately 400 feet north of Ford Road.

The project will include the milling of existing asphalt pavement, repairing concrete base, resurfacing with 2 inches of new asphalt including curb repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant ramps and all other necessary related work. 

The total cost of the project is $1,477,175 with an estimated $268,108 to be paid by Westland. 

Life savers

Members of the Westland Public Safety Department responded to an unusual, but frantic, call for rescue last week when a resident noticed that a mother duck had lost her entire brood to the holes in a sewer grate. Trying to waddle across, the grate had swallowed the tiny ducklings who were frantically quacking for help. Officers arrived on the scene and took meticulous care to bring all 12 of the newly-hatched ducklings to ground level for a reunion with their ever-patient and grateful mother. 

Memorial Day parade is planned

There will be a Memorial Day parade in Westland to celebrate and remember veterans of all armed services.

According to Vic Barra who is organizing the event, the parade is a tribute to "the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, while we continue to honor the many veterans who have courageously served our country. We gather to support and applaud their service to our nation and community," he said.

Water quality concerns communities

Canton Township hires firm to perform cross connection system testing 

Canton Township residents may see some unexpected visitors to their property during the next few weeks as part of an inspection of the municipal water system.

Township officials have agreed to a contract with Hydrocorp to perform residential cross connection control inspections throughout Canton. The inspection is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act and administered by the state Great Lakes and Energy department which has instituted rules to protect drinking water and to prevent cross connections that may contaminate public drinking water systems. State law requires all communities to implement a program for removal of all existing cross connections and the prevention of all future cross connections.

Westland officials ask public for help in locating potential pipe problems

Westland Mayor William R. Wild wants his city to be the first in the state in total compliance with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.

To accomplish that goal, the city may need help from those most seriously affected by any faulty or non-compliant connections or pipes. While the city is launching a comprehensive lead service line replacement program in order to ensure that residents have safe and clean drinking water, identifying needed hazards where replacements are needed requires help from homeowners. 

The 2018 amended Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act requires that public water systems maintain an inventory of service line materials in their distribution systems by Jan. 1, 2025 and replacement of any lead service lines by 2040. 

Westland employees have begun the process of identifying service line materials (copper, galvanized steel, lead, plastic) throughout the water distribution system in order to comply with the regulations.

Annual River Day is Saturday at Flodin and Riverside parks

River Day will take place from 9 a.m. until noon this Saturday, May 15, at Flodin Park in Canton Township and Riverside Park in Plymouth.

The popular annual event will take place rain or shine and activities this year include bee house building, nature walks along the Flodin Trail, invasive species education, a kid friendly scavenger hunt and a presentation from the Southeast Michigan Bee Keepers Association on the importance of saving honeybees. A recycling education booth will also be set-up so residents can ask questions about the township curbside program.