The Rock - April 2023

Chris Soutar

Scott Daugherty

Chris has lived in the Plymouth / Canton community since 1994. Some his local favorites are: Campari’s on the Park, Basement Burger, Mexican Fiesta II, Pizza Vino, Spoons Place, Central City Dance Center.

Chris has lived in the Plymouth / Canton community since 1994. Some of his local favorites are: Campari’s on the Park, Basement Burger, Mexican Fiesta II, Pizza Vino, Spoons Place, Central City Dance Center.

csoutrar@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2715

Mobile: (734) 765-8980

Scott has lived in the Plymouth / Canton Community since 2002. Some his local favorites are: Crow’s Nest (Canton), Golf at Pheasant Run Golf Course (Canton), Spoons Place, Palermo Pizza, DCFC Soccer.

Scott has lived in the Plymouth / Canton Community since 2002. Some of his local favorites are: Crow’s Nest (Canton), Golf at Pheasant Run Golf Course (Canton), Spoons Place, Palermo Pizza, DCFC Soccer.

sdaugherty@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2773

Mobile: (555) 555-1212

Local Matters!

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KURT

APRIL 2023

VOL 4 | ISSUE 4

KUBAN – Editor & 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.

SCOTT BUIE – 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.

JENNY PEARSALL – 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.

BRAD KADRICH – Writer

Brad is an award-winning journalist who spent more than 20 years covering the Plymouth community for the Plymouth Observer. He also spent 15 years serving his country in the U.S. Air Force.

BRAD EMONS – Writer

Publisher

Here is the list of readers who supported local journalism this month:

- The Bartek Family

- Ron Lynch

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To secure space in an upcoming issue of The Rock, contact Advertising Director Scott Buie at (313) 399-5231, or via email at scottbuie@therockmagazine.com or advertising@therockmagazine.com.

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.

LARRY

O’CONNOR – Writer

Larry is a metro Detroit area journalist whose work has appeared in The Detroit News, Jackson Citizen Patriot and the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. When he’s not meticulously chronicling people or events, he’s avidly rooting for his favorite soccer teams -- Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic.

TIM SMITH – 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.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

Michele is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record b efore moving on to The Detroit News. She is an author, researcher, local history enthusiast, and community activist/ advocate.

WENSDY VON BUSKIRK – 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

KEN VOYLES – 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.

BILL BRESLER – Photographer

Bill arrived in Plymouth in 1977 to work for the Community Crier. He also worked for the Plymouth Observer for many years. Bill, who taught photography at Madonna University, retired from what was left of the newspaper business in 2019 and now freelances. He’s happy to be back in the Plymouth community.

Rescuing the Rouge Begins With Protecting Johnson Creek

A few years ago, I met up with some members of the Plymouth-based Friends of the Rouge at a location along Johnson Creek, perhaps the most important of the Rouge River tributaries.

Some volunteers were doing a fish survey in the creek. I had seen them do similar surveys at other locations in the Rouge watershed. Most of the time the group would be thrilled to dip their net into the waters and pull up smallmouth bass, bluegills, catfish or a variety of minnows that call the Rouge home.

As they lifted the net from Johnson Creek, however, my jaw nearly dropped as they pulled up a number of brown trout of various sizes, including some really nice fish. It was no fluke either. Johnson Creek has actually supported naturally-reproducing trout for many years. I had heard rumors, but to see them with my own eyes in a tributary of the Rouge River was pretty astonishing.

I’m one of those guys who travels all over northern Michigan seeking out pristine, clearrunning streams so I can land a few trout with my fishing pole. That’s because trout can only survive in cold water, pollution-free waterways. Most people wouldn’t put the Rouge River into that category. In fact, years ago the federal government classified the Rouge River as an AOC (area of concern) because it was so polluted by industrial waste, raw sewage and municipal runoff.

Yet, up here in Plymouth, which lies in the headwaters region of the Rouge watershed, our streams are relatively clean and support diverse species of fish and other aquatic creatures.

Friends of the Rouge (FOTR), which is a non-profit organization based at PARC, has lead the way in raising awareness about the plight of the Rouge. Their monitoring, educational and stewardship programs have really made a difference over the last generation in helping change perceptions about the Rouge.

One of FOTR’s signature events is Rouge Rescue, which has been taking place since 1986. In the beginning, the event largely consisted of volunteers removing trash from the longneglected river. Over the years, however, the annual event has evolved to incorporate other activities including planting native vegetation along the river, building bird and bat boxes and opening logjams to create recreational opportunities like kayaking.

Covid derailed Rouge Rescue for a couple years, but it’s back this year on May 20, and FOTR has even more activities planned for other days in May, June and beyond. If you are interested in helping out with any of the activities, including a number here in Plymouth, check out our story on Page 12

Johnson Creek is a perfect example of why these events are important. Who knew the Rouge could support trout? And it’s not just trout. Johnson Creek is also one of the few streams to support a population of the redside dace, a small but beautiful minnow that is native only to this region.

That’s why I’m concerned about some of the development plans along Five Mile on the old DeHoCo property, including the parcel for the proposed new location of the Northville Downs racetrack at Five Mile and Ridge. Johnson Creek runs through much of the property shrouded under a wooded corridor.

FOTR has been sounding the alarm about the impact the track could have on the stream if precautions are not taken. How much of the vegetation along the river will be preserved? How much stormwater runoff from parking lots and other impervious surfaces will reach the river? Both of these issues could see an increase in water temperatures, sedimentation and habitat loss in Johnson Creek.

We hope Plymouth Township officials will insure the rush to development will not preclude genuine plans to preserve Johnson Creek, which is the last remaining cold water stream in the Rouge watershed.

In Michigan, the last Saturday in April is the traditional opener for trout fishing in most streams. Anglers like me are counting down the days. It’s nice to think you really don’t need to drive a couple hundred miles to find a stream where they live. They’re actually surviving right here in our own backyard.

Losing this resource because of careless development would be a tragedy. We have a responsibility to protect this little treasure of a stream.

Kurt Kuban is the editor of The Rock. He can be reached at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com.

GRACE WEST MAKES SPLASH ON THE VOICE

FOTR NEEDS PUBLIC’S HELP TO RESCUE THE ROUGE

EMU CATCHER FALLING IN LOVE WITH BASEBALL AGAIN

YOUR VOICE: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Chiefs’ Not Derogatory

The Plymouth Canton Community School District is currently in the process of changing the Canton High School mascot/nickname away from the Chiefs. This truly upsets me, and I hope that this news upsets a lot of other former students/staff and residents. They say that they are afraid that “Chiefs” offends Native Americans. I have spoken to several Native Americans who feel no offense, and in fact feel that the name Chief represents a position of leadership and authority, and is in no way a derogatory term.

If you are upset by the possibility of changing the Chiefs name, please speak up. Send some letters to the School Board and the Superintendent. Let your voices be heard!

Bob Buikema

Traffic’s Already a Mess

We live about one mile from the proposed racetrack site, and between the gravel haulers, the trash haulers, and the trains, traffic is already a mess, and the roads have a lot of wear and tear, so no matter what business comes to the area, they should be forced to pay to widen and pave all the roads within a three mile radius. Plus they should have to maintain them. The gravel haulers have been driving south down Ridge Road and then turning east onto North Territorial. The roads, as they are, cannot handle any more traffic.

Joe and Margaret Chemello

Where Does It Stop?

What do I think about the "proposed" move of Northville Downs to Plymouth Township? While it may be advantageous

for Plymouth Township from a financial standpoint, I cannot see any positives beyond that. These are my concerns after living in Plymouth for eight years.

Plymouth is not what it was. I used to look forward to its festivals and special events, including Friday night music in the park. Now, when these things are going on, I tend to avoid town because of the huge influx of people, both residents and non-

considered a less safe area to be in, compared to other areas of town. The racetrack attracted a certain type of clientele, and they tended to be people that were not from Northville.

People love Plymouth because of its trees and festivals and events. But once the trees are gone, and the festivals and events are overrun with crowds who have no place to park (and no, charging for parking is not the

Negative Impact

The move of Northville Downs to the MITC corridor is poorly thought out, and will most likely negatively impact the community at large. Horse racing is in demise, which means that this property would probably turn into another gambling casino long term.

In another article it was noted that the Downs owners are seeking a state grant for the development, which I also oppose.

Thank you for allowing input from the community.

Carolyne Brown

SJ5K Making World Better

residents. And as a result, there are major traffic and parking issues. I know the track would be in the township, but bringing even more people to the area is not a good thing.

Every acre of available land keeps getting gobbled up in Plymouth Township in favor of development, including residential developments -- the former Elks property is an example. As a result, there’s even more people and traffic and noise and lights. There is value in open land. The less we have of it, the less desirable our properties are. And once it's gone, we just live in a cityscape. Not why I moved here.

I grew up in Northville. The Northville Downs area was

answer), we are just another town. We're getting closer to that every year. The racetrack is another big step in that direction.

After reading the article about the track in The Rock, it was clear to me that this has likely been a done deal for a while already and it doesn’t matter what residents think. It hardly ever does. There are meetings where residents can voice their concerns, but it doesn't matter. We all know that. Whoever makes the final decisions has already done that. It's really sad. It's all about money. Greed. Never about people who live here and their quality of life. I know it's not unique to Plymouth, but where does it stop?

Brigitte Cahill

Darn kids are on their phones all the time, too lazy, don't know how to work. You've heard it. I've heard it. Well, let me tell you, they are not all that way. Recently, I encountered a group of 30 or so high school kids that were truly inspirational to me. They’re local high school kids here in the Plymouth-Canton school district. They’re in a club whose goal isn't to help them improve their basketball, dance or debate skills. These kids and their dedicated faculty advisers make up the SJ5K group and their goal is dedicated to helping families in the community who are facing unexpected extreme health challenges. It was truly inspirational seeing them in action and to know they are doing all this for others.

So, if you see signs around for their 5K race or other fundraisers, please consider helping out these kids and their generous cause. They are making our world and will be making our future better.

M. Fisher

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—Brian, Plymouth

—L. Walker

The trajectory of Canton High's mascot name is plummeting from “hail to the Chiefs” to “let’s set sail to the Chiefs.”

Two members of the first graduating class in 1975 believe the rush to change the school’s Native American-inspired moniker after a half-century is a bit hasty.

“This is pretty much a perfect example of cancel culture,” said Cam Miller, a Plymouth attorney and ’75 Plymouth-Canton High graduate. The school's name changed to Canton High in 2002, with the opening of Plymouth High.

Added classmate and retired Plymouth-Canton Community Schools teacher Jodi Ring: “It’s breaking my heart.”

Miller and Ring are part of a 14-member Mascot Committee, which Plymouth-Canton

Cancel Culture?

Canton High alums hope to put brakes on changing Chiefs nickname

By Larry O'Connor

Many Michigan high schools have followed suit. Lansing Sexton High (Scorpions from Big Reds) and Saranac High (Red Hawks from Redskins) are some of the latest to revamp their identities.

American in a headdress. Canton High’s athletic website has transitioned from the sharpenedstone symbol altogether, favoring a red block C instead.

Schools formed after students raised concerns over the Chiefs' moniker.

The steering committee will make a recommendation to the Plymouth-Canton Board of Education in June.

The ad-hoc group has met twice.

Critics of Native Americaninfused nicknames and mascots contend they reinforce racist stereotypes and foster cultural appropriation.

Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians–who changed from the Indians and ditched their orthodontically challenged Chief Wahoo logo–and the National Football League’s Washington Commanders–who kicked their contentious Redskins branding to the sidelines after a 2015 U.S. District Court ruling–have been notable examples in heeding the call.

Those districts and others received grants for their enlightened turnabouts.

Lansing School District received $87,500 and Saranac Community Schools $139,318 to help with their rebrands from the Native American Heritage Fund, which is paid by a portion of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s gaming revenues.

Last year, schools received nearly $480,000 to offset the costs of changing logos and mascots. Grants also paid for community projects, academic programs and activities to honor Native American culture.

NOT THE FIRST TIME

Canton High's nametag has kicked up a ruckus before.

To address concerns over stereotypes, the high school had long switched to an arrowhead logo from a silhouette of a Native

Ten years ago, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights cited Canton High with 34 other schools in a complaint to the U.S. Department of Civil Rights, asking the feds to clamp down on American Indian mascots, nicknames and slogans.

The Chiefs’ case is more nuanced, Miller said.

“The problem is they've got all these examples that are so taken out of context," he said. "You know that, ‘Oh, the name Indians as a nickname is highly offensive. The name Redskins is highly offensive.’

“Well, Chiefs is not the same as Indians or Redskins, is it? Yes, if you're a Native American and you walk up to me and I say, ‘Hey Chief,’ I get that's insulting but to call a school's nickname the Chiefs, it’s not the same.”

Plymouth-Canton Schools didn’t have a building namechange policy three years ago when the issue came up. Since

that procedural gap has been addressed, a new student group took up the campaign.

A Plymouth High student gave a presentation to the Mascot Committee, which is comprised of teachers, administrators, students and school trustee Patti McCoin.

Miller and Ring praised the student's poise and research. Yet, Ring questioned a petition cited by the student, which showed many favored ditching the Chiefs' branding. As a Plymouth Township election precinct chairwoman, she was not aware of any such signature-gathering effort.

“It also depends on how you ask the question,” Ring said.

The pair joined the Mascot

of the first week of April.

McCoin declined to release names of those on the Mascot Committee, noting there are students involved. The trustee also didn’t want to discuss the issue.

Kurt Tyszkiewicz, assistant superintendent of Student Services, who is coordinating the panel, could not be reached for comment.

Plymouth-Canton Schools officials advertised for prospective Mascot Committee members eight weeks from December to January on the district website and on social media, McCoin said.

“There was a lengthy period for interested members of the community to apply to be part of the committee,” she said.

grades kindergarten through 12 and vividly recalls the hoopla surrounding the new high school’s opening a half-century ago.

Plymouth-Canton High’s first graduating class started as ninthgraders at Central Middle School as the building was built.

“We had a strong bond with our class,” Ring said.

The school’s red and white colors were a product of the fastapproaching nation’s bicentennial (Plymouth Salem High selected blue and white, which completed the patriotic trifecta).

Freshman and sophomore classes voted on the school's nickname and mascot. The Chiefs reflected leadership, strength and respect, Ring said.

“Our intent was not to be hurtful,” she added.

At the time, Miller said he didn’t care for the chosen nickname because the only Chiefs he knew were the NFL ones in Kansas City and it also “didn’t flow.”

The attorney preferred the runner-up, which was the Cougars. Though 50 years later, even a jungle cat might draw the ire of some middle-aged women, he said.

University of Michigan School of Public Health professor. He died in January 2006 at age 84. McClendon, born in Troy, Oklahoma, was Native American and a Choctaw Tribal representative. He reportedly had no qualms with the Chiefs' moniker.

Then board president, McClendon was asked by students–including Miller who served on student council -- if the Plymouth-Canton High name and Native American logo–posed a problem.

Committee, believing that keeping the Chiefs nickname would at least be considered. Instead, they said retiring the label appears to be a done deal.

“We really feel left out of the loop, like the decision has already been made and without any consideration of 51 years of tradition,” said Ring, who taught 31 years at the upper elementary and middle school level in the district.

The process will include community forums before a formal recommendation is made, said McCoin, who is the panel’s sole school board representative. No forums had been scheduled as

STRONG BOND

The issue hits on a deep level for Miller and Ring, who both have strong roots in the Plymouth-Canton community.

Miller’s daughters, Courtney (2005) and Jillian (’05) are Canton High graduates. Courtney Macdonald is a kindergarten teacher at Bird Elementary. Miller’s father was a Plymouth High graduate.

Ring is the daughter of revered Plymouth personality and World War II veteran Gene Overholt, who died March 31 at age 99 (see page 8).

Like Miller, she attended Plymouth-Canton Schools

Cougars joins Cheetahs, Eagles, Bears, Cardinals and Kangaroos on a list of possible names revealed during a student presentation at a February 2021 board meeting.

A community survey will likely take place before a new nickname is selected.

“I'm not going to lose any sleep if they call them the Kangaroos or whatever they want to do,” Miller said. “I can tell you this: The committee will not be unanimous.”

Added to the irony is the final decision will take place at the E.J. McClendon Educational Center, which is named after the 14-year Plymouth-Canton school board member and longtime

“He said absolutely not,” Miller said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Plymouth-Canton Schools officials are in the process of evaluating the need to change the Canton High nickname Chiefs. Cougars, Cheetahs, Eagles, Bears, Cardinals and Kangaroos are some of the replacements being considered. Do you think the district should change the name, and if so to what? Please email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@ therockmagazine.com.

‘First to Step Up’

Veteran Gene Overholt remembered for an extraordinary life of service

Gene Overholt and Jane Johnson met as children and began dating at the tender age of 13. She was, as their daughter described it, the “love of his life,” married just shy of 70 years.

Toward the end of Gene’s life, Barb Overholt Toth reminded her father that Jane had had to wait for him to come home from service in World War II. She also reminded him that Jane, who passed away in October 2013, was waiting for him to “come home” once again.

Jane isn’t waiting any more. Plymouth resident Gene Overholt lost his fight with cancer and died last month on March 31.

The 99-year-old Overholt passed with his daughters Jodi Ring and Barb, and her husband Michael Toth, all at his side at Barb’s home in Kerrville, Texas.

“Mom is waiting for you again,” Barb recalled telling her dad. “We’ve been blessed with so many gifts. God gave us a gift with my mother, and God gave us a gift with my father. There aren’t many people who had their parents as long as we did.”

Born in the small town of Bippus, Ind. – “I’m not sure the one gas station is even still there,”

By Brad Kadrich

Barb said with a laugh -- in 1924, and raised in Huntington, Ind., Gene served in World War II on the battlefield running communication channels, which led to his career as a "telephone man." Ultimately, he put those communication skills to work in the Battle of the Bulge.

He worked for Michigan Bell, where he spent his career, and he and Jane raised their three daughters in Plymouth.

In the mid-1960s, Gene became one of the founding members of the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth and eventually ascended to the President of Kiwanis International in 1988-89. During that time, he visited the White House twice and met three U.S. presidents.

“That’s a lot for a guy from Bippus, Indiana,” Barb said.

Gene helped develop the Salvation Army in Plymouth in 1962 and continued to serve on the board until his death. He was a trustee of Plymouth Township during the 1960’s and has been inducted into the Plymouth Hall of Fame.

Gene founded the Gene and Jane Overholt Educational

Scholarship Foundation in honor of his three daughters, all of whom were teachers in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. These scholarships have been given to students who are going into education or any service profession.

That the scholarships will honor service shouldn’t be surprising.

“His remarkable sense of service to the community is what really stands out,” said Wes Graff, president of the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce. “He was just always there to support whatever the activity was. What struck me about him was he always

stepped up to do whatever service was needed. He lived an extraordinary life of service.”

Many knew him from his status as a distinguished, smiling World War II veteran appearing in the annual Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades.

As a Salvation Army Plymouth Corp Advisory Board member since 1962, he would come in early in the mornings to count the money collected in the annual Red Kettle campaign every Christmas season through this past year.

Overholt and his family are longtime members of the First United Methodist Church, and he also served on the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees for 10 years.

“Gene always credited Jane for all his success and ability to give so much back to the community,” Graff wrote in a Facebook post announcing Gene’s passing. “We are all the better for the service Gene and Jane gave our community for over seven decades.”

He traveled to Kerrville to visit with Barb every winter, but not until he’d finished counting the Red Kettle donations.

“He felt that was his responsibility,” Barb said. “He was always the first one to step up and serve. Our Lord put him in the path of service. His life was so full.”

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Efforts to save the Rouge River from water pollution no longer are confined to a single day, event or intervention.

But Rouge Rescue is still a big deal to the Plymouth-based nonprofit organization Friends of the Rouge. According to Marie McCormick, the group’s executive director and Plymouth resident, the clean-up event is slated for Saturday, May 20 around the Rouge watershed.

“We actually had Rouge Rescue in person last year (after the event being interrupted in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic), but maybe it wasn’t as robust,” McCormick said. “This year, Rouge Rescue is

coming back full-force.”

But she emphasized there are continuous efforts that are taking place throughout April, May and beyond to encourage volunteers to pull on their boots and gloves and get to work.

“We’re calling the month of May ‘Rouge Rescue Month,’” McCormick said. “Right now we have two events scheduled for the day of Rouge Rescue. But for the month of May we have five or six events a week. There’s something for everyone.”

On May 20 (date for the official Rouge Rescue) there will be two Detroit events, including a rain garden planting at LaNita’s Pocket Park and Rouge Park Appreciation Day.

a specific date and time.

Such efforts will alleviate the dumping of stormwater into the Rouge watershed, but many other projects will be available throughout the spring months.

McCormick noted there will be tree plantings of small saplings along the Lower Rouge in Inkster, through a partnership of Friends of the Rouge with the Alliance of Rouge Communities and Wayne County Parks.

“We use a dibble bar and we open up the earth and drop in the sapling,” she said.

That reforestation project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

“The river is part of our community and there’s a lot of different ways you can get out and help the river,” McCormick emphasized. “There are things you can do at your own home. The Friends of the Rouge is a great organization to volunteer with, but there’s so many (groups) that do wonderful, environmentally focused activities like tree plantings, and trash pickup.”

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP

The calendar of events on the Friends of the Rouge website (therouge.org) stretches well into June with plenty more opportunities to be scheduled, as well.

The Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex (PARC) will host several rain garden maintenance work days, two sessions each on most Thursdays during May (May 4, 11, 18 from 9 am to noon; and 1-4 pm).

“There will be weeding, mulching, rock arrangement, replacement of dead plants that didn’t make it over the winter,” said McCormick about the PARC work days, encouraging people to visit the website to volunteer for

McCormick cited groups in Plymouth such as Plymouth Pollinators and Keep Plymouth Leafy among such organizations who are grabbing rakes, shovels and making an environmental

In a Feb. 13 letter on behalf of Friends of the Rouge to Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise, McCormick cited a list of concerns about how such a project would imperil the Johnson Creek, a tributary of the Middle Rouge River.

Johnson Creek is the lone cold-water tributary of the Rouge River and home to sensitive cold water fish such as mottled sculpins, johnny darters and the endangered red side dace.

The letter also asked township leaders to act “cautiously when beginning this new era of development. Please consider the consequences of removal of vegetation within the floodplain and replacing it with more impervious surfaces.”

Heise would not comment specifically about the concerns raised by Friends of the Rouge. But he stated in an e-mail that Northville Downs is set to be on the May 3 agenda of

“continue to negotiate the terms of the Planned Unit Development and the Community Benefit Agreement.”

IMPORTANT TO BE HEARD

According to McCormick, during a recent telephone interview, it remains to be seen whether the horse has left the barn in terms of the Northville Downs relocation project or other developments. She is sounding the alarm, however, for more citizens to raise their voices and do their utmost to protect nature.

“The Downs development is just one of many developments that are continually affecting the health of tributaries to the main branches of the river,” McCormick said. “And I think municipal leaders really need to look at the health of the river holistically. And not just how one particular development affects the river, which this one I think would.”

She noted that it can “feel

know, as the representative of an environmental organization but also a member of the community hearing about these developments when they are pretty much ready to go and approved,” McCormick emphasized.

difference. “There’s a lot of different ways that you can get your hands dirty and your feet wet to help improve the river.”

The Lower Rouge River, between John Daly and John Hix roads in Inkster, will be the site of several tree planting work days – one of them slated for the Rouge Rescue Day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20).

For those who won’t be able to volunteer at a Rouge Rescuerelated event, McCormick suggested they can help the cause by writing or calling local, state and regional officials.

McCormick did exactly that concerning the controversial plan for the Northville Downs to be relocated to a 40-acre tract in Plymouth Township near Five Mile and Ridge roads.

Plymouth Township’s planning commission.

The development plan, Heise noted, already has received initial approvals and that Northville Downs and the township

pretty frustrating” when projects seem to be too far down the road to fruition before important points calling for a more careful approach come to the forefront.

“It can be a bit daunting, you

About the potential damage of development to Johnson Creek, McCormick said the tributary is “very sensitive to things like sediment loading and (rising) temperature” which construction of a new horse racetrack and facility would negatively impact, she said.

She urged residents to not give up hope and to take whatever action they can.

“I think there’s opportunities for the community to give feedback to the planning commission and the (Plymouth Township) board of trustees about setbacks and things like that,” McCormick continued. “Considerations for green infrastructure and other types of integrated design that helps protect the river.”

For more information on how you can help the Rouge River, visit https://therouge.org.

As the 23rd season of The Voice enters “knockout rounds” this month, a hometown contestant is dazzling fans and judges alike. Singersongwriter Grace West, who has been performing locally since she was just a tween, is now making a name for herself on a national stage through the hit reality TV show.

SWEET TONES

Nineteen-year-old West says she flew to L.A. and was among 40 artists selected for The Voice’s “blinds,” where performers audition for a panel of coaches who have their backs turned. If they like what they hear, coaches

hit a button, turn their chairs around to face the contestant for the first time, and make an offer to coach them toward a win.

West sang a cover of “Maybe It Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis.

Her performance was so impressive that both country artist Blake Shelton and Irish musician Niall Horan, formerly of One Direction, turned their chairs.

“Your voice is impeccable, so many sweet tones, you are such a real born storyteller,” Horan said, asking West about her background.

West responded that she was born and raised in Canton and now lives in Nashville where she

works for a publishing company as a professional songwriter.

As West’s parents, Jill and Daryl Rembinski, looked on, it was Shelton’s turn to offer feedback.

“You have this thing that I don’t really feel the artists of your age have anymore,” Shelton said. “I would be honored if you would join the last Team Blake.”

West picked country artist Shelton, who has announced this is his last season on the show. She says the experience was a bit of a blur.

“It was absolutely unreal,” West says. “To be honest with you I don’t completely remember being on stage the whole time. I was

so into it that I didn’t feel very present but I was a lot less nervous than I thought I would be.”

BORN TO SING

West has had plenty of time to get comfortable on stage. She’s been singing as long as she remembers, and got her big local break when she performed in public for the first time in Canton Idol at age 11.

Not only did she win, but people in the audience were struck by her star quality. Family friend Jill Engel began booking her for gigs at Cherry Hill Village and Henry Ford Museum. Another referred her to a record company in Nashville, where she began making trips to job

shadow and build relationships.

“Three or four times a year she would literally get into the studio, hang out with other songwriters, write, play music and sing,” her mom says.

Meanwhile, West performed regularly at festivals and restaurants in downtown Northville and Plymouth,

High School in 2020, her parents and younger brother left Canton to support her career.

“After long talks and a lot of thought we picked up our lives and moved to Nashville,” Jill Rembinski says. “She just hit the ground running and is doing amazing and now she’s on TV!”

#TEAMGRACE

For The Voice’s battle round, West went up against fellow contestant Carlos Rising. The two sang “I Told You So” by Randy Travis as a duet.

After the performance, Kelly Clarkston weighed in.

“Grace what’s cool about you, is you have this really special unteachable thing. It’s your tone and your soul and you’re singing through it and it sounds pure to me,” Clarkston said.

Shelton picked Grace to move on to the knockout rounds.

“You’re doing what you were born to do,” he said.

Horan also weighed in. “I think you could go all the way and you’re a phenomenal singer,” he said.

Family friend Landon Garrett agrees. As the owner of Ironwood Grill and Park Place Gastropub in Plymouth and Center Street Grill in Northville, he helped West get her start.

the way.

“We’ve believed in her from day one. We thought that she could be a star and I believe that she will be,” he says. “Her voice is amazing and she’s an even better person.”

If West makes it to the live semi-finals, viewers will have a chance to vote for her. Winners receive $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group.

West says she’ll fight to the finish, but The Voice has been a great experience no matter what happens.

“Win or not I’m just really hoping I can make this my career and what I do for the rest of my

life,” she says. “My family has made a lot of sacrifices for me and I’ve been working full-time on this since I was 12. I hope I can give back to my family and my community if I’m fortunate enough.”

The Voice airs Mondays, 8 p.m. on NBC.

gaining experience and building a fan base.

When West was 16, she signed a publishing deal to write songs for Mucho Love Records and upon graduating from Plymouth

She has been playing in and outside his restaurants for years.

TVs in all three of his establishments will be tuned to The Voice knockout rounds on April 17 and 24th, and he thinks West has a great chance to go all

“It was absolutely unreal. To be honest with you I don’t completely remember being on stage the whole time. I was so into it that I didn’t feel very present, but I was a lot less nervous than I thought I would be.”

Grace West

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WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP

Ryan Gurgel, Salem lady

hoopers lead the way for PCEP winter sports

By Brad Emons

Time to get your camera phones out and reflect one more time regarding the winter sports season under the umbrella of PlymouthCanton Educational Park. Here’s a quick snapshot of what took place for 2022-23.

There were several breakthrough team performances and noteworthy individual performances for Salem, Plymouth and Canton, who garnered several significant awards and trophies for their efforts.

So, let’s frame one last look before turning the page onto the 2023 spring sports season.

GIRL'S BASKETBALL

Salem turned back the clock under second-year coach Rod Wells earning their fifth trip in school history and the first semifinal since 1990 to the MHSAA Division 1 Final Four held at MSU’s Breslin Center.

Salem, led by All-State junior guard Madison Morson, finished 21-7 overall and 12-2 to win the West Division of the Kensington Lakes Athletic Conference. They then defeated KLAA East champ and state power Wayne Memorial for the conference championship, 67-64, in overtime.

Salem defeated Canton, 44-43, in the district final and then ousted Dexter in the regional final, 40-23, before ousting Riverview in the quarterfinals, 55-52.

Despite a game-high 31 points from Morson, the season ended with a 78-53 setback against 2022 D1 champion West Bloomfield.

Morson, along with senior guards Shahd Bakkar, Ashley Kopacko and Isabell Kulick, were named to the All-KLAA team, while senior forward Allie Straudle earned honorable mention.

Rounding out this year’s Salem team included Macy Boyd (senior), Abby Resovsky (junior), Jenna Schultz (junior), Noelle Martinez (sophomore), Leilah Howard (sophomore), Taylor Bond (freshman), Ashley Kuhn (freshman) and Elissa Antoun (freshman).

Junior center Justice Tramble made All-KLAA for Canton (11-13, 5-9 KLAA West), while Marisa Cribari earned honorable mention.

Junior forward Elena DiMaria was named All-KLAA for Plymouth (6-17, 0-14 KLAA West), while Ashley Rosiewicz was honorable mention.

BOY'S BASKETBALL

Canton (16-8, 12-2 KLAA West) won its division and captured the conference championship with a convincing 51-29 triumph over KLAA East champion Livonia Franklin. The Chiefs’ season ended with a 41-40 overtime loss in the district final to host Northville.

Lake Superior State signee Omar Suleiman, a senior forward for the Chiefs, was joined on the All-KLAA squad by senior center Dante Favor, junior guard Bradley Eziuka and Caleb Williams, while Devon Pettus was honorable mention.

Salem (11-13, 5-9 KLAA West) was led by junior guard Ryan Peters, an All-KLAA pick, along with honorable mention Brady Quinn.

Senior center Kevin Amoako made All-KLAA for Plymouth (6-17, 2-12), while Bryce Garbacz was honorable mention.

SWIMMING

Canton senior Ryan Gurgel went out in style earning individual Division 1 state titles in the 200-yard freestyle (1:39.66) and 100 butterfly (49.00) on March 11 at Calvin College. Plymouth tied for 10th in the

D1 team standings with 62 points followed by Salem (tied for 16th, 55) and Canton (20th, 44).

Salem junior Luke Fava earned All-State with a fifth place in the 500 freestyle (4:39.95) and an eighth in the 200 freestyle (1:43.65). Teammate Bruce Beyer, a senior, took sixth in the 100 freestyle (47.09) and added a ninth in the 50 freestyle (21.74). The Rocks’ 400 freestyle relay quartet of Fava, junior David Huang, sophomore Daniel Shi and Beyer took 13th (3:18.50).

Plymouth’s 200 freestyle relay team of senior Paolo Belleza, senior Andy Mak, sophomore Eric Durecka and junior Emilio Herrero made it to the ‘A’ heat finals placing eighth (1:28.24) to earn All-State.

Belleza also scored points in the 100 freestyle (ninth, 47.49) and 100 breaststroke (59.91), while Durecka placed in the 500 freestyle (12th, 4:49.96) and 200 freestyle (14th, 1:44.94).

Canton senior Brett Whalen placed 13th in the 1-meter diving with a total of 336.90 points.

At the KLAA meet held Feb. 23, Northville repeated as champion with 984 points followed by Novi (705), host

Brighton (688), Salem (457), Canton (442) and Plymouth (426).

Gurgel was a double-winner in the 200 individual medley (1:53.58) and 100 freestyle (47.24), while Fava won the 500 freestyle (4:40.02).

GYMNASTICS

Salem (144.95 points) emerged as the Regional 3 champion with runner-up Canton (141.45) also earning a trip to the MHSAA finals. Plymouth (137.225) wound up fifth.

At the state finals hosted by White Lake Lakeland, Rockford (144.50) won the team crown with Salem (140.15) and Canton (139.325) placing sixth and seventh, respectively.

Salem’s Emma Stewart had a big day in the Division 1 individual finals tying for second in the all-around (37.925) after winning the uneven bars (9.5) and placing fifth in both the vault (9.5) and floor exercise (9.525).

Katie Stewart added a second on D1 vault (9.575)

In Division 2, the Rocks’ Anna Barczyk was sixth in the all-around (35.325) highlighted by a tie for third on floor exercise (9.425) and seventh on vault (9.15).

Meanwhile, Canton’s top performer in Division 1 was Reese Maddock, who placed seventh on both the balance beam (9.2) and uneven bars (9.0). She was seventh in the all-around (36.20). Teammate Lia Pinkosky contributed a fourth on D1 floor (9.55) and a 10th on balance beam (9.025).

Plymouth’s Ava Demehinski tied for eighth in the D1 beam (9.1).

The Wildcats’ Isabel Galindo (9.025) and Canton’s Sydney Dunn (8.875) placed tied for fifth and tied for 10th, respectively.

Plymouth’s Alex Cinzori tied for eighth in the D2 all-around (34.925), including a tie for third on floor (9.425). She was the regional D2 all-around champ (35.35) and floor champion (9.625).

Katie and Emma Stewart finished one-two in the D1 all-

around with scores of 37.15 and 36.60, respectively. Emma also won the beam (9.375), while Rocks teammate Zoe Prosser was the D2 beam champ (8.95).

BOY'S BOWLING

Plymouth (14-2, 13-1) came away with the KLAA West Division title followed by secondplace Canton (12-4, 12-2) and fourth-place Salem (8-8, 8-6).

Canton senior Dylan Jablonski carried the KLAA’s top average (213.87) earning all-conference honors along with teammate Joey Capen (ninth, 193.10), Salem’s Dominic Parrelly (11th, 189.17) and Plymouth’s Zach Johnson (15th, 186.55).

At the Regional 5 tourney held at Super Bowl, Plymouth senior Aidan O’Callaghan was the individual champion with a six-game total of 1,350, including a high-game of 270. Jablonski took third with a 1,306 including a 253 high.

In the team standings, Plymouth was fifth (3,309); Salem, seventh (3,237); and Canton, eighth (3,202).

At the D1 finals held at Allen Park’s Thunderbowl, Jablonski earned a spot in the individual singles where he lost in the match play quarterfinals. He placed 15th in the singles qualifying block with a 1,252 total including a 247 high game. O’Callaghan finished 59th with a 216 high game.

GIRLS BOWLING

Canton (16-0, 14-0) enjoyed a banner season winning the KLAA West Division and Regional 5 title at Super Bowl with a 2,984 total highlighted by a Baker-high game of 189 and a second game 895.

Meanwhile, Plymouth placed seventh (2,565) and Salem 13th (2,257) at the regional.

Canton sophomore Angela Flynn, who had a 1,177 total, including a high game of 248, finished runner-up individually.

Teammate Michelle Scopone rolled a 1,088 total with a 212 high to place sixth.

At the state finals Flynn took

24th in the individual qualifying block with a 1,098 including a 214 high, while Scopone, a junior, placed 35th with an 1,800 total including a 188 high game.

Among the P-CEP bowlers earning All-KLAA honors included Flynn, first (207.03 average); Scopone, sixth (172.37); Salem’s Jillian Parks, 11th (161.50); and Plymouth’s Brianna Swickard, 14th (155.90).

WRESTLING

Salem sophomore Ayush Kinjadia earned All-State honors placing eighth at 132 pounds en route to a 33-11 overall record. He finished third at the regional to qualify for the D1 finals held at Detroit’s Ford Field.

Freshman teammate Gavin Holcombe (126) also made it to D1 finals after taking fourth at the Regional 3 tourney. He also placed fifth in the KLAA tournament.

Other regional qualifiers for Salem included senior Ryan Mahy, who went 35-11 and took third in the KLAA, along with Taha Ilyas (144), who finished third in the KLAA tourney.

Regional qualifiers from Plymouth included senior Nicholas Chupital (215), 34-18; junior Nolan McDowell (126), 31-23; and sophomore Hoang Huynh (106), 30-20. Chupital also took third in the KLAA meet.

Canton’s lone regional qualifier was senior Dallas Newman (175), who finished 18-11.

In the KLAA team standings, Plymouth wound up 10th (69) followed by Salem (12th, 53.5) and Canton (15th, 8).

Meanwhile, in the individual state girls tourney at Ford Field, Plymouth freshman Nanda Kibi (135) made All-State with an eighth-place finish. She wound up with a 12-9 overall record.

FIGURE SKATING

In the Laura Maki Michigan High School State Championships hosted by the Lansing Skating Club March 25-26 at Suburban Ice East, Plymouth Canton posted nine podium finishes and scored

the most individual points by a club with 127.

PC also finished ninth in Level B Intermediate with 19 points and seventh in Level A high points (15).

First-place individual finishers for PC included Amaya Ciupka, Excel PrePreliminary Final/ Group A; Kamrynn Nicolas, Excel Beginner Free Skate; Josephine Scanio, Excel Juvenile Plus; Alaina Shenton, Excel Senior FS. Silver medalists included Morgan Culp in the Excel Preliminary FS Group B and Madison Street in the PreJuvenile Excel. Bronze medals went to Maya Izzy (Excel Intermediate FS) and Addison Brown (PreJuvenile Plus Excel).

BOYS HOCKEY

The highly competitive

KLAA featured both Division 1 state runner-up Brighton and semifinalist Hartland.

Salem (13-13, 8-5 KLAA), under first-year coach Jake Sealy, were led by All-KLAA selections Aidan Ross and Peter Manginen, both senior forwards.

Meanwhile, the Rocks’ sophomore forward Cameron Eichner was named honorable mention All-State by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association.

Plymouth (12-12-1, 4-7-1) was led by senior forward Chris Borg, an All-KLAA and honorable mention All-Stater along with All-KLAA selection Gavin Timberlake, a senior defenseman. Senior forward/defenseman Nolan Lenon was the lone AllKLAA choice for Canton (3-23, 3-14).

GIRLS HOCKEY

It was tough sledding for Plymouth-Canton-Salem (0-18-1, 0-11-1 Western Conference 2) in the Michigan High School Girls Hockey League. The lone point came in a 0-0 tie with Cranbrook.

P-C-S lost its Division 2 play-in game to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 5-1.

Falling In Love with Baseball All Over Again

Catcher Dolney back on track after transfer to EMU

By Brad Emons

After an All-State high school baseball career followed by accepting a scholarship to the University of Nebraska, all the signs were pointing in the right direction for Aaron Dolney.

But sometimes life takes a detour.

And for the Plymouth native and now catcher for Eastern Michigan University, what appeared to be a promising Big Ten career never quite got off the ground.

Like for many, COVID-19 took a toll. In Dolney’s freshman year with the Cornhuskers, the 2020 season was cut short due to the pandemic as the left-handed hitting catcher made just two

pinch-hit appearances.

And just prior to the start to that first season at Nebraska, Dolney learned during Christmas break that his father Robert was battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“I wasn’t having as much fun there as I thought I’d have, and I decided to transfer out and of course my dad was doing bad… it was just the right thing to do,” said Dolney, a former All-Stater at Detroit Country Day.

Dolney then enrolled to play a season at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla. and decided be closer to his family.

“To be able to come home and spend time with him…the doctors gave him six months to live or

He also had seven homers and finished with a .990 fielding percentage with 270 putouts and 34 defensive assists.

“Last year was a great year,” Dolney said. “I basically fell back in love with baseball again after those two years at Nebraska and Hillsborough. And coming back here the coaches have been great. My teammates have been amazing with all the guys on my team, and especially being close to home –I’m 20 minutes away from home, see my dad, my mom (Linda) all the time. My one brother (Justin) is out of college and my other brother (Kevin) is in college, don’t get to see them as much, but being able to be close to home and having my dad coming to all my games has really meant a lot to me. And I think that helped me excel last year to be able to have my dad there at all my games.”

ALL-STATE HONORS

After attending Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, Dolney enrolled at Country Day where he enjoyed a stellar career both as a catcher and pitcher.

something,” Dolney said, “so he went through all this treatment and stuff, and then the chemo didn’t work and then they got him on a radiation pill and that’s what he’s been on the last 2½ years. And it’s been working and nobody has been on this chemo pill like this for longer than a year.”

Dolney entertained thoughts of going to Michigan or Michigan State, but EMU proved to be the right fit where he started 47 of 49 games ranking second on the squad in both batting average (.344) and slugging percentage (.597). He also ranked inside the top 10 in the Mid-American Conference in average, slugging percentage and runners caught stealing (14).

As a senior, he batted .435 with six homers, 31 RBI and nine stolen bases en route to Michigan Dream Team and first-team AllState honors. He was ranked as the No. 1 catcher in Michigan by Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report after batting .425 with four homers and 25 RBI while earning All-State honors as a junior.

During his career as a pitcher, he compiled a 1.79 earned run average and recorded a pair of no-hitters. He also played summer ball for the Midland Braves while helping his team to the 17U PBR World Series title.

“He got recruited to Nebraska really quick, but you can always follow up on those guys, the guys that are close to home,” EMU baseball coach Eric Roof said. “It didn’t work out there, and once he figured out that he was moving on from Nebraska, we absolutely wanted to find a way to take a

look at him and obviously get him in our program.”

Through his first 21 games to EMU’s 2023 season (as of April 10), Dolney had gotten off to a slow start hitting .171 with four homers and 15 RBI.

Defensively, however, he has stood out with a .994 fielding average (0 errors) with 133 putouts and 22 assists, while throwing out 12 base stealers.

Despite Dolney’s lack of offensive production, Roof is not concerned.

“He had a really good year for us last year, struggling a little bit right now, but he’ll get going, he’ll get back on track,” Roof said. “We liked him in the recruiting process early out of high school. Big…I mean, he is a big, physical kid. The one thing that stuck out early on in the recruiting process was his arm strength. He’s got some plus arm strength behind the plate and a left-handed bat. I was a lefthanded bat as a catcher. I love the left-handed bats behind the plate and you could easily see that he was going to have a bright future.”

DRAFT PROSPECT

Standing 6 feet, 4 inches and weighing 225 pounds, Dolney is considered an MLB Draft worthy prospect this June. Dolney said he’s always admired Yadier Molina, a 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove Award winner who recently retired from the Cardinals.

And as far as a self-evaluation scouting report of himself?

“I’d say I have power, used to be a guy that didn’t strike out as much, but that’s kind of changed over the years,” Dolney said. “I’d like to think I’m a good, well-rounded hitter. Been talking

EMU baseball coach Eric Roof, on Aaron Dolney

to some teams and was talking to some teams last year. So hopefully this year is my year.”

Roof, meanwhile, should know a thing or two about being a prospect in the Majors. His father Gene played for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Montreal Expos and just retired as a base running coordinator with the Tigers, while his uncle Phil played 15 years in the big leagues.

“He (Dolney) would have been a draftable player last year,” the EMU coach said. “The rounds have gone from 40 to 20, so it makes it a little bit tougher. There are some teams that are looking at him as we speak.”

After a stellar career at Michigan State, Eric was also drafted by the Tigers, while his brother Jonathan, a former Spartans player and now an EMU assistant coach, was drafted by Texas. (Another Roof brother Shawn played at Illinois, is a former minor leaguer and now a minor league coach.)

And Aaron’s association with the Roof brothers and family has proven to be invaluable.

“I’ve had a great experience with him,” Dolney said of his coach. “His brother (Jonathan) is also the hitting coach. Even their

dad (Gene) is lurking around… with their intuition and their thoughts.”

Meanwhile, Eric Roof said Dolney brings numerous intangibles to the table for the Eagles, who stood 13-15 overall and 5-10 in the MAC (as of April 10).

“He’s got a great personality,” the EMU coach said. “He doesn’t take anything too serious. He’s very light-hearted in a great way. He doesn’t take baseball too seriously. He doesn’t take the competition too seriously. He keeps the guys loose. He’s a leader on our team. As a catcher he’s very vocal. Just a

tremendous kid to be around.”

If the MLB Draft doesn’t work out this June, Dolney has the option of coming back for a fifth and final year of eligibility. He is currently carrying a cumulative 3.5 grade-point average majoring in supply chain management.

But whatever happens, Aaron will stay close with his father Robert, who ran track at Michigan.

“I don’t think I’m as fast as he was,” joked Aaron. “Back then he was probably 6-2, 160.”

Robert’s battle with pancreatic cancer is ongoing, but Aaron is glad he’s close by and just a 20-minute drive away from home. Yes, life does take some unexpected turns.

“He still has it, but at the moment it’s in a halt and it’s like it’s slowly reducing right now,” Aaron said. “He could have had surgery to have his spleen removed. He doesn’t completely have it out of his system. There’s still some spots. Every couple months they track and look at them to make sure they’re not growing anymore, but at moment he’s been doing well without the pills or radiation…”

He’s got a great personality. He’s very light-hearted in a great way. He doesn’t take baseball too seriously. He doesn’t take the competition too seriously. He keeps the guys loose. He’s a leader on our team. As a catcher he’s very vocal. Just a tremendous kid to be around.”

When something unpleasant and undesirable is being proposed to be built on or near someone’s property, there’s almost always a NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) aspect to it.

That’s exactly how the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees – and many township residents – feel about the proposed wastewater treatment plant Salem Township officials want to build near M-14 and Napier Road.

That’s too close for comfort for residents and township trustees. With that in mind, the board unanimously approved

a resolution decrying Salem’s application -- submitted in February to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy -- at its March 14 meeting.

“It’s my opinion this violates the principles of environmental justice,” Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise said. “Communities tend to put their least desirable elements on their borders so that the smell of a sewage treatment plant goes into somebody else’s back yard. I don’t think anybody wants a sewage treatment plant right across our border.”

In the application – approved on a 5-1 vote with one abstention

townships. Leaders in those communities, including Heise, opposed it, pointing out WTUA doesn’t have the capacity necessary to add Salem.

According to Heise, Salem dug a sewer line that went through Superior Township in an effort to connect with the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) regional system.

Planned Unit Development Research and Research

But Superior objected and put a temporary stop to it. The parties ended up in court, eventually ending up in the Michigan Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals heard the case in December, but sent it back to Washtenaw County Circuit Court, where it now resides, according to Heise.

In its application to EGLE, Salem Township officials said it may be “necessary, although not desired,” to build the wastewater treatment center.

At press time, EGLE officials had not responded to Salem’s application.

Salem Township has received more than $30 million in state

Was

-- Salem Township officials said the township wants to discharge 840,000 gallons per day of treated municipal wastewater into Fellows Creek. The water would come from the proposed Salem Springs project.

Livonia-based developer Schostak Brothers bought the property and proposed building more than 550 homes in the Salem Springs project. First, though, Schostak had to figure out how to get water and sewer services to the area.

Salem Township wanted to connect to the Western Townships Utility Authority, which includes Plymouth, Canton and Northville

grants to bring water and sewer lines to the land.

Many political observers have criticized the grants because of the ties to Bobby Schostak, chairman of Schostak Brothers, who served as the chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from January 2011 to February 2015. The grants would directly benefit the Salem Springs development. Salem officials have said in the past they had no part in requesting the grants.

Plymouth Township has long

opposed the Salem Springs development. The township board passed resolutions to that effect in 2017 and 2020.

“We felt it had a detrimental impact on our residents’

quality of life, property values and adverse impact on the environment, road quality and storm water," Heise said.

“It’s certainly my opinion that (the wastewater treatment

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Salem Township wants to build a sewage treatment plant just west of Plymouth Township near M-14 and Napier Road. Do you support or oppose the project, and why? Please email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com.

plant) violates the principles of environmental justice, which, according to the state of Michigan is the equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people.”

The resolution passed by Plymouth Township authorizes township officials to “oppose (Salem’s) application at all stages of the application process, up to and including litigation” to “protect the public health and safety of … residents.”

“It’s my opinion this violates the principles of environmental justice. Communities tend to put their least desirable elements on their borders so that the smell of a sewage treatment plant goes into somebody else’s back yard. I don’t think anybody wants a sewage treatment plant right across our border.”

Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise

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From LaRiche to LaFontaine

New era begins for Plymouth Chevy dealership

By Tim Smith

Ta lk about a really “big” deal. The name on blue signs in front of the longtime Chevrolet dealership on Plymouth Road near Haggerty has changed –from LaRiche to LaFontaine.

But for all intents and purposes, customers might as well think of it as “LaRiche 2.0.”

The LaFontaine Automotive Group and family of “Big Lou” LaRiche wrapped up an unexpected business deal in early March for what now is officially LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed because both companies are privately held.

But for Scott LaRiche, who took on duties as president of Lou LaRiche Chevrolet following the June 2022 death of his legendary father, handing the dealership keys over to the LaFontaines almost was like keeping it all in the family.

“Ryan LaFontaine and the LaRiche family knew each other

for quite some time, going back to the 1960s,” said Max Muncey, senior manager of corporate communications for LaFontaine Automotive Group. “Lou LaRiche and Mike LaFontaine Sr. actually were selling Volkswagons.”

The younger generation of the families stayed in touch, and that relationship continued to be renewed in recent years when CEO Ryan LaFontaine and Scott LaRiche were chairmen of the North American Auto Show, Muncey noted.

“And the opportunity (to buy LaRiche) presented itself to us a couple months ago,” Muncey said. “Obviously, it was a match made in heaven with the culture and the family and the community focus.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

After the sale was consummated, Scott LaRiche and Ryan LaFontaine were together at a celebratory event lifting glasses of champagne.

In the weeks following, it’s been an extended meet-and-greet

with both customers and more than 60 holdover staffers.

“The relationship the LaRiche family and the LaFontaines have definitely was a key attribute to passing the torch,” stressed Max Davey, who is general manager of LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth. “It’s made it really streamlined for the employees who were here previously.

“Most of the (LaRiche) employees moved over and we actually added a few employees. We’re definitely going to be a big supporter of the community. We’re going to take what the LaRiches were doing and try to enhance that.”

Muncey stressed that veteran customers “have been stopping by to say hello, meet the team, talk about how many cars they bought over the years from here.”

And, as an example of the enduring LaRiche-LaFontaine bond, the dealership’s website address remains www. louchevy.com.

Although Scott LaRiche declined a recent request for comment about the sale, he did issue a press statement.

“My family has poured our heart into the Plymouth community for 53 years,” said LaRiche, in the statement. “My staff, the community and the business my family has built means so much to myself and family… It was very important to my family to find another familyfocused company that is aligned on our values and culture to carry on our legacy and we found just that with the LaFontaine family.”

COMMUNITY COMES FIRST

Fully aware of that mandate are the LaFontaines, who now have 34 retail locations in Michigan with nearly 2,500 employees.

“Community and philanthropy remains a cornerstone of our group since my mom, Maureen LaFontaine, went door-to-door back in Plymouth in 1984, building lifelong relationships and uplifting the communities

that have supported us,” noted vice-president Kelley LaFontaine, in a statement. “There is a rich sense of community in and around the Plymouth area and we will quickly align ourselves with the organizations and initiatives making a positive impact on fellow residents and business alike.”

Overseeing the store near Plymouth and Haggerty will be Davey.

“The store is just an absolute sleeping giant,” said Davey, during a recent interview. “We’re excited to come in and bring it some life and really thrive in the community and try to be a mainstay in the community. Plymouth is a close-knit, family town that thrives on businesses

excited when he called me about the sale of the dealership to the LaFontaine Automotive Group because of the similarities of being a family-run company with a philosophy of giving back to the communities they serve,” said Graff in a statement. “I am happy that LaFontaine is already jumping in with both feet to engage and support our initiatives and events.”

ON THE HORIZON

Although the business blueprint which made Lou LaRiche Chevrolet a popular destination for car-buying patrons from all over metro Detroit largely remains intact, both Davey and Muncey hinted at some new features to look forward to.

complimentary pick up and deliver for all services, “including oil changes,” Muncey noted.

The LaFontaines also will continue what the LaRiches started as far as meeting the needs of those wanting to purchase electric vehicles.

“Electrification is definitely the wave of the future,” Davey said. “The LaFontaine family has invested a lot in the communities around all their stores to make sure every dealership is up to the EV (Electric Vehicle) standards and has all the equipment that’s necessary, whether for sales or service.

“It’s a large investment, but (LaFontaine Automotive Group) has completely bought into that process.”

As Davey answered the question, Muncey looked outside into the Plymouth parking lot to see examples of the present and future.

“I see a brand new Chevy Bolt and then I see a brand-new C8 mid-engine Corvette,” Muncey said. “So we’re still kind of in this paradigm of some exciting gas internal combustion product and then the future, as well.”

Meanwhile, LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth has just been given the green light to sell commercial vehicles.

“So it’s great for landscaping, any small business or large business in the community to be able to buy right here in their hometown,” Davey said. “The commercial lane is such a fast-growing lane. It’s a great opportunity for us, and for the community.”

LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth is located at 40875 Plymouth Road. For more information, call (734) 228-4494 or visit www. lafontainechevroletplymouth.com (www.louchevy.com).

working together. That’s the avenue we’re going to continue to go with.”

Wes Graff, president of the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce, tipped his cap to the legacy built over five decades by the LaRiche family. He added that the chamber recently recognized Lou Lariche Chevrolet as the 2022 Large Business of the Year during an awards dinner.

“Scott (LaRiche) was genuinely

“In short order we’ve had a bunch of new inventory hitting the ground,” Muncey said. “We’ll see investment here, and I think (former LaRiche employees who are staying on with LaFontaine) see a really bright future.”

The primary customer base hails from Plymouth (city and township), Canton, Livonia, Novi, Northville (city and township) and Ann Arbor. But with that large swath of territory comes

Following in his father's footsteps

Wellness has always been front and center for Dr. Mashike

The Mashike family knows all about pain.

For nearly 50 years first Carl Mashike and now his son Adam Mashike have served the Plymouth community, helping young and old alike deal with their pain through a caring and sensitive approach to chiropractic services.

Originally opened on Main Street in the 1970s, Carl Mashike helped patients for nearly three decades. Today the Mashike Chiropractic Wellness Center, owned and operated by Dr. Adam Mashike, has been serving clients since 2000.

Besides learning from his father over numerous summer months, Adam Mashike was also mentored by another family chiropractic, his uncle David Mashike, who has since passed away.

And Adam knows a lot about pain himself.

“I have been there,” says the 54-year-old doctor. “In 12 years of racing motorcycles, I had countless crashes and broke 16 bones, dislocated shoulders, separated shoulders, hematomas, lacerations, whiplash, knocked unconscious. You name it.”

Chiropractic was never tested more than when Dr. Adam began racing motorcycles. He had his first big crash at the Daytona International Speedway and broke his back. X-rays revealed a broken L5 lumbar vertebra.

During that time that he was a student at Life Chiropractic College and was able to receive the best care he could. After healing from his injuries, Mashike finished second in the National Championship and won a race at the Grand National Finals which qualified him to reach his dream

of being a professional motorcycle road course racer.

Leaving racing behind, Mashike completed his studies –an eight-year program – to become a chiropractic doctor. Now he serves hundreds of patients a week from the Plymouth-Canton area as well as the surrounding southeastern Michigan suburbs. Not only did he leave racing behind, but Adam returned to Plymouth to open his practice, following in the footsteps of his father.

“It was natural that I came back to Plymouth,” he said. “I

vertebrate and resolving joint and muscle issues through hands on, manual therapy.

“When a patient comes in and has that look in their eyes, I know the feeling,” says Mashike. “When you’re hurt, it takes time to heal. My job is to get you better as quickly as possible and I will use all the techniques I used to get myself back into top physical condition.”

Treating patients through what he calls manual therapy is just part of what Mashike focuses on. He also has a bevy of special tools including a decompression table that he calls a “game changer,” as well as a “drop table” and an “adjusting gun” for the neck area.

“The biggest question I get is whether it will hurt,” he says. “My answer is no to that. I don’t twist and turn people all around but make adjustments many ways, including with the drop table and decompression table.”

The private practice takes most forms of insurance and begins treating people after a diagnostic session. Mashike works by appointments and reminds people that his services are usually not a one-time thing.

good honest profession finding ways to relive people’s pains.”

Another key diagnostic tool for Mashike is x-rays. They can be used to discover underlying issues, and sometimes point patients to other types of treatments from various medical specialties.

“If we’re helping someone recover from a traumatic injury the process can be arduous and slow,” he says. “But reversing issues really depends on the problem. Either way we are all pain management and relief.”

Mashike helps people of all ages and even has a 102-yer-old client he and his staff of two assistants care for. He figures he helps as many as a thousand patients in a given month.

had grown up here and had seen a lot of people with problems and how they got better with my dad’s diligent efforts.”

Chiropractic services focus on the spine mainly, but can also help with other joint issues in the shoulders, knees, elbows and ankles. Besides traumatic injury recovery, Mashike helps men and women with arthritis and other joint diseases.

A great deal of attention is focused on the spine, aligning

“This is very personal to me,” he said. “I love what I do and can’t imagine not helping people. Like many professionals we say that becoming a chiropractor isn’t something you pick, it picks you.”

Mashike also spends plenty of time educating patients and helping them understand underlying conditions. Like a general doctor, discovering the causes and coming up with solutions is of critical importance.

“There’s no smoke and mirrors in what I do,” he says. “It’s a

Mashike is open Monday through Friday and offers appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Mashike Chiropractic Wellness Center

Owner: Adam Mashike

Address: 851 S. Main St., Suite #3, Plymouth, MI

Phone: (734) 354-0020

Website: mashikechiropractic.com

OUT& ABOUT

CENTENNIAL GALA

Saturday, April 29

The Plymouth District Library welcomes adults 21+ to join in an afterhours gala from 7-10 p.m. in the library in celebration of the library’s 100th year in service to the Plymouth community. The evening include hors d’oeuvres, an open bar with wine and beer, and live music from the Kennebec Avenue Jazz Group. Black tie optional. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by visiting plymouthlibrary.org.

TRAIN DEPOT GRAND OPENING

Sunday, April 30

Plymouth Historical Museum will host a grand opening open house at 1 p.m. for its new train depot exhibit space, which has been upgraded to include a 1920s sensory experience. This is a free event, all are welcome. For more information, visit plymouthhistory.org

SHOWCASE PLYMOUTH

Monday, May 1

The Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Showcase Plymouth event Monday, May 1 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Saint John ‘s Resort, 44045 Five Mile in Plymouth Township. The event showcases a variety of local businesses –many of which raffle a variety of prizes -- and includes food samples from local restaurants. Tickets are $15. For more information, call Mary Nyhus at (734) 453-1540, or visit the chamber website at w ww.plymouthmich.org.

POTTERS GUILD SPRING MARKET

May 5-7

The Village Potters Guild of Plymouth will present its annual Spring Market in Old Village’s

factory district. The sale will take place at 326 N. Main Street (just north of the railroad tracks). The sale will include a selection of mugs, bowls, platters and vases, along with a variety of garden and home decor items. Fine art offerings will include paintings, woodcraft, jewelry and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, send an email to villagepottersguild@ gmail.com.

FARMERS MARKET

Saturday, May 13

The Plymouth Community Farmers Market returns Saturday, May 13 and runs Saturdays through Oct. 21 in The Gathering and along Penniman Avenue in downtown Plymouth. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features vendors peddling fresh-grown produce, flowers, herbs, baked goods, fish, meats, cheese, coffee and a variety of crafts. Applications and more information are available on the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce website at www.plymouthmich.org, or by calling (734) 453-1540.

BOOKS ON TAP

Wednesday, May 17

This book club now meets 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays each month to talk books, socialize, and kick back with a cold one. Meetings take place at Arbor Brewing Plymouth Taproom located at 777 W. Ann Arbor Trail in downtown Plymouth. Books for the current month’s selection may be obtained from the Reader’s Advisory desk on the main level of the Plymouth District Library. The current book being discussed is When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill. New members are always

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PLYMOUTH THIS MONTH

welcome. For more information, visit plymouthlibrary.org.

WILCOX LAKE CLEAN-UP

Saturday, May 20

Volunteers are needed to help clean up around Wilcox Lake from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., picking up trash and removing invasive plants to increase pollinator habitat, pedestrian safety and improve views of the lake. Volunteers will meet at Point Park (1140 Starkweather) at 9 a.m. Bring goggles, gloves, loppers and hand saws. The project is being organized by Friends of the Rouge, Old Village Association and Plymouth Pollinators, with support from Wayne County and the City of Plymouth. For more information, send an email to plymoutholdvillage association@yahoo.com

MICHIGAN WEEK LUNCHEON

Tuesday, May 23

PARC, 650 Church Street in downtown Plymouth, hosts the 4th annual Michigan Week luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 in the Jack Wilcox Theater. Keynote speakers include Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan and a former lieutenant governor of Michigan, who will address the “Economic Outlook for Our State.” Nathan Bocks, the mayor of Holland, will talk about economic development in the Holland area, including high-speed broadband internet and the second-largest EV battery factory in Michigan. Also appearing will be Gwen Auwerda, executive director of Tulip-Time Festivals. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on the PARC website at www. plymouthparc.com

SEND IT IN to get your items listed in OUT & ABOUT, email Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@therockmagazine.com

MUSIC IN THE AIR

Friday, May 26

The Plymouth DDA has released the schedule for its annual Music in the Air concert series. The popular concerts take place at 7 p.m. Fridays in downtown Plymouth’s Kellogg Park. The concerts start May 26 and continue through Sept. 1 (there is no concert during Art in the Park weekend).

The schedule:

May 26 Local Heroes (rock favorites)

June 2 The Shawn Riley Band (classic rock/celtic music)

June 9 The Ones and Twos (Motown/dance/R&B/rock)

June 16 Collision Six (dance/pop)

June 23 Star Farm (80s tribute group)

June 30 Theo Gridiron (R&B/soul)

July 14 Mainstreet Soul (dance/ Motown/Top 40)

July 21 Steve King & the Dittlies (classic rock/dance)

July 28 G eff Phillips & Friends (rock/pop)

Aug. 4 The Randy Brock Group (blues/rock)

Aug. 11 Magic Bus (Woodstock-era rock)

Aug. 18 Sunset Blvd (80s hairband rock)

Aug. 25 Larry Lee & the Back in the Day Band (Motown/R&B/pop/soul)

Sept. 1 Atomic Radio (Top 40/pop/ hip hop/rock)

For more information, call the Plymouth DDA at (734) 455-1453 or visit www.downtownplymouth.org

Introducing ER services at the new Henry Ford Medical Center – Plymouth.

Whether you live in Plymouth or nearby, we’re proud to bring full-service, 24/7 emergency care closer to you. With easy access and an experienced ER team, we’re ready to handle any emergency. And we’re just a few minutes down the road.

See a full list of services at henryford.com/plymouth

Corner of Ann Arbor Road and N. Haggerty

When every moment matters, we’re just minutes away.

Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer, M.D. Emergency medicine physician