The Eagle

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Wayne hospital limits patient visitation

Beaumont Hospital, Wayne is now limiting family visits to patients in an effort to limit the spread of COVID 19.

“We've had a notable rise in COVID-19 cases in Metro Detroit,” said Dr. Nick Gilpin, medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology for Beaumont Health. “Last spring, we took care of the most COVID-19 patients in the state and we know that taking difficult steps like restricting visitors will help us keep our patients and our staff safe.”

All Beaumont acute care campuses are safe and remain open to all patients needing health care including emergency visits, testing and surgery, hospital officials said in a prepared statement regarding the new restriction. All emergency rooms at Beaumont facilities will remain open for medical issues that need urgent attention. The local medical leadership at each hospital makes the determination about when to implement visitor restrictions, the statement continued.

Natural wonder

$1 million restoration at Fish

Hatchery Park is complete

Pond with conduit to the creek

The natural state of Fish Hatchery Park in Northville has been returned, following nearly $1 million in restoration work at the site.

According to Northville Township officials and project engineers, the pond now has a depth of 4-6 feet due to the newly-constructed stone-lined conduit that allows water to flow freely between Johnson Creek and the pond. Fish can now swim readily between those two bodies of water, officials said, noting that the Johnson Creek is one of the few cold water creeks in southeastern Michigan that also supports a trout population.

Along the rebuilt banks of the creek, a work crew has planted thousands of live “stakes” - transplants of trees - many of which will grow into full-sized trees over time. In addition, hundreds of native plants have been added to the banks.

Those plants are expected to develop deep roots to anchor the ground and prevent soil erosion, resist disease, and thrive.

Rev. Michael Suhy

The removal of the Rev. Michael Suhy from the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Plymouth last month still has parishioners reeling at the news.

In a statement regarding the change last month, Auxiliary Bishop Gerard Battersby said the decision by the Archdiocese of Detroit was based on Suhy's inability to manage the responsibilities of the parish.

“Father Suhy has become overwhelmed with the responsibilities, burdens and challenges of administrating a large and complex parish like Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish with its added dimension of having a school,” Battersby's prepared statement read. “Following the required consultations and fact-finding, the action taken on Nov. 17 was believed necessary for Father Suhy's well-being, and also for the well-being of the parish, parishioners, and school.”

Suhy, through his attorney Ron Thompson, is fighting the claims of the Archdiocese. Thompson characterized the claims as an attempt by “the Catholic Church to hide their misconduct.” He added that the action of the Archdiocese was “a cover up.”

Canton Leisure Services enacted several programming modifications effective Nov. 18 in response to the latest mandates from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) "Pause to Save Lives" order.

The Summit on the Park Fitness Center, located at 46000 Summit Parkway, will continue to remain open. Summit staff has relocated all the strength equipment throughout the facility, in order to allow for the mandated safe distancing protocols.

In addition, all Summit on the Park group fitness classes have transitioned to "Stay Fit, Stay Home, Stay Virtual" classes. Participants can choose from a variety of sessions, including: Yoga, Strength-Based classes, Zumba, Step, BEST (senior-focused classes), and more - all taught by the Summit group fitness instructors via Zoom. Summit members will have complete access to all virtual group fitness classes free of charge as part of their current Summit membership.

Canton promotes new ‘Shop Local’ campaign

In response to the State of Michigan pandemic order, and with the holiday season approaching, the Canton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has developed a detailed list of businesses that are open with detailed information of services available.

Signs are scheduled for installation throughout the DDA district and shoppers will see the We're Open signs that point to the ShopCanton.org home page where they'll find a categorized business list with information regarding outside service, curbside, carry-out, delivery, online ordering, inside shopping, inside service, and gift cards, explained Bart Patterson, chairman of the DDA board.

Robbery suspect is charged

A Georgia man is facing up to life in prison if convicted of charges he robbed Chase Bank in Canton Township last month.

Canton police arrested Joe Stafford, 55, in connection with the incident which took place Nov. 5 at the bank located on Michigan Avenue near Old Canton Center Road. Police were called to the bank at about 3:31 p.m. and witnesses told the responding officers that the suspect presented a note demanding money to a teller. He stole an undisclosed amount of cash during the incident. He was described as a black male, 6-feet, 2-inches to 6-feet 4-inches tall and was wearing a black knit hat, a hooded jacket and dark-colored pants.

No injuries were reported in the incident, according to police.

The Romulus Library is now in phase three of reopening to the public and services now include computer use by appointment and quick business tasks like faxing, copying and printing. Visitors can renew their library cards, apply for new cards and pick up items on hold inside the facility, noted Assistant Director Youth Services Librarian Jessica Wilhoite.

Curbside services are still available for those who prefer them, she said.

Browsing the collection, study tables, seating, and the meeting room are not available. The Children's Area is also closed at this time.

Michigan Mask up

Fire department and Ministerial Alliance deliver 3,000 masks in city

Fire Chief Kevin Krause

Fire Prevention Month became COVID prevention month in Romulus this year as members of the fire department, along with several local churches, provided more than 3,000 masks to the community.

Fire Chief Kevin Krause began the effort when usual Fire Prevention Month activities were limited by the pandemic.

His effort was prompted by the request of an elderly resident seeking a face mask at the fire station. Krause contacted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and was able to secure a large shipment of face masks which the firefighters distributed throughout the community, along with fire prevention materials.

It’s official

New Sumpter board takes oath

At ceremonies Nov. 19 at the Sumpter Community Center gymnasium, Judge Tina Brooks Green of the 34th District Court, administered the oaths of office to the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees.

Supervisor Timothy Bowman, Deputy Supervisor Kenneth Bednark, Clerk Esther Hurst, Deputy Clerk Anthony Burdick, Treasurer James Clark, Deputy Treasurer Toni Clark and Trustee Peggy Morgan were all sworn into office.

Shooting death investigated

It was an unhappy holiday for some Inkster residents last week when a man was killed in a shooting on Meadow Lane in the city.

Michigan State Police said late Thursday that police were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. to the 1500 block of Meadow Lane in Inkster in response to a report of a shooting. A preliminary police investigation found that the victim - who has not been identified - was shot by an unknown suspect in a vehicle, police said. The victim was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital, but died of his injuries, police said.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, according to police who declined to release any additional information.

School district food delivery to resume Monday

Volunteers from the Wayne Westland Community Schools have distributed more than 100,000 meals during the COVID pandemic.

Rain or shine, the volunteers prepare the meals and deliver them to school buildings throughout the district where families can pick them up. Food distribution is set to begin again Dec. 7 following an interruption for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Pick up times for food are usually 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., while Adams, Franklin, Stevenson and Tinkham are 10 a.m. until noon on separate days of the week. Wayne Memorial High School distribution is from 10 a.m. until noon and 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. on Mondays while John Glenn High School hours are from 6:30 until 8:30 and 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday.

“As a community, state and nation, we have seemed to hit the wall in our fight against the spread of COVID-19. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks and the term “COVID fatigue” has been heard more and more,” noted Superintendent of Wayne Westland Schools John Dignan.

COVID precautions prompt Westland City Hall closing

City of Westland administrative offices will remain closed to the public until 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9.

The Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center, the Friendship Senior Center and the Mike Modano Ice Arena have also been closed to the public.

The Westland Public Library will remain open with limited capacity and the 18th District Court will remain open. For the most current information and updates on other city closures and postponements, visit www.cityofwestland.com

In accordance with state and federal guidelines with regards to social distancing, limits on indoor gatherings and requirements for work from home allowances, Westland City Hall will remain operational with a limited staff. Residents are encouraged to utilize the city online services at www.cityofwestland.com during this time. Contact information for city departments is available on the on the city'website. City staff will still be responding to emails and voicemails as quickly as possible.

Schools respond to latest pandemic restrictions

Despite the objections of some families who support in-person learning, Northville Public Schools Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher has proposed keeping both the middle and high schools in the district on a virtual learning basis until Jan. 19. Her proposal was met with objections from several parents during a meeting last week. Some parents, medical health care professionals, urged a return to in-person learning.

“Whatever happens it's not going to please everyone,” said Gallagher, who laid out a recommendation for the district.

Following the mandatory three-week shutdown of high schools, Gallagher wants to keep the middle and high school virtual until Jan. 19.

Plymouth City Hall offering no-contact services

Plymouth City Hall is offering no-contact services to help residents and staff avoid exposure to COVID 19. The city website and drop boxes are available.

Drop boxes are located inside the vestibule on the Church Street side of Plymouth City Hall at 201 S. Main and in the drive-through lane of the Plymouth District Library. There is a slot labeled City of Plymouth.

These drop boxes can be used for all forms and payments.

In addition, many city services are available online.

Northville Township closes all municipal buildings

Northville Township officials have closed all public entrances to municipal buildings - except by appointment until Dec. 8 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gatherings and Face Mask Order.

"Our staff remains committed to providing our residents with the most efficient services possible; we continue to work inside. At Township Hall, you may use our Drive-Thru, Drop Box or make a payment online at www.twp.northville.mi.us/Pay. Building permits may be dropped off in the Drive-Thru, emailed or completed online. Residents may conduct business over the telephone or U.S. mail, too. Our main line is (248) 348-5800," noted an official statement from the township offices.

Wayne property taxes hiked by 13 mills

Property owners in the City of Wayne are going to receive an unpleasant surprise when their winter tax bills arrive in a few weeks.

A tax increase of 13.1399 mills will be included on the Dec. 1 property tax bills which are due no later than Feb. 15. The average home in Wayne, valued at $118,000 according to Zillow, with a State Equalized Value (SEV) of $59,000 will see an increase of $787. The hefty addition to the current property tax rate was agreed to by a consent judgment filed Nov. 12 between the city and the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) which manages pensions due retired city employees.

MERS had filed suit Aug. 7 against the City of Wayne which is currently $4,753,409 in arrears in payments into the retirement fund and is facing an additional 7.2 million contribution in 2022. Municipal contributions to the pension fund are required by state law. In March, the city made the bare minimum payments into MERS, remitting only the contributions made by current city employees and sending nothing from the general fund budget toward the arrears.

Bestselling Amazon author Robert Thomas, a former
Westland mayor, relaxes at his home state of Mississippi
as he prepares for another day of writing his popular
Western series.

Former Westland mayor is bestselling Amazon author

Thousands of eager fans begin to get a bit edgy at the end of every month, awaiting the next adventure of their favorite Western hero, Jess Williams.

They haven't been disappointed in five years as former Westland Mayor Robert J. Thomas releases one more 200-page epic tale of the late 19th century bounty hunter who lives by his own, distinct moral code. This month marked the publication of the 100th book in the series, a milestone achievement for any author in any genre.

If that weren't accomplishment enough, Thomas is the number-one bestselling author in Westerns on Amazon Kindle and his series about the nomadic bounty hunter with a mysterious, futuristic firearm has inspired the devotion of a multitude fans across the country.

Ellen Craig-Bragg

Romulus City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg took time during a recent city council meeting to assure all Romulus voters that their ballots were counted and handled properly.

“Despite that false narrative out there, and it is a false narrative, I want to assure all our residents that every ballot was counted and handled properly. Every ballot counted,” she said.

Craig-Bragg also formally thanked all the volunteers and workers who helped during the election which saw 12,740 registered voters in Romulus participate Nov. 3.

“Our election inspectors, workers from all over, the receiving board the AV (absentee ballot) counting board, they hung in here until 4:30 in the morning to make sure that every ballot was counted. Kudos to them,” Craig-Bragg said.

This house on Winifred Street in Wayne boasted an elaborate Halloween display last month followed by a this massive tribute to the Christmas holidays. Neighbors have been making extra trips down the street at night just to view the bright, happy display. Photo by Sean Rhaesa.

Township board members take oaths of office

Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Thomas C. Cameron

and 52-1 Novi District Judge Travis Reeds visited

Northville Township last week to administer the

oath of office to newly-elected members of the

board of trustees including Scott Frush, Cynthia Jankowski,

Mindy Herrmann and Jason Rhines.

Four new members were welcomed to the board of trustees in Northville Township last week.

Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Thomas C. Cameron and 52-1 Novi District Judge Travis Reeds administered the oaths of office to new Supervisor Mark Abbo, who previously held the post from 2000-2012. Prior to that time, Abbo served as a township trustee for eight years. Since then, he has worked as the chief financial officer for Wayne County and as fiscal director for the Wayne County Commission. Abbo, a certified public accountant, also has more than 30 years of private sector experience.

Also sworn into office was new Township Clerk Roger Lundberg. He spent 35 years as an engineer in product development and as a director at Chrysler/DaimlerChrysler. He also serves as president of the Northville Hills Golf Club Homeowners Association and earned an engineering degree and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan.

Heat in the Street already under way in downtown

Visitors to Northville will experience a hint of Europe this winter as several downtown Northville restaurant and café owners will be serving customers from contemporary vendor stands in Town Square similar to European winter markets. Patrons will be able to enjoy specialty food and drinks at open-air pods that allow fresh air to circulate yet have radiant heat to keep them warm and cozy.

The effort is part of “Heat in the Street,” a concept developed by the Northville Downtown Development Authority and Manfred Schon, a native of Germany and co-owner of Up2Go. Live music and other activities will be scheduled that allow for social distancing.

“We are so thankful to be collaborating with Up2Go and numerous community sponsors on bringing Heat in the Street to Downtown Northville,” said Lori Ward, director of the Northville Downtown Development Authority.

Canton trustees OK demolition of properties

Julie Brown, Special Writer

Three dangerous buildings will be demolished in Canton Township, within 60 days of the Nov. 17 unanimous vote of the Canton Board of Trustees.

The structures at 43415 Michigan Ave., as well as 880 Lotz Road and 890 Lotz Road, have been cited for structural deficiencies and involved in litigation.

Building Official Robert Creamer said that communication with the Michigan Avenue commercial property owner had been unsuccessful.

Carol Souchock

The Plymouth District Library Board of Trustees has closed the building, in light of the newly-issued pandemic warnings from the State of Michigan Department of Health.

“Along with many other local libraries we made this decision to protect our patrons and staff, and to do our part to flatten the ever-rising curve of the coronavirus,” explained Library Director Carol Souchock.

Though the building is closed temporarily, contactless services will be available including the expansion of curbside service; reference assistance by phone, text or email; technology services including limited public computer access by appointment, and print services; downloadable books, movies, TV shows, music; virtual programming for adults, teens and children - live and repeated on the library YouTube channel; bedtime stories on Facebook Live and book bundles for children.

Annual Greens Sale Saturday

A Holiday Green's Market will is planned from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 in downtown Plymouth at The Gathering, located off Penniman Avenue directly across from Kellogg Park.

The Green's Market will include some of the favorite Plymouth Farmers Market vendors, providing opportunities to shop for a variety of holiday greens, crafts, baked goods and seasonal treats.

The Walk of Trees display in Kellogg Park will also be complete for visitors and Nov. 28 is also Small Business Saturday, to help encourage holiday shopping at local merchants throughout the downtown area.

Romulus City Hall offering contact-free services

The City of Romulus is adhering to state and local health guidelines and all essential city buildings are staffed and able to provide residents access to critical city transactions, according to Mayor LeRoy Burcroff.

“The health and safety of our residents is our number one priority, and we remain committed to providing the high-quality customer service our residents depend on during the ongoing pandemic,” he said in a prepared statement.

While the city buildings are staffed, residents can reach departments directly by phone for contact-free service. For the most efficient service, he suggested, call the department needed directly at http://romulusgov.com/departments/ index.php.

Retiring supervisor’s leadership praised by trustees

Sumpter Township Supervisor John Morgan was thanked and lauded by several members of the board of trustees at one his final meeting earlier this month.

Morgan was defeated in his bid for reelection to the post by Tim Bowman, who was sworn into office Nov. 22, along with the other elected board members.

Township Clerk Esther Hurst told the crowded board chambers that she wanted to thank Morgan for his years of service. She noted that Morgan has spent 42 years in public service in the township and was first appointed to serve as a trustee in 1978 before being appointed and then elected as supervisor.

Sumpter Township Hall is closed

Township Hall and the Community Center in Sumpter Township have been closed until Dec. 31 by members of the Sumpter Township Board of Trustees.

Board members took the action in response to the recent surge of coronavirus cases during the Nov. 17 meeting. The closures could be extended, officials cautioned, depending on the public health threat.

Sumpter Township Hall is still fully staffed and will be providing services to residents.

Nearly a quarter of a million cars are expected to tour the Wayne County Lightfest which opened yesterday.

For the 27th year, workers from the Wayne County Parks Division worked for about eight weeks installing the nearly 5-mile long lighted holiday display which decorates Hines Park.

The annual display was set to open yesterday and even more visitors than usual are expected as the in-person holiday options will be limited due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All city offices in Inkster have been closed and will reopen when the latest orders have been lifted by the Michigan Department of Health.

City Clerk Felicia Rutledge posted the officials notice last week notifying residents of the closure "in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases and per Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order."

Inkster residents are encouraged to use the outside drop box for water or tax payments and can continue to mail in any payments due the city. Information is posted on the city website, www.cityofinkster.co.

New diversity, equity commission members named

There is a new, seven-member Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission (DEI) in the City of Westland.

Mayor William R. Wild named the members of the new commission last week, created as a result of a resolution approved by members of the city council in August which declared racism is a public health crisis.

Terms on the commission will be staggered for the initial appointees. The first three appointed will serve for three years, three others for two years and one for one year. The alternates will serve for one year. Members must reside in Westland and current city officials or employees are not eligible for appointment.

The make up of the commission will be representative of the diverse population of the community, Wild said. The DEI Commission will meet quarterly as necessary and is charged with the promotion, support and advocacy of the vision and values around diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.

No thanks

New state pandemic rules restrict holiday gatherings

Thanksgiving gatherings next week will be limited to two households according to new restrictions announced by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Health department officials issued a new emergency order Sunday that became effective yesterday. There is now a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates. In addition, bars and restaurants have been limited to outdoor dining, carry-out and delivery only.

Gyms will remain open for individual exercise with strict safety measures in place. Casinos, movie theaters and group exercise classes will be closed. Professional and college sports meeting extraordinary standards for risk mitigation may continue without spectators, however all other organized sports must stop. Colleges and high schools may proceed with remote learning, but must end in-person classes, according to the new orders.

Clerk’s proposal prompts heated board discussion

An exceptionally heated discussion of a proposal for approval of an employment contract ended with withdrawal of the motion in Sumpter Township last week.

During a board of trustees workshop preceding the regular meeting Nov. 10, Township Clerk Esther Hurst proposed an agreement to employ current Deputy Supervisor Karen Armatis as a contract employee in the clerk's office for 16 to 20 hours per week, or as needed, at a rate of $27 per hour. The agreement would be for six months, according to Hurst's request.

The proposal was strongly criticized by Treasurer Kenneth Bednark, who appeared at his first official meeting in more than a year and union employees Anna Winter and Roxanne Riddell. Winter questioned the legitimacy of the proposal and said she was concerned that the agreement would be in violation of the current union contract which clearly specifies the status of employee “floaters” and cross training of employees. She noted that a previous auditor's report noted that the clerk's office was operated with two employees.

Northville, Plymouth set Holiday Greens markets

The highly anticipated Northville Holiday Greens and Winter Market will take place this year, despite the current pandemic.

The annual event, sponsored by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, will be slightly revamped and moved to a new location this year, organizers said. This year, the sale will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 and from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22

The market will move to the corner of Seven Mile Road and Center Street, across from Northville Downs. Organizers said this larger space will allow more local farmers, growers and vendors to participate. Greens vendors will be selling traditional holiday wreaths, roping, décor, centerpieces, and porch pots while the “Best of the Best” Northville Farmers Market Vendors will also be on hand. Vendors will be selling sweets including cookies, cakes and breads, mushrooms, dog treats, coffee and hot chocolate, French breads, Polish items and food, beef, Kettle Corn, and much more.

Salute

Veterans’ banner program flying high in Northville

Veterans are being honored with banners on light poles throughout downtown Northville for the month of November.

The Northville Chamber of Commerce instituted the tribute in an effort to allow the community to recognize the service and sacrifices veterans made as members of the United States Armed Forces during wars and conflicts.

In tandem with the banners, stories of the veterans can be found on the chamber website. Veterans fought on battlefields and assisted in other ways during the war effort - from the Civil War and World War I, World War II through Vietnam and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. A total of 137 veterans are listed on the website.

City hall is open but health restrictions continue in effect

While Northville City Hall is open, residents and citizens are encouraged to conduct business online and by phone, email, regular mail and by using the drop box in the vestibule or circular drive. These actions will help minimize the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 in an indoor building, officials said. Inside city hall, masks must be worn; a mask will be provided to anyone who does not have one. Plexiglas now surrounds the reception desk and visitors are advised to keep 6 feet apart from others.

Planning commissioners OK 2-story structure

Canton Township may soon have something more to smile about following unanimous planning commission approval of a new building at the site of a former United Auto Workers office space.

The new structure, proposed by Aaron Havens, owner of Havens Ortohodontics, would be two stories and include other businesses. Havens told the commissioners his practice would anchor the site but that he had no other specific businesses in the other spaces as yet, although there were ongoing negotiations with potential tenants.

The new building would be larger than the current structure at Canton Center and Joy Road on the border of Canton and Plymouth. The union building will be demolished and the new structure will also offer office space for businesses on the second floor with possible food service locations like bakeries, coffee shops or restaurants on the first floor.

Not so fast

Annual Canton Thanksgiving Turkey Trot goes virtual for 2020

The Thanksgiving holiday tradition in Canton Township will not be deterred but a bit altered by the ongoing pandemic.

Runners and walkers can keep the township family Thanksgiving tradition alive by participating in the 18th Annual Turkey Trot For a Cause virtual event. Registration is now open and runners/walkers can take to their neighborhoods, parks, and trails any time from Nov. 19-26 to support the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

All ages are encouraged to join in the fight against epilepsy by registering for the 5K race or 1-mile fun run that will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with seizure disorders.

Chief Jeff Jedrusik

The Westland Police Department was recently honored by the NAACP with a Community Partner Award.

Officials from the organization said during the presentation that the NAACP award was in recognition of the community service, commitment to diversity and outreach demonstrated by the Westland Police Department.

“They are standing as a vanguard and an example to the other departments in the area,” said John Hearn, local NAACP branch second vice president.

“On behalf of the City of Westland Police Department, I am truly honored to have accepted this award,” Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik said in a statement. “Our police department has come a long way. We have developed a strong partnership with the (Western Wayne) NAACP and both local and regional community organizations.

Again this year, Wayne Police Department officers will be participating in Movember, an effort to raise awareness and funding to support men's health. During the month of November, men are encouraged to grow mustaches (and beards as some have chosen) to raise awareness for the effort. The Movember Foundation focuses on issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, suicide prevention, and mental health. The Movember campaign helps remind police officers that as they have a duty to protect the community, they also have a duty to protect their own health, according to a prepared statement.

Tribute

Romulus cemetery to join Wreaths Across America

Members of the Romulus VFW will once again participate in the national Wreaths Across America project set for noon Dec. 19 at Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

The national effort is a formal remembrance and tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. Volunteers will place remembrance wreaths on veteran's graves during the ceremony.

Funding is still needed for the project and wreaths can be purchased at https://bit.ly/2TTs4Hy and donations for the project, which aims to place 350 wreaths next month, are being sought. There are more than 1,500 participating locations across the country participating in the event this year.

The shooting death outside a popular Inkster restaurant last week has left city residents shaken and remains under investigation by state police detectives.

Michigan State Police troopers and officers from several police departments were called to Moe's Fish & Chicken at about 7:20 p.m. last Friday following a report of a shooting. The restaurant, a mainstay in the community, is located at Middlebelt and Rosewood in Inkster.

Officers from the Inkster, Garden City, Dearborn Heights and Westland police departments responded to the scene along with State Police Troopers.

Crime ratings show Sumpter as safest small town

Sumpter Township has received a top rating for safety from AdviserSmith, a site which ranks communities according to both violent and property crime.

The ratings, published earlier this year were reprinted on the Sumpter Township Police Facebook page noting that several different sites publish a “safest” cities/ towns lists based on the FBI annual crime reporting.

These lists are based on the rate of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault and property crimes like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, per 1,000 residents. Each site has a slightly different methodology, giving different weights to the two categories to compile their lists. The most recent rankings from AdviserSmith also categorized the ratings by population; large cities, midsize cities, and small towns. Sumpter Township is evaluated in the small town rating. The AdviserSmith “crime score” is based on that methodology with a lower score equating to less crime in the community.

Sumpter ranked as the safest small town in the area based on a compilation of the violent crime rate, the property crime rate, and the overall crime score from the site. Ranked from best to worst were: Sumpter Township: 9.7 / 6.7 = 21.1; Augusta Township: 3.3 / 17.7 = 28.0; Canton Township: 9.4 / 10.8 = 28.9; Huron Township: 10.9 / 7.5 = 31.4; Brownstown Township: 10.4 / 8.8 = 32.7; Pittsfield Township: 7.1 / 14.8 = 35.1; City of Belleville: 13.3 / 15.0 = 46.7; Van Buren Township: 16.3 / 19.3 = 53.9 and the City of Romulus: 28.6 / 22.9 = 96.6

The complete list is available at: https://advisorsmith.com/ data/safest-cities-in-michigan/

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Mayor honors city victims of coronavirus

Mayor William R. Wild

When Westland Mayor William R. Wild began his State of the City address last month, he dedicated his presentation to the then 107 residents of the community who lost their lives to the coronavirus.

Wild noted that city officials took the pandemic threat seriously and worked with labor groups and employees to curb the spread of the epidemic and said that the city was one of the first communities to be able to resume full operations.

He noted the 50-point neighborhood makeover plan was ahead of schedule with progress in 36 of the districts. The installation of more than 200 new LED streetlights and road repairs, along with new sidewalks and a major water main completion were also on his list of infrastructure improvements in the city.

The VFW Myron H. Beals American Legion Post 32 Honor Guard helped World War II Navy veteran Gordon Macorkindale celebrate his 100th birthday last week and honored his military service. Photo by Don Howard

100-year-old veteran celebrates with medals, memories

Don Howard, Staff Writer

Gordon Macorkindale
was 22 when he joined
the U.S. Navy.

World War II veteran Gordon Macorkindale is a brand-new centenarian, who celebrated his 100th birthday in grand style just before Veterans Day.

Macorkindale, whose birthday was Oct. 26, is known as “Corky” by his friends. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 in war-torn Guam; a U.S. territory in the Mariana Islands captured by the Japanese from the U.S. in 1941, and remembered for the fierce fighting and more than 7,000 American casualties.

As he reminisced about his military service, Macorkindale said his first assignment was at the Naval general store on the Pacific tropical island where he served as clerk and took care of personnel matters. Macorkindale said he joined the Navy because the recruiting station “was right there in Grosse Ile and because it offered a bowling alley on-site…I loved bowling and my scores were always in the 200s.

“I organized all the tournaments between different branches of the Army, Navy and Air Force,” he recalled about those first years in the military.

Take a hike

Naturalist to guide walk Saturday

The Fellows Creek Wetland Nature Trail will be the
site of a Hike With A Naturalist on Saturday.

Area residents looking to explore the great outdoors and discover the beauty that nature has to offer are invited to join Canton Leisure Services on the Fellows Creek Wetland Nature Trail during a special “Hike With a Naturalist” from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday.

This free, family- and pet-friendly community event will include a walk-through of approximately 0.75 miles of wetland areas with information and commentary provided by Justin Smith, a community outreach interpreter from Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

“Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy, especially in these stressful times,” said Canton Township Special Events Coordinator Gary Marks.

Mark Price

Steven Borgelt

Battalion Chief Steven Borgelt and Batallion Chief Mark Price who have a combined 56 years seniority in the department retired last month.

Both Borgelt and Price started with the department as firefighters in 1992 and earned their paramedic licenses in 2000, when the department converted from basic to an Advanced Life Support medical provider.

As firefighter/paramedics, both Borgelt and Price were assigned to an ambulance, providing emergency medical treatment to thousands of patients with varying injuries and illnesses. They were each later trained as an operator, running the multi-faceted fire engines and pumper trucks on fire scenes.

Robbery suspect

Chase Bank at Michigan Avenue and Old Canton Center Road was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash last week.

According to police reports, Canton police were called to the bank at about 3:31 p.m. last Thursday, Nov. 5 to investigate the reported robbery. Witnesses told the responding officers that a man presented a note demanding money to a teller. After receiving an unknown amount of cash he immediately left the building. No vehicle was reported as seen by police.

The suspect was described by witnesses at a black male, about 6-feet, 2-inches to 6-feet,4-inches tall with a thick build. He was wearing a black knit hat, a gray and camo-colored hooded jacket, gray shirt and dark-colored pants.

Ho, Ho, Ho

Pandemic changes Santa’s arrival plans

Santa will visit children in several local parks

in Plymouth when he arrives this year rather than entertain large crowds in Kellogg Park.

Santa Claus will make his annual visit to the City of Plymouth the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27.

While Santa's arrival on a fire truck is usually greeted by hundreds of Plymouth families in Kellogg Park as he accepts the key to the city, this year he will observing social distancing and taking precautions against the coronavirus by greeting children in their neighborhood parks.

Voters favor incumbents in township vote

In Plymouth Township balloting Nov. 3, voters returned incumbent Kurt Heise to the office of supervisor.

Heise, completing his first term as supervisor after winning a grassroots write-in campaign four years ago, received a total of 10,911 votes or 58.26 percent of the total cast. Of those, 7,207 were by absentee ballot for the republican candidate. His opponent, Democrat Mary Starr received 7,809 votes, and 6,429 of her votes were cast by absentee ballot. She received 41.68 percent of the vote totals.

Former Township Clerk Nancy Conzelman, a democrat, was defeated by incumbent Jerry Vorva, a Republican. Conzelman received 7,687 votes in her bid to return to the office Vorva captured from her four years ago.

An annual tradition in downtown Plymouth continued last weekend despite the pandemic when members of the Noon Rotary Club and their families planted hundreds of tulip bulbs set to bloom next spring. As usual, the color of the anticipated flowers will remain a secret until the first buds appear. Photo by Dave Willett

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