Major Ypsilanti road project mostly paused for winter. Here’s what crews finished in 2022
YPSILANTI, MI - The first year of a major road renovation project affecting thoroughfares running through downtown Ypsilanti is in the books, with winter putting a hold on most construction until the weather warms up again. As for Ypsilanti drivers, currently they face no lane or ramp closures in place as part of the $11-million resurfacing project of portions of M-17 running through Ypsilanti on Washtenaw Avenue, Hamilton Street and Huron Street, according to Jenkins. In conjunction with the road project, YCUA is replacing underground water mains and sewer infrastructure. For city updates on the road project, click here, and view MDOT road closures here. Here’s who wants the jobCourt weighs in on case of proposed 499-unit mobile home park near Ann ArborThese businesses closed in Washtenaw County in 2022These businesses opened in Ypsilanti in 2022
mlive.comMichigan Avenue closing east of Jackson for viaduct cleaning
JACKSON COUNTY, MI – A portion of Michigan Avenue in Leoni Township is closing for a day this week. Weather permitting, the Jackson County Department of Transportation is closing the road between S. Portage and Hayball roads on Wednesday, Dec. 21 for cleaning of the viaduct. The road is expected to open at the end of the day, officials said. No detour route is being posted and motorists should seek alternate routes. Those wanting more information can call the JCDOT office at 517-788-4230; visit its website or Facebook page.
mlive.comRobbie D’s celebrating grand opening Dec. 9 in Old Town Saginaw
SAGINAW, MI — Robbie D’s is opening soon in Old Town Saginaw’s Ippel building. Robbie D’s began as a food truck best known for its wings, burgers and cheesesteak egg rolls. Owner Robert Delgado is looking forward to growing his business by opening his first brick-and-mortar location on Friday, Dec. 9. Robbie D’s will also offer takeout and DoorDash delivery. Delgado encouraged new and existing customers to visit the new location for its grand opening.
mlive.comSanta Claus is coming to town. Jackson’s ready for 31st annual Christmas Parade
bright floats -- and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus -- will fill the streets of downtown Jackson for the 2022 Jackson Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Christmas Star,” said Ed Hatfield, Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade committee chairman. Music, lights and the usual appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end can be expected. “We’ve already heard from Santa and Mrs. Claus and they’re excited,” Hatfield said. More information and updates for the 2021 parade can be found on the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade’s Facebook page.
mlive.comMan allegedly held ex-girlfriend captive for 6 weeks, assaulted her with bat
WAYNE, MI – A man is facing multiple felony counts after allegedly taking his ex-girlfriend from her home at gunpoint and then holding her captive for six weeks, authorities said. He then allegedly held the victim against her will inside the vehicle and forced her to drive to Wayne. For the next six weeks, the defendant allegedly held the victim captive at a hotel in the 32700 block of Michigan Avenue in Wayne and a residence in the 3860 block of Hayes Street in Wayne, the release said. During that time, the defendant allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times with a baseball bat. man to go to trial for alleged sex assault against teen‘SLHS is getting bombed:’ Michigan high school evacuated after threat found on bathroom wall
mlive.comBook and media sale at Henry Ford Centennial Library Nov. 9
Photo: City of DearbornDEARBORN – The Friends of the Library Dearborn (FOLD) will be holding a book and media sale on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Avenue. Other items for sale include nonfiction, large print books, graphic novels, magazines, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, audiobooks, and more. Families will find many bargains for both children and teens; from beginning readers to picture books, chapter books, teen fiction, DVDs, and audiobooks. The Henry Ford Centennial Library also has sale shelves with a wide selection of material available for purchase year-round. Proceeds from the FOLD book sales are used to support library programs and services.
arabamericannews.comBook and media sale at the Henry Ford Centennial Library Nov. 9
Photo: City of DearbornDEARBORN — The Friends of the Library Dearborn (FOLD) will be holding a book and media sale on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Avenue. Other items for sale include nonfiction, large print books, graphic novels, magazines, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, audiobooks and more. Families will find many bargains for both children and teens; from beginning readers to picture books, chapter books, teen fiction, DVDs and audiobooks. The Henry Ford Centennial Library also has sale shelves with a wide selection of material available for purchase year-round. Proceeds from the FOLD book sales are used to support library programs and services.
arabamericannews.comJackson, Western excited to finally meet on the gridiron
JACKSON -- Heading out from the football field at Western High, take the back driveway out past the Panthers’ baseball and softball fields to Michigan Avenue and turn right. A few miles down Michigan Avenue, veer left onto Wildwood going through Jackson. Staying on Wildwood, after a few miles you reach Jackson High School. That is all that separates Western from Jackson. Seven miles and 44 years.
mlive.comHouse fire in Inkster kills 2 teenage boys
INSKTER, MI -- A 17-year-old and a 15-year-old boy were killed Friday night in a house fire that happened at a home on Florence Street near Inkster Road and Michigan Avenue. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the fire reportedly started around 11 p.m. Friday and the boys were the only people in the home at the time. When firefighters arrived at the house, the fire had already smothered itself out as it appeared to have been burning for a some time. Firefighters discovered the body of the 15-year-old first and then found the body of the 17-year-old as they searched the home. An investigation is ongoing into how the fire started, but authorities say it appears to have been an accident.
mlive.comJackson could spend $6.8 million resurfacing three roads next year
JACKSON, MI – Road construction projects totaling $6.3 million could be coming to Jackson next year. At a regular meeting Sept. 27, Jackson City Council unanimously approved requests to establish public hearings on three local street construction projects. Potentially parts of Wildwood Avenue, Wisner Street and Pearl Street could see improvements, according to a memo to city council. While two of the roads are just seeing simple repairs, Pearl Street is seeing extra work that will consist of a new water transmission main. This will take place around Pearl Street, including parts of Cooper Street, Michigan Avenue, Waterloo Avenue, Teneyck Street and East Avenue, the memo said.
mlive.comWoman charged with OWI causing death following fatal crash in Canton
CANTON, MI -- A Wayne woman accused of being under the influence when she allegedly hit and killed a man in Canton last week was arraigned Friday in 35th District Court on multiple charges. Lavina Flamer, 47, was charged with one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and one count of failure to stop at the scene of an accident – when at fault – resulting in death. In a news release, police said Rodgers was a Navy veteran but did not release any other personal information. Bond in the case was set at $5,000 and Flamer is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 14. READ MORE:18-year-old Davison woman dies in 3-vehicle crash in LapeerMichigan construction worker, last seen clinging to tree, among Hurricane Ian’s victimsPassengers flee train during 19-hour ride from Michigan to Chicago
mlive.comOne shot at Dearborn hotel, police negotiating with barricaded gunman
DEARBORN, MI -- Police are negotiating with a barricaded gunman at a Dearborn hotel after one person was shot Thursday, Oct. 6. Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin told media during a 4:15 p.m. briefing that a person with a long gun was barricaded in a hote room. He said a dispute between the person and hotel staff, involving money, preceded the shooting. Police worked to evacuate the hotel and asked the public to avoid the area. Whitmer kidnap plot admits shame, embarrassment before sentencingTips sought in Upper Peninsula roadside dumping investigation
mlive.comPolice responding to ‘active and dangerous’ shooting scene at Hampton Inn in Dearborn
DEARBORN, MI – Police from multiple departments are responding to an “active and dangerous” shooting situation in Dearborn. The Michigan State Police and Dearborn Police Department say the biggest danger to residents is in the area around a Hampton Inn at 22324 Michigan Avenue, between Military Street and Monroe Street, but added that the entire downtown Dearborn area should be avoided. The Michigan State Police said there are still shots being fired by the suspect. “Troopers and officers are working on clearing the entire area around the hotel,” they said in a statement. “Please stay away from the area as this is an active situation and extremely dangerous to the public.”This story will be updated when more information is available.
mlive.com18-year-old accused of deadly liquor store shooting
INKSTER, MI – An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a liquor store in Inkster last month. The suspect was arrested by Michigan State Police troopers on Sunday, Sept. 25, according to a news release. He is accused of fatally shooting a 17-year-old male on Aug. 6 at 25 Hour Liquor on Michigan Avenue in Inkster, the release said. The suspect is expected to be arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm in a building and felony firearm. READ MORE:Michigan couple charged in fatal shooting after months of investigationPolice investigate fatal shooting involving Michigan brothersWarning: Carbon monoxide detector sold on Amazon doesn’t workPolice identify woman, 29, killed in Kent County crash
mlive.comEMU admin allegedly drove naked while touching himself inappropriately
DEARBORN, MI – An Eastern Michigan University administrator is facing a felony charge after allegedly driving around Dearborn naked while touching himself inappropriately, officials said. Michael Tew, associate provost and associate vice president for academic programming and strategy at EMU, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at his Dearborn home related to the alleged incident. It was brought to the attention of the Dearborn Police Department on Friday, Sept. 2. “This sort of conduct is illegal and will not be tolerated in Dearborn,” Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said. He is charged with misdemeanor aggravated indecent exposure and felony indecent exposure with sexually delinquent person notice.
mlive.comDowntown Kalamazoo street closes for water main break
KALAMAZOO, MI – Part of Pitcher Street is closed after a water main break. Pitcher Street, between Water Street and Michigan Avenue, closed Thursday, Sept. 1, after a water main break, the city of Kalamazoo said in a news release. The road will be closed until Thursday, Sept. 8, for road repairs, the release said. Sidewalks will remain open and bicyclists can use them as well. More from MLive:Over 111,000 still without power days after Michigan stormJungleBird set to become Kalamazoo’s newest downtown dining destinationWife reported domestic violence twice in months before Portage murder-suicide, records sayFamily, friends remember local musician fatally shot outside Kalamazoo store
mlive.com5 new safety features in downtown Kalamazoo for those walking, driving or biking
KALAMAZOO, MI -- If you walk, bike or drive in downtown Kalamazoo, you may notice more safety features catching your attention. In some cases, that leaves extra room to create a bike lane, which can also help increase safety, he said. Bike WaveThe Bike Wave was installed along Lovell Street downtown. Bollard protected bike laneBollards were installed with bike lanes on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street in July north of Michigan Avenue. Protected bike lanes will run the length of the one-way sections of Westnedge Avenue and Park Street in Kalamazoo.
mlive.comAccused bank robber caught hiding in Dearborn porta-potty pleads guilty
DEARBORN, MI -- A man who was found by police hiding in a porta-potty earlier this year has admitted to robbing the Dearborn Federal Savings Bank. Charles Woolery, 52, of Inkster entered a guilty plea in federal court Monday to a charge of bank robbery in connection to the March 2 incident. Prosecutors accused Woolery of allegedly holding up a bank teller by handing her a note and motioning to his hip that he had a weapon on him. Police eventually caught up to Woolery in a porta-potty located in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn on Michigan Avenue. “The federal authorities appreciate the assistance and partnership of the Dearborn Police Department.”Woolery is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19 and faces up to 20 years in prison for the bank robbery charge.
mlive.com2 drivers injured in crash on Michigan Avenue near Ann Arbor
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Michigan Avenue near Platt Road was briefly shut down Thursday afternoon after one car crashed into another trying to pull into a private driveway. Emergency crews were called at 3:44 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, to the area west of the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Platt Road for a reported two-vehicle crash, according to the Pittsfield Township Police Department.
mlive.comProtected bike lanes being added on two busy one-way streets in Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Protected bike lanes are coming to two busy Kalamazoo streets as part of a pilot project. The pilot bike lanes will be marked with traffic cones, pavement bike symbols and temporary signage, the city of Kalamazoo said in a news release. The pilot bike lanes will extend the protected bike lanes installed in July south from where they currently end, at Michigan Avenue. Plastic bollards will also be added to the lanes where needed in the fall — based on traffic studies — to prevent traffic from entering the bike lanes. Protected bike lanes will run the length of the one-way sections of Westnedge Avenue and Park Street in Kalamazoo.
mlive.com19-year-old man gunned down outside Inkster party store
INKSTER, MI -- Police are investigating the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Elijah Steward who was killed Saturday night after leaving the 25 Hour Party Store located on Michigan Avenue. According to Fox 2 Detroit, Steward walked out of the store around 11 p.m. and was confronted by someone in a car that had pulled into the parking lot. After Steward exchanged words with people in that car before someone pulled out a gun and shot Steward. Following the shooting, Inkster Assistant Police Chief Constance Slappey called on young people to stop using guns to solve their disputes. “We just want the kids to stop the violence they have so much to live for,” Slappey said.
mlive.comBridge demolition closing I-94 in Jackson County
JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Bridge demolition and drainage work is closing I-94 in Jackson County this weekend. MDOT also is closing Elm Road from Barrett Lane to Rosehill Road for the bridge demolition, and to build ramps to the new bridge. The Elm Road ramp to westbound I-94 will be closed and detoured via Parnall Road and M-106 (Cooper Street) to I-94. The eastbound I-94 exit ramp to Elm Road will be closed and detoured via M-106 (Cooper Street) and Parnall Road. The I-94 project involves upgrading the U.S.127/M-50 (West Avenue)/I-94 interchange to a diverging diamond interchange, the Elm Road interchange with roundabouts, and the Lansing Avenue bridge over I-94.
mlive.comRamp to U.S. 23 in Washtenaw County closing for water main work
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - An on-ramp to U.S. 23 south of Ann Arbor is closing to all traffic until early August. The ramp from Michigan Avenue, or U.S. 12, to southbound U.S. 23 is slated to close at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, and remain off limits to vehicles until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The closure will allow for water main work at the ramp in Pittsfield Township, officials said. Traffic is being detoured south on Platt Road to the U.S. 23 ramps at Willis Road during the closure. More from The Ann Arbor News:Ann Arbor-area road closing for most of summer for reconstruction5 great places to try a brew and something new in Ann ArborGun testing facility approved by township north of Ann ArborMeet real-life Rosies at 5th annual Rosie the Riveter Craft Show
mlive.comFire rips through Pittsfield Township apartment complex
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Several Pittsfield Township residents were displaced from their homes after a fire broke out at their apartment complex Monday afternoon. Multiple fire crews responded at about 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, to the Hamptons of Cloverlane Apartments in Pittsfield Township between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The apartment complex is located at 4685 Hunt Club Dr. off Michigan Avenue near I-94. Fire departments from Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti Township, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti assisted at the scene. More from MLive:Boys 8, 11, 13 accused of stealing car, fleeing police on stolen dirt bikesAlligator hunt continues in Kalamazoo River near Michigan collegeLatest look at Ann Arbor developments taking shape in 2022
mlive.comChild hit by car in downtown Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO, MI – A child was hit by a car in downtown Kalamazoo on Thursday afternoon. The young girl was crossing Michigan Avenue just west of the intersection with Rose Street around 5:25 p.m., July 7, when she was hit by a car, an MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette reporter at the scene saw.
mlive.comViaduct repairs closing section of Michigan Avenue in Jackson County
JACKSON COUNTY, MI – A section of Michigan Avenue in Leoni Township is closing for one day. The closure between S. Portage and Hayball roads on Thursday, June 16, is being done for repairs of the viaduct, Jackson County Transportation Department officials said. Michigan Avenue will reopen at the end of the day, JCDOT officials said. Questions about the closure can directed to JCDOT at 517-788-4230. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Pets of the week: Angel has lots of energy.
mlive.comRose Parade returns with new route in downtown Jackson
The Rose Parade was back in Jackson. Lots of people came down,” Jim Francis, Jackson County Rose Festival president, said. The rose parade had two grand marshals this year -- Scott Clow and Jenny Lewis from The K-105.3 Morning Show. )”The history of Jackson’s Rose Parade goes back to 1922 when the Ella Sharp Park rose garden was established. In 1931, the rose was chosen as the official flower of Jackson – giving it the title of “The Rose City.” The first Rose Parade took place in 1958.
mlive.comSchool of the Art Institute faculty move to organize with union representing support staff, museum workers
The School of the Art Institute faculty organizing committee plans to expand efforts to collect signed union authorization cards in the coming days, the first step toward filing for union representation.
chicagotribune.comFrom Mexico to Saginaw, a family of entrepreneurs thrives on built foundation
SAGINAW, MI - All the way from Mexico, one woman paved the path for her family to build a foundation in Saginaw. However, as more family members arrived from Mexico, including her sister Maria G. Jimenez and two brothers, they wanted to create more jobs and opened a restaurant, Maria’s Kitchen, on Genesee Avenue. Community LegacyWhile some restaurant owners withhold their recipes, Gomez is the opposite. “God blessed me with a lot of good people around me and I started doing better and better and better for my family,” Gomez said. Thank you Saginaw,” Jimenez said.
mlive.comMan accused of hitting, killing WMU student was driving about 20 mph over limit, records show
KALAMAZOO, MI – A 19-year-old was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit when he was involved in a fatal crash, court records show. Related: Man arraigned in drunk driving death of Western Michigan University studentMultiple people called to say a woman was lying in the street unconscious after she was hit by a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed, the affidavit said. Broderick was a student at Western Michigan University. Hudgins stayed at the scene and told police that he was the driver of the vehicle, the affidavit said. A breathalyzer test returned a .078 blood alcohol content and a blood draw showed Hudgins had a BAC of .048, according to the affidavit.
mlive.comFrom traffic to masks: What you need to know ahead of WMU’s commencement
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Thousands of Western Michigan University students and their families will gather in Kalamazoo this weekend to celebrate the end of college. The Spring 2022 Commencement ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at Miller Auditorium. From traffic delays to mask wearing policies, here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s celebration. TrafficThe ceremonies are held at Miller Auditorium, but construction on Stadium Drive could cause delays in traffic. Students will also not be required to show a green COVID-19 screening badge ahead of the ceremonies.
mlive.comBattle Creek man charged in December homicide
BATTLE CREEK, MI – A man is charged with murder in a December death. Mohamed Saleh, 41, of Battle Creek, was arraigned April 19 on one felony count of open murder in Calhoun County District Court. Williams was found Dec. 3 with severe head trauma and died Dec. 14 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek police said. Officers responded to an abandoned home in the 200 block of Michigan Avenue, where they found Williams with severe head trauma, police said. Danielle Guilds honored for going above and beyond10 people file to run for 3 Kalamazoo County judicial seats
mlive.comMan sentenced to prison after wrong-way chase in downtown Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO, MI – A Portage man accused of leading police on a wrong-way chase and shooting a man was sentenced to prison. He was sentenced Monday, April 11 in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court by Judge Pamela Lightvoet. Related: Shooting suspect who led police on wrong-way chase through downtown Kalamazoo pleads guiltyHe was a suspect in a targeted shooting on April 13, 2021, in the 1800 block of Portage Street. The ensuing chase led police through residential neighborhoods and traveled the wrong way down the one-way Michigan Avenue into downtown Kalamazoo. They were two counts each of felony firearm, possession of firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon and assault, resist, obstruct a police officer.
mlive.comDo-Dah parade returns in 2022 with a question: ‘Where is the Zoo?’
KALAMAZOO, MI — For the first time since 2019, Kalamazoo’s iconic Do-Dah Parade will be back to normal — as normal as Do-Dah can be, that is. After being canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the parade ran in reverse in 2021. Related: St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to downtown Kalamazoo on Saturday, March 12But on Saturday, June 4, the parade will once again move forward through its route, and spectators are invited to line the downtown streets for the parade. It begins at the corner of Portage and Lovell streets, heads west to South Rose Street, north to Michigan Avenue, east to Portage Street and then back to the starting point. This year’s theme is “Where is the Zoo?” Participants will be asked to celebrate in themed costumes or create some sort of satiric parody with their parade mates.
mlive.comShooting suspect who led police on wrong-way chase through downtown Kalamazoo pleads guilty
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A Portage man who led police on a wrong-way chase through downtown Kalamazoo pleaded guilty this week to multiple felony charges. Jeremy Thrasher pleaded guilty Monday, March 7, to fleeing police, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and a weapons charge for discharging his gun from a vehicle, Kalamazoo County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Scott Brower said. Thrasher was a suspect in a targeted shooting on April 13, in the 1800 block of Portage Street. The ensuing chase led police through residential neighborhoods and traveled the wrong way down the one-way Michigan Avenue into downtown Kalamazoo. The car ultimately crashed near downtown, at the intersection of West Kalamazoo Avenue and North Park Street.
mlive.comHere’s where weather is closing roads in Jackson County
JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Heavy rain and snow have led to the closure of several Jackson County roadways. As of 6 p.m. on Thursday, three roads have been closed by the Jackson County Department of Transportation due to washouts and flooding, including Pickett Road between Michigan Avenue and Peckham Road in Parma Township, Root Station Road between Jordan Road and M-106 in Henrietta Township and King Road between South Parma Road and Riegle Road in Spring Arbor Township. Please drive slow and safe. Be cautious when driving on roads with water over them.”Further closures and road updates will be announced on JCDOT’s Facebook page throughout the night, officials said. Read more from MLive:First female Michigan State police chief dies of breast cancer, remembered as a ‘Spartan forever’Interactive snow forecast map pinpoints heavy snow across southern MichiganYpsilanti officials release details about fatal crash that occurred minutes after police traffic stopFraternities raise $141k for Winterfest at University of Michigan
mlive.comKalamazoo State Theatre plans music from the marquee for Saturday’s downtown chili cook-off
KALAMAZOO, MI — For the second year in a row, downtown Kalamazoo’s chili cook-off will be an outdoor-only event. And for the second straight year, the Kalamazoo State Theatre, at 404 S. Burdick St., will provide free entertainment from its marquee during the festivities, according to a news release from the venue. Related: Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-off will stay outside for February 2022 eventAbbey Rose & Co. will bring its family band brand of music to the marquee at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, and perform a two-hour set of primarily classic rock with a sampling of songs from today. The band features Abbey Ufkes on lead vocals, her dad Todd Ufkes on lead guitar, and her uncle, Tommy Ufkes, on drums. Organizers also act those coming out for the cook-off to follow the flow of traffic laid out by event signage.
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