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.

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.

Community Calendar

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.
 
Snow White is onstage
American Association of University will present "Snow White" at Garden City High School auditorium on Middlebelt Road at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5-6, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. There will be a drama presentation 45 minutes in length each show before showtime courtesy of Garden City High students.
Ticket price is $7 online, $10 at the door, and $6 for groups of eight-plus. For group sales information, email PlymouthCanton-mi@aauw.net.
 
Farm camp registration opens
Early registration for Maybury Farm Summer Camp is now available. The four-day, Tuesday-Friday, outdoor camp provides children with experiences 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.
 
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.

Redesign of downtown Plymouth streetscape being planned
Plans are currently being formulated for a re-design of downtown Plymouth.
Downtown Plymouth Development Authority (DDA) Director Sam Plymale said city officials are actively seeking public input into a major streetscape overhaul, set to begin early next year.  A final design plan is scheduled to be presented to members of the city council this spring, Plymale said.
The last upgrade to the original streetscape designed in 1995 took place in 2010.
A streetscape upgrade design was listed as a top priority in a 5-year strategic plan adopted by the DDA in 2024. The DDA entered into contract with SmithGroup design firm in August 2025 to facilitate a community engagement campaign, create plans for design and phased implementation.
The project is called DTPForward .
The current plan will remove street trees and upgrade underground utilities, Plymale said. Other options include widening sidewalks, speed management, bump outs, creating curb-less streets, improving bike paths, and addressing parking needs.
"Most of our street trees are past their life span. We're going to have to start tearing out some of these trees and with that becomes redoing the areas where the trees are," Plymale told a WXYZ reporter last week.” He added that the DDA has been seeking community input on the project for several months. He added that several varied opinions have been expressed so far but the most prevalent complaint was the lack of parking downtown.
Some residents are encouraging the renovations while others do not want anything about Plymouth changed. Plymale said any changes to the downtown infrastructure would “respect the historic nature of the downtown.”
The DDA will have a booth at the upcoming Plymouth Ice Festival Jan. 31 through Feb.2. to solicit resident opinions, Plymale said. More information and a resident survey will be available online at downtownplymouth.org.

 

Sumpter names new fire chief
Jamie Goode has been named Sumpter Township Fire Department Chief.
His appointment was confirmed by a unanimous vote of township trustees during a recent meeting. Goode had been serving as interim chief of the department following the retirement of Chief Rick Brown which became official Jan. 2.
Goode has served Sumpter Township for nearly 20 years and is recognized for his expertise and dedication to positive change, a statement from the township noted.
Goode has 15 years of experience as a trainer in Fire Services and HAZMAT at FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, AL. Goode is also a graduate of the Eastern Michigan University School of Fire Staff & Command, according to the statement.
“He is well-equipped to lead. His commitment to applying this training and leadership directly benefits the department by strengthening preparedness, enhancing professional standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” the official announcement noted.

Health concerns prompt area residents' protest of landfill expansion plan

The battle against the Arbor Hills landfill in Salem Township continued last week as area residents crowded the auditorium at Northville High School to protest the request of GFL Environmental, operators of the waste disposal site, for an expansion.

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.”

Pretty slick
Curing event draws huge crowd
The 8^th Annual Curling Royale in R District Tournament last weekend drew record crowds to Mary Ann Banks Park in Romulus last Saturday.
Intrepid curlers, pictured above, braved the cold to participate in the 8^th annual event, a benefit for the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight, at right, dressed to battle the cold temperatures, announced the games and scores as the event continued and teams attempted to slide heavy granite stones down the ice toward a target to score points.
Team ‘sweepers’ use brooms to speed the target along the ice in the game which is now an Olympic sport.
All fees from the event were donated directly to the burn camp which provides a unique experience that promotes healing, self-esteem and confidence for burn injured children.

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Madam Chair
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak was recently elected as chair of the Conference of Western Wayne (CWW).
The organization represents a unifying voice representing 18 Wayne County diverse communities consisting of 750,000 residents. CWW collectively addresses common challenges, enhancing their power and impact on regional matters, according to a prepared statement. Designated representatives from each community meet mon
thly, rotating hosting duties at each municipality.
Graham-Hudak said that she was honored to be chosen to fill this position for 2026 and is looking forward to moving the region forward.

Community Calendar

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.
 
Bingo and Brunch planned
Bingo and Brunch returns to the Summit on the Park in Canton Township from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Registration includes at least 10 bingo games, a pre-boxed McDonald’s breakfast, and prizes. Per-person fees are $14 for Canton residents and $18 per person for non-residents.  Pre-registration is required. Sign up is available at www.cantonfun.org/register or call (734)394-5460.  
 
Snow White is onstage
American Association of University will present "Snow White" at Garden City High School auditorium on Middlebelt Road at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5-6, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. There will be a drama presentation 45 minutes in length each show before showtime courtesy of Garden City High students. Ticket price is $7 online, $10 at the door, and $6 for groups of eight-plus. For group sales information, email PlymouthCanton-mi@aauw.net.
 
Farm camp registration opens
Early registration for Maybury Farm Summer Camp is now available. The four-day, Tuesday-Friday, outdoor camp provides children with experiences 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.
 
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.

Father charged in shooting at Romulus school

Shawntez Marshaun Gregory, 44, of Romulus is facing multiple criminal charges in the shooting incident at Romulus Middle School last Tuesday.

Romulus police responded to a 911 call from the school just before 10 a.m. Jan. 6 placed by school secretary Maria Scott. She made the emergency call and put the school on lockdown after Gregory demanded access to the school, brandishing and firing a handgun.

Scott had previous interactions with Gregory, who had was banned from school property and access to his son. Contact with his son, who attended the school, was restricted by court order following claims filed by his ex-wife alleging he attempted to kidnap the boy. Scott told news media that while previous encounters with the suspect had been without incident, Gregory’s agitation and body language prompted her caution. She said when he reached for the gun in his pocket, she immediately put the school on lockdown and simultaneously notified police. Gregory reportedly fired seven rounds into the air about a foot from the school door.

Police records indicate officers were on the scene within 2 minutes of Scott’s call. Gregory was arrested and police confiscated a firearm with seven empty cylinders. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Gregory with false report or threat of terrorism, schools – intentional threat to commit act of violence against school, school employees or students with specific intent to carry out or overt act toward, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon in a weapons free school zone, reckless use of a firearm, and two counts of felony firearm.

During Gregory’s arraignment at 34^th District Court Jan. 8 before Judge Lisa Martin, he refused to identify himself or answer any questions. He profanely cursed the judge, insulted her intelligence and called the proceedings a joke and a waste of his time. He was remanded to police custody without bond.

“This case is every parent’s nightmare.  The defendant allegedly fired a gun several times in proximity to the school when he was denied entry to get his son. The immediate reporting of an active shooter by the school allowed the Romulus police to quickly respond and apprehend the defendant. Luckily, no one was harmed,” said Worthy.

"Everything worked according to how it should've worked, our safety measures, all of them worked," said Superintendent of Romulus Schools Benjamin Edmondson. He said school safety is a priority in the school district which provides training for personnel and has weapons detection systems at school buildings. The real difference in the outcome of the situation was Scott, Edmondson said.

"If we had had a guest at that desk, it looks different," Edmondson said, praising Scott’s quick response and reaction to the situation.

Romulus Middle School Principal Paul Niedermeyer also praised Scott's conduct and response.

"She totally followed protocol. As soon as he arrived at the door, she spoke to him. And as soon as she spoke to him, she could tell that something was wrong and if she would have hit the button and buzzed him in, it would've been a lot different story," Niedermeyer told a television reporter.

Gregory’s next court appearance is set for Jan. 20.

Plymouth prepares for traditional Ice Festival event

Downtown Plymouth is expecting more than 100,000 guests when the 2026 Plymouth Ice Festival returns Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1.

The traditional event attracts families, visitors and those who appreciate the art of ice sculpture from across the state. More than 150 professionally carved sculptures will be on display in downtown Kellogg Park and on sidewalks throughout the downtown area. Nationally recognized and award-winning carvers will demonstrate their skills throughout the weekend, offering a front-row view of the intricate process involved in creating the works of art in ice.

“Every year we work to elevate this festival and create something memorable for our community,” said James Gietzen, director of the festival “The Ice Festival is more than an event—it’s a tradition that brings people together, supports our downtown businesses and showcases the incredible talent of our ice artists. We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable year.”

In addition to the frozen artworks on display, Gietzen said, this year visitors can participate in Ice Festival Bingo at participating downtown businesses for a chance to win prizes. The Ice Throne, a family favorite photo opportunity, will return along with the popular family petting farm where children of all ages can experience close encounters with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, a calf and pony rides. Gietzen said this is one of the most popular family events particularly since the animals are domesticated, family raised and exceptionally well cared for by owners.

The historic Penn Theatre will have movies all weekend with a $5 admission charge and Crazy Craig Family Comedy Juggling Variety Show will have high energy, family friendly performances throughout the weekend in the park and throughout downtown.

The popular live carving demonstrations and competitions, which attract huge crowds will take place in Kellogg Park where carvers start with a 350-pound block of ice and create a finished sculpture in record time. As has become a tradition, the popular outdoor ice bar will be carved on the patio at E.G. Nick’s on Forest Street and nightly live music will again take place in a huge, heated tent behind the restaurant, Gietzen said.

The Hot Spot, a warming station, will again be presented by Ehlers Heating and Cooling and HomeCraft Real Estate will also host a warming station. Ehlers will offer food, drinks, face painting, vendors, and a restroom, open all hours of the festival. HomeCraft Warming Station will provide warm beverages, treats for children and a cozy indoor space, Gietzen said.

“This event is one of the biggest annual drivers of winter foot traffic,” Gietzen added. “Our downtown is filled with incredible local businesses and we’re proud that the festival helps showcase them to thousands of visitors.”

As always, admission to the festival is free although local civic groups usually charge a fee for parking which is used to fund local scholarships and public programs in the community.

“This really is a community effort and event,” Gietzen said. “We celebrate the winter season and offer families an event that showcases the real spirit of Plymouth and the surrounding area. The popularity of the festival increases every year and we try to add new attractions, bring back community favorites and feature the world-class artistry of the ice sculptors.”

Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King to be celebrated Monday

The life, legacy and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King will be celebrated as a federal holiday next Monday, Jan. 19.

Area communities are preparing for the upcoming federal holiday dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King, the preeminent leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January near Dr. King’s Jan. 15 birthday. The day is dedicated to commemorating the Civil Rights icon’s role in advancing racial equality, social justice, and voting rights through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

Among Dr. King’s most memorable achievements, considered pivotal in the fight for civil right are his leading of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott; his organizing of the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech and his influence in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

Schools, banks, government offices, the stock market and postal services will be closed.

The One Romulus: Living the Dream in Action walk and ceremony is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. at Romulus Middle School. Walkers will march to Romulus High School beginning at 8 a.m. where a service project packaging is scheduled from 8 until 9:30 a.m. Following that effort, participants will meet in the high school cafeteria for refreshments provided by Kroger. The official celebration and ceremony honoring Dr. King will begin in the high school auditorium at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public and is organized by the City of Romulus, Romulus Community Schools and Romulus Ministerial Alliance. Shuttle bus service for walkers will begin at 7 a.m. from the high school to the middle schools.

Canton Township and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools are hosting a joint celebration to honor Dr. King’s legacy.  The commemorative event is set for 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road. The event is free and open to all ages, featuring student performances, art displays, and spoken word presentations.

The key speakers will be Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak and Plymouth Canton Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Monica Merritt. 

In Westland, Dr. Cleamon Moorer, Jr. will be the speaker at a commemorative ceremony honoring Dr. King. The event is open to the public as is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Burning Bush International Ministries at 30355 Annapolis Road in Westland.