By Carolyn Marnon – Sixteen year-old Antoine Perry, Jr. was in 29th District Court on December 28 for allegedly murdering a 19-year old outside HYPE Recreation Center on November 26, 2018. Antoine faced four charges: homicide-felony murder, armed robbery, and two charges of felony firearm.
Three Michigan State Police cars and three City of Wayne police cars were seen outside the courthouse while police officers filled the halls outside the courtroom.
The Honorable Judge Laura Mack presided over the court proceedings. She instructed those present that no pictures were to be taken of the defendant’s face or of any minor testifying before the court. She also made it clear that anyone who was testifying that day or who would testify in downtown Detroit was not allowed to view the proceedings.
The first witness was a 16-year old girl who said Antoine had been her boyfriend for a few months before the incident occurred. She said he had told her via Facetime that he was going to “jug” something. According to UrbanDictionary.com, “jug” means to steal.
Later that day, she and Antoine were hanging out in a garage with other friends where “we play music and conversate.” While they smoked weed, Antoine pulled a gun out and started playing with it. The witness said she told him he was trigger happy and that he needed to chill out.
Plans were made to get more weed. She said he told her he was going to take the weed from the weed guy.
The group pulled up behind HYPE where Antoine and another friend got out of the car. Antoine took her phone with him to text the weed guy. A bit later, the friend is running back to the car, shaking, saying “Twoin really blew that nigger” because he didn’t give him the weed. Antoine then shows up at the car, and she sees the gun. She testified they were all scared. Her sister, who was driving the car, takes off and then stops in front of Franklin Middle School. She said Antoine had dropped her phone and she wanted it back.
The second witness was in the HYPE parking lot, getting ready to work out. He said he noticed two African-American men standing by the corner and didn’t think anything of it. He went about gathering his workout gear and water bottle when his attention was then diverted back to the men. A car had pulled up to them. One went up to the driver’s side door and then he said the car took off at a high rate of speed with the person holding onto the door while it was being driven. The person tumbled from the car while firing several times at the vehicle driving away before running toward the corner of the building.
The final witness was Officer Michael Bolton of the Wayne Police Department. He says he received a report of a shooting. The victim was in the main lobby of HYPE bleeding from his stomach. Outside, he found three bullet shell casings and a phone about 3 inches away from the casings. Officer Bolton said the defendant walked up saying he was looking for his girlfriend’s cell phone. The defendant was detained at that time.
During testimony, sobs could be heard in the courtroom.
Judge Laura Mack said testimony showed probable cause. The defendant was placed at the scene of the crime with a gun. The witnesses were credible. The case was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court.
On January 4 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in downtown Detroit, Antoine Perry stood mute as a plea of not guilty was entered by the court. The court ordered a competency evaluation. The competency hearing is scheduled for March 1.
By Carolyn Marnon – In her free-time, she likes doing triathlons where she swims, bikes and runs!
She has lived in Michigan all her life, except for a short period of time spent in Wisconsin.
She loves reading Young Adult novels and social science non-fiction books.
She was recently certified as a scuba diver and prefers warm water on her vacations.
And she lives in Northville with her yellow lab, Einstein.
Who is this woman? She is Jody Wolak, the new Library Director at your Wayne Public Library.
After a 10-year career in marketing, Jody decided to switch careers. While working full-time in marketing, she worked on obtaining her Master in Library Science. She enjoyed problem solving and being creative, but she also always loved libraries and literature.
Her first library jobs were both part-time jobs as Children’s Librarian at the Rochester Hills library and at the Wayne library. She moved on to full-time employment at the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland as the Teen Librarian.
Before coming back to the Wayne library as its director, Jody spent less than two years as the Youth and Teen Director at the Chelsea library.
The job as Wayne Library Director has turned out to be more than she expected. “I knew I loved working with children and loved reading and books since I was a young child,” said Jody. “I enjoy doing library programs for children to adults and seniors. I think my marketing background has been very helpful in promoting the library and our services and making connections in the community. I’m looking forward to doing more of that here in Wayne.”
She goes on to say, “Libraries are so much more than books and reading. We’re a place for the community to gather, a place to see your friends, and a place to expand your horizons!” Jody and the approximately 16 employees of the library are here to serve the needs of the community. The library recently conducted a survey to learn what the community felt the priorities were for the library after a ballot measure was passed in August giving the library 1 mil in additional funding. The most urgent issue to address is the leaking roof. Although expanded library hours, more programming and additions to the collection (books/DVDs/magazines) are being considered, the library board wanted to know where to focus their efforts and where the biggest impact could be made using the feedback they receive from the surveys to inform their decisions.
The library board meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Surveys were collected through January 3. The board will be able to look at the surveys at their January meeting. Jody expects the library board and staff will have their initial plans ready to share with the community in February or March. Until then, stop into the library and welcome Jody back to the Wayne library.
“We’re entering a period of growth where we’ll be able to expand our services,” said Jody. “Please come check us out if you haven’t been here in awhile.”
The Class of 2026, Valedictorians and Salutatorians – front row: Alexandria Macko, Tracy Phan, Perla Morales Guerrero- second row: Jourdan Maxwell, Jacob Letourneau, Aldo Hernandez, Ibraheem Adeyemi – third row: Maria Herrera- Ibarra, Yusra Akintande, Treasure Young – back row: Victoria Thurmand and Cyrus Goins. Photo by John Rhaesa
Wayne Memorial High School has 12 valedictorians and salutatorians this year. Both categories of achievement are determined strictly by cumulative GPA. Valedictorians have GPAs 4.0 and above. Salutatorians have GPAs between 3.93 and 3.99.
Meet the Class of 2026 Valedictorians:
Yusra Ifedayo Akintande – Plans for next year: Attending Cornell University
Area of Study: Biological Sciences on a Pre-Vet track
Parents Names: Delilat Akintande
High School Accomplishments: Class President, 4.17 GPA (Academic Letter), Ethics Bowl Captain (won four rounds), getting into all 13 colleges I applied to, and becoming a Gates Scholar.
Aldo Hernandez – Plans for next year: Attend the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Area of Study: Business Administration.
Parents Names: Maite Alcantara and David Hernandez
High School Accomplishments: Founded photography business. The first in over 10 years to join Wayne’s 509 mile club (Summer time, 100 days, 500 miles). The first pole vaulter to clear a height over 10 years. 9th fastest freshman 5k time in school history. 7th fastest sophomore 5k time in school history. 24th fastest junior 5k time in school history. 4x varsity (Track and Field and Cross Country), elected NHS Publicity Historian. Water wars winner.
Alexandria Ellen Macko – Plans for next year: Attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of Study: Undeclared – exploring business
Parents Names: Jennifer Owens and Stephen Macko
High School Accomplishments: Elected Class Publicist in 9th grade, Class President in 10-11th, Student Council President in 12th; helped found first DECA chapter in over a decade and helped myself and four others make it to States in our first year; starred as a solo feature in my first marching band show as a senior, breaking school records and making it to the MCBA State competition; helped raise over $11,500 for my graduating class throughout high school; maintained membership with TRiO Upward Bound program for four years and National Honor Society for three.
Perla Elizabeth Morales Guerrero – Plans for next year: Attend college
Area of Study: Nursing
Parents Names: Maria Guerrero and Jose Morales
High School Accomplishments: Academic letter three years, University of Michigan Acceptance.
Tracy Tuyettran Phan – Plans for next year: Columbia University
Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Parents Names: Dang Phan and Toan Do
High School Accomplishments: 4.27 GPA, getting accepted to the MITES Summer Program, Joyce Ivy Scholarship, four 1st division ratings at Solo and Ensemble, receiving the Wayne Rotary and Alumni scholarship, and academic letter award.
Treasure Lillie Young – Plans for next year: Attend University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of Study: Nursing
Parents Names: Theresa Young and Joseph Young
High School Accomplishments: Student Council 26’ Secretary, Acceptances into many colleges.
Victoria Thurmand – Plans for next year: Attending Schoolcraft College where I will play volleyball
Area of Study: Exercise Science
Parents Names: Eric and Kylie Thurmand
High School Accomplishments: Honor Roll all four years, Student Council four years, Student Council Class Vice President 2025, Student Council Executive Board – Publicist 2026, KLAA All -conference volleyball ‘24-‘26, KLAA All conference track ‘23-‘25, Highest Grade Career Tech – Exercise Science 2025, Career Technical Honor, Society 2025-2026, Varsity Volleyball 2023-2026, Volleyball Captain 2025 and 2026, Basketball Varsity 2024, Track and field Varsity 2023-2026.
Meet the Class of 2026 Salutatorians:
Ibraheem Adeyemi – Plans for next year: Go to Wayne State University
Area of Study: Neuroscience
Parents Names: Tajudeen Adeyemi and Nafisat Adeyemi
High School Accomplishments: Honor roll 3 times, Student council three years, Dental internship, Congressional Recognition Certificate, Tutoring at Escot, Research computational biology at University of Michigan.
Cyrus Goins – Plans for next year: Full ride to Saginaw Valley State University to play basketball
Area of Study: Exercise science
Parents Names: Nicole Riley
High School Accomplishments: Won district and regional championship, won all-conference.
Maria Herrera-Ibarra – Plans for next year: Santa Clara University
Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Parents Names: Margarita Ibarra and Jose Herrera
High School Accomplishments: Captain of Women’s Wrestling, Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars Recipient, President of National Honor Society – helped to establish permanent bottle and paper recycling at Wayne Memorial.
Jacob David Letourneau – Plans for next year: Attend Schoolcraft College
Area of Study: Welding Technology
Parents Names: Robin and David Letourneau
High School Accomplishments:
Jourdan Maxwell – Plans for next year: Attend Central Michigan University
Area of Study: Psychology
Parents Names: Crystal Maxwell and Carlos Maxwell
High School Accomplishments: 3.91 GPA, Upward Bound Member, NHS member.
Congratulations to the Wayne Memorial High School Class of 2026 graduates!
Come enjoy lunch or dinner on Wednesdays in downtown Wayne in the city lot on westbound Michigan Ave. east of the Phoenix State Wayne Theater.
By Sarah Shurge – For the month of June, spend your Wednesday’s dining in downtown Wayne.
Food trucks in downtown Wayne will be serving lunch and dinner options every Wednesday in June from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Seating will be provided.
The event is sponsored by the Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
“There’s a new line of food trucks each week. You don’t want to miss out. We have a really diverse selection,” said Lisa Kubany, DDA Marketing and Events Director.
The food truck lineup is as follows:
Wednesday, June 10th: I Told You! Food Truck, Good Eats Mobile, and Luvlee Lemonade.
Wednesday, June 17th: G FAZ Pizza, A’s Sweet Treats, and Amaizeing Dawgs.
Wednesday, June 24th: Kona Ice, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Turkey Heaven.
“We invite the food trucks to bring their talents, let us introduce you to our community, and let our community discover your amazing flavors,” said Kubany.
The event will be located at 35164 W. Michigan Ave (in the city lot off Michigan Ave just west of S. Wayne Rd.) Parking available in the rear parking lot (look for signs where to enter for parking).
“It’s a new location, I’m excited to bring the event on Michigan Ave this year,” said Kubany.
Come enjoy lunch or dinner on Wednesdays in downtown Wayne!
Car enthusiasts, families, and visitors are invited to Downtown Wayne for the annual Cruisin’ US 12 celebration.
By Sarah Shurge – Mark your calendars because it’s almost that time of year again. The much-anticipated, annual car cruise, US12 Cruise will be happening on Saturday, July 11th.
“Last year we got a little bit of rain, but the cruisers always come out. This happens rain or shine. Every year it gets bigger and better,” said Lisa Kubany, Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Marketing and Events Director.
Michigan Avenue and downtown Wayne will be packed with classic and custom cars.
Pit stops will be returning up and down Michigan Ave for the community to enjoy, thanks to the City of Wayne’s DDA partnership with the cruise.
“It has been an honor to help this event grow. It’s something I’m very proud of,” said Kubany. “I grew up in the city of Wayne and Wayne continues to grow because of so many people that believe in it.”
The cruise will begin with an opening Prayer at Harry J. Will Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m., followed by their pancake breakfast and car show – Hot Cars and Hot Cakes. The parking lot opens at 8:30 a.m.
If you still want to register your car, contact Harry J. Will Funeral Home. Show registration is $15 per car and includes pancake breakfast. Additional tickets for adults are $5.00, kids under 12 are free.
There will be prizes for Best in Show, Most Original, and Show Favorite. Donations are being accepted to benefit childhood mental health.
At 10 a.m., the National Anthem and first lap to officially open the cruise will take place at Jack Demmer Ford, followed by a car show featuring a live DJ and entertainment until 2 p.m.
Mike and Monas – US12 will feature live music all day long, along with food and drink specials, and patio views of the cruise.
St. Mary Catholic Church, Wayne will host an air-conditioned vendor and craft show, family activities, food, and music throughout the day.
Welcome back to another Spotlight Series with Sarah!
The series where the writer gets to know the city more personally, while the readers get to know the writer better in the process.
If you missed Downtown Wayne Restaurant Week in April or the “Best in Wayne” winners in May, never fear, Sarah is here.
This year for Restaurant Week, guests could scan the QR code on the tables at participating restaurants to not only enter to win $200 in gift cards but also to cast their vote for “Best in Wayne” categories: Best Burger, Best Pizza, Best Breakfast, Best Cocktail, and Best Vibe.
The winners were: Best Burger: The Red Apple Restaurant. Best Pizza: The Red Apple Restaurant. Best Breakfast: The Red Apple Restaurant. Best Cocktail: The Avenue American Bistro. Best Overall Vibe: Karma Coffee and Kitchen.
I wrote about The Avenue American Bistro a few months ago in March, and Karma Coffee and Kitchen was my very first Spotlight Series with Sarah in March 2024. Now it’s time for The Red Apple Restaurant’s spotlight moment.
When my neighbor, Autumn, and I were planning our monthly dinner together to catch up, I suggested we go to The Red Apple Restaurant. On Friday, May 29th, we went.
There was a chill vibe in the restaurant when we walked in and a sign that said “seat yourself,” so we picked a booth in the middle of the restaurant.
Autumn and I always like to share items we order, so since The Red Apple Restaurant was voted “Best Pizza,” we already knew we’d have to try one.
We ordered the 14-inch Red Apple Supreme (cheese, pepperoni, ham, bacon, onions, green pepper, mushroom, black olives, and hamburger), and the Grilled Cheese BLT.
Neither Autumn nor I are big fans of black olives, so we asked for those to be removed.
Our sandwich came out first and we were told that there was a mix up with our pizza (extra olives were added instead of no olives), so they were remaking our pizza and it would be a few minutes.
Autumn and I didn’t mind at all. It gave us more time to catch up. Within a few minutes, an employee brought us a pizza server and shakers of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese and told us that our pizza was almost ready and they’d give us a discount for the mistake.
The Red Apple Restaurant was voted “Best Pizza,” I ordered a 14-inch Red Apple Supreme (cheese, pepperoni, ham, bacon, onions, green pepper, mushroom, black olives, and hamburger), and the Grilled Cheese BLT.
We were appreciative and let them know we didn’t mind and weren’t in a rush.
The wait was worth it. When they brought our pizza to our table, we couldn’t believe our eyes. It was massive and loaded with toppings. We couldn’t wait to dig in.
Our Grilled Cheese BLT was delicious. The bread was perfectly toasted, the bacon was crispy, and the tomato was juicy. Everything went together so well. I have had many grilled cheese sandwiches and many BLT sandwiches in my life but never had them combined before. That’s a mistake I won’t be making again. I’m a big fan now.
Our pizza was heavy from the toppings. Like too heavy to pick up. When you hear the phrase “pizza pie,” this is the type of pizza they’re referring to. So after multiple attempts to pick up our slices, we accepted defeat and ate our pieces with a fork and knife.
After one single bite, it was obvious why The Red Apple Restaurant was voted “Best Pizza.”
While we were still eating, Autumn and I decided that we’d come back to try their breakfast and burgers too since they won those categories as well.
The Red Apple Restaurant had been in Wayne since 1971.
Some of The Red Apple Restaurant’s best-selling items are: the Country Omelet or Samson for breakfast, the Patty Melt or Grilled Cheese BLT for sandwiches, pizza or fish and chips for dinner, and the specialty “Squeeze burger” that’s only served on Thursdays.
“That’s probably how we won for best burger,” said Deanna Blair, The Red Apple Restaurant manager. “It’s absolutely amazing we won three categories. We have a lot of repeat customers. They’re like family.”
Not only did The Red Apple Restaurant win three categories, but the $200 gift card winner was a Red Apple Restaurant customer as well.
“The customers are my favorite part. They’re just like family to us. I don’t consider it like a job. I love coming here,” said Blair. Blair has been with The Red Apple Restaurant for 30 years, and manager since the new owners took over in February.
“We appreciate the support from our customers,” said Blair.
The Red Apple Restaurant is located at 32711 Michigan Ave, is open 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information about The Red Apple Restaurant, call (734) 722-4100.
Be sure to check out The Red Apple Restaurant, and be on the lookout for the next Spotlight Series with Sarah!
By Sarah Shurge – The City of Wayne Public Works Department (DPW) is excited to announce that curbside recycling is coming soon to Wayne!
The DPW provides services that guarantee the continued safe, clean, and healthy environment that is a way of life for Wayne Residents. An important part of a healthy environment is recycling. By recycling our materials, we create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves energy, and diverts waste away from landfills and incinerators, which reduces the harmful effects of pollution and emissions.
For many years the citizens of Wayne have been asking for curbside recycling. You asked and now you shall receive. Curbside recycling pick-up will begin after July 1st, the first full week Monday, July 6th.
The recycling carts should be delivered to each house a week and a half before the start date. Literature will be supplied with the cart on what will be acceptable for the recycling program. Then pick-ups are scheduled for every other week.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a challenge in the beginning, but we’re going to work through it to have a successful program,” said Dave Schmidt, DPW Assistant Director. Schmidt has been with the DPW for 24 years and has been assistant director since the end of 2023.
“My favorite part is working with the community, different challenges every day, and problem solving,” said Schmidt.
Wayne Memorial High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated a milestone achievement on May 30, 2026, at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center. Surrounded by family, friends, teachers, and staff, graduates proudly crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and officially join the ranks of Wayne Memorial alumni. The ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and school spirit, as the Class of 2026 embraced the next chapter of their journey with the pride and determination that define Zebra Nation.
Valedictorians
(4.0 and above cumulative GPA)
Yusra Akintande
Aldo Hernandez
Alexandria Macko
Perla Morales Guerrero
Tracy Phan
Victoria Thurmand
Treasure Young
Salutatorian
(3.9 – 3.99 cumulative GPA)
Ibraheem Adeyemi
Cyrus Goins
Maria Herrera-Ibarra
Jacob Letourneau
Jourdan Maxwell
Summa
Cum Laude
(3.8 – 4.0 cumulative GPA)
Gold Cord, Blue/Gold Hood,
White Tassel
Ibraheem Adeyemi
Yusra Akintande
Emily Ascencio
Chase Dyer
Cyrus Goins
Aldo Hernandez
Maria Herrera-Ibarra
Vanessa Kinsey
Jacob Letourneau
Jourdan Maxwell
Perla Morales
Guerrero
Tracy Phan
Dinah Smith
Morgan Smith
Victoria Thurmand
Treasure Young
Magna Cum Laude
3.3-3.59 Cumulative
Grade Point Average
White Cord, Blue/Gold Hood, White Tassel
Garrett Bousley-Crane
Dallas Dawson-Escobedo
Milee Horn
Alexandria Macko
Kayla McKinnon
Noah O’Neil
Jill Patel
Dillon Smith
Samantha Varga
Cum Laude
3.3-3.59 Cumulative Grade Point Average White Cord, Blue/Gold Hood, White Tassel
Edmund Amoako
Alicia Capraro
Lance Carlson
Aspen Clements
Micah Darling
Annabelle Donovan
Evelyn Drake
Sydney Fleming
Joshua Hart
Alana Howard
Amara Kourouma
Delilah Mellon
Jonathan
Munoz-Mejia
Yanci Paz
Felicia Paynter
Skyann Penn
Krystal Quick
Gino Rios-Casillas
Lana Stanley
Kaylee Szyndlar
Braylon Wright
Honors
Jaylohn Allen
Tai’Chiauna Allen
Daniel Baxter
Aaliyah Brown-
Cobarrubias
Owen Brucker
Abram Burrows
Ana Castillo Mota
Quinn Correa
Mariah Cross
Skie Drennan
Becca Duty
Nevaeh Gaines
Sabri Hamilton
Avianna Horton
Narmaris Jackson
Henry Kemmerling
Ryan Landers
Jariah Lloyd
Aydin Mosley
Saharra Odum
Ava Orme
Brandon Quick
Alejandro Quinones
Kamari Robinson
Alexia Sabin
Brianna Saji
Alanys Sanchez-
Warrington
Jacob Smith
Myles Talbert
Christian Thomas
AriLii Toliver
Brooklyn Umfleet
Dayna Walker
Alex Ware
Tyler Agresta
Derek Alli
Hayden Auten
Ethan Baloh
Kevin Barber
Myami Barbour
De’Airreon Bell
Keon Beverly
Alana Blue
Ikea Booker
Mekhi Booker
Sydney Boston
Alexavier Bradley
Dylaun Braziel
Liberty Breeding
Brance Brindle
Shane Broadnax
An’Nya Brown
Brenton Brown
Darius Brown
Taj Brown-Bey
Tariq Brown-Bey
Brooklyn Burke
Aidan Burrows
Brandon Byers
Sara Cabil
A’najah Calloway
Keith Cannon
Lucas Caron
Eric Carter
DaNikko Caruthers
Cody Cato
Guadalupe Chaparro Salazar
Ethan Chapman
Kendrick Clark
Destiny Clayborn
Santino Cook
Izzack Crampton
Dennis Dickens
Gabrielle Doss
Aden Drennan
Alyssa DuFresne
Gabriel El Baadani
Dayon Embry
Lilyana Faison
Bryant Fluellen
Adriana Ford
Ebony Franklin
Lebron Galloway
Madeline Gamet
Antonio Garrett
Isabella Gillin
Leahnna Givens
Padrig Glennon
Joseph Golden
Peyton Goodin-Howe
Mark Gorostieta
Galen Gray
Brandon Green
Da’Shawn Green
Jovan Greene
Kyley Gregory
Alycia Groom
Logan Hanna
Mekhi Harper
Daniel Harris
Jamar Harris
Dominic Hatmaker
Nylai Hawkins
Aubrey Heffner
Londyn Henry
Omar Hernandez
Zuniga
Keatyn Hoeft
Amaree Hooper
Sean Hopkins
Antoine Howze
Azareyah Hurt
Melody Ingram
Jayla Jennings
Dante’ Johnson
De’Angeloh Johnson
Joshua D. Johnson
Joshua R. Johnson
Roy Johnson
Savion Jones
Ava Jones-List
Onyx Kelley
Derryonna Kemp
Jayda King
Kaylee King
Dwayne Kourouma
Justin Kwilos
Tahliha Leuthoudom
Karlnel Martindale
Jordan Maydwell
Nickolas McCann
Ethan McCune
Hailey McLeod
Jeremy McMath
Zinet Mendoza
Geana Metcalf
Blake Middlebrook
Christopher Moore
Elijah Moore
Jeremiah Moore
Jazmine Morgan
Jaylin Mullins
Isabella Nadolski
Ezekiel Nard
Trenton Nash
Mirian Ochoa
Falice OD’Neal
Alexis Odum
Chevelle Oliver
Sophia Olofson
Camden Orley
Kaleb Pace
Makenna Painter
Leah Partin
Christian Pender
Jose Perez
Brandon Pierce
Ana Principe-Santiago
Uriel Rebolledo-Dias
James Reese
Jaden Rhodes
Amare Rhys
Dennijo Riggle
Treasure Roberson
Gabrielle Robinson
Amina Rutherford
Angelina Salazar
Iyanna Sawyer
London Sawyer
Jaydan Saylor
Jonathin Scarberry
Jada Searcy
Seth Seder
Tyler Seivers
Leila Selma-Allen
Emily Shanklin
Marisa Sharon
Cayden Shock
Kya Singleton
Dhanilya’ Smith
Draven Southwell
Kamiyah Spears
Alaia Springer
Ganiyah Stanley
Lexi Stickler
Logan Talbert
Da’Zareaye
Thomas-Jackson
Gabrielle Trottier
Brooklyn Trudeau
Christopher
Villeda-Casmer
Jordin Warren
Amber Warrick
Andrew Whisenant
Joya Williams
Ke’Mari Williams-Pool
Mercedes Willis
Angeleah Wilson
Connor Wilson
Corrina Winters
Laila’Ali Withers
Deklyn Wojciechowski
Miauna Woodard
Elizabeth Woodruff
Milanna Young
Lamese Zaarour
Abney, Da’Vontae
Aburajouh, Nora
Adams, Jershanne
Adkins, Tatum
Alexander, James
Ali, Zahra
Anderson, Joshua
Armstrong, Danae
Attard, Vincent
Baldwin, Darnell
Bass, Katelynn
Bates, Valarie
Bazzi, Aya
Bennett, Jayeda
Billosillo, Alyssa
Blunt, Jas’n
Brisky, Zachery
Brodoski, Sarah
Brown, Robert
Brown, Samiya
Buehler, Christopher
Bullock, Trinity
Calhoun, DeShawn
Calvert, Kendall
Campbell, Ja’Kiya
Carson, Dejuan
Carter-Anthony, Cha’Kya
Caudill, Aliyah
Chanady, James
Cheeks, Eden-Aviel
Clifford, Kimberly
Coleman, Timothy
Cottrell-Knox, Amina
Craig, Isabella
Craven, Issac
Cunningham, Cortez
Curry, Aminah
Davis, KeyyRra
Depowski, Andre
Diederichs, Derek
Dixon, Kaylee
Dovin, Lena
Duda, Robert
Dumas, Julian
Edmonds, TaKiya
Edokpayi, Joshua
Effinger, Semajae
Escobar, Katie
Fant, Robert
Finley, Zeus
Finney, Jade
Fleming, Ramon’e
Franklin, Kaiya
Frye, Camiah
Gadson, Tristin
Garrett, Sierra
Gill, Destiny
Gizicki, Jasmine
Glaze, Stephaine
Goring, Angell
Graham, Santasia
Hall, Jayden
Hammock, LaTron
Harmon, Hailey
Hauenstein, Leah
Henderson, Keyvon
Hernandez-Vega, Nahim
Herron, Brooklyn
Hinton, Kamaria
Hoults, Jayden
Howard, Kalia
Ismair, Ava
James, Alexander
Johnson, Elijah
Jones, Lucas
Justice, Hayden
Justice, Lauren
Kemp, Daivon
Kesto, Justin
Klekamp, Brandon
Klekamp, Kaylee
Knight, Janiya
Kochoian, Lilly
Kroll, Ashley
Langston, Cameron
LeClaire, Daniel
Ledford, Emily-Grace
Lewis, Jaylen
Long, Destiny
Long, London
Long, Madison
Mac, Chloe (Felix)
Mack, Anthony
MacRae, James
Maddox, Dayvion
Markowycz, Savannah
McDonald, Xavier
McLilley-Wilson, Jordan
Mehmood, Fareeha
Messer, Curtis
Mestour, Adam
Miller, Catriona
Miller, Hayden
Miller, Jauhnell
Mingo, Amyre
Mitchell, Alex
Mitchell, Sariah
Mong, Suzanne
Moore, Brandyn
Morgan, Blake
Morson, Mackenzie
Morson, Mikayla
Nash, Starla
Neumann, Camryn
Newberry, Sierra
Nolan, Kriss
Palmer, Danielle
Passino, Cayden
Patillo, Forever
Patillo, Nora
Ponczek, Sydney
Price, Dorian
Pruett, Raelyn
Rainer, Trayvon
Ray, Trenton
Reader, Aaliyah
Reid, Brooklynn
Reid, Ryan
Remines, Brianna
Ribitisch, Brianna
Rice, Steven
Robb, Antonio
Roberson, Deontay
Roberts, Andre
Roberts, Sebastian
Robertson, Brenden
Rodgers, Dennis
Rogers, Aricka
Rucker, Jarrell
Saddler, Kellen
Sallad, Monia
Sanchez, John
Sbeih, Kenan
Schoffler, Jasmine
Scott, Abigale
Seay, Anthony
Senkowski, Brittney
Silvera, Ivan
Simpson, Xavier
Sinkler, Ariylle
Slone, Sy
Smith, Ace
Southwell, Corwin
Southwell, Samarah
Speights, Domonic
Stevenson, Jalaya
Stewart, Deairis
Sumlin, Andrea
Tardiff, Mckenzie
Thomason, Abigail
Thompson, Brett
Thompson, Lawrence
Thompson, Price
Threatt, Tavion
Tuddles, Mario
Valdez, Olivia
Washington, Hailey Jo
Watson, Davis
Watson, Landon
Weatherholt, Megan
Wilber, Ryleigh
Williams, C’Azia
Williams, Ja’Kye
Williams, Jeffrey
Williams, Jeramiah
Williams, Mekhi
Wilson, Mallori
Wojciechowski, Addison
Wright, Shamiyah
Wylie, Ne’Asia
Wynn, Natasha
Xal, Wilson
Young, Jair
Young, Saniya
By Sarah Shurge – You are invited to Corewell Health’s 2026 Wayne Safety Day on Wednesday, June 24th, from 2 – 5 p.m.
Join Corewell for a free family-friendly event and resource fair to learn tips from the experts in our community on preventing accidents and injuries.
The event will include meet and greet with local police department and fire department, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, education, free injury prevention items to take home, and much more.
“Safety Day helps raise awareness, prevent injuries, and reinforce safe habits to protect both our team and the community,” said Keyla LaVeque, Corewell Health Administrative Assistant.
You could have a chance to win one of 10 bikes. There will be a bike helmet fitting station and free helmets for the first 200 children.
“A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury and ensures maximum protection,” said LaVeque.
More safety items will be provided while supplies last.
Corewell Health is located at 33155 Annapolis St. For more information about Wayne Safety Day, visit waynesafetyday@corewellhealth.org or call (734) 467-2756.
“We’re excited to connect with the community and provide practical tools to help keep everyone safe,” said LaVeque.
Make sure you attend Wayne Safety Day!
By Sarah Shurge – On Tuesday, April 7th, at the City of Wayne’s Council meeting, Officer Alzayadi was honored as the 2025 Wayne Police Department Police Officer of the Year.
“Receiving the award I felt excited, honored, proud, and respected by my fellow coworkers, city officials, and the citizens,” said Officer Alzayadi.
Each year the Wayne Police Department’s Awards Committee – which consists of patrol officers, command officers, and the police chief – meets to select a Police Officer of the Year Award recipient as well as other individual awards for exemplary service.
“Three different employees at the department submitted letters recommending him [Alzayadi]. I think that speaks volumes,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong. “They all noted his enthusiasm for the job, love for the community, and professional growth.”
Officer Alzayadi was selected for his proactive policing and commitment to the community.
“Officer Alzayadi is exactly the kind of officer we want patrolling our streets; he cares deeply about keeping our streets safe by arresting dangerous criminals and enforcing traffic laws, while also realizing the strong positive role police officers play in working with the community,” said Chief Strong. Ironically, Officer Alzayadi didn’t always see himself as being a police officer.
“I never in a million years would have thought I would ever become a police officer,” said Officer Alzayadi.
In 2020, Officer Alzayadi started his career with Westland Police as a police service aide. Then in March 2023, Officer Alzayadi joined the Wayne Police Department (WPD).
“I am so happy I chose this profession. I get to save lives, help people when they need help, be there for the community, prevent crime, and prevent criminals victimizing others,” said Officer Alzayadi.
Congratulations to Officer Alzayadi for his well-deserved recognition!
In February, Sergeant Colwell was promoted to Lieutenant, and Officer Williams was promoted to Sergeant.
“Both are well respected members of the department. I look forward to seeing them excel in their new roles,” said Chief Strong. “We had many quality candidates which speaks highly of our department.”
Lieutenant Colwell is an 11 year veteran of the department and the 2018 Police Officer of the Year. Sergeant Williams is a seven year veteran of the department and the 2023 Police Officer of the Year.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Colwell and Sergeant Williams on their promotions!
For more information about the Wayne Police Department, visit cityofwayne.com/159/Police or you can find them on Facebook by searching “City of Wayne, Michigan Police Department.”
Officer of the Year Officer Alzayadi (center) with his fellow Wayne Police officers.
Mayor John Rhaesa, Officer of the Year Officer Alzayadi, and Chief Ryan Strong at the May 5, 2026, Wayne City Council meeting.
Sarah and her mom show off their nails after receiving a manicure at Happy Nails.
The series where the writer gets to know the city more personally, while the readers get to know the writer better in the process.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Mother’s Day was always important because it was the one holiday that celebrated the only parent I had.
My mom always did the best she could for my older brother and I, and she made sure we had everything we needed. But that meant she didn’t always prioritize herself. Now that I’m older, I can treat her to little things that she didn’t prioritize while she was raising us. Little things like manicures.
A few months after I started my column in 2024, I treated my mom to her very first manicure the day after Mother’s Day. My mom was thrilled with how her nails turned out, but she was unsure if she’d want to get a manicure again. This year I decided to treat her again, but before Mother’s Day this time.
On Monday, May 4th (less than a week before Mother’s Day), I took my mom to Happy Nails to get manicures in preparation for Mother’s Day.
We were greeted at the door and each of us were directed to sit at a numbered station. Dan was my nail tech and Lee was my mom’s.
Dan started my manicure with a nail soak, trimmed my cuticles, filed and sanded my nails, then brought over the samples of colors for me to choose from.
I wanted something light, so I selected “Marshmallow Cloud” and my mom, continuing her love for all things pink, selected “Sepia Burst.”
Dan had a mini fan at his station, so after every layer of polish, I was directed to hold my nails near the fan for extra drying. After three layers, came the top coat. Then Dan directed me to sit at the nail dryers near the front of the store. He carried my phone and purse for me since my nails were not dry yet and even pushed in my chair for me.
My mom’s manicure took longer than mine since she took longer to decide which color pink she wanted. Eventually she joined me at the drying station and we sat there for a while as our polish dried.
After some time, Dan came over to check if my nails were dry. They were, so he added some cuticle oil to my nails, and I was ready to pay while my mom’s nails stayed under the dryers.
After completing my payment (don’t forget to tip), Dan checked on my mom’s nails. Since they were dry, he added cuticle oil to hers and we were good to go.
My mom was thrilled with how her nails turned out and couldn’t stop looking at them.
If you’re unsure what to get your mom for Mother’s Day or even her birthday, a manicure is such a great option.
Happy Nails has been in Westland since 2000. They provide services such as: manicures and gel manicures, kids’ manicures, acrylic nails, dip powder, nail art, nail repair, pedicures, and more.
“My favorite part is talking with our customers,” said Julie Nguyen, Happy Nails manager.
Nguyen has been the manager since 2006.
Happy Nails is located at 31268 Michigan Ave and is open 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday.
For more information about Happy Nails, call (734) 641-8506. Happy Nails is walk-ins only (no appointments).
Treat your mom or yourself to a manicure or pedicure and check out Happy Nails and be on the lookout for the next Spotlight Series with Sarah!