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OCTOBER 2026 | VOL 7 | ISSUE 10 16435 Franklin, Northville, MI 48168 • 734-716-0783 • kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com
K U R T K U B A N – Publisher
Kurt is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including the Plymouth Observer. He has been a journalist for over two decades. He founded Journeyman Publishing, which also publishes The ‘Ville, in 2017.
S CO T T S P I E L M A N – Editor
Scott graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism. He covered western Wayne County for more than 12 years at several publications before transitioning into corporate communications and media relations. A Canton resident, he has also finished his first novel and is hard at work on his next.
S CO T T B U I E – Advertising Director/Vice President of Sales
Scott has 20+ years creating advertising campaigns for clients in Metro Detroit. After managing sales for radio stations for 17 years he purchased Street Marketing, where he works closely with a variety of businesses and events. Scott and his family have lived in the Plymouth/Northville area for over 23 years.
J E N N Y P E A R S A L L – Creative Director
Jenny has been in the design and print industry for over twenty years, holding various positions in graphic design, print buying, production and print management. She also owns Bovia Design Group, a company specializing in publications and corporate branding.
B R A D E M O N S – Writer
Over the course of his four decades with the Observer & Eccentric, Brad established himself as one of the preeminent prep sports reporters in the state, winning many journalism awards along the way. His greatest joy is interviewing local athletes and coaches, and reporting on their efforts.
T I M S M I T H – Writer
Tim brings a penchant for telling personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, mostly with the Observer & Eccentric, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.
W E N S DY V O N B U S K I R K – Writer
Wensdy graduated with a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. Her first job was working as a reporter for The Northville Record. Now, as a freelance writer and editor, she works for a variety of magazines, including The Rock. -Photo by Kathleen Voss
S U E V OY L E S – Writer
Growing up, Sue always knew she wanted to be a writer. She has written for many publications over her long career in public relations and journalism, and taught English and journalism at Schoolcraft College. In 2022, she received the national Headliner Award from the Association for Women in Communications.
K E N V OY L E S – Writer/Photographer
Ken is an award-winning writer, photographer and designer whose career has spanned nearly five decades in and around metro Detroit. He started his journalism career in Plymouth, working for the Community Crier. He is the author of two books on Detroit history, loves to travel and has finished his first novel.
B R YA N M I T C H E L L – Photographer
Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was a staff photographer for the Plymouth Observer in the 90s. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe.
S E A N P O W E R – Photographer
Sean is a freelance photographer who is originally from Chicago, where he spent many years in the world of broadcast television. He and his family moved from Chicago to Northville in 2021. He lives with his wife, Angelique (a 2025 Detroit News "Michiganian of the Year"), daughter Sadie, a cat, and an English black lab.
The Rock is a product of Journeyman Publishing, which assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Comments are welcome at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Is township manager model right for Plymouth Township?
At the Sept. 22 board of trustees meeting, the concept of transitioning Plymouth Township from a full-time elected supervisor mode of government to one where the community would be run by a full-time administrator, reducing the supervisor role to a part-time position resurfaced.. Lifelong resident Carl Berry brought the issue up to the board and a couple of other residents spoke in favor of it, including Plymouth philanthropist Don Soenen. Berry made it clear that the idea was not sparked by the current board or the personalities on it. The concept has been discussed, intermittently, as far back as the 1980s. “I’m not criticizing the board; I’m trying to look toward the future of the township,” Berry said. “I have lived here my entire life. It’s time to move forward.” Berry, the township’s first police chief, knows what he’s talking about. He served the community for decades and has seen township boards—good and bad—come and go. His good friend, the late Chip Snider, set the standard for township management in Northville Township. The concept is similar to the “weak mayor” form of government, where the elected officials set the broad goals and vision for the community, while the administration makes them happen. If done properly, I think it’s the best form of local government. Look at the cities of Plymouth and Northville, for example. It essentially ensures that you have a capable municipal administrator overseeing areas like human resources and other nuts-and-bolts daily work that an elected official may not have experience in. (There are, of course, good examples of communities that have prospered under a full-time elected supervisor or mayor, as well, notably Canton Township--although Canton Township added a deputy supervisor in 2021 to handle some of the administrative and legal responsibilities.) Berry used Northville Township as an example in his assessment that he handed out to members of the board of trustees--and for good reason. Snider was a big reason why it worked so well. He held the position for 19 years through a period of incredible growth, guiding the community with a steady hand. Would a full-time manager and part-time supervisor work in Plymouth Township? In theory, yeah. Berry proposed the formation of a committee that would include two members of the board of trustees and three citizens to investigate the possibility and report back to the board prior to the 2028 election cycle. The board did not act on that proposal in September and it’s really anybody’s guess if they will. But I think it’s worth a look. Will it happen? It probably depends on whether Supervisor Chuck Curmi wants to run for re-election and, if so, if he wants to step back into a part-time position as a community leader. That’s not a knock on him, either, by the way, just an observation. Without his support, the issue probably doesn’t go anywhere. Marge Sales, another resident who spoke in favor of the concept, said a manager could bring stability to the township, which has had a rough year. There’s been significant turnover both on the board of trustees and in township hall, as well as negative attention from outside media. Moving to a township manager could mean a little less drama. I think it would also help eliminate the serious staffing and funding issues currently facing the fire department outlined in a lengthy report discussed at the same meeting (see page 6). It will probably take some kind of tax increase to address the problem. But is there the political will to get that done? That remains to be seen. Whether or not the township would be in a similar predicament if there was a township manager in place is pure conjecture, but leaders should investigate any opportunity to do what’s right for the community and prepare it for the future. Giving credit: In last month’s issue I inadvertently left off the photo credit in the story featuring artist Tina Creguer. Local photographer Andy Greenwell took the photos that Tina supplied. He’s a commercial, advertising and business photographer and you can find samples of his work at www.andygreenwell.com. My apologies to both for the oversight.
Scott Spielman is the editor of The Rock. He welcomes your feedback or letters to the editor at scottyspielman@gmail.com.
In this issue
18
STEPPINGSTONE A SCHOOL BORN OF NECESSITY
28
DON’S SMALL ENGINE: ‘WE FIX EVERYTHING’
34
SCENES FROM FALL FESTIVAL 2026 Your Voice: Letters to the Editor Report outlines challenges facing township fire department Four seek three seats on Plymouth-Canton school board State of the races impacting Plymouth Voters will decide a number of ballot proposals Lions Club Park takes shape New township deputy chief ready to make impact in Plymouth Plymouth senior hockey players assisting blind children Time remains to protest proposed Arbor Hills landfill expansion
O N T H E C O V E R : Miles and Naja Simpson and their son Miles were among the thousands of people who enjoyed Fall Festival this year. Photo by Sean Power
4 6 10 12 14 16 24 26 30
Micromanaging density is the wrong focus
Some Plymouth residents have raised the specter of density as if it’s a virus or a bad sort moving into the neighborhood. In reality, density is just a measurement. What might be scary about density? A higher population? Plymouth had more than 11,000 residents in the 1970s, and we’ve barely climbed above 9,000 in the last 20 years. Was Plymouth too dense in the past? Perhaps the fear is about multi-family housing. Well, we’ve had a range of multi-family homes for generations and Plymouth has actually lost a number of two- and three-family houses in the neighborhoods to tear-downs and conversions. Were these ever a problem? Maybe the fear is focused narrowly on condos and townhouses, which have increased over several decades. But if these are undesirable, why are streets with plenty of them like Hamilton and Ann Arbor Trail seeing so much single-family redevelopment in recent years? “Density” as often used is a scare word without much planning acumen behind it. Opponents of more density can’t define what their problem is without effectively denigrating elements of Plymouth that most residents are fine with. They’re not opposing high rises or extremely dense projects; no-one is proposing them! But they are sometimes afraid of things that are already comfortably situated in Plymouth. If we support change, growth, and renewal–as a vibrant community must–micromanaging density is not smart policy. It’s more of the same outdated policy currently in effect that wouldn’t allow many existing Plymouth neighborhoods to be re-created. Better zoning policy is needed that maintains reasonable limits while allowing for more of the natural housing evolution that occurs in a healthy, dynamic community.
David Rossie
Flock cameras threaten liberty
I am compelled to express my profound disagreement regarding the implications of Flock cameras placed throughout the community. It raises serious concerns about fundamental individual liberties and the sanctity of personal space, which I firmly believe are being encroached upon. The notion that such pervasive measures or policies are acceptable in our society is deeply troubling. They represent a significant departure from the core tenets of privacy and autonomy that are essential for a free and democratic populace. In an era of rapid technological advancement, it is imperative that we remain vigilant against any practices that erode our constitutional protections and subject citizens to undue scrutiny. Our nation's founders, having experienced the oppressions of centralized power, painstakingly crafted a framework designed
to safeguard individual rights against potential governmental overreach. Their vision for America was one where personal freedoms, including the right to be secure in one's person, papers, and effects, were paramount. The spirit of their declarations and the protections enshrined in the Bill of Rights were unequivocally intended to prevent the very kind of unwarranted intrusion that is now becoming increasingly prevalent. To disregard these foundational principles is to betray the very essence of the republic they strived to establish. We must continually uphold the values they bequeathed to us, ensuring that personal privacy remains an inviolable right, not a privilege to be eroded.
Dean Rice
Keep your opinion to yourself
To Owen Gay who wrote his scathing commentary about President Trump allegedly ushering communism into the US, many of us don’t agree with you nor do we want to see these types of comments in The Rock. This is a community publication, not a pulpit for your rant about our president or national issues. Please take your comments to the national stage. There are plenty of outlets for that.
Joan Cummings
Experienced and dedicated
We have personally known Lisa McIntyre for nearly a decade and have followed her increasingly committed work for our community over the years. From involvement in the elementary school PTA, to leadership on the Northville School Board and now, as the potential state representative for Northville, Plymouth, and Livonia, Lisa’s strong record of public service has shown that she will put in increasingly more effort, time, and commitment for the good of her community. Lisa focuses on issues that really matter: education, health care costs, mental health and fiscal discipline. She has led the Northville School Board and focused on student success and wellness, staff support, and long-term investments, all of which keeps Northville as one of the top school districts in the state. She has balanced targeted school funding with ongoing financial stability, which has given her practical experience in budgeting and careful fiscal management. And as a mental health professional and provider, Lisa is a passionate advocate for children’s mental health and will push for the fairness and transparency so badly needed in our health care system. Beyond her qualifications, Lisa also possesses the values we need in government right now: she is honest, thoughtful a true listener, and committed to doing good for the many rather than the select few. We are confident that Lisa’s experience and dedication will make her a meaningful and effective member of state government and urge you to join us in voting for her as state Representative on Nov. 3.
Dorothy and Scott Paxton
SOUND OFF: Submit your letters by emailing Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@gmail.com. Letters should be no more than 150 words. We reserve the right to edit all letters.
4 | The Rock
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A report from Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), indicated the Plymouth Township Fire Department does an adequate job of providing basic fire services and occasional mutual aid, but there are plenty of staffing and equipment needs to be addressed.
initial calls come in—are also a factor. In Plymouth Township, they average about 3.5 minutes, but Ford said that’s not too far off the national average, which is between 2.5 and three minutes. “This looks awful, but I think it’s depicting a situation that isn’t that awful,” Curmi said. “Every department throughout the whole country has the same issue.”
AREAS OF CONCERN
A
thorough report on the Plymouth Township Fire Department commissioned by the board of trustees offered two broad options for officials to consider: fund or restructure. The board heard an overview of the report findings at their Sept. 22 meeting. The full report is on the township website. “This is a listening session,” Township Supervisor Chuck Curmi told the board and audience at the meeting. “We’re going to hear some data and then we, as a community, can digest this and then decide what our next course of action is. The default is, we spend more money.” The report, commissioned by the board in 2025, cost about $35,000 and looked into every aspect of fire services: facilities, staffing levels, the agreement with Huron Valley Ambulance, response times, the status of fire equipment and more. It was conducted by Emergency 6 | The Rock
Services Consulting International (ESCI), an organization of retired fire officials with extensive knowledge of the industry and nationwide trends. “Nowhere in this report will you see anything that says you have to do this,” said Jeff Stone, project manager of ESCI. He has 30 years of experience in firefighting and prevention. “We are an outside, objective source coming in, evaluating the Plymouth Township Fire Department and evaluating what its resources are. We’re giving you an outside, unbiased opinion. “These are all recommendations,” he added. “You can choose to follow them or you can throw them out the window.”
RESPONSE TIMES
The report showed the fire department provided good fire service, despite challenges in staff levels, although response times are generally higher than
national standards. “The fire department does very well at providing service delivery in the township and even mutual aid around the area,” he said. Response times, however, average around 10 minutes, compared to about 6.5 minutes nationwide. A lot of factors weigh in on that, according to Fire Chief Pat Conely, including turnout times, proximity of stations to incidents and, of course, staff levels. About 47 percent of township homes are within 1.5 miles of a township fire station and the department, on average, can respond to about 57 percent of calls within four minutes. Turnout times and the amount of time fire trucks take to get ready to roll are big factors in that. Modern engines are not able to simply start up and roll—most take about a minute to warm up while automatic diagnostic systems evaluate the vehicles. Turnout times—the time it takes firefighters to gear up after the
Of particular concern is the status of fire equipment. Stone said the department needs about $9.5 million in new vehicles alone over the course of the next decade and currently has no capital improvement fund to pay for them. “All of the money is going to fund fire service and maintain it where it is,” he told the board. The fire department budget has fluctuated over the past three years. It was about $6 million in 2024, $6.7 million in 2025, forecast for $7.3 this year, and $6.6 million in 2027. Stone said the township should look into that as soon as possible, because those machines will only
get more expensive and they take a long time to put together. On average, a new fire engine costs about $1.2 million and takes nearly two years to outfit. If the
township purchased one now, it most likely would not be ready until 2028 or early 2029. A ladder tuck is even more expensive— costing about $2.5 million—and would take about four years between purchase and delivery. Ambulances take between 18 and 36 months. “You don’t have to replace everything now,” Stone said, “but it’s something you need to look at.” Fire stations are another area of concern. Although Fire stations #1 and #3, off Haggerty Road and at Beck and North Territorial roads, are in good shape, Fire Station #2 on Wilcox Road near Lake Pointe does not meet current standards, even though former Supervisor Kurt Heise re-opened the station and had it renovated in 2017. It was built by the Michigan Department of Transportation in 1976. “It’s still only in fair condition,” Stone said. “It’s very old and in antiquated condition.” Heise also had a plan to demolish it and construct a new station on the site — a nearby water main made an expansion impractical — but that plan was scuttled by the current
administration. Staffing levels also need to be addressed to improve both current safety and long-term planning. Already, the minimal staffing levels have caused intermittent closures at Fire Station #2. Stone said that, as the township population ages, calls for service would most likely increase. Already, about 60 percent of the calls that come in are related to medical issues. “The system is at its max right now with what you have going on,” Stone said. “That’s a concern going forward.” Staff levels have also hindered the formation of a succession plan within the department, which is notable because Conely is retiring at the end of the month. “It’s easier to hire a firefighter than to hire a fire chief,” Stone said. Overtime pay could become a problem, too. At some point, Stone said, it becomes more cost effective to hire additional firefighters. There is also a non-monetary cost to consider: too much time on the job, consistently, tends to have adverse physical consequences and can be mentally draining.
HVA CONTRACT
The report offered several recommendations about these issues, as well as ways to work better with Huron Valley Ambulance going forward. Stone said the township should formally track how often the PTFD transports patients after HVA cancels calls, look into their cancellation policy and update their agreement and include forceable performance measures and identify a way to get consistent data regarding calls and service. “That needs to be done to make better informed decisions,” he said. The township’s agreement with HVA expired in June. Township Trustee Bill Ickes said discussion about the HVA contract has been going on for more than a year. He also said the township needs to decide how to pay for the services going forward, citing a budget presentation that took place earlier during the meeting. “It’s clear that we have a revenue problem we have a financial problem and we do need to address it,” Ickes said. “It’s clear that staffing, facilities, and
equipment all need to get rectified here quickly, which means—the budget guy wouldn’t say the word millage out loud, but someone needs to say it—and that may be what it takes, because there’s ways to increase revenue but we can’t increase revenue fast enough to meet the cost of salaries and equipment that are going up at a faster rate.” “We’ll take this and digest it and see what the next steps are,” Curmi said. “There are some incremental steps we can take tomorrow. Other ones are much more strategic and will take years.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK? If you live in Plymouth Township, are you satisfied with service from the fire department? Should the township raise taxes to maintain those levels, or do you think the department should be restructured? If so, what are some other options? Email your opinions to Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@gmail. com. The Rock | 7
PUTTING PEOPLE
first
Lisa’s Priorities Support affordability measures Fully fund public schools Lead with common sense and cooperation Improve local infrastructure Invest in small businesses
V O T E November 3 V ON OR BEFORE
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rd
Mom of Three Licensed Mental Health Counselor Northville Board of Education (past President) www.mcintyreformichigan.com Paid for by Friends of Lisa McIntyre for Michigan | PO Box 641, Northville MI 48167
Election 2026
P
lymouth voters will not have to weigh in on a funding request from the Plymouth-Canton Community School District next month, but they will have the opportunity to determine who will serve on the school board in the coming years. Four candidates are seeking three open seats on the school board of trustees. Each are sixyear terms. Lester Booker, Jr. a Canton resident, is also running unopposed to fill a partial term that expires in 2028. The four candidates seeking the three six-year terms are: Aamina Ahmed, Dan Lemieux, Craig Olzak and Joe Tollefson. Ahmed, a Canton resident, is currently serving on the board and has served on the policy subcommittee since 2017. She’s lived in the community for more than 25 years. Three of her children graduated from Salem High School and her fourth is currently a student there. She said her experience in the nonprofit sector—which has included everything from fundraising to program management to executive leadership—has prepared her well for the role. “I have a background in empirical research and making data-driven decisions,” she said. “I take pride in cultivating relationships and am comfortable interacting with various levels of stakeholders. I am not afraid of taking bold decisions and
10 | The Rock
as well as a parent coach for recreation league baseball, flag football, and basketball. “My daily job centers on aligning complex operations, managing costs, evaluating data to solve problems, and building consensus among teams,” Olzak said. “School board governance requires that exact skill set. Being on the school board isn't just about setting policy; it requires rigorous oversight, transparency, and accountability. My experience evaluating datadriven solutions will help the board make informed, fiscally responsible decisions.” His wife teaches middle school in the district and he said he wanted to run for office to promote strong, transparent and proactive leadership. “First, I will advocate at state “I want to give back to the and local levels to secure stable district that served my family so funding that directly supports well and ensure it remains a place classrooms and facilities. Second, where students, teachers, and because teaching conditions staff thrive,” he said. are learning conditions, I will His top three priorities champion the resources needed are academic excellence and to attract and retain exceptional empowering teachers, fiscal educators,” Ahmed said. “Third, responsibility and promoting a I will work to close achievement safe, inclusive and supportive gaps by expanding proven learning environment. academic support so every child “Educators are the backbone thrives.” of student success,” he said. “I Olzak, also a Canton resident, am committed to supporting has lived in the community for 23 our teachers. I would prioritize years and has three children who competitive compensation, graduated from Plymouth-Canton meaningful professional Schools. A product manager development, and giving with Rocket Mortgage, he was a educators the operational trust parent volunteer throughout his and classroom support they need. children’s time with the district, “I will support evidence-
embracing innovation.” Ahmed said she got involved in the district because of her passion for public education. She wants to make sure the district every student has the education and environment they need to succeed.
based safety upgrades, expanded mental health resources, and policies that foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and safe,” Olzak added. “One way we can do this is by freeing up our existing counselors to focus on student well-being, instead of administrative tasks like scheduling. I’m also all in on increasing the number of therapy dogs throughout our district!” Tollefson, a Plymouth Township resident, has lived in the community since 2021 and has a first-grader in the district. He was appointed to the board earlier this year and said he’s running for the six-year term to continue that work. “Our schools are facing immense pressure right now between skyrocketing operating costs, chronic underfunding, state-wide enrollment decline, and the very challenging political environment we’re in,” he said. “We need engaged, constructive
leaders who are champions of public education — and equitable access to it.” He works in the healthcare field, helping young people who are under-enrolled or underemployed find roles in the industry, as well as helping health care systems adopt innovative talent acquisition strategies that support their local communities. “I’ve spent my entire career supporting young people in finding their passion, confidence, and support systems to allow them to thrive,” he said. “I have extensive experience working directly with students and families, educators, schools and district offices, as well as the business community. I’ve held leadership positions where I’ve managed teams, built and managed budgets, and supported board members. This experience gives me a wide breadth of knowledge directly applicable to the work of a school board.” He said the top three issues facing the district are funding gaps, achievement gaps and communication. “Per-pupil funding in Michigan hasn’t kept up with the rate of inflation for the last 50 years, meaning each year our schools are being asked to do more with less,” he said. “When we then look at the skyrocketing operating
costs for things like healthcare or fuel, and generational population decline decreasing funding further it’s showing up in our academic outcomes, teacher pay, and facilities. “P-CCS is a highly rated school district, however there are demographic groups that are not achieving at the same rates as their peers,” he added. “This is an area close to my heart and I will work tirelessly to support P-CCS in identifying barriers and best practices to make progress on these gaps, particularly for our most vulnerable communities.” Communication is also important for Tollefson, who has hosted 14 public events and knocked on more than 1,200 doors as part of the ‘Vote BOAT’ slate of candidates—Booker, Olzak, Ahmed and himself. He said he wants to help the district celebrate its successes and ensure residents that their concerns are being heard and addressed. “There are amazing things happening at P-CCS that many families and community members are not hearing about, and likewise there are a lot of areas of frustration that many feel are not being heard at the district level,” he said. “Improving communication will build trust and partnership in this community and, if done well, can recapture more students that are opting for other school options.”
Lemieux, a Plymouth resident, did not respond to The Rock’s questionnaire either through email or the contact form on his website, www.danforschoolboard.com.
fund on the next feasible election date and passing it so that we can maintain our facilities in a more efficient manner.” “This was immensely disappointing and frustrating as NO SINKING FUND a board member,” Tollefson said. REQUEST—YET “The board has since met with the The board had previously voted district and ensured that there are to put a 10-year, 1.5 mill sinking contingencies in place so nothing fund request on the ballot that like this can happen again. would have generated about “I advocated for a May election $135 million to fund technology, because I believe a sinking fund is infrastructure and safety needs, an urgent need and without one but missed the filing deadline for our district is at a disadvantage to November. The board voted on all surrounding communities who Sept. 22 to put the issue on the have these funds and allow them ballot on May 4, 2027, instead. to better invest in their buildings “We’ve had a lot of discussions, and sports facilities,” Tollefson both at the finance and operations added. “If approved in May, the committee meetings and at the district will not lose out on any board level about what is the of the benefits of a sinking fund appropriate time and the right caused by the original error.” calendar to be able to proceed Olzak was also disappointed with the sinking fund process that the district missed the filing again because the need is still deadline and is supportive of present and it’s important for us to putting the sinking fund request move forward with this process,” before voters in May. In the Board Treasurer Patrick Kehoe meantime, he said board needs said at the Sept. 22 board meeting. to focus on implementing a The September board vote was thorough review of administrative unanimous. District officials workflows to establish strict said they would start educating internal checks, balances, the community about the need and operational milestones so for the request after the Nov. 3 operational breakdowns do not general election. happen again. “All of our bordering districts “The missed sinking fund do have a sinking fund,” said deadline was an unacceptable Trustee Lauren Christenson. “It’s breakdown in operational very important when talking execution and oversight that about maintaining our facilities directly impacted our district's for our educational delivery for ability to plan for critical our students. I’m definitely in facility improvements,” Olzak support of this and hopeful the said. “Taxpayers and families community is in support of this deserve absolute reliability and initiative.” transparency when it comes Ahmed, Olzak and Tollefson to administrative execution said they support the issue, as well. and deadline management. “Missing the sinking fund As a member of the board I deadline is an almost unbelievable would advocate for heightened error,” Ahmed said. “Next steps accountability to ensure issues like should be ensuring internal this are prevented.” controls are fail-safe, with better accountability, getting the sinking The Rock | 11
Election 2026
I
t’s almost decision time again for Plymouth and Plymouth Township voters. Familiar faces and political newcomers alike are squaring off for a number of state senate and house races which populate the Nov. 3 midterm ballot. Early voting begins Oct. 24 for those wishing to get a jump on the proceedings. Voters also have the option of filling out absentee ballots (returning them by mail or taking them to community drop boxes where ballots will be safe and secure) or going to the polls on the first Tuesday in November. Whichever is someone’s preferred voting method, there is time to study the various contests and decide their top choices. The following is an overview, including a mix of e-mailed responses to questions and information gleaned from candidate promotional materials.
the state house 22nd District, is a 15-year Plymouth Township resident and former teacher. He said affordability, protecting the environment, sufficient staffing for fire departments and making sure public education has adequate funding are the main issues he intends to focus upon if elected. “Between being a public school teacher for more than 12 years and your state representative for eight years, I have a lot of experience working with state government in order to help our community,” Koleszar said.
I sponsored Michigan’s handsfree driving law, which has led to a measurable decline in distracted driving accidents.”
Oliansky, who in 2014 was a candidate for the PlymouthCanton school board, did not respond to a request for her stance on campaign issues as of deadline. She does not appear to have a website promoting her candidacy, and she also did not complete a candidate survey for Ballotpedia.org.
STATE SENATE RACE
STATE HOUSE RACES
Following a map reshuffling via recent redistricting, there are two Michigan State Senate contests residents will decide, those for the 5th and 8th districts. Vying for four-year terms in the 5th District are Democrat Matt Koleszar and Republican Estelle Oliansky. The 5th District includes portions of Plymouth and Canton townships, Plymouth, Westland, Garden City and Inkster. Koleszar, who is currently serving as a representative in
There are two Michigan House of Representatives matchups to decide, including the 22nd District race featuring Northville Board of Education treasurer and Democrat Lisa McIntyre versus Republican Casey Noce, a teacher and pastor at Northville Christian. The district includes portions of Northville, Plymouth and Livonia. McIntyre and Noce promise different approaches to doing the
12 | The Rock
During his time in Lansing as a state representative, Koleszar said some of his proudest accomplishments have been “helping over 1,300 people get connected to their unemployment benefits during the pandemic, as well as securing $600 million for public schools with one single bill. Additionally,
job over what would be a twoyear term. During her tenure with the Northville school board, McIntyre has considered herself a problem-solver and team-builder, along with tackling complex issues while helping balance annual budgets exceeding $100 million. McIntyre, a licensed mental health counselor, noted she will “come to Lansing ready to build broad coalitions of parents, educators, health-care providers, small-business owners, local leaders, and community advocates around the priorities that matter most to House District 22.” According to McIntyre, those priorities include making health care “more affordable and accessible for working families; and protecting clean air and water in our communities.” Another top objective is fighting for public education, with concepts such as “stronger per-pupil funding and weighted support for students with disabilities.”
Noce did not return emails from The ‘Ville, but his campaign website (www.caseynoce.com) depicts him as a husbandfather, teacher-realtor and coach-mentor with the tagline “Making Michigan Work for Working Families.” In addition to teaching 7th/8th grade history at Northville Christian, Noce is also a licensed Realtor with National Realty Centers based in Northville. If he is elected, several areas he would pursue, according to his website, include increasing tax credits for families, education reform that includes licensing teachers at the local level instead of by the state, creating safe neighborhoods, and what he calls common sense, business friendly sensibilities.
“As a history teacher and football coach, I lecture my students about the importance of teamwork and servantleadership,” Noce notes on his website. “It is up to us to make our state a better place. I want to empower you to invest back into our community by lowering taxes, encouraging businesses and passing legislation to benefit our teachers and students.”
MORGAN FACES CHALLENGER The 23rd District state house race pits Democrat incumbent Jason Morgan against Republican Miriam Corvino. The district includes portions of Ann Arbor, South Lyon, Lyon, Superior and Salem townships, and the western portions of Northville and Plymouth townships. Morgan is familiar to residents in his continuing efforts to speak out for environmental issues and try to put up guardrails against efforts such as the proposed expansion of the Arbor Hills landfill. Should Morgan be re-elected, that would just be one of the issues he will roll up his sleeves to take on. Alleviating the pressures of ongoing kitchen table issues such as affordability, health care and good-paying jobs will continue to be among his top goals. Over the next two years, if elected, Morgan intends on continuing efforts to fight for better education, roads, transit “and infrastructure that keep our communities connected and give people more choices in how they get around.”
Corvino, who grew up in Canton, will be looking to defeat Morgan. On her campaign website (www.corvinoforhouse. com), she listed key priorities such as working to eliminate property taxes, bringing in businesses, ensuring that “parents, not bureaucrats” direct children’s education and putting a hold on new datacenter projects “until we better understand the impacts on power rates, water, farmland and our communities.” Describing herself as a concerned mother rather than a career politician, Corvino, who with husband David are raising
two children, has a background in the banking and automotive industries. Among career achievements, she cited managing a “proven net-zero emissions natural gas engine project – work that showed me, firsthand, the capability and nationwide infrastructure of America’s abundant fossil fuels.” -- Kurt Kuban and Scott Spielman contributed to this story.
ALSO ON THE BALLOT Meanwhile, elections also are on tap for the Michigan Board of Education, University of Michigan regent, Michigan State University trustee, Wayne State University governor and Schoolcraft College board of trustees. In the Schoolcraft election, Brian Broderick, Jackie Coleman, Candy Little and Alexander Steward are vying for three six-year terms. Several high-stakes state and national races include for the following: governor, where Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (Democrat) faces off against Republican Congressman John James; secretary of state, pitting Democrat Garlin Gilchrist versus Republican Anthony Forlini; attorney general, a contest between Eli Savit (D) and Doug Lloyd (R); United States Senate, with Abdul El-Sayed (D) facing Mike Rogers (R); U.S. 12th District State House of Representatives, a race between Democrat Rashida Tlaib and Republican James Hooper. For a complete list of races and candidates, visit the Michigan Secretary of State website at https://www. michigan.gov/sos/elections or the Wayne County Clerk’s website at www.waynecountymi. gov/Government/ElectedOfficials/Clerk/Elections. You can also visit the Plymouth Township Clerk’s website at www.plymouthtownshipmi.gov and City of Plymouth at www.plymouthmi.gov.
The Rock | 13
Election 2026
V
oters in Plymouth will not merely decide a raft of state contests up for grabs in the Nov. 3 midterms. Also requiring their attention are several ballot proposals, ranging from measures to fight against “dark money” in politics and recasting the state constitution to others which give voters a sort of line-item veto to determine millage renewals for Schoolcraft College, the Wayne County Detroit Zoological Authority and Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority. Following is a breakdown of the ballot proposals:
PROPOSAL 2
PROPOSAL 1
ZOO AND MUSEUM FUNDING
This proposal will ask voters to give the go-ahead to authorize a 2027 constitutional convention to revise Michigan’s constitution. If Proposal 1 is approved, a general revision would be drafted, a task that could take months to complete. Those changes would be presented to voters in a future election, either for approval or rejection. But with a no vote on Nov. 3, the state constitution would remain as written. The document has been in effect since Jan. 1, 1964. The question must be presented to voters every 16 years. 14 | The Rock
Another potentially consequential measure to be decided centers around political contributions and contracts. Proposal 2 asks voters whether regulated utility companies and contractors with more than $250,000 in annual government contracts should be prohibited from making “direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them.” Moreover, it would expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring the disclosure of donor information.
Voters will determine whether the high-quality animal care for more than 2,000 species –
including polar bears, penguins and giraffes – can continue for years to come at the Detroit Zoo. The Wayne County Zoological Authority Millage Renewal will ask for the renewal and restoration of the property tax millage to its original voter-approved rate of 0.10 mills ($10 for every $100,000 of taxable value). It would be a 10year renewal, unchanged from one approved in 2016. In the first year alone, it is estimated that the millage would bring in $6,145,452. Public funding for the Detroit Historical Society and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History also is on the ballot, in another 10-year millage renewal proposal. A yes vote would extend the current rate of 0.20 mills, or about $20 for every $100,000 in taxable value.
SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE MILLAGE Also on the ballot is a request asking voters to extend its current operating millage rate of 2.27 mills for an additional 10 years. The renewal will not raise taxes for property owners who live within the college’s taxing district, which includes public schools of Northville, PlymouthCanton, Livonia, Clarenceville, Garden City and portions of Novi. It is an early extension ask, because the current rate does not expire until 2028. But Schoolcraft is seeking the extension now to ensure long-term financial stability for key areas such as operations and technology upgrades. “This renewal keeps the millage rate the same as it’s been since voters restored it in 2018,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “This proposal will provide crucial support for the college to continue its mission to our students, and for the benefit of the community as well.
G
radually, throughout a sun-soaked weekend in the City of Plymouth, the new structures at Lions Club Park took shape. Hoisted up and put in place by Lions Club members, neighborhood residents and other volunteers who were overseen by city staff, the structures replaced aging equipment that was first installed in 1995. “The kids are going to love this,” said Club President Ted Robinson, looking up at a towering play structure equipped with slides,
16 | The Rock
poles and various ways to climb up to its elevated platforms. The project represents a partnership between the city and the club, which are splitting the costs of the upgrade. Altogether, the project will cost about $360,000. The Lions Club has committed $150,000 over the course of the next five years. In addition to the main play structure, the new equipment includes: a new swing set, accessible teeter totter, and a “ten spin,” which is an accessible spinner/merry-go-
round, a drinking fountain, enhanced lighting, and new concrete pathways that connect to the surrounding sidewalks. The west half of the park will be leveled to create a multi-purpose field. Bikes racks and new benches will be installed, too. The city developed a park partnership program after voters rejected two different parks and recreation millages prior to 2025. Lions Club Park, at the corner of Burroughs and Harding streets, is the first project to be redeveloped under the program but others, Like Rotary Park, are soon to follow. “We have such a great relationship with all of our service clubs,” said former City Commissioner Nick Mroz, who lives nearby and who helped start the program.
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t’s been said that “Necessity is the mother of invention.” For Kiyo Morse and her gifted daughters, necessity led to Steppingstone School for Gifted Education in Plymouth. Her firstborn, Emiko, was reading at the age of six-and-ahalf. Even before then, she knew her daughter was different-Emiko could write the alphabet at age three. While that sounds wonderful, it represented a problem Kiyo needed to solve. Like many parents, she started her daughter at elementary school – Tanger – where the principal double-promoted Emiko. While the first year went well, the second year had challenges. “At the parent-teacher conference in October, her teacher said Emiko had not done any of her work in reading and asked me if I could get her to do it,” says Morse. When she asked her daughter about the homework, the response was stunning. “She said, ‘I read that book 18 | The Rock
three times and I am not going to do it anymore.’ I opened the workbook, asked her the questions and she knew all the answers,” recalls Morse. Trained as a research scientist with degrees from University of California-Davis, Morse says being an educator was on her “do not do” list. But she saw a need that wasn’t being met. Founding Steppingstone School for Gifted Education in 1981 was the answer. “I had to do it. My daughter needed it,” recalls the 82-year-old, a long-time Plymouth resident who now resides in Northville.
facility,” says Morse, who was born in a Japanese relocation camp during World War II, raised in California and eventually came to Michigan with her husband, Reef.
ultimately came together, and school began for grades 1-6. Arriving at the school one fall day, she told the teachers she thought the school’s name should be Steppingstone.
In just four short months and with a $10,000 loan from her parents, she found a building and hired two teachers. Ten families
“One of the teachers said she had a dream the night before that steppingstone should be the school’s name,” says Morse.
DESIGNED FOR GIFTED STUDENTS After speaking with the principal and teacher at Tanger, Morse realized the public schools could not accommodate Emiko’s needs. She also knew other local families with gifted children in the same dilemma. “We considered home schooling, but there were a lot of rules then that made it difficult. So I thought I would open a
kindergartners can connect with older students because of their intellectual abilities. “By being here students learn how to be themselves and learn about themselves. When they leave, they know how to manage themselves and how to advocate for themselves,” says David Liou, Head of Steppingstone and Mandarin instructor. Liou believes there are still misconceptions about the gifted community. “People say ‘your kid is smart so they can figure it out.’ But they are still just kids developmentally,” says Liou, 36. “We challenge kids intellectually. They won’t always “Our thinking was that we were get 100% scores here and they may providing steppingstones into the be used to always getting 100%. future.” We teach them that it’s okay to From the beginning, having a make mistakes.” curriculum designed and paced for He adds: “We don’t drag kids gifted learners was very important along. We follow the kids.” to Morse. A 45-YEAR EVOLUTION The nonprofit and accredited Since its founding in 1981, school focuses on children Steppingstone has been in in grades K-8, creating an various locations around the area. environment that supports the In 2018, the school relocated to academic, intellectual, social, the Plymouth Arts & Recreation physical and emotional growth of Center (PARC) in downtown gifted learners. Plymouth. Steppingstone’s model is Morse remained at to individualize education to Steppingstone’s helm for more the student. Classes cover two than four decades. All three of grades each and are limited her gifted daughters attended the to 15. Teachers are trained to school. She officially retired two accommodate gifted students. years ago. These students learn about three David Liou, who started times faster than average, so teaching Mandarin at the school teachers can teach up to three in 2021, is now Head of School. levels in one classroom period, “Before Steppingstone, I was adds Morse. If students advance never really aware of giftedness,” beyond the 8th grade level, the explains Liou, who grew up in school brings in a teacher to work Troy. “It was not until teaching with them. here that I learned about “I think that we were able giftedness.” to support gifted children Not long after starting to teach who might not have been very at the school, Morse asked him successful without us,” reflects about becoming Head of School. Morse. “We sometimes get kids “I was stunned. I thought, here labeled 'troubled,' but they aren’t. Kiyo was asking me, so I just When they are in a classroom accepted it,” he says. Since then, and they are ahead of others, they he has fully immersed himself often look for things to do that in Steppingstone – shadowing may cause an issue.” Morse and even getting himself More than learning goes on at Steppingstone. It’s an atmosphere where children can make friends Continued on page 20 with their peers and where even
SMART Center
Where young scientists can get a head start
B
iochemist and educator Dr. Philip D. Morse II, fondly known as Reef, witnessed something special at the annual Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance. The dean of arts and sciences at Denver University was talking with one of Morse’s students about her research project and offered her a full scholarship on the spot. She declined. You see, she was an 8th grader, presenting her research at a professional conference attended by scientists from universities and companies around the world. She hadn’t even started high school. The student was from Steppingstone School for Gifted Education, founded by Morse’s wife Kiyo in 1981, and had developed her research at the SMART Center. Founded by Reef in 2009, the SMART Center at Plymouth Arts & Recreation Center (PARC) gives middle and high school students an unusual opportunity to conduct research using an Electron Spin Resonance Spectrometer. Initial funding was provided by a Toyota Tapestry grant. The Center now has five machines, all donated by organizations. After retiring early as a full time professor at Illinois State University, Reef joined the staff at Steppingstone and created the SMART Center to give students hands-on research experience. “I wondered if I could teach middle and high school kids about electron spin resonance,” says Morse, 81.
Morse teaches a one-week workshop where students learn how to use the equipment, develop a research question, conduct experiments and analyze their data. After the workshop, students may continue their research with Morse during open lab hours. Students come from local high schools and Steppingstone. And, as in the case of the 8th grader, many students attend the
Rocky Mountain conference with Morse to present their research poster projects and engage with professional scientists. “I think it’s important for kids to see what science is really like,” says Morse. “They are talking with scientists where age and other barriers disappear.” For Morse, it all comes down to students not simply learning science from a textbook — they’re experiencing what it is like to do science. “Teaching like this is a real mentorship, the way teaching should be,” he concludes. “I learn as much from the kids as they learn from me.” The Rock | 19
early!
New hope forlike—and thoseif they wi People are curious to know what a Bioptic telescope looks high school, where they have choosingthe classes, loss and actual weird. Here more youoptions canin see, telescopes arewith worn,vision just like glasses IQ tested so he could understand according to Morse. the process that families and for this “Theypatient. don’t make a big splash very well Continued from page 19
their children go through. He still teaches Mandarin. “I love teaching. It’s a great way to build relationships with the students,” he adds. From trying their hand at pottery to practicing yoga and learning fencing, students pursue those things and more in spaces inside PARC. The extracurriculars
once they leave. They do different things and pursue what they love. We want them to do that. We want them to be happy,” she says. Her statements reinforce the school’s philosophy of not simply educating students to be high achievers but giving them the tools and freedom to figure out what they love.
Here is a close-up of the lenses: Winnifred was 100 years old when I met her at her house for a low vision evaluation. She really couldn’t see faces, television, or her iPad (which she used to watch Mass). She had struggled with vision loss from macular degeneration for 20 years, with the last 4 years being the worst. More than anything, she really bemoaned not being able to watch daily Mass. She had tried handheld magnifiers with little improvement. Her family decided to surprise her with a low vision evaluation in their home so I could help improve the quality of her life.
This woman was given the gift of sight by her family for h 100th birthday; after she had struggled for years trying to with hand magnifiers. She couldn’t be happier with her n bioptic telescopes. Sheraises providedis— me with her “wish list” of what she wanted The question this to see better, and I demonstrated a variety of “hands-
free” eyeglass mounted magnification (telescopes). Most
of our patients difficulty and/or why did she have tohave wait untilholding she magnifiers was 100 years ol the objects of interest, so they prefer eyeglass mounted magnification.
I prescribed and dispensed 1.7x eyeglass mounted When you see low vision patients, please refer for low vision evaluations to deter telescope that she can use for both distance and near. At her follow-up appointment, sheof reported devices will help your patients achieve an improved quality life. accomplishing Low vision pati all of her goals and she was even able to start crocheting again. She even made meis a dish cloth. She has also ue to say that when vision loss is significant, “anything better than nothing.” decided to go back to her home state of Maine to SEE it one more time.
Bi-Optic telescopes have applications beyond reading and closework —in stores, MESSAGE FROM at work, while traveling, visiting museums, driving,Aetc., and these activities are o are included in tuition. In the end, it all comes back Dr. John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS There’s also the Steppingstone to one20 mother’s commitment tances closer than feet— distances where focusingIt is necessary. pains me to hear that doctors Magnetic Resonance Training to her daughter – a necessity
that needed the invention of FOCUS ON morehas that can be done.”readi If you have a patient ornew.loved reading, difficulty something For Kiyo one Morse who struggles with nothing For the past 37 years I have in 1981, that necessity was mail, seeing faces or has given up their favorite past times, suchpatients as crossword puz been helping who were LOW VISION finding a place where her gifted struggling with low vision loss daughter Emiko could other activities of daily life —learn. low vision devices can help. become more independent, see The invention was faces, read their bible and other Ask The Doctor Steppingstone School for Gifted
(SMART) Center, a universitygrade research lab, also in PARC. Founded in 2009 by Kiyo’s husband, Dr. Philip D. “Reef” Morse II, its purpose is to bring a research-based science experience to students at Steppingstone and from area high schools. (See sidebar to learn more.) Students also make regular trips to the library across the street and participate in Plymouth community events.
have told their patients, “There is
books. Schedule an appointment today to find out how I can help youJohn or your loved one. Dr. P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS
Education. Her vision was to create an environment where children could learn at their own pace, find their peers and discover who they were. Forty-five years later, that solution is still serving gifted students, providing them with steppingstones into the future.
Beyond Low Vision ⬧ 26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 150 ⬧ Novi, Call today 248.731.9393
THE NEXT STEP No matter how long students stay at Steppingstone, they all move on to the next step in their education. For 8th graders, it’s 20 | The Rock
For more information, visit steppingstoneschool.org.
QUESTION:
My mother has macular degeneration and her vision has (248) 731-9393 continued to worsen. At this point, she can’t drive and struggles to watch television and read. Is there anything to help her function better?
ANSWER: B eyondLowVi s ion.com
Depending on her sight, driving may still be a possibility. 26850 Providence Pkwy Suite 150 • Novi, MI 48374 Usually the bigger goals include tasks like seeing faces, photos and reading so she doesn’t become isolated and can maintain some independence. Holding magnifiers
Plymouth Pulse
October 2026: October 2026: City City Highlights Highlights Edition Edition Read the full digital Plymouth Pulse for more news and updates at plymouthmi.gov.
Created & paid for by the City of Plymouth | 201 S. Main Street, Plymouth, MI 48170
Clear Out Your Medicine Cabinet Safely dispose of unused medications at the City of Plymouth Police Department
Have unused or expired prescription pills taking up space in your medicine cabinet? The Plymouth Police Department has a safe and convenient solution! Rather than throwing medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet, bring them to the City of Plymouth Police Department counter inside City Hall, 201 S. Main St. Proper disposal helps protect our waterways, keeps medications out of the wrong hands and makes our homes and community safer. Twice a year, the City of Plymouth Police Department partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to ensure collected medications are safely disposed of. The next Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents and business owners are welcome to drop off unused pills at Plymouth City Hall. If you miss this date, this service is also available year-round at the City of Plymouth Police Department as part of the City’s ongoing services. Please note that only pills are accepted. No containers, gels, needles, liquids or inhalers. All drop-offs are handled confidentially.
Need it Notarized? We can help! City of Plymouth staff offer notary services to witness signatures on eligible
documents. Please note that our notaries verify your identity and witness your signature but do not review or confirm the accuracy or legality of your documents.
Before visiting City Hall, check our website to learn which documents our staff can
notarize.
Learn more about notary service: tinyurl.com/CityofPlymouthNotaryServices
Watt you waiting for?
Battery Recycling Now Available 24/7 in Plymouth The City of Plymouth's Department of Municipal Services
(DMS) offers free battery recycling services to residents
and businesses. The green battery recycling drop-off box is located on Church Street, just east of Main Street, near the traffic island across from the City of Plymouth Fire Department entrance.
Recycling batteries helps prevent fires and keeps
harmful chemicals out of our soil and groundwater.
Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, can spark
dangerous fires when crushed or punctured in garbage trucks or recycling equipment.
Never place batteries in your household trash or
curbside recycling bin. Instead, follow these simple steps to prepare your batteries for safe recycling.
Check out plymouthmi.gov for more details on this program.
City of Plymouth Recreation Department presents
Pumpkin Carving Contest Two Contest categories:
Pre-K / Elementary
High School / Middle School
Photos of pumpkins must be emailed to bszachta@plymouthmi.gov by Monday, October 26 at 12Noon. Within your email submission, please note participants first name, last name, grade, and Halloween costume. Contest voting will take place Oct. 26 - 30 on The City of Plymouth Recreation Department Facebook page Gift card prizes to the Top 3 finishers in each contest!
City of Plymouth
plymouthmi.gov
Municipal Services 1231 Goldsmith
734-453-7737
City Hall
201 S. Main 734-453-1234
Plymouth Cultural Center 525 Farmer 734-455-6620
Plymouth Downtown Development Authority 831 Penniman 734-455-1453
Full Circle
New township deputy chief ready to make impact in Plymouth By Scott Spielman
W
hen Joe Meier retired from the Oak Park Police Department, he had a final message for his colleagues: I challenge all of you to make someone better. “That’s the essence of what your job is, to make someone else better,” he said. “Make it better for the next person, make them better, pass that on.” It’s the same philosophy Meier brought to the township police department just over a year ago and one of his goals, now that he is the deputy chief in Plymouth Township. He was appointed to the position on Sept. 22 on a 6-1 vote from the Board of Trustees, with Trustee Sandy Groth voting against it. “He comes with a great deal of 24 | The Rock
experience, a great reputation,” said Township Police Chief James Knittel. “He immediately made an impact on our officers, as well as our supervisors.” Meier first started working at the Oak Park department as a public safety officer in 2000. Throughout his 25-year career there, he rose through the ranks and took on a number of responsibilities, including running the detective bureau, serving as a field training officer, implementing the use of a canine officer and much more. He retired as an administrative lieutenant and started looking for his next opportunity. “I knew I was going to get back into it,” he said. “The only way to continue to make this profession better and to make people in this
profession better is to give back and help those that are going to continue on in this profession. Anything I can do to make the officers, commanders and everyone moving forward and keep this profession in the right direction is to keep giving back.” He also knew, with his distinguished career, that he could choose his next destination. He met with Knittel, talked leadership philosophy, and learned about the department. A long-time member of the community, it seemed like a natural fit. “I was sold,” Meier said. He was hired on in August of 2025 as an entry level officer and--despite his decades of experience—went through the same three-month field training program new recruits went
through and started working midnights. He said he understood that process from the start and wouldn’t have it any other way. “Just because you have years on the job doesn’t mean you know it all or anything like that,” Meier said. “You walk the walk. Nobody wants to hear the talk. You actually show up and demonstrate that you know what you’re doing. I came into it with eyes wide open and two ears and I listened and listened. Things change in this profession constantly. You need to keep up with it. “Working midnights is a little tougher as we get older, but I enjoyed it,” he added. “It was bringing me back to working with brand new officers. It brought me back to that time of helping others out and teaching them all. To me, it was an easy transition in going back to the original bread-and-butter of the job. It reminds you of why you went into this line of work to begin with.” For Meier, that was an example set by his family. His grandmother and grandfather both served in WWII—she was an airplane mechanic and he flew them—and his mother was one of eight children—seven of whom served in the armed forces. His other brothers both served in law enforcement, too. Jason retired from the Novi Police Department and Josh retired as director of public safety in Canton Township and now heads up security for the Plymouth-Canton Community School District. Knittel said he quickly proved his worth on the township force. “He’s done a phenomenal job,” Knittel said. “He came to our department because he knew of our reputation. He knew of the culture here. He believes in the culture here. He believes in positive leadership. I’ve seen that.” Meier was one of the 11 candidates who applied for the
deputy police chief when the position opened up earlier this year. Although he was not initially selected, he expressed continued interest in the job when the first candidate, Sam Miller, declined to take it. He said he sees it as coming full circle in the PlymouthCanton community, where he’s lived for more 40 years, moving from an administrative role to patrol and then back into administration—and mentoring new officers.
He said he’s looking forward to helping Knittel realize his vision for the department, which could eventually include a canine officer of its own, as well as the implementation of drones and additional technology as the public safety industry evolves “It’s just keeping up with the ever-changing field of law enforcement, technology advances and things that have changed, to speed up the work process and make it easier for
“The only way to continue to make this profession better and to make people in this profession better is to give back and help those that are going to continue on in this profession. Anything I can do to make the officers, commanders and everyone moving forward and keep this profession in the right direction is to keep giving back.”
Besides, he said, the time back on the streets allowed him to gain some familiarity with the community, how the department operates and what to expect. “I was coming through the door as a brand-new employee, seeing how things operate, getting to know all the staff here so that they made this transition much easier than it would have been if I was coming in not knowing how the department operates or the expectation of the department or the township or the citizens. It made the transition easier.”
officers to do their jobs,” he said. He said he’s also looking forward to mentoring new officers, new supervisors and preparing them for larger roles and to help them become better leaders—and learning along the way, too. “You should always be learning something, because that’s the only way you’re going to get better or anybody else in the organization is going to get better is to always be open to learning,” Meier said. “Always be learning and always be openminded and take it from there.”
celebrate the season! ___ Concerts Wreath Workshops Santa Visits Live Theatre Productions Holiday Dining Overnight Experiences & More!
By Tim Smith
H
programs afloat. That’s why the hockey players still are dedicated to doing their part to bring in money and raise awareness about the center. To help bring in as much money as possible, a raffle will again take place on Nov. 9. Widdick said sports memorabilia items can be brought to Plymouth Cultural Center on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, which is when the league’s games take place. “We love signed jerseys but since we are all sports nuts a signed football, as an example, goes over big,” Widdick noted. “I am sure if someone brought it to the (PCC) office they will get it to us. For every [$50] donation the person receives one ticket for the raffle.” Other donations will be collected to augment money the raffle generates.
ockey players of all ages certainly love goals, and there’s an important one a Plymouth-based league of older players are chasing to “assist” the Penrickton Center for Blind Children. On Monday, Nov. 9, Plymouth Senior Hockey (comprised of players from the over60 and over-70 divisions) is hosting three AllStar Benefit Games at The Plymouth Cultural Center and Ice Arena (525 Farmer Street). The contests will take place at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., with proceeds going to the Penrickton program – a non-profit agency to help provide a myriad of services for blind, multi-disabled children ages 1-12. A raffle and luncheon also are scheduled.
The rosters for the three games will be comprised with players from Plymouth Senior Hockey, with every effort made to ensure competitive games. 26 | The Rock
This is the eighth consecutive year the recreational hockey program, spearheaded by Ray Widdick, is hosting the event for Penrickton (which is based in Taylor but serves children and families from all over southeast Michigan). Over that time, an estimated $83,300 has been generated, with hopes to add another $17,000 this year to surpass $100,000 in much-needed money to help Penrickton Center for Blind Children use its “experience and expertise to help train and serve families, children and professionals through support services, education and advocacy.” Penrickton has an annual budget of about $1.9 million, and does not receive government funding, relying solely on donations to keep its
For more information, contact Ray Widdick at rayw47@yahoo.com or (734) 664-3023. Visit www.penrickton.org to learn more about the organization.
ALL-STAR BENEFIT GAMES WHAT: Plymouth Senior Hockey players are raising money for Penrickton Center for Blind Children WHEN: Nov. 9, 2026 Games at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. WHERE: Plymouth Cultural Center and Ice Arena MORE INFO: www.penrickton.org
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Story & Photos by Ken Voyles
S
ummer is over and it’s time to switch gears to fall yard cleanups and winter prep. All these seasons come with tools, and small machines with small engines. But anyone who has done yard work knows things break and worn motors need repairing. For those of us who can’t fix a light switch, let alone a Briggs & Stratton engine, Plymouth’s only remaining small engine shop, tucked in a small building by the railroad tracks outside of downtown, continues to be a community fixture – just as it has for more than 40 years. Out front of Don’s Small Engine shop there are still a few lawnmowers for sale, while others await repairs. Leaf blowers rest near a fenced off work area hiding some of the quaint charm 28 | The Rock
of what once was a welding shop, but is now among the last of its kind – a place where small engines are fixed, tuned up and made new again. “We fix everything, you name it,” says Jeff Kettenbeil, the smiling owner in dark overalls just beyond the fence. “We’ve worked on engines all over this town. Everybody knows and respects us. Anyone can sell you something, but can they take care of it?” Don’s is a holdover from another time, much the way we sometimes think of railroads. But honestly railroads, and the need for rugged engines, once impacted every part of our lives. As those cold steel rails outside the shop handle trains every day, Don’s continues to weather changes in how we make or use engines for lawnmowers, snowblowers, hedge
trimmers, leave blowers, tractors and other power tools we all know, but maybe rarely use these days. So, in a sense, there is nothing small about Don’s. Just prepare your senses to be struck by the earthy smell of oil and gas,
the sight of greasy black tools, parts, engines all crammed and jammed in every corner, the smoky feel of grime floating in the air and the sputtering sound of motors being fired up. While you can’t miss the oldfashioned aura of Don’s, what really makes it stand out are the people who own and run the shop. There’s the current owner Jeff Kettenbeil – and his longtime friend and partner for many years, Don Darling, who founded the company but is now retired. “I hate to say it but we’re kind of a dying breed,” says Kettenbeil, who was born in Detroit before moving to Plymouth as a youth. “There’s still a lot of business even if shops like this keep closing. People have mowers and tractors and blowers that will always need to work.” It’s an optimistic outlook for a business that started in 1985. Don’s was a side gig for Darling, who spent four decades working for the railroad lines. It was first located behind the old air rifle factory near Bodes (the Markham building), and in Darling’s Old Village garage before it took over the building on Lilley Road near Ann Arbor Trail. Kettenbeil started with Darling as a young man of 15, then became his partner in 1990 and bought the shop in 1999. A rapid rise, but Kettenbeil was always special, according to Darling.
“I remember when Jeff came in with his dad,” says the 81-yearold Pinckney resident. “He’d been fixing and selling stuff like bikes when he came to my place. He wanted to start right away so I gave him a box of starters to fix up. He’s done in a bit and wants to know now what else he can do. “He was a really good worker. I think I taught him a few things,” Darling laughs. Darling grew up in the community, graduating from Plymouth High in 1963. Like his father and grandfather he went to work on the railroad, spending 43 years as an engineer and before retiring. In his spare time he’d fix motors and work with another local resident in a small locksmith shop. His wife Linda would eventually help with the
small engine business (he once bought 40 Honda mowers when he found out they were no longer going to be making them, selling off all of them). Completing his range, Kettenbeil has also had plenty of experience working on medium and large engines. Growing up, Kettenbeil began fixing things and making things at an early age. He’d sell stuff he fixed and then learned more during his shop class at Canton High School, where at times he seemed to know as much as his teacher. After school he sought work at Tony’s Mower, a longtime fixture on Five Mile Road, near his new home in Lake Pointe, but then went to see a man named Don Darling. “After Don hired me he told
20-year-old son Kyle and workers Scott, Ron and Bob. Kettenbeil also sometimes seeks help from buddies he knows around town. “We’re like farmers, if the grass
getting out of the gas mower business (like Honda) to complex tools driven by batteries or electric power only. There’s also the modern trend to just replace
“I hate to say it but we’re kind of a dying breed. There’s still a lot of business even if shops like this keep closing. People have mowers and tractors and blowers that will always need to work.” Jeff Kettenbeil, owner, Don’s Small Engine business as well. “I enjoyed the business,” says Darling, “and I always liked making things run properly.” Today Don’s is still a family affair for the Kettenbeils with wife Shannon and sons Brandon and Kyle helping out. But in truth Kettenbeil is “the Don” here, based on his years of experience, knowledge, insight, and muscle when it comes to engines and what makes them go. “I’ve been fixing things my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever done and I love what I do. I can’t explain it,” says Kettenbeil, who today lives west of town. “Label me what you want. I get my hands dirty, I work hard. I like to talk to people. I know the whys of motors and I get a lot of satisfaction fixing something others can’t.” The 55-year-old is no grease monkey. He’s smart and makes good choices with the changing
me I was doing more work than a lot of mechanics with more experience,” says Kettenbeil. “We worked well together and he asked me if I wanted to be his partner.” The work continues at Don’s six days a week with spring and fall the busiest time for the Kettenbeil crew. The crew currently includes Kettenbeil’s
isn’t growing we’re not selling,” says Kettenbeil. “We like when the grass is growing and snow is flying.” Over the years Don’s hasn’t changed much – the family still helps out with equipment around town when there’s bad storms or snow events. Sometimes Kettenbeil can be found helping the city, the fire department (fixing their jaws of life machine, for example) and even the railroad. He also has a few longtime company clients like United Mobile Power Wash out of Southfield. “This is like a gift to the community, what we know, how we help,” says Kettenbeil. “We’re here for people.” Sadly, there is a down side to this positive idea of helping people. Massive upheaval is taking place in the small engine world, from lack of parts and good workers, to companies
instead of repair. “The world is shifting away from wheel products and such. There’s more automation, less motors. Batteries are big and it’s the old ‘you break it, you dump it’ and get new,” says Kettenbeil. “If something still needs fixing when it breaks we’ll do it, but things are changing.” Despite the semi bleak future for small engines Kettenbeil remains shrewdly hopeful, knowing he has repaired and fixed tens of thousands of engines of all sizes in a career. He has a passion for the work that began not long after he could walk and talk. “I just loved fixing stuff,” he says. “It’s been my life, and as I said, I can’t really explain it.” Perhaps he just did. Don’s Small Engine is located at 630 S. Mill Street. For more information, call (734) 451-5656.
The Rock | 29
“What can I do?’’ implored Kunst, who lives in the Steeplechase subdivision near Napier and Six Mile. “One thing is to come to the meeting on November 18 or December 9, just so the volume of concern can be heard. “The second thing is you can find every friend you have that lives in Washtenaw County, and have them write the board of commissioners, saying how horrifically bad the idea of creating another landfill is, until they’ve sorted out the temperatures and everything for the one they’ve got.” Kunst was one of many concerned people who attended a September meeting of the Washtenaw County Materials Management Planning Committee. An independent data scientist, Kunst said she has been actively monitoring key issues at Arbor Hills, including the rise in gas well temperatures.
IT IS NOT A CRISIS
T
he showdown over the proposed expansion of the Arbor Hills landfill in Salem Township is heating up. On one side of the battle is the landfill’s operator, Canadian-based waste management company Green For Life (GFL), which is proposing a 90-acre facility adjacent to the current landfill at Six Mile and Napier. They have pitched the plan to officials from Washtenaw County and Salem Township, who will ultimately decide the fate of the proposed expansion. On the other side of the battle are residents who live nearby, primarily from Northville and Plymouth townships, who are frustrated with the environmental hazards that come with being downwind of Arbor Hills. The clock is ticking, with a decision expected as soon as February 2027 by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners about approving the proposed expansion.
Further public committee meetings are slated for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 and 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, with Northville Township residents encouraged to attend and voice their opinions. There could be additional meetings in January and February. The meetings will be at the Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, Superior Room, 4135 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor. “The message we like to tell people is, the landfill, number one, is not needed,” stressed Northville Township resident David Drinan, vice president of the watchdog group The Conservancy Initiative and a non-voting member of the committee. “We have plenty of landfill space now. It’s unsafe because of the odors and the excess emissions and the PFAS that’s getting into Johnson Creek (the region’s sole cold-water trout tributary). “But the last thing is: it’s unfair. It’s located right on the border and Wayne County residents probably bear more of the burden of MAKING THE CASE the landfill.” Concerned citizens are urged to attend Just as important, according to Northville upcoming meetings of the Washtenaw County Materials Management Planning Committee, Township resident Trisha Kunst, is for residents to ask Washtenaw County friends to the panel which will decide whether to send officials letters to gauge the rising level move forward the GFL proposal to the full Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. of anxiety. 30 | The Rock
One glaring reason why the landfill expansion is such a bad idea, according to Kunst, is there is more than enough remaining available landfill space within 50 miles of Arbor Hills, which itself reportedly has four years of remaining capacity. She said, even excluding that facility’s remaining space, there is an estimated 133.5 million cubic yards available – expansive enough to fit 30 Hoover Dams. “They’ve got plenty of room for trash,” Kunst said. “And yet they’re saying there’s a capacity crisis.” Drinan emphasized how precarious the situation is with the months of 2026 melting away. “I hate to say it, but they (materials committee) seem to be leaning towards voting for the new landfill and I believe the revenue that comes into the county is a big part of that,” Drinan said. “Washtenaw County has a host agreement, and in that agreement…they bring in as much as $1 million or $1.5 million dollars into the county budget and that funds a lot, if not all of, their environmental programs. Things like hazardous waste collection days and educational programs.” However, with the November and December meetings still on the calendar, along with probable meetings in early 2027, there remains time to be persuasive. Kunst concurred that GFL annually pays Salem Township and Washtenaw County $3.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
SCIENTIFIC ARGUMENT Even though the time is getting closer for a decision to be made, Kunst remains steadfast that the data she is harvesting ultimately will make a profound difference in the result. “I primarily got into this due to the elevated temperatures (of wells),” Kunst explained. “If you go to the Arbor Hills Monitor (www. arborhillsmonitor.org) you can look at the thermal map, which is the visualization that shows you which wells are hot.”
Kunst said the information she has used doing her research has been from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) – based on what GFL reports to the department. According to Kunst, there have been three temperature peaks at Arbor Hills between 2021-26 (including 177 degrees in March 2025) “and when they peak, they shut off the wells nearby, so no more oxygen would get in.” “Landfills create gas, that’s just going to happen,” she continued. “The gas collection system, the wells they talk about, is there to transport the gas to a place where it can be safely disposed instead of just being released into the environment.” Although the landfill can apply for Higher Operating Value waivers with EGLE whenever wells get hotter than 145 degrees, one loophole has kept GFL in compliance even when those wells heat up to potentially dangerous levels: asking for and receiving waivers increasing the allowable threshold. Kunst insisted that “there’s no real good reason to run a well over 160 degrees, at least not scientifically,” but looking at data and reports might not enough to affect a decision.
That doesn’t mean Kunst is giving up, especially if an outside voice can be heard. Her main goal is to have the county or GFL bring in an independent expert to be given full access to the landfill and provide “good minimum criteria that apply to hot landfills.” “I am praying that somebody watches the video that I have on Facebook, of the land literally boiling,” Kunst said. “And decides that hot landfills might be bad and then brings in an external expert.” For more information about the Conservancy Initiative, which monitors the Arbor Hills situation, visit https:// conservancyinitiative.org.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? What would you like to tell Washtenaw County officials as they consider expansion plans for the Arbor Hills landfill located on the eastern edge of Salem Township? Please email your opinions to Editor Scott Spielman at scottyspielman@ gmail.com.
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Paul Krotke and daughter Vivian brought their dog Molly to the Optimist Pet Show.
"The Moms of Holiday Park," (from left) Tara Schenkel, Kayla Lincoln, Shannon Braunreiter, Bridget Nichols, Erin Bloch, and Kristin Mabe.
m o r f s e n e Sc
r Sean Powe Photos by
Brothers Oak and Zuriel Holoweski and friend Max Stupka all enjoyed the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast.
Teen volunteers Allie Raska and Anna Bowen at the BBQ T-shirts table. Plymouth High football teammates Calvin Pettis, Camden Schlaud, and Drake Conte were among the many students volunteering at the Rotary BBQ.
34 | The Rock
Friends Arianna Sabastano and Blake Brandon of Plymouth. "Bingo!" Rose Martin from Plymouth celebrates a win at Plymouth-Canton Little League Bingo.
Phil Olszewski of Plymouth said he was "absolutely stuffed" after the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast.
Go Green! Courtney Halbower, with daughters Haley and Harper, pose with a 1951 Kaiser Traveler.
Debbie Martin from Canton had a great time at Plymouth-Canton Little League Bingo.
A gaggle of pitmasters check temperature and visual cues on the racks of chicken.
The Killer Flamingos on stage at Kellogg Park on Friday.
Josie and Owen Gunsorek, Owen Lerg, and Callan Lewicki take a treat break.
Friends Sloane Rice and Harlow Delmonico from Canton share a hug.
Kori Jones and Shanie Washington at the Wilcox Fountain.
The Rock | 35
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