Man accused of killing wifeโs dog pleads no contest to lesser charge
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ Man facing a felony charge after allegedly fatally shooting his wifeโs dog has taken a plea deal. In pleading no contest, his original felony charge of reckless discharge of a firearm in a building was dismissed. The rationale for the no contest plea, which is treated as a guilty plea, was Finney stated he had no memory of the incident. The charge stems from a December incident in Ypsilanti Township where Finney fatally shot his wifeโs dog. Related: Husband shoots, kills wifeโs dog in Washtenaw County homePolice were called at 8:52 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, to a home in the 2000 block of Holmes Road for a report of shots fired, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office.
mlive.comScuffle breaks out at Ann Arbor courthouse during murder sentencing
Devion Christopher Brooks, 19, was sentenced on a second-degree murder charge for the May 14 shooting death of Laryus Dottery, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. Multiple Ann Arbor Police Department officers converged on the Washtenaw County Courthouse, 101 E. Huron St., for what they were told was an active shooter situation, said Ann Arbor police spokeswoman Lt. Bonnie Theil. He was arrested without incident and was held in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond. Brooks pleaded no contest to second-degree murder on Dec. 1, court records show. โAll I can say is Iโm sorry and ask for mercy and forgiveness on my soul.โRead more from The Ann Arbor News:Passenger charged in police chase crash pleads no contestDeveloper defends decision to not include solar for proposed Ann Arbor buildingScammers are pretending to be Washtenaw County sheriff deputies again
mlive.comYpsilanti Township leaders pick new trustee, amid concerns the process was โdone in the darkโ
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - The Ypsilanti Township board has a new member, but his appointment sparked calls for greater transparency in the process of vetting the 18 residents who applied for the job. Read more: 18 people want a vacant Ypsilanti Township board seat. Stumbo praised Hunterโs work on the AAATA board, particularly representing township officialsโ concerns over the timing and magnitude of a public transit tax hike that passed on the August 2022 ballot. People that donโt have resources donโt always feel represented, and people who donโt always have access to participate donโt feel represented. I hope that this seat, an appointed seat, can be a community voice.โHunter will serve a term running through the 2024 election cycle.
mlive.com18 people want a vacant Ypsilanti Township board seat. Hereโs the supervisorโs pick
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Thereโs no shortage of residents hoping to take a seat alongside elected leaders on the Ypsilanti Township board. Officials received 18 letters of interest for a open position caused by the resignation of former Trustee Jimmie Wilson Jr., a Democrat who was elected as state representative in November, according to Township Clerk Heather Jarrell Roe.
mlive.comPolice identify man killed by train in Ypsilanti
YPSILANTI, MI โ Police have identified the man who was found fatally struck by a train in Ypsilanti Thursday night. Brian Koscielniak, 35, of Ypsilanti Township, was found dead Jan. 8, after being hit by a train, according to the Ypsilanti Police Department. Related: Man killed when hit by train in Ypsilanti, police sayOfficers arrived and found Koscielniak, who had suffered fatal injuries after being struck by the train, police said. The investigation is ongoing and the manโs body has been turned over to the Washtenaw County Medical Examinerโs Officer to determine the cause of death, police said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Ypsilanti Police Department at 734-483-9510 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800- SPEAK UP.
mlive.comYpsilanti-area commissioner picked as new chair of Washtenaw County board
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - With the new year comes new leadership โ and new faces โ on Washtenaw Countyโs top elected body. Read more: Democrats hold on to all 9 Washtenaw County board seats for 3rd election in a rowHodge will step into the role filled for the previous two years by former Commissioner Sue Shink, now kicking off her first term in the state Senate. โTo the residents of Washtenaw county, I commit to doing everything in my power to help make our home a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,โ he said. Joining them and making a return to the county board is Commissioner Yousef Rabhi, representing Ann Arborโs District 8. In an interview with MLive/The Ann Arbor News, he cited ensuring county residents have an affordable place to live as a key goal for the county board this year.
mlive.comYpsilanti-area gun range now open to the public
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Gun enthusiasts can gear up for a new range that has officially opened in Ypsilanti Township. โThere is a tremendous opportunity to grow our store footprint in Michigan,โ Tom Willingham, Range USA founder, said in a statement. Range USA, however, was able to proceed after meeting the townshipโs requirements and the areaโs zoning rules. โAs part of that mission, we want to set the standard for approachable, clean and safe indoor gun ranges. Range USA is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
mlive.comTownship inks $634K real estate deal for new Ypsilanti-area ALDI supermarket
Read more: New ALDI supermarket could come to Ypsilanti area through deal with townshipโThe addition of ALDI will greatly benefit those who live, work and shop in the township, with their focus on sustainability and competitive prices,โ township officials said in a statement. The terms are a standard part of a real estate purchase agreement, and ALDI is making progress toward closing, although it has not yet, according to Ypsilanti Township Attorney Doug Winters. Officials have agreed not to rent or sell any portion of that land for another retail grocery store, according to the purchase agreement. In 2022, officials welcomed Underground Printing as it moved to a warehouse behind the property involved in the ALDI deal. As part of the purchase agreement, ALDI would construct an access drive from Brinker Way, which could potentially connect to future development to the north.
mlive.comTech upgrades pave the way for livestreaming of Superior Township board meetings
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - This year, Superior Township board meetings are set to premiere as the latest show on streaming. In Salem Township to the north, board meetings have for years been recorded and posted to YouTube, and Ypsilanti Township makes available audio recordings, though it does not stream meetings. Superior Township heard โincreased requestsโ for a virtual board meeting capabilities, according to a resolution passed in April of last year. In April, the township board unanimously OKโd a roughly $23,000 proposal to modernize board room audiovisual capabilities. Board meeting information, including agendas and meeting packets, can be found on the townshipโs website.
mlive.comA list of where and when homicides occurred in Washtenaw County in 2022
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ Washtenaw County saw three fewer homicides in 2022 compared to 2021, death records show. By comparison, there were 14 total homicides reported in Washtenaw County in 2021 and 12 homicides in 2020. The reasoning behind the discrepancy is that a few homicides occurred outside Washtenaw County, but the autopsy was performed by the Washtenaw office, some occurred within the county, but the victimโs body was found in another county and one homicide occurred after the FOIA request was sent. She was listed as a Washtenaw County homicide because her body was found in Washtenaw County and the medical examiner in Washtenaw performed her autopsy. Archer was not part of the Washtenaw County Medical Examinerโs homicide totals as her autopsy was performed in Genesee County.
mlive.comHere are 15+ Washtenaw County developments to watch in 2023
Related: 30 Ann Arbor developments to watch in 2023, including more high-risesWASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - From marijuana dispensaries to solar farms and new affordable housing, 2023 is likely to be busy year for development in Washtenaw County. A new grocery store for Ypsilanti Township? Could 2023 be the year plans for an eastern Washtenaw County recreation center move ahead? A consent judgement brokered with township officials allows it to move forward. The vacant Gault Village Shopping Center at 1005 Emerick Street in Ypsilanti Township on September 27, 2022.Lucas Smolcic Larson | lsmolciclarson@mlive.comItโs been nearly four years since the latest developer purchased the now-vacant and deteriorating Gault Village Shopping Center in Ypsilanti Township.
mlive.comDemolition options on the table for vacant Ypsilanti-area shopping center in 2023
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - The vacant storefronts in an Ypsilanti-area shopping plaza whose decline can be measured in decades may not be long for this world. At least six demolition contractors have sized up the Gault Village Shopping Center in Ypsilanti Township this year, preparing bids for township officials to bring it to the ground. Read more: โIt has been a disasterโ: Vacant Ypsilanti-area shopping plaza could be demolishedโThe residents (of Gault Village) have been more than patient with the developer and so have we. Meanwhile, the townshipโs six preliminary bids for razing the shopping center, removing the parking lot and restoring the site range from roughly $874,000 to $2 million, according to township meeting documents. The township could also commission an optional assessment of the former dry cleaner location in the shopping center, since those businesses are often associated with soil contamination.
mlive.comBedroom fire at Ypsilanti Township home displaces 3 adults
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ Three people were displaced from their Ypsilanti Township home Tuesday morning when a fire broke out inside one of their bedrooms. Fire crews were called at 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, to a home on Justin Court for a reported structure fire, according to the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department. The homeโs three adult occupants had already evacuated the home prior to fire crews arriving, officials said. The fire, which was located inside a second-floor bedroom, was quickly brought under control, limiting the fire damage to the single bedroom which saved the house from being destroyed, officials said. The Ypsilanti Fire Department and the Superior Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.
mlive.comYpsilanti Township trustee resigns to become state representative, leaving vacancy
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - An Ypsilanti Township trustee is headed to Lansing in the new year as the Ypsilanti-areaโs newest state representative, leaving a hole on the township board. The person appointed to fill Wilsonโs trustee seat will serve the remainder of his term, running through the 2024 election cycle. โI enjoyed my six years on the township board. After a ceremonial swearing in this month, he will officially take office as a state representative in the new year, he said. Hereโs who wants the jobHow a failed theme park nearly turned Ypsilanti farmland into lunar coloniesCiting cost increases, Ypsilanti Township to review contract with county sheriff for policingThousands of toys bring holiday cheer to patients at C.S.
mlive.comPorch fire forces 5 residents out of Ypsilanti-area home
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A porch fire early Friday at a Ypsilanti Township residence forced out its five occupants, officials said. Firefighters responded to reports of a fire at 1:24 a.m., Dec. 16 in the area of Ellis and Morgan roads in Ypsilanti Township, said the township fire department. It is not clear if the five occupants are displaced from the residence, officials said. Ypsilanti Township Fire Department was assisted by agencies in the city of Ypsilanti, as well as Pittsfield and Superior townships. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Jeep on car hauler strikes I-94 overpass near Ann ArborShooting threat from student closes Brighton-area schoolFire causes $20,000 damage to Ann Arbor home
mlive.comPolice identify man fatally stabbed during domestic incident
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ Police have identified a man who was fatally stabbed in an Ypsilanti Township apartment community Saturday. Demeatrius Adam Cole, 40, died Saturday, Dec. 10, after succumbing to a fatal stab wound suffered during a domestic incident, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. The stabbing suspect, a 30-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Washtenaw County Jail where she was later released. Related: Woman fatally stabs man during domestic dispute, police sayThe preliminary investigation indicated the pair, who have children together, were involved in a domestic dispute that ended in the woman gabbing a knife and stabbing the victim, police said. The woman was released after investigators received information the woman may have been acting in self-defense, police said.
mlive.comCiting cost increases, Ypsilanti Township to review contract with county sheriff for policing
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ The price of keeping sheriffโs deputes on patrol in Washtenaw County is rising and Ypsilanti Township officials say theyโll be considering other options. A decade ago, the township had just reached the end of a nearly six-year legal battle with the county over the cost and provisions of contract policing, he noted. Thatโs still a tough pill to swallow for Ypsilanti Township officials. He hopes the contract policing grants will demonstrate the value of the tax if and when it is considered for renewal. For now, Ypsilanti Township officials appear to be moving ahead with their examination of their policing contract.
mlive.comMurder charge dropped against teen who turned himself in after shooting
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A teen accused of fatally shooting another teen in Ypsilanti Township is no longer facing murder charges. The Washtenaw County Prosecutorโs Office dropped charges against Kawaun Deshawn Robinson, Dec. 6, after he spent more than four months of awaiting trial for murder, court records show. Robinson, 17, was charged with one count of open murder in connection with the shooting death of fellow teen Deshawn Patterson, 17, who was found fatally shot in August. Robinson contacted the violence prevention member while police investigated the shooting. The violence prevention member was able to facilitate Robinson turning himself in safely, police said.
mlive.comNew ALDI supermarket could come to Ypsilanti area through deal with township
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - The Ypsilanti area could be getting its second ALDI supermarket through a real estate deal with Ypsilanti Township. ALDI has two other locations in Washtenaw County, one on Ann Arborโs west side and another in Pittsfield Township along Carpenter Road. Township officials hope the supermarket will lure future development to the property next to the store, with Winters describing the ALDI has an โanchorโ for that part of the township. ALDI is among the largest supermarket chains in the country, with 2,248 locations in 39 states, according to its website. The potential ALDI development would have to go through the planning and zoning approval process in Ypsilanti Township, but Winters said planning officials have been involved in negotiating the purchase agreement.
mlive.comHusband shoots, kills wifeโs dog in Washtenaw County home
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A dog is dead and a man faces a felony charge after allegedly shooting his wifeโs dog in an Ypsilanti Township home Sunday morning. Christopher Dean Finney, 50, was arraigned Monday, Dec. 5, on one count of reckless discharge of a firearm in a building in connection with the shooting of his wifeโs dog. Police were called at 8:52 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, to a home in the 2000 block of Holmes Road for a report of shots fired, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. The dog, a young 70-pound Cane Corso female, succumbed to her injuries and died, according to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Washtenaw County Magistrate Tamara Garwood granted Finney a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
mlive.comPolice investigating shooting in Washtenaw County
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ 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
mlive.comโWe want to save livesโ: $30M Ypsilanti-area recreation center finds potential home
WASHTEANW COUNTY, MI โ 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,โ 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:โItโs a shockingly polarizing issue.โ Ann Arbor weighs dog park optionsJellyfish in Michigan?
mlive.comFugitive arrested in connection with murder that was broadcast live on Facebook
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ 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 Sheriffโs 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.
mlive.comTeen shot at while walking home, police say
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A 16-year-old boy was shot at while walking home Sunday evening in an Ypsilanti Township neighborhood. Police were called at 6:47 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, to the 1000 block of Nash Avenue in Ypsilanti Township for a reported shooting that had just occurred, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. Deputies arrived and located the 16-year-old who stated he was walking home when a vehicle approached him and one of the occupants opened fire, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office confidential tip Line at 734-973-7711 or Crimestoppers at 800-773-2587. More from The Ann Arbor News:Man confessed to shooting ex-girlfriend during fight, then burning body, police sayAnn Arbor reduces roadway as partial fix for misaligned intersectionApp-guided tour helps people find Ann Arborโs fairy doors
mlive.comโIn Pursuit with John Walshโ to feature Facebook homicide fugitive
Murder charges were filed against Brown on July 19 among with multiple other murder codefendants, but he has not yet been located, records show. Shereif Bonner, 24, of Ypsilanti Township was extradited from Georgia and arraigned on open murder charges, July 26 after his short time on the lamb. All five suspectsโ cases are still pending in the Washtenaw County District Court. At the time of the shooting, Smith was broadcasting himself live on Facebook, police said. โWhile Terrill streamed live from his Facebook page, the shooting was overheard/witnessed by many,โ the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office said in a written statement.
mlive.com100 birds found in rental home covered in filth spurs lawsuit for โhorrificโ conditions
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ Officials want an Ypsilanti Township home rigorously cleaned and sanitized by professionals after a routine rental inspection revealed more than 100 birds inside it. โThe house was completely covered in bird urine and feces covering counters, appliances, walls and floors producing an unbearable stench throughout,โ according to the lawsuit. The property was scheduled for rental inspection on Sept. 19 and the conditions inside the house were so profoundly unsanitary and unsafe that the house was condemned, officials said. It was noted in the inspectorโs report that the entire house was covered in newspaper, bird food and bird feces. After the rental inspection, the township revoked the property ownerโs certificate of occupancy, making the home ineligible to be used as a rental property.
mlive.comโI couldnโt just let him die in there.โ Man rushes into burning home to save neighbor
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ An Ypsilanti Township man is alive thanks to the selfless actions of a neighbor who ran into a burning home and pulled him out. โI couldnโt just let him die in there,โ said the neighbor D. Bates on Tuesday, Oct. 4, recalling the Friday afternoon fire.
mlive.comYpsilanti-area nonprofit celebrates 40th anniversary with community mural
YPSILANTI TWP., MI - A recently-completed mural by an Ypsilanti Township nonprofit is brightening up Ecorse Road with a message of building community to alleviate poverty and suffering. The mural is the finished product of volunteers and staff members at Friends In Deed who collaborated with TreeTown Murals to create the mural to commemorate the nonprofitโs 40th anniversary. โThis mural is very symbolic of the work of Friends In Deed,โ mural project chair Kate Roos said. State Senator Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, offered a signed tribute to commemorate the community mural project, noting that when people work together to chip in, it improves the community for everyone. READ MORE:Grab a brush: Public invited to help paint Friend in Deedโs new mural in YpsilantiArtist hopes new Ypsilanti mural will bring people togetherHereโs who is running for a new Ypsilanti-area Michigan House seat in November
mlive.comHereโs who is running for a new Ypsilanti-area Michigan House seat in November
Democratic Ypsilanti Township Trustee Jimmie Wilson Jr. will face Republican Martin Church, an Ypsilanti business owner and information technology specialist, in the race for the 32nd House District seat. In the heavily Democratic district covering all of the city of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and pieces of Pittsfield and Superior townships, Wilson holds a strong advantage. Click here)MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. EDUCATION: What should Michigan do, if anything, to 1) provide an equitable, quality public education for all students and 2) address the shortage of teachers? You will never have equitable or quality in the public education.
mlive.comProtestors call Ypsilanti Township license plate reader plan โmass surveillanceโ
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - It wasnโt on the agenda, but that didnโt stop a group of residents from showing up to give Ypsilanti Township leaders an earful about a plan under consideration to install automated license plate readers for use by police throughout the Ypsilanti area. โLicense plate readers are reactive, and we need more funding at a preventative level,โ said township resident and activist Alyshia Dyer. License plate readers have been used to apprehend murder suspects and quickly locate missing persons in nearby communities, police have said, pointing to their value in solving serious crimes. On Tuesday, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo told demonstrators the township doesnโt yet have all the answers to questions residents have raised. Read more: Ypsilanti city leaders call installing license plate readers an invasion of privacyOn Tuesday, Dyer presented a similar measure for consideration by Ypsilanti Township officials, which she was was drafted in community leaders and Ypsilanti Community Schools students.
mlive.comYpsilanti-area COVID testing site must close after permit extension is denied
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - An Ypsilanti-area COVID-19 testing site that has operated since cases reached a historic peak in January must shut down. The testing site got off to a rocky start. In early March, the township Zoning Board of Appeals granted a temporary six-month permit for the testing site, which collects saliva samples. โDo you believe thatโs short-sighted?โ asked zoning board Chair Marsha Kraycir, given the board could deny the companyโs request. We want COVID testing in our community, absolutely.
mlive.comTeen accused of killing another teen set for preliminary examination
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A teen accused of fatally shooting another teen in Ypsilanti Township, then turning himself into police is set for a preliminary examination in a month. Kawaun Deshawn Robinson appeared before Washtenaw County 14A District Judge Cedric Simpson Thursday, Sept. 1, for a probable cause conference hearing where his preliminary examination was then scheduled for Oct. 4. A preliminary examination is a court hearing where prosecutors must present enough evidence to prove that a crime was committed and that there is a reasonable belief the defendant committed the crime. The violence prevention member was able to facilitate Robinson turning himself in safely, police said. The exam is set before Washtenaw County 15th District Judge Miriam Perry.
mlive.comNew hydrogen hub slated for vehicle research facility in Ypsilanti Township
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP โ A โhydrogen hubโ could be built in Ypsilanti Township by mid-2023 to help advance hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. BayoTech, a hydrogen production company headquartered in New Mexico, aims to produce these hubs in communities with a growing demand for hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles create electricity through a chemical reaction between the hydrogen from the carโs fuel tank and oxygen from the air. Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township supervisor, said the siteโs next steps with the township involve receiving site plan approval from the cityโs planning department and commission. Reid said ACM decided to look into a hydrogen supply after one of its tenants, Toyota Motor Corporation, brought up testing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at the facility.
mlive.com17-year-old charged with murder in fatal shooting
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A teen accused of fatally shooting another teen in Ypsilanti Township then turning himself into police has been arraigned on murder charges. Kawaun Deshawn Robinson, 17, was arraigned Monday, Aug. 22, on one count of open murder in connection with the shooting death of Deshawn Patterson, 17, court records show. Robinson contacted the violence prevention member while police investigated the shooting. The violence prevention member was able to facilitate Robinson turning himself in safely, police said. It is unclear what led up to the shooting which remains under investigationRobinson remains lodged in the Washtenaw County Juvenile Center without bond.
mlive.comSheriff greenlights Ypsilanti-area license plate reader plan with strict guidelines
Ypsilanti Township officials are mulling a proposal to install 65 to 70 cameras, blanketing entrances and exits to township roadways, while surrounding the Ypsilanti city limits. Read more: 60+ license plate readers could blanket Ypsilanti area under township planPolice are now officially on board. Of 1,148 respondents to an online survey who indicated they lived in Ypsilanti Township, 999 said they opposed using the license plate readers. License plate readers make a difference in murder, stolen vehicle casesPolice say even in recent months while they were evaluating the license plate reader proposal, the technology in other jurisdictions helped solve serious crimes. The incidents are the kind of serious crimes police hope to employ the license plate readers in Ypsilanti Township.
mlive.com15K+ free curbside recycling carts coming to Ypsilanti-area homes
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Officials in Ypsilanti Township are gearing up to distribute more than 15,000 new recycling carts this fall in an effort to boost recycling, while cutting down on fees residents have to pay to participate in curbside collection. As it stands, residents participating in the townshipโs curbside program purchase smaller bins or rent them from Waste Management, the company contracted to run biweekly pickup routes. Officials hope to complete the deliveries by Thanksgiving and start service using the new carts on Dec. 5, Hoffmeister added. Residents wonโt see any charges associated with the recycling cart rollout โ a โhuge costโ for the township made possible through the grants, Hoffmeister said. After it is complete, some 7,200 households that donโt currently use curbside recycling will be positioned to join the program in Ypsilanti Township.
mlive.comTeen fatally shot, suspect turns himself into police after reaching out to violence interrupter
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A 17-year-old boy is dead and another teen is in custody after a fatal shooting early Saturday in Ypsilanti Township. Officers were called to the area at 3:51 a.m. where they found Patterson on the ground suffering a fatal gunshot wound, police said. While police were investigating the shooting, the suspect, a 17-year-old boy, reached out a sheriffโs office community violence retaliation prevention member seeking help, police said. The prevention member was able to facilitate a connection to investigators and help him safely turn himself in, police said. The sheriffโs office commended the efforts of the community violence retaliation prevention member and the program in aiding in the teen turning himself in.
mlive.comYpsilanti city leaders call installing license plate readers an invasion of privacy
YPSILANTI, MI - If a proposal to blanket Ypsilanti Township with automated license plate readers for use by police moves forward, the city of Ypsilanti would be surrounded by the devices capturing information from passing vehicles. The license plate reader proposal, under consideration by Ypsilanti Township officials while the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office seeks feedback from residents to decide if it wants to use the technology, will affect city residents too, Ypsilanti City Council Member Brian Jones-Chance said. Though some language in Ypsilanti city meeting documents referred to โred-light license plate readers,โ the kind that automatically issue traffic citations, the Ypsilanti resolution was intended to oppose the automated readers the township is pursuing, used for different purposes, Ypsilanti Council Member Annie Somerville said during Tuesdayโs meeting. On Aug. 23, the City Council is slated to take up an ordinance prohibiting the installation or use of electronic license plate scanning devices within the city and will have a public hearing on the measure during its regular meeting at 7 p.m., according to a city notice. More from The Ann Arbor News:โI donโt want a Big Brother stateโ: Sheriff discusses license plate readers in Ypsilanti TownshipOspreys nesting high up in Michigan cell tower are sign of speciesโ comebackYpsilanti police investigating shots fired outside homeLincoln football aims to โpush over the topโ and return to postseason
mlive.comAnn Arbor-Ypsilanti transit taxโs big win means new services coming in 2024
ANN ARBOR, MI โ A big tax to expand local public transit services had strong support from Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti voters, while Ypsilanti Township voters were more divided on it. โWeโre really pleased with the result and very grateful to the voters for their trust and support,โ Carpenter said. Ann Arbor is separately asking voters in November to approve a 20-year climate-action tax to fund other A2Zero initiatives. In Ann Arbor, the transit tax had 63% support Tuesday with a vote tally of 16,983-9,914. In Ypsilanti, support was even stronger at 75% with a count of 2,521-848.
mlive.comFacebook homicide suspect extradited from Georgia, two more arrested in murder conspiracy
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A man arrested in Georgia for the shooting death of an Ypsilanti Township man broadcasting himself on Facebook live in late June has been extradited back to Michigan to face murder charges. Related: Facebook homicide suspect arrested in GeorgiaTyree Pitts, 18, of Ypsilanti Township, and Andre Walker, 26, of Willis, were also both arrested and charged with open murder in connection with the shooting. Martita Bonner, 41, and Jermia Castion, 25, were both previously arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit open murder and are currently lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail on $1 million bond each. All five suspectsโ cases are still pending in the Washtenaw County District Court. At the time of the shooting, Smith was broadcasting himself live on Facebook, police said.
mlive.comFord announces $160M investment into Ypsilanti Townshipโs Rawsonville Plant
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP โ Ford Motor Company recently announced that it will be investing $160 million into Ypsilanti Townshipโs Rawsonville Plant as part of its efforts to invest $2 billion across MichiganThe companyโs overall investment of $2 billion expects to generate 3,200 jobs across the state. โFord has a long history in Ypsilanti Township,โ Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township supervisor, said in an Ann Arbor SPARK press release. โThank you, Ford Motor Company for investing in our union workforce and the environment.โStumbo did not immediately respond to messages for further comment. MLive reached out to Ford Motor Company for comment, but was directed to this press release. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:New Ann Arbor development proposals include 227 housing units, daycareStaff shortages prompt Ypsilanti-area coney island to temporarily closeAnn Arbor Art Center will showcase mural-making process with new exhibition
mlive.comMeet real-life Rosies at 5th annual Rosie the Riveter Craft Show
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI --The Rosie the Riveter Craft Show is returning for a fifth year in an Ypsilanti park, bringing a variety of crafts, giveaways and real-life Rosies. The Rosie the Riveter Craft Show is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at North Bay Park, 1001 Huron St. in Ypsilanti. In addition to a variety of craft vendors, a number of โRosies,โ women who worked in the nearby Willow Run factory, will also be onsite. Castle-Hine said the exact number of women attending can fluctuate, but generally five or six women will represent the Rosies. Members of the American Rosie the Riveter Association of Michigan and other veterans will also be in attendance.
mlive.comOverreaching or transformational? Debate over Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax heats up
Read more: Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax proposal headed to votersRead more: How a big tax increase could reshape public transit in Ann Arbor areaMeanwhile, Ypsilanti Township, the second largest municipality deciding the millage behind Ann Arbor, wants its voters to know the improvements come at a significant cost. Mahler noted the public transit agency is able to leverage each local tax dollar to collect another $1.40 in state and federal grants. In Ypsilanti Township, residents now contribute about $1 million in property taxes but receive $6 million in services from TheRide annually, he said. More from The Ann Arbor News:With ridership still down, Ann Arbor transit expansion is banking on future demandAre library cards the new bus pass? This summer they are in Ann Arbor, YpsilantiHere are the Washtenaw County tax proposals on the August primary ballotHereโs your Ann Arbor-area voter guide for the August 2022 primary2022 primary election ballot for Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County voters
mlive.comPolice investigating fatal shooting in Ypsilanti Township neighborhood
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ A man was killed Tuesday morning in a shooting in an Ypsilanti Township neighborhood. Police were called at 11 a.m. June 28, to the area of Nash Avenue and Tyler Road in Ypsilanti Townshipโs West Willow neighborhood for multiple reports of shots fired in the area, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. There have been no arrests and there is no additional information available at this time, police said. The shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with information can submit a tip anonymously to 734-973-7711 or provide a confidential tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SpeakUP.
mlive.comWashtenaw County board race pits incumbent against Ypsilanti City Council member
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A current Ypsilanti City Council member hopes to unseat a three-term incumbent in the Democratic primary race for a seat on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners covering all of the City of Ypsilanti and parts of neighboring townships. Information on other state, county and local primary races is available at Vote411.org. Every day I have the honor of helping people in Washtenaw County at the local and state level. Somerville:The most serious problems facing Washtenaw County are the housing crisis, economic segregation, and health disparities. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here.
mlive.com60+ license plate readers could blanket Ypsilanti area under township plan
YPSILANTI, MI - Should a proposal to install automated license plate readers for use by law enforcement move forward, more than 60 cameras would blanket the Ypsilanti area, placed at every entrance and exit point to Ypsilanti Township roadways, according to a township memo and map of proposed locations. Officials originally discussed installing the license plate readers only in certain areas, Ypsilanti Township Treasurer Stan Eldridge said at the township boardโs Tuesday, June 21 meeting. Read more: โI donโt want a Big Brother stateโ: Sheriff discusses license plate readers in Ypsilanti TownshipDerrick Jackson, spokesperson for the Sheriffโs Office, said community engagement over the license plate reader proposal, which includes a public online survey and presentations at local neighborhood watch meetings, is ongoing. โCapture objective evidence 24/7 without the overtime pay,โ reads a promotional flyer from the company including in Ypsilanti Township meeting documents. Neighboring Van Buren Township has already contracted with the company to install 30 cameras, and they have already assisted in locating a suspect in a shooting in Superior Township, according to the Ypsilanti Township memo.
mlive.comHello, Ann Arbor: Food truck season already hits a bump; a local pizza we loved
But food truck season has already hit a bump in Ann Arbor. Our story by Jordyn Pair highlighted some impassioned responses from folks who already own food trucks or aspire to. This selection smorgasbord is particularly true in Ann Arbor, where you can throw a rock in any direction and hit a pizzeria. About โHello, Ann Arborโ: Each week, we deliver the big headlines straight to your inbox via our Friday 3@3 Ann Arbor newsletter. MORE โHELLO, ANN ARBORโ:Hello, Ann Arbor: High-density rezoning discussed for west side; Border-to-Border Trail updatesHello, Ann Arbor: Help us explore local dining and drinks; CJ Carr chooses Notre DameHello, Ann Arbor: Thatโs one funky duck; pilot with local ties is real โTop GunโHello, Ann Arbor: Why the grass here is so shaggy; popular mountain bike loops get connectedHello, Ann Arbor: Another tragic bridge-jumping death; prom at the Big HouseHello, Ann Arbor: Our liberal city is not immune to discrimination, lack of diversity
mlive.comYpsilanti Township man suffering gunshot wound to head dies
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ An 18-year-old Ypsilanti Township man who suffered a gunshot wound to the head Wednesday afternoon has died. Sean Longoria, 18, died Thursday, June 23, after succumbing to his injuries suffered in a shooting that occurred the day prior, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. Police were called at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, to the 1000 block of S. Harris Road in Ypsilanti Township for multiple reports of shots fired and a man down, police said. The investigation is ongoing at this time and details concerning the cause of the shooting are unavailable, police said. More from MLive:โLivid, horrifiedโ: Roe v. Wade reversal blasted by most Washtenaw County politiciansWhere to find fireworks, Fourth of July events in Washtenaw CountyNature and theater combine during Shakespeare in the Arb
mlive.comMan shot in the head in Ypsilanti Township
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ An 18-year-old Ypsilanti Township man is in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the head Wednesday afternoon. Police were called at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, to the 1000 block of S. Harris Road in Ypsilanti Township for multiple reports of shots fired and a man down, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office. The man was taken to an area hospital where he is currently listed in critical condition, police said. There were no other shooting victims located and no suspects have been identified at this time, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Washtenaw County Sheriffโ Office Tip Line at 734-973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP.
mlive.comMan charged with murder for killing brother with pellet gun in Ypsilanti Township
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI โ An Ypsilanti Township man has been charged with murder after police said he fatally shot his brother with a pellet gun. Steven Michael Harris, 29, was arraigned June 11 on one count of open murder for the death of his brother, 32-year-old Thomas Harris, court records show. Arriving deputies discovered an argument had happened between the pair which escalated into Steven Harris shooting his older brother with a high-powered pellet gun, police said. Thomas Harris was taken to an area hospital where he later died as result of his injuries, leading to his brother being arrested and charged with murder, police said. He is currently being held in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond.
mlive.comIcy weather sends industrial production down 2.2% last month
Severe winter weather pushed industrial production down a sharp 2.2% in February, reflecting a big decline in factory output. The Federal Reserve reported Tuesday that industrial production fell 2.2% in February, reflecting a big decline in output at factories and oil and gas refineries. Industrial production fell 2.2% last month interrupting a string of four positive monthly gains as U.S. factories recovered from the pandemic-induced recession of last spring. Industrial production had been up 1.1% in January and 1% in December. The Fed said that total industrial production in February was 4.2% below the level of February 2002, the month before the pandemic hit with force in the United States.
Man wanted for questioning in Ypsilanti Township homicide of 32-year-old
A person is wanted for questioning by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office regarding a homicide in Ypsilanti Township. YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ The Washtenaw County Sheriffโs Office is investigating the homicide of a young man that happened Saturday. Henry Peoples Ross, 32, was found by deputies after being shot in the driverโs seat of a vehicle, according to the WCSO. His body was found by deputies who were responding to a single vehicle crash in the northwest corner of the Ranches of Rosebrook apartment complex near Russell Boulevard in Ypsilanti Township. The person pictured above is wanted for questioning in connection with the case.