Van Buren Township - County Executive Robert Ficano, state transportation experts, rail officials and others today watched a successful test of a rail project intended to protect motorists at crossings.

The project at a Norfolk/Southern rail crossing on Denton Road in Van Buren Township involves safety devices that rise from the roadway as rail gates are activated. These pylon barriers rise from a cartridge in the roadway. Like fingers, the yellow and red pylons prohibit drivers from steering vehicles around lowered gates and across the tracks, violating laws and prudent motoring. It's estimated that hundreds of American drivers have been killed or injured ignoring lowered rail gates and safety lights. continue

Westland - Wayne County's senior spelling bee events are expected to attract many hundreds of participants.

The first event in Westland this month featured nearly 50 seniors, many lasting well into final rounds. Other events are in the planning stages and a final spell-off between winning contestants is scheduled for sometime next spring. Wayne County will post spelling bee dates/locations at its popular website, waynecounty.com, and at senior centers in the host communities. continue

Westland - A large grant will be used to step up efforts to slow drinking and driving, particularly during the holidays, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Sheriff Warren Evans and Westland Mayor William Wild announced today.

The $750,000 grant doubles funding in recent years to keep intoxicated drivers off Wayne County roads. Three drivers were killed in alcohol-related accidents on county roads during last year's Thanksgiving holiday. Nearly 20 others were hurt or seriously injured. And hundreds more were arrested countywide for alcohol-related driving offenses. Thanksgiving in particular is regarded as an unofficial party weekend, with many teens and young adults visiting home from school or outside the state. continue

Detroit – At its second annual Rap with Nap forum, the Wayne County Nuisance Abatement Program honored those citizens who took added steps to return blighted property to the tax rolls and, more importantly, restored pride and value to the local neighborhoods where the houses and businesses are located.

The Nuisance Abatement Program is focused on rehabilitating abandoned and blighted properties in Wayne County. The agency targets abandoned and blighted property that owners had neglected or, in some cases, refused to restore. In the event of refusal, Wayne County NAP can attain title through court action. continue

Hamtramck - Wayne County today continued its ongoing effort to bridge the generational divide, bringing the popular Learning 4 Life program to a city community center. Wayne County’s new Learning 4 Life project, launched by County Executive Robert Ficano's office, takes kids away from the classroom and places them with seniors in less traditional learning environments like pizza kitchens, theater productions and crafting classes, allowing both to share common interests and to harness a new appreciation for either end of the age spectrum. An intergenerational crafting class was also held today in Detroit. continue

While his first two trade missions to China focused largely on the automotive industry, Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano wanted the third trip - taken Oct. 11-21 - to expand into other areas. That's why people from the county's Department of the Environment, the Wayne County Airport and educational fields, including students, made the trip. continue

The first-ever joint Harvest Fest between Wayne County and the city of Detroit was deemed successful, despite an uncooperative Mother Nature.

This Harvest Fest near Eastern Market was Wayne County's third of the season: Two other events in Edward Hines Park attracted hundreds of children and families. continue

Allen Park - Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano welcomed the staff of a new venture today, a business catering to the auto industry and those clamoring for a large selection of after-market supplies and engineering technology.

The Detroit International Auto Salon is a one-stop mall bringing an array of automotive goods... continue

Detroit — Wayne County is helping celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized nationally through Oct. 15. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano visited Latino Family Services in southwest Detroit today, welcoming the event and praising this vibrant corner of the city. Wayne County, the nation's 11th most populated, is home to the largest Hispanic community in Michigan. continue

Romulus - Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano helped kick off the annual Downriver Senior Olympics, hosted this year in Romulus.

Several hundreds seniors will participate in events ranging from golf to baking contests. This year is the event's 22nd anniversary. An awards ceremony is planned for Aug. 3 at the Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Wayne County is also co-sponsoring the third annual Western Wayne County Senior Olympics, scheduled to begin Aug. 20 in Canton Township. continue

Wayne County a member of the Silver Cup Award team

Northville Township – Wayne County again honored its many military veterans and their families, with an appreciation day in Hines Park. Along with paying homage to the nearly 200,000 county veterans living in Wayne County, local, county, state and federal officials recognized U.S. Marine Corps officer Lt. Col. Mindy Herrmann, a county woman with a very tough job. continue

Detroit - The annual Wayne County Vision Fund scholarship awards have been given out to deserving high school seniors countywide. Vision Fund, a nonprofit organization whose mission is enhancing the quality of life in Wayne County, awarded nearly 100 scholarships. Detroit Free Press writer and television personality Carol Cain provided remarks and was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano was the keynote. The county executive has placed education as a priority in his administration. continue

For photos of the Vision Awards, please click here.

Dearborn - In his fifth State of the County address, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano on Thursday outlined an aggressive plan to help the region rebound from the stagnant economy and job losses.
“We are building tomorrow’s Wayne County today,” Ficano said during his address at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn. continue

Detroit – Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, the Wayne County Parks Division, and the Clark Park Coalition (on Tuesday) celebrated the grand opening of the new Clark Park outdoor ice skating arena, located at the Clark Park recreation center in the city’s southwest corner. continue

Detroit - Wayne County has been credited with heading off a major health risk by a federal office that coordinates drug policy and intervention programs.

John P. Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said county health authorities and the county executive's office acted quickly to notify the public of a threat to users of a powerful painkiller. continue

Detroit

The Changfeng Group Co. on Monday unveiled a line of cars and trucks at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The auto manufacturer is nearly a decade old and is planning to launch its lineup abroad. This is the first event for Changfeng outside China. continue