Category Archives: State & Region

Wayne County issues mask mandate for schools

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Posted by The Huron Hub | Aug. 27, 2021

Wayne County today issued a mask mandate for all schools.

Here is the press release from the county.

The Wayne County Public Health Department today issued a new order mandating local school districts, schools and daycare providers require students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear a face mask while in school and during school-sponsored indoor events. The order takes effect immediately. A copy of the order is attached to this release.

Specifically, today’s order directs schools and daycare providers to:

–Require indoor wearing of face masks for all pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students, regardless of their vaccine status; and,

–Require face masks be worn indoors by all teachers, administrative staff, other employees, parent/guardians, attendees, and volunteers.

Last week, Wayne County Public Health officials issued “strong recommendations” that all school districts implement a COVID-19 safety plan that includes a universal mask requirement. With today’s order, wearing a mask while indoors is now mandatory for all students, staff, employees and visitors at public, private and parochial educational settings, including daycare centers, throughout Wayne County.

Walk-in vaccinations are available to residents at Wayne County clinics for both initial shots and boosters. Appointments as well as arrangements for in-home booster for homebound residents can be made by calling 1-866-610-3885 or text “WAYNE VAX” to 48355.

For information about ways Wayne County residents can protect themselves against COVID-19 visit www.waynecounty.com/covid19.

Camilleri’s grade separation fund bill passes House; paves way for building bridges at problematic rail crossings

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In Huron Township, blocked railroad crossings, like this one seen here at Sibley Road, are common occurrences. Crossings in Huron can sometimes be blocked for over an hour at a time, posing an obvious safety risk to the community. (Huron Hub file photo)

Posted by The Huron Hub | Aug. 18, 2021

After years of work on the issue and months of negotiations, House Bills 4523 and 4524, which would create a statewide fund to build bridges at the most dangerous rail crossings in Michigan, passed the Michigan House of Representatives today with overwhelming bipartisan support.

State Reps. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and Phil Green (R-Millington), the primary bill sponsors, say this brings us one step closer to improving public safety, creating new economic opportunities, and solving some of our state’s most complex transportation issues once and for all.

“This is a huge victory not only for our Downriver community, but our entire state,” said Camilleri, who initially developed the statewide grade separation fund legislation back in 2017. “Fixing our train issue has been one of my top priorities for years, and the passage of these bills today brings us one step closer to solving one of our state’s most pressing transportation problems once and for all. This program will improve public safety, unlock new economic opportunities, and improve lives, and I am so grateful we have been able to work across the aisle to get this done for the people of Michigan.”

Based on a successful program in Indiana, these bills would create a dedicated fund within the Michigan Department of Transportation’s budget to build grade separations at priority crossings statewide. 

“Across the state, rail grades have led to lengthy wait times and routing issues for local emergency services while trains move through crossings,” Green said. “This program will help alleviate those issues and the substantial cost of grade separation by providing grants that prioritize addressing those crossings.”

Among other key locations, Camilleri added that this fund could help build bridges at crossings in Huron Township and Trenton, which currently cause hours of delays for drivers and pose a serious public safety risk.

Article source: Darrin Camilleri

Heat advisory: index of 100 degrees forecasted today, strong storms also possible

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Wednesday is going to be HOT!

Posted by The Huron Hub | Aug. 11, 2021

8:00 a.m. EST

Today will be one of those days where are you will not want to be outside at all, especially in the afternoon.

There is currently a heat advisory for southeast Michigan through 8 p.m., with heat indices near 100 degrees possible this afternoon.

There are also strong storms possible in the afternoon.

View these National Weather Service informational slides for more information:

Board meeting video: Pinnacle Park warehouse development, Sibley Road boulevard, bridge over Pennsylvania Road discussed

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(Huron Hub archive photo)

Posted by The Huron Hub|July 29, 2021

An informational meeting regarding further development at the Pinnacle Park, a new Sibley Road boulevard, and a proposed bridge over Pennsylvania Road to alleviate railroad crossing headaches, was discussed at Wednesday evening’s board of trustees meeting.

During the meeting, local officials, as well as the property developers at the Pinnacle Park, discussed the plans to build a Home Depot warehouse at the Pinnacle property.

In addition, a grade separation (bridge) was discussed as being a possible option for Pennsylvania Road to help deal with blocked railroad crossings in the township.

The nearly two-hour long meeting is an important meeting to watch.

Here is a link to the full video

https://hurontownship.viebit.com/player.php?hash=eFUg02LOBKDS

I-275 project update: Northbound lane closures, ramp and bridge closures, 6 Mile Road to be closed over freeway

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Posted by The Huron Hub|July 28, 2021

Here is an update from MDOT on the massive I-275 project currently happening in western Wayne County.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS:

Wednesday, July 28 – Wednesday, Aug. 4:

The eastbound Eureka Road ramp to northbound I-275 will be closed.

The westbound Eureka Road ramp to southbound I-275 will be closed.

Monday, Aug. 2 – mid-September:

Northbound I-275 will have the right lane closed from I-94 to 5 Mile Road for the widening of the right shoulders for future use as a lane during work to rebuild I-275 in 2022.

6 Mile Road will be closed over I-275 for bridge improvements through early October with traffic detoured:

I-275/6 Mile Road detours:

Northbound I-275 traffic heading for westbound 6 Mile Road will use northbound I-275 to westbound 7 Mile Road, then southbound I-275 to westbound 6 Mile Road.

Southbound I-275 traffic heading for eastbound 6 Mile Road will use southbound I-275 to eastbound Ann Arbor Road, then northbound I-275 to eastbound 6 Mile Road.

Eastbound 6 Mile Road will be detoured to northbound Haggerty Road, then eastbound 7 Mile Road to southbound Newburgh Road back to eastbound 6 Mile Road.

Westbound 6 Mile Road will be detoured to northbound Newburgh Road, then westbound 7 Mile Road to southbound Haggerty Road back to westbound 6 Mile Road.

Wednesday, Aug. 4 – Wednesday, Aug. 11:

The southbound I-275 ramp to Eureka Road (airport entrance) will be closed. Airport access will be available on eastbound I-94 via the Merriman Road exit.

The eastbound Eureka Road ramp to southbound I-275 will be closed.

Thursday, Aug. 5 – early September

The Schoolcraft Road bridge over M-14, west of Haggerty Road, is closing for improvements.

Westbound M-14 will have single-lane closures under Schoolcraft Road. The bike trail underneath Schoolcraft Road will be temporarily closed.

Schoolcraft Road detours:

Eastbound Schoolcraft Road traffic will be detoured to eastbound 5 Mile Road, then southbound Haggerty Road back to eastbound Schoolcraft Road.

Westbound Schoolcraft Road traffic will be detoured to northbound Haggerty Road, then westbound 5 Mile Road back to westbound Schoolcraft Road.

Lane restrictions through late fall:

  • I-275 will have one lane open in each direction between I-94 and South Huron Road for concrete pavement repairs. Crews will be shifting the southbound I-275 lane closures this week, which will leave only the left lane open. The northbound I-275 shift will occur next week, leaving only the right lane open.
  • Pennsylvania Road remains closed over I-275 with traffic detoured to Sibley Road through late August.

During this major multi-year project, work will be occurring in multiple areas at different times. Go to http://www.Revive275.org for more project details and updates.

Related: Four-year project to resurface, rebuild I-275 in Wayne County begins July 6

Special board meeting agenda: presentation by Pinnacle property developers on amendment to zoning ordinance banning warehouse development

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(Photo — The Huron Hub archive)

Posted by The Huron Hub|July 27, 2021

A special Huron Township board of trustees meeting will take place Wednesday, July 28 at Township Hall.

The sole item on the agenda is a presentation by Sterling Group/Hillwood concerning a text amendment to zoning ordinance at the Pinnacle property.

Currently, a moratorium is placed on future warehouse development at the Pinnacle property.

The developers want to have this moratorium lifted so that they can further development at the site and build more warehouses.

Currently at the site is two massive warehouses that will house Amazon fulfillment centers.

During a recent planning commission meeting, officials voted against lifting the moratorium. The decision will eventually be brought before the board of trustees for final approval.

To view The Huron Hub’s complete coverage of the Pinnacle property, including the defunct race track through the recent development, please visit this archive on HuronHub.com.

Amazon accepting job applications for Huron Township fulfillment center

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Posted by The Huron Hub|July 26, 2021

Amazon’s “XL” fulfillment center in Huron Charter Township has begun hiring.

Candidates can learn more about opportunities and apply online at http://www.amazon.com/detroitjobs.

Amazon’s new Huron Charter Township location is an “XL” Non-Sortable Fulfillment Center, designed to receive, store and package heavy or bulky items, like TVs over 50”.

Sign-on bonuses of up to $1,000 are available at the Huron location.

Additionally, a $100 benefit will be offered on the first day of work to any new hire who comes to Amazon already vaccinated for COVID-19.

Work opportunities include full-time warehouse associates who will make at least $15.50 per hour (up t $18.50), with no prior experience necessary.

In addition to hourly wages, Amazon says it provides employees with a highly competitive, comprehensive benefits package starting on day one including healthcare, disability insurance, 401(k) with 50 percent match, company stock, bonuses and a network of support to help employees succeed.

Amazon says it also offers hourly employees innovative programs like Career Choice, where the company will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.

In Metro Detroit, Amazon employees, their spouses and children, also have exclusive access to Neighborhood Health Centers – located in Royal Oak, Westland and Brownstown – that offer in-person and online appointments for a wide range of affordable health services.

Robbins appointed to governor’s task force on juvenile justice reform

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Everette Robbins is the chief of police and director of public safety for Huron Township. 

By Scott Bolthouse|ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com|July 23, 2021

Everette Robbins, Huron Township director of public safety, was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the state’s new task force on juvenile justice reform.

In June, Whitmer created the task force on juvenile justice with a focus on analyzing the juvenile justice system and recommending “proven practices and strategies for reform grounded in data, research, and fundamental constitutional principles,” a statement from the governor’s office said.

Robbins is the chief of police and director of public safety for Huron Township, and has lead the department since May 2014 when he was appointed.

He holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Public Safety Studies from Siena Heights University and earned his MCOLES certification from Washtenaw County Community College. 

Robbins is appointed to represent a police chief nominated by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. 

Robbins said it is a privilege to be appointed to the position.

“I am very honored to be chosen to represent Huron Township on this very important task force. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something that can make a great impact on many young lives,” Robbins said. “When my career is over, I hope my legacy will be the things we have been able to do for the youth within our community.”

Since 2012, Robbins has worked with juveniles on the FBI’s southeast Michigan crimes against children task force as a task force officer and board member. The task force focuses on combating human trafficking, and also includes Leo Girard, a detective lieutenant with Huron Township police.

Robbins also was assigned to the juvenile and gang intelligence division with the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department.

The governor’s task force includes members of the executive branch, legislature, judiciary, and juvenile justice community. 

Appointees will serve for two-year terms expiring July 22, 2023.

The task force is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.

“To fully change our criminal justice system into a system that will position young Michiganders for success, we need the best minds from a wide variety of backgrounds to lead the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform,” Gilchrist said. “I am very confident that these appointees are going to do everything in their power to ensure that we focus on building and delivering reforms that will make our communities safer while improving outcomes for individuals who come into contact with our criminal justice system. When we allow everyone to have a seat at the table, we make sure that these policies will be inclusive and equitable for all.” 

Lake Erie Metropark pool will not open this season due to damage to pool

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Posted by The Huron Hub | July 22, 2021

Metroparks had previously sent out an alert that the pool at Lake Erie Metropark was set to open this week. During final pre-opening operations and tests, a section of marcite (the cement-like finish in the inside of the pool walls) unexpectedly failed leaving sharp edges and causing conditions unsafe for swimming.

“The safety of our visitors is our highest priority, so the pool will not be able to open tomorrow,” the Metroparks said in a press release.

The repair requires staff to drain the pool and repair the surface. Because of the time it will take to complete the repair, the pool will unfortunately not re-open this year.

Visitors can still cool off in other pools at Willow and Lake St. Clair Metroparks and can enjoy Turtle Cover Family Aquatic Center at Lower Huron Metropark or splash pads at Kensington, Indian Springs or Lake St. Clair Metroparks.

Lake Erie Metropark pool to open July 23; waves will be off this season

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Photo courtesy metroparks.com

Posted by The Huron Hub | July 21, 2021

UPDATE: Lake Erie Metropark pool will not open this season due to damage to pool

After being closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pool at Lake Erie Metropark is set to open on Friday, July 23.

“The Metroparks are still experiencing a shortage of lifeguards, so the pool will welcome visitors this season with some limited capacities and operational changes,” a statement from the Metroparks said.


• The pool will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon – 7 p.m.
• Pool entry will be $4.00 per person.
• The pool will operate as a flat pool and there will be no waves.
• The spray features on the deck will be in operation.
• Flotation tubes and life jackets will be available for use.
• The food bar will not be open.
• The pool capacity will be limited to the first 500 swimmers each day.
• Pricing and more details can be found at this link.

In addition to the Lake Erie Metropark pool, visitors can cool off in five other constructed water facilities throughout Southeast Michigan (Willow Metropark pool, Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center, Lake St. Clair Metropark pool, Kensington Metropark Splash ‘N’ Blast, Indian Springs Metropark Spray ‘N’ Play).

For visitors looking for a natural water experience, they can visit beaches at three Metroparks, hop on the Huron or Clinton rivers in multiple locations or enjoy boating, fishing and paddling on inland lakes.