Federal immigration policies prompt local protest
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
Canton Arts and Humanities Partnership awards grants
Financial grants totaling $51,300 from the Canton Township Partnership for the Arts and Humanities were awarded to 12 organizations for 2026.
The grants are an effort, a spokesman said, “to foster cultural, arts, and humanities programming for the Canton community from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.
Among the grants awarded were:
88.1 THE PARK RADIO STATION: $2,500 - To help transform the studio and collaborative space.
CANTON COMMISSION FOR CULTURE, ARTS, AND HERITAGE (two grants): $5,000 - To bring live jazz music to area natural spaces and cultural music to local public spaces. $4,000 - To expand the International Poetry Project by commissioning two local artists to create murals in our community.
CANTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY: $1,500 - To support guest lectures.
LIFE IS A CABARET / AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: $5,000 - To support the addition of a second performance of the Life is a Cabaret musical revue at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill.
CANTON LEISURE SERVICES: $7,500 - To replace lighting at the Heritage Park Amphitheater Stage.
DANCE UPRISING: $4,500 - To support a dance workshop and dance concert (with a talk back) at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill.
MICHIGAN PHILHARMONIC: $3,000 - To support two concerts of the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill.
PLYMOUTH CANTON COMMUNITY LITERACY COUNCIL: $6,000 - To present four community workshops at the Village Arts Factory that blend the creativity of the arts with the joy of reading, offering interactive experiences for participants of all ages.
ROOTED VISION PHOTOGRAPHY: $4,500 - To launch a community of creatives who enjoy photography, journalism, and other creative ventures. This includes monthly creative gatherings and equipment support.
SNEHASIS GANGULY AND RICHARD MUL, ACA : $1,500 - To support the 2026 Pan Asian Festival at Heritage Park.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS: $800 - To host an inclusive theater workshop for children and adults with special needs.
VILLAGE THEATER AT CHERRY HILL: $6,000 - To support a Summer Theater Intensive program.
“These 13 grants represent the heartbeat of a thriving community —where radio waves carry new voices, stages light up with youth orchestras and musical theater, public spaces come alive with jazz and international poetry, and creative expression becomes accessible to everyone, from aspiring photographers to individuals with special needs. Together, these projects remind us that arts and culture are not luxuries—they are the threads that weave us together, transform ordinary spaces into gathering places, and ensure that every member of our community has an opportunity to create, perform, and belong,” said Christopher W. Tremblay, chair of the grants committee for the Partnership for the Arts and the Humanities.
The average amount per grantee was just under $4,000, according to a spokesman.
Plymouth United Way hosting Community Hygiene Day collection
Plymouth Community United Way (PCUW), in partnership with local schools, service organizations, and nonprofit groups, will host a 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.”
PCUW is partnering with The Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth, Rotary Club of Canton, Plymouth Canton Community Schools Student and Family Engagement, First Step, and The Salvation Army, with 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 .
Tractor Supply Company proposed for 5-mile site near new Meijer store
Need a bag of sheep food? Chicken feed? Is your goat hungry?
All those situations and many more may soon be solved with the proposed opening of a Tractor Supply Company in Plymouth Township.
Members of the township planning commission unanimously approved a special land use request from the company for the construction of a new store at 46817 Five Mile Road, next to the Meijer grocery store going in at the location. The approval at the Jan. 21 meeting was not without discussion of several issues by commissioners.
Commission members expressed concerns about the preservation of mature and heritage trees at the site. A complete tree survey will be required during the site plan review process, officials noted.
“We're very particular about heritage trees here,” Commissioner Bill Ickes said. “We treat them as residents. They were here way before any of us were.”
The new store would be a 21,533-square foot building on the 3.35-acre parcel west of Beck Road which is part of the Michigan International Technology Center, a joint redevelopment project of Plymouth and Northville townships. Plans for other businesses in the area in the development stage are a car wash and credit union.
Tractor Supply Company is a national retailer that sells animal feeds, tractors, trailers and equipment along with other rural farming and home equipment. The new Plymouth Township facility would employ 10 to 12 workers, according to development plans.
The commission approval allows the project to move on to the next step, a site plan review where other issues in question will be discussed, officials said.
Health concerns prompt area residents' protest of landfill expansion plan
The Canada-based company has proposed a 90-acre expansion of the facility on property currently owned by GFL at Napier and Six Mile roads, just north of the current landfill site. The expansion would be located in Salem Township, near the Northville border.
Several residents spoke at what was to be a town hall meeting, complaining about odors, traffic, and water quality issues. The meeting was organized by The Conservancy Initiative, a non-profit group opposed to the expansion.
Dave Drinan, vice president of the organization, spoke to the assembled crowd and advised people to make their objections and experiences with the current landfill public. He urged area residents to comment at Washtenaw County public meetings where approval of the expansion must be approved by the board of commissioners before a permit from EGLE, the state
Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, can be considered.
Residents of nearby Northville neighborhoods and in the Ridge Wood Elementary attendance area complained about the foul odors and potential health concerns, in addition to the expected increased garbage truck traffic in the area. Residents expressed criticism of the argument that they purchased homes knowing the landfill existed noting the homeowners did not expect pollution, violation of permit regulation or the degradation of the air quality and peace of their neighborhoods.
Those complaints, Drinan told the crowd, should be brought to the attention of officials considering the proposed expansion. He said 114 odor complaints were filed about Arbor Hills in one month and those came from 80 different email addresses.
“These odors are real,” Drinan said, noting complaints can trigger inspections from EGLE. “When you have a noxious odor, please take a minute and make the complaint,” Drinan urged the crowd.
Several audience members expressed concern about any environmental impact on Johnson Creek, the only cold-water trout stream in Michigan.. Others noted concerns regarding the Rouge River watershed.
“Johnson Creek is the holy waters of southeastern Michigan,” said Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull, who described himself as an avid fisherman and noting that landfill-related pollution could alter the ecosystem and ripple downstream.
Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo said the township has been engaged in an ongoing legal battle, including a 2021 lawsuit and later court action tied to odors.
The Detroit Free Press reported Jan. 7 that “Arbor Hills has faced repeated enforcement tied to odor and compliance issues, including U.S. EPA intervention in 2016, a lawsuit filed in 2020 by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on behalf of EGLE, and a March 2022 settlement that included $2.3 million in fines and 17 operational improvements aimed at reducing odors. The Free Press also reported the landfill was found in 2019 and 2020 to have elevated PFAS in monitoring wells, leachate and a stormwater pond draining toward Johnson Creek.”
Dave Seegert, district manager for GFL Environmental, told the Detroit Free Press the Arbor Hills landfill “provides an essential service for the surrounding communities and the expansion is necessary to sustain those services into the surrounding communities.”
