Free Press sports writers Anthony Fenech and George Sipple discuss the Detroit Tigers at Detroit Sports Media Tigers luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. Detroit Free Press
Students at Michigan State University were generally pleased about her Wednesday night resignation over the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal, though some who know her personally were disappointed. Wochit
SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Nancy Armour believes the court system served justice with Nassar's sentencing of up to 175 years in prison, however, there are many lessons still needed to be learned from this nightmare of a story. USA TODAY Sports
Former gymnast Rachael Denhollander was the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar. She spoke in court Wednesday Jan 25 2018. Matthew Dae Smith / Lansing State Journal
Highlights of Today in History: Iran-held hostages released, Charles Manson and followers convicted, Jackson settles molestation claims, Alicia Keys is born. AP
Remembering legendary Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Video by Ryan Ford/DFP Wochit
Women sexually abused by a Michigan sports doctor demand investigations into organizations they say enabled Larry Nassar to continue molesting girls over years, including Michigan State University and the United States of America Gymnastics. (Jan. 24) AP
Kentwood teacher James Chelekis sentenced for attacking his wife. WZZM
The Sugar Island ferry -- the lone lifeline for about 800 year-round island residents and the mainland at Sault Ste. Marie, MI, has run very intermittently, if at all, since ice jammed up the St. Marys River about two weeks ago. Wochit
influenza vaccine effectiveness has proven to be lower against the A(H3N2) strain. Brandon Patterson/Detroit Free Press
The 2018 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit embodies the variety of vehicles on sale. Not every new idea will find an eager audience, though. Here are Mark Phelan's picks for the show’s highs and lows. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press
Watch: Talkin' Tigers at luncheon in Detroit
MSU students react to resignation of President Lou Anna Simon
What's next after Nassar sentencing?
Rachael Denhollander addresses Larry Nassar
Today in History for January 25th
Happy 100th, Ernie Harwell
Survivors demand action on Nassar enablers
Wife describes husband's knife attack
Ice-Blocked: Sugar Island ferry struggles through St. Marys River ice
Michiganders face aggressive influenza strain
Detroit Auto Show's hits and misses
Dawn Hannaford has a simple reason for spending time at Campus Martius in Detroit this weekend.
The 48-year-old from Fraser gets to spend time with her nieces and nephews during the annual Meridian Winter Blast, a celebration of winter with food trucks, live music, ice skating, giant slides, a zip-line and a polar plunge. There's even a stiltwalker.
Dawn's niece, 14-year-old Madison Hannaford, dipped her finger in an above-ground pool filled with water and kept walking.
"That's cold," Madison announced, saying she would be willing to take the plunge but she and her family kept moving. After all, there's a lot to see.
This is the first year that the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan has had its polar plunge added to the roster of activities. Joe Morin, a member of the torch run's executive committee, said the donations raised through the plunge go to the 23,000 Special Olympics athletes in Michigan.
Read more:
The 5 best things about Winter Blast in Detroit
Winter Blast more like taste of spring
Winter Blast attendance doubles over last year, organizers say
The weather at this year's event, like last year, has been on the mild side, with temperatures in the upper 40s,
"This is fantastic weather-wise. It's chilly but a lot better than the teens," said Morin.
His advice for would-be polar plungers? Bring a change of clothes.
Nearby, kids were lining up to get what for many was likely their first taste of skiing, on a man-made snow hill.
Clark Kimber, 41, of Clinton Township said his kids -- two daughters and a son -- loved it. He's been skiing before, but his family has not. Winter Blast is special, he said, because it's a chance to "come down and enjoy the atmosphere," something he and his family try to do frequently at events downtown, including the annual tree lighting.
Winter Blast Producer Jon Witz said the warm weather is actually great for attendance. About 20,000 people attended on Friday -- double a typical first day of the weekend event -- and Witz said another 75,000 people are anticipated through Sunday, the last day. Winter Blast got its start in 2005.
This was Deborah Lloyd's first visit to Winter Blast. The 70-year-old Detroit resident was pleased with the offerings as well as the chance to watch her granddaughter, Emone Weatherspoon, 9, of Belleville ice skate for the first time. Emone's next destination? The zip-line.
"It looks fun," Emone before they headed off.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.
If you go
The Meridian Winter Blast continues until 11 p.m. Saturday and is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3, which will be donated to Matrix Human Services. Children younger than 3 are free. Some rides have additional costs.
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