Canton Observer for May 17, 2001

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Volume 26 Number 90 Canton, Michigan ©2001 HomeTown Communications Network™ ,
Road work is a mixed blessing
IN THE P A P E Fj
TODAY
• Business owners are frustrated but remain from last year," said Samantha "Our delivery drivers are very frus-
Williams, owner of the Flower Pot at trated," she said, recalling one afteE-
positive as work continues on Canton Center
6575 N. Canton Center. noon when the driver could not get otit
They are 50: The Commu- Road north of Ford to Warren. The street will
'We're way down in cash-and-carry, of the driveway. "And there was one
be torn up until fall. A section of the road will
nity Federal Credit Union but that's just the nature of the beast," day a couple of weeks ago when delivf
close completely June 1.
she said as she prepared a Mother's ery trucks couldn't get in our driveway.
is celebrating its 50th
Day bouquet. Williams said her busi- Can you imagine? We couldn't get flow-
anniversary this year. BY CAROL MARSHALL barrels started popping up between ness faces unique challenges because ers that day." Si
STAFF WRITER Warren and Ford roads.
Details and a picture are [email protected] its busiest time is spring and summer, Next door to the Flower Pot, Yourjg!
Six weeks after the project shifted
due to Mother's Day, prom and a Park, owner of The Laundry said, "It's
in today's Canton Observ- The Canton Center Road improve- the road and squeezed it to two lanes, booked-solid wedding season. very frustrating. We can see business
er. /A3 ment project began in March, and busi- they're frustrated.
ness owners took it in stride when the "Our sales are down about 16 percent T r a p p ed at w o rk See CANTON CENTER, A4
Friends
Mothers and sons dance the night away
iiwfcU
Festival: The Forbes
and family
Brothers are playing at
prime time during the
19th annual Hoedown on
mourn
the riverfront this week-
end. / B±
slain man
Dining: You don't have to
climb Mt. Everest to enjoy
a taste of Nepal. But you
do have to be careful not BY KURT KUBAN
STAFF WRITER
to drive past the Everest [email protected]
Express in With Mother's Day just a day away, Sandy
Farmington. / B8 Taggie got the news every mother dreads:
Her son, Matt, was dead.
Plymouth resident Taggie, 22, was stabbed
to death Friday night while attending a party
at an apartment complex near the Eastern
Michigan Univer-
sity campus m • Canton Town-
The good earth: Master Ypsilanti. After ship resident
being rushed to
gardeners dish the dirt on Ann Arbor's St. Melissa
how to make compost for Joseph Mercy Hos- McCormick said
pital, he died early
a healthy garden./01 STAFF PHOTOS BY PAUL HURSCHMANN she spoke to
Hang on: Belinda Fantin holds son Gregory, 4, as they dance on the dance floor at the Saturday morning
after surgeons several people
annual Canton Mother-Son at the Summit on the Park Friday night
spent more than
who were with
six hours trying to
Mother I son dance a save him. him Friday night
and th©f have
hit at the Summit His mother, alsc
Education and faith: A a Plymouth resi- told her that Tag-
local Christian academy Mothers of all ages scored j dent, rushed to the gie wasn't one of
dates with their favorite hospital. She said
celebrates 25 years of young men last weekend, her son fought for the people argu-
serving students in sur- as 275 people attended the fourth his life until the ing with Griggs.
rounding communities by annual Mother/ Son Dance at the end.
Summit. "He tried to
setting high academic
"The boys all come in a little hang on. He was
and spiritual stan- hesitant," said Recreation Special- young and strong,
ist Jennifer Varajon, "But after a but the damage was just too massive,' she
dards./C7
while they start to loosen up a bit said.
and dance with their moms." Detroit resident Frank Laffete Grijjgs was
Varajon said the dance is a big arraigned Sunday on open murder and
hit with the 8 to 10 year olds, but assault with intent to murder charges. Pre-
sons and mother of any age enjoy liminary examination is May 22 in 22nd Dis-
themselves. She said one grown- trict Court, Ann Arbor.
Lost their nerve? At the up son had a double date with his'
According to Ypsilanti Police Det. Craig
7-year-old son, his wife and the
last minute, some people Annas, Griggs, who was staying with a friend
grandmother."That's the first
in another apartment, got into an altercation
refuse to buy or sell a per- time we've had that," Varajon
with Taggie and some friends about the'
fectly lovely home./El said. "We'd like to see more of
party's noise level. Griggs actually knew the;
that."
girl throwing the party. Earlier in the day,
The moms and sons danced
she had asked him to warn her if the party
along with Silver Sounds disc
was getting too loud.
jockeys and Woio oerved cookies
Sometime during the evening, Griggs came
A break: Max Hatley, 17 and punch.The highlight of the Affection: Kim Allen of Canton
up to do just that, but was confronted by a
evening comes at the end with the fr
months, drinks from his bot- getg a big h ug Qm her SQn group of men at the party, according to
tle as he dances. a oon rop. ^ Marshall Eddie, 3, as they wait in line for Annas. Words were exchanged, and Griggs
Apartments/F5 HomeTown pictures.
At Home/Cl Life/C7 See MURDER, A5
Automotive/68 Jobs/Gl
Classified/E,F,G,H 0bituaries/A5 Discovery update Canton 8th grader charged in stabbing
Classified Opinions/AlO-ll
lndex/E7 Real Estate/El
Crossword/F3 Service Guide/66 BY TONY BRUSCATO Canton youth's bond was set at immediate ... At no time were any
Entertainment/Bl Sports/Di STAFF WRITER $2,000, or 10 percent, with a May 24 other students involved in the con-
[email protected] hearing scheduled. frontation, nor were any other Pio-
An eighth grade Pioneer Middle According to school officials, the neer students or staff placed in any
•rv School student has been arraigned in two Canton youths had an argument danger," said Principal Tom Owens
Wayne County juvenile court on a in the hallway shortly before 2 p.m. in a letter sent home to parents
charge of assault with intent to do The injured student Was taken to the Tuesday. "The safety and well being
great bodily harm less than murder, hospital by a relative, where he of all students and staff was and is
after stabbing another eighth grader received two stitches and was always the top priority, of
with a pair of scissors Monday after- released. The other was taken into paramount importance and will not
noon. custody by township police.
Plymouth Township police say the "Response to this situation was See INCIDENTS, A3
action
Canton resident hopes to
draw out all P-C parents
T
• ^
BY TONY BRUSCATO when a student wrote an article concern-
STAFF PHOTO BY PAUL HLIRSCHMANN STAFF WRITER ing Black History Month in the high
[email protected]
On cue: Molly Howard, 12, per- school newspaper, Fox saw her role
l l g r g •= <
forms a dance number at the Dis- Veronica Fox of Canton thought her change.
covery Middle school Talent Show involvement in the Plymouth-Canton school "I thought by subbing and helping in
district would be mainly through her substi-
April 10. More on a yearlong look
tute teaching role.
at Discovery, please turn to A8. However, after the tension that resulted See HOPEFUL, A9 Veronica fox
J IN H o ' ^o D o h v o sy 7.\
i«;
A2(C) the Observer & Eccentric/ THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001
Fire leaves Canton family
Credit union celebrating
homeless; man threatens bus
50 years in business
A family of four are homeless Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor.
• COP CALLS
after a fire destroyed their house There was no damage to the
Monday evening. bus, and none of the school chil-
Canton detectives and the dren was physically injured.
been cited for reckless driving
Canton Fire Investigation Unit BY HEATHER NEEDHAM on the corner of Church and Main.
and leaving the scene of an acci-
are investigating house fire on Father molests six STAFF WRITER She said being able to celebrate 50 years in
dent. [email protected]
Sturbridge (near Sheldon and A Canton father has been business is pretty significant.
The driver, a 42-year-old West
Hanford). arraigned on six counts of first- A half century a£o, a little credit union housed "All these investment firms and banks have
Bloomfield man, allegedly
Fire fighters responded to the degree criminal sexual conduct in a one-room office in Plymouth opened with been trying to get a foothold in Plymouth but
plowed into the back of a packed
fire at 7:30 p.m. They arrived to against his children. the primary purpose of serving employees of the we've been here 50 years," O'Connor said. "We've
school bus Friday afternoon.
find flames coming from the A family friend talked to the Daisy Air Rifle Company. been here during the bad times when no one
According to police reports,
garage. The fire had already mother of the children - three Since that time, the Daisy Air Rifle Company wanted to do business in Plymouth."
after the man hit the bus, he
spread to a pickup truck in the boys and three girls ranging in has moved, but the credit union, which would One of those rocky times was in the late
passed it, flipping his middle fin-
driveway. age from 2 to 9 years old - after become Community Fed- 1950s, when the Daisy Air
ger at the children and scream-
; The home was occupied by a she saw them exhibiting some eral Credit Union, Rifle Company left town. It
ing, "I'm going to kill you."
19-year-old man, his young inappropriate behavior. stayed. Now Community exacted a devastating toll
He then turned around and
adult sisters, and a few friends The mother asked her children Federal has branches in on workers who lost* their
began driving straight toward
at the time of the fire, but they about what had happened and Plymouth, Canton and jobs and on CFCU as well,
the bus. He turned sharply,
escaped, and only the 19-year- they reported their father had Northville as well as according to O'Connor.
missing the front of the bus, and
old was injured. been touching them. three Northern Michi- Daisy left Plymouth for
drove away.
The home was reported to CSC I involves some form of gan communities. Rogers, Arkansas in 1958.
Hours later, Canton Police
have sustained extensive dam- penetration and carries a life Its main branch is on "People don't remember
were contacted by a Washtenaw
age. The house next door was penalty for each offense. 500 S. Harvey, south of that this was a company
County Sheriff Deputy who said
also damaged. The father was arraigned at Ann Arbor Trail in Ply- town - everybody who
he may have located the sus-
The Fire Investigation Unit is the 35th District Court by Judge mouth. worked here worked for
pect's pickup.
trying to determine the cause Ron Lowe on April 16. He The credit union is cel- Daisy Air Rifle," O'Connor
The Ford pickup truck was in
and origin of the fire. The inves- waived his preliminary exami- ebrating its golden said.
a ditch near Warren and Got-
tigation has not been completed. nation and is being held without anniversary the old- The credit union lent
tfredson roads. The suspect had
bond at the Wayne County Jail. fashioned way - by hav- money to cash-strapped
Driver hits bus run the truck into the ditch,
ing an ice cream social. unemployed workers to
then began spinning his wheels. Failed armed robbery
A driver who terrorized 47 ele- The ice cream will be help make ends meet.
The truck caught on fire.
mentary school children has Two men from Kentucky given out between 4 and "We've always been
He was transported to St.
reported they were victims of an 7 p.m. Friday, June 29 known for exceptional ser-
attempted armed robbery last in the credit union park- vice and value," she said.
Thursday night at the Days Inn, ing lot. "For 50 years, we've been
Discover the 40500 Michigan Ave. The ice cream social good corporate citizens."
The victim, a 46-year-old man, will be part of Ply- In 2000, Community Fed-
Waterways of reported he saw three black men mouth's Music in the eral began its Community
in a Taurus in the parking lot Park series, of which Shares program, which
while he waited for his 23-year- Community Federal is a donates money to the Ply-
USA/Canada!
old co-worker to pull the car up sponsor, said Sarah mouth-Canton Educational
Old haunt: The first credit union
closer to the building. Cousineau, marketing Excellence Foundation and
The man said one of the men manager. office was at the corner of Church the Northville Educational
drove away, but the other two "We're going to try to and Main, where the historical Foundation. In Plymouth-
MAY BOOKINGS ONLY!
approached him and asked him make a little festival out museum is now located. It was Canton, that money is being
Save S100 per cabin', and
receive up to $100 per cabin for money, explaining they had of it," Cousineau said, originally called Plymouth Cred- used to purchase globes for
run out of gas. adding that clowns and middle and elementary stu-
shipboard credit!* it Union.
He told the men he was on his face painting also will be dents.
way to dinner and didn't have part of the "festival." The banking business has
E any extra cash to give them. The Plymouth, Canton and Northville offices changed tremendously during the past 50 years.
xperience a vacation adventure
They demanded money, and he will be collecting canned and nonperishable food The biggest technological advance for CFCU
of a lifetime! Delta Queen offers again refused. for the Salvation Army as part of the anniver- came in 1986, when ATMs made their debut,
the perfect vantage point to redis- The man saw his co-worker's sary celebration. The food drive will run through offering 24-hour banking for customers. The
May is USA/Canada
cover the rustic beauty car coming around the corner the month of June. ATM helped pave the way for other convenience-
Bonus Month!
and diverse culture of and tried to get into the back Susan O'Connor, senior marketing manager, oriented services such as direct deposit, debit
the United States and seat. The men chased and said CFCU started in the basement of the for- cards and Internet banking.
Canada. AAA Travel/Canton pushed him, then one of them mer Mayflower Hotel at Ann Arbor Trail and "The ATM got people thinking about 24-hour
2017 N. Canton Center Rd. produced a pistol. Main. Its first permanent office was in a church access," O'Connor said.
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The Observer & Eccentric/ THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001 (C)A3,
Picture
this:
Mar-
mmmmX quice
Harriett
wraps
his arms
m
around
P'fl
date
lip Katie
Us Jones,
both of
Canton,
/ . \
as they
prepare
for a
photo by
Prestige
Oak.
Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting; John Shepard of Canton, left, and Ryan Haydon, who was
named Honorary Prom King, do some physical dancing on the floor at the Plymouth Canton B STAFF PHOTOS
BY
Plymouth Salem Senior Prom Friday at Laurel Manor in Livonia.
PAUL
H08SCHMANN B
Crowd enjoys
senior prom
I
t's that time of year again, when high
schoolers trade their uniforms and
shorts, blue jeans and T-shirts for for-
mals and tuxes, bow ties and shiny shoes.
Students at Plymouth Canton and Ply- &
mouth Salem helped kick off prom season
Friday, with the annual formal dance at
Laurel Manor in Livonia. I
Nearly 1,000 students attended the
event, which marks the start of the march
to graduation. This year's graduations take
place Sunday, June 10 at Eastern Michi-
gan University's Convocation Center in
Ypsilanti. Salem's ceremony takes place at
1:30 p.m.; Canton's follows at 5 p.m.
But Friday was the night for merriment,
for enjoying that one final formal before
stepping out into the rest of their lives. The
night featured dancing, photos by Prestige Slow dartcin'; Mike Tomasaitis of Canton and Amada
Portraits of Royal Oak, and socializing one Lentz of Plymouth enjoy a slow dance among class-
Erin Leverton, right, fixes the tie of Chris King as they
last time before starting down the road to looking good: mates.
?e or a career. await their Student Council portrait.
School incident
from pdi/'' A 1
L-v compromised in 1'h .:v .. •. r
(.'anion Conmiunu} School.-?.
in.... ma K; ' i. ,.. • i
Owens said he addressed stu- demonstrate concern ami ieativi - U ' Ml ! ! I V j> !'<)* (•(' UiUi -
dents Tuesday morning during ship when any evidence of disre- office, but isn't certain charges
announcements. spect or intimidation is brought will he filed.
"I told them safety for every- to our attention,"' said Booher. East Principal Marsha Hoff
one was our top concern, and Meanwhile, school district offi- sent a letter tn parents stating
Pioneer is a great place for kids cials say an eight 1- grade East there wa> a "written note that
to go to school." said Owens, who Middle School student ha? been c o n t a i n o d i n to r m a t i o n that
noted this was the first incident suspended until "profusion.! [ raisi. <\ safety concc. rns."
of its kind during his five years review and psychologic:1.! treat- The- diadem reporiedlv made
as Pioneer principal. ment is complete" after .she the information known to a
Superintendent Kathleen reportedly admitted to writing scnooi counselor. The giri is cur-
Booher, in a statement issued by names in a notebook, which rently undergoing counseling, Fit for the Cure" TM
the school district, said dignity police said included "implied and could be expelled from
and respect for all is the dis- threats" to about a half-dozen school.
trict's philosophy. students. Wednesday, May 23
"As we address teaching and Plymouth Acting Poiice Chief 11 am to 5 pm
In intimate Apparel
[phone], ext. 1013
Did you know?
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salt on your tongue will elimi- Joseph J. Ellis for a private fitting
nate the craving for sweets? 4. In Harm's Way - Doug
with representative
11 If you dab a small amount Stanton
Joanne Arnold. Then visit
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of nail polish bottles, the caps Michael K. Deaver Jacobson's on May 23
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• A change from a sitting to from the Midwest Mitch Albom perfect fit from Wacoal.
a standing position may E Jane Eyre, the musical - 7. Absolute Power - David
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increase the heart rate 10 to 12 Paul Gordon Limbaugh
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ON TAPE AND CD 1881 founding of the American Breast Cancer Foundation
Web Watch Si Billy Straight - Jonathan Red Cross by Clara Barton, its
for each fitting made
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Q and A Meltzcr governed and directed by vol-
What part of the brain is Si The Burglar In The unteers and provides disaster
Broca's area? Library - Lawrence Block relief at home and abroad.
A: Broca's area is the part of SS Losing Nelson - Barry Currently 1.1 million volun-
the brain associated with motor Unsworth teers are involved in communi-
control of speech. It is usually ty services such as collecting
located in the left but some- YOUNG ADULT AUTOBI- and distributing donated blood
times in the right inferior OGRAPHIES and blood products, teaching
frontal convolution. It is 51 A Schoolteacher In Old health and safety classes. They
named.for its discoverer, the Alaska: the stcry of Hannah also act as a medium for emer-
19th-century French surgeon, Breece - Jane Jacobs gency communication between
Paul Broca, S All Creatures Great and Americans and their armed
Source: The Book of Small - James Herriot forces.
Jacobson's
Berliner • My Father, My Son - Elmo
Zumwalt, Jr. @ the Canton Library is com-
New MUSIC CDs • Autobiography - Eleanor piled by Laura Dorogi of the
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• Road Rock - Neil Young more information about libraiy
• Creation's Journey: Native programs and services, call
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A4(C) The Observer & Eccentric/ THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001
C a n t on C e n t er
from page A1
i
go down every day." done at the onset. than he expected. The show-
Park explained there are no But because the bridge closure room opened the first week of
nearby laundries, so her cus- was delayed, it should coincide November and has since netted
tomers have no choice but to with the long-awaited opening of more than the business plan
navigate the torn-up road and Morton Taylor, just to the east. projected, considering the
orange barrels. "We're just rolling with the upcoming road project.
"I try to make them feel better punches," said manager Julie "In the length of time we've WBBjjlS
and tell them I understand, but Johnston, of Family Video, 6425 been open, we built a pretty *•
they're frustrated too." But late N. Canton Center. "The con- loyal customer base. We're kind
last Friday afternoon, there was struction will be over soon, and of building for the future." t —
just one customer to comfort at we'll be okay."
Roll with the barrels
the laundry. So she continued to Johnston said the store opened
clean already spotless counter- in February, and the company's "You just have to go with it.
tops and polish filled-to-the-brim owner knew about the construc- The road really needed to be
snack machines. tion project before building on improved, and if that means we
the property. have to go through this, so be it.
No relief soon
She said the store has been In the long haul, we'll have a
The situation won't improve busier than she expected, but great road and more customers
much either until the project is there were some side effects she because of it."
finished in September, said
hadn't counted on. Williams agreed, saying the
Wayne County Department of
"Our phone line has been cut road's congestion and danger
Public Services spokesman John
three times." One weekend, the had been affecting her business £l
Roach.
phone line was inoperable for for a couple of years.
STAFF PHOTO PAUL HUBSCBMANN
In about a month, Canton
two days, which is irritating to "The road is only slightly Tricky going: Traffic is slow and the way is bumpy as work continues on Canton
Center Road will be completely
customers trying to contact the worse now than it was before," Center Road between Ford and Warren. The recent rain has added to the mess.
closed just north of Ford so the
store. she joked.
two small bridges there can be
"They think we just aren't Nearby Fox Meadow subdivi-
demolished and replaced, he
answering our phone." sion homeowner Chuck Dorais He said he has started run- "But I'm glad they're improv- Dorais added he's impressed
said.
Rick Denman, manager of agreed, even though he reported ning his errands after 9 p.m. ing the road," he said, explain- with the speed of the project.
There is some good news, how-
Showroom of Elegance, 6018 N. it's no more a picnic living near when the traffic has cleared, or ing he had prior to the construc- "They're working really fast out
ever. Roach said the project had
Canton Center, said his jewelry the construction than it is work- sometimes he will choose a dif- tion been in a car crash he cred- there, and you can see the
to be tweaked just a little, and
store has also performed better ing by it. ferent, longer route. ited to the congested road. progress every day."
the bridge work was going to be
Canton will test siren system
Montessori
Canton's Fire Department will during the next few days, plete repairs to the sirens' acti-
be testing civil defense sirens The tests are needed to com- vation system, according to Fire
Chief Mike Rorabacher. A total
Enrolling of 10 sirens are located through-
I out the township.
Koto for "During a recent maintenance
Frank's Firewood &
check, we discovered some prob-
I
lems regarding the activation
"a 11 £ooi Landscape Supplies
system of some of the sirens,"
Rorabacher explained. "The
• Seasoned Firewoo^L^s/v^yj S Sccrreeeenneedd TToopp SSooiill proper operation of these sirens
is very important to the commu-
• Campfire Wood -< or sSi Bagged & Bulk Mulch
nity. Correcting this problem is
•Chimnea Wood ^'^-^y/vj^ssorted varieties)
4 1 6- a top priority."
PICK-UP or DELIVERY • RESIDENTIAL or COMMERCIAL
He emphasized that the tests
Schoolhouse Montessori of Canton is committed to the developmental would only occur on days when
n^eds of youni children 2Vz years of age through kindergarten. j 1 Bat>s of SOOO it is obvious there is no threat-
lAIULCH ening weather. The vendors
responsible for the sirens' opera-
E d u c a t i on f or th_e 6215 N. Canton Center tion have been on site working
(Just north of Ford Road) on the problem, Rorabacher
"head, h . e a rt a nd h a n ds Canton, Michigan mill in o'Mv i »|irc* » 1 J-Ol said.
"Once the problem is fixed, we
• Canton
39474 Cherry Hill (1/2 Miles E. of 1-275) will be going back to our regular
Tours parent informational meetings will be offered to interested
test schedule on the first Satur-
ramifies. For more information, please call [phone]. 7 3 4 - 9 8 1 - 4 6 30 L1046498 day of each month at 1 p.m.," he
said.
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The Observer & Eccentric! THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001 (C)A5
CANTON OBITUARIES
ROBERT BRADFORD ROSS of Plymouth were held May 14 at (Robert) Stoner of Ypsilanti; son, 1915 in Blue Jacket, Okla. arid sons, Kan.; sisters, Georgie Arbor Road in Plymouth. He
Services for Robert Bradford the Schrader-Howell Funeral Greg (Charlotte) Pegg of Wayne; died May 10, 2001 in Ann Arbor. (Leon) Paul of Galena, Kan. and came to .the Plymouth communi-
Ross of Plymouth were held May Home with the Rev. Richard six grandchildren; and sister, She was a homemaker. She Retha (John) Merritt of Big Sky. ty in 1987 from Canton. He
12 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Pingilley officiating. Burial was Donna (Glenn) Van Tassell of came to Plymouth from Parsons, Mont. loved horses, football and golf.
Catholic Church with the Rev. at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in . Florida. Kan. She loved to cook, bowl and Arrangements made by He was a loving son, brother and
John Ortman officiating. Burial Southfield. Memorial contributions may garden. Flowers were her spe- Schrader-Howell Funeral Home. grandson.
was at Glen Eden Cemetery in Mr. Pegg was born Oct. 24, be made to the American Dia- cialty. She was a loving mother, Survivors include parents,
Livonia. 1935 in Michigan and died May betes Association. grandmother, great-grandmoth- MATTHEW EDWARD TAGGIE Edward and Sandy Taggie of
Baby Robert died May 9, 2001 10, 2001 in Ann Arbor. Mr. Pegg Arrangements made by er and sister. Services for Matthew-Edward Plymouth; brother, Nicholas "
in Plymouth. was a buyer for Chrysler for 25 Schrader-Howell Funeral Home. She was preceded in death by Taggie, 22, of Plymouth were Taggie of Plymouth; grandmoth-
Survivors include parents, years. He came to Plymouth in her husband, Francis. held May 16 at the Schrader- er. Lillian Taggie of Ann Arbo/*;
Robert and Sandra Ross of Ply- 1978 from Allen Park. He was a ALICE L. WALL Survivors include sons, Edwin Howell Funeral Home with the several aunts, uncles and .
mouth; sister, Lauren MacKen- member of the Plymouth Good- Services for Alice L. Wall, 86, (Carol) Wall of Plymouth, Don- Rev. John Sullivan officiating. cousins also survive.
zie Ross; brothers, Ryan fellows, American Legion arid of Plymouth were held May 14 at ald Wall of Florida, and Larry Matthew was born Sept. 30. Memorial contributions, may,",
Fredrick Ross and Parker Knights of Columbus. He served the Schrader-Howell Funeral (JoAnn) Wall of Pinckney; 1978 in Livonia and died May be made to the Humane Society
Joseph Ross; grandparents, in the Korean War. Home with the Rev. Peter Berg daughter, Norma (Larry) John- 12, 2001 in Ann Arbor. He wa> of' Huron Valley.
Robert (Anris) Ross of Indiana, Survivors include wife, Sandra officiating. Burial was at River- son of Plymouth; nine grandchil- a part-time student at School- Arrangements made by
Robyn Lucka of Flint, and James M. Pegg of Plymouth; daughters, side Cemetery. dren; ten great-grandchildren; craft College. He worked at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home.
(Kathy) Spiroff of Port Huron. Lisa Pegg of Redford and Colleen Mrs. Wall was born Feb. 13, brother, Richard Pearson of Par- Painter Supply store on Ann
Arrangements made by
Schrader-Howell Funeral Home.
GARY A. PEGG
friday and Saturday, may 18 and 19
Services for Gary A. Pegg, 65,
Murder
from page A1 n / V O D A Y s a le
allegedly ended up pulling out a
knife and began swinging it
wildly. One of the blows hit Tag-
gie in the chest. Brett Konley,
21, was also stabbed, bift is
recovering.
"This is a sad testament to
how things can turn so quickly.
1
You have a group of guys drink- v
/ • i i
ing a beer, h
talking
about life,
and hav-
ing a good W
time. And
you have
a guy try- ill
ing to
help out a
f r i e n d. ®wr
T h e ir
p a t hs
crossed,
and you
have a
p e r s on Matt Taggie
d e a d ," - ,
Annas said. 11.99-1499 sale 6.99 50% off
Annas said when a knife is
pulled out in a situation like
Reg. 14Q0-U.SO; -
this, it is better "to take flight
than fight." l l M i i ly uimtKMftW
However, Taggie's good friend mesar store. lttACC£SSC$i£S
and Canton Township resident
Melissa McCormick said she
spoke to several people who
were with him Friday night and
they have told her that he was-
n't one of the people arguing
with Griggs.
"He wasn't even involved in T
1
the argument. He was just stick-
ing up for his friends, which just
goes to show what kind of friend
he was," she said.
Former Plymouth resident
Michael Hoatlin, 22, who had
been friends with Taggie since
they were both 10, witnessed the
incident. He and several other
friends rode with Taggie to the
hospital and tried to comfort
him.
"It happened right in front of
me. Matt was just at the wrong 40% off 50 a off m off 50 \ off
place at the wrong time,"
Large selector |vings off 1*1 .ginal pnefc -
Hoatlin said. "On the way to the
hospital, none of us thought it denim shorts 'ge selection of ladles' suits/
was going to end up like this. rft uoining csr 1G,Q0-330,flQ,s^2 'W '',3-16£OG.-
Matt was so full of life. He was-
n't going to die. And as far as I'm girls sizes 6
concerned, he never will." sale12G0-H£Q
Taggie attended Salem High
School for a couple years, before
I% PM+SttN
moving to Minnesota to com-
plete his education.
single sale or clearance item
For the last year and a half,
he worked at Painters Supply & an extra 10% off any sale or clearance
Equipment on Ann Arbor Road in shoes, ladles' suits and dresses, men's
and sport coats, cookware and small electrics.
in Plymouth. He was also a part-
friday & Saturday, may 18 & 19
time student at Schoolcraft Col-
WATCHES AND GREAT BUYS IN FINE';
lege, where he was studying , FRAGRANCES. INTIMATE t
marketing. EITDE. MMSU SATN DP RSEPSEECNIATL C 0ORUDPEO N FOR S AVMGS>;
Sandy Taggie said her son was ON PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED ITEMS. "
just beginning to find his own
voice in life.
"Matt had such a zest for life, i%. )ff
which makes this so much more extra
devastating. He was at the point py single sale or clearance item
where his life was really just •ortako 2- 100/ ary sale or clearance
beginning. It's such a shame," if shoes, ladies' suits and dressfe;
she said. \ suits and »co 1 >~oa s cockware and small electrics.
McCormick, who was one of vaud <ndav & Saturday may 18 & 19
more than a hundred people sale 19.99 sale 19.99 sale 29.99 lSljf/t-iWi^O$EMS WEATTCHIECS SAN,D GREAT BUYS fN PINE /V ' .
FRAGRANCES. INTIMATE APPAR£LEVERYDAY :' i
attending funeral services yes- SP^.tO&PRICI ITEMS AND SPECIAL ORDERS. COUPONS CAMN0T.
terday at Our Lady of Good Presw rk & Moore Unit and &*tfr* stocH-of Woods & Gray BE'CQMBINEO MUST PRESENT COUPON FOR SAVINGS.. .
WST. VALID On KKtviuubu PURCHASED ITEMS. -
Counsel in Plymouth, said Tag- woven sport shirts 3 red shorts. * shorts and Unit and woven
gie's death has opened some Reg 30 00-34 00 shirts R$q 4QQ(Hi&flfr -
eyes. irvMENs JMMllW-S
"This whole thing is a wake-up
call for me. Life is too short.
Matt was such a good friend to
so many people. I only wish I
could tell him how important he P
was. But I know he knows it,"
she said..
In addition to his mother and
father, Edward, Taggie is sur- #11111
vived by brother, Nicholas, and
his grandmother, Lillian Taggie
of Ann Arbor.
Taggie's family wishes memo-
rial contributions be made to the
Huron Valley Humane Society at POF1046383
3100 Cherry Hill, Ann Arbor, CALL 800-424-8185 TO ORDER ANYTIME. STORE HOURS: Laurel Park Place (953-7500) open Sun.12-6, Mon.-Sat. 10-9. FOR INFORMATION call 953-7500.
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A6 (LReGcCP) The Observer & Eccentric/ THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001
Internet sales tax proposal could affect other taxes
BY MIKE MALOTT to "level the playing field" for agency analysis of the bill. Emmons and clerk for the out of the agreement later, if hundreds of millions. The legis-
HOMETOWN NEWS SERVICE homegrown "bricks-and-mortar* Finance Committee that recently state lawmakers feel a require- lation is being sold as an effort to
[email protected] businesses, who do collect the Gosselin opposed approved SB 433, said new ment for an internal change is level' the playing field' between
Attempts to apply sales taxes sales tax and fear a loss of busi- . Rep. Robert Gosselin, R-Troy, wording has been added since it unacceptable." 'bricks-and-mortar' stores and 'e-
to purchases made over the ness to the Internet if sellers is concerned because he believes left committee to address the tailers' but that high-sounding
Changes forced
Internet could hit Michigan resi- there can deliver their goods to the bill - as it was approved by problem. That change specifical- intention is being used as a cover
dents in the pocketbook, includ- customers cheaper. the Senate Finance Committee - ly states that "nothing in this act The Senate Fiscal Agency con- for a major new intrusion of gov-
ing those who have never set one The state Senate Fiscal Agen- would extend the gales tax, not is to be construed as expanding cluded thgre could be some inter- ernment into the economic
- foot in cyberspace. cy estimates that the state could just on the Internet but for the base of either the sales tax or nal impact to the original bill. affairs of the people."
* But a senate staffer says word- collect another $100 million to everyone in the state, to goods the use tax or to eliminate any "The scope of this potential com-
C of C balks
lug has been added to assure it $300 million on taxable items and services not currently taxed, exemptions to it," he said. pact among the states, as out-
•does not change the tax inside sold over the Internet. But the producing a significant sales tax The purpose of the bill is sim- lined in the bill, could require The Michigan Chamber of
• Michigan. Pending before the main reason Congress has been increase. ply "to get us to the table where Michigan eventually to make Commerce also was withholding
'state Senate is a bill called the unwilling so far to let state's "Based on calls, letters and e- we can begin to negotiate with changes in its sales and use tax its support of the bill, despite the
^^Streamlined Sales and Use Tax apply sales taxes to Internet mails to my office, citizens are' other states," Hingst explained. bases, particularly in regard to fact it has taken a position favor-
^Administration Act," known as purchases is that the tax struc- nearly unanimous in their oppo- "That's easy for us here in Michi- adopting uniform definitions of ing leveling the playing field
-Senate Bill 433 and sponsored ture is different in each state. sition. So they will probably be gan because we have one particular goods and services, " between Internet businesses and
by Sen. Joanne Emmons, R-Big "Under the bill, the state surprised to learn that legisla- statewide sales tax and one rate. the analysis stated. traditional retailers.
Rapids. would be allowed to join a multi- tion bringing the state a big step It will be more difficult for other "In addition, the state also "Should the Legislature decide
The bill would allow Michigan state compact whose intended closer to doing so is on a fast states like Illinois, which not would potentially have to elimi- to take up this issues, we -urge
to enter into a multi-state agree- purpose would be to simplify and track. And they will certainly be only have a state sales tax but nate its current special reduction the House and Senate to proceed
ment for the collection of sales streamline the sales and use surprised that the same bill city sales taxes as well." in the tax rates, from 6 percent slowly and with caution to avoid
and use taxes. The idea is to taxes among the state and to could for the first time extend Should some issue arise in to 4 percent, granted on residen- opening the door to a broadening
assess sales taxes on purchases develop a uniform collection pro- the sales tax to services as well. those negotiations to require tial use of electricity, natural gas of the tax base," the Chamber
made on the Internet and cess that would not be burden- Not just those bought out of Michigan to change its internal and home heating fuels." stated of the earlier version of
through the mair. some to businesses or con- state: All services, like doctors sales tax collection, the change Gosselin put it a bit more SB 433.
t Proponents say a tax is needed sumers," according to a fiscal and plumbers." would have to come back to the harshly.
Erik Hingst, aide to Sen. Michigan House and Senate for "This is going beyond taxing Hingst said he hopes the
approval. The state could choose Internet sales. It is a stealth tax change will bring the opponents
to drop out of the negotiations or increase that could cost citizens around to support Emmon's bill..
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The Observer & Eccentric/ THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001 *A7
Hines bus tour
4
History comes alive in a park
collectively known as the
BY KURT KUBAN
STAFF WRITER Anishnabeg people. Tonquish
[email protected]
Creek is named after a
There is a single historic dis- Potawatomi chief, who was
trict boasting some of the most killed near the waterway during
significant cultural sites in the the last Indian uprising in the
Midwest, and possibly even area.
America. As the Native Americans gave
, Among the sites within this way to European settlers, a
district are an annual meeting number of villages sprang up
place for three major Indian along the Rouge, harnessing its
tribes in pre-colonial times; the power by building mills. These
remnants reportedly of Ameri- villages had names like New-
STAFF PHOTOS BY BRYAN MITCHELL
ca's first "free town*' where burgh, much of which now sits at Scenic drive: The history bus stopped in front of the waterfall and pond next to New-,
African-Americans were wel- the bottom of Newburgh Lake,
burg Lake just west ofNewburg Point
come to live in freedom; the last Nankin, Phoenix and Waterford.
stop of the Underground Rail- Ultimately they were all gob-
road before escaped slaves bled up by developing townships,
entered Canada; a village mill including Livonia, Nankin, Ply-
industry that armed American mouth and Northville, but each
soldiers during World War II; played significant roles in the
and the cradle of both the auto- development of this area, and, in At Providence, we're proud of
mobile industry and labor move-' Park enthusiasts: County many cases, the world.
ment. Commissioner Lyn For example, the Rouge-pow- the nurses, physicians, and other
To visit this district, there is ered mills that mark the loca-
Bankes and her aide, Deb-
no need to contact a travel agent. tions of these once-thriving vil- caregivers who make our
In fact, for people living in west- bie Wanamaker, on the lages were bought by Henry
ern Wayne County, a bicycle tour. Ford early in this century and Intensive Care Unit one of
may be all that is needed to tour converted into plants that pro-
the entire district. We know it as duced parts for the automobile the Top loo in the U.S.*
Edward Hines Park, which is Mills, a museum with displays industry.
owned by the county and runs about the region's past, dating "Much like the Nile River in Every day, they work hard to
along the Middle Branch of the back to the time when Native Egypt was a cradle of civiliza-
Rouge River. Americans ruled the land. In tion, I would say the Rouge is deliver better outcomes for you
Because relatively few people fact, Hines Drive, which the bus the cradle of the industrializa-
are aware of the park's past, traveled during the majority of tion that changed the world," and your loved ones ~
Wayne County Commissioner the tour, runs along an old Indi- said Wayne County Parks Man-
Ij-yn Bankes, who represents an trail. ager of Design Nancy Darga, to keep your family healthy.
Livonia, Plymouth and The tour's first stop was near who narrated Friday's tour.
Northville, organized a series of Nankin Mills, where the Rouge According to Darga, these vil-
bus tours to show-off its rich cul- meets Tonquish Creek. The spot, lage industry plants were also
tural history. now called the Three Fires vital elements to America's suc-
The first of these tours was Canoe Landing, was the annual cess in World War II, when they
Friday. It began in Westland at meeting place of the Ojibwa, were converted to produce much
the recently refurbished Nankin Odawa and Potawatomi tribes, of the armament used by Allied
troops.
Strolling: "It is said that withoutHhese
village industry plants along the
Nature and
Rouge River, we would not have HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTERS
history mix
won the war," she said.
at Hines Member of St. John Health System
The bus stopped at each of the
Park where mills, some of which are private-
a bus tour ly owned today, and all the old
got a taste of village locations, including
Top loo
Waterford, which was the second
both.
largest settlement in Michigan
prior to the Civil War. Darga Intensive Care Units
said Waterford, now a "ghost
town" just north of Phoenix Lake
in Northville Township, was
f America's first "free town" that
ImI m
welcomed African-Americans
*Named by Solucient Leadership Institute, the research and education division of
and was an important stop on
Solucient, the country's largest source for health care intelligence and benchmark data.
the Underground Railroad.
See BUS TOUR, A12
G R A ND O P E N I N^
OF WAYNE
v.
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The Observer & Eccentric/ THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001
A8(C)
Dawn of Discovery
Talent show, concerts
fir~
provide stage for students
•? .
Musical talent, a—
dance dominate
Discovery's
Spring events
As if middle school and puber-
ty weren't difficult enough!
Spring brings many opportuni-
ties for growth and renewal. At
Discovery Middle School, the / - J
annual band and chorus concerts
and the First Annual Talent
Show were among the many
showcases for Canton's young- Up beat: Christopher Leach plays the
sters to shine. tuba, along with his dinosaur plush
The sixth, seventh and eighth
toy. He played the "Theme from Juras-
grade bands combined with their
sic Park" April 10.
corresponding chorus to perform
three consecutive nights of music
March 26, 27 and 28. Just two
weeks later, some of the stu-
dents had an opportunity to
show off their musical, dance
and gymnastics skills in the
school's first talent show.
And then, of course, there are
opportunities to perform and
show off every day in class, the
lunch room, in the hallways
between classes, and perhaps
even for that special someone Hello: Allie Saker, 12, (left) reacts to a classmate in her seventh-grade Earth science class - proha-
wherever their ships may cross
bly a boy, doing something gross. Haley Mansfield, 13, looks on.
in the night.
X
%
J*
r
J?
•j
Waiting game; lan Tran gets ready for
This OK?: Joshua Wojciechowski, 12 (left), and Jimmy Smith, 13, look
the seventh-grade band and chorus con-
for approval on their project from teacher Rosemary Vervillein their
cert backstage in the music room March
seventh-grade Earth science class April 12.
26.
*
What's up: High School freshman Brian Bradley, 15,
had the middle school girls swooning when he came by
March 29 to pick up his kid sister from the spring
dance. Here, Callie Kappler, 13, and Lauren Amann,
In charge: Masters of ceremony Nate
12, chat him up.
Reno, Justin Briars and Ross Behrman
provided comic relief and kept the show
moving April 10.
Restless: Members of the seventh-grade chorus fidget between num
bers in their concert March 26.
I
•
4
Take a break: Lauren Manees, 13, rests on
her baritone saxophone while the chorus
f
performs in the combined seventh-grade
\
band and chorus Concert March 26.
Giggles: Danielle Lulko (left) and Kara Ahem laugh together back-
Staff Photos by
stage after performing a dance /gymnastics routine together in the tal Footloose: Ross McDonald performs a
ent show April 10. modern dance routine during the talent
Paul Hurschmann show April 12.
The Observer & Eccentric/ (C)A9
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001
Hopeful
India Festival coming tomorrow
CANTON CONNECTION
: from page A1
•: -- • •• I
•school, that would be my role," Our own runaway dent, either.
-said Fox, the mother of three The Ohio train was slowed by • .. • t •
It wasn't exactly a runaway,
>*district students. "But, over the connecting a locomotive to the
but a CSX train went on a little
lyears seeing how things are rear of the train and applying
unscheduled, unmanned and
"operating in the district and the brakes from that trailing
unpowered trip of its own Mon- • • \
"with the situation at the high locomotive. It carried 47 cars,
day night. 1
^school, we want 25 of which were empty and 22
A locomotive, stopped in the
-someone on the B Fox that carried freight, primarily
CSX yard at M-14 and Sheldon,
Aboard to partici- paper and lumber.
started rolling from Plymouth
pate and be - Brad Kadrich
finances and didn't stop until it traveled
'more active."
! Fox believes and tinhcroliunge hin W Wesatylanned, h aanvdi nhgit g aonn e Fair date changed
:the biggest diversity six miles, according to CSX offi- A Public Safety Fair sched-
-issue facing as top cials. uled for May 19 by the Canton
Plymouth-Can- school "The hand brake was appar- Public Safety Department has
ton Schools is ently not properly applied," been postponed.
issues. &:
finances. said Dan Murphy, CSX's direc- "The postponement is due to
"I'm not a tor of corporate communica- organizational commitments,'
finance person, tions. "It rolled about six miles, Canton Public Safety Director
but I want to do propelled entirely by gravity." John Santomauro said. "We
what I can to help solve some When the train hit the incline want this to be a special day in
of the problems," said Fox. and slowed, a worker hopped Canton and we will use this
"We need to involve our com- aboard and set the brake. time to ensure a quality event
"munity businesses because No one was injured in the for our residents."
they have a vested interest in incident, which happened just The department will
this community. Their kids go before 11:30 p.m. Monday announce a new date for the This Friday: Dancers with the Indian American Student Association rehearse
to the schools. That's my goal." night, Murphy said. There were fair within the next few a number for their upcoming 8th Annual Festival of India Friday May 18 at
Fox, a member of the Ply- no cars attached to the engine, months, he added. Demonstra- Salem High School. More than 60 members of the student group will per-
which reportedly traveled at tions, tours and exhibits will
mouth-Canton African-Ameri- form in traditional and modern dances and a fashion show. The group's
speeds of 10-15 mph. likely highlight the one-day
-can Association Parents group, mission is to unite students for a common goal in promoting cultural aware-
Murphy said that, while inci- event."We apologize for any
also sees diversity as a top pri-
ness. The ticket price $5 in advance or $7 at the door, include dinner featur-
ority. dents like these are rare, inconvenience this postpone- t
they're not unheard of. ment may cause," said San- ing traditional Indian cuisine. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p*m,, followed
"I believe we need to become
"Sometimes kids or vandals tomauro. by the show at 7p.m.
more diverse because our com-
climb in and release the brake," - Carol Marshall
munity is far more diverse
Murphy said. Ironically, an
than it was 11 years ago when
unmanned train carrying 47 Karmanos dinner
I moved here," noted Fox. 'T
cars left CSX's yard at Toledo,
would like our schools to The Barbara Ann Karmanos
Ohio, and traveled 66 miles
become as diverse as our com- Cancer Institute hosts its 19th-
before being brought to a stop.
munity." annual dinner, Late Nite with Read Taste on Sunday
The cause of the incidents are
Karmanos, from 5:30 p.m. to
Fox said high on her list is being investigated. No injuries
midnight Saturday at the Com-
getting more parental involve- were reported to employees or
puware Sports Arena in Ply-
ment in the buildings, from area residents in the Ohio inci-
mouth.
elementary to high school.
"We already have a good
group of parents involved, but
there is a lot more we can do,"
said Fox. "There may not be a
lot of work in the classrooms
when it comes to middle school
and high school, but there is
still a lot of work that can be
done in the buildings. When
there is parent involvement, \re vou curious about tacehtis
each child is more secure in
evelia litis forehead lifts laser
who they are, and they don't
GREENHOUSE
get involved in some issues we resurfacing skin caic or Botox
have going on now."
iicct ors" The Urv\ rs t\ 'if
Fox said she's not too con-
Hanging Baskets
cerned about the presence of Michigan's Center for Facial
charter schools cropping up in • Flats of Annuals C osmetic ^urgorv is hosting
the Plymouth-Canton district.
wo events to answer voui
com mum tv su c.h & Vegetables
s-'iii'id pnhhr sehnoL1- thnt dorVt
see the problem of people tak- • Patio Planters
you with racial cosm
ing their kids out of this dis-
trict," she said. "I see the char- surgerv The tree sessions will
Living Wreaths
ter schools filling up with kids
run from 7 to 8 30 pm on \la>
from other districts.
Posey Bags
"However, if we start having 2 and May 22 To find out
financial difficulties and it
more or to register call ,734
affects the performance of our
school district, then it could 9015 Haggerty Road 1^; or 8UU 41-)-* 322 5
hurt us." she said. Belleville Seating is limited. 19900
Fox said that becoming the f
(1 Mile S. of Ecorse) Haggerty Sie 103 Livonia
first African-American trustee
in Plymouth-Canton isn't her
goal. But, she does admit that
Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery
African-Americans "have been University of Michigan
Health System*
lax in getting involved in the
school system." 734) 397-2252
"We've come in and put our
kids in a good system and
expect the schools to do every-
thing, as opposed to getting
involved," she said. "There are
parents who get involved, but
on a large scale we need to
.work more with the schools for mi/erA
^our kids' sake. That would
•eliminate some of the insecuri-
ties our kids have. The par-
ents, then, will know what's
really going on in the schools."
CANTON 6
Ford Hcl 1 Mile W. of (-275 734-981-1900 NO MATTER WHAT YOUR STYLE,
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OPINION
A10(C) hometownnewspapers.net Thursday, May 17, 2001
<£>Ug(
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A
Tedd Schneider Jeanne Towar
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UST&N, M0MM!
t>W>W 15 ,
Paranoia ended aquatic
X f c L W W l M G'
K M I O H 6 AM
park discussions too soon A 6MN J
IP
There it was last week, right in front of Trustee Robert Shefferly, for one, said
them. the only way he would consider moving
We speak, of course, of the Canton forward with the plan would be without
Township Board of Trustees and a county participation.
chance to put local support (and money) Some board members favor seeking
where their mouths were - or at least another municipal partner - Northville
where residents thought they were three Township was mentioned - and a differ-
years ago.
That's when, voters will recall, the ral- To end discussions now
lying cry against a countywide recreation because of unreasonable sus-
millage was that it wouldn't benefit local MICHIGAN
picions about partnering with
residents. The overwhelming majority of
the projects were slated for Detroit and a the county strikes us as short-
few Downriver communities. Some work
in Hines Park was about the closest Can-
ton residents would come to seeing their
recreation tax dollars at work, local offi-
cials said. ent location.
So what happens last Tuesday when Other board members cited concerns
these same officials hear a proposal for a relating to the park's impact on the • Spruce-up a success • Editorial missed I
joint Canton-county project that would immediate area. The added congestion,
Wayne County Prosecutor Mike "
put an aquatic park in the southwest end noise and other problems such a project On Saturday, April 28, a group of mark
Duggan says that 98 percent of people
of the township? would bring would be detrimental to sur- volunteers spread wood chips and
who get a general CCW permit should,
You guessed it. rounding neighborhoods, said trustee sanded the playscape in Heritage Park The editorial, "Zero tolerance in
be connected with law enforcement.
The board turns thumbs down on the Melissa, McLaughlin. for repainting. We had a group of over schools is trying on the patience,"
Well, I would like to know where I
idea during a study session. Supervisor The $500,000 homes nearby make the 30 volunteers helping. (Observer, April 26) concluded with a
fit into that equation? Because in 1997
Tom Yack, who supports the project, site inappropriate for a "boisterous play" Then on the next Saturday, May 5, call for common sense, not zero toler-
I appeared before the Wayne County
couldn't elicit enough agreement from park, she said. another group of volunteers repainted ance. I propose we can strive for both.
gun board for an interview in connec-'
the other trustees to move it onto the liTack said last week that the site is far all the painted surfaces and took I agree that common sense, profes-
tion with my general permit applica-
board's regular agenda. enough off the main road and set back inventory of all the engraved pickets. sional judgment and responding to
tion. And, I was summarily denied my '
The proposed 15-acre park would be from residential development that any Thanks to all tjjhe volunteers who each case and person individually is
permit on the grounds that "My job ;
located on township-owned property at problems would be minimal. gave their time to make the playscape often the best way to approach behav-
wasn't dangerous enough."
Ford and Ridge roads. A water park could make a nice addi- look new again. There were several ior problems and rule infractions.
That probably sounds quite reason-
The project is included in the town- tion to existing recreational opportuni- businesses that donated goods that Responding with consistent conse-
able to most of your readership and to
ship's capital improvement plan with an ties in Canton, a community where lead- made this project a success. They are: quences is also desirable. Unfortunate-
those that don't know my occupation.
$8 million price tag. Joining forces with ers have placed a premium on quality of Home Depot on Ford Road, McDon- ly, extreme and inflexible responses
However, I was then, and still am a
Wayne County would cut Canton's outlay life issues. ald's on Ford Road, Dunkin' Donuts on are the result, to some degree, of politi-
correctional officer. A person who
nearly in half, to an estimated $4.5 mil- We'd have to see a more detailed plan Ford Road, United Paint, Sears Hard- cal pressure and, to a much larger
deals with convicted felons, some of
lion. before we could support the project, of ware. degree, a misunderstanding and mis-
whom may have families in this very
But there's the rub, at least for some course. But to end discussions now A special thanks to all the Close-Up application of the concept of zero toler-
city and certainly in Wayne County.
trustees. Although Canton's relationship because of unreasonable suspicions about students who we can count on every ance.
I've received more training in the
with the county has improved markedly partnering with the county strikes us as time there is work to be done at the Responding to rules infractions with
use of deadly force as well as in less-
in recent years, some apparently still shortsighted and immature. playscape. Also, Norma Owens, artist dramatic and severe consequences is
than-lethal-force options than Mr.
view the McNamara administration as The Observer hopes residents haven't extraordinaire, who lent her talents to often thought to be the only way not to
Duggan or Detroit City Councilman
' the enemy. seen the last of this idea. bring the characters to life. tolerate threatening behavior. I pro-
Cleveland. I've also been a law
We appreciate the assistance of the pose that zero tolerance be viewed as
enforcement instructor in less-than-
Leadership Canton project team that taking an intolerant attitude toward
lethal-force options for the past seven
Reps shouldn't give up helped facilitate this spruce-up. Also, unacceptable behaviors. Not tolerating years.
the Canton Community Foundation for a behavior does not always result in
I'm an honorably discharged veter-
their ongoing support to maintaining maximum punishment. Zero tolerance
an of 10 years, have passed more FBI
the playscape. does mean not ignoring the problem or
background screenings than Mr. Dug-
We invite the community to come on hoping someone else will do something
gan or Detroit City Councilman Cleve-
out to see and enjoy all the hard work. about it. We cannot look the other
land and I've not once been arrested .
Thank you. way, but we can educate, reprimand,
for a misdemeanor or a felony.
Debbie Fulan and punish along a continuum, letting
Representatives from a western Wayne lion deficit this year due to declining each situation and our wisdom guide With that said, would someone
County-based group pushing for enrollment (another Proposal A "perk" playscape committee chair our response. please tell me again that the current
increased state funding for local public since state aid is tied directly to enroll- Looking at zero tolerance this way, policies and practices for issuing con-
schools got hung up on by their legisla- ment). Meanwhile, Grosse Pointe Public every infraction and each instance of cealed weapons permits in this state .
tors last week. Schools receives $9,394 per pupil and • Voter revolt unacceptable behavior would require a and county are fair?
Sorry, we're not interested is the mes- Birmingham Public Schools gets $11,378, response but would not demand an I have the documentation to prove
sage many took away from a forum at figures that remain virtually unchanged Maybe lawmakers have seen a sur- overreaction. Adopting an intolerant my position, and Mr. Duggan and his
Redford Union High School on money since Proposal A took effect. vey that some adults in the executive attitude toward abusive, intimidating, organization have not been completely
problems created by Proposal A. The Observer believes Patterson at and legislative branches of the nation's dangerous and all unacceptable behav- truthful with the public. Like myself, - I
The session was organized by Michigan various governments may not want to iors, while insisting upon a response every one of my co-workers and fellow* *
Citizens for Fairness in Public School But the fact that Patterson's pay attention to, but they should. from all adults who care about chil- officers who reside in Wayne County I ^
Funding, chaired by Mark Slavens, a Ply- basic position, if not his tone, A Junior Achievement survey of dren, is absolutely the best way to tell have been denied permits for the very;-
mouth-Canton Community Schools was echoed by other electedm iddle school and high school students the children that we, care about them. same reason. Many have stayed silent;'
trustee. School supporters from Ply- nationwide completed in March shows We can have both zero tolerance and because of where they live. They've *I
mouth-Canton, Redford Union, South leaders at the forum Is truly that six out of seven (83 percent) teens common sense. chosen to remain unarmed versus »*
Redford and Livonia were among those troubling. It's as If our legisla-believe taxes irt general are too high. Jerry W. Hotchkin breaking the law or putting their famir*
at the meeting. tors are throwing up their In addition, four out of five (79 per- Canton lies in more harm's way.
State Rep. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton, cent) believe purchases made over the Mr. Duggan is an elected public offi-^ *
the House Majority Floor Leader, in par- hands, abdicating some of theI nternet should always be free of cial who is spending entirely too much^S
ticular took a hard-line (he called it real- responsibilities we gave themt axes. (Another 13.6 percent believe time fighting laws that he has sworn ^
istic) approach. Patterson told those when we marked their name ons uch purchases should be free of taxes, Praise for cops to uphold. ^
assembled that changes to Proposal A but for a limited time.) Frank Finch:
don't stand a chance in Lansing. the ballot Despite indoctrination in govern- On May 5 my family and I were hav- Canton
"Frankly, you don't have the votes to get ment schools* today's young people ing a surprise birthday party for my
something like this through. Those are know a bad deal with they see one. father down in Hines Park and River-
the cold, hard facts," Patterson said. While many older teens do hold jobs, side Drive (in the new pavilion). After
In fact, Patterson said the best strate- least recognizes that the inequities in few high school age and younger teens the party, we were packing up and Share your opinions
gy for the school folks would be to aban- Proposal A are damaging local schools. bear full financial responsibility for cleaning, our family started to dis-
don their legislative lobbying effort alto- Otherwise he wouldn't have introduced their own economic survival and well- burse into different cars. I was the We welcome your letters to the
gether and instead pursue a statewide legislation on Jan. 31 (House Bill 4111) being. first to leave the park and told my editor. Please include your name,
ballot initiative. Now that, we note with that would increase the per-pupil Foun- As they mature, their lives will even father that my daughter wanted to address and phone number for
a chuckle, would truly be tilting at wind- dation Grant in larger suburban dis- more certainly be weakened by the ride with my mother and him. Need- verification. We ask that your letters
mills. tricts. leech of taxes on a daily basis. For too less to say as we all got home, immedi- be 400 words or less. We may edit
But the fact that Patterson's basic posi- The bill, which Patterson said last long, young people have tended to vote ately we realized my daughter was for clarity, space and content.
tion, if not his tone, was echoed by other week doesn't have enough support to in proportion to their age: that is, only with none of us.
eblleincgte. dI tl'sea adse risf aotu rth leeg fiosrluamtor iss atrreul yth trroowu-- eerv ednis mtraicktes i(t1 5to,0 c0o0m smtuidtteenet,s c, aaltls l efaorst l atwrgo- 2o0p ppoesrecde tnot 7 0of p e2r0c-eyneta orf- o70ld-sye varo-toel,d sa.s fatIh felerw h abda cskto tpop tehde ap aPrlky,m bouutt hJe Trroiwcan'-s Mall:
ing up their hands, abdicating some of high schools and average teacher salaries Most have mistakenly thought that ship police officer. The officer immedi- Letters to the Editor
the responsibilities we gave them when of $55,000, among other requirements) to their votes cannot make a difference. ately responded and called in other Tedd Schneider
we marked their name on the ballot. receive a minimum Foundation Grant of As more young people come to under- officers. When I got there, the officers Canton Observer
A Wsevheenn Myeiacrhsi gaagno v- oatfetresr p yaesasresd o Pf rionpeoffseacl - $9A,0 p00o ofror rtehcee 2p0t0i1o-n20 f0o2r s cohnoeol m yeeaars. ure rsetasundlt st,h aantd t hveoitre vtoo treesje ccatn th ceh ainnsgiedi tohues wCeoruen rtyig Shht ethriefrfes wdeitphu tmy ea.r Ariv Weda wyniteh in 794 South Main
tive wrangling over the issue by legisla- though, shouldn't be taken as license to impact taxes have on their lives, their seconds because a caring citizen had Plymouth, Ml 48170
tors - the idea was to slowly change the give up on the issue altogether. If fine- simmering rejection of ever-more called him. I was very relieved to
school funding formula so that there was tuning the Foundation Grant formula is expensive governments could turn into know she was OK, safe and sound.
less disparity between the haves and out of the question, there are other ways open revolt against politics as usual. I would like to thank Officer Chester [email protected]
have-nots. Removing local property taxes to attack funding inequities. "That is not a just government, nor and Sgt. Jim Jarvis for their profes-
as the chief source of school funding, and For example, if districts were given an is property secure under it, wheire sionalism, and an immediate response Fax:
relying instead on a central kitty from 18-month window to pass a hold-harm- arbitrary restrictions, exemptions, and in a time of essence. I would like for 734-459-4224
the state, should have gone a long way less millage (something that was permit- monopolies deny to part of its citizens the chief of police and the board of
toward accomplishing that goal. ted when Proposal A kicked in), local vot- that free use of their faculties, and free trustees to know that the people of
And it has in poor, urban and rural, ers could have a say in addressing the choice of their occupations, which not Plymouth Township have two profes-
outstate areas. But in suburban Detroit, funding disparity. only constitute their property in the sional and loyal police officers. Thank
canyon-sized gaps in per-pupil spending There's still something - we hope - in general sense of the word; but are the you sincerely from a scared mother's
still exist between competing - some- the thinking that we send these folks to means of acquiring property so called." heart. HomeTown
times neighboring - school districts. Lansing to represent our interests. And — James Madison. Georgina Fitzgerand and
Redford Union, for example, receives more equitable school funding for local Walter Kwiatkoivski a scared 5 year old COMMUNICATIONS
$6,215 per pupil and is facing a $1.3 mil- districts certainly falls into that category. Plymouth Canton N E T W O RK