Jackson mayor set to give his second State of the City address
JACKSON, MI – Mayor Daniel Mahoney is set to give a State of the City address. The sixth-annual State of the City address is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1107 Adrian St. in Jackson. The State of the City address began in 2018 as a way to update Jackson residents on the city’s accomplishments during the previous year and to look toward the future. This is his second State of the City address. Related: Jackson is in the midst of a ‘renaissance,’ mayor says in State of the City AddressThe event is open to the public.
mlive.comWinchell Avenue to close for lead service line removal
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Winchell Avenue will close between Sheffield Drive and Waite Avenue as the city continues to make progress to remove lead service lines, the city of Kalamazoo said. The section of Winchell Avenue will close Monday, March 27, through Tuesday, April 4, for the work, the city said in a news release.
mlive.comChanges to city elections debated, voted on by Jackson City Council
JACKSON, MI – City elections were the topic of several motions made by the Jackson City Council on Tuesday. While some changes affecting polling locations were approved by the council at its Tuesday Feb. 21 meeting, others were not. And a change on when city elections are held is also being consideredOne plan, voted down by council on Tuesday, was to potentially move several polling locations so they are within the wards they represent. That move would save the city election costs and possibly increase voter participation in city elections, officials said. That hearing is tentatively set for March 7 at the next city council meeting.
mlive.com‘No camping in public’ ordinance prioritizes compassion
CITY OF GROSSE POINTE — Continuing the City public safety department’s focus on aid before arrest in applicable situations such as mental illness — 2021 saw the creation of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods Crisis Intervention Team, while implementation of the Hope not Handcuffs program began last month — city council has unanimously approved
grossepointenews.comUkraine not to surrender Bakhmut, Russians paratroopers badly hit Lt. of Ukraine's Armed Forces
Ukrainian fighters are not going to surrender Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast to the Russian invaders; a multi-layer defence perimeter has been set in the city. Source: Volodymyr Nazarenko, deputy commander of Svoboda battalion, Lieutenant of the National Guard of Ukraine, in the broadcast of the Svoboda Live program; Radio Svoboda Quote: "I would like to assure you that the Ukrainian forces are not going to surrender the city.
news.yahoo.comHow to Watch Manchester City vs. Aston Villa - Premier League (2/12/23) | Channel, Stream, Preview
MANCHESTER, U.K. - The reigning English Premier League winners are hoping to close the gap between them and first place on Sunday, as Manchester City gets set to host Aston Villa. Following the Gunners’ result against Brentford on Saturday, Manchester City is five points out of first place, with Manchester United nipping on their heels in third. ManCity has the historical edge on Aston Villa, as they are 79-42-57 all-time. English Premier League FootballWho: Manchester City FC (14-3-4) vs. Aston Villa FC (8-4-9)When: Sunday, February 12Time: 11:30 a.m. ETWhere: Etihad Stadium (Manchester, U.K.)Channel: USA NetworkStream: FuboTV (Free trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream, PeacockCheck out the Premier League tables and results here
mlive.comLiquor tasting room in downtown Kalamazoo gets approval
KALAMAZOO, MI -- City commissioners have thrown their support behind a license for an liquor tasting room in downtown Kalamazoo. On Monday, Feb. 6, commissioners approved a resolution in support of a license for an off-premises tasting room license for Decatur Tastings LLC, which is owned by Kevin Christensen. The brewery opened in downtown Kalamazoo in 2017, offering food and craft beers. The Off-Premises Tasting Room License is issued to a manufacturer that holds a winemaker, small winemaker, brandy manufacturer, distiller or small distiller license, and allows the business to operate an approved tasting room. The business needs this license to be able to produce liquor for the downtown Kalamazoo location.
mlive.comSaginaw leaders preach collaboration in developing $100M medical corridor project
SAGINAW, MI — County and city of Saginaw elected leaders said a growing partnership between the two governmental bodies would prove critical to developing a proposed multimillion dollar community health care investment. Using American Rescue Plan Act stimulus dollars provided to both municipalities, city and county leaders, respectively, allocated $5 million in recent months for a proposed $100 million health care project planned in Saginaw’s medical corridor in downtown. When the council voted on it, the $5 million was allocated specifically for a $15 million behavioral health clinic considered part of the larger $100 million project proposed. Saginaw County received $37 million in federal stimulus funds. The back-to-back State of the County and State of the City addresses were part of the programming for the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce’s February percolator breakfast meeting.
mlive.comAnn Arbor nets $3.8M federal grant, most of any U.S. city, to make streets safer
ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s plan to make city streets safer for all users just got a big funding boost. Ann Arbor officials said the money will support goals laid out in the city’s Vision Zero transportation plan and will be used to advance more Vision Zero quick-build projects, as well as refine and pilot a speed-management program. Ann Arbor has a Vision Zero goal to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes on city streets by 2025 and trend lines show the city is making some progress. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Here’s what a new report says about Ann Arbor traffic crash trendsAnn Arbor science center expands programming with preschool, museum campsResidents push back on Ann Arbor’s plan to fill Water Hill sidewalk gapsHere’s what an infusion of extra funds may mean for Ann Arbor streetsFighting fire in the dark. Helmet cam shows challenge of battling downtown Ann Arbor blaze
mlive.comJackson still considering options to aid city’s homeless, special meeting scheduled
JACKSON, MI – Ways to help the homeless in Jackson are still being discussed by the Jackson City Council, which is considering options beyond the potential purchase of a former Jackson school. In its Tuesday, Dec. 13 meeting, the council approved 4-3 to have a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 20, to review proposals from local organizations on different ways to help the homeless in the city. Related: City will consider purchasing former Jackson school building to address homelessnessWhile more permanent options, including the purchase of the former T.A. Wilson school, are being discussed, councilmembers want to look at how the homeless can be helped now as winter temperatures drop. The Jackson School Board voted unanimously at its Tuesday, Dec. 13 meeting to have Superintendent Jeff Beal negotiate the sale of the building with the city for $177,000.
mlive.comWorking together is key to Flint’s future, Neeley says in State of the City address
FLINT, MI -- Mayor Sheldon Neeley continued to preach a gospel of unity during his State of the City address on Tuesday, Dec. 13, telling residents and officials that they must be united for Flint to move forward. “We have to learn how to work together better ...,” Neeley told the crowd at a special meeting of the Flint City Council in the Capitol Theatre. “Together, we are strong.”
mlive.comNeeley to deliver State of City address Dec. 13 at Flint’s Capitol Theatre
FLINT, MI -- Mayor Sheldon Neeley will deliver his third State of the City address -- the first with a live audience -- during a special meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The city announced the address will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Capitol Theatre, 1241 E. Kearsley St., in downtown Flint. “I’m grateful for my first opportunity as mayor to present the State of the City address to Flint residents in person, following two virtual presentations during the pandemic,” Neeley said in a statement released by the city. Neeley defeated former Mayor Karen Weaver to win a second term in the Nov. 8 election, collecting more than 52% of the votes cast. He took the oath of office for his second term on Monday, Dec. 5, stressing the need to unify the city, improve customer service inside City Hall, and to step up efforts to better market Flint to outsiders.
mlive.comLyoya family’s lawsuit claims Grand Rapids police have ‘custom of racial discrimination’
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A federal lawsuit filed by the family of Patrick Lyoya, the Black man shot and killed by a police officer in April, claims the city’s police department has a “custom of racial discrimination.”The lawsuit was filed Wednesday, Dec. 7 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Attorneys Ven Johnson and Ben Crump, representing the Lyoya family, are expected to speak at a 12:30 p.m. press conference Wednesday. Lyoya, 26, a Democratic Republic of Congo immigrant, was shot and killed April 4 following a traffic stop in a Southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood. The two struggled over control of the officer’s Taser before Schurr, while on top of Lyoya, used his handgun to shoot Lyoya in the head. Related: 5 takeaways from key hearing for officer accused in Patrick Lyoya killing during traffic stopSchurr is charged with second-degree murder and was ordered to stand trial in late October following a hearing.
mlive.comShelter village, school building among options being considered to address homelessness in Jackson
JACKSON, MI - City officials will hear proposals on a variety of potential solutions to homelessness in Jackson, both temporarily and long term, with options ranging from purchasing units for a shelter village to the city purchasing TA Wilson building as a warming shelter and homeless services center. At its Tuesday, Nov. 15 meeting, the Jackson City Council unanimously approved inviting stakeholders back to its Nov. 29 meeting to present on different options. The options outlined by City Manager Jonathan Greene include the potential purchase of Jackson Public Schools’ TA Wilson building, which also was discussed by the Jackson School Board at its meeting Tuesday night. Purchasing the shelter units from Pallet Shelter would provide the most immediate solution to those facing homelessness this winter, Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney said, while expressing a desire to explore other options like the TA Wilson building purchase as more long-term solutions. Beal said the city approached him about the potential purchase of TA Wilson on Friday and presented the idea to the school board as a discussion item Tuesday.
mlive.comSanta Claus returns to downtown Kalamazoo, ushering in 2022 holiday season
KALAMAZOO, MI — City workers gathered around a dissembled Santa Claus statute Tuesday morning and, right on cue, the snow began to fall. One again, the 17-foot-tall Santa Claus statue was assembled by workers on Tuesday, Nov. 15, along West Michigan Avenue at the Kalamazoo Mall. Holiday decorations have been placed around downtown Kalamazoo in preparation for the 60th annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade this Saturday, Nov. 19. In another sign of the season, the annual art sale at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ Kirk Newman Art School is scheduled for this week. The sale is from 5-8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the KIA, 314 S. Park St.
mlive.comPollution in Kalamazoo air for years has experts concerned about health long-term
KALAMAZOO, MI -- City air sensors have detected potentially dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide pollution in the air for more than three years, and experts are concerned about chronic or lifetime exposure to the gas over a period of years. The sludge storage facility sensor has been at or above 5.6 parts per billion for the same 31 months. A state health department spokesperson, responding to concerns about the readings, said the levels do not necessarily mean health effects will occur. As air sensors came online beginning in 2019, they all showed levels well over 1.4 parts per billion. The raw sensor data was recently released publicly by the city of Kalamazoo on the odor task force page of the city’s website.
mlive.comBonds may cover sewer work
CITY OF GROSSE POINTE — As the City plans for next summer’s roadwork on Cranford Lane and Neff Road from St. Paul to Charlevoix — construction also will take place on Cadieux from Jefferson to Kercheval — it will combine the work with sewer infrastructure improvements to prevent newly paved streets from being dug up
grossepointenews.comBeautification awards return in City
Courtesy photosSteve and Maureen Cavera designed 439 St. Clair. CITY OF GROSSE POINTE — While Jennifer Coleman has been vehemently vying for a beautification award — “You have no idea,” her husband, Todd, joked — Mark Wojtas was not even aware of its existence. Nevertheless, both were excited to be honored during the City’s annual
grossepointenews.comMeet Ypsilanti’s mayoral candidates for the Nov. 8 general election
YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti voters will choose from among three candidates when they elect the city’s next mayor in November, bringing a new face to the local office. What are the most serious problems facing the City of Ypsilanti and how will you work to solve them? I truly believe that we need to look to our community members for the answers as they have the lived experience and relationships to help interrupt this issue. If we engage community members in meaningful ways, lift their voices, and provide them with a seat at the table, we will do great things. How would you describe your leadership style and how will that help the City of Ypsilanti become a better place?
mlive.comDecorative parking lot entries, tot lot building on City wishlist
CITY OF GROSSE POINTE — As City-owned lots in The Village continue through equipment and reconstruction improvements, council hopes to include the addition of decorative pillar entryways to lots 2, 3 and 4. With goals of enhancing aesthetics and more clearly identifying lots, the entries would mirror brick pillars found throughout the city, the metal
grossepointenews.comRoad closures to begin after Labor Day in Battle Creek
BATTLE CREEK, MI - City crews will be performing ongoing cleanup of the storm that swept through Michigan on Monday, Aug. 29. The City of Battle Creek announced that road closures will begin on Tuesday, Sept 6, and possibly last through Friday, Sept. 9. The closures are necessary as heavy equipment and trucks will be blocking the roads to allow for roadside brush pick, Battle Creek officials said in a news release. The road closures include the following:Watkins Road, from Helmer Road South to Minges Road SouthMinges Road South, from West Minges Road to Knapp DriveThe roads will be closed to traffic during work hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the news release. Although the closures affect through traffic, residents will still be allowed to go to and from their homes in the work area.
mlive.comSaginaw splash pad set to close for 2022 on Labor Day
SAGINAW, MI — City officials here said the splash park at Frank N. Andersen Celebration Park will close for this summer season after one last session Monday, Sept. 5. Until then, attendees can visit the splash park daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saginaw opened the splash pad May 28, but without access to bathrooms and changing areas. The splash pad faced competition for attention this year. In late May, Saginaw County officials debuted a county-operated splash pad at William H. Haithco Recreation Area in Saginaw Township. The new site featured similar amenities available at the Saginaw splash pad, which the city opened in 2010 at the site where residents once flocked to twin waterslides and a wave pool.
mlive.comPickleball coming to Elworthy
Photo by Renee LanduytMembers can take to the Elworthy Field platform tennis courts to play pickleball starting Oct. 1. CITY OF GROSSE POINTE — The demand for pickleball is high throughout the Pointes and particularly in the City, where the only option to play has been at The Neighborhood Club. Beginning Oct. 1, the City
grossepointenews.comCity passes finalized master plan
CITY OF GROSSE POINTE — It has been a little less than a year since the City of Grosse Pointe kicked off efforts to update its master plan for the first time since 2012. Monday night saw the planning commission — the City’s council also acts as its planning commission — approve the finalized plan
grossepointenews.comAnn Arbor asks owners of tall buildings to turn off lights to help migrating birds
ANN ARBOR – During the spring and fall migrations, more than 250 birds migrate at night over Michigan. Brightly-lit tall buildings disorient the birds and some will circle these buildings until their either die from colliding with the structure or from exhaustion. According to scientists, hundreds of millions of birds die annually as a result of these encounters with tall buildings. AdProperty owners of tall buildings as well as residents or office workers are encouraged to turn off their lights or close their shades after 11 p.m. during Safe Passages Great Lakes Days. Those who work in tall buildings at night are also encouraged to use desk lamps or other dim lights to minimize perimeter lighting at night.
Detroit Mayor Duggan discusses equity, new COVID vaccination site in State of the City address
DETROIT – Mayor Mike Duggan spent the first half of his annual State of the City address laying out the steps that have been taken to make sure Detroiters share in economic advancement. The other half of the address was about COVID-19 vaccine expansion. A new vaccination clinic will be opening this month at the Northwest Activities Center, which will have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Duggan was in hot water last week after he turned down 6,200 doses of the vaccine, suggesting it was not the best. Detroit rallied when the mayor and his team, early in the pandemic, called on the city to take all precautions to flatten the curve.
Police arrest 2 men who stole bricks while posing as demolition workers
DETROIT – On Friday, police arrested two people for stripping bricks from a city owned building in the 4000 block of Whitney in Detroit. According to Detroit police, on Friday neighbors in the area voiced concern about two men who were pulling down scrap bricks from an abandoned building and contacted the Detroit Land Bank. When police arrived to the area they witnessed the men piling the bricks on four wooden pallets. Police approached and spoke with the men who claimed they were demolition workers and authorized to be there. The men were both arrested while already on probation for the same crime.
Sterling Heights police officer resigns after controversial Facebook post
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – On Monday, the Sterling Heights Police Department issued an update into its investigation of a disturbing image posted to the private Facebook page of a police officer. The department issued the following statement in response adding that no further information would be provided at this time. “During the course of the Police Department’s internal investigation, and prior to disciplinary action, the police officer in question resigned. This incident further shows the City’s commitment to making sure each and every resident, business owner, and visitor feels welcome and safe in Sterling Heights. This objective is integral to realizing the City’s vision for Sterling Heights as a community that is vibrant, inclusive, and distinctive,” said Lt. Mario Bastianelli of the Sterling Heights Police Department in the statement.
Detroit man helps neighbors clear driveways, sidewalks of snow
DETROIT – With several inches of snow covering all of Detroit, it’s usually the inner city homes where the winter storm aftermath remains. With six to nine inches on the ground Detroit’s latest winter storm has caused a lot of frustration. That same stress is shared by not only Detroit residents behind the wheel, but also others who may be snowed in with at least half a foot in the driveway or on the sidewalk. Detroit police officers helped seniors clear snow from their driveways Tuesday. Details: Detroit officers help seniors shovel snow after winter stormMore additional snow is possible this week after Tuesday night’s heavy snowfall.