Samantha Sayles GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge is set to close for construction work Thursday, and the closure is expected to last for weeks. The bridge will close to pedestrians and vehicles at 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, according to a release from the Wayne County Department of Public Services. The closure is expected to be in place for eight weeks, but this timeframe depends on weather conditions and any other delays that crews may encounter. “Wayne County Department of Public Services appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to complete these important infrastructure improvements safely and efficiently,” the department said. During the closure, crews will perform structural steel repairs on the Grosse Ile Parkway bridge. While the bridge is closed, barriers will be put on both ends of it. Drivers will be rerouted to the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge. The bridge also will not swing open for marine traffic during this time. Anyone with questions can contact the Wayne County Department of Public Services’ 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273. Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Sara Powers joined WDIV as a digital content producer in Oct. 2024 and has been covering Metro Detroit news since 2021. Samantha Sayles is an Oakland University alumna who’s been writing Michigan news since 2022. Before joining the ClickOnDetroit team, she wrote stories for WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Careers at WDIV Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group (WXYZ) — Residents of Grosse Ile Township are preparing for an upcoming 8-week closure of the Parkway Bridge which will force them to use the island's only other exit Kyle De Beausset, an 8th-generation resident of the township, started an online petition in 2020 asking Wayne County officials for a long-term plan for the aging bridge RELATED: Our 2020 story on Grosse Ile residents wondering what's next for parkway bridge "You know I could believe it was five years ago and really there has been no plan really that I can tell longterm plan since then," De Beausset said The financial impact of the closure is significant for island residents like De Beausset I'm hoping it's shorter hopefully not longer hundreds of dollars every month," De Beausset said In 2019 7 Investigator Heather Catallo uncovered that underwater inspections on the bridge were skipped for 10 years — between 2007 and 2017 Director for The Department of Public Services for Wayne County says they now conduct inspections twice yearly Recent inspections revealed rust on the steel plates and keep the traveling public safe," Akinyemi said When asked about residents being forced to pay toll bridge fees during the closure Akinyemi confirmed there are no plans to reimburse residents He indicated that the department will be issuing a request for proposals (RFP) in the coming months potentially leading to a bridge replacement I don't know what it is going to be," Akinyemi said While Akinyemi promises transparency about future plans for the bridge De Beausset remains skeptical based on past experiences that they are looking at a long term plan is something that I'm happy about but what I am not happy about — they have promised things like public hearings and we have got nothing," De Beausset said RELATED: Watch our previous coverage on the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge saga, from 2022 and 2024 This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy Where Your Voice Matters New Boston Huron at Milan in Huron League round robin Grosse Ile at Airport in Huron League round robin Jefferson-Erie Mason at Riverview in Huron League round robin SMCC at Flat Rock in Huron League round robin New Boston Huron in Charger Invitational at Flint Golf Club New Boston Huron-Belleville at Plymouth Salem New Boston Huron at Grosse Ile in Huron League round robin Milan at Airport in Huron League round robin Jefferson at SMCC in Huron League round robin Riverview at Flat Rock in Huron League round robin Gibraltar Carlson at Riverview Gabriel Richard Bedford in Southeastern Conference Red round-robin Gibraltar Carlson at Dearborn Divine Child Bedford in Southeastern Conference Red championships at Bedford New Boston Huron in Huron League championships at Grosse Ile Whiteford in Tri-County Conference jamboree at Woodlawn Riverview Gabriel Richard at Erie Mason (2) Ida in LCAA Championships at Adrian Madison Whiteford in Tri-County Conference Championships at Erie Mason Ida in Matthew Krutsch Memorial at Hillsdale Academy New Boston Huron-Belleville at Ypsilanti Lincoln Clinton in Conner Hoogendoorn Memorial at Whiteford Gibraltar Carlson at Ypsilanti Lincoln Tournament Riverview Gabriel Richard at SMCC (2) noon New Boston Huron in Metro Classic at Gibraltar Carlson Gibraltar Carlson in pre-Regional Tournament at Trenton Gibraltar Carlson in Midwest Scholastic Championships at Kensington Metropark the free crossing to the Wayne County island community will close to traffic on May 1 for up to eight weeks so structural steel repairs can be done The bridge — one of only two ways to get on and off the island — will close to all vehicles and pedestrians at 7 a.m. the Wayne County Department of Public Services said in a statement All traffic will be directed to the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge the bridge will not swing open for marine traffic The bridge is slated to close for up to two months depending on weather conditions and delays Motorists should allow for extra travel time from and to the island Grosse Ile Township Supervisor Joe Porcarelli said residents who are having work done to their homes should get projects done before the May 1 closure Full cement trucks won't be allowed over the toll bridge "We're getting through this together," said Porcarelli in a video message on social media The closure announcement comes about two weeks after township officials said they finalized the purchase of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge The township purchased the toll bridge after Grosse Ile voters approved a special millage in November The millage will help cover about $60 million in bonds the township eventually plans to sell the township also plans to upgrade it so it can handle heavier loads Board trustees say the toll bridge isn't graded for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons something they intend to change if the millage passes Weight constraints have raised concerns about how necessary supplies and services would get to the island without the ability to use the Parkway Bridge to transport heavy loads The height limit for vehicles crossing the bridge also is 7.5 feet The Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge will close to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic to perform structural steel repairs The only way to get across the island for free will close starting Thursday depending on weather conditions and any unforeseen delays During the closure, barriers will be placed at both ends of the bridge and all vehicle traffic will be rerouted to the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge. A complete breakdown of fees for the toll bridge is available on the township's website Wayne County officials say drivers should follow posted detour signage allow extra travel time and plan accordingly Susan Tompor: Michigan doesn't have toll roads, but text scam claims you have unpaid balance the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge will not swing open for marine traffic Anyone with questions can contact the Wayne County Department of Public Services’ 24-hour customer service center at 888-762-3273 Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Grosse Ile Township — Residents and visitors to Grosse Ile Township will have to expect delays on and off the island for the next eight weeks after the free bridge closed Thursday for structural steel repairs Wayne County officials announced this spring that the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge would close to vehicular and pedestrian traffic leaving the island's toll bridge as the only access point Grosse Ile Township recently purchased the toll bridge after voters approved selling $60 million in bonds last fall to buy the bridge and update it It likely will affect some truck traffic carrying heavier loads to Grosse Ile Township because the toll bridge has weight restrictions Grosse Ile Township Supervisor Joe Porcarelli said Grosse Ile's engineers have determined the bridge can currently safely hold vehicles up to 48,000 pounds and 24,000 pounds will be allowed to cross with normal traffic But vehicles between and 24,000 and 48,000 pounds will have to cross alone meaning other traffic on the bridge would be temporarily stopped The vehicles between 24,000 and 48,000 pounds required to cross alone for now will not be allowed to cross during the morning and evening rush hours Those restrictions will stay in place until the township makes renovations to the toll bridge which will include increasing its weight capacity Grosse Ile voters approved borrowing nearly $60 million in bonds for purchasing and upgrading the bridge Porcarelli added that the heaviest vehicles will be limited to ones critical for the township's operations "We won't hurt right now on how we function (but) some of the luxuries being trucked over here can't happen," he said "If you want to put a basement in and get a full cement truck over Tolls will be collected one way over the next eight weeks Drivers will be charged double when they return to the island to let morning traffic flow more quickly (WXYZ) — The Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge is closing May 1 for weeks for structural repairs depending on weather conditions and unforeseen delays 7 News Detroit has covered inspections and problems with the bridge for years Around 10,000 people live on the island in the Detroit River which carries more than 16,000 vehicles each day Drivers will be forced to use the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge while the closure is in effect Detours for the closure are: Eastbound: From W Watch our stories on the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge below Video: Grosse Ile bridge: Community demands transparency as new weight restrictions issued Watch below: Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge deemed safe despite evidence of deterioration PART 1: Aging Lifeline: Concerns grow after latest inspection of Grosse Ile bridge shows more deterioration PART 2: Aging Lifeline: Concerns grow after latest inspection of Grosse Ile bridge shows more deterioration A new property tax would allow Grosse Ile Township to buy the privately-owned toll bridge and improve it Voters on Grosse Ile will decide whether to let the local government buy one of the two bridges connecting the island to other communities Downriver Nestled in the Detroit River between the United States and Canada the only way on or off the island is by crossing the bridges over the Trenton Channel Most islanders use the Parkway Bridge — or the “free bridge” as they call it — near the south end of Grosse Ile estimates about 16,0000 vehicles cross it every day Island historian Tony Krukowski says it predates the automobile “The free bridge was part of a rail line that was built in 1873 to carry cargo to and from Canada,” Krukowksi said “It was built by the Canadian Southern Railroad The Railroad stopped running in 1924 and the county converted the railroad trestle to a vehicle bridge in 1931.” But the free bridge was not the first to allow automobiles to cross a man named Edward Voigt started building his own bridge Krukowski says the German immigrant owned a farm at the north end of the island and he also owned a brewery in Detroit,” Krukowski said he used the bridge to transport his Percheron horses over to Detroit to pull his beer wagons.” and Voigt opened his bridge to vehicle traffic in 1913 The Voigt family still owns the toll bridge and giving the island’s government first dibs Grosse Ile Township trustees voted unanimously to put that question to the voters in the form of a new property tax Township Supervisor Jim Budny says the 1.67 mill levy would raise $59 million to buy the bridge and upgrade it “The first step would be passing the proposal in November,” Budny said “and then we can get into all the other stuff that we have to do That work includes increasing the toll bridge’s weight limit of 7.5 tons per vehicle, which only allows commuters to cross. Heavier vehicles use the Parkway Bridge to deliver goods and services such as fuel and groceries. But the free bridge is in bad shape. Wayne County plans to close it twice in 2025 to repair damaged piers and pressure plates Budny says that could put Grosse Ile in a bind “We couldn’t get any food to the island,” Budny said “We couldn’t get any gas to the island we couldn’t get any big trucks onto the island we couldn’t get our waste OFF the island We could get our emergency vehicles off the island We couldn’t get emergency vehicles onto the island.” he can’t force the current owners — or another buyer — to improve it it could decide what kind of vehicles can cross and how much they pay That appeals to island resident Fay Givens who expressed her support at a public meeting in September “We’d be able to control the tolls coming off and on that bridge,” Givens said We would not have to go through an owner that doesn’t live on the island.” Givens says she’ll vote yes on the millage he said he’d likely vote no unless he gets more information “I’m just looking to go ahead and get a breakdown of how much revenue the bridge makes what the cost of repair is with the sale of the bridge,” Kostielny said “I don’t even know how they valued the bridge I mean it’s not like you can Zillow the value of a bridge.” That information is subject to a non-disclosure agreement between the township and the toll bridge’s owners Budny says they probably won’t get another chance then the seller will go to the open market and sell it to some other private individual,” he said “There aren’t any municipalities that want it that I’m aware of around here it’ll go to another private individual who would probably keep it the way it is.” With absentee voting already underway, Grosse Ile residents will decide whether the millage is a bridge to the future or a bridge too far For more information about the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge Projects, visit waynecounty.com WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today Donate today » WDET is a community service of Wayne State University CONTACT Membership Sponsorship Studio Rentals Technical Support Pitch Us a Story Help/FAQ Other Inquiries Shows Podcasts Schedule Listen Live Contests & Giveaways SUPPORT WDET Membership Leadership Circle Car Donations Business Sponsorship Broadcast Partners Program More » INSIDE WDET About Staff Jobs & Internships Public File FCC Applications Grosse Ile Township — Grosse Ile Township's plans to purchase the century-old private toll bridge that connects the island to the rest of Downriver are moving forward as a bond sale that will fund the purchase ends this week The township is selling roughly $21.8 million in bonds to buy the now privately-owned bridge and conduct engineering work for future upgrades ends Thursday and the township is aiming to finalize the purchase by the end of March "This is the first step in securing funding for the bigger plan to have a secure reliable bridge for the people of Grosse Ile," Township Supervisor Joe Porcarelli told The News in a text The bond sale comes after Grosse Ile voters overwhelmingly approved a property tax millage in the November general election to fund nearly $60 million in bonds to pay for the purchase of the bridge ownership of the toll bridge has stayed with the family of the current owner The funding is split into two bond issues: The first $21.8 million for the purchase and initial engineering work and the rest in a future bond issue for construction work While the township works through the process of purchasing the bridge officials are also finalizing a request for proposal for engineering bids and they're all kind of running concurrently with each other," said Township Manager Derek Thiel Grosse Ile Township officials plan to update to bridge including changing its grading so it can hold vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons Weight constraints for the bridge in its current state have raised concerns about how heavy loads carrying necessary supplies and services such as groceries construction materials and emergency vehicles to the community would get to the island without the Parkway Bridge The Parkway Bridge over the Detroit River's Trenton Channel which is owned and operated by Wayne County will close for eight weeks this spring for repairs county officials said the speed limit on the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge will be lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph on both sides of the bridge Speed bumps will be installed along the roads leading to both bridge entrances to reduce the speed at which vehicles approach the bridge And regular speed checks will ensure compliance with the new speed limit The county has not yet given an exact date for the bridge's closure to begin repair work are moving forward with their own timeline for the private toll bridge They eventually plan to hire a management firm to run the bridge we'll probably have more firm and accurate dates on when the engineering will be completed," Thiel said Because of the planned closure of the county-owned Parkway bridge the Grosse Ile board also plans to ask the U.S Coast Guard to decrease the frequency with which the toll bridge is required to open and close for waterway traffic to account for the increased vehicle traffic while the Wayne County bridge is closed A tentative timeline on the Grosse Ile Township's website shows that once the toll bridge is purchased officials plan to do the next bond sale later this year Construction on updates could start in March of 2026 and finish in October of that year (WXYZ) — Residents of Grosse Ile will have the opportunity to have their voices heard on one issue causing some strife in the community: whether or not they think the township should purchase the toll bridge The issue will sit on the ballot this November and determine whether residents will have an alternative route on and off the island when the 100-year-old bridge I went to talk to some residents on the island told me they will be voting "yes" for the bridge I have been for buying the bridge if at all possible It puts it in our hands instead of someone else's and we can make decisions better for our residents because so far we really haven't had many options," Moores said Moores and other residents told me their frustration is mostly directed toward Wayne County They are sick of the unreliability of the free bridge feel as though their needs are being ignored and that the county is doing the bare minimum required by law Wayne County hasn't really done their job to maintain this bridge It's really an unfortunate situation caused primarily by Wayne County and their lack of support and proper management of this bridge," Margaret Shelton 7 Investigation: Community demands transparency as new weight restrictions issued for Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge said it all began when Wayne County shut down the 100-year-old bridge for over a year in 2021 leaving residents with only one way on and one way off the island the owner of the toll bridge was allowing large trucks to cross it But because of the severe wear and tear those large trucks put on the bridge they won't be allowed to use it even if the free bridge shuts down This is why Grosse Ile Township Manager Derek Thiel said the township wants to take over the toll bridge "With the age of the Wayne County bridge and with repairs that we know it will need I feel the township is best served to have two fully operational bridges that can handle the demands of the community," Thiel said Many think there is no other choice than to vote "yes" on the proposed millage increase "There's a lot of concerns as to how we got here what it's really going to cost us and you may think that it's worth $15 million I'm willing to give you 5 (million dollars)," Thomas Malvesto Thiel explained how the township came up with the number in the bond proposal "What we've presented in the bond proposal that includes the improvements to the bridge The best way to make sure that toll bridge is reliable functions and provides the type of security the community needs as far as an access point is to make sure that the finances are stable and secure." I wanted to make sure the toll bridge wouldn't be treated like a piggy bank for the township I asked Theil if the money collected would be able to be spent for anything else the township is obligated to maintain those funds that are generated in that department or that enterprise within that department or enterprise we're not allowed to take that money and utilize it for other purposes other than the bridge." Grosse Ile living has its perks — lush surroundings who say they already pay too much in taxes are balking at a proposal that they argue will make them pay even more residents will vote on a $59 million plan to buy the private toll bridge connecting the island to the mainland Downriver a hotly contested measure that has residents and the township bitterly divided It is unclear whether the bridge would continue to charge a toll if approved by voters Proponents say the township needs to buy the bridge to provide an alternative to the Wayne County bridge which is in need of significant structural repairs that will force closures in the near future buying the toll bridge would allow the township government to set the price of the tolls which they say could keep costs lower for residents "This is not a time to put something like this on a ballot and vote in November," said Frank Gerner of Grosse Ile in a Township Board of Trustees meeting "I know we're a small community and I love our community .. but there's so many things that aren't being looked at." There are two bridges connecting the 18.3-square-mile island to the mainland Downriver which is privately owned by Paul Smoke and is up for sale It was built by Smoke's grandfather in 1912 charges a fee ranging from $3 to $4.50 each way for two-axle vehicles to cross that bridge Smoke couldn't be reached for immediate comment Lifeline to islandThe free bridge still needs a ton of repairs. In 2020, a Free Press investigation found that Michigan jurisdictions struggled to keep pace with aging bridges due to lack of revenue and rising costs This resulted in the Wayne County-owned Grosse Ile Parkway bridge abruptly closing for unexpected repairs the free bridge was no longer safe to drive on Since then, bridge crossers have resumed normal activity and even received $20 million in state funding for critical repairs in 2023. With about 17,000 vehicles crossing the free bridge daily, the township board informed residents of a possible alternative, buy the private bridge owned by the Smoke family which leaves the average homeowner paying an additional $116 in property taxes if voters decide to vote yes to the proposal in November The township argues the proposed levy will not increase Grosse Ile Township millage totals above rates experienced in 2023 That the current millage rate will not increase because a previous sewer bond payoff will offset the costs The new bridge will cost up to $59 million The proposal was approved in a 7-0 vote by the township board to put on the November ballot James Bundy and David Nadeau all voted to pass the resolution The township board says putting the decision into the hands of the voters allows residents to decide if they want it or not Jalen Williams is a reporting intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. MI (WXYZ) — The second Annual Lucas Foundation Polar Plunge is set to take kick off at 8 a.m The park is located at the eastern end of Grosse Ile Parkway and East River Road The aim of the polar plunge is to raise awareness of the alarming suicide rate among police officers and funds to support mental health resources for everyone.There is no cost to participate in the LUCAS Foundation Polar Plunge There is parking behind the Grosse Ile Historical Society and at the church across the street Breakfast will be served immediately after the plunge at VFW Post #7310 on Macomb Road in Woodhaven Donations will be accepted for that as well Raffles tickets which can be purchased at the hall visit lawenforcementsunitedcrusadeagainstsuicide.com/2nd-annual-polar-plunge There are lots of special places to call home around metro Detroit the Detroit Free Press is profiling neighborhoods in our state and region to offer some insight into what makes them tick we're highlighting Grosse Ile Township on the Detroit River in Wayne County The township consists of more than a dozen islands The largest of the islands also goes by Grosse Ile and is the most populated island in the Detroit River and in Michigan It is a distinctive and vibrant part of Michigan’s landscape Appeal: Grosse Ile Township serves as a true Downriver oasis Known for waterfront views and abundant natural resources and rich history open green spaces and a network of navigable waterways that weave through its interior and the smaller islands to the south Local facts: Grosse Ile Township, which incorporated in 1914, is home to 10,409 residents. It is located about 12 miles south of Detroit. For more information, go to www.grosseile.com, the township's website which locals affectionately call “The Big Island," or simply “The Island,” spans approximately 9.6 square miles Access: The Big Island is accessible via two bridges: a county-owned, toll-free bridge at the southern end of the island, and the privately owned Grosse Ile Toll Bridge at the northern end with a current toll of $3.50 for cash payments and $4.50 for credit card transactions per crossing In the November general election, voters approved a property tax millage to fund nearly $60 million in bonds for the purchase and renovation work of the toll bridge Renovation work is expected to begin in March 2026 with completion projected for October 2026 Aviation: The Big Island is home to the Grosse Ile Municipal Airport (KONZ) before being transferred from the federal government to Grosse Ile Township in 1970 Michigan's boating capital: Why St. Clair Shores is a water enthusiast's dream Neighborhoods: The township's waterfront properties showcases a diverse array of architectural styles from charming historic cottages to sprawling custom-built mansions exceeding 10,000 square feet along scenic riverfront roads Residential neighborhoods offer a mix of housing styles and tri-level homes built in the 1950s and 1960s as well as newer houses with attached garages There also are condominiums and apartments houses sold from $151,000 to $1.65 million according to Kimberly Draper of River Oaks Realty in Grosse Ile Parks and recreation: Grosse Ile Township has 17 parks totaling over 1,000 acres of recreational opportunities Much of the township’s green space is preserved through the Open Space program with approximately 600 acres of dedicated open land owned by the township The Water’s Edge Recreation complex serves as the community’s recreational hub several private boat clubs contribute to the island’s strong connection to waterfront recreation Taxes: $42.90 per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value in the Grosse Ile Township Schools district A $343,000 (median price) house with a taxable value of $171,500 would have annual property taxes of $7,357 Shopping and dining: Macomb Street District is a mixed-use central business district that offers a diverse range of businesses and services to the community intermixed with residential dwellings This pedestrian-friendly district has decorative lighting and sidewalks In 2024, the township welcomed The East End Café and Edward Jones. In 2025, The Literary Hideaway, Carmella’s Italian Ice and Creamery and The Hummingbird Café are expected to open Industries and employers: The community is predominantly residential so employers are mostly small businesses with a small amount of industry on the south side of the township Public transportation: Senior transportation is provided by the recreation department Community insight: Kim Draper of River Oaks Realty in Grosse Ile not only works on the island but also calls it home a place that's special for her and her family “Whether it’s enjoying a sunrise during a morning run having a client say they saw my kids riding their bikes there’s a sense of community here that’s hard to find anywhere else.” Draper shared and small-town charm make Grosse Ile a unique place that many would be lucky to call home.” Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press Two Metro Detroit high schools were the target of threats this week Grosse Ile police were called Wednesday to investigate a bomb threat made against Grosse Ile High School Officers were called at about noon to the high school by its administration after a student and a staff member saw a wireless access point or hotspot identifier displaying the message "I Have a Bomb," police said in a statement posted on the township's Facebook page School officials implemented their shelter-in-place protocol while police responded Michigan State Police and Wayne County Airport Authority officers searched the building and found no explosives or threats the Grosse Ile Police Department identified the source of the wireless identifier," Deputy Chief Todd Brozek said in a statement "The source was determined to be non-credible a 16-year-old Lake Orion High School student was arrested Tuesday for allegedly threatening to shoot up the school and kill many is being held in Oakland County Children’s Village Investigators said a resident saw the threat made by the student on social media and called the sheriff's office the post said "an unnamed person was going to shoot up the school 'and many people will die'" on March 5 The suspect posted the threat at about 3 a.m Detectives with the sheriff's office obtained search warrants to identify the message's sender they determined the message's creator had no access to a firearm in his home Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said 490 of the high school's students called in sick on Monday because of the threat 255 students did not show up for school on Tuesday and 356 were absent on Wednesday we have someone who made a threat against a school and through the diligent work of our team we were able to locate and subsequently arrest him," Bouchard said in a statement you will be tracked down and held to account." The incidents are the latest involving threats against Michigan schools made on social media On Monday a Michigan State University student from Metro Detroit was charged for allegedly posting a threat against the school on social media In December, a Center Line High School student was arrested after a parent shared a photo of a social media post that led its viewers to believe he had a weapon In September Ferndale High School's homecoming football game was postponed and its stadium was evacuated after police said threats of potential violence surfaced on social media (WXYZ) — In Mike Adkins' Grosse Ile backyard his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Sadie relies on the sound of his voice to know where to walk she had to have both of them removed in 2021 after a hunting accident that resulted in her eye site slowly deteriorating Hearing that she'd have to have both of them removed And just when Adkins thought his heart might break Adkins said all he wanted to do was sit in his chair but he could see that if Sadie was going to continue to live He started leading her around the backyard each of them started to move with more confidence talking and trusting each other," Adkins said Adkins had the courage to take Sadie back to a training facility field Then the remarkable happened: Adkins said that Sadie began pointing a bird completely blind Sadie began to hunt again Adkins took Sadie to Pennsylvania for the American Kennel Club Junior Hunter Test "It’s four tests over two days," Adkins said He convinced the judges to let a blind Sadie try the tests we had people stopping by to say ‘Is this the blind dog?’ Adkins said we had about 20 people all cheering for her we had probably 25 or 30 people coming over to see here." The judges told Adkins they'd never seen anything like it "She’s the first dog — in our understanding — in 128 years of AKC history to pass a hunting test totally blind," Adkins said Adkins said that as Sadie started to hunt again "she gained more confidence and I gained more confidence We’re kind of growing in this whole thing together best buds Adkins and Sadie are now each thriving Adkins said he plans to continue bringing Sadie to different AKC tests showing people what's possible when you don't give up "I think that’s the only thing we really want people to know is don’t give up," Adkins said "Don’t give up on your buddies — that’s my sweetheart." (WXYZ) — The Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge is facing new weight restrictions after an inspection found deterioration in some steel plates This comes as Grosse Ile neighbors say they are fed up with a lack of information from Wayne County about the future of the aging lifeline The new weight limits have Grosse Ile residents worried that more restrictions and closures are in their future If they have to limit larger trucks from crossing the bridge that could mean essentials like groceries and gas could have a hard time getting onto the island The 92-year-old Wayne County Parkway Bridge requires constant monitoring “It's an accident waiting to happen,” said Holly Sworst she’s considering leaving the waterfront home she loves Uncertainty about the bridge that links the island to the mainland And it's Wayne County's responsibility,” said Sworst Sworst and the rest of the 10,000 people on Grosse Ile have endured years of bridge problems Seventy-five percent of the island uses the Parkway bridge which typically carries more than 16,000 vehicles each day The only other way off the island is a toll bridge at the north end Sworst says the last closure of the free bridge in 2021 cost her family $500 a month in tolls “If anyone could imagine every time you left your home And you didn't have a choice or you literally could not get home That was what we faced when the bridge was closed The condition of the bridge continues to be a hot topic down river RELATED VIDEO: Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge may not last as long as officials previously claimed And islanders fear more bridge shutdowns are in their future deterioration on the bridge’s floor beams prompted an emergency closure planned construction began above the water until contractors had to be rushed off the bridge for emergency underwater repairs to the bridge’s even-numbered piers Both projects cost more than $16.4 million It was clear during that project that the odd-numbered piers needed work as well but officials in Wayne County Executive Warren Evans’ administration say the design plan for those piers still is not complete “There is no way that I'm going to believe that after two years you don't have a plan,” said Sworst The 7 Investigators obtained video of the most recent underwater inspection The video shows several cracks in the piers and according to the inspection report the piers “exhibit extensive deterioration both above and below the water line.” The diver also found numerous “voids” in the footings of the piers Another major concern: the protection system surrounding pier number 9 which is overgrown and appears to be sinking into the river at points Residents have long railed against what they say is a lack of transparency from Wayne County but also limit businesses on the island to bring in construction supplies The county free bridge is also the most direct route to the nearest hospital GALLERY: Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge Inspection Photos Wayne County Department of Public Works Director Andrew Kandrevas said he was trying to address the residents’ complaints about transparency “Would you be open to having some kind of forum with them where they can get their questions directly answered,” asked Catallo in 2022 “There's not a reason that we shouldn't be able to respond and get people the information that they need,” said Kandrevas in 2022 But now it’s two years later and residents like Margaret Shelton say they are tired of waiting All they have to do is come for this engagement discussion with residents,” said Shelton So she started emailing Kandrevas and other state and county officials demanding that long-promised meeting and an update on the bridge “The only person that responded to me immediately was you Shelton says the bridge is just one of the reasons she decided to run for township trustee And another current trustee started a petition Shelton says she never got a response to her repeated emails the county did finally post an update on their website with what they call “frequently asked questions.” “They are very tired of Wayne County creating frequently asked questions So what can be done to help them get their own questions answered and to facilitate a dialog with your taxpayers,” asked Catallo “I don't know how anybody would be less frustrated with me or any other elected official or any other government or agency that said to them ‘I don't know what those designs are going to look like,’” said Kandrevas “It's not something that we can offer right now There's not information we're holding on to It is unknown at this time what the timeline would be.” “It's got nothing to do with what you have to tell us Kandrevas says the county did complete an extensive scoping report on the bridge and they’ve added several of those recommended repairs to the plan There have been some other things we've actually gone in and changed a little bit of the scope of the design Initially we didn't have the backup generator as something that would be taken care of in this project but we decided after discussion and starting the design process it would make sense to then replace that underwater cable that would be needed And this would be a great time to put in a generator,” said Kandrevas Wayne County’s Department of Public Services issued an after-hours press release announcing new weight restrictions for large trucks on the bridge Even though the new restrictions stemmed from an inspection in April there was no mention of the coming changes during the interview prompting more calls for transparency from the residents “We should be collaborating,” said Shelton The DPS director says the state has already earmarked $20 million for the planned pier construction and electrical upgrades He estimates the improvements will give the bridge at least another 15 years of life but there is still the looming question of how and when do they replace this bridge That’s what residents say they really want to know from the county The Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes A landmark home once owned by Henry Ford and his wife Clara recently sold in January of 2024 for just $699,000.  SEE ALSO:  Inside Henry Ford's Charming Detroit Home Before you look through the pictures below let's address the elephant in the room There is a great deal of charm inside this home in Grosse Ile It was built in 1939 and while it appears that a few modifications have been done there is also decades' worth of nostalgia inside those four walls you'll see orange carpet in some of the rooms and hallways but it actually fits nicely with the decor and adds to the home's early 1900s charm You'll also notice that there have been some modifications along the way The home's master bedroom gives off a contemporary while the bathrooms reflect the 1950s with their brightly colored fixtures and tiles Modern appliances and quartz countertops are featured in the recently renovated kitchen yet it still has much of the charm of the home's original decor the home was given to Henry Ford's Head of Security and Union Buster Harry Bennett when it became too dangerous for him and family to live in Dearborn Take a Look at this charming Henry Ford home below we've also included pics from Henry Ford's summer home in Clinton Gallery Credit: Zillow A landmark home once owned by Henry Ford and his wife Clara has just hit the market and gives us the opportunity to step back in time, if only for a moment.\nRead More SEE ALSO:  Inside Henry Ford's Charming Detroit Home Grosse Ile Township — Grosse Ile Township residents have a nearly $60 million question to answer on Nov 5 about whether they want the township to borrow money to buy and improve the island's private bridge Voters will decide on a ballot proposal to approve borrowing up to $59.7 million in bonds over 30 years to finance the purchase and renovations of the Grosse Ile toll bridge which is currently privately owned by Paul Smoke Township Supervisor James Budny said during a public meeting Wednesday it's been about two years in the making since the bridge company first approached him to gauge interest in buying the 111-year-old bridge Board trustees say the toll bridge currently isn't graded for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons Weight constraints have raised concerns about how necessary supplies and services such as groceries fuel construction materials and emergency vehicles to the community would get to the island without the ability to use the Parkway Bridge to transport heavy loads "We've got to control our own destiny," said Grosse Ile resident Mark Johnson Grosse Ile Township Trustee Jamison Yager said the bridge's current limitation is a function of it being more than 100 years old; it wasn't built for modern vehicle traffic "In order for the bridge to be useful to Grosse Ile we need it to be to be able to hold heavy truck traffic because when the county bridge needs repairs we still need to get food and fuel and fire trucks off and what not," he said The township went to Lansing earlier this year to get a bill passed allowing it to buy the bridge and continue charging tolls, Budny said at Wednesday's meeting, since townships don't own bridges or roads. The language of the act allows townships to acquire own and operate a "public service facility that provides transportation to the township and the township’s inhabitants," and to charge a "user fee." The development of the ballot question didn't come totally without critics said he's concerned about spending so much money to purchase the bridge when it appears it may have structural safety concerns the bridge's allowed load capacity was lowered from 34 tons to 7.5 tons how much money are you going to have to put into this thing just to maintain it?" asked Malvesto at an August township board meeting He also said he didn't think the township should rush to decide the issue given that new trustees will soon join the board following November's election and would have to take on the responsibility of the purchase should the measure pass free bridge also shut down for more than a year between 2020 and 2021 because of emergency repairs including restoring underwater piers and fixes to the deck The township intends to continue collecting tolls to fund its maintenance and operations costs should the ballot measure pass Motorists passing over the bridge in two-axle vehicles currently pay $3.50 for cash and $4.50 by credit card People can also apply for a bridge pass that has a lower charge per crossing the millage rate would be 1.6745 mills in 2025 and cost the owner of a $300,000 home about $250 per year said at Wednesday's public meeting officials did look at not charging tolls but felt the resulting millage would be too high for residents to swallow He said the intention is for the bridge to eventually pay for itself without a millage levy but because of because of what we have to do for upgrades." Township trustee Kyle De Beausset was direct about his frustration with what he characterized as poor stewardship of the Parkway Bridge by Wayne County He doesn't see a clear alternative plan from the county for accessing Grosse Ile when the bridge needs repairs which he said has backed residents into a corner "We either pay more in taxes to try and secure reliable transport for the basic services we all rely on or we don't and rely on Wayne County which clearly doesn't have a plan for the ten thousand of us who reside here when they have to take the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge down for repairs in the near future," he said Wayne County's director of public services said in a statement the county remains "fully committed" to maintenance improvements of the Parkway Bridge "Wayne County has invested significant resources to ensure that the bridge remains safe and reliable Our regular inspections and ongoing maintenance are a testament to that commitment," said Akinyemi "We also maintain constant communication with Grosse Ile Township officials to keep them informed and collaborate on addressing any concerns." Akinyemi's statement said large vehicle traffic was redirected to the toll bridge during the 2020-2021 closure for emergency repairs and that the county is studying how to handle the issue during future renovations The county also accepted a state appropriation of about $20 million toward a future improvement project for the Grosse Ile Parkway bridge The bridge opened in late 1913 after its construction by the Grosse Ile Bridge Company which was founded by current owner Paul Smoke's great-grandfather A one-way crossing of the private bridge costs $2.50 with a prepaid bridge pass for cars Smoke did not return a call requesting comment This isn't the first time Grosse Ile has looked into taking control of the toll bridge The township attempted to seize control using eminent domain in the 2000s a fight that left Grosse Ile with the tab for about $1 million for the private company's legal bills after its efforts were quashed by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2007 Yager told The Detroit News the township intends to hire a bridge management company to handle its maintenance and operations Township officials involved in the negotiations have signed a confidentiality agreement that prohibits them from sharing certain information they gather about the bridge including findings from engineers' reports and current maintenance and operation costs Yager acknowledged these are fair questions for residents to ask but said the non-disclosure agreement is meant to prevent damage to future negotiations by the owner with other interested buyers if the ballot measure doesn't pass we would be disclosing information of a private business that could hurt him in future negotiations if our purchase agreement fell apart," he said But Jennifer Dukarski, general counsel for the Michigan Press Association, was skeptical such details are appropriate to keep private. She said the state's Freedom of Information Act allows agencies to keep secret certain information they receive from businesses voluntarily under the promise of confidentiality for the purpose of developing governmental policy such as trade secrets and financial information There may be an argument the township is no longer in the stage of developing policy because the issue of the bridge purchase is now an actual ballot measure set for voters "NDAs should protect the narrowest amount of information when shared with a public body in order to allow the government to be as transparent as they are required to be under law," she said said the fact that some information hasn't been released doesn't bother him Non-disclosure agreements are common for the type of business transactions he's handled and he trusts the township board to get the best deal they can "As someone that's traded commercial real estate on behalf of either a buyer or seller De Beausset said he hopes residents trust the township has done due diligence in consulting experts — including financial analysts bridge engineers and attorneys — to produce information that aided in coming up with the final ballot proposal "The big number that you really need to know is what's needed to to both buy and upgrade the bridge to the level that it serves the island in the way that we're used to living here with the basic services that we all have," he said