JASON MORGAN

That included words of thanks from county Sheriff Jerry Clayton, county Commissioners Jason Morgan and Caroline Sanders, as well as Superior Township officials past and present, according to meeting minutes. But while there’s little doubt among officials McKinney’s decades of public service deserve recognition, there’s also a potential storm brewing behind the scenes over what happens next on the township board. It outlines a proposed swap of sorts between McKinney and Lewis for their township positions. That stinks,” said township Trustee Bernice Lindke, a relative newcomer to the board, elected in 2020. That’s what some township board members advocate.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Flying drones and robots. That may be how fresh food gets delivered to food-insecure parts of Washtenaw County in the not-so-distant future. But there aren’t many community centers across the county, she said, noting they’re concentrated in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. County leaders believe the map can help with the food drone initiative, though it’s still a working draft. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:White men dominate Ann Arbor city government in hiring and promotionsHow Ann Arbor plans to recruit more minority police and firefighters31 Ann Arbor streets to be resurfaced under $7M contractParking lot on Ann Arbor’s Main Street eyed for affordable housingResolution to end gun violence adopted by Washtenaw County board

Click here)WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - An Ann Arbor Democrat seeking to make the jump to statewide office has one Republican challenger in the race for a new Michigan State House seat stretching between Ann Arbor and South Lyon. Current Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Morgan of Ann Arbor and Wayne County Republican Richard L. Sharland of Plymouth Township have filed to run to represent the newly-drawn 23rd Michigan House of Representatives District in Lansing. The district covers much of downtown Ann Arbor, including the University of Michigan’s Central Campus, before stretching east into Ann Arbor and Superior townships. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. More from The Ann Arbor News:What new Congressional, legislative maps mean for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County votersSee who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in CongressHere’s who’s running for new Michigan House seat in Ypsilanti areaSee who’s running for Michigan’s new 15th District Senate seat in Ann Arbor areaSee who’s running for new 33rd District state House seat in Ann Arbor area

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Baristas and other Starbucks workers seeking to unionize in the Ann Arbor area have the backing of Washtenaw County’s top elected body. “I do think this is a historic opportunity for labor,” said Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Morgan, whose central Ann Arbor district includes several unionizing Starbucks stores. Washtenaw County leaders say the labor efforts are about more than just local the coffee shops. “The Board of Commissioners believes that this unionization drive will benefit not only Starbucks workers but all workers in our community,” reads part of the resolution passed on Wednesday. County leaders lined up to profess their support for the service workers and declare Washtenaw County’s commitment to labor.

On Wednesday, the county’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the day and adding it to county calendars for this year and beyond.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - The person widely considered to be Michigan’s first openly gay man and one of its most prominent LGBTQ activists has passed away, several officials announced. He also was a founding member of the same organization in Ann Arbor. Read more: A look back at LGBTQ activism in Ann Arbor as Braun Court enters new chapterOther work in Ann Arbor included co-founding the Ann Arbor Gay Hotline in 1972, writing the city’s “Lesbian-Gay Pride Week Proclamation” the same year and formulating the city’s non-discrimination policy on sexual orientation. Toy “fought with every bone in his body to support the LGBTQ community,” Dingell wrote. Read more from MLive:Timeline of the Dr. Robert Anderson abuse scandal at University of MichiganTimeline of Eastern Michigan University fraternity sexual assault scandalEmails reveal tension among University of Michigan regents amid Ron Weiser’s Capitol riot controversy

WASTHENAW COUNTY, MI - One thing is clear: Washtenaw County officials are working on a COVID-19 vaccination policy for its roughly 1,400 employees. The county’s health officer, Jimena Loveluck, presented a draft policy to county commissioners on Wednesday evening, Nov,. It’s looking as if the rules will likely apply to local government, Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Ringler-Cerniglia said Thursday afternoon. Washtenaw County oversees public health and should work to make sure that every person who interacts with county staff feels safe, Morgan said. The draft policy on the table for Washtenaw County employees is based on a measure implemented in Ingham County in late September, which also requires testing for the unvaccinated, Ringler-Cernigilia said.

It was an all hands on deck effort this past weekend to repair a Black Lives Matter mural that was defaced in September in Ypsilanti.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI-- When schools close for the summer, families may lose an important source of food. Food Gatherers is looking to ensure summer vacation doesn’t leave Washtenaw County children and teens without meals by offering free food pick ups. Sites for grab-and-go meal pick ups have started as of Thursday, June 17, but vary depending on location. However, pick-up sites are located in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Food Gatherers is the largest sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program in Washtenaw County, according to its website.

MONROE COUNTY, MI – An Ohio woman was struck by a car and killed while walking her dog along a Bedford Township road Thursday night, police said. Police and rescue crews were called at 9:18 p.m. June 17, to the area of Lewis Avenue and Smith Road for a report of a car hitting a pedestrian, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined Kimmins was walking her dog east across Lewis Avenue when she was stuck by a 2008 Infinity going north, police said. The driver, a 54-year-old Toledo man, was not injured, police said, adding it is unknown if weather, speed or alcohol were factors in the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 734-240-7541.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Washtenaw County Chairman Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, announced his bid for state House, according to a campaign release Thursday. Morgan succeeded Rabhi on the board when Rabhi was sworn into the state House in 2017. “Jason has the energy, drive and compassion needed to be an effective voice for Ann Arbor residents,” Taylor said in a statement. In addition, 17 current and former Ann Arbor City Council members endorsed him, according to the release. The current 53rd state House district includes most of Ann Arbor, though new district lines are being drawn by the State of Michigan Citizens Redistricting Committee.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township will receive approximately double the amount of federal stimulus funding than expected through the American Rescue Plan. While initial estimates projected Ann Arbor would receive $22.5 million from the federal coronavirus relief plan, city officials were informed to only anticipate getting $11.85 million. Ann Arbor is categorized as a metropolitan area according to the U.S. Census Bureau definitions for micro/metropolitan areas. The letter was coupled by a resolution passed by the county board in support of Ann Arbor receiving an amount consistent with other cities in Michigan that had less lost revenue than Ann Arbor. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Proposed Ann Arbor budget includes police cutbacks, restoring deer cull programShould Ann Arbor cut $30M police budget to fund mental health crisis responders?

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Full-time Washtenaw County employees will now earn at least $15 per hour. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution at its April 7 meeting establishing the minimum wage for all regular, full-time county government employees. “People who work at least 40 hours a week should not be living in poverty,” Commissioner Jason Morgan, District 8, said. Under this resolution, some seasonal employees and a few other non-regular job classifications will continue to make less than $15 per hour. “Giving the assurance to our current and future employees that they will be paid at least $15 an hour is an important first step, " said Sue Shink, county board chairwoman and commissioner for District 2.

All regular, full-time employees in Washtenaw County will now make at least $15 an hour.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A Gelman plume cleanup deal rejected by Ann Arbor now has Scio Township’s support. In a drama-filled meeting last month, the Ann Arbor City Council voted 7-4 to reject a conditional settlement. The parties have been working toward a mutually agreeable consent judgment, but with Ann Arbor and Scio Township now taking different positions, that could complicate matters. She’s concerned about Scio residents on the fringe of the plume and doesn’t think there are enough protections, she said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:How they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for October 2020A roundup of local election coverage in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw CountyAnn Arbor officials oppose deal to let polluter discharge dioxane into ‘pristine lake’A closer look at the proposed Gelman plume cleanup plan.

Nine Washtenaw County officials issued a joint open letter to the community Thursday, Oct. 29, with the latest public health guidance amid the surge in cases. COVID-19 case trends in Washtenaw County.Washtenaw County Health DepartmentA two-week snapshot from Oct. 15-28 showed there were another 962 confirmed COVID-19 cases among local residents, including two deaths, according to the Washtenaw County Health Department, which reports a 3.9% weekly test positivity rate and a 2% hospitalization rate. The total number of confirmed and probable cases among Washtenaw County residents is now up to 5,762, including 121 deaths and 497 hospitalizations. COVID-19 case trends in Washtenaw County.Washtenaw County Health DepartmentThe letter offers the following guidance:Make absolutely sure you do not have any symptoms before going out in public or having contact with others. The county health department received $248,000, some of which will go toward pop-up testing and flu vaccine clinics.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County officials are thinking about how they can tackle climate change by taking carbon-neutrality and sustainability initiatives countywide. Ann Arbor adopted its A2Zero plan earlier this year, outlining steps to make the entire community carbon-neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy by 2030. Ann Arbor unanimously adopts ambitious roadmap to carbon-neutralityThe county also recently set a 2030 carbon-neutrality goal, but officials say the county lacks resources and is far behind Ann Arbor in terms of figuring out a path forward. Ann Arbor is already doing “this incredible work and developing these big, bold, robust plans within the city,” Morgan said. “This is an area where we as the county can provide a really amazing resource if we’re able to leverage those resources with Ann Arbor,” Morgan said.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Violators of COVID-19 emergency orders issued by the Washtenaw County Health Department now can face steep monetary penalties. COVID-19 case trends in Washtenaw County.Washtenaw County Health DepartmentCommissioner Katie Scott, D-Ann Arbor, said she’s been eager to see something like this penalty schedule. “There’s absolutely no intention to infringe on anyone’s constitutional rights with these orders,” Loveluck said. “So, what we’re doing here tonight with this resolution and through the health department is about protecting our community,” she said. Washtenaw County’s penalty fines are modeled after what Ingham County is doing, Loveluck said, noting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also is working on penalty fines for statewide orders.

It's one of two natural lakes in Ann Arbor, the other being Second Sister Lake. First Sister Lake in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. “Danaher has the technology to actually remediate the situation and stop that plume from spreading,” said Ann Arbor resident Lauren Sargent. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Expert explains cleanup plan for Ann Arbor dioxane plume in 7 new videosAnn Arbor finalizing plans to test for dioxane leaking into residents' basements10 (yard) signs show Donald Trump isn’t getting many votes in Ann ArborFormer Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s downtown Ann Arbor condo hits market for $2.35MCoronavirus cases surge in University of Michigan residence halls

ANN ARBOR – Jason Morgan, Chair of Washtenaw County’s Board of Commissioners, has written an open letter to President Donald Trump calling on him to cancel his planned visit to the area on Thursday. President Trump is scheduled to visit Ford’s Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti, which has been producing ventilators during the pandemic. In his letter, Morgan said that lack of communication from White House personnel to local officials about the visit leads him to believe it must be a campaign stop. “Your tweet incorrectly stated that absentee ballots will be mailed - in fact, residents will receive absentee ballot applications,” wrote Morgan. President Trump has not responded to Morgan’s letter.

ANN ARBOR – Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Jason Morgan, declared a countywide state of emergency on Wednesday morning. See Morgan’s full statement below:“For the health and safety of all residents of Washtenaw County and for the long-term stability of our local economy, public safety and criminal justice system and community social safety net, I am declaring a state of emergency. "Many of our community members look to the county for their safety net services, and now more than ever, we must be there to assist.”For the latest information on the COVID-19 situation locally, check the Washtenaw County Health Department’s site www.washtenaw.org/covid19. United Way of Washtenaw County is a close community partner of the Washtenaw County Government. Read: United Way of Washtenaw County launches COVID-19 Community Relief Fund

It marked a new chapter for the Big Four as Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who held the job for 28 years, died last summer of pancreatic cancer. Morgan, 31, the youngest leader on the stage, represented Washtenaw County which is supportive of a new regional transit effort announced several weeks ago. The Breakfast Club is a popular morning speaker series launched by the Detroit Free Press to focus on important issues impacting the region. DTE is presenting sponsor of the Breakfast Club. More photos from the Breakfast Club Forum:Trevor Lauer Trevor Lauer, DTEs President and COO, who spoke to the "Breakfast Club" audience as the forum began.

The weather felt like spring time - not Christmas time - this week in Monroe County. On Christmas, temperatures at the Dundee Wastewater Treatment Plant reached a high of 55 degrees, while Custer Airport in Monroe recorded a 54 Wednesday. Just the same, the warm breezes made it much more comfortable than normal for Christmas and holiday gatherings this week. Rangers from Sterling State Park that oversees the launch in Monroe Township counted almost 80 boats going into the water, said Jason Morgan, park supervisor. Golfers were flocking to area golf courses to get in one last round, including the Harbor Dunes Golf Course on LaPlaisance just west of I-75.

DETROIT – Leaders from around Michigan joined on Monday morning to make a major announcement involving regional transit in Southeast Michigan. A regional transit plan was pitched in 2018, but never made it to the ballot. The new four-step proposal involves Wayne County, Oakland County and Washtenaw County, and noticeably omits Macomb County, although officials said Macomb could join later. The goal is to have a regional transit plan on the November 2020 ballot in Michigan. “We support the efforts of our regional partners exploring better connected regional transit options,” said Hackel.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. Leaders from around Michigan are expected to make an announcement Monday morning involving regional transit. Sources said this is expected to be a push to expand regional transit in the Metro Detroit area. UPDATE: Metro Detroit regional transit initiative announced for 2020: What to knowMacomb County Executive Mark Hackel is not expected to be there. In 2018, Wayne County revealed a new regional transit plan that it hoped would make the 2018 ballot. At the time, Oakland County released a statement saying it cannot support a regional transit plan that taxes Oakland County communities which already said no to funding regional transit just 16 months ago.