Alumni veterans' wall planned at Wayne Memorial

Wayne Memorial High Schools may soon include a tribute to servicemen who have graduated from the school.

Currently, donations are being sought to build a memorial wall to be prominently displayed at the entrance to the school. The display would include the name, rank and brief information about the serviceman or woman who served in the U.S. military. 

Estimated costs for the installation of the memorial are $40,000 and would include construction, artwork, plaques, an interactive display, a software data package for digital storage and website viewing. The project would also include the development of educational materials and contributions to support local veterans.

Sign of the season

Many of the bright red stands holding the kettles for the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign are the work of students at the Willilam D. Ford Career-Technical Center. Auto collision students accepted the challenge when Salvation Army officials reached out to inquire if the stands could be repaired and repainted. The students used their training and expertise to freshen up the stands. Officials at the center thanked the Salvation Army for "involving the students in such a meaningful project. What an incredible way to give back to the community and spread holiday cheer. 

Toy drive is planned

 he annual Westland Community Foundation and Salvation Army Toy Drive is planned for 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 at Westland City Hall.

Organizers said the gift of a new toy or book brings the joy of Christmas and sends a message of hope to disadvantaged children. Participants are urged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. A $5 donation is also encouraged, organizers said.

Westland City Hall is located at 36300 Warren Road in Westland.

School district audit discovers $17 million deficit

The Wayne-Westland Community Schools district is facing an unexpected $17.6 million budget deficit.

School officials and members of the board of education learned of the budget deficit last week when an audit of district finances discovered the serious budget shortfall which officials had believed was, in fact, a surplus. Board of Education President David Cox reported the surprise findings during a meeting of the board members last week.

“At this moment, right now, we don't exactly know where we are, but we have a tremendous problem that has to be addressed,” Cox said in making the deficit public during the meeting.

According to the auditor's report, revenue in the district totaled $135 million for the 2023 fiscal year, while expenses totaled $152 million. 

Annual Wayne County holiday Lightfest opens tonight

The traditional holiday Wayne County Lightfest in Edward Hines Park will officially open at 6 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Nov. 16. The highly anticipated display will then be open to vehicles from 6 until 10 p.m. until Sunday, Dec. 24. The Lightfest will be closed Monday and Tuesday evenings.

The entrance to the Lightfest is at 7651 North Merriman Road, which is on Merriman between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue in Westland, 2.5 miles south of I-96. Wayne County representatives will offer radio alerts to update visitors with important show information. By tuning into AM 1640 within 3 to 5 five miles of the Lightfest entrance, visitors can receive regular updates on wait times, traffic flow, special event and event costs. During the Lightfest, Hines Drive closes to traffic for set-up and operations from 5 until 11:30 p.m. from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive.

Student led walkout included Israeli flag desecration

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

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

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

Northville election sees 39 percent voter turnout

About 39 percent of registered voters in the City of Northville cast votes in the election last week, choosing a mayor and two members of the city council.

Mayor Brian Turnbull was uncontested on the ballot and retained his seat. Laura Genitti was the top vote getter in the council race winning 1,226 votes. Incumbent Mayor Pro tem Barbara Moroski-Browne was reelected with 916 votes. Each will fill a four-year term. Incumbent Marilyn Price received 907 votes and Robert Sochacki was the choice of 821 voters. 

The newly elected council members will be sworn into office at the Nov. 20 meeting in Northville City Hall.

Veteran firefighter named as first-ever deputy chief

Tom Hughes

Tom Hughes, a 19-year veteran of the Northville Township Fire Department has been named as deputy fire chief, a new position for the department. 

Hughes will work closely with Fire Chief Brent Siegel in planning, directing, supervising and coordinating the department, expanding the depth and breadth of what it currently accomplishes while striving for constant improvement, according to a prepared statement. 

“I have had the privilege of working with Tom for the past 18 years,” Siegel said. “He exemplifies our organizational values of professionalism, public outreach and continuous improvement. He has built our fire prevention bureau up from the ground floor and performs at an outstanding level every day.” 

Dunning Foundation grant will fund Arc renovations

The Arc of Northwest Wayne County has received a $50,000 grant from The Margaret Dunning Foundation to complete building renovations at the new Canton Township headquarters of the organization. The grant will fund the installation of new flooring and carpet which will add to the safety and usability of the building, officials said.

Founded in 1961, The Arc of Northwest Wayne County is a grassroots membership nonprofit that strives to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc moved into a larger building in Canton more than a year ago, which allowed the organization to grow its programs, services, and staff to reach more families in need of support, according to a statement from the group.

Potters’ Guild sale begins tomorrow

The annual Village Potters Guild of Plymouth Holiday Market will begin tomorrow and continue through Sunday, Nov. 19.

The guild, a decades old organization, was formed to promote and develop the art of ceramics. The common interest of members is to bring handmade ceramic items to everyday life.   

The sale this year will include works of artist members, as well as invited guest artists, offering a variety of functional and decorative ceramics for purchase, organizers said. 

The annual event will take place in the historic factory district of Plymouth, at 326 North Main St., just north of the railroad tracks.  Guild members transform the 2,000-square-foot studio workspace into a holiday marketplace with items that are great for gift giving, organizers said.

Special salute

Members of the Plymouth Noon Rotary Club paid a special tribute to the two remaining World War II veteran members of the club during the regular meeting last week. Veterans were joined by Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Todd Bush, at left, and Gabriel Lynn, far right. Army veteran Dr. Bob Peterson, a long-time Rotary Club member and retired funeral director Win Schrader, also a long-time member of the club were honored for their service by their fellow club members.  Photo by David Willett 

Holiday shows are slated

The holiday season at Village Theater at Cherry Hill will see the return of Irish tunes and dancing courtesy of Christmas with the Celts, a magic show and the popular Detroit Circus.

Christmas with the Celts returns Dec. 9 with a special matinee performance. This immersive, family holiday show features both traditional Irish tunes along with contemporary classics with a Celtic flair, accompanied by Irish dancing and humor. Award-winning magician Aaron Radatz returns with his annual holiday magic show on Dec. 21, and the Detroit Circus returns for their annual New Year's Eve performance Dec. 31. 

PJs sought by charity

Area residents have an opportunity to keep children in need warm this winter. Friends of Unity is seeking warm pajamas for children 4 to 14 years old. The pajamas will go to God's Storehouse, a Detroit charity that assists people who are homeless or living in poverty. Donors can drop off clothing through Dec. 3. Take donations to the Plymouth Community Arts Council building at 774 N, Sheldon Road, Plymouth.

Judge sentences killer of nurse to 35-60 years

Jamere Mykel Miller, 36, of Inkster, will spend 35 to 60 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections after he admitted he murdered Patrice Wilson, 29.

Miller was charged by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy last May with the homicide of Wilson of Redford. The victim was working as a nurse at Detroit Receiving Hospital and reportedly was ending their romantic relationship at the time of her death.

According to prosecutors, at about 7:53 a.m. May 13, Miller disguised himself with a wig, a hat and glasses and waited for Wilson to leave work. As she entered her car, Miller admitted he went to the back passenger side of the vehicle and fired a handgun multiple times, fatally wounding her. Miller then got into the driver's seat and fled from the scene.  

Romulus Tree Lighting to include Holiday Train

The holiday tree lighting in Romulus will include a sighting
of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train after Santa
receives the key to the city from
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight.

The traditional holiday tree lighting in Romulus is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at Romulus Historical Park.

During the official tree lighting in Romulus, Mayor Robert McCraight will present the “Key to the City” to Santa as he arrives for the celebration. 

A special guest helper is expected to help flip the switch to light the community tree.

Following the lighting of the tree, the city will host a number of activities while visitors await the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train as it passes through Romulus between 8 p.m. and midnight. There will be holiday vendors, crafts, live entertainment, pictures with Santa, food trucks and more and other activities planned.

Senior Summit planned

The Inkster Police Department will host a Senior Crime Prevention Summit from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Booker T. Dozier Recreation Center.

The event topics will include senior safety tips; scam prevention; Neighborhood Watch programs and emergency preparedness. Officials said the summit would be an opportunity for seniors to learn, engage, and connect with the community. 

The recreation center is located at 2025 Middlebelt Road in Inkster.

Graduation day

Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes was on hand earlier this month during graduation ceremonies at the Wayne County Regional Police Academy. Three of the graduates are candidates for the Romulus department, Pfannes said. New graduates, from left, Christian Otter and Marcus Matheson were congratulated by Pfannes, along with candidate Nathaniel Sims, Romulus Police Lt. Eric Smith and Sgt. Otter, proud father of Ofc. Christian Otter. 

A new chapter

Library renovation is celebrated 

City officials and library personnel welcomed crowds to
 the newly-renovated Willaim P. Faust Public Library of Westland last week.
 Renovations included age and topic specific
 reading rooms and an outdoor patio along with new seating. 

The City of Westland has been named as the winner of the 2023 Apex Award from InCompass Michigan, the leading statewide network of human service organizations. The award honors Westland as “an outstanding employer with a rich workplace culture that recognizes and celebrates diverse backgrounds, perspectives, skills and abilities.” 

Westland was nominated for the award by Aimee Szabo of Services to Enhance Potential (STEP).

“The award was designed to honor an organization that has fostered exceptional employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to community access in Michigan and demonstrated a commitment to inclusion and diversity in hiring practices, training and talent development,” commented InCompass Michigan COO, Laurie Morse-Dell,

Iron Belle Trail section opened in Van Buren

Van Buren Township and state officials, along with members of the community,
celebrate the opening of the Iron Belle Trail section in the township.
The non-motorized recreational pathway connects 48 Michigan counties.

A section of the Iron Belle Trail, which is expected to travel from Belle Isle to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula officially opened in Van Buren Township last month. The Van Buren Township non-motorized pathway project will close a 7.0 mile gap in the Iron Belle State trail. The path will connect the B2B Trail system (55 miles) in Washtenaw County with the HCMA trail system (30+ miles) that begins in the Lower Huron Metropark and extends southeast to Lake Erie.  More than 80 percent of the completed distance will follow the Huron River Greenway while the overall trail will connect dozens of existing parks, schools, central business districts and neighborhoods, according to state officials.

Safety steps

Sumpter Township Police Sgt. Beth Egerer visited Keystone Academy recently to talk to students as part of Public Safety Week. Egerer talked to the students about safety measures they could employ and spoke to children from the Young 5s, another class of kindergarteners and the first-grade students. Egerer talked to 200 students about respect for each other, bullying and explained some of the equipment police officers carry.

Learning experience

Wayne Police Sgt. Chad Colwell recently graduated from the Michigan Police Executive Development Seminar. The seminar is a week-long course targeted toward current or future law enforcement executives. The course focuses on leadership, critical incident management, modern supervision techniques, and other management skills. The Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associates - Michigan Chapter sponsors the training annually and executives presented Colwell with his certificate of completion.

Train derailment prompts safety concerns

The derailment of 14 cars in Romulus last week was a safety
concern to city first responders and officials.
There were no injuries reported in the incident. 

The cause of the train derailment in the city of Romulus prompted Mayor Robert A. McCraight, along with state and federal officials to call for increased enforcement of railway safety standards. The incident, which remains under investigation, prompted McCraight to issue a statement urging  stronger federal rules for railways. He said the federal government should have a stronger regard for the safety of local communities and strengthen railway safety rules. He added that local municipalities and residents are not aware of the dangers of trains traveling through their respective communities.

Voters choose mayor, council, commissioners

Westland

Voters in Westland have chosen their first newly-elected mayor in nearly 20 years.

Voters chose current State Rep. Kevin Coleman to lead the city with 8,144 votes. Current interim Mayor Mike Londeau was the choice of 5,630              voters. The four-year position pays pays $121,574 annually. The two candidates were selected by voters from a field of six hopefuls in an August primary election.

Coleman, 40, served on the Westland City Council, the veteran's association and the Westland festival committee, prior to his election to state office. Coleman was defeated by former Mayor William Wild in his first bid for the top job in the city.  A special election to fill his unexpired term as the representative from the 25th District will now be scheduled. 

Plymouth voters nix millage, choose 4 commissioners

Plymouth voters rejected the requested charter amendment to allow a new 1.75 mill tax to fund new recreation opportunities in the city. No votes totaled    1,368 while yes votes were 1,302.

The new tax would have been effect for 12 years and was expected to generate an estimated $1.3 million annually for recreational expenses in the community through 2035. The new millage would have cost homeowners about $1.75 for every $1,000 of market value of their property. Homes with a $300,000 market value would have seen an increase of approximately $260 on their tax bills. 

March on

Members of the Romulus High School Marching Eagles will be getting up early Nov. 23. The Marching Eagles will be part of the 97th America's Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White The band will march with the parade through the streets of downtown Detroit beginning at 8:45 a.m. The traditional event always takes place on Thanksgiving morning to officially welcome the holiday season. The parade theme this year is "A Heart of History" and the entire celebration can be viewed on Channel 4 WDIV. Following the parade, the public can vote online for the best marching band in the parade.  

Early voting law could be costly for township

Early voting will be available to Sumpter Township residents during the 2024 Presidential Election, but the cost isn't popular with members of the board of trustees.

State voters approved Proposition 2 which included the extended in-person voting on the 2022 ballot and the measure becomes mandatory with the election next year. Municipalities must now officially adopt the new procedures by state law. Sumpter trustees were asked to vote to officially adopt the new procedures during a meeting last month.

During the meeting, trustees expressed their frustration at the state mandated early voting rules allowing for 9 days of in-person voting in addition to the usual Election Day opportunity.  Township Clerk Ester Hurst noted that proving staffing and equipment is now law in the state, but the measure would be “a headache” for her department. In addition, municipalities must now apply postage to all absentee ballots which are mailed to voters.

Traditional Turkey Trot set for Nov. 21

Participants from previous Canton Turkey Trots helped the Epilepsy
Foundation of Michigan. Photo courtesy of Canton Township. 

Area residents are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and work up an appetite for a good cause Thanksgiving morning by running or walking in the 21st Canton Annual Turkey Trot for a Cause on Thursday, Nov. 23.

All ages are encouraged to join in the fight against epilepsy by taking part in the chip-timed 5K race or 1-mile fun run that will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with seizure disorders. The main sponsor of the event, is Gazelle Sports of Northville which hosts bib pick up, provides awards and supports the event each year.

Annual township Salute to Service is tomorrow

The annual special celebration honoring all veterans, living and deceased, and especially those active-duty military men and women who are currently serving in faraway places will take place just prior to Veterans Day in Canton Township.

Canton Club 55+ members and The Village Theater at Cherry Hill officials are partnering to honor area service men and women who have served or who are currently serving in the armed forces. This free event will feature a special program that will take place on the main stage of the theater. Featured presenters include Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak and informational veterans' speakers, as well as a special performance by the 338th Army Band. 

Art entries being accepted

The Village Arts Factory will accept applications for solo or group art exhibitions through Monday, Dec. 4.

The arts factory is a multipurpose arts complex located in Cherry Hill Village in Canton Township and is planning exhibition for at the facility for 2024.To be considered for an exhibition, artists can apply online at https://villageartsfactory.com/application-for-art-exhibitor by submitting a sample of digital images of current works, contact information, current resume/biography, artist statement, and availability. 

Federal grant will fund 4 new police officers

There will be four new police officers in Westland funded by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS). 

The funding will continue for three years, according to the city and is part of the program which  supports local law enforcement agencies in hiring and rehiring police officers. With these funds, officials said, the city can expand the police force and continue the commitment to public safety. Westland matched the grant with the required 25 percent of the total hiring amount of $1,429,464. The total expenditure for the hirings is $500,000 from the federal grant and $929,264 from Westland. 

Park it

The City of Plymouth public parking lot at the corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Deer Street (the former Saxton's location) is now available to drivers. In addition to the 47 parking spots, there are four EV charging stations, which are expected to be operational soon, pending some final touches, according to city officials. The lot also features green spaces including a rain garden. In the coming months, the area will be enhanced with benches at the corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Deer and along Ann Arbor Trail, as well as two bike racks near the corner. 

Chamber of commerce is merged with Livonia

The Westland Chamber of Commerce is now located in Livonia.

The two chambers have merged to create a 1,200 membership, according to President and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce Dan West who will manage the new group. The new organization is called the Livonia Westland Chamber of Commerce and will be headquartered in Livonia while the Westland offices on Ford Road will be sold.

West, president and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce since 2006, will hold the same title in the newly aligned organization, which will be governed by a 29-member board of directors with representatives from both communities. The initial four-person chamber staff have a combined for nearly 50 years of industry experience, according to West.

He said a Westland office would open sometime in the future at a different location in the city.

Township files for injunction against landfill

Northville Township has asked a court to halt waste dumping in a new section of the Arbor Hills Landfill because of an increase in odor complaints caused by elevated methane gas levels. 

In a motion filed Oct. 26 in Wayne County Circuit Court, the township seeks a temporary restraining order that would prevent Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township from placing waste in the newly created Cell 6. 

“Since the Arbor Hills Landfill has opened Cell 6 in early July, we have seen odor complaints quadruple,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “While EGLE has been trying to work with Arbor Hills, we do not feel they share the same urgency of the board of trustees and residents. As a result, we feel we have no other option than to seek relief from the court,” Abbo said. 

Special delivery

New police program offers safe storage option for holiday packages

The Northville Township Police Department takes the protection of residents seriously, including reducing some of the risk of online shopping.

The department has introduced Operation Max's Vault, a temporary package storage solution which allows residents to ship online purchases under 50 pounds to the police department in care of Max's Vault, named for the department support dog. The parcels will be stored in a secured area, officials said, and the package owner must pick up the delivery within five days of arrival. “The goal of this program is to keep the Grinch out of the holiday season,” said Police Chief Scott Hilden. “It will reduce the opportunity for porch pirates to steal packages after they are delivered to a dwelling and left unattended.” 

State forgives Inkster School District debt

Inkster property owners received an early holiday gift last week when state legislators agreed to forgive $12.12 million in school district tax debt.

The Michigan State Senate approved House Bill 4292, budget supplemental legislation that included the $12.12 million the former Inkster School District debt. As a result of the state action, Inkster residents are currently paying 13 mills, plus interest, on the dissolved district remaining school debt, which was not slated to be paid off until the year 2032. By eliminating the remaining debt, all Inkster residents will see a significant property tax reduction. By  forgiveness of the district debt, Inkster residents will be paying between zero mills and 8 mills (at most) of debt, depending on which of four neighboring school districts their children actually attend. 

Hairy experience

As they have for several years, members of the City of Wayne Police Department will participate in Movember this year. Each of the participating officers will grow a beard or a mustache as part of a fundraising effort for the Movember Foundation, an organization which funds awareness of cancer research, suicide prevention and mental health. "As police officers, we can sometimes forget to make sure that our own health is a priority. The Movember campaign helps remind us that just like we have a duty to protect the community, we also have a duty to protect our own health.

Nov. 15 is deadline for Veteran’s Holiday Meals applications

Area veterans and their families have only until Nov. 15 to register for the 10th Annual Holiday Meals for Wayne-Westland Veterans.

Westland Mayor Michael Londeau, Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa and Wayne Ford Civic League President Vic Barra have organized the event again this year which is open to veterans, surviving spouses, and families of active duty service members.

Registration is available online at: https://www.cityofwestland.com/.../Holiday-Meals-for... or contact Londeau's office, (734) 467-3200 or email: mayor@cityofwestland.com. Registration is also available at Rhaesa's office, (734) 722-2000 or email: JRhaesa@cityofwayne.com. 

City of Northville downtown streets set to reopen

Streets in downtown Northville were scheduled to reopen this week.

Northville City Manager George Lahanas and
Mayor Brian Turnbull inspect the new bollards
installed in downtown streets.

The closing of the streets has been controversial in the community prompting criticism from nearby residents as traffic has been rerouted through some neighborhoods. Last week, with the installation of specially designed traffic bollards, officials said the downtown streets would reopen this week and remain passable until sometime next spring.   

The bollards were installed throughout the downtown area on Main, Hutton, Center and Dunlap streets. The large circular barriers will be lowered into the ground to allow the return to previous traffic patterns in the downtown area. The 3-foot-high black devices have reflective bands near the top so they are visible at night. When the streets are closed, they will be upright to prevent vehicles from entering the streets. They can also be lowered in emergencies by first responders who will have keys, officials said. 

ZIBIWES

Canton passive nature park is dedicated by Potawatomi

Members of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Nation joined Canton Township officials and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell last Friday for the naming of a nature area in the community.

The undeveloped 134 acres of land at the northwest corner of Ford Road and Ridge Road is now officially the Zibiwes Nature Area. The dedication included special presentations from members of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Nation. 

Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak led the festivities, which included special remarks by U. S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and Terry Campbell, regional manager of the Office of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.  

The nature area was designated by members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees in May in an effort to preserve and protect the open space, natural habitats, and greenspace of the undeveloped woodlands and wetlands located on the northwest section of the Canton community. The area, officials said, is home to many native plants and animal habitats.

Postal worker robbery Suspects are arrested

Michale Lamar

Smith-Ellis

Two men are facing multiple federal felony charges in connection to the robbery of a postal worker in Northville Township last week.

Michale Lamar Smith-Ellis, 30, or Detroit and Terrance Tucker, 32, of Inkster were arraigned in federal court last week. The pair face charges of conspiracy; robbery or theft of mail, money or property of the U.S. Government; aggravated assault of federal employee; use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and key or locks stolen or reproduced. The various crimes carry penalties from 25 to 5 years imprisonment if convicted.

Northville Township Police were dispatched in response to a report of an armed robbery at about 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The incident took place in the area of Silver Spring Drive and Eight Mile Road, according to police reports, and occurred in broad daylight when two suspects, armed with a firearm, targeted a postal carrier, demanding keys to postal boxes. Police said no injuries were reported. 

Planning commission hears Downs site plan

The final site plan for the development at the Northville Downs property was presented to members of the planning commission for consideration last week.

Seth Herkowitz of Hunter Pasteur presented the developer's refined renderings of detached and attached single-family homes and detailed the timeline for the mixed-use project. While this meeting was expected to focus on conditions of the preliminary site plan approval and new elements of landscape, lighting and signage, Herkowitz noted that the presentation would need to be split over the course of two meetings due to the amount of content that he and his associates planned to present.

City Planner Sally Elmiger provided a point-by-point assessment of the conditions of the Planned Unite Development and preliminary site plan as approved by the commissioners on Sept. 7, 2022. 

Wreaths Across America seeking donors, volunteers

Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

The City of Romulus will once again participate in the annual Wreaths Across America recognition of veterans which takes place throughout the country. 

The ceremony this year is planned for noon on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

The national event is a gathering of volunteers and patriots in local, state and national cemeteries in all 50 states - most recently at 3,702 participating locations - as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. 

Inkster voters to choose mayor, council members on Tuesday

Inkster voters will go to the polls next Tuesday, Nov. 7, to choose a mayor and members of the city council in three city districts.

Current Mayor Patrick Wimberly, 49, has been indicted by federal authorities and is accused of demanding cash from a developer hoping to purchase city-owned property. Wimberly was elected to the mayor position which pays $105,000 annually in 2019.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Stormy weather

Sumpter is certified as ‘StormReady’

Sumpter Township Trustee Tim Rush, left, and
Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police Eric Luke
receive the StormReady Community designation.

Sumpter Township recently received the StormReady Community designation from the National Weather Service.

StormReady uses a grassroots approach to help communities develop plans to handle all types of extreme weather-from tornadoes to winter storms. The program encourages communities to take a new, proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations by providing emergency managers with clear-cut guidelines on how to improve their hazardous weather operations, according to the national weather service. 

Sumpter was recertified for another four years by the national organization as one of only 10 local municipalities designated as StormReady. To earn the designation the community must establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center and have more than a single means to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts. 

District high schools offering college programs

The Wayne Westland Community Schools District is offering high school students the opportunity to earn college credit hours, industry certification, and an associate degree while still in high school.

Wayne-Westland Community Schools District has partnered with several colleges and universities to combine the high school and college experience. Upon completion of this five-year program, students will graduate with their high school diploma and up to 60 credit hours, potentially earning their associate degree, according to a district spokesman.

Vistatech facility now open at Schoolcraft College

 The $11 million renovation of the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College provides an area where students and community members can gather to eat, work, play, learn and do business together, a college spokesman said. 

The center now provides a technology-rich venue for business gatherings, corporate events, dynamic learning, cutting-edge training, and culinary arts education - a first-of-its-kind in higher education, a college official said. 

"The Vistatech Center embodies Schoolcraft's vision of pushing boundaries and embracing innovation," said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. "This architectural marvel is not just a space, but a force that will drive our community toward a brighter future." 

Designed not just for students and faculty at Schoolcraft College but also as a resource for area residents,the Vistatech Center is the hub of the Schoolcraft culinary school and the site of master chef exams offered in the United States. 

Central to the revamp are three culinary establishments: American Harvest Restaurant, Main Street Café and The Craft Grille, where students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working under the supervision of talented chefs within the culinary department. 

Voters will select new mayor, 4 councilmembers

Next Tuesday, voters in Westland will choose a new mayor, the first in nearly 20 years.

Current interim Mayor Mike Londeau and State Rep. Kevin Coleman, D-Westland, are vying for the four-year position which pays $121,574 annually. The two were selected from a field of six hopefuls in an August primary election.

Coleman, 40, served on the Westland City Council, the veteran's association and the Westland festival committee, prior to his election to state office. Coleman was defeated by former Mayor William Wild in his first bid for the top job in the city.  If Coleman is elected, a special election to fill his unexpired term as the representative from the 25th District would be necessary. 

History lessons

Members of the Noon Plymouth Rotary Club learned more about the history of their club last week as they participated in the Plymouth Historical Museum Cemetery Ghost Walk. Among those learning more about several charter members of the club were Eric Joy, June Kirchgatter, City Manager Paul Sincock and Warren Musson. The Rotary Club donated several headstones to mark the graves of the charter members of the club. This was the first of several events scheduled to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rotary  club in Plymouth.

Township Leisure Services Department honored

Canton Township Leisure Services staff members accept the CAPRA
Re-Accreditation Award at the NRPA national conference in Dallas, TX. 
 Accepting the honor is, from left, Jon LaFever, Community Development
Director; Jeanette Aiello, Project & Operations Supervisor; Greg Hohenberger,
Canton Leisure Services Director; Laura Mortier, Recreation Supervisor
and the recipient of the 2023 Robert W. Crawford Young Professional
Award from the National Recreation and Park Association.
Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment and the
National Recreation and Park Association. 

Canton Leisure Services has again recognized for excellence in the field of parks and recreation management. The department received re-accreditation Oct. 11 and remains one of only 206 agencies in the country currently holding national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).  In addition, Laura Mortier, Canton Leisure Services recreation supervisor, CPRP, was presented with the 2023 Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). 

Annual Salute to Services recognition set for Nov. 10

The annual special celebration honoring all veterans, living and deceased, and especially those active-duty military men and women who are currently serving in faraway places will take place just prior to Veterans Day in Canton Township.

Canton Club 55+ members and The Village Theater at Cherry Hill officials are partnering to honor area service men and women who have served or who are currently serving in the armed forces. The Nov. 10 free event will feature a special program that will take place on the main stage of the theater. Featured presenters include Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak and informational veterans' speakers, as well as a special performance by the 338th Army Band.