Ford to open $100 million battery plant in Romulus

Romulus will become the home of the new, $100 million Ford Motor Co. global battery research and development center, Ford Ion Park.

The decision to move to Romulus was announced by Ford officials last week and characterized as an acceleration of the automaker's “research and development of battery and battery cell technology.” The former A123 Systems 270,000 square-foot facility located at 38100 Ecorse Road will be refurbished by Ford and take advantage of the remaining five years of tax abatement under the Renaissance Zone designation. A123 Systems was granted approval of a 15-year renaissance zone by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. in 2010. That designation allows companies to operate free of all state and local taxes during the term of the agreement. The remaining five years of the designation is estimated to total about $1 million in tax abatements.

Blues, Brews and BBQ

Annual city festival returns with headline entertainment, fireworks

They are already firing up the grills in preparation for the 10th Annual Blues, Brews and BBQ event which will return to Westland this weekend, Aug. 6 and 7.

The event will feature talented musicians, all American barbecue and a selection of Michigan craft beers at Thomas H. Brown Central City Park.

Showing off their grill skills will be professional pit-masters Hill Billy Bone BBQ, Heaven on a Roll, Old Dads BBQ, The Grill Father, and Smokehouse 52 BBQ, all serving on-site, slow cooked, authentic BBQ. Also set to offer their wares are Harvest Kettle Corn, Detroit Mini Donut, Big Dog Hot Dogs, and Redd Ventures.

Area legislator’s campaign finance report prompts questions

Rep. Jewell Jones

The financial report of State Rep. Jewell Jones, D-Inkster, has drawn questions from some local lawmakers.

In his required financial fundraising report submitted last week, Jones, 25, claims to have spent more than $6,400 since Jan. 1 at restaurants or lounges. He reportedly spent a total of $15,926, including $12,057 described as “incidental” to his serving in office.

Among his expenses is listed a $221 charge at a strip club in Dearborn. The report, which lists spending from Jan. 1 through July 20, 2021, lists the cost as a “constituent meeting” to “discuss potential economic projects.” The financial reports are required by the state to ensure that candidates and officeholders do not violate state campaign funding or spending laws.  

Veteran police officer retires from force

Sgt. Eric Kolke

Canton Police Sgt. Eric Kolke has retired from the department after a 25-year career with the township. 

Kolke was hired as a police officer in 1996, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2014. He has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna University, and is a graduate of the Michigan State University Police Staff and Command School. 

Kolke began his career with an immediate interest in special units, most of which he worked in addition to his regular patrol duties. He was selected for a multitude of assignments including evidence technician, the bicycle unit, the honor guard, field training officer, rifle instructor, range instructor, special enforcement unit, motorcycle instructor, rapid response unit and search warrant team. Most notably, Kolke served 22 years on the Western-Wayne Special Operations Team. As a member of this prestigious unit, he originally held a sniper position, later advancing to the sniper team leader. He currently holds the rank of Assistant Team Commander, serving as second in charge of the special operations team. 

Planned roadwork in township outlined for board trustees

Julie Brown, Special Writer

When Canton voters OK'd a 20-year roads millage in 2018, many were eager to see subdivision roads improve. 

Not only is that work under way, but major roads are also being upgraded. 

During a July 27 Canton Board of Trustees presentation, trustees asked questions about millage and repair plans through 2026. Director of Municipal Services Jade Smith noted the plans are posted on the roads page of the township website.

Smith said the township is working with Wayne County and with the Michigan Department of Transportation: “Obviously, that comes down to funding opportunities.”

Bill Serchak of the township engineering department noted the Ford Road Boulevard construction will start in 2024 “at the earliest,” and getting detour routes around Ford in good shape is important.

Safety first

Rotary Club Chicken Barbecue will

include multiple health precautions

Preparation of the traditional beloved chicken dinners at the Plymouth Rotary Club Chicken Barbecue this year will include something new, along with the “secret seasoning” and genuine charcoal grills.

This year, all COVID safety protocols will also be in place, explained Brandon Bunt, chairman of the Rotary Club Chicken Barbeque Committee.  Actually, Bunt rose through the ranks of the committee to become chairman last year, but the pandemic canceled the barbecue for only the second time since the event began in 1956, moving the committee assignments forward a year. 

It’s official

Mayor Leroy Burcroff, left, and Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes, far right, officially welcome new police officer James Paquette to the Romulus force. Paquette, 23, took his official police officer oath July 12. He is a Ferris State University graduate and a downriver native.

Repairs to Harvey Street are OK’d

Just in time for the streets of downtown Plymouth to fill with thousands of visitors for the Fall Festival, construction on Harvey Street has been scheduled. 

Plymouth City Commission member during their regular meeting last week, approved several contracts for the 2021 Harvey Street construction project. 

The planned construction will close Harvey Street between Ann Arbor Trail and Penniman. 

The project will include new water mains, new sanitary sewers, new storm sewers and a new roadway surface.

Learn to earn

 Wayne Champions program receives

$500,000 funding endowment pledge

Richard Helppie, at left, of the Helppie Family Charitable
 Foundation and one of the Wayne Memorial High School
 'Champions' along with Lisa Styers of Arrow Cares, Kari D. Walker,
 president and CEO of The Guidance Center and Dr. James Anderson principal
of Wayne Memorial High School celebrate the new endowment outside
Wayne Memorial High School.

Wayne Memorial High School students can continue to compete for cash based on improving their grades. 

The Champions of Wayne program, an educational incentive program established at Wayne Memorial High School in 2008, has received a pledge of $550,000 from the Helppie Family Charitable Foundation. The grant, to be delivered over five years, is designed to be the sustaining financial base for the champions program at the school.  Helppie Foundation co-founders Richard and Leslie Helppie have been the primary sponsors of the champions program since 2009 and have contributed more than $1.3 million to the grade-enhancement opportunity.  Students sign a contract to make a specific grade point improvement and choose a mentor to help them achieve their goal. When they make their goal, the program pays them $200 in cash as a reward for their improved grades.

Free Comcast wi-fi ‘Lift Zone’ is now open in Inkster

The first wi-fi connected “Lift Zone” is now open in Inkster.

The service, provided by Comcast, offers free robust WiFi in safe spaces designed to help students access the internet, participate in distance learning and do homework, especially in areas where there is a significant digital divide. Low-income students face a great risk of being left behind, particularly during the summer months while school is out, Comcast officials noted and these Lift Zones are designed to help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to the internet at home.

Lift Zones also serve adults and can connect them to online education, job searches, healthcare information and public assistance. These sites offer access to hundreds of hours of digital skills content to help families and site coordinators navigate online learning, officials explained.

Flying high

Eagle Scout builds new canine agility course in township park

Boy Scout Jonathon Barringer and his dog, Rebel, enjoy
the Dog Agility Course he designed and built at Marv Gans
Community Park as his Eagle Scout project.

Northville Township teen Jonathon Barringer's Eagle Scout project went to the dogs.

Barringer organized, raised funds, recruited assistance and built a six-obstacle agility course at the Northville Township Dog Park at Marv Gans Community Park that allows both dogs and their “best friends” exercise while bonding. 

Barringer, a University of Detroit Jesuit High School student in Boy Scout Troop 755, hosted a grand opening of the course last week. He recruited dog trainer Elly Price to teach mini-agility dog training classes to introduce canines and the owners to the equipment and to learn some basic commands. 

Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports more than one million entries to the AKC Agility program each year. 

Six Mile Road bridge closed during I-275 reconstruction

Construction barrels are already in place in the Northville area.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) closed the Six Mile Road bridge over I-275 last week for repairs which will continue approximately eight weeks. 

The I-275 exit and entrance ramps will remain open. Some lanes on 275 may close intermittently during off-peak hours for the bridge project.

The bridge closure is part of Revive 275, a project to repair and rebuild 24 miles of I-275 between Six Mile Road and Will Carlton Road in Wayne County in six phases over four years.

County Commissioner urges municipal service contracts

Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous told Sumpter Township officials that after exhausting other resources, he was hoping to schedule a meeting with Wayne County Executive Warren Evans regarding services in the area.

Haidous attended the most recent meeting of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees in response to numerous complaints regarding unkempt drainage ditches and high weeds and brush in the area. Residents had complained to members of the board about the serious safety threat high weeds caused as visibility was blocked at several intersections.  Fire department officials had also expressed concern about fire hydrants being blocked by high weeds.

Mosquito control program OK’d

Outdoor life in Westland should become far more pleasant soon.

Officials in the city have declared war on the invading horde of mosquitoes that have been plaguing residents recently. The recent heavy rainfall has provided an ideal breeding spot for mosquito larvae in the 7,300 catch basins in the city and residents are feeling the 'bite' as they attempt any outdoor activities, officials said.

In response to numerous complaint calls, the city received approval from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to take proactive measure using G30 Spinsad Briquettes in the catch basins. The comprehensive mosquito abatement program is designed to eliminate mosquito larvae in standing water before hatching. 

Tax incentive granted for ‘Eloise’ development

Plans to invest more than $12 million into the historic Wayne County General Hospital in Westland moved a step forward earlier this month when members of the city council approved Brownfield redevelopment tax credits for the site.

Developer John Hambrick paid Wayne County $1 for the so-called Eloise property in 2018 and has been in the planning stages since then. The total tax credits could reach $5.4 million although officials said the total will be about $2.7 million due to the maximum duration of 30 years and the structure of the agreement.

Flying high

Pilot Tom Shipp, 83, continues to take to the sky, and has commercial,
instrument and glider pilot's licenses. Gliders, he says, are the
most challenging. Photo by Laura Hipshire.

Octogenarian pilot is honored with Wright Brothers Award 

Laura Hipshire, Special Writer

Tom Shipp, 83, of Plymouth, has always enjoyed the thrill of a fast ride. His mom once told him, “You drive so fast, you should fly an airplane.”

Shipp took his mom's advice and then some. In July, he received the Wright Brothers Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Less than one percent of pilots receive the prestigious award. To qualify, candidates must have 50+ years of U.S. piloting experience, hold a US. Civilian Aviation Authority or FAA pilot certificate and be a U.S. citizen with no accidents, incidents, or suspensions. Shipp was scheduled to get the award last March, but it was postponed due to the pandemic.

Shipp got his first taste of flying in 1958 when he joined the Marine Corps and trained as a jet engine mechanic. After leaving the Marine Corps in 1962, he earned his private pilot's license, which allowed him to fly single-engine airplanes. 

Canton offering wage incentive to aid in hiring staff

Canton Township is hiring and officials are offering several incentives to new employees.

Members of the township board of trustees approved an increase of $2.50 per hour for all part-time employees during the July 13 meeting.

The wage increase is part of an ongoing effort to address recent staffing challenges for attracting new hires, as well as retaining current part-time employees, officials said and the incentive will remain in effect through Dec. 31.

The township is currently attempting to hire employees for a  variety of part-time positions, officials said, and this wage incentive is an effort to help address hiring challenges in the local market. This initiative was undertaken to encourage new hires to become township staff, as well as help retain Canton's dedicated current workforce, explained Greg Hohenberger, Canton Leisure Services director. 

Comcast service is questioned by Sumpter resident

Sumpter Township officials want to know if Comcast has provided all the services promised in the township.

During the public comment portion of the July 13 board of trustees meeting, Melinda Anderson of Sherwood Street explained the problems the lack of internet service is causing in the area. She told the board that her family has lived in the township for 12 years, and the lack of internet has now become a serious concern as she attempts to home school her children.

“It's a struggle with no internet,” she told the trustees. She said that her family was given an estimate of $11,000 to continue the cable service down the road into her area. 

Welcome back

Members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees recently welcomed the public to their first in-person meeting since the COVID pandemic restrictions were imposed as a health precaution. From left, seated, are Township Clerk Esther Hurst, Supervisor Tim Bowman and Treasurer Vincent Warren. Standing from left are Trustee Tim Rush, Trustee Peggy Morgan and Trustee Matt Oddy. Not pictured is Trustee Don LaPorte who was excused from the July 13 meeting.  Photo by David Willett.

Cop shop

Cpl. Byron Paisley

Capt. Damian Hull

City of Romulus Police officials recently announced the promotion of veteran officer Damian Hull, above left, to the rank of captain. Officials said that Hull “brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.” In addition, Cpl. Byron Paisley, above right, was named as Officer of the Quarter for the department. One of his supervisors said, “Cpl. Paisley's work ethic is second to none. He is currently leading the department in crash investigations with 48, while the closest officer is at 27. Cpl. Paisley led the department in crash investigations for 2020 as well. Cpl. Paisley's leadership and willingness to step up is a daily occurrence. Whenever there is something that needs to be done, he is the first to volunteer.”

Library ‘Friends’ awarded technology grant from Bosch

A technology grant from the Bosch Community Fund will help span the digital divide in the Plymouth community.  

The Friends of the Plymouth District Library were awarded the funding for two technology resources at the library including LinkedIn Learning, a powerful online learning tool that supports high school students and adults in expanding their technology skills.  The grant will also fund a pilot program the library is developing to enable home access to the internet via loanable Chromebook computers with internet hotspots.

 “Closures and restrictions resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic starkly emphasized the need to address the digital divide in our community,” said Melanie Bell, the head of the library Information Technology Department.

All aboard

The grand opening celebration for the bay-window caboose at the Plymouth Historical Museum took place last weekend with fanfare and a performance by the Plymouth Community Band.  The caboose was donated to the museum by CSX Railroad as they downsized rolling car stock. In this bay window caboose, the crew monitoring the train sat in the middle of the car in a section that slightly protruded from the side of car to provide a better view of the side of the train. In the 1940s, the bay window caboose gained favor with many railroads because it eliminated the need for additional clearance through tunnels and under bridges.

Primary election Tuesday will eliminate office hopefuls

4 vying for mayor’s office

Voters in Westland will be asked to reduce the number of candidates seeking the office of mayor from four to two during the Aug. 3 primary election next Tuesday.

The two candidates who receive the highest vote totals will move on to the general election in November.

Incumbent Mayor William R. Wild is seeking his fourth, four-year term. Wild, 53, is the longest-serving mayor in the city  having been in his current office for 15 years. He also served on the city council before being elected as mayor. 

12 seek city council terms

Four of the 12 Westland City Council candidates hoping to move onto the general election will be eliminated by voters during the Aug. 3 primary vote next Tuesday.

Eight hopefuls will move on to the November ballot and then voters will choose four of those candidates to serve on the city council. Council members are paid $17,368 annually and choose a president from among their members who is paid $18,247 annually and a president pro tem who is paid $17,802.

Library asking voters to OK lower operating millage

Westland voters will be asked to approve a new, lower millage rate for the library during the Aug. 3 election.

A ballot question asking for a 10-year, .85 millage to support library operations will replace the current .975 rate currently levied in the city to fund the $3.6 million library budget. That millage is set to expire this year. Library officials said the new rate would generate $1.4 million in funding the first year.

Poll workers are still needed

Westland City Clerk Richard LeBlanc is currently accepting applications for poll workers for the upcoming elections in the city.

To serve at the poll, applicants must be a registered voter in the State of Michigan, have moderate computer skills, be able to work well with others, and be able to read and follow directions. All election workers are expected to operate the election computers and voting equipment during the course of the day, LeBlanc said.

Never forgotten

 

Last week, Inkster residents, elected officials, police officers and family members gathered at the recreation center to commemorate officers who died serving the community. The annual remembrance for Ofc. Daniel Dubiel, Sgt. Ira Parker and Ofc. Clay Hoover who all died on July 9, 1987 after a horrific gunfight and standoff at a Michigan Avenue motel has taken place every year since their deaths. Also memorialized was Ofc. Kenneth Woodmore who died in the line of duty on June 17, 1994. Speakers reminded those in the audience of the dangers officers face every day and the level of courage and dedication required to protect and serve. Members of the Detroit Police Honor Guard, at left, saluted the fallen officers.

Inkster police host National Night Out for community

Inkster police are again preparing for National Nite Out, celebrated from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 in the parking lot at the Inkster Police Department headquarters.

As in previous years, the police department will be hosting a family party in the parking lot of the police department with giveaways, games, face painting, food, music, and more. 

The event is free  for Inkster residents and local entrepreneurs are invited to set up a booth at the event. Police officials are encouraging  local community and youth organizations to consider applying to attend the event to have their mission  heard.

Death of pedestrian killed by train investigated by police

Police continue to investigate the death of a 26-year-old Wayne man struck and killed by a train last week  as he was walking along or crossing the tracks.

According to police reports, the man was struck by the train as he was walking on the tracks near Winifred Street and East Michigan Avenue just before midnight on Tuesday, July 20. The victim was a 26-year-old Wayne man, according to official reports. Social media comments named the victim as Cameron Ludwig and described him as "a loving father, son, brother and grandson." 

Competency exam ordered for son in death

The son of a Canton Township police officer will undergo a court-ordered psychiatric examination to determine his competency to stand trial in his father's death.

Livingston County District Court Judge Daniel Bain ordered the competency examination during a court hearing July 13 to determine whether Hayden Jagst, 18, can be found criminally responsible for the death of his father, Edward Jagst, who was found dead in his bed at the family home June 21. 

Brighton police officers responded to the Jagst home in the 300 block of Woodlake Drive in Brighton in response to a 911 call June 21  from the wife of the deceased, a veteran police officer. 

Canton teen accepts plea deal in fatal car crash

A Canton Township teen is facing up to 15 years in prison in connection to the death of a Van Buren Township resident in 2019.

Micaiah Minor admitted his guilt to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the May 2019 automobile collision that took the life of John Robert McElreath, 64. Prosecutors had originally charged the 19-year-old with second-degree homicide but in a plea deal, Minor agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge and the more serious charges was dismissed by the court July 21.

New construction site rules are being enacted in Northville

New ordinance provisions regulating procedures at construction sites in Northville could be adopted by members of the city council Aug. 2.

The new provisions include aspects such as tree protection, temporary fencing, sidewalk access and maintenance. The standards would make a violation a municipal civil infraction with a fine of up to $500, plus the costs of prosecution, rather than the current misdemeanor. 

Council members heard from Timberlane resident Jim Porterfield at the regular meeting last week. Porterfield, an arborist, told the council members he was concerned about protecting the critical root zone of trees in construction areas. He noted the damage might not be immediately visible, but if the root zone of a tree is impaired, it could be dead within a few years.

On the job

New Northville Township Police Ofc. Jumara Julie took her official oath of office last week, administered by Township Clerk Roger Lundberg in a ceremony attended by friends, family and staff at township hall. Julie, a Hamtramck resident, recently received her associate's degree in law enforcement from Macomb Community College, where she also worked as a dispatcher. She graduated from the Macomb Police Academy in May. Born in Bangladesh, Julie speaks Bangla, Hindi and English.

Night Out set

Canton Police will participate in National Night Out from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 5 at Canton Heritage Park.

The event will take place around the large pond injunction with the Thursday Night LIVE Concert by Wag The Dog. 

There will also be a walk around the globe with the Canton Coalition for Inclusive Communities including a world map provided by Leisure Services,  and a Passport provided by Canton Public Library, for attendees to track their travels as they make their way around the pond stopping at each booth along the way.  

Councilwoman criticizes campaign conduct

A complaint regarding a Facebook post prompted members of the Romulus City Council to call for more civility in political campaigns.

Byron Butler, a 59-year resident of the community, spoke to the council members during the public comment portion of the regular meeting July 12. Butler explained that he was “very upset” regarding a Facebook post which he characterized as an attack on himself and his wife. He said that the post was on a site managed by Mayor LeRoy Burcroff's wife and that the mayor had also made a comment on the post which he found offensive to himself and to his wife.

“My wife and I have never posted anything about the Burcroffs, negative or otherwise,” he said. “Who I support or vote for is my business.” He said that he could not understand how anyone could attack his wife whom he described as “the most positive, kindhearted person who likes everyone.” 

In remembrance

Library bench honors memory of beloved Sumpter resident

Members of the Belleville Rotary Club, Sumpter Township officials and community residents are all smiles at the dedication of the Peter Quenet memorial bench at the Belleville Library Satellite Media Center. 

Area residents crowded the Belleville Satellite Library Media Center last week to remember a beloved member of the community.

A bench outside the facility, tied with a huge red bow, was officially dedicated to the memory of Peter Quenet, a long time resident of Belleville who died in 2017. The tribute to Mr. Quenet was instigated by members of the Belleville Rotary Club where he had 40 years of perfect attendance.

Belleville Library Director Mary Jo Suchy welcomed the public to the official dedication and urged residents to use the media center where several computer stations are available for use. The bench is outside the front door of the facility, which is located at 23465 Sumpter Road, directly across the street from Sumpter Township Hall, and includes a small brass plaque. Members of Mr. Quenet's family, including his wife of 21 years, Debbie Juchartz, were present for the dedication.

Court decision stalls Salem Springs development plan

It may not be the end, but a years-in-the-planning development which abuts Plymouth Township has hit another snag in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

In a rural area on the northeast edge of Washtenaw County in an area of Salem Township known as the Urban Service District (USD), a battle continues about the need for sewer lines crucial to a proposed planned community. 

Lawsuits and controversy continue to surround the project dubbed Salem Springs, the brainchild of Livonia-based developer Schostek Brothers and Company, Inc. and  plans to begin construction of Salem Springs South - a retail and residential development in a 200-acre triangle of mostly vacant land bordered by M-14, Gotfredson, North Territorial and Napier roads. According to those knowledgeable about the details, the 588-unit high-density development reportedly will include townhouses, detached condominiums and single-family homes. To the south of M-14 will be Salem Springs North, a mixed-use development that will include retail, residential and possible big box stores.

Organization assessment is considered by trustees

Julie Brown, Special Writer

Recommendations of a recent study of Canton Township government which included focus groups and employee interviews, were presented to the members of the township board of trustees last week.

Details of the study prompted officials to request another meeting this week for more discussion of the organizational assessment. 

The study results were presented by Michelle Ferguson and Mark Olson of the Novak Consulting Group during a regular meeting of the trustees on July 13.  The $47,125 study was funded through the general fund of the township budget.

Official dedication of newest park pavilion is planned

The new open-air pavilion at Preservation Park in Canton Township will officially open during a ribbon cutting set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3.

Township officials including Supervisor Ann Marie Graham-Hudak will attend the event along with members of the board of trustees and area elected officials.

The Preservation Park pavilion features a large under-roof seating capacity, electrical service, a concession service window, and three individual restrooms. The 70-feet by 32-feet structure was designed to provide much-needed shade and seating in the park, as well as a covered lunch area for the Canton Farmers Market visitors, officials said.  

Marijuana proposal ‘flames out’ in Sumpter

After much discussion and comment from audience members, a meeting agenda item to opt in and allow medical and/or recreational marijuana facilities in Sumpter Township failed when none of the trustees made a formal motion on the question.

The item was placed on the agenda by Trustee Peggy Morgan who then failed to make a formal motion for approval after hearing comments from members of the public during the July 12 meeting of the board of trustees. The previous board of trustees voted against opting into allowing marijuana facilities three years ago and that status quo was praised by Richard Harrison, who spoke during the public comment portion of teh agenda. He told the trustees that he was concerned that the administrative expenses for allowing the facilities exceeded or matched any revenue the township might realize. He also expressed his concern about crime that might ensue at the facilities and the increased cost to the police department.

Staffing shortages stalling Romulus trash pick-ups

Members of the Romulus City Council addressed the numerous complaints regarding residential trash pick up during their July 12 meeting.

Romulus Department of Public Works Director Roberto Scappaticci spoke to the council members and acknowledged the high volume of complaints regarding late or missed trash pick up in the city. He explained that the city trash hauler, Republic Waste Management, was experiencing a labor shortage and was impacted by the amount of rubbish and trash taken to curbs for pickup as a result of the recent flooding throughout the area.

Scappaticci introduced Republic Management official Keith Pine to the council members for a more comprehensive explanation of the difficulties residents have been experiencing.

Northville, Plymouth projects receive federal funding

Northville and Plymouth were among the communities awarded a portion of nearly $18 million in federal funding Rep. Haley Stevens secured for areas in the 11th Congressional District.

“I am thrilled to announce that so many community projects ranging from infrastructure, to funding for police departments to the construction of new public spaces for seniors and families to use in Michigan's 11th District will now be fully funded,” said Stevens in a prepared statement. “My staff and I have been working for months with mayors, township supervisors, local and statewide elected officials from both parties to determine the greatest needs in our communities. Every community project that was identified and submitted to the House Appropriations Committee was funded. When we invest in our communities, they thrive, and this funding will impact countless lives throughout our district.” 

Police officers’ service honored with department awards

Prior to the Independence Day Parade in Northville July 5, the Northville Police Department congratulated 15 police personnel, both current and former, with a total of 31 awards for their service during 2020, which occurred during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas Barber received the highest honor with the Police Officer of the Year Award.

The new award of COVID-19 Pandemic Service was presented to Chief Alan Maciag, Cpt. Gregory Hannewald, Sgt. Ken DeLano, Sgt. Andrew Kirby, Det. Brian Dognowski, Officers Peter Davis, Matt Duggins, Scott Groff, Tomas Barber, Melissa Vernon, Erin Larkin, Francis Cerulla and Michael Petri, retired Cpt. Dustin Krueger, and Records Clerk Nichole Hunt.

Hello, Tokyo

Anavia Battle, a native of Inkster and 2017 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School, has qualified for the U.S. Olympic team after running a personal best 21.95 in the 200m qualifying meet June 26. Battle, 22, is a senior at Ohio State University majoring in human development and family sciences. Battle lettered all four years in track and field in high school under the direction of Jamal Jonson and amassed 21 state titles before enrolling at Ohio.  She is the daughter of Antoinette Booze-Battle of Inkster and has three siblings, Mintoria, Antoine, and Monte. While she hopes to become a professional athlete following her Olympic appearance, she said her favorite hobbies are watching movies. She finished third in the Olympic trials Eugene, Oregon and is expected to excel during her first Olympic performance.

Community Block Grant to fund trail light installation

Funds from a federal Community Development Block Grant will be used for improvements along Mill Trail in the City of Wayne.

The 1-mile trail, which travels along the edge of the Rouge River parallel to Michigan Avenue, is accessed from Second Street between Glenwrood Road and Sims Street. 

Improvements on the pathwill continue up to Dynamite Park in the city, officials said.

Walkers along the path can view the river although the area is in need of repair, officials said. Grant funds totaling $76,677.13 will be used to install new lights, trash receptacles and even some benches along the popular walking trail.

Financial help is available for flood damaged homes, property

Area residents affected by the heavy storms and recent flooding on June 25 and 26 have some resources to help mitigate damages the severe weather caused. Wayne County has been granted a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of the mass flooding and assistance for individuals and households is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Residents who experienced losses due to the rainstorm can apply for the federal assistance by going to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week, officials said.

This federal assistance could include grants for home repairs, low interest loans, and programs for home and business owners, according to an announcement from federal authorities. Residents who may have already filed claims for losses with their local community should also file a claim for federal assistance, officials said, as city claims are separate from the federal relief being offered. 

City hosts open house at Marshall school building

It's sort of an early back to school event for Westland residents.

City officials are hoping the public will visit Marshall Upper Elementary School from 9 a.m. until noon this Saturday, July 24, to take a look at what may become a new community recreation center.

The 120,000 square-foot building, now owned by the Wayne Westland Community Schools district, was closed last year and is slated for demolition, officials said. In February, however, members of the city council approved an agreement with the school district for a potential purchase of the site, following due diligence. Since then, the city has been exploring a potential partnership with the Detroit Metro YMCA to provide services at the building, if it is determined to be suitable.

Community-wide garage sale rescheduled for July 31--Aug. 1.

The Community Wide Garage Sale in Westland has been rescheduled for July 31 and Aug. 1.

Officials said that the recent major storm event which caused property damage and power outages in the city made the postponement of the annual garage sale necessary. The sale was originally scheduled for July 10 and 11 and residents can now register their sale for free on the city website. 

As an added incentive to participate, the city will help promote individual residential locations for free on the city website. Individuals will be able to view an interactive map to locate all of the garage sales in the area as well as search for particular items of interest. Visit www.cityofwestland.com to register a sale or to search for garage sales near you. 

Family business

It was the passing of the baton last week as veteran police Sgt. Robert Kenyon marked his retirement from the force as he watched his son, Trevor Kenyon, take the official oath of office as he joined the Westland Police Department. The department also celebrated the promotion of officers Jennifer Schurig and Thomas Rogers to the rank of sergeant and welcomed new officers as Sebastian Iavasile, James Serman, Joseph Taylor and Kenyon were officially sworn into office by  City Clerk Richard LeBlanc. 

New businesses bring 2,000 jobs to Romulus

Four new logistics businesses bringing nearly $440,000 in tax revenue to Romulus celebrated official ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Ecorse Commons Industrial Park last week. LaserShip, Pitney Bowes, Hearn Industrial Services and DHL were welcomed to the city by Romulus Mayor LeRoy Burcroff, Assistant Wayne County Executive Khalil Rahal and Chief Marketing Officer of Northpoint Development Brent Miles. 

“We're thrilled to welcome LaserShip, Pitney Bowes, Hearn Industrial services and DHL to the Ecorse Commons Industrial Park and we look forward to continuing to see the positive impact these new businesses have already had on our community's local economy and workforce,” said Burcroff. “We strive to be a business-friendly community because we know developments such as the ones announced today will not only have a tremendous impact on Romulus' economy, but on the region and state's economy as well.”