The Ville - April 2024

LET'S ROLL!

Unity Skatepark ready for action

Vita Vizachero

Vita Vizachero

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

Vita has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1989. Some of her local favorites are Table 5, Pooles, Rocky’s, and Cantoro’s on Haggerty.

vvizachero@billbrownford.com

John DesOrmeau

John DesOrmeau

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

John has lived in the Northville / Novi community since 1987. Some of his local favorites are Rocky’s, Custard Time, Guernsey’s and the Pizza Cutter.

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com

vvizachero@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2711

Office:(734) 524-2711

jdesormeau@billbrownford.com

Office:(734) 524-2720

Office:(734) 524-2720

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LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

Please consider a donation to support The 'Ville. Since we began publishing more than five years ago, our goal has been to provide our readers with valuable information about the Northville community each and every month. Your support helps that mission survive and grow.

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LOCAL Matters! is the foundation of this magazine. If you find it of value, please consider supporting it. Every little bit helps! Please send donations to: Journeyman Publishing 16435 Franklin Northville, MI 48168

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Thank you in advance.

Publisher

Here is a list of people who contributed to local journalism last month. We appreciate your support!

• Steve & Pat Gossard

• Laurie A. Lyall

• Margie Sievert

KURT KUBAN – Editor/Publisher

Kurt Kuban is an award-winning journalist, having served as a reporter and editor for several local newspapers and magazines, including The Northville Record, over the course of a career spanning more than two decades. Kurt lives in Northville with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children, all products of Northville Public Schools.

CRAIG WHEELER – Creative Director

Craig has been in the creative industry for over 30 years. He has developed a diverse background in that time, but publication design has been his passion during the past 20 years. Craig enjoys chasing his young daughter and providing moral support to his lovely wife.

MICHELE FECHT – Writer

Michele Fecht is a longtime journalist whose first post-college reporter position was at The Northville Record before moving on to The Detroit News. A 30-plus year resident of the City of Northville and historic (old) house owner, 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, and is excited to get back to her roots in The ‘Ville. -Photo by Kathleen Voss

MARIA TAYLOR – Writer

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Maria is managing editor at The ACHR NEWS, a B2B publication based in Troy. She has worked as a reporter for the Northville Record, Novi News and Plymouth Observer, and once had her photo on the cover of TIME. She lives in Farmington and, as a self-avowed history nerd, routinely risks her life by standing in the road to photograph old buildings.

TIM SMITH - Writer

Tim brings a penchant for telling powerful and personal stories that run the gamut from news to sports. During more than 35 years in journalism, he has earned numerous state and national awards. The Wayne State grad is a published author and rec ice hockey player.

JOHN C. HEIDER – Photographer

John is a 25-year veteran of the Northville Record and other Detroitarea newspapers. In addition to his photography, he's an amateur gardener, poet and fly-fisherman. He also claims to have invented the metric system.

BRYAN MITCHELL - Photographer

Bryan started working as a photographer more than 30 years ago, and was the Northville Record photographer in the 90's. He has freelanced for The Detroit News, The Guardian, Reuters, and other publications. His photography has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe. The Northville resident also coaches mountain biking at Northville High School.

Closing down streets hits a snag in court

As most of you know, the City of Northville is scheduled to close down Main and Center streets at the end of the month. That looks to be on hold as a result of a lawsuit filed by a local group of citizens who would rather see the streets remain open.

The group formed a non-profit called Let’s Open Northville -- you’ve undoubtedly seen their pink signs around town. Whatever the motivations of the group, the main point they’ve made in court is the closing of the streets is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In essence, people with physical handicaps are not able to get to the restaurants, shops and other businesses along Main and Center streets in a safe manner when the streets are closed.

Let’s Open Northville filed an injunction in Wayne County Circuit Court to prevent the city from closing the streets as was scheduled by May 1 – at least until the validity of their argument is determined in court. Earlier this month, a judge agreed and granted a stay, meaning the city won’t be able to close the streets until the matter is cleared up.

Both Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull and City Manager George Lahanas criticized the decision, saying it creates a terrible precedent.

“The city has broad authority to manage its right of ways. This takes that away. We need to prevail in court to restore it,” said Lahanas, noting the implications would reverberate far beyond Northville and impact any community trying to close down streets in the state.

Mayor Turnbull, who noted he was personally named in the lawsuit, said the city will be appealing the decision in a timely manner and he’s confident the streets will be closed soon, maybe just not by May 1st.

“It will be a matter of how quickly we can get a court date,” Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the timing of the court maneuver is unfortunate, because the city recently installed expensive road bollards that will make shutting down Main and Center more efficient – and attractive. He also said he feels for the businesses that have been gearing up for the street closures, especially the restaurants and shops that have taken advantage of the outdoor space.

“The businesses have been planning for this, but it looks like they may have to wait a

little longer,” he said.

Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks and months. Just when we thought the street issue was settled…

The other major issue taking place in downtown Northville is the demolition of the Northville Downs facilities. There is some concern that it is being done in a safe manner.

To address the concerns, the city held a public hearing on March 26 at the Community Center. Nearly 150 people turned out. City officials and representatives from Hunter Pasteur Homes explained the demolition process and construction plans on the 49-acre property.

Lahanas said there is nothing unusual about the demolition plans. It is regulated by state guidelines and is safe for the community. The first part of the process is an inspection for asbestos, and then the removal of the asbestos before any demolition can occur.. A third party inspection will determine if the asbestos is abated.

The buildings on the north end of the property are ready for demolition, as Renascent, Inc., based in Troy, has received the permit to tear down the outbuildings.

Lahanas expects the main Downs building will come down sometime in May or June, though the demolition permits have not yet been issued.

There’s no doubt that the demolition (and construction) process will cause some headaches for people getting around downtown Northville. But the city is trying its best to manage it in a way that is least intrusive on residents and visitors.

Hours of operation will be limited to 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays, and the developer doesn’t expect much weekend work, except on the occasional Saturday. For the latest information about the work on the site, people can visit Northvilledowns.info, a website that is expected to be updated regularly.

I’m sure we’ll have updates on all the downtown news in next month’s issue.

Kurt Kuban is the Publisher and Editor of The ‘Ville. He welcomes your comments at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.

Your Voice

A downsized track

While the ‘horses are out of the barn’ so to speak, maybe it’s not too late to consider returning our racetrack to Northville. Given that Plymouth Township has rejected relocating the Downs to that community, why not bring it back home where many feel it has always belonged as evidenced by the thousands who attended the closing back in February.

While the present facilities are being demolished to make way for development, could a new, downsized horse racing venue be built in its place, taking into account current industry realities? It does not presently appear there are many viable options for the Carlo family (Downs owners) to move that type of entertainment business somewhere in the immediate area.

With creative, bold thinking in partnership with the developer Hunter Pasteur, the possibilities could include in addition to bringing back simulcast racing, a year-round restaurant, outdoor concerts on the track midfield and building architecture similar to Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby) that would compliment the city’s history and heritage, is it worth exploring the possibility of keeping an almost 100-year landmark destination in our town while still retaining the advantages planned development offers, including parks and daylighting the river?

Carl Giroux

Bad decision

I am writing in response to Plymouth Township’s decision to not approve the building of the race track.  I think it was a bad decision based on the misinformed position of a few individuals whom had nothing “better to do,” than to oppose a project that would offer a lot of benefits to the community. They clearly do not understand the experience that racing had in Northville all these years.

This turned into a political situation that I think the community lost out on. I would like to see the racetrack still be built, but I think that’s not going to happen at this point. Unfortunately for Plymouth, some other community is going to enjoy the benefits of what they could have enjoyed. Too bad.

Ken Alexander

Put Kennedy on ballot

People are taking the job of hiring our next president seriously. They genuinely want to learn all they can about our candidates. Some think there will not be any presidential debates, making our responsibility to do our due diligence even more challenging.

It is our Constitutional right to have the choices we want represented on the November ballot. As long as an applicant meets the requirements, denying them the right to be on the ballot is wrong.

Everyone should feel free to express their opinions and free speech Constitutional rights. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. should be on the ballot.

Pat Madigan Van Bonn

Elevated walkway needed

I’m a huge proponent of roundabouts. Their main goal is to keep traffic flowing and it’s a proven concept. But I’ve never seen a roundabout surrounded by so much pedestrian walkways as the schematics show in last month’s story about the roundabout proposed for Sheldon and Seven Mile. With pedestrians getting the right of way, it will force the flowing traffic to constantly stop -- possibly in all directions at the same time. This plan will not work any better than a four-way stop light.

For this design to properly function and be pedestrian safe, elevated walkways should be considered. I know that might be difficult as the design would be required to be handicap and bicyclist accessible, but I’m sure there’s a way.

Sean McNerney

A significant emotional loss

There has been much written recently about the new “Downs” development. Please do not forget all the people who have been negatively affected by the closing of Northville Downs.

Michigan horsemen, who have raced there for many years, now have to ship at least four hours to surrounding states to race, move to other states, or leave the business—impacting the entire Michigan agricultural economy. Northville Downs had long-time employees, loyal fans and patrons, who are now displaced.

Northville Downs has been an integral part of the Northville community for 80 years, a huge source of revenue for the city, and the town grew up around it. Everyone involved with the track was excited when there were plans for a new track in Plymouth Township. That is no longer an option -- a significant emotional loss. The future is bleak for Michigan horsemen and horse racing fans.

Marilyn Bertera

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Dom’s Legacy

Unity Skatepark on track to make its debut May 4th

By Kurt Kuban | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

here is a saying in the skateboarding community: Sometimes it takes a good fall to really know where you stand.

Gabriella Duhn knows this all too well.

In September of 2020, her son Dominic Duhn, a Michigan State University student at the time, was killed while riding his skateboard along Sheldon Road near Six Mile. In the aftermath of that tragic night, the Northville Township woman has worked relentlessly to make sure the world never forgets her son.

Her mission was to build a place in the community in Dom’s memory where others would be able to skateboard in safety. Nearly four years later, those efforts will culminate on Saturday, May 4, when the community will get to use the Unity Skatepark for the first time.

Located at Millennium Park (behind the Northville Township Fire Department), the new skatepark covers 12,000 square feet, and is a blend of “street” and “transition” elements in skateboarding lingo. The features include ample quarterpipes, a

kidney-shaped bowl with metal coping, a stamped concrete bank, ledges, stairs, flat and round rails. It also features an allconcrete pump track (Gabriella says it looks like a snake with moguls).

“The word from a lot of the top skateboarders is it is the best skatepark in Michigan,” said Gabriella. “And everybody

we’ve talked to loves the pump track, which is something that wasn’t in the original design.”

In fact, the plans have evolved since the park’s inception. The total cost for the project is more than $650,000. Northville Township contributed $150,000 to the project as well as the Millennium Park land. Wayne County Parks contributed $83,327 and the City of Northville kicked in about $8,000. The Duhn family raised the rest.

Although the park was supposed to be open back in October, there were a number of hiccups along the way, particularly weather related. Despite the setbacks, the Duhn family never wavered in its commitment to keep the project on track.

“Every day was something,” Gabriella said. “You go from one phase to the next. First you have to convince the township we need it, then you had the fundraising stage, and then the building – looking for a builder and then the actual building process.”

The name of the park – Unity Skatepark – is no accident. Gabriella hopes the place

Marco Dalfonso, 30, of Dearborn Heights rides a rail.

Mike Krok, 32, of Berkley tries out the bowl.

Gabriella Duhn at the Unity Skatepark.

Dominic Duhn, who was killed in 2020 while riding his skateboard, is the inspiration behind the Unity Skatepark. Photo courtesy of the Duhn family

brings the community together, something her son Dom always tried to do. The Northville High grad had a diverse group of friends, from all walks of life. His mother hopes the new park will attract just that – from diehard skateboarders to kids just learning the sport and even parents and grandparents who can come hang out and watch the action.

In fact, one of the features the Duhns are most excited about is a gathering area that will include benches and places to rest. It was designed by a team from Executive Landscaping, longtime acquaintances of the Duhns. There is a pedestal with Dom’s photo, and they’ve even incorporated some quotes from his journals: “Don’t hate anyone, it’s a waste of time and energy”; “Happiness is internal not external. It is a choice”; “Let go of a past you can’t change.”

Another personal reminder of Dom will be the pair of sneakers hanging from the gateway into the park. It represents all the shoes that Dom’s friends threw up on the power lines near where he was killed. After DTE removed them, Gabriella tracked them down and had them hanging from the back

of their patio until construction began and she had them buried beneath the skatepark.

“To me these represent how we all walk in different shoes and should be loving and respectful to each other on our walk through life,” Gabriella said.

The opening of the skatepark on May 4 will be the end of a long journey for the Duhn family, which includes Dom’s dad Drew and brother Enzo. Gabriella said there were many challenges and pitfalls along the way. She said they couldn’t have done this without the grace of God, and the fact a

lot of people came together for the greater good.

“Our hope is that this place brings people a lot of joy. It is going to be a very uplifting and motivating space. A place where people can be the best version of themselves,” said Gabriella.

“This is Dom’s legacy. It’s going to continue on because this skatepark is going to help so many people. There is a mental health crisis in this country, and I really believe this place will help.”

The ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Unity Skatepark will take place at noon on Saturday, May 4th. The public is invited to attend. There will be skateboarding demonstrations throughout the day. The event will also coincide with the Beer, Bites, Bands & Boards event, which will raise money for The Dominic Duhn Memorial Foundation and Skateboarding to Success, programs that provide skateboards and lessons to underprivileged children, as well as the Northville Educational Foundation. For more information, find The Northville Skatepark Project on Facebook.

Beer, Bites, Bands & Boards

The opening of the Unity Skatepark on May 4 will coincide with a new festival called Beer, Bites, Bands & Boards.

The name says it all. The event will feature locallybrewed craft beer, bites provided by a variety of food trucks, live music and skateboarding demonstrations at the new skatepark.

Shortly after the ribbon cutting at the skatepark, the gates for the festival will open at 1 p.m. and the event ends at 7 p.m.

Street Marketing, which has put on a number of local festivals in the past, including the Northville Food and Wine Festival, is the creator of the new event. It will be located at Millennium Park adjacent to the new skatepark and east of the fire station.

“Millennium Park is a perfect setting for the festival,” said Street Marketing’s Scott Buie. “It sets up really well for the food trucks on the soccer and cricket fields, and the park is the perfect backdrop.”

This is not Street Marketing’s first event at Millennium Park. Two years ago, they put on the

Drop-In Beer Fest, which was an initial fundraiser for the skatepark. Beers, Bites, Bands & Boards is also a fundraiser.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Dominic Duhn Memorial Foundation to support Skateboarding to Success, programs that provide skateboards and lessons to underprivileged children, and the Northville Educational Foundation.

Advance tickets cost $35 (visit beersbitesbands. com), which will get you admission into the festival, a souvenir pint glass and 10 craft beer sample tickets.

The four beer providers will be Great White Buffalo Brewing Company and Northville Winery & Brewing Company from Northville, Bearded Lamb Brewing Company from Plymouth and Ascension Brewing Company of Novi. There will also be wine and cider offerings for those who don’t want beer.

As for the food trucks, they will include Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Whoa Tacos, Batter Up, Impasto Italian Inspired Wraps and The Burger Spot. The food truck offerings are not part of the admission price, and are

a separate cost.

There will be a stage set up, and three local bands will be performing live. Social Bones, known for performing at the Northville Winery, will play from 1-2:45 p.m., followed by J2C (classic rock and blues) from 3-4:45 p.m. The Smith Factor will close out the festival from 5-7 p.m.

Buie said the festival will be something fun for the community, and a great way to support both the Northville Education Foundation and the skatepark.

“It’s a great way to kick off spring, and also to celebrate a great occasion – the opening of the skatepark and all the hard work that has gone into making it a reality. We’re going to have a lot of fun,” Buie said.

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit beersbitesbands.com. Tickets will be available at the gate for $40.

Dustin Blauvelt, 34, of Westland gets some air at the Unity Skatepark.

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when developer Hunter Pasteur reduced the density of the site.

“We’re still working on our permanent location,” Wallace said. “Mr. (David) Karoub (the Highland Lakes mall owner) has just been really nice to us about letting us have it there, at least this year. That’s so we can continue the market until we get our permanent home.”

Rolling To A new SiTe

Rolling To A new SiTe

Farmers’ Market moving temporarily to plaza on Seven Mile

By Tim Smith

Northville’s fabled Farmers’ Market is moving to a new location.

The market, forced to pull up stakes from its previous location near the now-closed Northville Downs, gets a new lease on life beginning Thursday, May 2 at the Highland Lakes Shopping Plaza on Seven Mile just east of Northville Road. The new site is in Northville Township, less than a mile from its longtime spot.

“We’re just happy to continue on with the Farmers’ Market, and get to a new place and keep rolling,” said Douglas Wallace, executive director of the Northville Chamber of Commerce.

The temporary location is for 2024 only (until October) and will be open in the northwest corner of the shopping center.

“We still have an open lot just like we did at the other facility,” Wallace said. “Same size. We don’t have the food trucks, but we have several new vendors that we’re bringing in, so that’s a big plus for us.”

The Farmers’ Market will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays beginning May 2, with an estimated 100 vendors from across Michigan being on hand to serve approximately 2,000 customers each week, Wallace said. Wallace said he’s still trying to add some new vendors as the season approaches.

“We’re still trying to find some unique stuff that I hope we can get,” he added. “One is a bison farmer, American bison. I hope he can say yes. We’re also trying to find a nice, grass-fed beef person to add, and we’re looking for a couple good artsy

garden things.”

Wallace said new to the mix will be a sheep farmer out of South Lyon.

“She has 50 head of sheep and does goat’s head lotions, soaps, candy and things like that,” he said. “It’s more of bringing back the local stuff.”

Efforts are continuing for a permanent location to spring up, hopefully next year at a fiveacre site.

City and Chamber officials were hoping a new Farmers’ Market location was going to be part of the Downs development, but those plans were scrapped

Wallace said three other potential sites for a temporary Farmers’ Market fell through, including one near Ford Field and another at Legacy Park.

The Northville Township Board of Trustees approved moving it to Highland Lakes Shopping Plaza in late March, Wallace noted.

“It’s mixed,” said Wallace, about feedback to the temporary home. “I think most of it is that people are happy that we have a space and that we’re moving forward. Our farmers are very happy, (they) tell us we’re the second best outside of Eastern Market (in Detroit). We hear that a lot.”

And vendors bring their wares – including fruits and vegetables, cheeses, crafts, flowers and more – from “all over Michigan to be a part of this,” Wallace continued.

“You’re talking 100 vendors that rely on us,” Wallace said. “It’s their livelihoods. … We have people from St. Ignace (in the Upper Peninsula) to the Muskegon area and all the way through the Thumb.”

Any less-enthusiastic feedback, he explained, can be put down to the temporary Farmers’ Market not being as close to the city center.

“We talked to the city and they definitely can’t just set up a market as big as ours downtown and close up all of downtown on a Thursday, it would just be too

The Highland Lakes Shopping Plaza on Seven Mile just east of Northville Road will be the temporary home of the Farmers’ Market.

much,” Wallace explained. “And our farmers come here at 4:30 or 5 in the morning, because they come in with semi loads of stuff to bring in and set up.

“It takes a lot, it’s a big thing. It wouldn’t be something we could do downtown anymore like we used to. We have 120 (parking) spaces, it takes up a lot of room.”

Wallace stressed that the temporary location still is near the city, however, and is just across Seven Mile Road from residents of the Highland Lakes community, “so that’s very walkable for them. That’s an enormously large community there.”

According to Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, a key to finding temporary and permanent locations is strong cooperation between the city

and township about keeping alive the Farmers’ Market tradition, which dates back nearly a century.

“The Farmers’ Market is (operated by) the Chamber of Commerce, we are just there to assist if we can,” said Turnbull, regarding the city’s role. “We thought it was pretty important to assist in any way we could to find a new location.”

Turnbull, who oversees a Farmers’ Market task force, said the city and township are “working feverishly towards a permanent location that soon we will be able to announce. We have a 60-day due diligence” that recently started.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

“In my opinion, we have great support to keep it going,” the mayor stressed. “We would love more space, but we will make this work.”

Turnbull emphasized that other businesses at Highland Lakes Shopping Center should benefit from the Farmers’ Market.

“Quite honestly, Highland Lakes mall is starting to percolate,” Turnbull said. “There should be some uplift for those businesses. The Chamber truly appreciates their cooperation, we know it will be a little bit tougher on their parking. But we hope that the additional (customer) traffic

The Northville Farmers’ Market needs a new home after its temporary stay at Highland Lakes Shopping Center. Where would you like to see it? Email your opinions to Editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com.

and visibility will be a greater attribute.”

Several factors were examined by the task force before opting to relocate to Highland Lakes for 2024, Turnbull said, including ample space for vendors so they can “move in their 18-wheelers in the morning” and maintain proximity to residents.

“In the city would be great, but it’s in the overall community. It’s still very close to the city-township property line,” Turnbull said.

As for 2025 and beyond, Turnbull said the task force wants it to be in the city and be built on a five-acre parcel to enable the space to be used for the Farmers’ Market and community gatherings and events.

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I think it’s important to put on the record that these residents have already been to hell and back with the Arbor Hills landfill. Here you have another situation where Salem’s waste is becoming Wayne County’s problem. It needs to be stopped.”

State Rep. Matt Koleszar

Voicing Opposition

State gets an earful about proposed Salem wastewater treatment plant

By Scott Spielman

Residents of Plymouth, Northville and Canton townships flooded North Ridge Church in early April with a nearly unified message: Don’t let Salem Township’s mistake become Wayne County’s mess.

The message was in response to a proposed wastewater treatment plant that could be constructed near the border of Salem Township and Plymouth Township to support a long-planned development in Salem. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) hosted the meeting to get public feedback on the proposal.

“I thought it was very productive. I was thrilled with the turnout,” said Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise. “I think the EGLE folks got a good hearing from everybody; they certainly got an earful. I don’t think anybody came forward in favor of this project.”

Initially scheduled for Salem Township Hall, Plymouth officials asked the public hearing be located at the church to accommodate a larger crowd. Township Police Chief James Knittel estimated about 700

people attended.

The proposed wastewater treatment plant is the latest in a string of attempts to provide sewer services to the Urban Services District, a 1,400-acre parcel along M-14 and designated for mixeduse development, in Salem Township—including Salem Springs, a housing project that will bring more than 500 homes to a 200-acre parcel near the eastern corner of the USD. When the zoning was implemented in the 1990s, the idea was to create a denser, more urban-like setting with a mix of homes, business and industry near the freeway, while preserving the rural nature of the western portion of Salem Township.

It would discharge about 840,000 gallons of treated wastewater into Tonquish Creek every day.

Salem Township had previously attempted to connect to the Ypsilanti Community Utility Authority (YCUA) and the Western Township Utility Authority (WTUA), which was created by and serves Plymouth, Northville and Canton. Superior Township

businesses that are coming in. We still have capacity needs of our own.”

EGLE has developed a draft permit in response to the request for the wastewater plant, but officials from the state agency said that is just a typical part of the process.

denied a permit for the rightof-way needed to connect to YCUA, a decision that was eventually upheld in local courts as well as the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Heise said WTUA does not have capacity, and Plymouth Township officials recently approved a resolution that would require a unanimous vote from all three township supervisors to allow another community to join its infrastructure.

“WTUA is a $250 million asset and we’re not giving it away,” said Heise. “People have this notion that the WTUA sewer system has some kind of a button that you can push or a drawbridge that you can open and allow Salem Township to simply add their discharge. It doesn’t work that way.

“Right now, the WTUA system does not have the capacity to handle a significant user like this proposed Urban Services District, which is only going to grow over time,” he added. “The WTUA system is designed for Plymouth, Canton and Northville—and we are still growing, Canton especially. We have hundreds of homes and

“It’s important to understand that we drafted this permit proposal, but it’s not a done deal yet,” Phil Argiroff, acting director of the Water Resources Division of EGLE. “We are still looking at alternatives one more time and there’s other permits that we need to have before anything will move forward.”

He also cautioned that, while EGLE must take public comment into account, the permit will be granted or rejected based primarily on the impact it will have on the environment.

Those concerns are primarily what residents spoke up about during the hearing.

“It’s heart-warming to see this many people who care about the quality of our water; it’s a resource to be valued and respected,” said Sally Petrella, a watershed ecologist with Friends of the Rouge, an organization dedicated to preserving and restoring the Rouge River watershed.

FOTR has been opposed to the proposed developments all along. Petrella listed a number of fish species and other aquatic life that are present in Tonquish Creek, which aren’t seen in other parts of the Rouge River, adding that they could be adversely impacted by the treatment plant. “Picturing 840,000 gallons of water a day in where you’re putting it—it is already tiny; it’s hardly even a creek. Who is considering the quality of life in the stream, or

does that not matter to EGLE?”

Christine Alexander, a section manager with EGLE, said concern for the habitat for those creatures and the overall health of the creek would factor heavily into the decisionmaking process.

“Our job under the law is to protect the waters of the state for all its designated uses: swimming, drinking water, irrigation, aquatic life, boating—all the things we enjoy,” she said. “Our permits must consider and be limited in such a way that protects the aquatic life.”

Canton, Plymouth and Northville have all opposed the construction of the plant, and their elected representatives in Lansing have, too.

State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth Township), who

has sent letters in opposition, said it was another example of people in his district having to deal with issues from another; township residents have been dealing with the odor

arguments may not play into your decision,” he told the EGLE representatives, “I think it’s important to put on the record that these residents have already been to hell and

problem. It needs to be stopped.”

Heise said it’s not up to neighboring communities to solve this problem.

“Plymouth Township, Canton and Northville—we did not create this problem,” he said. “We did not rezone land in Salem Township that didn’t have infrastructure. We didn’t buy the land in Salem Township that didn’t have infrastructure. This is not a problem for the three communities. They’ve created a crisis. Now they want us to solve their crisis.”

The public comment period ended on April 14. Anyone who registered to talk at the public hearing or who has

Z Plumberz is amazing. Diagnosed an issue that others couldn’t. At the house same day we called. Explained the issue in terms I could understand. One company wanted to charge us $50,000 for a brand new sewer line. Pete and team went over the new sewer lining technology they have and it was only going to cost a fraction of the others. The job is now done and we won’t have issues for a century. They are total pros!

Officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) hosted a public hearing at NorthRidge Church about the proposed wastewater treatment plant in nearby Salem Township.

Past Tense

School’s In Session

Check out Northville’s one room schoolhouse past at Thayer open house

By Michele M. Fecht

Situated on a corner parcel at Six Mile and Napier roads, the Thayer School — an 1877 Italianate-style brick and stone structure — is the remaining vestige of Northville Township’s one-room schools. The schoolhouse and the adjacent Thayer Cemetery comprise the township’s only historic district —Thayer’s Corners.

For the first time since the Covid shut down, the Northville Township Historic Fund will host an open house for the public to view ongoing schoolhouse restoration efforts. With the recent addition of a subfloor, this year’s April 28th event (from noon to 3 p.m.) offers visitors an opportunity to walk through the interior of the school. In addition to the schoolhouse, visitors also can meander through the historic (private) Thayer Cemetery with graves dating from as early as 1830. The cemetery is operated and maintained by the Thayer Cemetery Association.

efforts have been ongoing since the Northville Township Historic District Commission (HDC) created the township’s first historic district in 2011. The Thayer School first open house was held a decade ago.

A WORK IN PROGRESS Schoolhouse restoration

Township HDC member Bill Sivy said while significant restoration work has been done on the structure in the last dozen years, there is still much work ahead. Projects

accomplished since the historic district was formed include removal of all interior partitions, mezzanine, and floor.

At one point, the school had been converted to residential use with an upper loft added. Removal of the interior walls

Thayer School, which was built in 1877, is the remaining vestige of Northville Township’s one-room schools. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

Students in front of Thayer School in 1910. Photo courtesy of the Northville Township Historic District Commission

Bill Sivy of the Northville Township Historic District Commission, which has overseen the restoration of Thayer School. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

revealed the school’s original blackboard which extends the length of the school’s north wall.

Other completed projects include removal of a 1950s-era concrete porch, new ceiling joists and installation of cedar shingles on the roof. Sivy credits Jeff Snyder and his crew of masons at MasonPro for stripping off the paint and cleaning the exterior brick, tuckpointing the exterior brick and interior foundation, and replacing missing and/or damaged bricks. The original eves, trim and corbels were also removed, replicated and installed. The bell tower also was replicated and installed, and a bell cast in 1896 by American Bell and Foundry Company, one of Northville’s leading manufacturers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was added to the tower.

Sivy noted renovations have been supported through Northville Township’s annual budgets, the Northville Township Historic Fund, and donations of contractors and the public. The roof project was made possible through generous gifts from the Friends of Northville Parks and Recreation, Advanced Disposal and the Northville Township Firefighters Charity.

Restoration of historic structures is an expensive proposition and projects are completed as funds become available. Sivy said the open houses help raise the public profile of the project and hopefully create interest and support.

A STORIED HISTORY

Among the original items on the exterior of the schoolhouse

is its plaque stating: Fractional School District No. 1, Plymouth and Salem 1877.

The schoolhouse was named after Rufus Thayer, Jr., a Vermont native who purchased the land in the northeast, southeast and southwest corners of Napier and Six Mile in the 1820s and 30s.

A one-room schoolhouse existed on the site of the current school but was likely torn down to build the current structure in 1877. A detailed receipt of the school’s construction note that the final cost was $2,030.62 with the largest expense of $255 paid to the stonemason.

Thayer School existed as a separate school district for

students in grades K through 8 from at least 1854-1952, first as Fractional School District No.1 in Plymouth & Salem, and later as Northville District No. 10fr- Thayer School. The school was used as a school building until 1952. In May of that year, Northville District No.10fr was annexed to the Northville Public Schools and the schoolhouse was formally closed on June 2, 1952. When Thayer School closed in 1952 it remained vacant for one year until it was sold on July 28, 1953 to Louise Thayer Bryan, a great granddaughter of Rufus Thayer Jr.

It changed hands among many families until it was sold

in 1992 to Browning Ferris Industries (BFI), then owner of the nearby landfill. Landfill ownership would change multiple times from BFI to Onyx, Veolia and eventually current owner, Advanced Disposal. Fearing that the building could be torn down, the Northville Township Historic District Commission in 2009 appealed to Veolia who ultimately donated the schoolhouse to the township.

A LOOK AHEAD

Among the projects yet to be tackled is replacement of the structure’s nine distinctive windows. The Northville Township Historic Fund also continues to look for items to one day outfit the schoolhouse interior. Among the items already donated is a bookcase that was used at the school and donated by the late Jean Bemish, who attended the Thayer School in the 1940s. With a Northvillemanufactured American Bell and Foundry bell in the bell tower, Sivy noted that he had hoped to find a school desk manufactured by Northville’s Globe Furniture Company, which was the largest church and school furniture company in the world in the late 19th century.

So far that search has proved elusive.

The Thayer Schoolhouse open house will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28. For more information about the Thayer Schoolhouse, which is located at the corner of Six Mile and Napier roads, and its restoration, go to northvilletownshiphistoricfund. org.

Bill Sivy points out some of the work that still needs to be done to the interior of the historic Thayer School. Photo by Bryan Mitchell

The Thayer School class of 1927-28. Photo courtesy of the Northville Township Historic District Commission

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NHS WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP

NHS WINTER SPORTS ROUND-UP

SWIM, SKI TEAMS LEAD WAY FOR MUSTANGS

There were several “Kodak Moments” when it came to the 2023-24 winter sports season for Northville High athletics. And the Mustangs certainly made an imprint as they put together another scrapbook of great memories.

Here is a capsule look back on all the MHSAA athletic teams from Northville and their great achievements.

SWIMMING

After placing seventh in 2023, coach Rich Bennetts’ squad earned another top 10 finish taking fourth in the team standings with 226 points at the Division 1 finals held March 8-9 at Oakland University.

Only defending champion Ann Arbor Pioneer (275), Saline (245) and Novi Detroit Catholic Central (243.5) finished ahead of the Mustangs, who posted nine All-State (top eight) performances.

Leading the way was senior Phillip Zhavoronkov, who captured the 50-yard freestyle title (20.65) and added a third in the 100 freestyle (46.08). His time in the 50 free earned AllAmerican consolation honors.

Other All-Staters included

sophomore Brady Stenson, fourth, 500 freestyle (4:37.04); seventh, 200 freestyle (1:42.43); and sophomore Ace Spicer, fifth, 200 individual medley (1:54.90) and eighth, 100 breaststroke (59.38).

The Mustangs’ 400 freestyle relay team of Stenson, sophomore Benjamin Hu, senior Jason Cho and Zhavoronkov placed third (3:09.24), while the foursome of Cho, Spicer, sophomore Adam Piao and Zhavoronkov added a fifth in the 200 medley relay (1:34.90).

The 200 freestyle relay quartet of Spicer, senior Aidan Brooks, junior Evan Bachert and Stenson also earned AllState with a sixth-place finish (1:27.22).

Among others earning individual points at the state meet included Cho, ninth, 200 IM (1:56.64), 10th 100 backstroke (53.10); Hu, ninth, 500 freestyle (4:42.61); 10th, 200 IM (1:57.65); Piao, 12th, 100 butterfly (52.95); sophomore Matthew Dertouzos, 12th 200 IM (1:58.87); sophomore Jayden Setyabudi, 15th, 200 IM (1:59.23) and 100 backstroke (54.15).

Meanwhile, the Mustangs also dominated at the KLAA ‘A’ meet finals with a grand total of 1,084 points, easily outdistancing runner-up Novi with 575.

GYMNASTICS

By Brad Emons

Dimopoulos.

At the Regional 3 meet, host Salem scored 143.25 to take first followed by Northville in second with 140.825.

Coach Victoria Clay’s squad earned a top-five finish placing fifth with a total of 140.975 in the state finals held March 8-9 at Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills. Rockford captured the team title with 144.0 to edge Farmington (143.8) and Salem (143.325) for the team title.

In Division 2 individual competition, senior Hadley Crabb earned All-State (top 10) honors on the uneven bars (8.825) with a second place.

Among the state finals participants for the Mustangs included seniors Gabby Reiten, Anastasia Beutz Cordina and Lauren Wegienka; juniors Noelle Licari and Sarah Shaheen; sophomore Alex Kent and freshman Michelle Walker.

Rounding out the state finals roster was junior Vanessa Anderson, sophomores Melina Tsourapas, Kendall Heron, Andrea Diaz and Maddy Rivera, along with freshman Katerina

In Division 1 all-around, Licari tied for first with a 36.325 including third on bars (8.95); fourth, vault (9.25); tied for sixth, balance beam (8.975); tied for 10th, floor exercise (9.15).

Other top 10s were recorded by Reiten, who placed fifth on vault (8.775), along with Beutz Cordina, who took eighth on floor (9.3).

In Division 2, Crabb led the way with a first on bars (8.85), while Wegienka tied for third on floor (9.35) and added a fourth on beam. Walker added third on beam (8.875), while Kent took fifth on vault (8.725).

BOYS HOCKEY

The Mustangs, who finished 14-9-1 overall and 9-4-1 in the KLAA, reached the Division 1-Regional 7 finals with an 8-1 win over Novi before losing to eventual state runner-up Brighton, 7-1.

Three Northville skaters earned All-State honors including junior defenseman Alex McCallum and sophomore

Phillip Zhavoronkov won the 50 freestyle state championship with a new school record. Photos courtesy of Northville Athletics

Hadley Crabb and Lauren Wegienka with coach Victoria Clay. Zephan Catalina earned a third-place finish in Division 1 at Detroit’s Ford Field.

forward Tommy Marinoff, both second-team, along with senior forward Connor Vissotski, honorable mention.

Sophomore defenseman Brady Couture and Vissotski also earned All-KLAA recognition for coach Ryan Ossenmacher.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Under coach Todd Sander, the Mustangs finished 12-12 overall and 7-7 in the KLAA’s West Division.

In District 14 play at South Lyon East, Northville defeated South Lyon (58-45) before falling to Novi Detroit CC (45-40) in a second round heartbreaker.

Sophomore guard Nate Imbuzeiro made the sevenplayer West All-Conference West team, while junior guard Kaden Kuban earned All-Conference. Meanwhile, senior Chad Carney was named honorable mention.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

the Regional 105, Northville knocked off Livonia Franklin (42-34) before falling to eventual five-time defending state champion Detroit CC (726) in the finals.

Individually, senior Zephan Catalina (144 pounds) finished 38-1 overall while earning regional and district titles, and a third-place finish in Division 1 at Detroit’s Ford Field.

Junior James Dunne (157) also qualified for the state finals and finished 33-9 overall, including a second at the district and third in the regional. He added a third in the KLAA meet, while freshman teammate Basho Muhlbauer (150) contributed a third and posted a 34-12 overall record.

in the giant slalom (eighth) for a 202 total.

Among the scorers for the Mustangs in the slalom included Joe Sepanik, 18th (69.85); Nathan Moriarty, 20th (70.26); Jackson Weiland, 22nd (71.95); and Wesley Shoemaker, 51st (85.34).

In the GS, scoring for Northville was Weiland, 31st (63.97); Sepanik, 33rd (64.24); Jacob Gusick, 55th (67.34); and Brendan Burke (71.65).

Non-scorers Zach Osbourne and Moriarty placed 67th and 69th, respectively, with times of 72.66 and 76.64, respectively.

BOYS BOWLING

Coach Elizabeth Bacigal’s squad went 5-11 overall and 4-10 in the KLAA’s West Division.

Livonia Churchill won the KLAA going 15-0 and 14-0 in the East Division, while Plymouth finished 14-1 and captured the West Division at 13-1.

The Mustangs finished ninth with 2,811 total pins in the Division 1-Regional 6 team competition Feb. 23 at Waterford’s Century Lanes. Brighton (3,334) and Walled Lake Northern (3,191) earned the two state qualifying berths.

In his first season at the helm, Coach Shaun Dicken’s squad posted a 7-18 overall mark and 2-12 record in the KLAA West, but pulled off two upsets in District 14 play at Salem defeating 18-4 South Lyon (3732) and 17-6 South Lyon East (48-41) before falling to Canton in the finals, 40-29.

Senior forward Nikki Grech was named to the seven-player West All-Conference select team, while senior Miranda Link made honorable mention.

WRESTLING

Coach Derek Aluia guided the Mustangs to a Division 1-District 120 team championship with victories over Canton (68-6) and Plymouth (54-24). In

Muhlbauer, junior Enzo Mastroianni (175) and senior Jacob Webster (190) also earned third-place finishes at the district, while sophomore Mitchell Jones (132) and junior Samir Assi (144) took fourths to qualify for the regional.

Final individual records included Mastroianni, 20-17; Webster, 18-13; Assi, 20-13; and Jones, 18-16.

At the KLAA meet, state runner-up Hartland won the team title with 296.5 points, while Brighton was runnerup with 233.5. Northville was eighth with 57.

BOYS SKIING

It was a banner season for coach Kyle Moir’s squad as the Mustangs took fifth overall in the Division 1 finals held Feb. 26 at Boyne Highlands.

Traverse City Central earned the team title with 47 points followed by Traverse City West (59) and Marquette (97) placing second and third, respectively.

Northville scored 77 points in the slalom (fourth) and 125

Meanwhile, Northville captured the Region 3 meet Feb. 14 at Alpine Valley with total of 72 points including 42 in the slalom and 33 in the GS. Milford was runner-up with 90 and Detroit CC was third with 120. Point scorers in the slalom for the Mustangs included Moriarty, third (49.92); Sepanik, fifth (50.20); Gusick, 16th (56.95); and Burke, 17th (57.08).

In GS, Moriarty placed third in 40.11 followed by Weiland (fourth, 40.346); Sepanik (eighth, 40.83); and Burke (18th, 42.71).

GIRLS SKIING

In the Region 3 competition

Feb. 14 at Alpine Valley, Brighton (82.5) and Milford (127) finished one-two, while the Lady Mustangs wound up sixth with 225. Top slalom finishers for Northville included Gianna Viola, 22nd (63.06); Elizabeth Biyashev, 28th (66.24); Julia Adenot, 32nd (67.66); and Anna Frauenheim, 36th (68.64).

Scorers in the GS included Adenot, 23rd (45.83); Viola, 25th (45.94); Biyashev, 26th (46.00); and Charlotte Bysouth, 33rd (47.30).

Senior Noah Whitsel was the Mustangs’ top bowler at the regional with a six-game total of 1,084, including a high game of 231. Sophomore Robbie Kehoe was next in 38th with a 994 including a high of 209.

GIRLS BOWLING

The Lady Mustangs posted an 8-8 KLAA dual match mark, including 7-7 in the West Division. Plymouth (16-0, 14-0) went undefeated to capture the West Division.

In the Division 1-Regional 6 tourney at Century Lanes, South Lyon (2,914) and Walled Lake Northern (2,743) garnered the two team state finals qualifying berths, while the Mustangs placed sixth (2,369).

Northville’s top two individual finishers include juniors Abbie Barrick, who placed 11th with a 943 total including a high of 190, and Lilliana Matatov, who was 18th with a 903 including a high of 166.

COMPETITIVE CHEER

The Mustangs, coached by Bailey Barnes, finished ninth in Division 1-District 5 competition held Feb. 16 at Howell with a total of 705.22.

Northville Township invites you to the groundbreaking for the Essential Services Complex

Thursday, May 9*, 11 am-noon 40911 Seven Mile Road

Please join us as we celebrate the construction of the new Essential Services Complex. It will include: a new Public Safety Headquarters a second fire station a new police station a new Department of Public Works Headquarters a Northville Parks & Recreation Trailhead Building to Legacy Park

*Rain date is May 10.

Saturday, May 4 at noon

This grass-roots project celebrates wheeled sports. Come by to check out our pump track, rails, bowl, ledges, pads and embankments.

Unity Skatepark is at Millennium Park, 45769 Six Mile Road, behind Northville Township Fire Station.

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Robb Weir, M.D. Orthopedic surgeon

On the Precipice of A Dream

Former NHS standout Darnell pitching his way toward the Majors

By Brad Emons

Dugan Darnell’s baseball odyssey may someday become the subject of a movie script for Hollywood screenwriters.

The former standout shortstop from Northville High, who went on to have a highly productive four-year career at NCAA Division III Adrian College as a third baseman, currently finds himself as a promising relief pitcher in the Colorado Rockies organization.

While he is not currently on the Rockies’ 40-man roster, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound righthander has been assigned to team’s AA affiliate Hartford (Conn.) Yardgoats, following his spring training stint at the Salt River complex just outside Phoenix, Ariz.

The 26-year-old Darnell just tries to take the same approach that he did when he was at Northville and at Adrian. His modus operandi is to stay consistent, display a solid work

ethic and live in the moment.

Darnell’s minor league stats thus far have been impressive to say the least. He’s posted a 16-5 overall record with a 3.55 ERA and a WHIP of 1.24. He’s pitched in 122 games with 213 strikeouts in 157 innings.

In 2023 between stints at AA Hartford (Conn.) of the Eastern League and AAA Albuquerque, Darnell finished 8-1 overall with a 3.64 ERA with a WHIP of 1.36 in 40 games. In 54 innings he had 65 strikeouts.

And he hopes that trend will continue into 2024.

“What I’m trying to get out of this spring training is just help the team win however I can, kind of make the most out of any opportunities that I get because I know that I’m in a spot where the only way up is by producing,” said Darnell, who was signed to a free agent contract by the Rockies on Feb. 6, 2021.

It’s nothing short of

remarkable how Darnell got to this point.

The 2015 Northville grad played two varsity seasons for the Mustangs. During his junior year he was a starter at short as the Mustangs went 27-5 capturing district, KLAA and divisional titles.

As a senior, Darnell batted .396 with an on-base percentage of .602 en route to team offensive MVP honors. He also earned All-KLAA, All-District and All-Area accolades as well, as Northville earned division, conference and association titles going 28-3.

“He had a great arm and played on some really great teams,” former Northville coach John Kostrzewa said. “He was our shortstop and was a helluva player. Tough kid. He broke our hit by pitch record. He got hit 19 times I believe. And he could hit. His on-base percentage was off the charts, which led getting an opportunity at Adrian, and

just parlaying that into being a pitcher. It’s just crazy.”

Pitching, however, just wasn’t really on the radar during Darnell’s high school days.

“I played shortstop for Coach K and that’s where the team needed me,” Darnell said.

During his freshman season at Adrian, Darnell saw spot duty off the bench hitting .385 in 12 games. As a sophomore he took over the starting position at third where he batted .285 as the Bulldogs finished 34-13 overall and 23-4 in the Michigan Intercollegiate Association.

He hit .355 his junior year as Adrian (35-12, 24-4) won the MIAA again. He followed that up with a strong senior season where he batted .338 with four homers and 43 RBI while earning third-team NCAA Division III All-American honors for the Bulldogs (37-9, 24-4) as well as All-MIAA.

All told during Darnell’s four seasons, Adrian captured four straight MIAA crowns and earned four NCAA DIII tourney berths, including a spot in the 2019 regional finals.

ON THE MOUND

It was also during his senior season at Adrian that Darnell took a stab at pitching going 2-1 with an 0.53 ERA in just 17 innings of work with 27 Ks and 10 walks.

Ironically, the August before his senior year at Adrian, Darnell was taking BP with his former South Oakland A’s travel ball teammates when he discovered lightning in a bottle.

“I was in the South Oakland facility and they had a radar gun in front of a mound and I was just kind of messing around,” Darnell said. “I went up on the mound and threw like four or five fastballs and they were all

Dugan Darnell’s baseball journey took him from Northville High, Adrian College, independent leagues and the Colorado Rockies organization.

pretty firm. And a couple of my buddies were like, ‘You should do something about this.’ And so, I took that into fall ball. It wasn’t sunshine and rainbows right off the bat.”

Darnell really didn’t have an off-speed pitch. He just tried to throw fastballs by the hitters. But what jumped out was that he was touching 90-to-92 MPH on the radar gun.

After his senior year in 2019 graduating with a degree in marketing and business consulting, Darnell played summer collegiate ball in the Northwoods League for the Rockford (Ill.) Rivets.

“I developed a curve ball a little bit more, then I kind of had two solid pitches,” Darnell said. “After that I’m getting ready to go to Chicago (where he was born) and I had done pretty well in that league, but we still didn’t hear anything at all from any teams, not even independent teams, so that’s what I thought was my last hurrah in baseball. I thought that was it for me. It was pretty tough realization because it happens to everybody at one point, and so I really had a tough time with that. I’m lucky to have my fiancé, my parents there to kind of catch me as I fell and kind of help me stand back up and get back onto chasing my dreams.”

After playing in the Northwoods League for almost a month, Darnell took a business position in Chicago as a recruitment consultant for a financial advisor.

“I worked my butt off to get that job,” Darnell said. “There were about three or four interviews, couple of trips to Chicago. I took that job my senior year not knowing my baseball would go as well as

it did. I went to Chicago and actually moved in.”

A NO-BRAINER

And while he was eating lunch in downtown Chicago in his third day on the job, Darnell received an unexpected call from the Gary (Ind.) Southshore Railcats of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an independent circuit.

“I didn’t even have to think about it,” Darnell said. “It was a no brainer. I didn’t even finish my lunch. I just kind of walked back to my building, into the elevator, went straight up, walked back into the office and kind of took my resignation in, got on a bus and a train, and met the team in Gary, Indiana just in time for us to leave on a road trip to Sioux Falls (S.D.) or Sioux City, Iowa.”

After playing five weeks in

the American Association, Darnell went on loan to the four-team United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL), another independent league based at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, Michigan where he played for the Eastside Diamond Hoppers.

Meanwhile, Darnell started to heavily invest in training back home during the off season. And with the help of the USPBL coaches, it was the perfect storm for the Northville native who returned to the USPBL where he was clocked anywhere from 91-to-95 MPH.

“No other leagues were really playing, but I was able to get a full season in playing in the USPBL,” he said of the 2020 COVID-19 season. “I got a lot of valuable experience that a lot of other people did and I think that’s when I made up a lot of ground.”

And with the help of former Adrian pitching coach Ryan Koklos, Darnell was able to add to his repertoire of pitches, including a slider and splitter.

After signing with Colorado in February of 2021, Darnell reported to the Rockies A team in Spokane (Wash.) and then was promoted to High-A Fresno (Calif.) before landing in AA Hartford in 2022.

Following the 2022 minor league season, Darnell took another detour playing overseas for the Canberra Calvary of the Australian Baseball League where he logged 18 innings in 15 games.

“I tried to treat it as an extension of our season,” Darnell said.

The Rockies, who signed him to a seven-year deal, decided to send Darnell to AA to begin this season, but it hasn’t deterred his determination to make the Big Leagues.

“I’m trying to make it abundantly clear that I’m ready and I’m not just ready to be there, but to stay there,” he said.

His parents, Dan and Mary Lou, along with his older brother Grady, are in his corner, as is his fiancé Emily Tatge, a Northville grad and rower who works in real estate. (The two plan to marry in November of 2025).

Meanwhile, Darnell is close to realizing a dream that didn’t seem possible after leaving Northville High. His former high school coach may have summed his situation best.

“He’s taken a winding road for sure. It’s pretty cool to see where he’s at now because he’s a great kid, a great man. Loved coaching him,” Kostrzewa said. “He’s on the precipice of the big leagues and you can’t make it up. It’s movie-esque type stuff.”

At Adrian College during his senior year, Dugan Darnell began his quest as a pitcher.

Dugan Darnell hopes this is the year he makes it to the Majors, which would be a dream come true.

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just have to keep pushing,” said Anna Suda, 12. “We need to keep this going. I don’t think we want to stop until we get that roundabout in. This is such a dangerous intersection. You can’t just stop now, we’ve done so much for this. Giving up now is not an option.”

Echoing those strong words of resolve was her petition partner Stella Merko, also 12.

“We want a roundabout,” Stella said. “We want to try hard and we’re going to fight for a roundabout because we think it’s good to make our community a safer place for everyone.”

ourselves to get this done.”

They have solid factual support on their side.

According to a study last year by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts reduced total traffic accidents by 62-to-67 percent and curtailed injury cases by 85-to87 percent.

The Michigan Department of Transportation, meanwhile, notes that roundabouts take a dent out of conflict points by stemming “head-on/left-turn and angle-type crashes that frequently result in serious or fatal injuries” while also improving pedestrian safety due to lower speeds.

Taking Action

Taking Action

Middle school girls leading crusade to improve dangerous intersection

By Tim Smith | Photos by Bryan Mitchell

Stella Merko and Anna Suda don’t intend to stop efforts to get a life-saving roundabout built at Nine Mile and Napier roads – even if their efforts so far have gone in circles with elected officials.

The Hillside Middle School seventh graders are crusading in hopes of making sure the zigzagging intersection – actually located in Lyon Township –doesn’t cost anyone else severe injury or worse. They started a petition (signed by 27 friends and classmates) and wrote an open letter of concern sent in

late December to the Oakland County Road Commission, Novi City Council and Lyon Township about the need to rework the intersection.

As of mid-March, the girls, who are Lyon Township residents with a Northville mailing and in the Northville Schools district, are meeting resistance from officials who claim it would be too expensive to take on a roundabout project. The road commission estimated such a job would cost more than $8 million to complete.

“If they don’t respond we

Sparking their safety campaign was a serious injury suffered late last summer by a bike-riding teenager trying to cross the intersection. He was hit by a speeding car and hospitalized before making a complete recovery.

“Once we heard about this kid getting in an accident at this street, we really did realize that something needs to be done,” Anna emphasized. “And we can’t just procrastinate and wait until something really bad happens to get this intersection fixed. We have to take action

Their urgency to solve the problem is fueled by a sense that, with many homes being built in and around the Kirkway Estate subdivision, there will be many more vehicles passing through – many driven by folks in too much of a hurry to pay attention to stop signs or turn signals.

“We’ve really seen a population explosion in this area ever since we moved here in 2008,” said Andy Suda, Anna’s dad. “There’s more subdivisions getting added,

Stella Merko and Anna Suda are leading efforts to get a roundabout built at Napier and Nine Mile roads.

there’s going to be a lot more traffic. Especially with girls this age (12) they’re going to become drivers shortly. What is that going to mean with all the families in the neighborhood?”

According to Anna’s mom, Melanie Suda, only eight homes were up in their subdivision when they moved in and “we’re now talking about a hundred and some in this subdivision only. And there’s more subdivisions along Nine Mile. Everybody’s going through the intersection.”

FRUSTRATION ABOUNDS

That is, for motorists on Nine Mile, if they can make it onto Napier Road in the first place.

Due to heavy traffic volumes during rush hours, and with Nine Mile an offset intersection (not a straightaway), the wait for cars and school buses (serving the Northville, Novi and South Lyon districts) can be frustratingly long.

Not to mention potentially perilous.

“My bus stop is right at the entrance of our drive,” Anna Suda explained. “And from there I can see how many buses pass through. In the morning, there are three to four bus routes that pass through this intersection. And to just put that many kids in danger with this one intersection is a major problem.”

Another problem the proactive girls are encountering is the old bromide “too many cooks in the kitchen,” or in this case, too many municipalities in the mix.

The petition and open letter were submitted to officials from Lyon Township, the Oakland County Road Commission and the city of Novi. Anna and Stella quickly found out

that the road commission has jurisdiction of the Nine MileNapier intersection. And they did get a response from the road commission on Jan. 25, although it did not include a green light for the roundabout.

Alex Rucinski, traffic safety engineer, wrote that the road commission, Lyon Township and Novi are “reviewing several potential geometric modifications at this intersection, including a roundabout” but that “no funding source has yet to be identified” for such a project.

Moreover, Rucinski emphasized that because the boundaries of Lyon Township and Novi connect at the site, both municipalities and the road commission would need to agree with the solution.

In a March follow-up from the road commission, Stella and Anna were informed that installing a roundabout would cost “in excess of $8 million dollars not including any required land acquisition costs. Roadway funding is limited and seeking funding for safety improvements is highly competitive.”

AT WHAT COST?

The large amount of money needed to do all prep work and install a roundabout is impossible to ignore. But the actual cost of not putting one in is exponentially greater when considering the toll on safety as well as mental health and quality of life, which the girls and their families argue.

Stella and Anna, for example, like to do cross-country running at nearby ITC Park. But lately, they have had qualms about navigating the dangerous intersection in order to safely get to it.

“Nobody should have to feel deathly afraid to drive (and cross) at that intersection,” Stella said. “If you feel that afraid that shows there’s a problem there.”

Melanie Suda said the intersection is so dangerous that family walks now are accompanied by “an eerie feeling” that should not exist for such recreational pursuits.

“We take our family on Sunday walks once in a while and we do cross over,” she said. “But it’s always ‘Everybody hustle together, swiftly walk.’”

Meanwhile, what is mystifying for Stella, Anna and their parents is the pervasive sense that officials who can do something about the situation are waiting for something really terrible – perhaps deadly – to occur before doing so.

“I feel like sometimes when there is enough serious accidents that’s where they pay more attention,” said Stella’s dad, Erold Merko. “Our hope is that we don’t want this to become that source. Do we wait until somebody really gets hurt really bad for this?

“How much is human life worth at the end? That’s where I feel like their responses have been, like ‘Yeah, we’re aware there’s been some fender

benders but there haven’t been enough bad accidents.”

Rucinski of the road commission stated that its review of accidents at the Napier-Nine Mile intersection from Jan. 1, 2020 through Oct. 31, 2023 reported just nine crashes – most being “angle crashes” where motorists failed to yield.

No matter the response so far, both Stella and Anna aren’t giving up hope. They might even take the issue to a public meeting and invite their petition-signing friends to join them.

Of course, their parents are over the moon about how their middle schoolers have become such community-minded citizens and done more to try and fix a problem than most adults can claim.

Bridget Merko, Stella’s mom, added that “they are taking action in their community. For them to do that at 12, some people don’t do that in their whole adult lives. We’re very proud of them.”

“There is awareness among people that live here,” Melanie Suda said. “Interesting enough, it was the 12-year-olds that actually did something and not the adults. It’s a great lesson from our little ones.”

Stella Merko and Anna Suda started a petition and wrote an open letter of concern sent in December to the Oakland County Road Commission, Novi City Council and Lyon Township about the need to rework Nine Mile and Napier.

Q: I may have a skin cancer…how serious is this?

There are two big categories of skin cancers: Melanoma skin cancers, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Of these two groups, the Melanoma skin cancers are often the more aggressive ones. The non-melanoma skin cancers on the other hand (most common subtypes in this group are squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas) tend to grow slowly and behave more indolent. There are a few exceptions but by far the melanoma cancers are more worrisome.

Dermatologists are trained to detect skin cancer early. However sometimes we see skin cancer already at a late stage when the patient walks into the clinic. When skin cancer is still confined to the skin cells and located superficially in the skin, often times (>90% of the time) a 30-minute outpatient skin surgery to that area is sufficient to cure it or make it go away forever. However, once a skin cancer has grown deeper into the skin or has spread to other areas such as deeper blood vessels or lymph nodes,

the treatment becomes complicated and may need radiation therapy, imaging, oral medications, lymph node removal, in addition to surgery of the affected area. The success rate of the treatment also gets worse the more advanced the skin cancer.

Most skin cancers in the US are in the group of non-melanoma skin cancers. Only about 1% of all skin cancers diagnosed in the US are melanomas. It is very important that you get a skin cancer screening exam if you think you may have a changing spot or mole, or if your family doctor thinks you are at risk for skin cancer since early detection is KEY!

If you are in need of a skin exam or have a skin spot to diagnose, schedule an appointment with board certified dermatologist Dr. Kartono and her team at MI Skin Center at (248) 963-5915 or info@drkartono.com.

Tuesday

On the Road With

To Mt. Edna and Back

Frederick and Bonnie Sheill took along their copy of The ‘Ville during a Road Scholar nine-day tour of Sicily back in February. Highlights of the trip included four sessions of cooking with a Sicilian chef, a hotel stay in Taormina, Sicily, and a trip to the famous Mt. Edna volcano. Here they are pictured with Mt. Edna in the background.

The Cabo Coast

The Franciosi family of Northville spent their spring break in Cabo, boating and snorkeling. “We had excellent weather the entire trip and went to many nice restaurants. We went to one restaurant called Zenna that was an Asian Latin fusion and it was delicious. One night we went downtown to San Jose del Cabo and enjoyed an art festival that had live music, artists, etc. The streets were packed,” said Luigi Franciosi. Pictured with their copy of The ‘Ville are Luigi, Jacqui, Jade and Roman during a boat ride along the coast.

Spring Break in Mexico

Members of the McKee and VanderLugt families of Northville recently traveled to Tulum, Mexico. Call it a multi-generational girls spring break trip. Pictured are Angie and Grace McKee and Jamie, Janet and Susan VanderLugt at the beach with their copy of The ‘Ville. “We rappelled and swam in some Cenotes, ate a lot of amazing food and enjoyed seeing the sun every day on the beach or by the pool,” said Janet VanderLugt.

Her Last Continent

Marianne Brandt, an avid traveler, had traveled to all continents except for Africa, which she finally explored in February. She embarked on a cruise from South Africa to Namibia, visiting the following South African towns: Cape Town - experiencing the beauty of Cape Town and surrounding areas including Table Mountain, the city’s most celebrated landmark. Mossel Bay - explored a museum complex dedicated to the first Europeans to land in South Africa. Port Elizabeth - enjoying the Friendly City. Richards Bay - discovered a diverse collection of crocodiles and snakes at an intriguing reptile park. Durbanenjoyed the city and also took a relaxing coastal drive. In Namibia she visited Walvis Bay, and learned about the German history and influence in Namibia. Here she is pictured near her cruise ship.

Macedonian Roots

The Jovanovski family recently traveled to Macedonia to visit relatives. Highlights of their trip included stops in the capital of Skopje where their relatives live, and to a nearby canyon called Matka, home of several medieval monasteries as well as Vrelo Cave, which is a system of two (overwater and underwater) caves. The underwater Vrelo Cave is considered to be one of the deepest in Europe and the world, with a depth of 212 meters. Here the family is pictured on the docks at Matka with a copy of The ‘Ville. From left are Gorjan, Martin, Kate, Maria (with dog "Leo") and Davor.

The next time you head out of town, take along a copy of The ‘Ville, snap a photo, and let us know where your travels take you. Our readers would love to know! Please email the photos to kurtkuban@thevillemagazine.com. We’ll feature the photos in an upcoming issue.

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Thanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.

As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%

occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early.

For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive flights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfield, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.

“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difficult treatments. We can

also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfield clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.

The primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, offering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. The ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. This approach offers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.

Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor

was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Their MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”

Take the first step to learn more about full body scans by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening. com and request a free, no obligation Information Kit. Request it today and you’re also guaranteed a copy of their FREE eBook, Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late! (This is a limited time offer.) Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC

out & about out & about out & about

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHVILLE THIS MONTH

Taylor Swift Party

April 27

This event, which is geared for ages 9-17, will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Northville Community Center. Celebrate all things Taylor Swift by making friendship bracelets, enjoying themed snacks, and playing games with your fellow Swifties. To register or for more information, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Kentucky Derby Party

May 3

Get into the spirit of the Kentucky Derby at this party organized by Northville Senior Services, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Northville Community Center. Wear your fanciest hat, share race predictions and enjoy lunch, games and entertainment by Spectrum Quartet. Registration is required by calling (248) 305-2851 or visiting northvilleparksandrec.org.

SEND IT IN To get your items listed in Out & About, email

Local Author Fair

May 18

The Northville District Library will host this event from 2-4 p.m. at the Northville Community Center (303 W. Main Street). Meet a number of local authors at this annual showcase. Browse a selection of fiction and nonfiction books for all ages, purchase and get them signed. There is no registration required. For more information, visit northvillelibrary.org.

Michigan Economic Outlook Luncheon

May 21

The Phoenix Mill will be the location of this Michigan Week event presented by the Northville Chamber of Commerce. Keynote speakers include Jim Holcomb of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Nathan Bocks, the mayor of Holland, Michigan, who will discuss the 2nd largest EV factory in the state. The cost is $30 per person. To make a reservation call (248) 349-7640.

Mean Girls

The Northville High School Drama Club will perform the cult classic Mean Girls April 25-27 at the Northville High School Auditorium. With its witty dialogue, dark humor, and countless meme-able moments, the story captures the high school experience masterfully and has been integrated into pop culture ever since. Performances take place at 7 p.m. each day, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee showing on May 27. To purchase tickets, visit https://nhstheater.ludus.com. For more information, visit https://nvilledramaclub.weebly.com. Members of the cast include (from left) include Angelina Hach, Claire Urban, Samir Steele, Jane Schimper. Photo by Danielle Sandler

Wines of the World Returns

Northville Square will once again be the site of the annual Wines of the World charitable event, which takes place 6-9 p.m. on May 17. Hosted by The Detroit Wine Organization, the event will feature more than 100 wines, spirits and cocktails, a strolling dinner, live music and a silent auction. The event will benefit the Miracle League of Plymouth and The Kids Table, with proceeds going to those two local organizations. For more information, contact the DWO at (248) 504-1962 or info@detroitwine.org, or visit www.thekidstablemi.org.

Flower Sale

May 24-25

Northville Chamber of Commerce’s annual Flower Sale Home and Garden Market will take place in Downtown Northville. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, May 24; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 25. For more information, visit Northville.org or call (248) 349-7640.

Memorial Day Parade

May 27

The annual parade is an observance

to honor and mourn the US military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and marches down Main Street to Wing Street, then West down Cady Street, briefly stopping at Oakwood Cemetery on West Cady Street. It then proceeds to Rural Hill Cemetery where there will be a memorial service starting at 11 a.m. There will be ice cream provided by Casterline Funeral Home and Guernsey Dairy at the corner of Dunlap and Center Street after the ceremony.

editor Kurt Kuban at kurtkuban@gmail.com.

WDishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins is a member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

April Showers, Flowers, Fools And More

hen you think of April you may think of showers, flowers, and fools. But… this month we celebrate National Garden Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, National Volunteer Month, Humor Month, and more. It seems we simply like to celebrate. I know I do.

I am the only child of a Catholic man who celebrated everything – including the election of John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic president.

When I was 9 years old my mother, father and I went on our first family vacation – alone, without a gaggle of Italian relatives. We went to Washington DC and visited the White House.

Being a curious kid, I looked behind a privacy screen. Armed guards stopped me in my tracks. Surprisingly, I did not cry. I looked beyond the danger to see a lovely woman named Jackie quietly, but forcefully – telling the guards: “She’s a child. Put down your weapons.” It was a defining moment in my life.

I followed this woman –

watched her lose a child, bury a husband, raise two children under scrutiny of the public eye. All the while practicing her faith and repeatedly saying: “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much.” Jackie was my role model – in many respects.

I bought one of her bathing suits from Sloan’s Auction House. There was an unveiling and many invites to share this piece of history. I recently decided to frame it...and again, it took time and careful consideration. I’m excited about it and hope to show it off soon.

As the world turns, I had the pleasure of meeting another Northville woman who shares my unique appreciation of history and art. Jessica Ludvik purchased “Pairs” a sculpture by Jerry Torre, the Marble Faun. “I bought this because of my love of the original Grey Gardens documentary from the 1970s and for my daughter Edie.”

If you saw the documentary, you know the story. The piece

depicts Big Edie and Little Edie, the aunt and first cousin of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Oh, there’s so much more to the sculptures story. (Worthy of a Google search.) My story is Jessica’s piece was invited to be on display at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) PS1 in Queens (NY) for the Hard Ground Exhibit which runs from May 16 – Oct. 14. From Northville to NYC - I am thrilled for her and hope to see the exhibit for myself.

I’m looking forward to the Military Banners lining the streets of Northville throughout the month of May…. leading up to the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27th (10 a.m.). In my humble opinion, the banner display is true recognition of men and women who deserve our honor and respect. This project had a sponsor for years. Now it is nearly the sole responsibility of the Chamber of Commerce. Kudos to the businesses that continue to support the Chamber with their

membership and kudos to the veterans and their families who have agreed to subsidize the costs – labor, maintenance, etc. – to keep this tradition alive. My dad would be so proud of his place as a banner-man. I gladly write my check. If there are businesses looking for that “meaningful” sponsorship, please call Douglas at the Chamber at (248) 349-7640.

Since April is National Garden Month – here’s a “save the date” tidbit

The Northville Garden Club is holding a Plant Sale in the park behind the library on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m.-noon. The sale supports community projects and college scholarships for Northville High School students.

I want to congratulate Happy Westmeier, resident of Northville for 56 years. She plays pinochle with a senior group. (After all, she is 91 yrs. old!) In her first hand at her first table – she was dealt a double pinochle – which only happens in this group “about once every four months” according to Happy. She moved to a new table, with a new deck of cards and it happened again. And then – a third table and the same thing occurred! Happy checked her “smart phone” to learn the likelihood of having double pinochle in playing cards is between one and a million in one and 600 hands.

I too am a pinochle player, my father taught me. I know this is exciting news and I know my dad would say it’s cause for celebration.

Jackie Kennedy’s bathing suit

“Pairs” - a sculpture by Jerry Torre, the Marble Faun.

Look for the military banners in May.

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