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.”

Phil Marnon was a man of the people. And people knew, if they needed anything, they could rely on Phil to help them.

“Can I get you anything?”

“What do you need?”

“What can I do?”

Philip Eugene Marnon passed away on September 1, 2025.  Phil was born in Detroit, MI on March 8, 1942, the 6^th out of 10 children to John and Margaret Marnon. Few knew that he had been born prematurely and had suffered from lung problems his entire life. It was advanced COPD complications that ultimately cut his life short.

Speaking of short, he earned the nickname “Pee Wee” early in his career at Hazel Park Racetrack where he went to work at age 16. He eventually worked in the stables for Marion Van Berg, one of the nation’s leading thoroughbred horse trainers and owners at the time.  Phil was an exercise boy who raced horses around in the morning and a hot walker who walked horses after the races to help them cool down. He was recognized as the top exercise boy in the country receiving a horseshoe-shaped pin as an award. Phil (the name means “lover of horses”) told many stories about his time on the racetrack, including the time Mrs. Van Berg found out Phil had a brand-new baby sister, Donna, gave him some money and made him go to the store and get her a little dress. Even though he eventually returned to life in Detroit after 5 years on the racetrack, he never lost his love of horses, visiting many more racetracks throughout the country.

In December 1963, Phil married his childhood sweetheart, Alicia “Liz” Barton, who lived in the neighborhood. When he got drafted into the Vietnam War, they made plans to marry 2 weeks later. Fortunately, he did not pass the physical due to his lung/asthma issues and was sent home. He and Liz eventually bought a home in Wayne, MI to raise their family  and it is where they have lived for the past 58 years.

Phil spent 24 years driving semi-trucks in the local Detroit area, always home at night for his wife and growing family.

Phil finished his working career in 2004 when he retired from L&W Engineering in Romulus, MI.  His entire family, including children and grandchildren were at the company on his last day when the owners presented him with a 3-wheel bike, one of his favorite possessions in retirement.

Retired or not, Phil could never stay still.  He always had to be moving or busy. He took daily jaunts out on his new bicycle, often disappearing for hours at a time. It seemed like everyone in the neighborhood knew Phil, either for his talkative nature or just because they saw him on his bike. He would pick up cans to recycle, stop at 7-Eleven on Annapolis in Wayne to visit Mary and the other employees and buy his daily lottery tickets. He enjoyed playing the lottery and often received scratch-off lottery tickets for his birthday and at Christmas. His daughter said he always ran into somebody he knew wherever he went. And if he didn’t know someone, that was okay; he would talk to them anyway. He always had stories to tell to whoever would stop to listen.

Phil is survived by his wife, Alicia “Liz” Marnon, his daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Jones of Wayne, MI, and his sons Philip “Scott” (Stefani) of Juneau, AK and Robert “Bobby” (Carolyn) of Westland, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren-John Marnon, Alicia (Marnon) Bauer (Ricky), Ross Jones (Jordan), Sara Jones, Jake Marnon, Sam Marnon and by his great-grandchildren, Landon, Riley, Brodie and Luna. He is also survived by 3 sisters-Gail, Rosemary and Donna and his brother, Eddie and multiple nieces and nephews.

Per his final wishes, Phil has been cremated and will have his ashes spread near a little church he loved visiting outside of Juneau, AK. There will be a Celebration of Life, but a date has not yet been determined.

Councilman Rabih Darwiche shares his journey at Hype Athletics.

By Sarah Shurge – Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been observed every September.
This is a national observance to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from substance use disorder, to promote the belief that recovery is possible for everyone, and to support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for mental and substance use disorders.
Addiction is a disease that doesn’t discriminate – it can happen to anyone, and anyone could be going through recovery.
Councilman Rabih Darwiche is no stranger to sharing his recovery story. Darwiche’s story began at the age of 19 when he suffered a knee injury in basketball. He tore his ACL and MCL and was prescribed opioids.
Darwiche became addicted to Vicodin, without even being aware of his addiction. After a year, Darwiche found out what withdrawals were when his doctor took him off his medication and he became ill. He thought he had the flu and went back to the doctor. The doctor informed Darwiche that he was experiencing withdrawals.
Darwiche’s family wanted him to get help, but he was prescribed suboxone (which was used to help treat opioid addiction) by his doctor. He became addicted to that for another two years and once he stopped that, he started going to the streets.
Throughout his 20s, Darwiche swapped out one drug for others, using marijuana and alcohol to cope.
“If it had a name, I did it,” said Darwiche. “I wasn’t progressing in life. I was going from one job to the other. Every time I’d achieve anything, I’d lose it by relapsing.”
Then in 2009, Darwiche had a bungee cord accident. The cord snapped and the hook went into his right eye. Darwiche underwent surgery for retinal detachment, resulting in him being half blind now with visual disturbance in his right eye. “That put me down for a couple of years and I relapsed after that,” said Darwiche.
Darwiche would be sober for a good six months and then relapse. “You know the saying: one is too many and a thousand isn’t enough,” said Darwiche.
Over a six-year period, Darwiche went to rehab around 20 times. He would go to detox and walk out.
There are many reasons Darwiche left, including: he wasn’t ready, he wasn’t comfortable in his own skin, he was going through a heart break, he got into a fight with someone there, etc.
Then on May 3rd, 2016, Darwiche went to rehab for the last time. His last time and very first time attending rehab were the only two times he graduated.
Darwiche almost had liver and kidney failure and he had 16 charges against him, including: possession, DUI, suspended license, and he was facing up to nine years in prison.
“I never got caught doing anything until I was 30,” said Darwiche. “I went into rehab hopeless and spiritually bankrupt.”
Darwiche met a few people in drug treatment at Oakdale Recovery Center in Canton and heard about Save By Grace at CrossPointe Community Church.
The first turning point in Darwiche’s recovery happened when he returned home and everything in his room had been changed. He stared at the cigarette burns that remained on the floor and the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
At 33 years old, Darwiche was the youngest of seven children (four sisters and two brothers) and he was the only one living with their parents. He walked into the living room and looked at his parents – his father had Alzheimer’s and dementia, while his mother had diabetes – and he said, “three sick people can’t help each other,” and walked out.
“I realized if I stayed home, I would die,” said Darwiche.
The second turning point happened a day later when Darwiche was at a three-quarter house. There was a bad thunderstorm, the power went out, it was 95 degrees with no AC, there were bed bugs, 14 guys in the living room, and it smelled like feet.

Councilman Darwiche being sworn in as a Wayne City Councilman by Ali Sayed.

“I chose to stay because I thought: one night of this is better than suffering with active addiction,” said Darwiche. “That was freedom to me.”
Darwiche went to Save By Grace, started volunteering at CrossPointe, and got a few jobs.
The pastor at CrossPointe asked Lori Gouin, the DDA director, about job opportunities and she said she knew a guy at HYPE about a maintenance job.
Darwiche filled out an application and went in for an interview where he met Ali Sayed, founder and CEO of HYPE Athletics. During the interview, he mentioned substance abuse and was talking about what HYPE stood for (Helping Youth Progress and Excel). Darwiche stated that if the job got in the way of his recovery, he’d quit.
Sayed suggested bringing meetings to HYPE and Darwiche was hired on the maintenance team about nine years ago.
“What inspired me to stay at the nonprofit and HYPE working maintenance was that as I was cleaning toilets, I thought: you’ve never stayed consistent. For the first time in my life – at 33 years old – I’m gonna gain consistency,” said Darwiche.
Darwiche took care of his father during his final three years before passing.
“I was disgusted changing his depends, but cleaning bathrooms no longer made me disgusted. It changed me. I was grateful,” said Darwiche.
In active addiction Darwiche was mean to his mother. While working maintenance, Darwiche remembered how she took care of seven kids and cleaned the bathroom every day, and he gained a new respect for his mother for cleaning the bathroom every single day.
This inspired him to become even better at maintenance.
“I decided I’ll become the greatest toilet scrubber,” said Darwiche.
Darwiche gained a lot of compliments for cleanliness at HYPE. He started gaining values and climbing chains.
“I gained a purpose and changed my perspective. I got that from people that inspired me in recovery and volunteering in things in the community,” said Darwiche.
Darwiche has been sober for nine years and was promoted to general manager at HYPE in 2022.
“Recovery isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. It takes courage to get in sobriety, and discipline to stay there. When cravings come, remember how far you’ve come. Change is real,” said Darwiche. “My first day walking into rehab I couldn’t comprehend staying sober more than one day. Now I can’t comprehend the idea of using. It’s so far distant to me.”
Darwiche oversees all the departments and programs at HYPE, and he is currently serving in the following organizations: Wayne City Council 2024, City of Wayne Planning Commission since 2022, Board of Directors at Wayne Rotary since 2023, Wayne Westland Health & Welfare Advisory Board 2024, Outreach Director for Safe Wellness Center,
Kiwanis of Wayne-Westland Board member 2024, and Board of Directors at FAN Northwest Wayne County since 2023.
FAN (Face Addiction Now) formerly known as “Families Against Narcotics” has the mission to provide education, resources, and support to families and individuals impacted by addiction. The Northwest Wayne County FAN chapter was launched in March 2017.
FAN seeks to change the face of addiction and end the stigma of addiction, while educating the community, as well as those affected by addiction by creating positive change in the treatment of addiction.
“Recovery is hard. Addiction is even harder. Support can make the difference between giving up and pushing though,” said Darwiche. “National Recovery Month is important because it brings awareness to let people know that nobody is alone.”
If you are struggling with addiction or going through recovery, you aren’t alone, and help is out there.
The first Monday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at HYPE (4635 Howe Rd), FAN puts on forums to spread information and offer a network of support to those affected by addiction. Experts and guest speakers speak on all aspects of addiction to help the families.
For more information about FAN, visit faceaddictionnow.org/support-/northwest.
For more information about HYPE Athletics, visit hypeathletics-.org.
The Recovery Action Network of Michigan (RANMI) launched its very first Recovery Community Center in the heart of downtown Wayne. The Recovery Community Center will serve as a welcoming and safe environment for people in recovery and offers a variety of free resources and peer-driven support services.
Recovery Action Network of Michigan is located at 35112 W. Michigan Ave. For more information about Recovery Action Network of Michigan, visit ran-mi.org, email info@ranmi.org, or call (248)938-2134. To receive services, call or email.
If you need help with your recovery or addiction, do not hesitate to reach out. “You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out. Ask for help. You’re stronger than you think and your life is worth fighting for,” said Darwiche.
Congratulations to Councilman Darwiche on nine years of sobriety!

We recently received a large donation of Stein family memorabilia at the museum, and some of the stories associated with the family are very interesting. Howard Stein Sr. (1901-1991) grew up on his family farm in Canton at Michigan and Haggerty. He began growing vegetables in his father’s greenhouse and eventually started growing flowers too.
Around 1922 he began what became known as Stein’s flower shop. When the new theater building was built in Wayne in 1927 Stein opened a shop in Wayne just two shops down from the ticket booth.

Phyllis and Bud Stein

Harold married Irene Quackenbush in 1923 and they would have three children, Audrey, Howard Jr. and Peter. Stein’s flower shop would become a Wayne staple through the 1950s. Mr. Stein was a founding member of the Wayne Kiwanis club, and a founder of Wayne Bank.
Howard Jr., known informally as “Bud” would graduate from Wayne High School in 1943 and immediately joined the Army Air Corps for WW2. After training in Miami, he was stationed as a B-29 bomber radar operator on the island of Tinian in the pacific theater. While on a bombing raid over Japan his plane was hit by flak and going down. The pilots radioed a nearby submarine and got as close to it as possible before bailing out and letting the plane crash in the sea. Bud was one of only 3 survivors of the 11-man crew of that plane.
The submarine USS Toro picked them up out of the sea and the men had to live on the sub for a month before it came back to Tinian. At the end of the war Bud went to Michigan State for a degree in Horticulture so he could take over the family business. While there he met Phyllis and they married, and they would have three sons.
In 1954 the Wayne flower shop was closed and all operations moved back to the family farm in Canton which had been expanded and rebuilt. At the time flowers for arrangements accounted for 80% of sales, and the Steins grew most of what they needed on-site, with a few imports from Florida and California. Centerpieces, corsages, wedding, funeral and Church flowers were their bread-and-butter sellers. The shop and greenhouses employed 18 people and covered 40,000 square feet.
Outside of flowers Bud was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees and in the Wayne Rotary Club for many years. In 1984 after running the family business for 35 years Bud sold Stein’s Flowers to Keller Florist Inc. and it became Keller & Stein Florist, which still exists but not at the Michigan Avenue property.
Bud and Phyllis would travel extensively in retirement, including back to Tinian to revisit his WW2 sites. Bud also created a unique mock Indian village behind his home in Canton and was active in an old-timer’s investment group and coffee klatch. He was also one of the founding donors of the WW2 memorial in Washington DC. Howard “Bud” Stein Jr. died in 2004 after a heart attack. His wife Phyllis passed away just last year. Many in Wayne remember a trip to Stein’s Flowers or likely received an arrangement from them.
Wayne still has a florist if you’re in the market, Flowers in the Mitten at the Makers Market, 34852 Michigan Ave.

The 29th District Court

Residents with old court fines hanging over their heads will soon have a chance to clear the slate at a reduced cost. The 29th District Court has announced a special Amnesty Program that will run from September 2 through September 30, 2025.The program is designed to help people resolve unpaid tickets or fines by waiving added penalties such as default fees, late fees, and warrant fees. Participants will only need to pay the original fine, plus a $45 clearance fee that cannot be waived. Warrants tied to those cases will also be lifted once the balance is paid.
Court officials say the initiative is not only a benefit to residents but also a practical step to reduce the court’s backlog of cases.
“This is truly a win-win,” officials explained. “People get the chance to take care of old fines at a much lower cost, and the court is able to close cases without expensive enforcement or collection efforts.”The program is open to anyone with a past-due payable violation, but eligibility must be confirmed by contacting the court. After the September deadline, the court says it will return to aggressive enforcement, which could mean reinstated fees and other collection actions.
Payments can be made in person with cash, credit card (a 4% service fee applies), certified check, or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted.Residents interested in taking advantage of the program should contact the 29th District Court at (734) 722-5220 or visit www.cityofwayne.com/200/29th-District-Court

HYPE Athletics

By Sarah Shurge – HYPE Athletics is celebrating 10 years in Wayne.
In August 2015, HYPE began leasing the recreation building from the City of Wayne. In August 2020, Ali Sayed, founder and CEO of HYPE Athletics, began the discussion of purchasing the building from the city. The sale went through mid-July 2021.
“It feels great to celebrate 10 years. I’m so happy, thankful, and grateful that the community has supported us,” said Sayed.
In 2001, HYPE was created with the mission to strengthen infrastructures that support the positive development of the youth in the community through athletics, educational tutoring, literacy development, and social awareness (including: mentoring, counseling, life skills training, and substance abuse education and prevention).
For years HYPE has been bringing the community positive and productive programs that have been changing people’s lives. HYPE Athletics is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing communities with drug-free, violent-free, and diverse athletic events and programs for kids and adults.
The HYPE organization will be celebrating 25 years in April 2026. “It is significant to celebrate 10 years at a second location,” said Sayed.
Many updates and improvements have been made to the recreation building since HYPE took over. The aquatic center has been closed and a new fitness center is opened. The banquet facilities have been upgraded, along with the cafe being renovated. The parking lot was redone during the summer and hundreds of new members are signing up.
The building also received a new name, as a tribute and recognition to former Mayor Abdul “Al” Haidous’ 40 plus years of work and dedication to the City of Wayne.
“Working so closely with the residents, businesses, school district, and the city itself has been very pleasant, and our team members that help our facility run. We couldn’t do it without them,” said Sayed.
On Wednesday, September 17th, HYPE will be hosting a 10th anniversary reception for invited guests. “This is to celebrate with our supporters and to show our appreciation with a free dinner and live entertainment,” said Sayed. The event will have two members speaking, and many elected officials attending.
HYPE Athletics is located at 4635 Howe Rd and is open 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday – Sunday. For more information about HYPE Athletics, visit hypeathletics.org, or call (734)721-7400. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching “HYPE Wayne”. Congratulations to HYPE Athletics for 10 years in Wayne!

The kids loved meeting Bluey and Bingo at Scarecrow Fest.

By Sarah Shurge – For the third year in a row, Scarecrow Fest will be returning to the city of Wayne!
Rachel Botu, owner of Flowers in the Mitten, is hosting Downtown Wayne Scarecrow Fest. The event will be Saturday, September 20th, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 1 Towne Square St.
“Last year was amazing. There was an overwhelming amount of people,” said Botu. “This year, even though it’s a new location, we’ve added a bunch more activities for kids.
We’re still hoping for that same amount of community presence.”
This year, the event will have music, face painting, crafts and games, seven food trucks, free cider and donuts, 40 vendors and crafters, and a raffle tent. New this year: an information tent where you can get a timeline/event program. Punch cards will be introduced where you can shop with crafters and vendors and enter your punch card in a raffle. There will be a painting tent for kids where they can paint a wooden scarecrow face. Also, there will be a backdrop for fall photos.
The Wayne Historical Society will be open during the event for people to view.
Six costume characters (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Jack Skellington, Maleficent, Bluey, and Bingo) will be at the event to meet with the kids. DJ Lou will perform from noon – 5 p.m. The scarecrow winners will be announced at 5 p.m.
There will be first and second place prizes for Best Overall Scarecrow, along with first and second place prizes for Most Creative Scarecrow.
You will get to vote for the scarecrow winners by scanning QR codes at the event.
If you’d like to get involved in the scarecrow competition, you can contact Botu at Flowers in the Mitten by email at flowersinthemitten@-gmail.com or call (734)992-8334. It costs $20 and you can pick up a scarecrow frame at the flower shop or reuse a previous frame for a reduced cost.
Scarecrows are due by Saturday, September 13th. They will remain up throughout Halloween.
Botu wanted to give a special shout out to Lanterns Church for making kids games, First Congregational Church of Wayne for the scarecrow face painting, and Hill Crest Bible Church for kid activities inside the church.
The event is hosted by Flowers in the Mitten, Makers Market, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and sponsored by Ford Motor Company, Wayne Rotary Club, Wayne-Westland Credit Union, Professional Insurance Associates (PIA), Lanterns Church, First Congregational Church of Wayne, and Hill Crest Bible Church.
For more information about the Scarecrow Fest, you can check out the event Facebook page by searching “Downtown Wayne Scarecrow Fest”. There you will find announcements, photos from previous years, the link to vote for the scarecrows, and more.
“This event is made for the community. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. We appreciate everyone’s support. Come to this family fun event and enjoy the day,” said Botu.
Flowers in the Mitten was designed as a one-stop shop with customized items. Botu provides both custom work and items you can buy in store as well. You can purchase flower arrangements, stuffed animals for flower arrangements, angels and lanterns with LED candles, garden decor, sympathy stones, cement benches, standing stones on an easel, and more.
Botu’s husband, Paul, is a partner with the shop and does all the woodworking. You can order a custom sign for a wedding, wedding flowers, or custom pieces. The shop just needs a few days in advance to create them.
Botu also owns the Makers Market as well. There are 30 different crafters inside the shop.
Botu tries to host two events/classes per month for either Flowers in the Mitten or the Makers Market. The shop is currently being transformed for the fall season. There will be Halloween flower classes and cookie classes, as well as Small Business Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Flowers in the Mitten is located at 34852 W Michigan Ave, and is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information about Flowers in the Mitten, you can visit the website at flowersinthemitten.com, contact flowersinthemitten@gmail.com, or call (734)992-8334. You can also check out its Facebook page by searching “Flowers in the Mitten” for live videos, giveaways, and announcements. For more information about the Makers Market, you can check out its Facebook page by searching “Makers Market in Downtown Wayne”.

Ronald Manshardt

December 27, 1946 – August 6, 2025
Ronald Manshardt, 78, of Wayne, Michigan, passed away peacefully in Ann Arbor under the
care of hospice, surrounded by family.
A lifelong resident of Wayne, Ron attended Wayne Memorial High School, where he was a
varsity letterman in both baseball and football, earning honorable mention All-State.
From 1966 to 1969, Ron proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, First Battalion, 9th
Marines, during the Vietnam War. He was a Purple Heart recipient, a testament to his bravery
and sacrifice for his country.
Following his service, Ron began a long career at Ford Motor Company, where he later
retired.
Ron’s family and friends were incredibly proud of his 16 years of sobriety, a milestone that
allowed him to spend more quality time with loved ones and create lasting, beautiful
memories. Nothing brought him more joy than his family—especially his beloved
grandchildren, Jordan and Hunter. Trips to Colorado to visit them were among his most
cherished experiences.
A true emblem of the city of Wayne, Ron was often seen sitting on a bench outside City Hall,
visiting the library, or treating himself to ice cream at the local Dairy Queen. He loved music,
attending concerts and community music events whenever he could. Many will remember him
sitting in his garage with the door open, ready to greet arriving friends and family—or to wave
goodbye from that same spot.
Ron’s quick wit and natural sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He had a knack for
a well-timed quip and a playful remark, always bringing smiles to those around him.
Though Ron faced many challenges in life, he met them with courage, resilience, and a spirit
that never quit. He leaves behind two loving daughters, a son-in-law, two grandchildren, a
nephew, sister-in-law, and three siblings who will forever treasure his memory.
Ron lived by the words of his favorite quote: “Get busy living or get busy dying.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

CrossPointe church members, Jay Trombley and Ron Amann, CrossPointe safety team members, with Deacon Richard Pryor. Photo by John Rhaesa

By Sarah Shurge – Sunday, June 22nd, started off as a service of celebration for members of CrossPointe Community Church. CrossPointe was having a special service for their children’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). The prior Sunday, service was held outside and service was planned to be outside again that day.
CrossPointe has held outdoor services since COVID and half of the congregation really enjoys it. However, Bobby Kelly, CrossePointe Community Church Lead Pastor, moved the service inside for the VBS program.
Jay Trombley and Ron Amann, CrossPointe safety team members, were sitting in the congregation watching the VBS program. Amann was sitting next to his wife, while holding his grandson on his lap. His two daughters were next to his wife, holding their youngest.
Since there was a special service that morning, CrossPointe didn’t hold Sunday School or serve breakfast that morning. Knowing this, Deacon Richard Pryor, CrossPointe member, decided to make breakfast at home instead of stopping to get breakfast. Service had already started, and Pryor was listening to the live cast on his way into church.
Pryor pulled into the parking lot, parked his truck, and was getting ready to go inside when he saw Brian Browning enter the parking lot.
Browning, of Romulus, MI, Wayne Memorial High School 2012 Valedictorian, was dressed in camouflage and a tactical vest, and began retrieving weapons from his vehicle.
Pryor didn’t have a weapon in his vehicle, so he used his vehicle as a weapon and hit Browning with his truck.
“Calling 911 and the dispatcher saying ‘hold on,’ I realized there wasn’t enough time for Wayne Police to arrive. Out of all options available to me, that was the best I could do at the moment,” said Pryor.
After hitting him, Pryor sat up in his seat to see if Browning was downed. Browning was on the ground, shaking his head.
Pryor tried to put the truck in drive to hit Browning again, when Browning opened fire at the truck. There was no action from the truck when Pryor tried to get it to move.
Inside the church, the kids had just finished their VBS program and Pastor Kelly was getting prepared to come on stage for the sermon when Pastor Kelly, Trombley, Amann, and the congregation heard a strange noise outside.
At first, Pastor Kelly thought it might be tools working outside. Trombley thought it was a mechanical issue like the AC running or a pipe.
Trombley turned around to look into the Cry Room – which has a glass window – and he could see people running and panicking. He opened the door to ask, “what was that?” [regarding the noise] and he heard someone say “AR-15.”
“Someone came running in saying ‘there’s a man with a gun’,” said Amann. “I passed off my grandson to my wife. I wasn’t on Safety that day, but I knew it was part of my responsibility to protect my family and my church family. Most people were running to the right; I ran to the left.”
Amann and Trombley ran to the lobby, and through the chaos, saw someone dressed in full military gear and someone in a pickup truck.
“I spent time assessing, trying to figure out what was happening,” said Trombley. Trombley retreated away from the door, back into the building, around the same time that Browning shot into the church.
“I watched him shove a magazine into the rifle, he turned around and pulled the trigger. He had turned it to automatic and shot out the glass. It hit me in the leg. I tried to stand up and my leg didn’t do anything. I knew I’d been hit,” said Amann.
A team member checked on Amann.
“Ron got hit. I didn’t. I’m not sure how when we look at the impact of where rounds traveled,” said Trombley. “God protected me.”
Trombley circled back around the wall, engaging Browning with his firearm.
Meanwhile, Pryor sat in a truck that wouldn’t move.
“With what he [Browning] did to the truck, I realized he had powerful weapons,” said Pryor. “I saw a safety team member in the rearview mirror behind the AC unit. People were now aware of the situation.”
This safety team member wishes to remain anonymous and will be referred to as SM (Safety Member).
SM was using the air conditioning unit for cover as he was engaging Browning with shots, while Trombley was inside the church shooting through shattered windows.
Hoping not to get shot at again, Pryor exited his vehicle, ran west towards the apartments, and hid behind one of the cars.
“I saw SM engaging. Then it went quiet,” said Pryor. The safety team was effective with their shots and Browning was taken out.
SM and Trombley approached Browning’s body and got his weapon away from him. Trombley noticed Browning also had a handgun on his side, and he carefully got that away too.
SM and Trombley kept cover, Pryor started making his way back over to the area, and the Wayne Police arrived on scene.
“Police got there within a few minutes, but a few minutes feels like eternity in a situation like that,” said Pastor Kelly.
A tourniquet had been put on Amann and he was quickly taken away in an ambulance once police and EMT arrived on scene.
Law enforcement had the building evacuated after the thought of a possible bomb in Browning’s vehicle.
It was reported that Browning was armed with an AR-15 style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and more than a dozen fully loaded magazines.
After everyone was reunited with their families, Trombley saw smoke and thought the building was on fire, but it was Pryor’s truck on fire, a result of the gunshots.

Matt Demmer of Jack Demmer Ford shakes hands with local hero Richard Pryor before handing him the keys to his brand-new Ford F-150 — a gift from Jack Demmer Ford and Ford Motor Company in recognition of Richard’s courageous actions during the recent incident at CrossPointe Community Church. Photo by John Rhaesa

Amann had surgery on his leg later that evening. The bullet had shattered his bone, so he now has a metal rod in his leg and screws to hold it in place. “It’s been challenging. I’m an active person, so I’m getting used to a new way of life with crutches, a walker, and a wheelchair,” said Amann.
Amann just had his stitches removed two weeks ago, however, his leg is still very swollen, so he doesn’t know the full extent of his recovery process. “I would do this all over again if the outcome would be the same – no loss of life in our church,” said Amann. “He [Browning] came to do a lot of damage. This injury is minor compared to what could have been.”
The week following the incident, the church was closed for cleaning and repairs. Several local churches, grief counseling agencies, and community programs reached out to assist.
A search warrant executed at Browning’s residence uncovered additional rifles, handguns, and a large cache of ammunition.
Exactly one week later, CrossePointe Community Church gathered to worship God in the same place where the shooting incident occurred the following Sunday. Police cars were on site Sunday morning as participants arrived and exited the church.
“We would not let Satan win. He attempted to destroy, but he wasn’t able to do that. God stopped him. He could win if he allowed us to be fearful and not come back,” said Pastor Kelly. Pastor Kelly preached about God’s protection over the church by sparing their lives and encouraged forgiveness towards the shooter, Browning.
“We are called to forgive as we have been forgiven,” said Pastor Kelly. “Forgiveness is beneficial because it’s a release from holding onto anger and bitterness. It’s a decision to do in Christ. We might not be able to carry the hurt, but we can cast it on the Lord.”
Pryor, Trombley, Amann, and many CrossPointe members attended the first service back, as well as many members from surrounding churches and communities to show support.
“My focus was coming back and making sure my people feel safe. We’ve dedicated 10 years to the safety team knowing this could happen,” said Trombley.
Trombley and Amann have been a part of the safety team since its inception around 10 years ago. Trombley has been attending CrossPointe Community Church for around 15-18 years, Amann since 1965, and Pryor for 12 years.

Richard Pryor in his new Ford F-150.

The safety team – a group of ordinary people who volunteer their time – is under the pastor’s direction. Pastor Kelly has been with CrossPointe Community Church for nine years this month.
The team does training, meetings, and has developed evacuation plans for every room. They had just attended a training that previous Thursday on active shooters. There were already protocols in place before this incident.
“Going forward from here, I hope people realize that this can happen, that it does happen, and to prepare for something like this to happen,” said Trombley. “God led us to that day, protected us, prepared us, and moving forward we can help others prepare. It can be done. It’s just a bunch of ordinary people that had this result.”
When asked what their favorite part about CrossPointe was, Pryor, Trombley, and Amann all responded how it was a family. “The friendships I’ve built, the family, the body of the church – that was the thing I was willing to die for,” said Trombley.
A GoFundMe was created for Pryor regarding the loss of his truck, and Jack Demmer Ford – located less than two miles from the church – quickly got involved.
Matt Demmer, Jack Demmer Ford owner and general manager, presented Pryor with a 2025 F-150 PowerBoost on a two-year free lease as a gift from Jack Demmer Ford and Ford Motor Company.
“You never think it’s going to happen in your backyard, it’s literally in our backyard. It’s the next traffic light up the road,” said Demmer.
CrossPointe Community Church is located at 36125 Glenwood Road. For more information about CrossPointe Community Church, visit cpccwayne.org or call (734)721-7410. You can find them on Facebook by searching “CrossPointe Community Church.”
“This is the kind of event that defines you and we’re thankful we have this testimony of God saving us from death. Not in a metaphorical way, but in a literal way,” said Pastor Kelly. “People were coming from everywhere trying to help, we just want to say thank you and we love you to those individuals.”

Interim Superintendent
Dr. Catherine Cost

By Sarah Shurge – During a meeting on Wednesday, June 25th, the Board of Education appointed Dr. Catherine Cost to serve as Interim Superintendent.
Dr. Cost has spent her career in public education, starting as a teacher and principal, then serving as the superintendent for Wyandotte Public Schools for just under nine years, and the assistant superintendent at Farmington Public Schools for eight years prior to that.
Dr. Cost earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, her master’s from Oakland University, and her doctorate from Wayne State University.
Dr. Cost is passionate about supporting students and families, which is what brought her to Wayne-Westland Community Schools. Since starting in July, Dr. Cost has immersed herself in getting to know the community and District and becoming aware of big projects, such as the upcoming Bond initiative.
Dr. Cost is looking forward to seeing students return this fall and will help to provide stability and support for our students and staff during this transition.
Welcome Dr. Cost to the Wayne-Westland Community Schools District!

By Sarah Shurge – Don’t miss out on Wayne’s annual Back to School Movie Night. The Minions will be taking over the lawn for a screening of Despicable Me 4 on Friday, August 22nd.
The movie night location will be at the Wayne Historical Museum and Hillcrest Bible Church (1 Towne Square). Biddle Street will be blocked and closed for this event.
The festivities and back pack distribution kick off at 5:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to arrive early to get in line. While supplies last, each child will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies to help them start the year off right.
There will be music and dancing with DJ Lutali from The Dance Academy, games, prizes, and three different food trucks: Fun Food Express, Emelias Guac n Roll Taco Truck, and Shaved Ice.
There will be free popcorn and snacks starting around 6:30 p.m. at Hill Crest.
Local business partners will host fun activities and set up information tables from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
For the first time, Mad Science Detroit will join the event with an interactive science discovery station for kids to explore and experiment.
“We’re shining a spotlight on science and the curiosity, creativity, and excitement that come with discovering how things work,” said Lisa Kubany, Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Marketing and Events Director.
Despicable Me 4 will begin playing at 7:15 p.m.
“There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars while helping kids feel excited and supported for what’s ahead and celebrate the excitement of a new school year,” said Kubany. For more information about Mad Science Detroit, visit detroit.madscience.org.
Be sure to end the summer right by attending the Back to School Movie Night!