Officials respond to rumored Romulus ICE detention facility

Unsubstantiated reports of a potential ICE detention center in Romulus have drawn quick responses from both city and state officials.

The city was named in federal planning materials as one of more than 20 locations across the country reviewed by ICE officials while exploring potential sites for future immigration detention facilities, according to reporting from Bloomberg earlier this month. Romulus appears on an early-stage list tied to discussions about repurposing large warehouse-style buildings as detention centers.

No local or federal officials have confirmed plans for the Romulus site.

The reports have been widely circulated on social media, prompting a response from Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight.

“My administration takes this issue very seriously and is opposed to any such operation being located within the City of Romulus. We are currently examining all legal options available to protect Romulus as well as our residents. We have investigated the sites that have been reported as "possible” detention centers and have found nothing that would substantiate the current rumors.

“We are also in direct contact with our representatives at the Federal and State level who have been extremely cooperative and helpful in addressing this issue. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise accordingly should we discover any additional intent to house such an operation within our community,” McCraight said in a formal statement.  

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are currently rapidly expanding the agency detention system with plans to bring more than 100,000 to 135,000+ total beds online this year.

The location of Romulus, near several downriver communities including Dearborn Heights and the City of Dearborn was cited in the reports as favorable for a detention center. Planning documents referenced in the report indicate a Romulus-area facility could house around 500 detainees, which would make it one of the smaller sites being evaluated nationwide. 

State Sen. Darrin Camilleri also responded to the reports naming Romulus as a potential detention facility site.

“Since these reports have begun to circulate, I’ve stayed in conversation with the City of Romulus, our members of Congress, and other elected leaders about the possibility of an ICE detention facility coming to our community. I want to emphasize that there is no concrete evidence at this time of any facility in Romulus being used or developed into a detainment center,” Camilleri said in a prepared statement.

“But let me be clear, Romulus and our surrounding communities do not want to see our neighbors detained and held unlawfully, whether it be in my district or anywhere else, and we will fight back with every tool at our disposal to stop it. The inhumane and criminal behavior of this agency should not be allowed to continue to inflict terror on immigrants, let alone doing so in our community,” he added.

Bloomberg reported that the information came from internal ICE planning materials and contractor briefings and is preliminary. Officials cautioned that locations could change and that some cities listed may reflect nearby areas rather than confirmed sites within city boundaries.

Being included in the planning documents does not mean land has been purchased or that a detention center has been approved. In other cities mentioned during the review process, some property owners have already stated they do not intend to lease or sell space to the federal government.

ICE has not publicly commented on the planning materials, and limited information has been released about where facilities would be located, how they would function, or whether surrounding infrastructure could support them.

Preserving history

Annual maintenance at landmark Romulus Memorial Cemetery planned

Members of the Cemetery Board of Trustees in Romulus are looking toward warmer weather for the annual Spring Clean-up at the historic Romulus Memorial Cemetery.

The annual clean-up takes place every year at the landmark burial ground, which was first established in 1832. The cemetery, officially designated as a historical landmark, is a matter of great pride in the community and is maintained and operated by the Cemetery Board of Trustees. This year, as usual during the spring cleaning of the area, items such as wreaths and grave blankets must be removed by Sunday, March 15, according to a posting from the city. Romulus Department of Public Works employees will begin to remove any items that do not comply with the cemetery rules and regulations beginning Monday, March 16, according to an official n

otice from the office of City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg.

The cemetery is one of the oldest in the state and the preservation of the historic site where 25 Civil War Veterans are buried is a matter of respect for history, officials noted. The historical land was once called Blair Cemetery when in 1832, Warren Blair purchased 80 acres of land from the United States government. In 1833, Mr. Blair gave a portion of his land to the community for the purpose of a burial ground, and the Shook Road site was the only cemetery in Romulus.

Among the oldest gravesites is that of Robert Monomus, born in 1847, the last known Civil War Veteran buried in the cemetery. He was only 14 years old when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Second (102nd) United States Colored Troops Union Black Unit. He was 94 years of age at the time of his death on May 14, 1942.

Also buried in the Romulus Memorial Cemetery is Charles Cawetzka, a veteran of the Spanish American War who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Philippine-American War.

The earliest recorded burial was of Polly Pullens on Dec.21, 1833. Mrs. Pullens was the wife of Jenks Pullens who served in the New York Militia war in 1812. In 1877, with 170 graves at the site, Warren Blair's son sold the cemetery, and the property changed hands several times before members of the Romulus Township Board of Trustees took charge of the cemetery in 1901. Expansions have taken place at the site in south section in 1921, the west section in 1847 and the north section in 1957.

In 1989, the Romulus Historical Society applied for and was granted approval to designate the Romulus Memorial Cemetery as a historical landmark.

Each year, the clean-up of the cemetery is scheduled to preserve and respect the historic importance of the site, officials said.

For more information regarding the cemetery rules and regulations, phone the office of the city clerk, (734) 942-7540.

$353 million reconstruction of I-94 through area to begin this month

While motorists continue to endure snow, ice and generally freezing temperatures, the planned reconstruction of I-94 from Romulus to Dearborn will add another challenge to driving through the area.

The 3-year planned renovation of the interstate roadway by the Michigan Department of Transportation will begin at the end of the month, according to state officially. Work is scheduled to be complete in mid-2029, according to the state department website. Within the next few weeks, work crews will begin clearing and preparing the shoulders and medians of the highway for the traffic shifts necessary during the construction of 12.7 miles of the roadway. Romulus will be among the cities impacted along with several downriver communities.

Officials said one or two lanes of I-94 will remain open in each direction for during the project, while many ramp closures should be expected. Access to Detroit Metro Airport will be maintained throughout construction, as will access to Gate 10 at the Ford rouge plant.

The construction project includes “rebuilding and realigning the roadway, concrete repairs/patching, bridge work, ramp work, lighting improvements, cable barrier work, improved drainage, Intelligent Transportation System upgrades and building an entirely new interchange at Ecorse Road,” and other improvements, according to the state transportation department website.

The project will include five segments, officials posted, including I-94 from Wayne Road to Middlebelt Road; I-94 from Middle Belt Road to Beech Daly Road; I-94 from Beech Daly Road to Pelham Road; I-94 from Pelham Road to Oakwood Boulevard and I-94/Schaefer Road Interchange.

The state is investing $353 million into the Restore I-94 project, and officials said the investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 2,986 jobs.

United Way month-long Community Hygiene Drive under way

Plymouth Community United Way (PCUW), in partnership with local schools, service organizations, and nonprofit groups, is sponsoring Community Hygiene Drive throughout the month of February to help meet the growing need for essential hygiene products among families across Plymouth, Canton Township, and surrounding communities.

Rising costs and ongoing economic challenges have made basic hygiene items—such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products—difficult for many families to consistently afford, a PCUW spokesperson said. “This drive aims to ensure individuals and families can access these necessities with dignity, while strengthening collaboration across the community.”

The Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth, Rotary Club of Canton, Plymouth Canton Community Schools Student and Family Engagement, First Step, and The Salvation Army, have partnered with United Way in the effort. Additional partners expected to join as the drive continues, according to a prepared statement.

Local residents can donate hygiene items at public drop-off locations throughout February, make a monetary donation at the GiveSmart website or purchase items through the Amazon Wishlist, which will then be shipped directly to PCUW.

Items being collected include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, kids’ soap, textured hair products, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, and sensitive-skin items.

All donated items will be sorted at The Salvation Army – Plymouth Corps and distributed evenly among partner agencies in early March. Volunteers will be needed during the first week of March to assist with sorting and preparation.

Approximately 30 collection boxes will be placed throughout the community, including schools, churches, local businesses, and partner organizations.

For more information, to host a collection box, or to get involved, visit plymouthunitedway.org or contact Justin Black at justin.black@pcuw.org or (734) 453-6879

Westland awarded grant funds      

The City of Westland has been awarded a $306,223 grant from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and a $2 million federal grant.

The SEMCOG grant, from the Transportation Alternatives Program of the association was awarded at the Jan. 20 meeting of the Westland City Council. The funding will be used to install a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side of Marquette Avenue and a pedestrian signal and intersection safety upgrades at Newburgh and Marquette roads.

"Hundreds of thousands of people travel down the Newburgh corridor every year," said Mayor Kevin Coleman. "This money will go towards making it a safer place for people who are walking through our city, driving through our city, people on bicycles. With John Glenn High School in close proximity to that intersection, it was a priority for us and our Safe Streets for All Plan," he added.

Coleman said the city was awarded an additional $2 million in Community Project Funding from the federal government last week in support of the 2026 Fire Station #4 project bringing the grant funding of the project to $5.5 million. The $6 million project will include the construction of a fire station in southwest Westland replacing the current Newburgh/Palmer station and the purchase of a new fire engine, he said.

New city commissioner named

Latricia Horstman, who has owned a small business in Old Village for 17 years, has been appointed to the Plymouth City Commission. The Old Village resident was confirmed by members of the city commission at the Jan. 20 regularly scheduled meeting. Horstman replaces Colleen Pobur who resigned late last year.

“I hope I can fill the seat for my neighbors and for the city,” Horstman said. “It’s a balance. It’s important for us to work together on a number of projects.” 

Horstman will serve on the seven-member board until the next city commission election in November 2027.   Horstman is the artist and owner of My Little Needle Tattoos, a tattoo studio on Starkweather Street. She opened the business in 2008 and has been tattooing full time since graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting in 2004. 

Horstman has served on the Plymouth Planning Commission for almost three years and is the president of the Old Village Association.

The Plymouth Old Village Association is a 501c3 non-profit community group of residents and business owners who meet once a month with the mission of supporting, beautifying, and preserving Old Village.  The group organizes and operates numerous events in Old Village throughout the year. Horstman started as an OVA volunteer. As president, Horstman helped the OVA become a non-profit entity last year, according to a prepared statement from the city.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Blood Drive planned

Northville Parks & Recreation is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 9, at the Northville Community Center.

The American Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage, and donors who give between now and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 gift card as a thank-you.

For more information or scheduling, call (248) 349-0203.

Eco-Fair set in Romulus

The Romulus Garden Club is spoored the 2026 Eco-Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Romulus Athletic Center.

More than 20 eco-friendly organizations and vendors will participate at the free event which includes speakers and presenters. Free activities for all ages are planned. Door prizes will be awarded.

The athletic center is at 35765 Northline Road.

 

Funkateers to appear at Inkster Icon Awards

The Inkster Icon Awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Robicuaud High School The ceremony will feature the first showing of the upcoming film For the Love of Inkster and Inkster dancers, The Funkateers will perform.

The event is free and there will be more live entertainment and soul food served.

 

Farm camp registration opens

Early registration for Maybury Farm Summer Camp is now available. The four-day, Tuesday-Friday, outdoor camp provides children with experience with animal care, gardening and maintenance. Camps take place from June 16 through Aug. 14 at the working farm on Seven Mile Road in Northville.

More information about the camp - including weekly session topics, dates, requirements, cost and registration is available at mayburyfarm.org/educate.

 

Community input on downtown Plymouth upgrades sought

The Plymouth Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking community input on DTPForward, a project to upgrade the downtown streetscape for a more vibrant, cohesive experience. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

A public meeting is set for 5:50 until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Plymouth Cultural Center (525 Farmer St.). Visit downtownplymouth.org for details.

 

State of the Township address set for March 12 in Canton

The State of the Township address by Supervisor Ann Marie Graham-Hudak is set to begin with networking reception at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at the Village Theater. The featured presentations will begin at 6 p.m.

There is no cost to attend but guests must register in advance.

The event is hosted by the Canton Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to register, call (734) 453-4040.

 

Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

 

Federal immigration policies prompt local protest

Area residents met last Saturday at the corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Sheldon Road to demonstrate their opposition to current policies of the current White House administration. Brandishing signs protesting the conduct of ICE agents and the fatal shooting of two individuals in Minnesota, Plymouth residents lined the pedestrian bridge over Sheldon Road with signs and stood along the shoulder of the road to attract the attention of passing motorists.

With the temperature in the teens and the windchill factor much lower, the demonstrators continued the scheduled protest from 1 until 2 p.m. Those in attendance admitted they received a few negative reactions and some unpleasant gestures, but those actions were few and far between.

The reaction from passing motorists was positive and nearly everyone honked the car horn in support or gave us a thumbs up, one demonstrator noted.

History meets the future

New museum display features futuristic digital enhancements

History collaborates with the future at the latest exhibit at the Plymouth Historical Museum where visitors can listen to a man who died more than a century ago recount the story of his life.

The latest exhibit is a detailed look at the unusual life of George Jackson, a free Black man who lived, worked and raised a family in the city from 1860 until his death in 1913, a time when many Black families faced the danger of forced slavery. Jackson further defied convention, and Michigan state law, with his marriage to a white woman.

To further his unusual lifestyle during the late 1800s, Jackson supported his family by working as a teamster, or drayman, who used a horse-drawn cart to haul and deliver items throughout the community.

Imaginary Films and Luna Tech 3D used futuristic digital software to bring Jackson to life and have him recount his years in Plymouth as he ages. The technical aspects of the display involving the use of A.I. were painstaking, time-consuming and incredibly gratifying noted Doug Willett of Luna Tech 3D.

Blair Adams of Imaginary Films de-aged Jackson from available historic photos and placed him in the Civil War timeframe. Adams then ages Jackson as he narrates the  years of his history.

“George comes to life and talks about his life in the community,” Willett said.

Museum Executive Elizabeth Kerstens said she and other researchers discovered Jackson’s unusual story a few years ago and felt this was an important story to bring to the entire area.

The use of futuristic digital enhancements add a unique aspect to the display.  Records indicate that Jackson and his family were accepted as part of the Plymouth community, an unusual situation during those years.

Kerstens speculated that the number of area residents involved in the Michigan Anti-Slavery Society during those years might have accounted for the acceptance Jackson received. Despite that neighborly attitude, Jackson and his wife, the former Mary Connor, were married in Canada and returned to Canada whenever a new child was due in an effort to protect their freedom from enforced slavery. Their first child, Kerstens said, was born a year after the couple wed in 1850.

Jackson lived until 1913 and is buried in what was an unmarked plot at Riverside Cemetery. The museum recently had a headstone placed at his grave.

The new digital exhibit is part of a display that includes a cart, constructed by Jeff Stella and Stella Contracting, which is a replica of the one Jackson used. The cart, along with a mannequin of Jackson, is set before a huge streetscape of the city as it looked in 1864 or so. Futuristic augmented reality then allows visitors to both hear and see Jackson in his own time as he moves through his life.

Kerstens said she and Ellen Elliott, a museum volunteer and fellow historian, spent several years researching census and tax rolls, genealogy records and uncounted hours in museum archives for data about Jackson. The exhibit was funded, she said, by a museum supporter. The digital reconstruction was funded by a grant from the Relentless Care Foundation, while Luna Tech donated long hours and expertise to the project.

Kerstens said she hopes the exhibit nudges visitors to rethink Plymouth’s past.

“It really is a story that needs to be told now that we’re ready to tell it,” she said.

The Plymouth Historical Museum is located at 155 S. Main St. in downtown Plymouth and is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students ages 6-17. Visit plymouthhistory.org for more information.

Romulus may be considered for new ICE detention center

The City of Romulus has been named in the federal planning materials as one of more than 20 locations across the country reviewed by ICE officials while exploring potential sites for future immigration detention facilities, according to reporting from Bloomberg. Romulus appears on an early-stage list tied to discussions about repurposing large warehouse-style buildings as detention centers.

No local or federal officials have confirmed plans for the install an immigration detention facility in Romulus, according Bloomberg sources.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials are currently rapidly expanding the agency detention system with plans to bring more than 100,000 to 135,000+ total beds online this year 2026.

The location of Romulus, near several downriver communities including Dearborn Heights and the City of Dearborn is cited as favorable for a detention center, according to the report. Planning documents referenced in the report indicate a Romulus-area facility could house around 500 detainees, which would make it one of the smaller sites being evaluated nationwide.

Bloomberg reported that the information came from internal ICE planning materials and contractor briefings and is preliminary. Officials cautioned that locations could change and that some cities listed may reflect nearby areas rather than confirmed sites within city boundaries.

Being included in the planning documents does not mean land has been purchased or that a detention center has been approved. In other cities  mentioned during the review process, some property owners have already stated they do not intend to lease or sell space to the federal government.

ICE has not publicly commented on the planning materials, and limited information has been released about where facilities would be located, how they would function, or whether surrounding infrastructure could support them.

Annual Plymouth Ice Festival attracts thousands to downtown

 

Tens of thousands of area visitors flocked to downtown Plymouth last weekend for the traditional Ice Festival. This year, more than 150 sculptures were on display and crowds admired the artwork in Kellogg Park and along the downtown streets all weekend, despite the cold temperatures. The sunshine on Sunday encouraged more visitors, noted James Gietzen of JAG entertainment, producers of the event.

“The energy and turnout throughout the weekend clearly showed how much this event means to the community,” Gietzen said.
Some of the most popular attractions this year included the zip line, the petting farm, and the Ehlers Heating & Cooling ‘Hot Spot,’ which quickly became a favorite gathering place for families looking to warm up and take a break, he added.

More than 25 professional ice carvers produced approximately 150 ice carvings using 643 blocks of ice, each weighing 350 pounds. The talent and creativity on display throughout downtown Plymouth was truly incredible, Gietzen said.
“The Plymouth Ice Festival simply wouldn’t be possible without our presenting sponsor, Michigan First Credit Union, along with the tremendous support of our sponsors and partners. More than 125 private businesses step up each year to support the community and help make this event a success, he added.”

Parking at the event is one of the most successful fundraising efforts of several civic groups and is returned to the community by funding civic programs and scholarships. The Vietnam veterans group collects the cover charge at the Party Lot annually which has proven a great benefit in helping provide for veterans in need.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Blood Drive planned

Northville Parks & Recreation is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Northville Community Center.

The American Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage, and donors who give between now and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 gift card as a thank-you.

For more information or scheduling, call (248) 349-0203.



Eco-Fair set in Romulus

The Romulus Garden Club is spoored the 2026 Eco-Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Romulus Athletic Center.

More than 20 ecofriendly organizations and vendors will participate at the free even which includes speakers and presenters. Free activities for all ages are planned. Door Prixes will be awarded.

The athletic center is at 35765 Northline Road.

 

Funkateers to appear at Inkster Icon Awards

The Inkster Icon Awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Robichaud High School The ceremony will feature the first showing of the upcoming film For the Love of Inkster and Inkster dancers, The Funkateers will perform.

The event is free and there will be more live entertainment and soul food served.

 Farmers Market dates set

The Canton 2026 Off-Season Farmers Markets will take place at the Village Arts Factory, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road. Markets are set for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.  For more information, visit www.cantonmi.gov/496 or @Canton Farmers Market on Facebook.

Extreme cold prompts opening of warming centers

One thing everyone agrees on: It’s cold outside.

Freezing temperatures will continue in the area, according to reports, and the extended length of the inclement cold has taken a toll on people, pipes and pets. The projected temperatures pose a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia within minutes, potential damage due to frozen pipes and hazardous travel conditions, according to Michigan State Police and state emergency officials who urge residents to take this forecast seriously and prepare now.

Residents are cautioned to limit time outdoors and dress in layers; check on older adults, children and pets, and keep pets indoors. Other safety concerns addressed by state officials include the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. They should never use stoves, ovens or grills to heat a home they cautioned. “If you must travel, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and make sure you have enough gas,” they said.

The dangerous cold has prompted several area communities to open warming centers for those who may be in danger during the frigid temperatures.

In Canton Township, the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway, and the Canton Public Library, located at 1200 S. Canton Center Road, will be available as warming centers during regular business hours.  For times call the summit at (734) 394-5460 or the library at (734)397-0999.

In Plymouth, warming centers are available at Plymouth Cultural Center lobby, 525 Farmer St., from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 6 p.m. Sunday). Other options include the Webster Center (contact police for access) and the First United Methodist Church (45201 N. Territorial Road). Another option is Northridge Church: 49555 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth.  It is recommended to call ahead to confirm hours, officials said.

In Sumpter Township, the Community Center, located at 23501 Sumpter Road, Belleville, serves as the designated warming and cooling center for residents during extreme weather. It is typically open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday The facility provides a safe, heated space for the community, officials said. The hours may be extended due to extreme cold. Access the official township website for more information, officials recommended.

The City of Westland Police Department lobby, 36701 Ford Road is open as a warming center for at-risk residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, officials said.

Police urged residents to report anyone without shelter in the cold. Officials urged residents to call 911 or the non-emergency police phone line at (734) 722-9600.  “Our emergency personnel will work diligently to ensure they are taken to a safe place to stay warm,” officials said.

Westland police also cautioned owners to be careful with pets during the cold weather. Dogs cannot handle being left outside in temperatures below freezing for more than a few minutes without being at extreme risk for hypothermia, frostbite, and even death, they said. Report findings of animals left outside without proper shelter to Neighborhood Services at (734) 713-3733, the Animal Care and Control Services online form, or the non-emergency police line at (734) 722-9600 for after hour reporting.

State health officials said it is important to watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.  The State of Michigan has more information about the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite. 

Frostbite symptoms include: tingling, numbness, clumsiness due to joint stiffness, pain, cold, hard, waxy-looking skin, blistering after rewarming, and/or patches of skin in shades of red, white, blue, gray, purple or brown.

Those most at risk include adults 65 and older, smokers, unhoused people, children younger than 18, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A normal body temperature is about 98 degrees but can vary. Hypothermia deaths can occur with temperatures as mild as 30 to 50 degrees. Wet clothing contributes to the rise of hypothermia, they said.

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness. The most susceptible are older adults, young children and babies.

Too cool

Traditional Plymouth Ice Festival weekend begins tomorrow

A four-decade tradition will begin in downtown Plymouth tomorrow with the opening of the 2026 Ice Festival.

The event has grown and changed with the times and weathered the sometimes volatile American economy and even a pandemic to emerge as the premiere winter event in the area. This year the Ice Festival, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, will open tomorrow, Jan. 30 and continue through Sunday, Feb. 1. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the weekend event which this year offers the traditional favorites and some new features along with live entertainment and interactive attractions.

In addition to the 150 professionally carved ice sculptures, each created from a 350-pound block of crystal-clear ice, nationally recognized, award-winning ice carvers will demonstrate their craft throughout the weekend, offering guests a front-row view of the precision, creativity, and artistry behind every frozen masterpiece.

The newest feature at the event this year, according to James Gietzen, director of the festival, is the Zip Line Experience which will give visitors an entirely new way to see—and feel—the Ice Festival. This approximately 300-foot ride sends participants soaring above the festival.

The zip line will be located on Ann Arbor Trail between the intersection of Main and Deer/Union Street.

“It is 300 feet of real zip line fun,” Gietzen said. 

“Each year, we look for ways to raise the bar while staying true to what makes the Ice Festival special,” Gietzen said. “From world-class carvings to new interactive experiences like the Zip Line, the Ice Festival is about bringing people together, supporting our downtown, and creating unforgettable winter memories.”

Another new feature this year is the Hot Chocolate & S’mores Porch a new gathering spot located along Penniman Avenue. Festivalgoers can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and other specialty winter drinks from Continental Drip, then pick up a S’mores kit and roast their own treats around a warm fire.

As has become a tradition, there will be live ice carving demonstrations in Kellogg Park as world-class ice sculptors transform blocks of ice into works of art.

This year, the popular Ice Throne will return to Kellogg Park sponsored by Varsity Automotive Group. Guests of all ages can sit atop the ice throne which has become a popular photo spot.

Thrivent is sponsoring the entertaining Ice Festival Bingo where visitors get there “bingo cards” punched at local merchants to win prizes when they complete the grid

Another returning tradition is The Hot Spot which has been presented by Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning for many years. The indoor hub will feature vendors, demonstrations, seating and restrooms, open throughout festival hours.

One of the most popular attractions each year is the Family Petting Zoo, presented this year by Michigan First Credit Union, the primary sponsor of the festival. The attraction is one of the highlights of family visits and features close up visits with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, a baby calf and the popular pony rides.

The Petting Zoo, located on Penniman Avenue, will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday during the festival.

DTE Energy Foundation is sponsoring the Crazy Craig Family Comedy Juggling Variety Show with high-energy performances scheduled all weekend. Exact times are listed in the official program available at no cost throughout downtown and in The Gathering.

The college carving competition at 11 a.m. Saturday is being presented by Henry Ford Health along with the very popular Dueling Chainsaws competition set for the Main Stage in Kellogg Park at 7 p.m. Professional carvers will compete from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday in the park. 

“This festival is one of the most important weekends of the year for our downtown,” Gietzen said. “It shines a spotlight on our small businesses and brings incredible energy to Plymouth during the winter months.”

As always, admission to the festival is free although several community service clubs do charge a fee for parking. Those fees are donated to the various clubs and are used to fund community projects in and around the community.

Northville approves moratorium on data center construction

City of Northville officials have approved a one-year moratorium on any potential data center development in the municipality.

The action follows massive protests by residents of a proposed hyperscale data center installation proposed in Lyon Township while another such facility is proposed in Van Buren Township.

The new language adopted in Northville prohibiting any data center installation was unanimously approved by members of the city council at a regular meeting. The ban, according to officials, will allow the city time to review and potentially revise current zoning language. The temporary restriction was prompted, according to discussion at the meeting, by the public outcry in other communities as residents protest the construction of such centers.

Citizens’ concerns often revolve around how much electricity is needed to power the massive facilities, typically measured in gigawatts, and potential environmental impacts and possible increased utility costs to residents.

In Van Buren Township, Panattoni Data Center Group has proposed developing a data center on about 280 acres north of an I-94 service drive, south of I-275, east of Haggerty Road and west of Hannan Road.

Northville Community Development Director Justin Quagliata told council members that other communities are attempting to regulate data centers after the fact, in some cases prompting public protests of the proposed construction. He said the current Northville zoning ordinance does not directly address or define the mega-data centers, posing the potential for legal disputes.

He told council members that his staff will use the one-year moratorium to review the current ordinances and recommend amendments. He said such recommendations for revisions would go before the members of the planning commission and then be considered by council members for action.

Residents opposed to the large-scale electronic installations in nearby communities have expressed concerns about the impact the environmental impact of the facilities along with a potential rate increase.

“We’re here because of our four rivers,” Mayor Brian Turnbull said during the Northville meeting. “We don’t want those rivers sucked down to cool the computerization that’s part of this big data (processing facility).”

Northville Councilman Andrew Krenz suggested revised zoning regulation include any new versions of current centers to prevent the rebranding of existing businesses as permitted uses. He said the zoning language should focus on the infrastructure of any proposed data centers, not just the business label.

The new data center projects in Michigan are supported by major tech giants such as OpenAI, Oracle and Meta, which owns Facebook.

Proponents of data centers have argued that data centers will be an economic boon that will create thousands of jobs. DTE representatives have repeatedly stated that there are legal protections in municipal permits which eliminate the risk of higher rates for residents.