WASHTENAW COUNTY

Central Academy is one of 16 schools in the United States to be awarded a 2022 grant from the Snapdragon Book Foundation.

Around 20 volunteers will paint, clean and organize, build a Free Little Library, plant flowers, prepare a community garden, help with home improvement in the West Willow neighborhood.

Two local organizations are partnering to tackle mental health in the Washtenaw County homeless population.

Learn more about the grassroots effort to bring a community-owned utility to Ann Arbor at an event this weekend.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man was arrested Sunday afternoon after a road rage incident in Pittsfield Township where he pulled a gun on another driver. Shortly after both cars turned right onto eastbound Washtenaw Avenue, the suspect vehicle pulled alongside the victim’s vehicle and pulled out what appeared to be a Glock semiautomatic handgun and pointed it at the driver, police said. The victim immediately called 911 and officers quickly identified and pulled over the suspect vehicle, police said. Charges have been submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for review. More from MLive:Police seize $40K of meth in Livingston County bustMan charged with murder in Washtenaw County shooting‘White Boy Rick’ Wershe says helping nonviolent offenders is his passion

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man accused of slaying another man near an Ypsilanti Township gas station has been charged with murder. Davion Christopher Brooks, 18, was arraigned May 18 on open murder and firearms charges for the shooting death of Laryus Dottery who was killed Saturday, May 14, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators discovered that one of two suspects involved in the shooting had also suffered a gunshot wound, police said. Brooks is being held in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 734-973-7711.

Washtenaw Community College will give almost 2,000 degrees to graduates during its first in-person commencement ceremony in three years on Saturday.

Proceeds will go to causes supported by The Hosting, a Ypsilanti-based art nonprofit, according to a release.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A Washtenaw County jail officer charged with assaulting an inmate in 2020 has been sentenced to probation. Washtenaw County Trial Judge Carol Kuhnke sentenced Christopher Todd Ellul Tuesday, May 17, to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service and anger management for assaulting an inmate of the jail. “I never aimed to injure or hurt anyone.”Corrections Division Commander Kurt Schiappacasse testified that Ellul violated Washtenaw County Jail policy on neck holds and deadly force. ‘His wrong choice was deadly force.’ Attorneys debate Washtenaw County jail officer’s alleged excessive force“I feel my client has been treated unfairly in this case,” Simon said. “It’s understandable what happened, but it was not justified and unacceptable.”Ellul is eligible to be released from probation early once he completes anger management and his community service.

A young Michigan man accused of being in a white supremacist group has pleaded no contest to conspiracy and other crimes.

Money named the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor the “Best College in America” based on value for 2022.

ANN ARBOR, MI - The Washtenaw Intermediate School District is inviting the community to tour its newly-renovated, 130,000-square-foot High Point School during an open house Thursday, May 19. “We are excited to open High Point’s doors to our community this spring,” WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman said in a statement. The building serves approximately 70 special needs students from each of the WISD’s nine local school districts who attend High Point, along with Honey Creek Community School and Gretchen’s House. The newly-renovated High Point is comprised of 32 classrooms, with an additional six rooms on one wing of the building to accommodate future program growth. READ MORE:Take a look inside the new $52M High Point School in Washtenaw CountyThese Washtenaw County students have been awarded National Merit ScholarshipsClasses canceled, masks reinstated at Ann Arbor school after COVID-19 uptick

Free COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at three vaccine clinics at Ann Arbor YMCA’s downtown location, 400 W. Washington St., this week.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man died and his suspected killer was arrested Saturday by police investigating a shooting that that occurred in Ypsilanti Township. Laryus Dottery, 19, died Saturday, May 14, after being fatally shot near the BP Dairy Mart on Textile Road near Bridge Road in Ypsilanti Township, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Under a first-of-its-kind agreement in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor firefighters are going to staff an ambulance provided by Huron Valley Ambulance. HVA will provide a basic-life-support ambulance, while city firefighters, who are trained EMTs, will use it to transport patients who generate revenue for HVA. The plan is to coordinate with HVA, not replace HVA, said Fire Chief Mike Kennedy, noting full replacement of HVA in Ann Arbor would be a monumental effort. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:How Ann Arbor plans to recruit more minority police and firefightersThis crumbling Ann Arbor path may be the worst, but who should pay to fix it? Michigan construction trade group opposes new Ann Arbor bid practicesHere are the Washtenaw County tax proposals on the August primary ballotAnn Arbor OKs nearly $500K plan to fill sidewalk gaps in 5 areas

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Voters in much of Washtenaw County will have more than contested primary races on their ballots in August. A smattering of township millage proposals and a Dexter schools tax proposal have also made the ballot for the Aug. 2 primary, according to an official list from the Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office. For a list of candidates who will also be on the ballot in Washtenaw County, see ongoing election coverage from MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Read more: 2022 primary election ballot for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County votersHere are the local ballot measures to be decided in August. More from The Ann Arbor News:Here’s who’s running for Washtenaw County board, township and city offices in 2022What new Congressional, legislative maps mean for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County votersSee who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in Congress

Welcome to Sunday, Motown.

Stormy weather continues through the midnight hour and during the early hours of Monday. A total lunar eclipse will occur late Sunday night into early Monday morning.

Ford Motor Company employees and visitors will once again be required to wear face masks at facilities that are in regions identified as having a high COVID risk, officials said Saturday.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved in a crash Thursday morning while on his way to respond to an unrelated incident, police say. At 8:26 a.m. Thursday, May 12, the deputy was responding to a call for service when he was involved in a crash with another car in the intersection of Ford and Prospect roads in Superior Township, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.

The Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild will hold its biennial quilt show July 30-31.

In 2018, another man drowned after jumping into the river off the bridge near Argo Dam. Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said bridge jumping presents multiple dangers, both in the act of being on a railroad bridge itself, and in jumping into the river. The railroad bridge at Bandemer Park is used by trains traveling at a high rate of speed, Kennedy said, adding another element of danger to jumping from the bridge. The river is often filled with large debris like fallen trees and limbs, he noted, making jumping a danger. Jumping or diving from a public bridge or overpass is misdemeanor according to state law, Smith said, while being on a railroad bridge alone is considering trespassing, also a misdemeanor.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Weeks after being delayed amid accusations neighbors hadn’t been given a chance to have their say, a planned 182-unit subdivision with added office space south of Ann Arbor is finally set to move forward. The Inglewood Park West project, slated for 70 acres of mostly vacant farmland between Textile Road and Lavender Lane in Pittsfield Township, has long been in the pipeline, getting a first look in 2018.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Health officials are officially recommending Washtenaw County residents again wear masks in indoor public spaces, marking the end of a COVID-19 lull that saw the loosening of some virus prevention measures. That’s because as of Thursday, May 12, Washtenaw County has moved up to “high” on a federal tool gauging several key coronavirus transmission metrics. County health officials recommend a multilayer surgical, KN95 or N95 face covering, rather than a cloth mask,. In early April, Washtenaw County led Michigan in jumping from low to medium on the indicator. It’s going to find the opportunity, it’s going to find more vulnerable people, it’s going to spread,” said Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Ringler-Cerniglia.

Washtenaw County is once again categorized as a high risk area for COVID spread.

Several Metro Detroit counties have been upgraded to a “high” COVID-19 risk category and are being urged to practice mask wearing in public by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ann Arbor Public Schools has shared the name of the boy who drowned in the Huron River on May 11, 2022.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Marijuana sales will soon be permitted in Pittsfield Township, opening up a potential windfall of tax revenue. On Wednesday, May 11, they OK’d rules allowing marijuana businesses in certain areas, capping a years-long drafting process. “We will not do that here in Pittsfield Township,” she said. A map included in Pittsfield Township board documents shows the boundaries of marijuana overlay districts regulating where different kinds of marijuana businesses can locate in certain areas of the township. Here’s what’s coming100 years in bloom: Peony garden’s historic anniversary comes with multiple eventsNew monitoring wells to help Ann Arbor track spread of toxic pollutionSee inside the new $50M Ann Arbor facility for a global chemical company

Scio Township’s land preservation millage, first approved by a strong majority of voters in 2004 and renewed in 2012, will be back on residents’ ballots this year after a unanimous vote from the township board on Tuesday, May 10. Officials hope voters will again renew the 0.5-mill, 10-year proposal that funds the purchase of public natural areas and preservation of farmland. “We have the dual challenge right now of increasing development pressure and climate change, and I think in both cases we have about 10 years of time here to conserve as much land as we can,” said township land preservation consultant Barry Lonik to elected leaders on Tuesday. The township’s preservation program has used the funds to leverage $1.40 in matching dollars from other conservation programs for every $1 it has spent, Lonik said. More from The Ann Arbor News:‘Seasoned’ interim administrator hired in Scio Township amid criticism over rushed decisionPreliminary plans for 105-acre senior-living community near Dexter get OKSee inside the new $50M Ann Arbor facility for a global chemical companyKey findings of MLive’s reporting on Ann Arbor city hall diversity, discrimination

Working from home is great, and remote workers in Tree Town are living the good life.

Ann Arbor officials are cautioning community members after a teenager was left in critical condition after drowning on Wednesday.

The seven-day average of confirmed COVID-19 deaths increased this week in Michigan for the first time since March. Wednesday’s total included 23,166 confirmed cases and 66 confirmed deaths. This means the state is now averaging 3,309 confirmed cases and 9 deaths per day in the last seven days. On May 4, the state was averaging 2,297 confirmed cases and seven deaths per day in the previous seven days. Cases by countiesSince May 4, all Michigan counties reported new, confirmed cases.

A former Eastern Michigan University student is coming forward to share the story of how he says he was treated by the university after being sexually assaulted in his dorm room.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Two years after plans for a 105-acre senior-living community pitched for farmland south of Dexter got a first look, they’ve cleared the first hurdle toward becoming a reality. On Tuesday, May 10, Scio Township officials unanimously OK’d the preliminary plans for Encore at Heritage Woods Village, whose 231 total units and 120-bed assisted-living facility are targeted at older adults older than 55.

The American Heart Association’s 2022 Washtenaw County Heart and Stroke Walk & 5K will kick off on Saturday morning.

Free concerts are scheduled for Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. between June 2 and August 25.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Thirteen Washtenaw County students are among the 2,500 students chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners. The winners of the $2,500 scholarships, who were announced on Tuesday, May 10, were selected from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The event will feature cultural performances, food and booths from Asian American-owned businesses.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man accused of leading police on a brief chase in Superior Township and crashing into several parked cars outside an apartment complex is going back to prison. Gabriel Alexander Smith was sentenced by Washtenaw County Trial Judge Carol Kuhnke on Tuesday, May 10 to serve 14 months to four years in prison for his role in leading police in a brief chase and crashing. Pair charged with multiple felonies for fleeing police, crashing into parked carsSmith fled police and hit several parked cars making his escape, officials said. His additional counts of carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, drug possession and third-degree child abuse were dismissed at sentencing. The passenger in the car and codefendant in the case, David Tyrone Epps, is still awaiting trial.

ANN ARBOR, MI - The final COVID-19 numbers of the spring semester are in at the University of Michigan, showing a decrease across campus, while the rest of Washtenaw County continues its recent uptick. Cases peaked last month with 518 cases during the week that ended April 9, according to the UM database. Weekly numbers have decreased to 321 cases from the week that ended on April 30 when commencement occurred for this year’s graduates.

Christy regularly volunteers her time to make sure that those in need of help, or food, are able to get it.

Like most places in Michigan, homes in Washtenaw County have gotten more expensive since 2019. Some areas are rising faster than others.

On Saturday, Tree Town residents can leave non-perishable food items next to their mailboxes for postal workers to pick up.

On Saturday, May 21, the Halfway To Halloween Vendor & Craft Show will take over the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

United Way of Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation are partnering with a national nonprofit to help families overcome their financial struggles.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Flowers are blooming and leaves reappearing. With spring, comes road construction season in Washtenaw County, where a suite of projects are already underway for the 2022 warm weather window running through the fall. Projects include rehab work on 130-year-old historic bridges, a trio of new roundabouts and safety improvements courtesy of the Washtenaw County Road Commission, tasked with maintaining roadways outside of city or village limits.

Learn how you can live a greener life at Ann Arbor's annual Green Fair.

See this year's Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival lineup.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A series of projects intended to control invasive aquatic plants that can choke out native species and impede summertime recreational opportunities are moving forward on lakes in northern Washtenaw County. The efforts, which could also include mechanical harvesting of aquatic plants and water quality studies, are meant to boost the ecological health and protect the bodies of water for boating, fishing and other recreation, according to Washtenaw County Public Works. They are funded by local special tax assessments on property with access to the lake in question, and therefore require public hearings held by the county Board of Public Works for affected residents. If instituted, the special assessments would be placed on 2022 winter tax bills, with project services beginning in 2023, according to Washtenaw County Public Works. For information on each of the lake management projects from Washtenaw County, click here.

AAPS will be doing a hiring push for before and after care workers.

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

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, works to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The clinic will take place in the Parish Activity Center of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 2250 E. Stadium Blvd.

Don’t worry, the 24th Cheesecakerie Briarwood Mall location, at 100 Briarwood Cir., is still open and serving slices.

High river levels are pushing back the opening of the Argo Canoe Livery.

Celebrate summer in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor.

Share your thoughts with the city about creating a Sustainable Energy Utility.

ANN ARBOR, MI - A 14-point plan to end gun violence in Washtenaw County was approved Wednesday evening by the county’s Board of Commissioners. The recommendations came from community input, including anti-violence groups, residents who have experienced the consequences of gun violence and local policymakers. Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution outlining these recommendations during its May 4 meeting.

This year, the nonprofit is asking for donations for a matching fundraiser with the Harold and Kay Peplau Family Fund, which will match up to $40,000 dollar-for-dollar.

Gutman Gallery will kick off its newest exhibition on May 13.

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is looking for staff for its pools, day camps and golf courses.

ANN ARBOR, MI — For as long as many can remember, the southwest corner of Main and Ann streets in downtown Ann Arbor has been a parking lot. Washtenaw County leaders are now eyeing the county-owned lot for potential development, following Ann Arbor’s lead on considering options for affordable housing downtown.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A failed attempt to rezone land has led to an ongoing lawsuit by a developer against Ann Arbor Township. JA Bloch and Company of Southfield, owners of land north of Warren Road near US-23, want to develop a 600-unit mobile home park on what is now zoned as agricultural land. The township denied the attempted residential rezoning of the land, leading to the developer suing the township in Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

John Michael Stewart has been sentenced after pleading guilty to animal abuse.

Ann Arbor is one of the top public school districts in the U.S., according to Niche.

Washtenaw County Trial Judge Carol Kuhnke sentenced John Michael Stewart on Tuesday, May 3 to two years of probation and 50 hours community service on two counts of animal cruelty. “(Stewart) fully understands what occurred here and the animals were harmed in the process,” his attorney Regina Garrett Caragher said. 45 dogs and cats living in raw sewage, excrement rescued from Washtenaw County homeThe Humane Society of Huron Valley was contacted and launched an animal abuse investigation after a total of 45 dogs and cats were discovered living in neglectful conditions, police said. All animals have since been removed and cared for by the Humane Society of Huron Valley, police said. Stewart suspended his rights to the dogs which will soon be available for adoption at the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Celebrate all things cycling at a downtown event with the DDA.

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is back in-person after the pandemic disrupted its regular programming.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A head-on crash on U.S. 23 in Ann Arbor Township sent two drivers to the hospital with minor injuries Tuesday morning. Rescue crews were called at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, to northbound U.S. 23 for a reported head-on crash with injuries, according to the Michigan State Police.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - About 50 gallons of raw wastewater overflowed in a Washtenaw County township due to a break in the main force line, officials said. The overflow occurred around 3 p.m. Monday, May 2, on Bunton Road in Augusta Township, south of Saline, officials said, adding the break occurred in the force main, the line that utilizes pumps to transport wastewater through the system. The force main has been repaired and the area affected by the overflow has been cleaned, officials said. Questions or concerns about the overflow can be directed to Blair Selover, spokesman for Augusta Township’s utility operator F&V Operations and Resource Management. He can be reached by phone at 616-588-1924 or by mail at 2960 Lucerne Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

A husband and wife architect team designed and built an accessory dwelling unit on their property in Ann Arbor.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A felony embezzlement case delayed since 2018 ended in a dismissal Monday afternoon. Washtenaw County Trial Judge Patrick Conlin Jr. granted a motion of dismissal Monday, May 2, in the case against Tracey Sindlinger who was accused of embezzling more than $50,000 from her former employer during a nearly three-year period.

The Taste of Ann Arbor returns with live music, kids activities and plenty of food this June.

Street closures will resume in the downtown area on Thursday.

Enjoy celebrating the Huron River at this family-friendly annual event.

Young, Ypsilanti-based artists will ask tough questions and explore the themes of gentrification, community and housing justice on May 14 and 15.

Between June 10 and July 3, the KidZone tent will have free, nightly hands-on activities with community partners.

Police are investigating an altercation between a substitute teacher and a sixth grade student at Ypsilanti Middle School.

Numerous streets will be closed on Sunday for the Burns Park Run.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – The case involving a husband accused of shooting and killing his wife claiming he mistook her for an intruder remains open after jurors were unable to reach a verdict Friday. Jurors were deadlocked Friday, April 29, in the case against Bryan Anthony James who was on trial for the murder of his wife, Ashley. She was fatally shot by James in their home during the summer of 2019.

(The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updates its COVID data once a week on Wednesdays.) RELATED: Michigan reports nearly 15,000 new COVID cases in last week; hospitalizations up about 20%Levels are determined by new COVID cases and hospitalization data in the last seven days. The growth rate was about 2-3% in the two prior weeks, according to a weekly Michigan COVID report. RELATED: 62 of 83 counties see case increase: Michigan COVID data for Thursday, April 28Numbers are growing most in the southeast part of the state. Michigan has 83 counties and 25 health service areas, three of which stretch outside the state’s boundaries, according to the CDC.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has tapped a first-term Washtenaw County commissioner representing much of Ypsilanti Township and Augusta Township to lead a state commission tasked with fighting poverty. Hodge, a clinical assistant professor of social work at the University of Michigan, has served on the state commission since last year. Hodge, an Ypsilanti Township resident, was elected to the Washtenaw County board in 2020 and is seeking reelection this year. Here are 10 films shot in the city2022 primary election ballot for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County votersSecurity concern prompted abrupt cancellation of Washtenaw County board meetingDowntown Ypsilanti street given honorary ‘Black Lives Matter Boulevard’ title

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man accused of killing another man during an argument outside an apartment complex on Thanksgiving morning has accepted a plea offer. Jordan Trevon Maxey, 23, pleaded guilty Monday, April 25, to one count each of manslaughter and felony firearms in connection with the shooting death of Von Cratic, 22. Man accused in Thanksgiving morning homicide heads to trialPolice were called at 10:34 a.m. to the 2000 block of Golfside Road for several reports of shots fired in the area and a man on the ground, police said. The initial investigation indicates Cratic and another man, later identified as Maxey, got into an argument that escalated, police said. A charge of open murder and carrying a concealed weapon will be dismissed at sentencing, scheduled for May 23 before Washtenaw County Trial Judge Patrick Conlin Jr.Maxey remains held in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond.

It’s never happened before,” promised Scio Treasurer Donna Palmer at a township board meeting on Tuesday, April 26, speaking publicly about the error for the first time. Scio Township Administrator David Rowley estimated a “ballpark number” of the amount that should have been collected amounts to roughly $750,000, based on the total taxable value in the township. The township official said the Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Office discovered the error. I just want to say we’ve got to listen to the recommendations that are coming from David Rowley,” said township Trustee Kathleen Knol. Read more: ‘No incentive to remain here’: Scio Township administrator resignsPalmer promised correcting the error would be an easy process.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A roundabout is coming to an intersection just west of Ann Arbor that sees thousands of vehicles every day. The intersection of Zeeb and Liberty roads in Scio Township, just more than two miles from Ann Arbor city limits, currently has stop signs on all sides.

The election slate is set for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County this fall. The newly-drawn 6th Congressional District includes all of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County and points east. Read more: See who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in CongressAnn Arbor City CouncilThere are 11 candidates competing for Ann Arbor mayor and City Council seats. The new 14th District loops in the northern half of Ann Arbor, northern and western Washtenaw County and the majority of Jackson County. 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.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Two men charged with fatally shooting an Ypsilanti youth football coach during a 2018 marijuana sale gone bad will spend the next several decades behind bars. Abiding dual sentencing agreements, Washtenaw County Trial Judge Patrick Conlin Jr. sentenced Marlin Talley and Kenneth Smith Monday, April 25, to serve 29-40 years and 20-35 years in prison, respectively, for the murder of Keifor Johnson.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A husband who shot and killed his wife claiming he mistook her for an intruder breaking into their Ypsilanti Township home two years ago is now on trial for murder. Jury selection began Monday morning, April 25, for Bryan Anthony James who is on trial for the murder of his wife, Ashley James, who was shot by James in their home during the summer of 2019. He told police he grabbed his gun, saw what he believed to be an intruder and pulled the trigger, unknowingly shooting and killing his wife, police said. The couple’s two children, 2 and 4 years old, were inside the home sleeping when the shooting occurred. The trial is expected to take three to four days to complete before Washtenaw County Trial Judge Darlene O’Brien.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Ypsilanti Township leaders knew they were about to make a zoning decision -- the kind governed by a set of thick and obscure local rules whole teams of staff members help them interpret and enforce -- when they arrived at their board room on Tuesday. But the first thing they heard over the microphone was an appeal to their emotions.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Right project, wrong place. That was the message echoed by several neighbors of a proposed 159-acre solar farm in rural western Washtenaw County as they volleyed concerns at developers on Thursday, April 21. Residents packed elbow-to-elbow in the meeting hall in Manchester Township, chairs spilling out into the hallway. That prompted a question from Washtenaw County Commissioner Shannon Beeman, a Manchester resident, over how AES could collaborate with multi-million dollar county efforts to expand internet access in the area, where a reliable connection is often lacking. Some residents say they’re missing out on millions4 competing in new Michigan House district stretching from Ann Arbor to JacksonSecurity concern prompted abrupt cancellation of Washtenaw County board meetingHere’s who’s running for Washtenaw County board, township and city offices in 2022

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – On Thursday, April 21, a Washtenaw County judge declined to wade into the fraught workings of Scio Township government, denying a request from the township clerk that the court intervene in a dispute over a township financial contract. It was a resounding first defeat for Flintoft in an extensive lawsuit she filed against the Scio Township board she sits on, claiming fellow board members have “endeavored to whittle away” her authority over finance matters. Read more: Seeking to avoid financial ‘disaster’, Scio Township clerk sues her own boardConnors expressed little sympathy with the township official, who serves the community just west of Ann Arbor. “There’s clearly a problem within the individuals elected by citizens in Scio Township and their ability to communicate and to reach consensus,” he said. Additional claims in Flintoff’s lawsuit against the Scio Township board are still pending, as of Friday, April 22.

The signed document “honors the partnership between EMU and JFS and their support of housing Afghan refugees,” said university spokeswoman Melissa Thrasher. The refugee housing consists of on-campus EMU apartments, while JFS has helped several of the families find extended-stay hotels throughout Washtenaw County. People can find more information on the Washtenaw County branch of JFS on its website at jfsannarbor.org. The Afghan families receive stipends to assist with relocation, including paying for housing at the same price that students pay, officials said. “Affordable housing is a huge challenge in this area,” said Anya Abramzon, JFS of Washtenaw County executive director, in a December statement.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – For 18 months, Tim Marshall dedicated his life to becoming better and overcoming substance abuse. His journey hit a peak Thursday, April 21 when he was named the first graduate of Washtenaw County’s new Drug Treatment Court, a court that favors treatment over incarceration for those charged with felonies. Marshall, surrounded by fellow enrollees of the new drug court, spoke at his graduation before Washtenaw County Trial Judge Carol Kuhnke, thanking the court for its support in helping him to recover, praising the opportunity it provides. The Washtenaw County Drug Treatment Court is an 18-month program consisting of four phases, each designed to provide the treatment, supervision and recovery support necessary to succeed in the program. More from MLive:MLive Media Group wins 55 AP awards for 2021 coverageWith ridership still down, Ann Arbor transit expansion is banking on future demandHere’s who’s running for Washtenaw County board, township and city offices in 2022

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A “security concern” prompted the abrupt cancelation of the regular meeting of Washtenaw County’s top elected body, originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, according to County Administrator Gregory Dill. “There’s no credible threat at this point, but there is a security concern that we are working through,” he said.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Are Washtenaw County voters satisfied with their elected leadership? Here’s a round-up of names headed for Washtenaw County ballots this year. Washtenaw County Board of CommissionersEach of the nine seats on county body that holds the purse strings to some $131 million in general fund dollars is up for grabs this year, with county commissioners serving two-year terms. This map of Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners electoral districts was adopted by the county Apportionment Commission on Nov. 8, 2021. Those tweaks create more of a center-city than the map adopted 10 years ago.Captured from Washtenaw County Apportionment CommissionHere’s who is running.

YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti City Council is headed for a significant shake-up with five of the seven seats up for grabs in this year’s election, including the mayor’s position. Three city leaders — incumbent Mayor Lois Allen-Richardson, Council Member Anthony Morgan and Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem Nicole Brown — have all filed to run for the top elected position as Democrats in the Aug. 2 primary. The remaining two seats on the City Council, held by Ward 2 Council Member Steve Wilcoxen and Ward 3 Council Member Annie Somerville are not up for reelection until 2024. Read more: Ypsilanti City Council wards will shift this year. Here’s what’s changing for votersA map prepared by Ypsilanti city staff shows proposed changes to the City Council ward maps meant to balance the populations of voting districts with new 2020 Census counts.

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 – The self-proclaimed leader of Michigan-based white supremacist group, The Base, accused of threatening a Dexter family two years ago, has taken a plea deal. In pleading guilty, his additional counts of unlawfully posting a message and using a computer to commit a crime will be dismissed at sentencing. Watkins, 25, Bad Axe, and codefendant Alfred Gorman, 35, of Taylor, both waived their preliminary examinations in October 2021, sending their cases to trial. Gorman pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to one felony count of gang membership and was sentenced to four years of probation and to spend one year working alongside a University of Michigan professor of Ethnic Studies. Members of Michigan hate group ‘The Base’ face additional charges from Michigan AG NesselThe AG’s office and the Tuscola County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office allege Watkins and two other Base members entered two former Michigan Department of Corrections sites, the Camp Tuscola Annex and the Tuscola Residential ReEntry Program.

Click here)WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A new Michigan State House district that unites parts of four counties, including the southeastern corner of Washtenaw County, will see contested primaries on both sides of the aisle. Four candidates — two Wayne County Democrats and two Monroe County Republicans — have filed in the hopes of representing the newly-drawn 31st Michigan House of Representatives District, stretching from Metro Detroit to rural Lenawee County. The new district then dips south in Monroe County, picking up Milan, London, Exeter, Dundee and Raisinville townships, areas represented by Bellino and State Rep. TC Clements, R-Lambertville. It also includes one piece of Lenawee County, Macon Township, currently part of another district represented by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here.

Avian influenza has been confirmed in at least five counties: Kalamazoo, Livingston, Macomb, Menominee and Washtenaw, according to the Department of Natural Resources.