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November 16 – 22, 2023 NEWS YOU CAN USE, NEWS YOU CAN TRUST 75¢

No. 46 www .associatednewspapers.net

School district audit discovers $17 million deficit

Vol. 138, No. 46 The Wayne-Westland ” discrepancy was not caused by
A section of the Iron Belle Community Schools district is deliberate miscalculations or
Trail, which is expected to facing an unexpected $17.6 mil- At this moment, right now, we don't exactly misconduct.
travel from Belle Isle to lion budget deficit. know where we are, but we have a tremendous “With the complexity of
Ironwood in the Upper School officials and members today's budgets, which are made
Peninsula officially opened of the board of education problem that has to be addressed. even more complex by the
in Van Buren Township last learned of the budget deficit last influx of various COVID funds,
month. week when an audit of district the discrepancies occurred
See page 6. finances discovered the serious the deficit public during the state law, the district must main- within the budgeting processes
budget shortfall which officials meeting. tain 5 percent of the total operat- rather than from actual transac-
had believed was, in fact, a sur- According to the auditor's ing budget. In Wayne Westland, tions. The diligent efforts of the
plus. Board of Education report, revenue in the district that would be about $5 million, new financial leadership and
President David Cox reported totaled $135 million for the 2023 according to school officials. The staff have been instrumental in
the surprise findings during a fiscal year, while expenses district currently serves 9,790 identifying these issues during
Vol. 76, No. 46 meeting of the board members totaled $152 million. students. the recent financial review and
The Arc of Northwest last week. Board members agreed that Parents expressed concerns subsequent budget cycles. The
Wayne County has received a “At this moment, right now, the findings will now require that programs like music, art district is diligently working
$50,000 grant from The we don't exactly know where we some difficult decisions in and sports would be subject to toward obtaining a comprehen-
Margaret Dunning are, but we have a tremendous efforts to avoid a state takeover budget cuts or elimination. sive understanding of the final
Foundation to complete ren- problem that has to be of district finances. To avoid that District officials issued a pub- budget projections,” the official
ovations at the Canton addressed,” Cox said in making situation and be compliant with lic statement explaining that the statement said.
Township building.
See page 3.

Vol. 76, No. 46
Jamere Mykel Miller, 36,
of Inkster, will spend 35 to 60
in the Michigan Department
of Corrections after he
admitted he murdered
Patrice Wilson, 29.
See page 4.

Vol. 23, No. 46
About 39 percent of regis-
tered voters in the City of
Northville cast votes in the
election last week, choosing
a mayor and two members of
the city council.
See page 2.

Vol. 23, No. 46
The annual Village
Potters Guild of Plymouth Annual Wayne County holiday Lightfest opens tonight
Holiday Market will begin
tomorrow and continue The traditional holiday 96. Wayne County representa- the Lightfest, wait times may Visa/Mastercard or by phone
through Sunday, Nov. 19. Wayne County Lightfest in tives will offer radio alerts to be longer than normal on with a credit card by calling
See page 3. Edward Hines Park will offi- update visitors with important weekends. Admission fees, (734) 261-1990 and tickets will
cially open at 6 p.m. tonight, show information. By tuning which must be paid in cash be delivered by mail. Officials
Thursday, Nov. 16. The highly into AM 1640 within 3 to 5 five are $5 for vehicles; $20 for stressed that all tickets pur-
anticipated display will then miles of the Lightfest commercial van/RV/limo; $25 chased at the Lightfest must be
be open to vehicles from 6 entrance, visitors can receive for a 20-passenger mini-bus paid by cash. There is no avail-
until 10 p.m. until Sunday, Dec. regular updates on wait times, and $50 for a 40 passenger ability for any credit card or
Vol. 138, No. 46 24. The Lightfest will be closed traffic flow, special event and capacity bus. check payments.
Monday and Tuesday event costs. During the Advance tickets are avail- Bus groups, however, can
The traditional holiday
tree lighting in Romulus is evenings. Lightfest, Hines Drive closes able at the Nankin Mills pre-register their buses and
pay ahead of time by check,
in
Interpretive
Center
The entrance to the
to traffic for set-up and opera-
set for Nov. 24 at Romulus Lightfest is at 7651 North tions from 5 until 11:30 p.m. Westland from 1 until 4 p.m. Visa/Mastercard or cash. Call
Historical Park and will Merriman Road, which is on from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Monday - Friday at the walk- (734) 261-1990 for more infor-
include a sighting of the Merriman between Ann Arbor Drive. up window starting Nov. 20. mation but bus pre-registra-
Canadian Pacific Holiday Trail and Warren Avenue in Officials cautioned that due Pre-paid tickets can be pur- tion must be done at least one
Train. Westland, 2.5 miles south of I- to overwhelming response to chased with cash, check or week in advance.
See page 4.
Student led walkout included Israeli flag desecration
While law enforcement offi- dents or staff members who
Vol. 76, No. 46 cials are confident the recent ” needed support following the
Wayne Police Sgt. Chad student walkout and flag Plymouth Canton, community schools, demonstration.
Colwell recently graduated destruction at Plymouth rejects all forms of discrimination, “Plymouth Canton, commu-
from the Michigan Police Canton Educational Park was nity schools, rejects all forms of
Executive Development protected by free speech, harassment, intimidation or bullying. discrimination, harassment,
Seminar hosted by the FBI. Superintendent of Schools intimidation or bullying,”
See page 6. Monica Merritt described the Merritt's said in the letter. “We
incident as “disruptive” and “in are reviewing this matter and
violation of board policies.” Canton, Plymouth and Salem Constitution were violated. He will apply discipline consistent
A social media post Nov. 1 high schools, all located on the noted that in the current politi- with our policies. I urge our
showed unidentified students educational campus in Canton. cal climate, law enforcement families to engage in open and
ripping apart an Israeli flag Canton police and school departments are being cautious constructive discussions with
Vol. 76, No. 46 while others cheered them on security officers were on the in their approach. He added their children about the impor-
City officials and library laughing and chanting “Rip it scene, according to officials, that the department was pre- tance of respectful and peace-
personnel celebrated the up, rip it up.” but did not report witnessing pared had the demonstration ful expression of their views
reopening of the William P. The walkout, according to a any flag desecration. Canton become a flashpoint for a larg- and the consequences of violat-
Faust Public Library of notice to parents from Merritt Police Chief Chad Baugh said er incident. ing to school policies. We are
Westland following the $5 on Wednesday, was student the incident was considered a In her communication to committed to promoting a safe
million renovation. organized and student led. The peaceful demonstration and no families, Merritt said the dis- and inclusive environment for
See page 5. walkout included students from laws or violations of the trict would provide help to stu- all students,” she concluded.

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