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.