News - The Eastern Echo

New skatepark concept designs revealed at community workshop

By Sophia Kalakailo · Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019

On Sept. 11, members of the public and local skaters attended a community workshop for the Ypsilanti CommUNITY Skatepark to discuss new concept designs.

Design and Science exhibition visits EMU

By Sophia Kalakailo · Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019

The Design and Science exhibition had its opening reception and round table discussion at Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center. The exhibition features projects connecting design and science through models, bio-design and representations of natural data.

Eastern Michigan University hosts second annual EagleFest

By Megan Girbach · Friday, Sept. 13, 2019

On Sept. 9, students gathered at the Student Center patio and University Park to learn about different student organizations offered at EMU. EagleFest allows students to not only learn about clubs and sports provided at EMU, but to also meet others interested in the same topics.

Several parking changes potentially headed for Depot Town and Downtown Ypsilanti

By Ashlee Buhler · Friday, Sept. 13, 2019

Several parking improvements, including new pay-by-phone technology, could debut in the city of Ypsilanti within the next year. At the Sept. 10 City Council Meeting, the Downtown Development Authority presented a plan that included several parking changes in Depot Town and Downtown Ypsilanti.

Student Body Senate passes resolutions to improve senate involvement

By Jenna Robinson · Friday, Sept. 13, 2019

The Student Body Senate held its first official meeting of the 2019-2020 academic year. Elected officials voted to pass two amendments. Resolution 106-03 will now require senators to attend at least one event per month, but will allow the event to be of their choosing. Resolution 105-03 was also amended to raise Speaker Lawrence’s billable hours from 10 to 12 to accommodate the extra training he will be taking on with the large 19-person Senate.

Residence Housing Association hosts kick-off

By Megan Girbach · Friday, Sept. 13, 2019

Students had the opportunity to learn more about EMU’s Residence Hall Association as an organization at the Pray-Harrold Kick-off. While there, students had the chance to play games, win prizes and join RHA as Community Representatives.

Large scrapyard fire causes strong odor in Ypsilanti area

By Austin Elliott · Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019

Officials have stated that there are no major concerns regarding the smell and that no action is needed.

Shooting in apartment complex off Leforge Road

Shooting on Leforge Road being investigated by Ypsilanti Police

By Tyler Gaw · Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019

Ypsilanti Police investigation continues on a felonious assault shooting that occurred on Leforge Road. None of the individuals are being reported as EMU students. The story will be updated with more information as soon as it becomes available.

EMU Student Government introduces new senators

By Jenna Robinson · Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019

Senators Nick Galluzzo, LaTerricka Osborne, Lily Pellerito and Tyler Kochman were welcomed into the EMU Student Government during the Summer Summit Orientation Meeting. This seven-hour-long meeting held on Sept. 3 began by showcasing new members and what they hope to focus and improve on during this academic school year.

EMU parking structure newly renovated with other parking improvements made

By Megan Morrison · Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019

Eastern Michigan University’s main parking structure finished renovation just in time for the fall semester. New parking lot signs have also been installed to reflect the renaming of several lots on campus. The updated signs make it more clear for visitors on where they can park based on their permit.

Festival of the Honeybee connects local businesses, artists and musicians

By Sophia Kalakailo · Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019

First Friday Ypsilanti hosts events the first Friday of the month, April through December. This past Friday, Sept. 6, the Festival of the Honeybee took place, connecting local businesses, artists and musicians.

EMU Student Government emphasizes transparency, flexibility and efficiency for upcoming year

By Heather Weigel · Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019

Our student representatives discussed the budget for fiscal year 2020, echoed student concerns about privatization and discussed their plans and goals for the upcoming academic year at their Sept. 3 meeting.

New EMU Marching Band Director Chandler Wilson

New EMU Marching Band Director brings extensive musical experience

By Sophia Kalakailo · Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019

Dr. Chandler L. Wilson was named EMU Marching Band's new director this past summer. He has experience in education, band directing and composition.

Students discuss solutions for problems in the community

EMU teams up with University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College to host fifth annual “Bold Futures” event

By Tyler Gaw · Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019

EMU And other Schools Team Up to Host “Bold Futures” Event At WCC, August 20th. The free event was open to high school students ages 14 to 18 and allowed participants to work with other students, local business owners, and facilitators from EMU, U-M, and WCC to identify community problems, develop potential solutions, and to pitch ideas to business owners and non-profit leaders.

City council members vote to remove gay pride, transgender pride, Black Lives Matter flags from council chambers

By Ashlee Buhler · Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019

Members of the Ypsilanti City Council voted to remove gay pride, transgender pride and Black Lives Matter flags from the council chambers during the Aug. 27 meeting. The resolution, which passed 5-2, states that City Council does not want to become a forum to advertise or promote any particular ideology. As a result, it was agreed upon that the only flags allowed in the council chambers are the United States of America, the state of Michigan and the city of Ypsilanti flags.

142 Eastern Michigan University employees accept early retirement buyouts

By Ashlee Buhler · Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019

One hundred forty-two Eastern Michigan University employees are set to retire from the university within the next year. In May, the university announced a Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Plan that gave full-time faculty and staff the opportunity to accept a payout and retire. More than 600 employees were eligible for the offer.

Eastern Michigan University awarded $25,000 grant from 2019 Ford College Community Challenge program

By Megan Girbach · Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019

Eastern Michigan University has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Ford Motor Company through its highly competitive Ford College Community Challenge, a cutting-edge, grant-making program created to inspire student teams to develop innovative community-building projects addressing local needs – the premise being “Making Lives Better.”

REC/IM renovations delayed; not expected to open until end of September

By Ashlee Buhler · Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019

Phase one of the $16 million renovation to the REC/IM will not be open in time for the start of the fall 2019 semester as originally expected. A delay in receiving materials is the cause for the hold up.

Dawn Farm hosting annual Jamboree Celebration, including a youth pie bake-off

By Tyler Gaw · Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019

Dawn Farm will be hosting their annual Jamboree celebration. A youth pie bake-off and other fun activities will be going on Sunday, September 8 from 1 to 6 p.m.

City of Ypsilanti sees increase in gun violence during summer of 2019

By Ashlee Buhler · Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019

The city of Ypsilanti has seen more gun violence than usual this summer, according to Ypsilanti Chief of Police, Tony DeGiusti. Police records show 30 gun-related cases in the city since the first of the year. Of those 30 incidents, 20 of them occurred in the summer between the months of May 6 and Aug. 6. In response to the uptick of local gun-related crimes, the city held its first ever public input meeting on July 23 to discuss what steps the city has taken to help minimize gun violence and hear concerns from members of the community.