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December 28, 2023 – January 3, 2024 NEWS YOU CAN USE, NEWS YOU CAN TRUST 75¢

No. 52 www .associatednewspapers.net

Vol. 138, No. 52
The Sumpter Township
Police Department recently
extended condolences to the
family of former township
Chief of Police Clinton
Brown, Jr.
See page 5.
Romulus is named as ecities ‘Honored Community’

The City of Romulus has during the five-year period of
Vol. 76, No. 52 been named a 2023 eCities ” 2018-2022, these communities
The historic two-story, red Honored Community for suc- The recognition by UM's iLabs increased their capital assets by
brick house at the corner of cesses and efforts in contribut- is validation that our an average of 3.42 percent per
Warren and Morton Taylor ing to growth in Michigan. The year by investments such as
roads in was demolished last designation was given as part of team and city are on the right track. park and road improvements,
week. the annual eCities study, con- new police and fire equipment,
See page 3. ducted by iLabs, the University and water system enhance-
of Michigan-Dearborn Office of McCraight. attract additional stakeholders ments. Further, these places are
Engagement and Impact. The “Creative ideas and forward and continue to improve the home to 87 percent of Michigan
four other honored communi- thinking will help the City of quality of life for our residents real commercial property and
ties are the cities of Eastpointe, Romulus continue to grow and and visitors alike,” McCraight have 64 percent of the total state
Lansing, Royal Oak, and the realize the goals and expecta- added. property value, according to
Vol. 76, No. 52 Charter Township of Delta. tions that were set in 1970 when The eCities study analyzed iLabs research.
Members of the Inkster “The recognition by UM's Romulus first became a city over publicly available data from 277 Communities that have seen
and Dearborn Heights police iLabs is validation that our team 50 years ago. A recent visioning communities in 54 counties of the strongest growth in business
departments joined forces and city are on the right track. project that was undertaken in Michigan. Researchers focused development over the past five
earlier this month with a Where we have received four 2022 clearly indicated the resi- on the five-year changes in prop- years, while controlling the costs
local Target store for a spe- and five star certifications prior, dents of Romulus wanted us to erty values, community assets, of doing business in town, are
cial shopping trip. the increased distinction as an capitalize on our strategic loca- and tax rates, which can demon- designated as five- and four-star
See page 6. “honored community” is a re- tion, and continue to focus on strate the growth, investments, communities. Additionally, in
affirming compliment,” said developing a sustainable market and cost of doing business with-
Romulus Mayor Robert A. for economic growth that will in the community. For example, See Romulus, page 5
Coolest event ever…

Vol. 23, No. 52
The Department of Public 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival set for downtown Feb. 2, 3, and 4
Works in Northville
Township was recently rec- One of the most highly antic-
ognized by township officials ipated events of the year, the
during Water and 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival,
Wastewater Professional presented by Michigan First
Workforce Week. Credit Union, is set to trans-
See page 2. form downtown Plymouth into
a winter wonderland, organiz-
ers said. This year, Michigan
First Credit Union will be the
presenting sponsor of the event
Vol. 23, No. 52 which annually draws nearly
Local pickleball enthusi- 20,000 visitors into downtown
ast Mark Malcolm is continu- Plymouth.
ing his efforts to construct Highlights of the event this
public courts for the game at year will feature the stars of
the Plymouth Arts and the event, the spectacular ice
Recreation Complex in sculptures. Producer James
Plymouth. Gietzen of JAG Entertainment
See page 4. said smaller sculptures will be
displayed at local businesses
while the larger artworks will
be installed at Kellogg Park.
Again this year, the Ice
Throne is expected to be the
Vol. 138, No. 52 setting for hundreds of family
photos. Visitors will feel like 5 p.m. on both Saturday and food booth inside the Hotspot which then makes them eligi-
Operators of the BP gas
station on Middlebelt Road Ice Festival royalty as they take Sunday. warming station. In addition, ble for a special prize from The
in Romulus have until Jan. 8 a seat atop the unique Ice And back by popular all the restaurants in the down- Plymouth DDA.
to respond to a notice from Throne. This activity has been demand is the Tubing Run. town area will be offering some This year, the Plymouth Ice
the office of State Attorney a tradition for many families, The Plymouth Ice Festival tub- of their best menu items during Festival is set for 5 until 10 p.m.
General Dana Nessel. as they return for that picture ing run features more than 100 the festival. Friday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m.
See page 5. every year, Gietzen said. feet of tubing excitement and The popular Downtown until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.
Another traditional attrac- fun for the whole family, Development Authority (DDA) 3 and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
tion at the festival will be the Gietzen said. The Tubing Run Bingo game will also return on Sunday, Feb. 4.
Hot Spot located in The will be open from 6 until 9 p.m. this year. Visitors can stop in For more information, visit
Gathering across from Kellogg on Friday, Feb. 2; from 11 a.m. participating businesses and www.plymouthicefest.com or
Park. Each year, Ehlers until 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 collect enough stickers to get a on social media @PlymouthIce
Vol. 76, No. 52 Heating and Cooling provides and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on bingo on their playing card Festival.
Retiring Wayne Building the warmth at the site which Sunday, Feb. 4.
and Engineering Director features local vendors, busi- Another traditional attrac-
Mike Buiten and nesses, product demonstra- tion at the annual event will be
Department of Public Works tions, a sitting area to allow for the Party Lot and Ice Bar locat-
Assistant Director Ed Queen a respite from sculpture view- ed at E.G. Nicks restaurant
were honored last week. ing. The Hot Spot is open dur- located at 500 Forest Ave. The
See page 6. ing official hours of the festival. Ice Bar in front of the popular
Returning this year is the restaurant will be open all
popular Petting Farm, also pre- three days of the festival. The
sented by Michigan First Party Lot in the back parking
Credit Union. lot will feature music and
Carousel Acres will be offer- dancing from Ava James and
ing a hands-on experience The Rumors on Friday, Feb. 3
Vol. 76, No. 52 with horses, donkeys, goats, and music from Power Play
Wayne, Westland, Garden sheep, an alpaca and even a Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 4.
City, and Inkster have each baby calf. This activity is a top Festival visitors usually can't
been awarded $192,000 attraction for children, or those resist the fresh roasted
requested from the federal young at heart. This year, the almonds, elephant ears and
government to join the Safe Petting Farm will also feature mini donuts available at the
Streets for All plan. pony rides. The Petting Farm food booths and wagons. The
See page 6. will be open from 11 a.m. until event also features a Polish

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