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January 26 – February 1, 2023 NEWS YOU CAN USE, NEWS YOU CAN TRUST 75¢

No. 04 www .associatednewspapers.net

Harness racetrack is proposed in Plymouth

Vol. 138, No. 04 A new harness racing track
Sheena Barnes, also in Plymouth Township is appar-
known as Sheena Devina ently at the starting gate as
Green, 62, appeared for plans were expected to be sub-
arraignment in 34th District mitted to the planning commis-
Court Jan. 12 on charges of sion this week.
malicious use of the tele- According to township
phone. records, representatives of
See page 5. Northville Downs submitted a
check for $5,600 for four appli-
cation fees and another check
for $9,100 to be placed in escrow
as plans for the $25 million proj-
ect are reviewed by members of
Vol. 76, No. 04 the planning commission.
Public safety vs. personal Approval by the planning com-
privacy is expected to be the mission would send the project
topic of discussion at a Town to the township board of
Hall meeting in Canton trustees for consideration.
Township concerning digital The racetrack is proposed at
license plate readers. a 128-acre site near Five Mile
See page 3.
and Ridge Road. The site was would be on file and publicly Northville Downs track has con- ty to be constructed during a
formerly designated as the accessible on the second floor at tinued as plans for the major future phase of development.
Ridge Five Corporate Park, but Plymouth Township Hall and development move through the Any casino or racino gambling
no development took place and that the plans would also be approval process in the City of would require state approval.
the site is now vacant land. Only available on the township plan- Northville. The plans to seek casino or
Vol. 76, No. 04 52 acres of the site are suitable ning commission website for The plans for the Plymouth racino gambling permits have
for building as the remainder is public review. site include construction of a been questioned by Township
Area library professionals
The Northville Downs prop-
are asked to check out the protected wetlands, according erty was sold to Hunter Pasteur half-mile oval harness race- Trustee John Stewart, who said
he is not sure such plans will
to township records.
track; a two-story, 4,900-square-
open position at the Leanna Plymouth Township Building in 2018 for a multi-million-dol- foot grandstand with a patio for meet with success in the current
Hicks Public Library in Department Coordinator Cheri lar development which will viewing; a 23,000-square-foot social and political environ-
Inkster where a new director Palmachuk confirmed that the include retail, office, condo- racing building; a 35,000 square ment.
is being sought. conceptual plans for the sulky miniums and luxury homes, foot horse barn and a 3,200 “It appears that Supervisor
See page 5.
racing track would be on the along with a park and the day- square foot maintenance build- (Kurt) Heise and Gary Heitman
Feb. 15 planning commission lighting of the river in down- ing. In addition, plans include a
agenda. She said the plans town Northville. Racing at the 54,000-square-foot gaming facili- See Track, page 4
41st Annual Ice Festival set to begin next week
Vol. 23, No. 04
New Hope Center for
Grief Support received a The “coolest” festival in ably warm one year, crowds did-
grant of $50,000 from The Plymouth will begin with a very ” n't seem to diminish much. He
Margaret Dunning special event this year. This is just a real community event, designed said that families come for the
Foundation to be paid over Just ahead of the official for families, but with attractions for everyone. atmosphere and to have some-
two years. opening of the 41st Annual thing to do outside.
See page 6. Plymouth Ice Festival, Miracle This year, the traditional
League of Plymouth will host a attractions will fill the streets,
Preview Party in Kellogg Park their families of all ages. One during the winter months. As including the exceptionally pop-
for special needs families. The ticket is needed for each person many people as possible should ular petting farm which draws
sensory-friendly event will take attending, organizers said. For be able to enjoy it,” he added. huge crowds, Gietzen said. One
place from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Feb. ticket registration or more infor- When the event opens on added feature is the addition of
Vol. 23, No. 04 2, the evening before the official mation, email Stacey@miracle- Friday, there will be smaller warming stations.
opening of the event set for Feb. leagueofplymouth.com. sculptures, but more of them “The Hot Spot near the
The man suspected in the
James Gietzen, owner of JAG
shooting death of a Plymouth 3. Michigan Magician Jeff Entertainment, who produces throughout downtown and in Gathering sponsored by Ehlers
will be open during the event,”
front of nearly every business,
woman last week has been Wawrzaszek will be performing the event said this was a real Geitzen said. Gietzen said dis- Gietzen said, “and there will be
found dead of a self- inflicted magic tricks as he walks addition to the event and he was tributing the sculptures food vendors, drinks, face paint-
gunshot wound, according to between the ice sculptures open very pleased to help offer the throughout the downtown offers ing and bathrooms available
a police report. for viewing and One Spot sensory conscious event. “It just audiences a chance to see the there.” This year, two more
See page 4.
Theater will perform. Also allows more people to enjoy the art of the sculptors without the warming stations have been
planned are winter-themed arts ice,” he said. crush of crowds. He noted that added. One at the Plymouth
and crafts along with games “The festival is designed to people can enjoy the ice works Arts and Recreation Complex
offering prizes for participants. bring people out of their homes at their own pace which can be (PARC) on Main Street across
Ice blocks will be available to during the winter months,” a real advantage to families from the library. Gietzen said
Vol. 138, No. 04 touch and other ice-related fun Gietzen said, “and this preview with younger children. that a hallway in the former
is planned, organizers said, event provides that opportunity The weather, of course, is school building will feature an
Romulus Mayor Robert along with warm refreshments. to those who might otherwise always the largest element of art exhibit people can enjoy
McCraight is hoping for a The event is free and is spon- miss the ice carving. This is a the event. If it is too cold, fami- while getting out of the cold.
“sweeping success” during sored by Thrivent, although tick- family-friendly, community-ori- lies hesitate to come out. If it is “United Way will also be open
the Sixth Annual Curling ets will be required and are ented event that brings people too warm or rains, the sculp- from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. both
Royale Tournament this available for individuals with out into the fresh air and pro- tures melt. Gietzen said, howev-
year. disabilities or limitations and vides something fun to enjoy er, that when it got unseason- See Festival, page 4
See page 6.

Vol. 76, No. 04
Members of the Wayne City
Council welcomed new
Firefighter Nickolas
DeCeuninck to the Wayne Fire
Department last week.
See page 3.

Vol. 76, No. 04
Michael P. Londeau, for-
merly council president pro
tem, was selected by fellow
city council members to
serve as the mayor of
Westland until November.
See page 2. James Gietzen

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