Ypsilanti leaders advance $2.38M tax incentive for affordable housing near downtown
That means forgoing an estimated $47,700 annually in tax revenue, not all of which goes to the city, according to figures in a memo from Ypsilanti Community Development Director Christopher Jacobs. Avalon determined the request by working “from the tenant forward,” Avalon developer Michael Appel told city leaders, and the PILOT helps insure rents will be affordable long-term. City leaders ultimately voted 5-1, with Council Member Steve Wilcoxen opposed and Council Member Desirae Simmons absent, to approve the PILOT on first reading. 2 new developers make pitches for contaminated Ypsilanti lot90 homeless families are sheltered in Washtenaw County hotels. Mark Schlissel will return to the University of Michigan to teach a class in the fallVintage shop moves to new spot in downtown Ypsilanti
mlive.comNew life for Water Street? 2 new developers make pitches for contaminated Ypsilanti lot
YPSILANTI, MI - For the first time in more than two years, new developers are publicly making pitches to tackle one of Ypsilanti’s longest-standing goals, the redevelopment of the contaminated Water Street property near downtown. Read more: Namesake for Ypsilanti housing project is ‘up there in heaven smiling’, relatives sayThe firm has worked in Ypsilanti for two years to understand community needs, said Renovare Managing Partner Jill Ferrari. Any approach to Water Street needs to start with the contamination, Ferrari said. Read more: Cleanup of contaminated Ypsilanti Water Street redevelopment site gets $4.3M boost“This is not a standard brownfield site,” Ferrari said, outlining her experience redeveloping similar large-scale contaminated sites, like the Northville Psychiatric Hospital and Traverse City State Hospital. Renovare was among the two inaugural developers to go through the process with the Dorsey Estates project last year.
mlive.comJackson teacher found dead in apartment remembered for connection with students
JACKSON, MI -- A Jackson High School teacher found dead in an Ypsilanti-area apartment is being remembered for her connection with students and the impact she had in her short time with the school district. Doulos, 48, was found dead on Monday, March 13, by officers from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. Read more: Boyfriend charged with murder in death of Jackson High School teacherDoulos had immense impact on students since becoming a 10th- and 11th-grade English teacher at Jackson High in 2020, Beal said. “It’s been a difficult journey for our staff and our students,” Beal said. Funeral services for Doulos took place Monday, March 20, and were attended by roughly 50 students and a “host” of staff from Jackson High, Beal said.
mlive.comVintage shop moves to new spot in downtown Ypsilanti
YPSILANTI, MI -- A2Vintage is moving down the street to a new spot in downtown Ypsilanti. The business known for selling vintage vinyl and clothing recently moved its operations to 128 W. Michigan Ave. after spending seven years at its former 109 W. Michigan Ave. location. “Our attitude moving forward is honestly just gratefulness for the people that have come into our lives and continue to take risks on us.”A2Vintage at its newest location at 128 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti. A2Vintage at its newest location at 128 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti. A2Vintage is also planning to host a grand opening celebration during store hours on April 1 with live music and a food truck depending on the weather.
mlive.comDriver crashes SUV into Ypsilanti’s Dos Hermanos Market building
YPSILANTI, MI -- A driver was injured when he crashed into an Ypsilanti building early Tuesday morning. The Ypsilanti Fire Department responded to a crash around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of W. Michigan Avenue. The man’s SUV had gone through the cinderblock exterior wall of Dos Hermanos Market, 412 W. Michigan Ave., officials from the Ypsilanti Fire Department said. Dos Hermanos Market recently opened a neighboring restaurant, Dos Hermanos Mexican Grill. “The restaurant is going to be open normal hours in support for the people that we have working in the market,” Aquino said.
mlive.comBoyfriend charged with murder in death of Jackson High School teacher
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- The boyfriend of a Jackson High School teacher found dead in an Ypsilanti-area apartment last week has been charged in her death. Alyson Doulos, 48, was found dead in an apartment on Monday, March 13, by officers from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. Officers had been called for a welfare check to Schooner Cove Apartments in the 5000 block of Bosuns Way in Ypsilanti Township. He was denied bond and is currently being housed in the Washtenaw County Jail. Doulos taught 10th grade English and was the National Honor Society advisor for Jackson High School since 2020.
mlive.comWoman found dead in Ypsilanti Township apartment identified as Jackson High teacher
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- An Ypsilanti-area woman who was found dead in an apartment earlier this week has been identified by police. Alyson Doulos, 48, was found dead in an apartment on Monday, March 13, by officers from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. Doulos taught 10th grade English and was the National Honor Society advisor for Jackson High School since 2020. She previously taught English at Jackson College. “She was a wonderful instructor, and our heart goes out to her family.”Doulos was “beloved” by her students at the high school, said Kriss Giannetti, the assistant superintendent of communications.
mlive.com2 residents displaced by Ypsilanti house fire
YPSILANTI, MI -- Two people were displaced on Tuesday evening after a Ypsilanti house fire damaged two rooms. Firefighters responded to a small structure fire shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, in the 600 block of North Congress Road. The fire, which was under control by 6:30 p.m., caused $25,000 worth of damage to the structure, fire officials said. Residents were home at the time of the fire, and two residents were displaced by water and fire damage. Fire officials left the scene around 7:30 p.m. Ypsilanti crews were aided by firefighters from Superior and Ypsilanti townships.
mlive.comHuron sets up clash with Cass Tech after capturing boys basketball regional title
YPSILANTI – Year one under Mo Kasham has gone according to plan so far. The first-year Ann Arbor Huron boys basketball coach envisioned his team being positioned to compete for a spot in the Division I state semifinals when he took the job.
mlive.comDeath at Ypsilanti-area apartment being investigated as homicide
YPSILANTI TWP., MI -- Police are investigating the death of an Ypsilanti-area woman as a homicide after she was found dead in an apartment on Monday. After attempting to locate the woman, deputies then forced entry into the apartment, where they found the woman deceased. No one else was in the apartment. The incident being investigated as a homicide, police said. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the confidential tip line at 734-973-7711 or to Det.
mlive.comYpsilanti reveals names of 4 police chief candidates set to interview for job
YPSILANTI, MI - Officials in Ypsilanti have released the names of four candidates in the running to become the city’s first new police chief in nine years. Carter applied to the Ypsilanti position from Illinois, where he served for nine years as chief in Monticello, a city of almost 6,000 people, before resigning in 2022. Carter also previously worked in public safety positions in the city of Mexico, Missouri, during his 20-year career, according to his resume. He now is a public safety advisor with software company Fusus, interfacing with Michigan law enforcement agencies. If a hire is made, the new chief will take over for current Interim Chief Brent Yuchasz.
mlive.comYpsilanti schools superintendent being honored for COVID-19 pandemic response
YPSILANTI, MI - Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross is being honored for her guidance in helping Ypsilanti Community Schools navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Zachery-Ross is one of several community leaders being recognized by Bethel AME Church of Ann Arbor for her outstanding leadership during the pandemic. They all are being honored by the church at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Ann Arbor Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Road. “I am thankful for this recognition, and I appreciate the historic Bethel AME Church of Ann Arbor parishioners for their ongoing support, commitment to excellence and humanity,” Zachery Ross said. READ MORE:Student art, performances are focus of first Ypsilanti schools’ Arts ExtravaganzaMove to standards-based grading coming to Ypsilanti Community SchoolsA Dexter art teacher is a two-time national award winner
mlive.comFormer deputy sheriff launches campaign for Washtenaw County Sheriff
Alyshia Dyer, candidate for Washtenaw County Sheriff, has officially launched her campaign.Provided by Claire AbdoWASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A former deputy sheriff has officially launched her campaign for Washtenaw County Sheriff. Alyshia Dyer hosted a virtual launch party on Monday, March 6, for her campaign for Washtenaw County sheriff. Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton told MLive/The Ann Arbor News in November 2022 that he does not plan to seek re-election. She also previously served as a community organizer with Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength in Detroit and as a deputy sheriff with Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. “Ypsilanti was the first community that I found stability and a community,” Dyer said.
mlive.comProgram responding to domestic violence, mental health crises poised to launch in Ypsilanti area
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- An unarmed emergency response program is set to launch in the Ypsilanti area in summer 2023, attempting to change the way people deal with non-violent emergency situations. The coalition currently is in the process of hiring a pair of directors for the pilot program, which is currently unnamed. The plan, released in February, is the first iteration of the design and will be updated based on community feedback, Lemler said. An unarmed response program that runs separately from local police agencies allows staff to respond to situations differently, Lemler said. Community response has been good so far, Lemler said.
mlive.comHuron boys basketball tops Northville to advance to another regional final
YPSILANTI – A third quarter surge pushed Ann Arbor Huron’s boys basketball team into a familiar position on Monday. The River Rats outscored Northville 18-9 in the third quarter of the Division 1 regional final to create enough cushion for a 56-45 win.
mlive.comStudent art, performances are focus of first Ypsilanti schools’ Arts Extravaganza
YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti Community Schools students will showcase their artistic abilities during the first Arts Extravaganza in the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16, and is sponsored by Embracing Our Differences, with the intention of celebrating the diversity and inclusion of all students. YCS arts teachers and students welcome attendees to view artwork displays and student musical and dance performances throughout the afternoon. Program coordinator Kathy Fisk has helped organize the program with YCS’ Unified Arts team in collaboration with Embracing Our Differences. READ MORE:A Dexter art teacher is a two-time national award winnerAlleged mistreatment of female, LGBTQ+ students under investigation by Ann Arbor schoolsAnn Arbor native remembered as a trailblazer, first woman to lead U.S. Census Bureau
mlive.comSee photos as Ann Arbor Huron boys basketball takes home Division 1 district title
YPSILANTI, MI -- Ann Arbor Huron took down their cross-town rivals in the Division 1 boys basketball district championship. The game between Huron and Pioneer was hosted at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School on Friday, March 10. Huron started the first half strong, leading by 10 points at the half. You can order prints of any of these photos by clicking the “Buy photo” button in the caption of every photo. More from MLive:Pioneer’s comeback leads Ann Arbor-area boys hoops district semifinal roundupUpdated Saginaw-area girls basketball regional brackets, with championship resultsNewaygo boys basketball standout hauls in Muskegon Athlete of the Week award
mlive.comFailure to repair parking structure leads to Eastern Michigan defaulting with developer
YPSILANTI, MI - Eastern Michigan University has issued a notice of default to a partnering developer that failed to follow through on an agreement to repair and reopen a campus parking structure. EMU notified Provident Group-EMU Properties, an Arizona-based limited liability corporation, also known as Provident EMU, that its failure to uphold a deal on the upkeep of a four-story campus parking structure has put them in default, officials said. The 2018 agreement gave Provident EMU the operation, management and maintenance of the university’s parking system. Provident EMU closed the parking structure on Sept. 25 to conduct repairs, officials said. By not opening since then, the closure has “frustrated many students who, as a result, had to park in other lots across campus,” Kraft said.
mlive.comPioneer’s comeback leads Ann Arbor-area boys hoops district semifinal roundup
YPSILANTI -- Not even a 14-0 deficit to start the game could keep Ann Arbor Pioneer’s boys basketball team from keeping its season going on Wednesday. The Pioneers shook off one of its worst starts to a game this season and clawed their way back for a 53-47 win to shock Saline in the Division 1 district semifinal game at Ypsilanti Lincoln.
mlive.comYpsilanti has 4 candidates who could become first new police chief in 9 years
YPSILANTI, MI - As Ypsilanti looks to hire its first new police chief since 2014, they plan to interview a field of four candidates, the majority coming from outside Michigan. At a work session on Tuesday, March 7, Ypsilanti City Council narrowed down the field from the seven active applicants who put their name in for the position. All are vying to take the job vacated by former Chief Chief Tony DeGiusti, who resigned in August of last year after eight years in the position and as the Ypsilanti Police Department struggled with low morale and officer departures. Read more: Chief resigns, 5 officers leave as Ypsilanti Police Department suffers from low moraleBy city charter, City Manager Frances McMullan has the responsibility to hire a new chief. The allegations made her “very hesitant” to put the applicant through Ypsilanti’s interview process, Council Member Desirae Simmons said.
mlive.comMove to standards-based grading coming to Ypsilanti Community Schools
YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti Community Schools is moving toward a standards-based grading model at its high school that focuses on students’ progress toward mastering specific concepts without emphasizing letter grades. “Standards-based grading looks at every component of the learning and identifies where mastery happens at that stage of learning,” she said. YCS staff first received professional development on standards-based grading in 2019. Harris-Hugan emphasized that students ultimately will receive a letter grade for the purposes of their academic transcripts that will be translated from a 1-4 grading scale to a letter grade. We want to make sure that regardless of what option comes their way, that they understand how to do that.”READ MORE:Tackling hunger at Ypsilanti elementary school mission of sorority initiativeYpsilanti Community Schools recognized as Michigan’s first ‘System of Distinction’10 electric buses coming to Ypsilanti Community Schools hailed as ‘game-changer’
mlive.comYpsilanti family makes mother’s lifelong dream of appearing on ‘Family Feud’ a reality
YPSILANTI, MI - Competing on one of TV’s longest running game shows, “Family Feud,” has been a lifelong dream for Mary Grayson. Mary and her Ypsilanti family are fresh off their moment in the national spotlight after winning four of five games on shows televised in late February. “We’ve been getting a lot of love from people since we’ve been on the show, which is amazing,” said her daughter Shari Grayson, captain of “Team Grayson” and also a music executive and substitute teacher. Members of the Grayson family from Ypsilanti — from left to right Shari, Mary, Phyllis, Evan and Brandon — pose on the set of the "Family Feud" game show.Provided by Shari Grayson, Family Feud“We already are very energetic and a close family, so we were just ourselves,” Shari said. More from The Ann Arbor News:DTE still working to restore power to hundreds of Washtenaw County residentsYpsilanti leaders overturn denial of 5 marijuana business permitsClosures coming to U.S. 23 near Ann Arbor for $69M construction projectCheech Marin of ‘Cheech & Chong’ visiting Ann Arbor to discuss Chicano art
mlive.comSaginaw-area basketball highlights: Heritage puts dramatic cap on season
The Ypsilanti Lincoln crowd may not have enjoyed the final result, but the fans couldn’t complain about the drama. Heritage made the drive to Ypsilanti, capping the regular season with a dramatic 48-46 win Thursday over Lincoln.
mlive.comYpsilanti leaders overturn denial of 5 marijuana business permits
YPSILANTI, MI - One has spent $1.5 million to rehab the historic Ypsilanti Farm Bureau building. Another has operated as a family-owned business for more than a decade. A third is bringing a blighted Michigan Avenue building back to life. All where among the marijuana businesses in Ypsilanti that received a letter in January saying their yearly city permit had been denied by city staff.
mlive.comAnn Arbor tops list of Michigan cities getting marijuana money at $1.4M
ANN ARBOR, MI — With more marijuana dispensaries than any other city in the state, Ann Arbor remains the commercial cannabis capital of Michigan. Meanwhile, Washtenaw County is getting the biggest county-level share in the state at nearly $2.1 million. The amount going to Ann Arbor is about the same as last year, while the county’s share increased by over $267,000. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:1st marijuana dispensary could come to western Washtenaw CountyCheech Marin of ‘Cheech & Chong’ visiting Ann Arbor to discuss Chicano artDTE Energy’s new time-of-day rates take effect. Ann Arbor proposing new recycling drop-off station outside cityDensifying Ann Arbor helps mitigate carbon emissions, experts say
mlive.com‘Touching all the various needs’: New Ypsilanti-area gardens, farmer’s market in the works
“We want to repurpose the land and make it wholesome for the community as much as we can,” he said. That includes a partnership with Ypsilanti Township to bring community gardens to Appleridge Park and an effort to develop a mushroom farm building in Ypsilanti, he said. At the planned Superior Township community farm, Collins said a major goal is encouraging African Americans and women to get involved in agriculture, especially as he sees few women in farming management positions across the county. A U-pick area and orchard with peach, pear, apricot, nectarine and pawpaw trees is also in the works, according to Collins. “It’s touching all the various needs of the community in one spot,” she said.
mlive.comEmoni Bates claims first MAC Basketball Player of the Week honors
YPSILANTI – Emoni Bates helped keep Eastern Michigan’s Mid-American Conference Tournament hopes alive last week and received recognition for his performances. The standout sophomore averaged nearly a double-double last week on his way to earning MAC Co-Player of the Week honors. Bates’ performances helped snap a five-game losing streak for the Eagles which helped keep them in the race for the final spot in the MAC Tournament with two regular season games remaining. Bates ranks second in the MAC with 20 points per game while also averaging six rebounds per outing which ranks seventh in the conference. This was Bates’ first Player of the Week honor this season and he’s the second EMU player to earn the accolade this year joining Tyson Acuff, who received the honor in December.
mlive.comCurbside pickup of branches downed in ice storm set for Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti areas
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - After a layer of ice downed branches and toppled trees during the winter storm on Wednesday, Feb. 22, curbside collection crews across the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas will mobilize to pick up the pieces. The city of Ann Arbor, city of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township have announced collection services for storm debris. There is no set route for the service, so residents should have large and bundled branches out no late than 7 a.m. on Monday. The chipping crew will begin with recycling pickup route B. More from The Ann Arbor News:Employment agency to move from longtime Ypsilanti home to new Ann Arbor locationFunding to enhance services for Washtenaw County’s older adultsAnn Arbor doles out $300K to help low-income households join in climate actionWashtenaw County forges ahead in legal battle with Ann Arbor-area polluter
mlive.comEmoni Bates helps keep EMU basketball in race for MAC tourney berth
YPSILANTI – It’s now or never for Emoni Bates and Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball team. Bates finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds to help EMU move to 8-21 overall and 5-11 in the MAC. In addition to Bates’ performance, Tyson Acuff added 20 points for the Eagles who are battling with Miami (OH) and Central Michigan for the final spot in the conference tournament. EMU will close the regular season with matchups against Bowling Green on Tuesday and Northern Illinois on Friday. The Eagles lost both games against Bowling Green and NIU by double digits earlier in the season.
mlive.comEmployment agency to move from longtime Ypsilanti home to new Ann Arbor location
YPSILANTI, MI - A workforce development agency serving Washtenaw County jobseekers will move from its longtime Ypsilanti home six miles west to a new location in Ann Arbor. Michigan Works! It’s more centrally located for the agency serving job hunters and employers across Washtenaw County, from Manchester to Ann Arbor to Chelsea, Herron said. Clients use the current Ypsilanti location for a variety of reasons, from using the internet for job searching to completing pre-hire tasks to working with career advisors, he said. More from The Ann Arbor News:Michigan girl with heart defect turns EKG readings into art for charityJim Harbaugh helps Ann Arbor police move fallen tree after ice storm‘My work’s cut out for me.’ Ann Arbor residents frustrated by prolonged power outageYpsilanti leaders throw support behind unions, repeal of Michigan right-to-work laws
mlive.comYpsilanti leaders throw support behind unions, repeal of Michigan right-to-work laws
Read more: Michigan Democrats promise Right-to-Work repeal amid staunch Republican oppositionIf successful, they could make Michigan the first state in nearly 60 years to roll back the laws. Union members weren’t the only ones in support of the Ypsilanti resolution. That figure was at 16.6% when the right-to-work laws were passed, but union membership had been in steady decline for some 15 years at that point. The Ypsilanti resolution, passed by a City Council whose elected members all ran as Democrats, calls for a reversal of “anti-worker” legislation passed under Republican gubernatorial administrations. “We’ve got to strengthen and refortify our unions, and so repealing (right-to-work) is a step in the right direction,” said Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown on Tuesday.
mlive.comWashtenaw County ice storm closings, event cancellations for Thursday, Feb. 23
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - As thousands wake up Thursday, Feb. 23 without power after a winter storm blanketed Washtenaw County with ice, some public buildings will remain closed. Read more: School closings for Washtenaw County for Thursday, Feb. 23Here are the closures and cancellations that have been announced so far. Washtenaw CountyAll non-essential county operations and buildings are still closed on Thursday. Ypsilanti TownshipYpsilanti Township offices will remain closed on Thursday. Superior TownshipSuperior Township offices will remain closed on Thursday, with normal hours resuming on Friday.
mlive.com$7M contract approved for Jackson water treatment plant upgrades
JACKSON, MI – Another step has been taken toward making repairs and improvements in the city of Jackson’s aging wastewater treatment system. The Jackson City Council unanimously approved a $7.5-million contract for the work on the system to Heaney General Contracting Inc. of Ypsilanti at its Tuesday night, Feb. 21 meeting. Twelve pumps are in need of replacement, including three at the Myrtle Lift Station, and nine at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as the four electrical motor control centers that power these pumps, city officials said. “We had discovered many deficiencies at the wastewater plant in the collection station and the Myrtle station,” Jackson Director of Public Works Mike Osborn said. “Eighty-five to 90 percent of the city’s sewage goes through the Myrtle station.
mlive.comYpsilanti city manager, council member agree to resolve complaint without hearing
YPSILANTI, MI - A complaint filed by the Ypsilanti city manager against a council member alleging he created a hostile environment at the council table won’t be headed to a formal hearing, as both parties agreed to resolve the issue through a third-party mediator. City Manager Frances McMullan and Mayor Pro-Tem and Ward 2 Council Member Steve Wilcoxen said during the City Council’s Tuesday, Feb. 21 meeting they had no desire to bring the complaint to a hearing where each side would present their case. “I need to work with the city manager and at this point that relationship is scarred and that needs to heal,” Wilcoxen said. Read more: Ypsilanti city manager files complaint accusing council member of creating ‘hostile environment’Wilcoxen also read a statement, denying McMullan’s claims he had violated the state Open Meetings Act and City Council protocol with public remarks he made about McMullan in her annual performance review, which was conducted in closed session last year. A 2% raise for the city manager ultimately passed by a 6-1 vote, with Wilcoxen as the only vote opposed.
mlive.comYpsilanti city manager files complaint accusing council member of creating ‘hostile environment’
YPSILANTI, MI – In a formal complaint, Ypsilanti’s city manager has accused a city council member of creating “a hostile council environment” by speaking in public about her personnel evaluation, allegedly violating state law — a charge the elected official denies. Ward 2 Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Wilcoxen broke the state’s Open Meetings Act and city council protocol prohibiting public criticism of city employees, claims City Manager Frances McMullan in the complaint she sent city Attorney John Barr on Feb. 8.
mlive.comTackling hunger at Ypsilanti elementary school mission of sorority initiative
YPSILANTI, MI - Students who attend an Ypsilanti elementary school will receive weekly meals throughout the school year through an initiative being launched by the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It will rovide weekly meals and snacks to 57 children who attend or have siblings who attend Estabrook Elementary School in Ypsilanti. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first Greek-letter sorority established and incorporated by African-American college women. Delta Psi Omega’s effort to combat childhood hunger locally is part of a broader initiative by Alpha Kappa Alpha to address childhood hunger in communities across the country and beyond through its Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack program. Through the program, Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters provide weekend and holiday meals for children within local communities, Delta Psi Omega Chapter President Nakisha Chaney said.
mlive.comMDOT seeks public input on vision for Washtenaw Avenue
YPSILANTI, MI — The Michigan Department of Transportation is inviting the public to discuss reimagining Washtenaw Avenue from U.S. 23 to the Ypsilanti Water Tower. MDOT also is accepting public comments online from anyone who has thoughts to share about the corridor. Unsafe sidewalk conditions between Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti persist after years of talksThe corridor runs through parts of Pittsfield and Ypsilanti townships from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti. Should landscaped medians be part of the future vision for corridor reconstruction?”Sign up to receive email updates on the study. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Is Ann Arbor area ready for thousands of acres of solar?
mlive.comSee photos as Saline sweeps Lincoln in a boys basketball game
YPSILANTI, MI -- Although both schools bleed blue, green and white were the only colors sported by both Lincoln and Saline students on Friday, Feb. 17. Since the mass shooting at Michigan State University, communities all over Michigan have honored those who lost their lives just four days prior. At tonight’s game, students, faculty and parents participated in a ‘green-out’ to show their support.
mlive.comReady for Mardi Gras? The Sazerac at Ypsilanti’s Mash is the perfect way to get started
YPSILANTI, MI - With Mardi Gras just a week away and a trip to New Orleans on my horizon, it felt like the right time to try a Sazerac during a recent visit to Mash in Ypsilanti. The speakeasy-style whiskey, bourbon and beer bar has been serving classic cocktails like the Sazerac since it opened in 2021, with a slight twist for added distinction.
mlive.comYpsilanti Lincoln QB standout Trey Richey makes college football decision
YPSILANTI – Trey Richey, one of the more experienced prep football players in the Ann Arbor area, is continuing his career at the next level. The standout Ypsilanti Lincoln quarterback announced his commitment to play for Division III program Kalamazoo College. Richey made the decision via social media on Thursday.
mlive.comCollaborative hip-hop album explores life for young men of color in Washtenaw County
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - What’s it like growing up as a young Black man in Washtenaw County today? An intergenerational collective of hip-hop artists, from established names to young rappers just getting their start, have an answer in Formula 734 Volume II. In verse and spoken word, Mack and other young artists chronicle daily life and relationships, while grappling with topics including gun violence and their own futures. But working on Formula 734 Volume II was still some of Mack’s first studio recording experience, he said. “Hopefully there’s bigger and better to come.”Click here to listen to Formula 734, Volume II.
mlive.comPair found guilty of forcing child, 6, to perform sex acts
YPSILANTI, MI – A woman and one of two of her male friends accused of forcing a 6-year-old girl in her care to perform sex acts on the men has been found guilty as charged. McDaniel, 30, faced two counts and was accused of forcing the child to perform oral sex on Allen-Bass and another codefendant Robert Wibert Whitsett, court records show. A jury trial for Whitsett and McDaniel on her second sexual assault charge is scheduled for May 22. Related: Woman, men accused of forcing 6 year old to perform sex actsIt is the policy of MLive/The Ann Arbor News to not identify victims of sexual assault. More from The Ann Arbor News:5 unanswered questions about ‘suspicious’ death of Michigan deputyWatch live ice carving demonstrations in Ann Arbor this weekendContractors not paying workers required wages, Ann Arbor investigation finds
mlive.comYpsilanti makes property tax relief available to more low-income homeowners
YPSILANTI, MI - More low-income Ypsilanti homeowners will be able to reduce their property tax bills in 2023, thanks to changes in local guidelines that bring the city more in line with its neighbors. That threshold also was nearly half the level in neighboring jurisdictions, like Ypsilanti Township, meaning fewer city residents qualified for the tax relief. Under the 2023 guidelines passed on Tuesday, homeowners who meet the criteria and apply can receive a 50% reduction in their property tax bills. The applications are concentrated in the south side of Ypsilanti, city Assessor Courtney Borden told city leaders on Tuesday. Information, guidelines and applications for poverty tax exemptions for every municipality in Washtenaw County are available on the county Treasurer’s Office website.
mlive.comBrush with death inspired Michigan woman to fight for expanded health care
We have medical debt, and we’re literally crushed for sometimes the rest of our life.”Gerard, the Health Care For All Organizer for the political advocacy group Michigan United, now works to expand access to medical care across Michigan, and her efforts are being recognized. Gerard first volunteered for Michigan United while attending Kalamazoo College. While thankful for the state social workers that helped her navigate the “maze” of health care coverage, the process was not “particularly inspiring” as she said those social workers had too much on their plate. “I think these are all stepping stones to pave the way for Michigan to become a leader in a single-payer health care system.”Now her work is to expand health care access in rural parts of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. “I realized through my ordeal that preventative health care is crucial,” she said.
mlive.comEmoni Bates has another big scoring night in EMU’s OT thriller with Ball State
Emoni Bates had another hot scoring night for Eastern Michigan men’s basketball team on Friday night. The Ypsilanti native scored a game-high 35 points, though in defeat as the Eagles saw their two-game win streak end, 91-90, to Ball State in overtime. Bates notched his fourth 30-point game of the season and his third game with 35 or more points. In addition to Bates’ performance, Tyson Acuff added 18 points and Noah Farrakhan chipped in with 16 points and six rebounds. Payton Sparks led Ball State with 22 points to help the Cardinals move to 16-7 overall and 7-3 in the MAC.
mlive.comAnn Arbor-area high school basketball schedule for Feb. 3
ANN ARBOR – Here is the schedule of Ann Arbor-area high school basketball games for Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. Don’t miss any of the excitement from the season ahead. Purchase your subscription now and get full access to every story on MLive! MORE:Game ends abruptly after two spectators storm court to attack Ypsilanti basketball playerSee Ann Arbor-area high school basketball power rankings for Feb. 1New No. 1 headlines Ann Arbor-area boys basketball power rankings for Feb. 2
mlive.comGame ends abruptly after two spectators storm court to attack Ypsilanti basketball player
YPSILANTI – The junior varsity boys basketball game between Ypsilanti and Adrian ended abruptly Tuesday night after two spectators came onto the court and attacked a Ypsilanti player. According to a statement from Ypsilanti Community Schools, two unknown spectators came onto the court during the JV game at approximately 6:45 p.m. and attempted to assault one of the Ypsilanti players.
mlive.comChocolate, raspberry & mascarpone are a recipe for success for a Michigan amateur baker
Toben-Matthews honed her skills making cupcakes but had never entered a baking competition before. This cake, however, scored top honors in the All Things Chocolate contest at Zehnder’s Snowfest in January. Three layers of chocolate cake? A friend had to talk her into entering the yearly baking competition in Frankenmuth, partly because cakes weren’t her main focus. For recipes featured in the All Things Chocolate competition, including Toben-Matthews’ four chocolate raspberry mascarpone cake, click here.
mlive.comEastern Michigan University event delivers Thanksgiving meals to those in need
Hosted by the Hundley Foundation, Eastern Michigan University and Chartwells Higher Education, the two-part “Thankful For You” event will see meals delivered by community partners and a Thanksgiving feast on Eastern’s campus.