Storm debris to be picked up this Saturday

Fallen tree limbs and branches left in the wake of the storm earlier this month will be picked up this Saturday in three local communities.

In Canton Township, officials are working with trash hauler GFL to provide a special pick up of fallen branches Saturday, March 18.  

Branches and tree limbs must be manageable in size with cut ends facing the curb, and small branches/twigs should be tied or bundled, a township spokesman explained. GFL will only collect debris left at the curb. 

If there are larger limbs on private property, residents will need to work with their homeowners associations or a private landscaping company for removal. Residents can also drop off fallen branches only at the Canton DPW yard, 4847 Sheldon Road, for the next week. 

Top of the class

Northville High School principal is named best in state

Wendy Zdeb, executive director of the Michigan Association
of Secondary School Principals, presented the Principal of the
Year award to Northville High School principal Tony Koski
during a student pep assembly last week. Koski will now
represent Michigan in the national principal of the year competition. 

Northville High School principal Tony Koski received quite a surprise during a school student pep rally last week.

Along with the assembled students and teachers, Wendy Zdeb, executive director of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, was on hand to present Koski with the award as Michigan 2023 Principal of the Year.

Koski was visibly surprised at the award which designates him as the state representative in the National Association of Secondary School Principals competition set for October in Washington, D.C

Wadsworth chosen as 2023 Citizen of the Year

William Wadsworth

The longest serving city councilman in Romulus has been named the 2023 Romulus Person of the Year by The Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce. 

William J. Wadsworth, a 55-year resident of the city, is the 36th individual to receive the prestigious award. He will be honored during a special community celebration set for April 28 at the Detroit Marriott. Tickets for the event will be available until April 10. 

Wadsworth was selected based on his dedication and devotion to improving the Romulus community. He has been an extraordinary example of a public servant in the city, a chamber spokesman said. One of his most notable public efforts was the funding and construction of a new animal shelter in the city to replace the aging and inadequate facility located in an old fire station.

Lights, camera, action

Feature-length movie set to begin shooting at city locations

Jesse McAnally

Movie cameras, booms, microphones and sets will become a regular site throughout the Romulus community beginning next month.

An independent feature film will begin production in the city in early April, explained director Jesse McAnally, who also co-wrote the script with Nathan Keelan. McAnally launched a crowdfunding campaign in October 2022 to finance the film titled The Daughters of the Domino. He said contributions by enthusiastic backers helped exceed the budget goal. 

“For years, I've been perfecting my filmmaking skills with short films, and I'm thrilled to be taking on my first feature film with 'The Daughters of the Domino.' I'm most excited to showcase the beauty and cinematic potential of my hometown of Romulus to a broader audience,” McAnally said. Filming will take place entirely in Michigan, primarily in Romulus, with an emphasis on state landscapes and local talent.

Maybury Farm Maple Syrup Tours now under way

Maple Syrup tours at Maybury Farm begin with a tractor pulled
wagon ride into the woods to drain sap from the maple trees.

Maple Syrup Tours will continue this weekend at Maybury Farm in Northville. Tours will take place Saturdays and Sundays through April 2. The tours begin with a tractor-pulled wagon ride into the woods to see how maple trees are tapped  and then watch and taste the running sap. This is a walking trip into the Sugar Bush, so visitors should be prepared to walk a short distance, the farm manager explained.

Visitors will return to the farm by wagon ride and be taken directly to the Sugar Shack to see how the sap becomes maple syrup. Visitors can also enjoy a visit with the farm animals while at the farm, organizers said.

Team effort

Last week, several potential candidates braved snowy conditions to attend the Northville Township Police Department recruitment open house. The township has a position for one new officer to join the force. Candidates who attended the open house learned about the department, toured the facility and talked with current officers. The recruitment team, above, said they look forward to hiring a new officer in a few months. For more information, access the township police website.

Top chefs

Plymouth Canton students win state competition honor

Plymouth-Canton Community School students in the hospitality and
culinary arts program took the top prize at the Michigan ProStart
Culinary Competition in Port Huron on March 5-6. 

They came, they sauteed, they conquered.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools student chefs chopped their way to victory at the Michigan ProStart Culinary Competition, where they bested 22 other schools and 300 student chefs March 5-6 to be the top high school culinary team in the state. 

“Our young chefs poured their heart and soul into this competition and their dishes truly reflect all their hard work, creativity, talent and passion,” said Plymouth Canton Community Schools  chef instructor and coach Diana Woodward. “We are so grateful to ProStart for encouraging young people to consider an education and careers in hospitality and the culinary arts.”

Canton set to begin cross connection water flow inspections

More than 11,000 homes in Canton Township will experience an inspection of the water supply cross connection as part of the township Residential Cross Connection Control Program.

The inspections are mandated by the State of Michigan as cross connections pose a serious public health threat to a drinking water supply system, with most residential contamination risks coming from underground irrigation systems, township officials said. Currently, more than 11,000 homes in Canton have such systems and will require backflow device testing.

School district completes third sale of bonds

The third and final sale in the series of School Building and Site Bonds has been completed by the Wayne Westland Community Schools district.

The $36,760,000 bond sale was authorized by the voters of the school district in November of 2018. The final sale  represents one third of the series which will be used for remodeling, equipping, re-equipping, furnishing and re-furnishing school buildings, athletic fields and other facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology equipment and infrastructure in school buildings and other facilities;

Goal…

Mayor loses ‘friendly’ wager on hockey game 

The Westland Police Community Partnership Hockey Team faced off last weekend against the Garden City Police Department in a charity hockey game to benefit Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Devin Kachar. 

More than $6,500 was generated to help fund medical expenses for Kachar who was paralyzed due to gunshot injuries sustained in September while on a surveillance assignment. Kachar was critically wounded  during the incident.

On a roll

Members of the Wayne Memorial High School Bowling Team celebrated their win of the championship match last week. The team won the Michigan High School Athletic Association championship and are now officially the best high school bowling team in their state division. 

Special needs registry offered

Families with special needs members can now register with the Westland Police Department to ensure appropriate responses.

The police department has established a 911 registry for Westland families who live with someone who has disabilities, such as autism or Alzheimer's disease. Residents can complete a form and submit it to the department. The pertinent information will be entered into the dispatch system, alerting officers to any special circumstances at the residence.

Former St. Mary priest is sentenced to prison

Father Jack Baker

A former priest at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wayne has vowed to appeal the prison term imposed by the court last week.

Joseph “Father Jack” Baker, 61, was found guilty and sentenced to 3-15 years in prison for the rape of an elementary student at St. Mary Catholic School during the mid-2000s. His sentencing hearing took place March 1 in Wayne County Third Circuit Court last week. Baker was found guilty on Oct. 2022 of first-degree criminal conduct-sexual penetration with a person under the age of 13. His prison sentence will be reduced by the 140 days Baker has already served in jail. 

The charges stemmed from 2004 when the alleged victim was a second-grade student at St. Mary Catholic School in Wayne and Baker served as pastor of the church. The victim told law enforcement officials he was sent to the church sacristy during an after-school religious program to retrieve a book when the sexual assault occurred.

Mixing it up

District culinary students compete for championship honors

The Plymouth Canton Community Schools Hospitality and
Culinary Arts Team competed last weekend at the Michigan
 ProStart Competition in Port Huron. The team is
coached by Diana Woodward, district chef instructor. 

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools will compete to avoid the “chopping block” in a statewide culinary competition as they vie for an opportunity to be the best student chef in Michigan, and potentially move on to a national cooking contest. 

“This team is quite possibly the most caring, kind, hard-working, respectful and tough young culinarians I've ever had the pleasure of coaching in 22 years and their talent is something we should all watch for in the months and years to come,” said Diana Woodward, district chef instructor and coach. 

The Hospitality and Culinary Arts Team has 10 members who competed last weekend at the Michigan ProStart Competition in Port Huron. The top Michigan team will then go on to compete May 2-4 at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C.

Romulus mayor seeks oversight of waste disposal

City of Romulus officials recently issued an update regarding the shipments of toxic waste from the train derailment in East Palestine, OH into the community. 

Upon receiving notification from Republic Waste that the Romulus Deep Well Injection facility was accepting delivery of liquid waste from the Ohio train derailment that occurred Feb. 3, Mayor Robert McCraight and his team immediately reached out to city, county, state and federal agencies for assistance to better understand how this was transpiring without  notification to the city, explained the prepared statement. With the help of elected officials, further shipments to the Romulus facility were halted and this past week, McCraight met with officials from Republic and requested details in an effort to better inform the public and clarify the situation.

County OKs $4.75 million share in project

Members of the Wayne County Commission have approved the use of $4.75 million in county American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds for renovation and revitalization of Cherry Hill Village in Canton Township.

Members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement with the county earlier this month and approved the use of $4.75 including township ARPA funds, Wayne County millage funds and money from the township general fund.

Plans including the construction of new restaurants, open-air dining, a new park and public recreational programs were presented to members of the Wayne County Commission last week and the matching $4.75 million in county funding approved.  

Police quick response team now includes Wayne

The City of Wayne is the 21st local community to join the Families
Against Narcotics COMEBACK Quick Response Team. Marking the
official adoption of the program last month were, from left, 
Mayor John Rhaesa, FAN Peer Recovery Coach Dede Love, Police Chief
Ryan Strong, Ofc. Joshua Priebe, Ofc. Keith Zavitz, Ofc. Heather Holcomb,
FAN Executive Director Linda Davis, Northwest Wayne FAN President
Lauren Rousseau and Northwest Wayne FAN Secretary Judge Laura Mack.

The City of Wayne has joined the Families Against Narcotics COMEBACK program, becoming the 21st local department to participate in the Quick Response Team effort.  The COMEBACK program offers help to those who have survived an overdose or had contact with law enforcement because of substance use.

Families Against Narcotics (FAN) is a community-based organization for those seeking recovery, those in recovery, family members affected by addiction, and community supporters, organizers explained. FAN members seek to change the face of addiction, dispel the stigma of addiction, and educate the community, as well as those affected by addiction. 

Canton churches will host ‘Culture & Cuisine’ events

Events designed to explore the diverse cultures in the community are planned at area places of worship in Canton Township this spring.

Organizers said each visit will offer a brief overview of the faith, customs, and beliefs, as well as samples of some representative food and music from that featured, unique culture. 

“We're excited to once again be able to provide these unique culinary and cultural experiences to provide an opportunity for Canton residents to get to know their neighbors and increase their understanding of the unique cultures that make up our community,” said Jennifer Girard, recreation specialist. “We hope that these diverse experiences will encourage dialogue and engagement within our community that will ultimately lead to more appreciation and acceptance.”

District students advise school board members

88.1 The Park radio station Community Focus interview
 of 2022 Student Voice and Action Committee.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools students are making an impact - in real time and in an official capacity - on school district policies through a newly created committee.

The students, through the Student Voice in Action Committee (SVA), are part of the Plymouth Canton Community Schools Board of Education. A brainchild of Board of Education President Shawn Wilson and approved unanimously by the board, the student committee members are already offering student perspectives on some key issues affecting them, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, social-emotional health programs within the district, and ways to enhance the student experience both in and out of the classroom, officials said. 

Legislator supports protection of election workers

State Rep. Matt Koleszar

State Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, strongly supports proposed legislation to protect election workers in the state.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the chairs of both the Senate and House elections committees, and numerous other lawmakers, including Koleszar, are promoting legislative plans to protect the people who protect democracy - the thousands of election workers and millions of voters in Michigan. “We have made great strides expanding the voice and protecting the vote of every Michigan citizen over these last few years, but we have more work to do,” said Benson. “We are in an era of misinformation with voters being lied to about their right to vote and election workers subject to a near constant barrage of threats and harassment for simply doing their jobs. We must do more to protect the people who protect democracy.”

County demands improved rail safety, communication

Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell and her fellow commissioners are calling on federal officials to enact rail safety and improve communication with local officials following the recent  train derailments in Ohio.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans' office received information that Norfolk Southern was transporting hazardous waste resulting from the East Palenstine Ohio derailment for disposal in both Romulus and Van Buren Township in Wayne County after the waste had already arrived at the sites.

Training sessions

Five Sumpter Township police officers were among the latest participants in the Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training Academy of Counter Terrorist Education. To date, 11 Sumpter officers have completed both class sessions and the remainder of the township officers will attend the course later this year, officials said.

Westland mourns death of 30-year city employee

Members of the Westland community are mourning the death of Dave Monak, a constant presence at city events for more than 30 years.

In social media posts last week, members of the city administration said the news of Mr. Monak's death left them with a heavy heart and noted that Mr. Monak had been employed with the City of Westland Community Media Department for more than three decades.

“There is no doubt you have seen him at many city events over the years. Through all of the major city milestones, Dave was there camera in hand. He captured great images and footage all over town including the Summer Festival, Blues, Brews & Barbecue, concerts in the park, and thousands of other studio and remote productions,” the Facebook post announcing Mr. Monak's death continued. 

New city manager takes oath of office

City Manager George Lahanas

New Northville City Manager George Lahanas was on the job this week, beginning his employment with the city. He was sworn into office by City Clerk Mike Smith at the regular city council meeting Monday, March 6.

In his new capacity with the city, Lahanas’ office will provide general administrative services for the management of the city to ensure that all city council policies and directives are implemented. Lahanas will coordinate the work of all city departments and employees and he will be responsible for the enforcement of all ordinances and expenditure of funds in accordance with the budget and the Northville City Charter.

Winning streak

The Northville Township Fire Department team brought home the trophy for Best Firehouse Chili during the annual Chili’in the Ville event in downtown Northville recently. This was the second consecutive win for the township firefighters who wished their rivals from the city “better luck next year.” The event drew a large crowd into downtown all sampling the various entries from local restaurants along with the two fire departments. The township champs have promised to return next year, hoping for a three-peat.  

Inkster man facing drug, weapons felony charges

Brian Antonio Hicks

A 34-year-old Inkster man was among three suspects arrested and each charged with seven felonies following an investigation by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Chippewa County Sheriff in Sault Ste. Marie.

According to a Facebook post by the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, 36-year-old Joshua Allen O'Connor of Kincheloe, 36-year-old Brian Thomas Nielson of Kincheloe, and Brian Antonio Hicks of Inkster were arrested following several reports of drug overdoses in Chippewa County. One overdose killed a young Sault Ste. Marie man, according to police sources.

Trident detectives assisted the Sault Ste Marie Police Department in the investigation into the death.

Toxic waste from train derailment sent to local sites

Toxic waste from the site of an Ohio train derailment was
sent by truck to Romulus and Van Buren Township for disposal. 

The decision to send five truckloads of toxic waste 225 miles from the site of a train derailment in Ohio for disposal in Romulus and Belleville met with outrage from city, county and state officials last week .

While some of the toxic soil and chemicals from the massive train accident in Ohio have already been accepted at the deep-well injection disposal in Romulus and at a disposal site in Van Buren Township, transport of the waste material has been halted due, in part, to strong protests from area officials. Norfolk-Southern Railway managers made the decision to send the chemicals and toxic soil from the site of the East Palestine, Ohio derailment by truck into sites owned by Republic Waste Services in both Romulus and Van Buren Township.

Taking her ‘turn’

Former Canton Township resident to compete on ‘The Voice’

Grace Rembinski West

Viewers of The Voice may hear a familiar voice during the competition this year.

Former Canton Township resident and 2021 Plymouth High School graduate Grace Rembinski West, 19, will be a contestant this season of the show which begins March 6.

West revealed her participation in the show on social media last month. “This has to be the hardest secret I've ever kept,” she posted. “I'm SO EXCITED TO TELL Y'ALL I auditioned for @NBC Thevoice.  

In a follow-up post on Feb. 21, the aspiring entertainer suggested readers guess the number of chairs that turn or which celebrity judge's team she joined. She urged her followers to post their guesses on her Facebook site.

Plymouth planning commission approves racetrack plans

Members of the Plymouth Township Planning Commission approved the plans for the Northville Downs in Plymouth horse racing track during a meeting Feb. 15. The meeting followed a public hearing on the issue during which residents spoke both in favor of and against the project.

The racetrack is proposed at a 124-acre site near Five Mile and Ridge Road. The site was formerly designated as the Ridge Five Corporate Park, but no development took place and the site is now vacant land. Only 52 acres of the site are suitable for building as the remainder is protected wetlands, according to township records.

School board reinstates former superintendent

Superintendent

Benjamin Edmondson

A standing ovation from a packed meeting room welcomed Romulus Community Schools Superintendent Benjamin Edmondson back to the job.

Edmondson was formally reinstated to his position as part of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit he filed against the district last September. His lawsuit was filed in response to his suspension by previous members of the board of education who subsequently placed him on indefinite leave. Immediately following Edmondson's return to work following a six-week medical leave as he recovered from heart surgery last fall, he was placed on administrative leave by the board members. During his medical leave, board members hired Dixon Public Consulting to analyze district finances. The former board members subsequently voted 4-3 Sept. 27 to place Edmondson on administrative leave as the audit continued.

Sumpter trustees approve purchase of police vehicle

Sumpter Township trustees approved the $50,407 purchase of a Ford Interceptor Utility vehicle from Gorno Ford during the Feb. 14 meeting.

Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke explained that the procedures for purchasing police vehicles had changed significantly during the past few years.

“We can no longer just walk in and order a vehicle,” he told the board members. He noted that Ford is forecasting an increase that could be as much as $6,000 to $8,000 and that GM could be the same. Luke noted that the current patrol cars travel about 100 to 120 miles a day.

Wish come true

Plymouth Noon Rotary Club President Penny Joy, at left, got her birthday wish last week when club members packaged 100 birthday cake kits. The kits, including cake mix, other ingredients, frosting and candles, will be distributed by the Salvation Army to those in the community who might otherwise not be able to enjoy a birthday cake. The kit ingredients were funded by a donation from a club member and fellow Rotarians packaged up the sweet gifts during their regular luncheon meeting at the Plymouth Community Center last week. 

Looking ahead

Employees and members of the Poulos family, owners of Karl's Cabin, attended an emotional meeting last Friday evening at the fire-damaged restaurant. Owners noted that usually at 7:30 on a Friday night the Gotfredson Road restaurant would be bustling with guests enjoying dinner. This week, however, due to  serious damage at the log cabin building during a three alarm fire Feb. 16, the staff met to learn about the progress and timeline for reopening.“Our number one priority is supporting our staff because we can't imagine reopening without them. A GoFundMe was created by one of our loyal customers,”said owners in an email.”All funds collected with go directly to the employees,” they added.

Tickets still available for ‘Red Carpet’ awards dinner

Tickets for the red carpet Northville Community Awards Dinner set for March 9 are still available.

Seven residents will be honored for a variety of accomplishments, according to chamber Events Manager Matt Zook. Awards will be presented for business excellence, volunteers of the year and the prestigious John Genitti Citizen of the Year honor.

Art House to present Young Artists Exhibition and sale

Layla Freeman, Jewelry, Age 11,
Photo credit and courtesy
of Layla Freeman

The Northville Art House will present the seventh annual Young Artist Juried Art Fair  Saturday, March 18 at the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, located at 200 E Main St. in downtown Northville.

More than 30 young creative entrepreneurs, ages 7 - 18 will showcase diverse artistic talents through original artwork and crafts. 

The one-day indoor exhibit will include musical performances by local student groups. On display will be art exhibitions by preschool and elementary students as well as art activities for family and kids. A $5 donation entrance fee is suggested for visitors ages 13 and older. Those 12 and younger will be admitted at no cost. Parking is available on the street and in the municipal lots near the church. 

Welcome home

Inkster city officials joined Moe and Jennifer Medhi of AAHM Investments last week for the official grand opening of Avenue of Inkster Apartments. The newly-renovated apartment complex on Michigan Avenue will provide affordable housing featuring studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. The renovated apartment complex replaces a former condemned motel city officials described as an “eyesore” in the community. The 32 apartments will rent in the $700 per month price range and were designed to provide affordable housing, the developers noted.

Carbon monoxide suspected in death

Scott Southers

The owner of a local automotive business, Scott Southers, 60, was found dead last week by an employee arriving for work at the Haggerty Road building.

Canton Township Police and EMTs responded to the employee's 911 call at about 7 a.m. Feb. 21. Officers and EMTs attempted to revive Southers inside the business, but were unsuccessful and he remained unresponsive, according to police reports. After an investigation, officers left the scene but were called back to Prototype Automotive Solutions, located in the 7200 block of Haggerty Road near Warren Road, after an employee became ill.

Cherry Hill Village renovations, upgrades planned

Members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees have approved an intergovernmental agreement with Wayne County to fund the revitalization of Cherry Hill Village.

Canton will contribute $4.75 million to the project using American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, Wayne County millage funds and the township general fund. The plan for the construction of new restaurants, open-air dining, a new park and public programs was to be presented to members of the Wayne County Commission last week in an effort to secure a matching $4.75 million from county ARPA funds.  

Artist’s submissions for exhibition now being accepted

Proposals are now being accepted for solo or group exhibitions during the 2024 exhibition season at The Gallery at Cherry Hill. Submissions from both local and regional artists and all mediums will be accepted until April 7. 

Artists can now apply online at www.cantonvillagetheater.org/418 for a solo or group exhibition.  Submissions must include: artist's statement; no more than nine high-quality JPEG digital images; list of representative images submitted; document artwork including the artist's name, title, medium, dimensions, and completion date of the work and a current resume/biography. All questions regarding the Gallery at Cherry Hill 'Call for Artists' for the 2024 season can be emailed to Elli Fassois at elli.fassois@cantonmi.gov. 

Westland police seeing school crossing guards

The Westland Police Department is looking for candidates to serve as crossing guards in the city, helping students safely cross streets as they travel to and from classes.

Three students in the Wayne Westland Community Schools district have been involved in serious vehicle accidents during the past few months, officials said, proving the need for help at city intersections.

Candidates for the crossing guard positions will receive training in topics such as stranger danger, CPR/First Aid, missing persons, and other safety procedures. Crossing guards will be assigned to work at a variety of posts in school parking lots and at intersections throughout the city, police officials said.

Students’ kindness earns council recognition

School officials and family members congratulated Brandon Britton
and Lucas Downey for their Random Acts of Kindness which were
recognized by members of the Westland City Council last week.

Members of the Westland City Council officially recognized two students for their Random Acts of Kindness, a program implemented in cooperation with the Wayne-Westland Community Schools and the Westland Compassionate City Committee. 

Recognized this month were Brandon Britton of Wayne Memorial High School and Lucas Downey of William D. Ford Career-Technical Center. 

Britton participates in the district unified basketball team as a student coach.

Zebra Marching Band to perform before Tigers game

Wayne Memorial High School students have hit a high note with the recent announcement that the Zebra Marching Band will perform the National Anthem at Comerica Park this spring.

The band will take to the baseball diamond at 6:45 p.m. April 14 to perform the anthem just before the game begins and the first pitch is thrown.

Northville Township clerk, trustee to switch jobs

Roger Lundberg Cynthia Jankowski  

Two Northville Township elected officials will switch jobs and titles next month, following the resignation of Township Clerk Roger Lundberg.

Lundberg submitted his resignation during the Feb. 16 meeting of the board of trustees, effective next month. The board immediately appointed current Trustee Cynthia Jankowski to complete his unexpired term as township clerk. The trustees then appointed resigning clerk, Lundberg, to fill the vacancy on the board created by Jankowski's appointment to his previous position.  

Lundberg said he is stepping down from the full-time position as township clerk to spend more time with his wife, Jeanne, his two children and three grandchildren.

Canine classmate

Plymouth-Canton schools welcome K-9, therapy dog to classrooms

Scott Hughesdon and his partner, Echo, introduce
themselves to Laura Schroeder's third-grade class
at Smith Elementary School.

Third graders at Smith Elementary School got a surprise visit this month from a  soon-to-be part-time classmate whose special needs include a few kind words, a smile - and a water bowl. 

Echo, a cheerful 3-year-old Labrador retriever, recently made the rounds of the schoolclassrooms as part of his training to become a fully certified K-9 dog with side duties as a therapy dog. During the next few weeks, Echo will visit schools throughout Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district so he can become accustomed to his surroundings and most importantly, the students, teachers and staff who work, teach and learn in the two dozen district school buildings. 

Karl’s Cabin owners plan to re-open following extensive repairs

Fire fighters and engines from 14 local departments responded
last Wednesday to the blaze at Karl's Cabin on Gotfredson Road.

News of the fire at Karl's Cabin, a beloved mainstay in Plymouth, sent shock waves through the community last Wednesday, Feb. 15.

The three alarm fire began at about 6:15 p.m. according to official reports and was ignited from a carelessly disposed cigarette outside the back entrance.  The blaze traveled to a nearby storage container and then to the rear wall of the log cabin building. Officials said high winds were a contributing factor in the rapid spread of the fire which caused severe damage to the restaurant dish tank, walk-in coolers, banquet room and the offices on the second floor, according to the restaurant Facebook page.

Legislator blasts ‘thoughts and prayers’ after shooting

State Rep. Ranjeev Puri

State Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton Township, did not mince words in a statement issued following the shootings at Michigan State University. Three students were killed and five wounded during the incident that sent shockwaves across the country.

Puri offered condolences to the families of the injured and the survivors of the deceased students but had no sympathy for his fellow lawmakers last week.

“F----  your thoughts and prayers,” he said in a statement that went viral on social media, prompting both support and criticism. 

Sumpter trustee criticizes ‘obscene’ cost for sewer repairs

A $24,500 pump line repair was approved by members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees despite the concerns of Trustee Don LaPorte who called the continued expenses at the facility "obscene."

The proposed repairs of the exit lines at the Sumpter and Willis Road pump station was brought to the attention of the board members by Township Manager Tony Burdick during the Feb. 14 meeting. Burdick told the trustees that repairs at the station were an immediate concern.

"This is something that could all of a sudden blow and be a lot worse," Burdick told the board members. "Popular opinion is that it is as close to being an emergency as it can get."

Death of student struck by school bus is mourned

Jacob Escobedo

Officials from the City of Wayne and the Wayne City Council were among the many who offered condolences to the family of Jacob Escobedo, a 12-year-old Franklin Middle School student who was killed last week.

The student was struck and killed by a school bus at about 2:50 p.m. Feb. 14 in the area of Howe Road and Annapolis Street, police said. Classes were being dismissed for the day when the incident took place, according to police reports. 

A GoFundMe started to pay for funeral costs, called “Jacob Escobedo,” raised more than twice the $7,000 goal in less than 24 hours. 

“Jacob was a wonderful student and friend who was always smiling,” Wayne-Westland Community Schools Superintendent John Dignan said in a letter to families Wednesday. “He was also creative and smart and was working on a fantasy book. Jacob will be missed by his teachers and classmates.”

Inkster DPS planning multiple road and pipe repairs

The Inkster Department of Public Service will oversee several road and water line projects expected to begin this spring. 

Scheduled projects include road reconstruction in the northwest quadrant of the city. Officials said trees in the area have already been removed and trenchless sanitary  sewer work has been completed. The road reconstruction is among those scheduled for the spring months.  

Plans for replacement of the North River Park Drive water main and lead service pipe proposed for last year have been delayed due to due to supply chain interruptions for supplies and material. The replacement is also scheduled to begin this spring.

Volunteers are sought to serve on Wayne commission, committee

City of Wayne officials are seeking applications to serve on two volunteer groups in the community.

Anyone interested in serving on the City of Wayne Housing Commission or the City of Wayne Parks and Trails Committee can submit an application available on the City of Wayne administration Facebook page.