WASHTENAW COUNTY

Recycle your old tennis balls in bins at four parks and courts.

Washtenaw County has returned to a "low" community COVID-19 transmission level, according to the CDC.

The best teams in college football find a way. That’s been the way of the Michigan Wolverines on this undefeated run into the postseason.

The excitement from another blowout win over Ohio State has barely faded, but the Michigan football team has a Big Ten championship to play for this weekend.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- After spending eight years running Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, Kathy Sample is being recognized for all her efforts as United Way of Washtenaw County’s 2023 Woman of the Year. Sample and her husband, Bill Brinkerhoff, opened Argus Farm Stop in 2014 as a way to support local farmers while also bringing fresh food to Ann Arbor all year long. The couple spoke with many people and had 200 different conversations about creating Argus Farm Stop before it even opened. But helping customers and farmers isn’t the only goal for Argus Farm Stop. To learn more about the Power of the Purse event, visit United Way of Washtenaw County’s website.

Michigan football quarterback Cade McNamara, who helped turn the program around last season, announced that he has transferred to Iowa.

Here’s our weekly round up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.

Michigan football star Mazi Smith is facing a felony weapons charge after he was pulled over in October with a gun in the car before completing the process of obtaining his concealed pistol license, according to his attorney.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man and woman who were killed in a single vehicle crash in Augusta Township have been identified by police. Terry Lee Petrowski, 67, and his wife Lorraine Gail Petrowski, 66, both died Nov. 22, in a single vehicle crash after their vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a culvert, according to the Michigan State Police. Related: Man and woman killed in Washtenaw County crashTroopers arrived and discovered the pair, both of Whittaker, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver, Terry Petrowski, drifted off the roadway for unknown reasons and struck the culvert, police said. Lorraine Gail Petrowski was a homemaker who adored her children and grandchildren and was known to enjoy fantasy football.

Michigan football star Mazi Smith is being arraigned in Washtenaw County on a felony weapons charge.

A research team at U-M has found a way to chemically recycle PVC into usable material.

Michigan football star Mazi Smith is facing a felony weapons charge stemming from an incident in early October.

Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith is facing a felony weapons charge following an Oct. 7 incident in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County court records show. Smith was charged in 15th District Court in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, records show, after a warrant was issued. A message to a Michigan football team spokesman was not immediately returned. Smith, 21, is being represented by Ann Arbor attorney John A. Shea. 1 freak, Smith has appeared in (and started) every game since the incident.

Still, a dispute with neighbors over access from a planned four-lane entrance boulevard from Baker Road that has dogged the project for months is still unresolved. Alan Greene, an attorney representing developers, addressed the planning commission, saying the sewer connection wasn’t technically feasible and developers had no need to buy the neighbors’ property. The commission finally voted 4-2 to recommend approval of the plans to the township board, who will make the final decision on them. Commissioners Kim Moore, who voted against preliminary approval for the project in February, and Jeff Human opposed advancing it. The project will next go before the township board for final consideration and approval.

Do the top four teams in the current College Football Playoff rankings -- Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and USC -- deserve to make the playoff no matter what happens in the conference title games this weekend? Or should Ohio State and Alabama be rewarded for sitting at home?

Michigan’s Jake Moody is one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is awarded to the best placekicker in college football.

More seasonal drivers are needed to maintain 598 lane miles of state highways and 1,649 miles of road within Washtenaw County.

Check out these Ann Arbor area holiday markets featuring local makers, artists and creators.

The incidents occurred between Nov. 20-27.

Check out CultureVerse's newest exhibition "Root3" in December and January.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has introduced a new data page that displays the weekly rates of COVID-19, RSV and influenza hospitalizations rates among county residents.

Here's what the final College Football Playoff rankings would probably look like after every possible combination of Michigan, Georgia, TCU, and USC wins and/or losses in the conference championship games this weekend.

Michigan has moved up to No. 2 in the second-to-last College Football Playoff rankings after finishing the regular season undefeated.

Jim Harbaugh has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading the Michigan football team to an undefeated regular season and East Division title.

Zingerman's shares statement on hacked Instagram account.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A new Washtenaw County program offers residents without health insurance or a healthcare provider free treatment that can help avoid hospitalization if they test positive for COVID-19. We hope this program gives peace of mind to those who may need treatment quickly if they get COVID-19,” Dr. Juan Marquez, Washtenaw County Health Department medical director, said in a statement. The program also offers free at-home rapid tests, officials say, and is also available to people who have already tested positive. Officials say they plan to make the website available in Spanish soon. Washtenaw County lacking workers as winter approaches

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Tuesday a new COVID-19 program for residents without health insurance or access to a health care provider.

CHELSEA, MI - Chelsea’s largest city park is set to get a major facelift if an ambitious upgrade project proceeds as planned. That’s in addition to upgrades to bathrooms, lighting and parking, as well as restoration of a mosaic art piece there, according to a presentation Chelsea City Manager Roy Atkinson delivered to City Council on Monday, Nov. 28. “It’s a pretty substantial public-private partnership,” Atkinson said, referencing participation from the city, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative and private funders. The park improvements would also put Timbertown on the map for cyclists and other users of the B2B Trail, Atkinson said in his presentation. “It’s only natural that we have (a trailhead) here given our points of access to the trail,” the city manager said.

Who should be ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff committee’s final rankings before conference championship weekend: Michigan or Georgia?

From Santa visits and artisan markets to Christmas parades and tree lightings, these events are sure to put anyone in the holiday mood. Ann ArborJoin more than 100 artists and 30 authors for the Ann Arbor Holiday Art Fair at the Washtenaw County Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. MilanSee Santa in person at the Christmas parade hosted by the City of Milan. The parade, starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, will run along West Main Street downtown to Park Street. The society will host Christmas tea at 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Pioneer High School will be closed on Tuesday, officials said.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Police are investigation a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Ypsilanti Township near the county border. Deputies in the area spotted the vehicle fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. Police pulled the vehicle over to perform first aid on the victim while paramedics were en route, police said. The man, 33 of Van Buren, was taken to an area hospital where he is still undergoing emergency medical treatment, police said. Washtenaw County lacking workers as winter approaches

A2SF will match certain donations on Giving Tuesday.

Michigan football quarterback Cade McNamara, who helped turn the program around last season, has entered the transfer, according to multiple reports.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - For at least the second year running, Washtenaw County roads officials are looking to bolster the ranks of the fleet of drivers who clear thousands of miles of state highways and county roads when winter snow storms hit. But this year with CDL drivers still in high demand across the country, difficulty topping off its workforce is something the Washtenaw County Road Commission has adapted to, according to spokesperson Emily Kizer. Heavily-trafficked primary routes like highways and paved county roads get first priority, followed by lower-volume routes, subdivision roads and unpaved roadways. The initiative allowing school children the chance to decorate plows makes the road commission’s orange trucks traveling art galleries as they traverse the county this winter. Have more questions about winter road maintenance in Washtenaw County?

A lecture at U-M's Museum of Natural History will explore how the Buesching mastodon lived -- and died.

The University of Michigan generated 16 new startup companies and 433 new inventions during the fiscal year 2021-22.

The Michigan football team dominated Ohio State for the second year a row on Saturday, using a 28-3 second-half run to finish the season undefeated and advance to the Big Ten championship.

City of Chelsea officials is spreading awareness of power outages on the city’s west side on Sunday.

Eastbound South University traffic will detour using Tappan, Hill and Church streets to South University Avenue. Warner Road: The road between Willis Road and Bemis Road will experience intermittent lane closure until Sunday, Dec. 4. Liberty Road: The road between Zeeb Road and Knight Road will have an intermittent lane closure until Wednesday, Nov. 30, to install a water main. Kilmer Road: The road between Notten Road and Hoppe Road will experience an intermittent lane closure until Sunday, Dec. 4. Warner Road: The road between Begole Road and Judd Road will face an intermittent lane closure until Sunday, Dec. 4.

An enthusiastic group of fans greeted the Michigan football team as they returned to campus after beating Ohio State.

“The Ele’s Place mission speaks to me personally, as I experienced the death of my father when I was a teenager. Like so many adults, I truly wish there had been a place like Ele’s Place when I was young and my family was grieving,” said new Ele’s Place, Inc. CEO Jennifer Wolfe Howard in a release.

Michigan football dominated Ohio State in the second half Saturday in Columbus to polish off a perfect 12-0 regular season.

The international non-profit organization recognized Ann Arbor as one of 122 cities and countries worldwide taking progressive steps toward tackling climate change.

Spend 21 days in January learning about bias, privilege and prejudice with the 2023 edition of United Way of Washtenaw County’s Equity Challenge.

Michigan has already locked up either a New Year’s Six or College Football Playoff appearance, but there are still five different bowl games the team could end up in.

Did you know the hugely popular New York Times word game is edited by a woman from right here in Ann Arbor? We’re grateful to live and work in such a vibrant community like Ann Arbor. That’s what caught our eye in Ann Arbor this week. John Counts is one of the News Leaders for MLive/The Ann Arbor News where he started as a police and court reporter in 2012. MORE ‘HELLO, ANN ARBOR’:Hello, Ann Arbor: Freshwater jellyfish in our lakes; pizza vending machine closesHello, Ann Arbor: The rise of ‘chonky’ campus squirrels; how Ann Arbor votedHello, Ann Arbor: Big problems in the Big House tunnel; restaurant revamps old lumber millHello Ann Arbor: Are you ready for some UM-MSU football?

Michigan football has had another excellent season, winning each of its first 11 games for the first time in 16 years. But can it take down the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes for the second year in a row?

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- As it gets closer to December, there are a few cities in Washtenaw County that are preparing to kickstart the holiday season with annual tree lightings. During these celebrations cities sometimes sip on warm drinks, sing some Christmas carols or get a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself. Here is a list of upcoming tree lighting ceremonies going on in Washtenaw County:Ypsilanti:Depot Town will be having its tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, at the tree across from Sidetrack at 56 E Cross St. Saline:Saline’s annual tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, in front of KeyBank at 100 W. Michigan Ave. To learn more about the tree lighting or the city’s annual holiday parade, visit Saline Area Chamber of Commerce’s website. The tree lighting will have Santa Claus, Whitmore Lake High School’s marching band playing holiday tunes and more.

Charges have been filed against seven Michigan State football players stemming from a melee in Michigan Stadium's tunnel last month.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man and woman were killed Tuesday afternoon in a single vehicle crash in Augusta Township. Rescue crews were called at 3:23 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, to the area of Willow Road near Butler Road for a crash with reported injuries, according to the Michigan State Police. Troopers arrived and discovered the driver, a 67-year-old man, and passenger, a 66-year old woman, both of Whittaker, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver drifted off the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a culvert, police said. The crash remains under investigationMore from The Ann Arbor News:Ann Arbor aims to attract more development by making it easier for buildersMan arrested after leading police on chase through multiple neighborhoodsWashtenaw County set to consider final version of plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2035

Seven Michigan State football players are facing criminal charges for their roles in violent postgame incidents following a loss at Michigan on Oct. 29. Those seven were indefinitely suspended by Michigan State following the incidents. A Michigan State football team spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment about the charges issued Wednesday. The University of Michigan Police Department led the investigation with help from the Michigan State University Police and Michigan State Police, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office said in a press release. Following the incidents, Michigan State coach Mel Tucker and then-president Samuel Stanley apologized for what transpired in the Michigan Stadium tunnel.

One Michigan State football player has been charged with a felony and six others have been charged with misdemeanors in connection with the altercations in the Michigan Stadium tunnel following last month’s rivalry game.

This year’s version of The Game is huge.

Another chaotic weekend of college football knocked two more teams from playoff contention, while Michigan and six others kept their national championship hopes alive.

The Main Street candy store is donating 10 percent of its sales made during Small Business Saturday to the Humane Society of Huron Valley

Radina, who was elected to the city council in 2020, will be the first openly gay mayor pro tem in the past 20 years.

Corum said he gives away half of what he makes with NIL agreements, including giving Wolverine boots, gear and money from a deal to Michigan’s offensive linemen.

University of Michigan is the third best public university by reputation in the United States, according to the 2022 Times Higher Education World Reputation rankings.

Read more: Washtenaw County set to provide $3.2M to 11 groups tackling housing, child care accessWashtenaw County leaders say $1.65M will interrupt gun violence, save livesOfficials noted religious groups receiving the support will have to use the money on secular activities. Beautiful Gate Food Pantry - $5,730The food pantry at the Ypsilanti-based Beautiful Gate International Church lost two freezers, two refrigerators, a printer and an iPad used to sign clients up for food benefits during summer 2021 flooding. The funding will help connect the group with Spanish-speaking residents in need of food assistance and financial help, according to the county. The funding will help expand the group’s 13-week nutrition and agricultural education course for youth, including lessons on growing, harvesting and selling food, according to the county. More from The Ann Arbor News:Inside the effort to make Washtenaw County the 1st in Michigan with universal broadbandWashtenaw County to use $4M in COVID relief to fix jail roof, replace phonesDivided Washtenaw County board members vote to give themselves $9K raises‘Yes in our backyard.’ Affordable housing advocates rally in Ann Arbor

All of HVA’s donations support Food Gatherers.

A woman in Ypsilanti won a $100,000 Powerball prize after a last-minute decision to add Power Play to her ticket.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Pittsfield Township is now one step closer to having some of its first recreational marijuana retailers. Pittsfield Township’s planning commission granted two recreational marijuana applicants conditional use permits along with both preliminary and final site plan approvals with conditions at its Nov. 17 meeting. “(These applicants) went through ... a full, lengthy vetting process,” Ben Carlisle, the township’s planning consultant, said. Read more: Marijuana is coming to Pittsfield Township, with revenues dedicated to systemic changeOne of the applicants, Barton RE Ventures, is planning to transform 508 State Circle into an adult-use marijuana retail spot. This is the highest level allowed within the township, Carlisle said in a previous planning commission meeting.

Michigan is coming off its only College Football Playoff appearance last season, but the team has been on the doorstep heading into the Ohio State game more often than not the last seven years.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A 36-acre plot of farmland just outside Saline won’t be growing houses anytime soon. That’s because the Pittsfield Township Planning Commission unanimously moved to shoot down the request on Thursday, Nov. 17, after their planning consultant poked a number of holes in the vision for the development. But that ask represented a “significant jump” in zoning classifications, according to township planning consultant Ben Carlisle. The site also falls outside the boundaries of the township’s utility service area, and developers proposed building a private wastewater treatment system to service the development. The commission voted 6-0 to direct staff members to draft a resolution of denial for the rezoning request.

Michigan football found a way to survive Illinois over the weekend and remain undefeated, but the game once again highlighted some of the greatest concerns for the Wolverines heading into Ohio State week.

The district announced a sudden closure of Pioneer on Monday.

Crane Road: This road between Textile Road and US-12 will have a lane closure until Wednesday, Nov. 30, for sanitary installation. Warner Road: The road between Willis Road and Bemis Road will experience intermittent lane closure until Friday, Nov. 25. Liberty Road: The road between Zeeb Road and Knight Road will have an intermittent lane closure until Wednesday, Nov. 30, to install a watermain. Warner Road: The road between Begole Road and Judd Road will face an intermittent lane closure until Friday, Nov. 25. Kilmer Road: The road between Notten Road and Hoppe Road will experience an intermittent lane closure during the week of Nov. 21.

In many parts of rural Washtenaw County, families got by with dial-up speeds, capped data plans or no internet access at all. “That’s what set me on this mission, is to figure out how do we fix this.”Read more: Life in the ‘dead zone’: How thousands in Washtenaw County get by without broadbandNow, Washtenaw County is almost there, poised to become what broadband advocates are calling the first Michigan county with universal high-speed access. So the county task force got those numbers. Armed with that baseline knowledge, the task force was ready to take advantage of programs like the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Divided Washtenaw County board members vote to give themselves $9K raisesRebuilding trust comes first, says new University of Michigan president to campus

A health alert has been issued on the campus of the University of Michigan as respiratory viruses are rising in Ann Arbor, placing one hockey player on a ventilator.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - With $71.4 million from the federal government meant to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and help communities bounce back, Washtenaw County has directed huge sums outward. The final three projects slated to receive funding through the COVID relief money focus on county buildings and facilities. Another $455,000 will go toward replacing the roof of the Washtenaw County Jail in Pittsfield Township, which dates back to when the building was remodeled in the early 2000s. The final $300,000 will focus on a two-story parking deck in downtown Ann Arbor behind the Washtenaw County Courthouse at 101 East Huron Street. More from The Ann Arbor News:University of Michigan paper warns Washtenaw County against diluting impact of COVID relief moneyMobile services buses, community grants part of Washtenaw County’s new $11.3M COVID relief planHousing, senior services, financial equity focus of Washtenaw County COVID relief planWashtenaw County OKs $24.7M in COVID stimulus spending.

And if you didn’t get a chance to try out the pizza vending machine on South U, you’re out of luck. Take a look at those headlines, and others, below:Pizza vending machine closes Ann Arbor location after less than a yearJellyfish in Michigan? John Counts is one of the News Leaders for MLive/The Ann Arbor News where he started as a police and court reporter in 2012. MORE ‘HELLO, ANN ARBOR’:Hello, Ann Arbor: The rise of ‘chonky’ campus squirrels; how Ann Arbor votedHello, Ann Arbor: Big problems in the Big House tunnel; restaurant revamps old lumber millHello Ann Arbor: Are you ready for some UM-MSU football? Ulrich’s Bookstore closing after 88 yearsHello, Ann Arbor: Locker room assault investigation; Ann Arbor’s mystery bump

ANN ARBOR, MI — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit that claimed Ann Arbor violated the Freedom of Information Act by refusing to disclose unredacted copies of records related to the departure of former City Administrator Tom Crawford. In an eight-page order Wednesday, Nov. 16, Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Carol Kuhnke rejected the case brought against the city by former City Attorney Bruce Laidlaw. Laidlaw has argued the city violated Michigan’s public records law by blacking out 13 blocks of text from a June 2021 investigation report he requested via FOIA, but Kuhnke wasn’t persuaded. The city has argued Laidlaw’s lawsuit was moot since he obtained an unredacted version of the investigation report via a separate Attorney Grievance Commission process. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor’s nearly $3M big dig to fight flooding nears completion‘It’s a shockingly polarizing issue.’ Ann Arbor weighs dog park optionsDivided Washtenaw County board members vote to give themselves $9K raisesCrossing Ann Arbor’s Main Street just got safer for pedestriansRebuilding trust comes first, says new University of Michigan president to campus

ANN ARBOR, MI - Food Gatherers staff and volunteers will be “freezin’ for a reason” later this month to help alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County during the annual Rockin’ for the Hungry Food and Fund Drive. “We are so excited to once again host this event in person,” Food Gatherers President and CEO Eileen Spring said. This year, Food Gatherers has seen demand for food increase sharply due to the rising price of essentials like food, rent and gas. Additional giving options during the Rockin’ for the Hungry Food and Fund Drive include:Online: www.foodgatherers.org/rockin. By check: Mail or deliver a check made payable to Food Gatherers to our warehouse, Food Gatherers, 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; please note Rockin’ for the Hungry in the memo line.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Washtenaw County’s top elected leaders -- all Democrats -- are accustomed to voting in lockstep, even on issues that sometimes spark debate. Read more: Washtenaw County elected leaders set to vote on giving themselves $9K raisesThe timing of the pay bump, bringing base salaries from $23,858 to $32,864, caused several commissioners to wrestle out loud with the measure before the vote, while facing outcry from union leaders. Some of the 16 labor units representing county employees are still in the midst of negotiating to implement new wage scales as part of the study’s recommendations. Read more: Washtenaw County employees demand wage increases after study found many are underpaidSome commissioners said they sympathized with the workers and couldn’t bring themselves to support the raises. Sanders said she has fought for county employees to receive their raises and supports the workers, while also believing commissioners deserve to have their time valued fairly.

WASHTEANW COUNTY, MI – After more than decade of false starts and breakdowns, plans to construct a new $30-million recreation center benefiting the Ypsilanti-area are gaining momentum. The project has found a potential home at a site now occupied by a long-vacant Ypsilanti Community Schools building. This center will help deal with all of those problems,” Ypsilanti-area Commissioner Ricky Jefferson said ahead of the vote. The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has also committed $3.5 million, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, this year secured a $3-million federal earmark for the east side recreation center. More from The Ann Arbor News:‘It’s a shockingly polarizing issue.’ Ann Arbor weighs dog park optionsJellyfish in Michigan?

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – An Ypsilanti man wanted for murder in connection with a fatal shooting that was broadcast on Facebook Live has been arrested and arraigned. Related: Trash talk online led to men killing man live on Facebook, testimony revealsHe was located and arrested by U.S. Marshals on Nov.7, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Spokesman Derrick Jackson said. The judge found there was probable cause for the case to move forward to the Washtenaw County Trial Court. He remains lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Officials in a predominately rural eastern Washtenaw County township went one for six in convincing voters to support tax proposals they put forth on two separate election ballots this year. But to her the more critical proposal was the Headlee override that failed both in August and November, each time by more than 40 points. “I think of lot of residents don’t understand that we’re not asking for more money to operate, we’re just trying to make up that difference that we should have,” Burek said. The parks and pathways millage proposal called for a new 10-year, 0.65-mill tax that would allow the township to access matching grants from other levels of government. “This township is such a nice little township and it’s got such a history, the Civil War and the Underground Railroad and that.

MILAN, MI - After months of careful consideration, Milan officials are set to cautiously open their arms to the marijuana industry. Milan officials acknowledged that potential while taking it slow in charting a course through the complex world of local marijuana permitting and state regulations. The rules require businesses to submit extensive paperwork including their business plan, job creation potential, financial structure, security plan and more. The city administrator would then be tasked with scoring the applications based on a rubric included in the marijuana rules that weighs applicants’ experience in the industry, financial viability, and criminal and financial histories. Still, members of the legal team advising Milan leaders on their ordinances told City Council they had the best aspects of other communities’ regulations.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Michigan Auto Law just revealed its list of the most dangerous intersections in Washtenaw County from 2021. Michigan Auto Law is a law firm that specializes in car, truck and motorcycle accidents. “Our goal is driver safety,” Steven Gursten, attorney and president of Michigan Auto Law, stated in a press release. Here are Washtenaw County’s top most 10 dangerous intersections from 2021, according to Michigan Auto Law:1. Grove Street at Rawsonville Road in Ypsilanti Township - 26 total crashes and 6 injuriesTo learn more about Michigan’s most dangerous intersections in 2021, visit Michigan Auto Law’s website.

ANN ARBOR, MI – A man accused of robbing a downtown Ann Arbor cellphone store at gunpoint is now facing a federal felony charge. Related: Gunman robs downtown Ann Arbor T-Mobile store in middle of dayPolice were called shortly after 2:55 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, to the T-Mobile store located at 200 E. Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor for a reported armed robbery that had just occurred, according to the Ann Arbor Police Department. Police contacted T-Mobile’s asset protection department and were able to track the phones location to a cellphone store in Hamtramck, records show. Bell is currently being investigated by the ATF in an unrelated incident, according to the federal affidavit. More from The Ann Arbor News:Brazilian-American restaurant coming to Briarwood MallFormer Eastern Michigan football player leading 1K Thanksgiving meal donationsAcorn Farmers’ Market & Café temporarily closes in Manchester

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A new roundabout is slated to replace a four-way stop intersection south of Ypsilanti next summer. Washtenaw County Road Commission officials say they’re planning the project at the intersection of Bemis and Whittaker roads, on the border of Ypsilanti and Augusta townships, for 2023. Officials settled on a roundabout after analyzing existing traffic volumes, delays and crash history, Murphy said. The road commission is aware of that desire from some residents, the agency’s spokesperson Emily Kizer said during the presentation. The project is one of a series planned for the Whittaker Road corridor, including another roundabout at the Willis Road intersection, slated for construction in 2024.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A woman accused of driving drunk and killing two road workers in a construction zone has pleaded guilty to murder. Ryann Danielle Musselman pleaded guilty, Nov. 9, to one count of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of construction workers Nicholas Andres Sada and Davyon Desmon-Aereailes Rose while they were working on the freeway. They argued her actions in the prior crash showed she was aware of the danger she posed to herself and others, yet continued driving anyway. A blood draw taken shortly after the crash showed Musselman had a blood alcohol content of .114, records show. Musselman’s bond was initially revoked after the inclusion of the murder charges, but she was released on a strict GPS tether after a bond hearingRelated: Woman accused of killing 2 road workers walks free on bond after judge’s rulingMusselman’s sentencing date has not yet been publicly posted.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – One of the biggest winners on the Nov. 8 election ballot in Washtenaw County came from neither of the two major political parties. In three separate rural jurisdictions, taxes powering land preservation garnered double-digit support from voters, representing significant gains for conservationists in a county that’s already a mecca for the efforts. His home township was one of two to vote to establish a millage funding preservation efforts for the first time on Nov. 8, joining Northfield Township in the taking the plunge. In Webster Township, which established a land preservation millage in 2005, officials have attracted five dollars from outside sources for every one generated by the tax, Lonik said. Northfield’s Land Preservation Committee has already sent a letter to each of the roughly 100 landowners holding farmland or open space in the township, including an application to the county preservation program.

The Peace Neighborhood Center, whose main facility is on Maple Road in Ann Arbor, is now exploring repurposing the church along Harris Road, according to the organization’s executive director, Bonnie Billups Jr. “We couldn’t just pick up Peace Neighborhood Center and the programs that we do and drop it into Ypsi, for a lot of reasons. So, church leaders turned to an old partner in the Peace Neighborhood Center. “It’s a beautiful partnership between certainly Zion and Peace Neighborhood to further their strength of working in community,” Debner said. When those plans take shape, the community center will stand to honor the wishes of the St. Mark congregation, Debner said.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A large meticulously painted black rose adorns the wall outside the Corner Health Center in downtown Ypsilanti. Since early 2021, the Community Violence Intervention Team has been working to develop and roll out a plan to end gun violence in Washtenaw, devising 14 recommendations to help make a change, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Derrick Jackson said. Related: Homicide victim memorial mural to be unveiled in Washtenaw CountyOne of those recommendations was to create a remembrance mural for the community to remember those lost to violence, Jackson said. Ragland commended the creation of the mural, praising it for the way it helps address the issue by attaching names to the tragedy of gun violence. Related: Resolution to end gun violence adopted by Washtenaw County board“When listening to those directly impacted by violence, a mural of remembrance and safe space to grieve is needed,” the report states.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Busch’s Fresh Food Market’s upcoming food drive is an opportunity to help those in need this holiday season. The store will be hosting its 15th annual Season of Sharing food drive starting Monday, Nov. 14, until Sunday, Nov. 27. Busch’s Fresh Food Market has been bringing local products grown and produced in the state to southeast Michigan for more than 40 years. To learn more about the Season of Sharing food drive or any of the company’s other donation efforts, visit its website or social media. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Pop on Main Street bringing a downtown shopping extravaganza to MilanTarot readings, tea, metaphysical supplies available at new Milan shopTownship OKs on-premise taproom for Ann Arbor brewery

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday on I-94 west of Ann Arbor. Rescue crews were called at 6:45 p.m. Nov. 9, to the fatal crash on westbound I-94 east of Zeeb Road in Scio Township, according to Michigan State Police. Investigators determined a black sedan of unknown make and model collided with another vehicle and fled the scene of the fatal crash, police said. The name of the crash victim is not being released at this timeThe suspect vehicle fled west toward Jackson and has not been found. More from The Ann Arbor News:Exclusive TV internship next step in Hollywood journey for former Ann Arbor studentBig rezoning causes drama at last meeting of Ann Arbor’s outgoing councilHello, Ann Arbor: The rise of ‘chonky’ campus squirrels; how Ann Arbor voted

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Voters in school board races across Washtenaw County largely stuck with incumbents in making their ballot selections in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election, with just one incumbent voted out of their board seat. Lincoln Consolidated Schools board member Jason Donovan Moore is the only incumbent out of 17 running for reelection not to garner enough votes to maintain his board seat, with incumbent Matthew Bentley and challenger Stacy Kind earning the district’s two seats on Tuesday. In total, 10 new board members in Washtenaw County will be sworn in to seats, with nine current board members opting not to run for another term. Only the Chelsea School District will welcome an entire new slate of four new trustees -- Glenn Fox, Kate Henson, Michelle Craig and Scott Moore -- joining the board. Ann Arbor Public Schools, on the other hand, will welcome three new board members in Jacinda Townsend Gides, Rima Mohammad and Susan Ward Schmidt, who will join incumbent Susan Baskett with four-year terms on the board.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- An Ann Arbor brewery is one step closer to opening its new location after its petition for an in-house tasting room was approved by a local board. During its regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9, the Pittsfield Township Board of Trustees approved Mothfire Brewing Co.’s request for an on-premises tasting room at its upcoming location. Local approval is required for the state-level permit for an on-premises tasting room. “We have a big vision for the campus,” Kaplan previously told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. The 6,000-square foot location will feature a patio, tasting room, customer-facing brewing system, a central fireplace and 16 taplines.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - The director of a Washtenaw County office that provides support to low-income residents and invests in communities is leaving after four years in the job. Teresa Gillotti, director of the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development will leave her post on Nov. 23, after eight years with the county government, officials announced in early November. In a Nov. 3 memo announcing leadership transitions in several county departments, county Administrator Gregory Dill praised Gillotti’s role in upholding the social safety net and weathering a global pandemic. “She knows first-hand how complicated and nuanced our important human services and community development sectors of our operations are. Among the achievements that she’s proud of are nurturing the longstanding partnerships the county office maintains with nonprofits, social services agencies and local governments.

Democrats swept all nine seats on the county board of commissioners for the third election cycle in a row on Tuesday, Nov. 8. A map shows which Washtenaw County board candidates carried parts of District 3, covering Saline, Milan, Manchester and much of southwestern Washtenaw County, in the Nov. 8, 2022 general election. “I am humbled by the support for my reelection to the (Washtenaw County board) by voters in the Dexter, Chelsea and Scio (Township) communities. The new county board will be sworn in at the body’s first January meeting. More from The Ann Arbor News:‘It’s a mess.’ Behind the long election lines at the University of MichiganAnn Arbor voters approve climate-action tax proposal with 71% supportAfter years of division, Ann Arbor mayor and allies gain full control of council

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- An Ann Arbor brewing company is set to pass another hurdle this week as it continues to pursue opening a new campus. Local approval is required for the state-level permit for an on-premises tasting room. Owner Noah Kaplan said he hopes the new location will bring a creative flair to the area, with hopes of making it a maker’s corridor. Rather than continuing the moodier feel of its current tasting room, the new Mothfire location will be bright and high contrast. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:New Ann Arbor-area brewery clears first step toward openingElection results for the Nov. 8 general election in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw CountyAnn Arbor voters approve climate-action tax proposal with 71% support

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Arianne Elizabeth Slay has been elected to serve as the newest judge in Washtenaw County’s 22nd Circuit Court. With 100 percent of Washtenaw County voting precincts reporting, Slay secured 90,094 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, defeating Marla Linderman Richelew who garnered 36,888 votes. Related: Election results for the Nov. 8 general election in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw CountySlay could not be immediately reached for comment. The seat covers all circuit court matters for Washtenaw County. Prior to that role, she prosecuted domestic violence cases in the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office.

ANN ARBOR, MI — U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, will stay in Congress another two years, representing a new district that includes Washtenaw County and surrounding areas. The Democratic congresswoman prevailed over Republican challenger Whittney Williams in Michigan’s 6th Congressional District race Tuesday, Nov. 8. She had 64% of the vote, 201,371 to 114,777, with 86% of votes counted as of Wednesday morning. It covers all of Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter and Milan, and stretches east to Downriver communities such as Grosse Ile, Trenton, Riverview, Woodhaven and Gibraltar. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Election results for the Nov. 8 general election in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw CountyEarly election results show support for Ann Arbor mayor, climate-action taxHours-long lines on University of Michigan campus as students scramble to voteVoters choose Karl Barr to be next 14A District Court judgeSaline Area Schools voters pass $180 million bond

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Karl Barr has been elected to serve as the newest judge in Washtenaw County’s 14A District Court. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr defeated fellow Washtenaw County attorney Fawn Armstrong, who garnered 29,852 votes. Related: Election results for the Nov. 8 general election in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw CountyBarr could not be immediately reached for comment. The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. Statewide races and proposalsTo see complete election results from all statewide races and from other parts of Michigan, click here.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Voters in Ann Arbor and across Washtenaw County went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8, to decide a long list of contested races and ballot proposals. There also are several new state House seats that cover different parts of Washtenaw County. A "Vote Here" sign points Ann Arbor voters toward the Bach Elementary School polling place on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsDemocrats have strong leads in most county commissioner races, but one is still close. Meanwhile, leading in a 13-way Ann Arbor school board race for four seats are Susan Baskett, Rima Mohammad, Jacinda Townsend Gides and Jamila James. And in the Ann Arbor library board race, Catherine Hadley, Aidan Sova and Jim Leija are the frontrunners so far for three seats.

ANN ARBOR, MI — University of Michigan students determined to vote in the Nov. 8 election are standing in hours-long lines to get registered before casting ballots. Ann Arbor City Clerk Jackie Beaudry confirmed shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday there were hours-long lines at both the city’s satellite offices on the UM campus, where the city has been processing same-day registration requests from students. Students wait in line to vote at the University of Michigan Museum of Art on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.Ryan Sun | rsun@mlive.comThough polls close at 8 p.m., voters in line before 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote as long as they wait it out, Beaudry said. It will be a late night waiting on absentee vote returns, given the large volume of same-day registration and absentee-ballot issuance occurring, he said. Water bottles and snacks donated by volunteers for Michigan students voting at the University of Michigan Museum of Art on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.Ryan Sun | rsun@mlive.comRead more Ann Arbor-area election stories.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Voters across Washtenaw County are electing candidates in nine Michigan House and Senate seats, deciding 25 local ballot proposals in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. In Ann Arbor, a new climate-action tax proposal will share the ballot with mayoral and city council races, which are also before voters in Ypsilanti, Saline and Dexter. School board elections, bond and millage proposals and a handful of township races round out local ballots. Read more: Your guide to what’s on the Nov. 8 general election ballot in Washtenaw CountyThe polls close at 8 p.m. We’ll have live results for contested races here. Be aware that it may take a while for the results to come in due to the volume of votes.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- As Veterans Day approaches, cities around Washtenaw County are gearing up to commemorate both former and active military members with some upcoming events. Veterans Day has a long history dating all the way back to 1919 when it was originally known as Armistice Day. Decades later, in 1954, Armistice Day transformed into Veterans Day which became a holiday that honors American veterans of all wars. As Veterans Day gets closer and closer, Washtenaw County is preparing to show its appreciation. The University of Michigan’s Veterans WeekThe University of Michigan is hosting its annual Veterans Week celebration until Friday, Nov. 11.