Chilling Out

Kate Hart

Clear skies and bright sunshine was a great start to the Ice Festival.  Though the warmer temperatures threatened to melt the many ice sculptures, they survived perfect weather for the festival. 

Plymouth is host of numerous festivals, but the Ice Festival is a favorite, with activities that cater to people of all ages.  Jake Villar, a 7th Grader at 

Plymouth Middle School, lives walking distance from Downtown.  “I can walk to Downtown from my house which is only five minutes away.  

I brought my dog Charlie to the Three Dog Bakery, bought a lemonade, and had our picture taken at one of the ice sculptures.  It’s so cool, that they allow dogs and I can walk there.  It’s my favorite festival”

EG Nicks, a popular restaurant in Plymouth, hosted a party for the event, which had an ice bar and a heated tent.  The ice bar is an annual favorite.  Indoors, a live band, Power Play Detroit, rocked the bar drawing a huge crowd.  Customers waited in line throughout the night to join the party inside.

Museum celebrates century of Rotary Club community service

 Kate Hart

 

The word “Rotary” conjures thoughts of dials on old 

telephones.  But for the citizens of Plymouth it reminds them of the Fall festival where hundreds of chicken dinners are roasting away in the outdoors. What many people don’t know is how much more there is to this philanthropic organization.  There are the many volunteers for fundraising while 

supporting local businesses, making the Rotary Club of 

Plymouth, one of the most charitable organizations in the city. 

The Plymouth Historical Museum is presenting a 100-year look on how the Rotary Club of Plymouth was founded.  The exhibit has documented history of the Rotary Club along with items of interest; gavels used by its past presidents, the 

original charter members bios, memorabilia from the past, 

the history of charitable events and even reveal how they make those delicious chicken dinners!

Not only can you visit the history of the Rotary Club but there is “A Century of Service,” where you can walk down Main Street experiencing Plymouth’s past. Or maybe a visit of the Lincoln Room, displaying many Lincoln memorabilia.  Finally, there is a walk of the Timeline, viewing items that bring back those nostalgic memories of the past.

Museum is located in Downtown Plymouth at 

155 S. Main Street.

Museum hours are 

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday:

1 – 4 PM.

Miracle on Ice

 Special needs children enjoyed unique festival ice exhibit

Ashley Willet

Each year, a local non-profit organization called Miracle League of Plymouth does a sensory-friendly event the night before the Plymouth Ice Festival for children and families with special needs. Deb Madonna founded Miracle League of Plymouth. She had a passion for encouraging the community to come out and play some baseball with some amazing special needs children. She served as president of the league for 10 years until she passed the “bat” to her son Mark Madonna. Deb Madonna still can be seen cheering at the games, sitting in the stands and giving high-fives to 

every player she meets. This event is an especially important event for Miracle League of Plymouth because not many children with special needs like large and loud crowds. 

The special ice festival event was held on Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. because children with special needs do not like major crowds and the festival draws huge crowds each year. This special event was low-key, quiet, sensory friendly and family oriented. There was ice sculptures visitors were be able to touch as a sensory experience and music, along with food trucks on site offering refreshments. Children were able to dance and enjoy the games offered which include special prizes and arts and crafts projects.

The special event took place at The Gathering across from Kellogg Park on Thursday, Feb.1.at 6:30 to 8:30p.m. in the heated pavilion, downtown Plymouth. 

Officers Get Cold Feet and More in Upcoming Polar Plunge Northville Township Police Raise Money for Special Olympic

Kate Hart

Officers based with the Northville Township Police Department are taking the Polar Plunge Challenge held at Belleville Yacht Club on February 17th at 12:00 PM.  This Polar Plunge is a fun and unique way of fund raising embraced by the community for a great cause. Motivated by their continued passion and ties to the Special Olympics Michigan. this event has become a favorite for spectators and participants. 

This is more than a challenge; it’s a respectful turn to raise awareness and bring attention to those who benefit.  Though individuals participate, it’s the combined effort that is successful in raising money for Special Olympics Michigan. The best part is that you can be part of the team.  Wannabe plungers may join in person or virtually.  Each participant will count toward the Team Total.

If you are interested in making a donation and supporting the team, see the link: https://ntwp.org/polarplunge2

SWEEPING SUCCESS!

Downtown Romulus - 5th Annual Curlng Event Success for Families and Charity

The 5th Annual Curling Event was a hit, bringing families and friends together as they took part in a fun and unique 

outdoor event while successfully raising money for Charity.  This popular yearly event is held in Downtown Romulus, 

located in Mary Ann Banks Park. Making up Ten - Four person teams proved successful in bringing together families and friends to enjoy the great outdoors, while raising over $600 to pay for “sunshine boxes” created for children staying in homeless shelters.  Students Kayla Leonard and Bianca Waters, are representatives of the Romulus High School chapter of a national program, Family Career Community Leaders of America.  Raising money is a priority along with getting 

students involved in community service.  It builds important skills including teamwork, budgets, scheduling, meeting 

commitments and more.  Because of the success, Kayla Leonard and Bianca Waters are encouraged to create more events, impacting veterans, such as Foundation 14.  An organization supporting military veterans in their passion for 

riding motorcycles. Event Organizers are encouraged and looking forward to a bigger and better event next year.

Curling History:  Flemish Artist, Pieter Bruegel (1530-1569) recorded a similar outdoor activity played on frozen bodies of water.  Originally called the “Roarin Game” (noise of granite stone on ice) it is thought to be one of the oldest team sports.

The sport was first recognized in Scotland.  To do this day, countries embrace the outdoor temperatures but all 

competitive curling competitions take place indoors. In 2024, the Federation changed it’s name to World Curling.

Romulus appoints new councilman to vacant seat

 With the death of longtime City Council woman Eva Webb, the City of Romulous was tasked to fill the void left by the respected Councilwoman. After a long battle with her health. She died at the age of 75.  Calling the city of Romulus home since 1972, Ms. Webb served on countless boards, commissions, and volunteer organizations  Her career was varied including service as a Cityof Romulus employee in the Building Department in 1996. In addition. she held a position of administrative assistant to the City Clerk and then appointed Deputy City Clerk in 2001

Allen “Big Al” Wilson whose platform is to “fight and uplift the voices of all who have been devalued and diminished”, was chosen to fill the seat bringing with him a long list of endorsements, including; Wayne County Executive Warren Evans; Wayne County Sheriff Raphael “Ray” 

Washington; Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree; Wayne County 

Commissioner & 13th Congressional District Chairman Jonathan Kinloch; The Westland Democratic Club; Romulus City Councilwoman Virginia 

Williams; Former State Representative Sherry Gay Dagnogo; State 

Representative Jewell Jones; Former Romulus Mayor Alan Lambert; United States Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; The UAW International Union, Region 1A; UAW Local Union 163; UAW Local Union 900; UAW Local Union 600

Mr. Wilson will be joining City Council Members William Wadsworth, Kathleen Abdo, Virginia Williams, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley and Mayor John Barden

City Council Meetings are held at 7:30 1st, 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month.  11111 Wayne Road, City Hall Council Chambers

Council meetings are open to the public. They are also broadcast live on the Romulus Comcast Government Channel 12. They are rebroadcast in the week they occur on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday at noon. All meetings are also available on the City of Romulus YouTube Channel.

Man Shot Early Monday Morning in Canton - No Suspect in Custody

 At 12:45 Monday morning, a man was found dead on Kopperick Road just east of Holly Drive.  Usually a quiet neighborhood, residents reported hearing gunshots thinking it was fireworks.  However, one neighbor felt something was off, stepping outside he saw headlights on a red Chevrolet Equinox that was sitting in the road.  Getting in his car, he took a ride to the scene, where he found a body on the roadway.  This is when he called 911.  The Michigan State Police and Canton Police responded.  Kopperick Road was blocked off until early afternoon as police 

conducted a thorough investigation.

Neighbors were stunned that the shooting took place in what has always been a quiet middle class bedroom 

community   Not having answers, residents wondered who the victim was and what happened.  However, a friend of the victim did come forward and identified the body.  It turns out that the vehicle is registered to the victim and his address is less than a mile from the crime scene.

Canton police have said that there is no further danger to the public  As of Wednesday afternoon they had no one in custody. 

Anyone with information can call Canton Police at 734-394-5400

Plymouth Township Home to New Meijer Store Location

 Legal Dispute Resolved

The development of a new Meijer store in Plymouth Township is on again after the retailer, developer and township ironed out an agreement.  Plans can now move forward to build a 159,000-square-foot store at Five Mile and Beck

Retail giant Meijer and developer Redico LLC were suing as the project had received pushback from residents during a June meeting about issues such as 

traffic. Meijer and Redico LLC sued the township in August after the planning commission denied a special land-use request for a store in the township.

The new retail/grocery store is in addition to Nel Hydrogen which will be located on Five Mile in Plymouth Township  Construction continues on the Five Mile corridor where hundreds of houses and apartments are now being built on the Northwest corner of Five Mile and Ridge.

Gooooo Lions!!

City of Romulus staff showing support today and wishing good luck to our Detroit Lions in their playoff game this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! #OnePride

Community mourns death of John Santomauro

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Retired Public Safety Director John R. Santomauro.    

John started his 24-year career with Canton in 1985, and was the first named Director of Public Safety.  He was successful in transforming the police and fire departments into premier emergency service agencies in Michigan.  He believed in strong leadership, training, and education to develop his workforce.  Throughout his career, John maintained positive working relationships with his staff, unions, community leaders and elected officials. 

John was well-respected throughout the law enforcement community, but no more so than by the many individuals that worked for him throughout the years.  We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Battle of the Badges

Westland's Finest teamed up with Westland's Bravest as our Police and Fire Departments squared off against their counterparts from the City of Wayne. In a fundraiser basketball game that also featured a 50/50 drawing and plenty of prize baskets that were raffled off, plenty of money was raised for the Westland Youth Athletic Association.  Our Westland team came out on top, but the real winners were the kids of the WYAA.  Thanks to everyone who came out to support this great event and organization.

 

Listening in

Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman held the first stop on his 2024 Listening Tour.  he was joined by some key members of his administration to hear what residents had to say at the Jefferson Community Vitality Center.  There was an update on the Neighborhood Makeover Program, Parks and Recreation plans for 2024, and the latest focus from the Police Department.  Residents had the opportunity to ask questions of the Mayor and department heads, as well as offer suggestions.  If you missed it, don't worry.  There are many more stops planned throughout 2024.  The next Listening Tour will held at the Westland Public Library on Feb. 26 at 6pm.

Death James Lents mourned by community

James A. Lents, 83, of Clinton, died Monday, January 22, 2024 at MercyOne - Clinton.

Memorial Services are being planned for later this spring. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at [ http://www.snellzornig.com/ | www.snellzornig.com ] .

James Alan Lents was born on November 3, 1941 in Wayne, Michigan, the son of Charles and Bessie (Lapham) Lents. He was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary's High School in Wayne, Ferris State College, and Mid-American Mortuary School in 1966. He married Valerie Angel on November 5, 1966 in Wayne, Michigan.

Jim followed in his father's footsteps, managing Lents Funeral Home, in Wayne, Michigan for many years until retiring in 1991. 

Person of the Year

David S. Jones has been selected for the 2024 Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year. Pictured below from left to right Jeff Lowrey, Chamber President, Wendy Harmon, Chamber board member , David Jones, and Mark Lewkowicz, Chairman of the Person of the Year committee. Stay tuned for details as we work with David and his family to select a date for the award dinner this spring.

Ice breakers

City of Plymouth expects 20,000 visitors to annual Ice Festival

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year, the 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is set to transform downtown Plymouth into a winter wonderland, organizers said.  This year, Michigan First Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor of the event which annually draws nearly 20,000 visitors into downtown Plymouth.

Highlights of the event this year will feature the stars of the event, the spectacular ice sculptures. Producer James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment said smaller sculptures will be displayed at local businesses while the larger artworks will be installed at Kellogg Park.

Technical assist

Winners from the second annual Canton Technology Committee App-a-thon, as well as the Judges, are shown here with their prizes and certificates.  The theme of the 2024 Canton App-a-thon focused on how to utilize technology to assist residents.  The participants were spot-on in creating apps for speaking to each other during crisis, translating documents and finding information on happenings in Canton.  This year's Judges, included: Canton Supervisor Graham-Hudak, Trustee Tania Ganguly, Abdullah Ahmet, Chris Falco, Winston Koo, and Victor Ibegbu.

Winter safety tips

Winter's here and we've got a small but mighty request: Let's keep our fire hydrants clear. By shoveling out a 3-foot space around them, you're helping our Northville Township Fire Department (NTFD) access these lifesavers faster, cutting down crucial response times. And since we're talking about shoveling, NTFD has some cool tips to keep you safe and warm while you're at it: 

• Ease into your day before grabbing that shovel. Don't rush, let your body wake up first!

• Warm-up alert! A quick stretch or a little walk does wonders before you start.

•  Opt for a smaller shovel. It's about many light lifts, not a few heavy ones.

• Dress like it's a winter wonderland! Keep your hands, head, and face cozy.

• Shovel in stages. Don't forget to take those well-deserved breaks.

Together, let's make this winter safe and hydrant-friendly!

#ntwp #NTFD #PublicSafety

Over 150 years of community commitment

For more than 150 years, Associated Newspapers has brought local news to communities in this area. These publications have won hundreds of both state and national journalism awards during that century and a half of publishing and have weathered some serious challenges.

We've endured power outages, equipment failures, printer catastrophes, economic downturns, the COVID pandemic and the changing media environment. Through it all, we have adapted and endured.

The past two weeks have presented some of the most unique and monumental challenges we have faced in many years. Our publisher, and single editorial staff member, suffered a serious injury and is unable to produce even the slightest amount of newscopy to fill the local pages. In addition, a serious weather event shut down electrical power to our production facilities and several crucial pieces of equipment simply died.

Making a splash

Canton celebrates reopening of renovated Aquatic Center

Canton Township officials gathered last week to celebrate the official grand reopening of the Summit on the Park newly renovated Aquatics Center with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed by a free community open swim for 200 individuals. 

Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak presided over the festivities and recognized the many individuals who were instrumental in completing this construction project on time and under budget. Also in attendance were members of the Canton Board of Trustees and other Canton officials, Summit on the Park management and aquatics staff, as well as construction professionals from AM Higley, who were responsible for completing the renovations. 

City of Plymouth expects 20,000 visitors to annual Ice Festival

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year, the 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is set to transform downtown Plymouth into a winter wonderland, organizers said.  This year, Michigan First Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor of the event which annually draws nearly 20,000 visitors into downtown Plymouth.

Highlights of the event this year will feature the stars of the event, the spectacular ice sculptures. Producer James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment said smaller sculptures will be displayed at local businesses while the larger artworks will be installed at Kellogg Park.

Curling Royale tournament set in Romulus

One of the 'coolest' events in Romulus will return Jan. 20.

The 6th Annual Curling Royale event will begin at 3 p.m. at Mary Ann Banks Park Jan. 20 and team registrations are now being accepted. 

Curling is a sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area which is segmented into four concentric circles. The sport, growing in popularity, is related to shuffleboard. Two teams, each with four players, take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones, also called rocks, across the ice curling sheet toward the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Each team has eight stones, with each player sliding two.   

Wayne council members choose new city manager

Diane Webb

Wayne City Council members have chosen Diane Webb as the new city manager.

Webb was selected by a four to three vote of the councilmembers with Mayor John Rhaesa, Mayor Pro Tem Alfred Brock and Councilman Donald Quarles casting the dissenting votes.

Webb told the councilmembers she was looking forward to the new position and that she planned to meet with each of them.

Currently, Webb is the township supervisor in Redford Township. She has served elected terms on the Garden City City Council and the Wayne County Commission.

Despite his negative vote, Rhaesa told Webb he thought she would “do great.” 

Sweeping victory

6th Annual Curling Royale tournament set for Jan. 20 in Romulus

One of the 'coolest' events in Romulus will return Jan. 20.

The 6th Annual Curling Royale event will begin at 3 p.m. at Mary Ann Banks Park Jan. 20 and team registrations are now being accepted. 

Curling is a sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area which is segmented into four concentric circles. The sport, growing in popularity, is related to shuffleboard. Two teams, each with four players, take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones, also called rocks, across the ice curling sheet toward the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Each team has eight stones, with each player sliding two.   

City readies for 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year, the 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is set to transform downtown Plymouth into a winter wonderland, organizers said.  This year, Michigan First Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor of the event which annually draws nearly 20,000 visitors into downtown Plymouth.

Highlights of the event this year will feature the stars of the event, the spectacular ice sculptures. Producer James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment said smaller sculptures will be displayed at local businesses while the larger artworks will be installed at Kellogg Park.

Park rentals begin

Plymouth Township officials will begin accepting reservations for the township park next Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Township residents can reserve a park shelter or pavilion for the 2024 summer season which continues from May through September. Reservations can be made in person from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Services counter on the 2nd floor of Plymouth Township Hall.

Township fire department accepting applications

With the new year comes the opportunity for a new career.

Currently, Canton Township is accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in joining the Canton Fire Department as a firefighter/medic.

According to a statement from the public safety department, there are multiple immediate vacancies to be filled. According to the department, the 2023 pay scale range included a starting annual wage of  $52,716. That increases, by union contract to $63,790 the second year,  $71,654 the third year of employment, $79,512 the fourth year and $87,375 the fifth year.

Applications will be accepted until all open positions are filled, officials said.

Ford Road reconstruction project set to begin

Drivers using Ford Road next year will find a long-sought construction effort under way in response to the exceptional number of reported vehicle crashes along the highly trafficked roadway.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials revealed the construction timeline of the recently approved project which will include the temporary widening along Ford Road. Officials said the construction was prompted by the number of crashes at Ford Road intersections which exceed the Michigan average by as much as 186 percent in some areas. While officials refused to set an exact date for construction to begin, they announced the project would begin “in early 2024.” 

Finally gone

The demolition of the former RJs Party Store marked the end of more than four years of effort by members of the Romulus Building and Ordinance department, officials noted in a social media post.  The previous owner of the property failed to make any attempt to improve the blighted site, officials said. After years of legal wrangling and maneuvering, the owners were forced to sell the site to a new owner "who sees the value of this site and shares our vision of a better Romulus."

Sumpter Township man sentenced in plot to kidnap governor

A Sumpter Township man will spend 3 to 20 years in prison for his part in a failed attempt to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Shawn Michael Fix, 41, entered a guilty plea to involvement in the kidnap plot along with a co-defendant, Brian Higgins who was sentenced to 36 months on probation for his part in the plan.

After nearly three years of legal wrangling, the pair admitted to providing material support to an act of terrorism by helping to locate and surveil the governor's vacation home as part of the 2020 plan to kidnap Whitmer.

High school to establish new Memorial Wall

Wayne Memorial High School may soon include a tribute to servicemen and women 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.

X-men

Group looks toward progress at Malcolm X home in Inkster

A decades-long effort to save a historical site in Inkster may see significant progress this year.

Aaron Sims, one of the driving forces behind the move to save and refurbish an Inkster home briefly occupied by Malcolm X, said he is hoping for more progress in the restoration this year.  Sims, along with a dedicated cadre of volunteers, has been working for more than a decade to acquire the Williams Street home and property.

According to city and historic records, Malcolm X lived in the home with his brother and his brother's family from 1952 until 1953, during his civil right efforts in Detroit. Sims and the other members of the group hope to turn the house into a historic landmark and a museum where other items belonging the Malcolm X can be seen.

School board members reject proposed layoffs

Members of the Wayne Westland Board of Education unanimously rejected Superintendent of Schools John Dignan's suggested staffing cuts during their Dec. 21 meeting.

The staffing cuts and layoffs were proposed in response to the abrupt discovery of a $17 million deficit in the school district budget. Board members and administrators believed the district was operating with a strong positive balance rather than the huge deficit. The deficit was discovered during a routine audit of district finances.

Free waste drop off center is now open

Residents of Northville Township and the City of Northville now have access to a free new Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center, which opened Oct. 3.

Operated by Washtenaw County in collaboration with GFL Environmental, the facility is located in the Arbor Hills complex at 10843 W. Five Mile Road, just west of Napier Road.  

The 2,400-square-foot HHW Center is open for residents by appointment only Tuesday-Friday. 

Season of giving

Northville Township Police officers collected toys to be distributed to deserving children and families during the holiday season. Officers agreed it has been a "heartwarming experience."  Officers posted a thank you to everyone who donated and to the township hall staff members who helped make the initiative such a success. The Northville Shop with a Cop event took place last week, along with the personal delivery of the toys and gifts to homes in the community.

Police patrols increased at old hospital

Anyone contemplating a visit to the deteriorating and abandoned state psychiatric hospital on Seven Mile Road in Northville has been warned that visiting the site could well result in an expensive citation for trespassing.

The Northville Township Police Department has significantly increased patrols near the property in an effort to ensure the safety of those attempting to visit the site, officials said. 

 The township recently installed a 24-hour security system to help prevent trespassing and vandalism. 

Romulus is named as ecities ‘Honored Community’

The City of Romulus has been named a 2023 eCities Honored Community for successes and efforts in contributing to growth in Michigan. The designation was given as part of the annual eCities study, conducted by iLabs, the University of Michigan-Dearborn Office of Engagement and Impact. The four other honored communities are the cities of Eastpointe, Lansing, Royal Oak, and the Charter Township of Delta. 

“The recognition by UM's iLabs is validation that our team and city are on the right track. Where we have received four and five star certifications prior, the increased distinction as an “honored community” is a re-affirming compliment,” said Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight.

Coolest event ever…

2024 Plymouth Ice Festival set for downtown Feb. 2, 3, and 4

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year, the 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is set to transform downtown Plymouth into a winter wonderland, organizers said.  This year, Michigan First Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor of the event which annually draws nearly 20,000 visitors into downtown Plymouth.

Highlights of the event this year will feature the stars of the event, the spectacular ice sculptures. Producer James Gietzen of JAG Entertainment said smaller sculptures will be displayed at local businesses while the larger artworks will be installed at Kellogg Park.

Plan for ‘Gateway Project’ presented to council

Representatives from OHM Advisors presented the final concept plan for the Ford Field Park Accessible Gateway project to city council members during a recent meeting.

The representatives requested input from the council members regarding the entrance which is proposed to be constructed north of the gateway plaza with brick pillars and wrought-iron fencing along the Hutton Street sidewalk. The Americans With Disabilities compliant sidewalk will lead from the plaza overlook to the ramp entrance. 

Council members recommended using a less expensive gateway feature then the obelisk which was priced at $75,000 and less expensive fencing. Council members also noted that stadium seating is buried under the plaza location and helps stabilize the banked area. The next step in the process will be finalizing the design and using engineering services to prepare a bid for project construction, officials said.  

Wet work

The Department of Public Works in Northville Township was recently recognized by township officials during Water and Wastewater Professional Workforce Week earlier this month. The recognition was part of the statewide effort to acknowledge the crucial role of water in the well-being of all state residents. In a statement posted on social media, township officials said, "We acknowledge the crucial role of water in our lives and express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated professionals who ensure our water remains a precious resource for generations to come. Our DPW performs tasks such as water and sewer maintenance, water testing and education to ensure we have safe, reliable public water and sewer service." 

Taking the lead

Corey Nicoloff has been named as operations leader for the Northville Township Public Works Department. Nicoloff, who started with the department in 2013, has earned an S-1 license and is a  graduate of Michigan Public Service Institute. In this newly-defined role, Nicoloff will spearhead the township public works team, overseeing the execution of assigned responsibilities. As operations leader, he will assist in planning, coordinating and assigning duties for the day-to-day operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow, according to township officials. 

Park trail marking new under way

Northville officials welcomed representatives from the Rock Solid Trail Contracting, LLC. team to Legacy Park earlier this month.

The survey and mapping for the first phase of trail construction is now under way, officials said and as part of this process, some trees may be marked with orange and red/white striped flags. These flags are for geographical reference and do not indicate that any trees will be removed, officials said. 

Ford Road reconstruction project set to begin

Drivers using Ford Road next year will find a long-sought construction effort under way in response to the exceptional number of reported vehicle crashes along the highly trafficked roadway.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials revealed the construction timeline of the recently approved project which will include the temporary widening along Ford Road. Officials said the construction was prompted by the number of crashes at Ford Road intersections which exceed the Michigan average by as much as 186 percent in some areas. While officials refused to set an exact date for construction to begin, they announced the project would begin “in early 2024.” 

Kettle campaign

Members of the Canton Police Department were on the job throughout the community recently as they volunteered to help the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. The 2023 Red Kettle goal has been set at $7.9 million for Metro Detroit. The theme of the effort this year, Love Beyond Christmas, is a reminder, officials said, of the help needed by the most vulnerable all year long. The Christmas Red Kettle Campaign provides shelter, meals and gifts to the less fortunate during the holiday season through the volunteer efforts like those of the Canton Township officers, officials said. The bell ringing campaign ended on Christmas Eve.

Warren Road ‘Underground Railroad’ house demolished

The historic two-story, red brick house at the corner of Warren and Morton Taylor roads in Canton Township was demolished last week and the last of the remains hauled from the site.

The 150-year-old home was a popular topic with Civil War history fans who suggested the house was a stop along the Underground Railroad used by runaway slaves fleeing the southern states and attempting to get to Canada. 

Donations for planned pickleball project sought

Local pickleball enthusiast Mark Malcolm is continuing his efforts to construct public courts for the game at the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex in Plymouth (PARC).

Malcolm, vice-president of PARC, recently launched a fundraising campaign to generate the matching funds necessary for a state grant to help fund the construction of four outdoor courts on property already owned by PARC.

Land for the courts has already been donated by PARC and by Dec. 16, $37,935 had been donated toward the $50,000 needed to match the state funding.

Miracle workers

Officers from both the Plymouth Township and Plymouth police departments again participated in their annual "No Shave November" Community Outreach Fundraiser this year. Each member of the department was given the opportunity to have a beard during November / December for a charitable donation. The donations were collected from officers and staff from both departments. Township Police Chief James Knittel, City Chief Al Cox and officers from each department presented the check to The Miracle League of Plymouth Executive Director Stacey Diefenbach for $2,150. 

Church choir member suffers burns

The final performance of “The Glory of Christmas” concert at NorthRidge Church earlier this month left a woman hospitalized with burns over 30 percent of her body, officials said.

According to fire department reports, first responders were called to the church at about 9 p.m. Dec. 7 to treat a woman severely burned when her choir robe caught fire during a performance. Officials said a misplaced candle  ignited the choir robe when the woman brushed against the flame. The victim remains hospitalized with “pretty significant burn injuries” after being transported to a University of Michigan facility.

Romulus gas station accused of price gouging

Operators of the BP gas station on Middlebelt Road in Romulus have until Jan. 8 to respond to a cease-and-desist notice from the office of State Attorney General Dana Nessel alleging overcharging of customers.

The notice, issued last week, alleges that the station near Detroit Metro Airport was charging $1.50 per gallon more than nearby competitors. “The Attorney General's Office has now probable cause to believe the gas station unfairly overcharged consumers more than the typical price for its services in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act,” the notice read.

Shopping trip

Several children were “arrested” earlier this month as officers from the Romulus Police Department escorted them on the annual Shop with a Cop event. The children and officers searched for perfect gifts for family members at the Walmart in Belleville, where staff members welcomed the students.

SMART bus routes expanded

Traveling to some destinations in Romulus will become easier beginning Jan. 8 when SMART begins new stops in the community.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 8, route 280 Western Wayne will be serving new stops in the downtown Romulus area on weekdays. New key destinations include Romulus Public Library, 34th District Court, Wellesley Apartments, Metro Charter Academy, Romulus High School, Concentra Urgent Care, and Metro Airport Center.