News - The Eastern Echo

Ypsilanti named disproportionately impacted community under Proposal 1's social equity plan

By Pamela Mohar · Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019

Council Member Annie Somerville and social equity activist Chris Jackson hosted the City of Ypsilanti’s first town hall about recreational marijuana use and corresponding social equity plan on August 8, 2019. Residents filed into City Hall at 6 pm to participate in the discussion around the designation of Ypsilanti as a disproportionately impacted community based on previous marijuana convictions and poverty rate. The purpose of the conversation, according to Somerville, was to create an agenda for the city council’s first conversation regarding recreational marijuana regulations.

Washtenaw County Farmers Markets have found a new way to attract visitors

By Megan Girbach · Monday, Aug. 12, 2019

Washtenaw County Farmers Markets is celebrating the 20th annual National Farmers Market Week (August 4 - 10, 2019) with the new Washtenaw County Farmers Markets passport. With the passport, residents can win prizes by exploring farmers markets in Washtenaw County.

Willow Run hosts annual Thunder Over Michigan air show

By Pamela Mohar · Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019

The annual Thunder Over Michigan air show took place at Willow Run airport on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4. Patrons were treated to exciting aerial displays, activities for all ages, and a variety of community vendors. The air show will return next year on August 29-30, 2020.

Resources lacking for students on Eastern Michigan University campus facing housing instability

By Ashlee Buhler · Monday, Aug. 5, 2019

Resources for students are limited on EMU’s campus despite increase in students reporting housing instability. This year, the university’s MAGIC program stopped assisting homeless students due to lack of funding.

Girls in Engineering final STEM projects

Girls in Engineering Academy at Eastern Michigan present final projects in STEM

By Megan Girbach · Monday, Aug. 5, 2019

On Thursday, August 1 at Eastern Michigan University, a group of 27 5th grade girls presented final STEM projects during the closing ceremony of the “Girls in Engineering Academy,” a month-long STEM program hosted in partnership with the The Engineering Society of Detroit.

Holtzclaw appeal to reduce 263-year sentence denied

By Charles Post · Friday, Aug. 2, 2019

Daniel Holtzclaw’s appeal to have his 263-year sentence reduced was denied on August 1 in Oklahoma City. Holtzclaw played for the Eastern Michigan football program from 2005-2008. He was born on December 10, 1986 and played linebacker at Enid High School before attending EMU. He graduated with a criminal justice degree in 2010 and went back to Oklahoma where he worked for the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Ypsilanti hosts 20th Elvisfest

By Andrew Lenzo and Megan Girbach · Thursday, July 25, 2019

On July 19 and 20, residents of Washtenaw County and beyond gathered in Depot Town to honor the life and music of Elvis Presley.

Saline hosts 24th Celtic Festival

By Megan Girbach · Wednesday, July 24, 2019

On July 12 and 13, residents of Washtenaw County gathered to celebrate Saline's 24th Annual Celtic Festival.

City of Ypsilanti to turn fire-damaged building into affordable housing with emphasis on senior citizens

By Ashlee Buhler · Wednesday, July 24, 2019

The Ypsilanti City Council approved a purchase during the July 16 city council meeting that will bring affordable housing with an emphasis on senior housing to Ypsilanti. The building, located at 206-210 N. Washington, was formerly a 16-unit apartment building that caught on fire in January 2017.

Excessive heat warning issued through Saturday evening for Southeastern Michigan

By Andrew Lenzo · Thursday, July 18, 2019

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning on Thursday for Southeastern Michigan due to hazardous weather. Temperatures in Ypsilanti are expected to top 90° by 1 p.m. and feel like 100°.

EMU student seeks donations for stem cell transplant

EMU senior seeking donations for stem cell transplant

By Ashlee Buhler · Thursday, July 18, 2019

April Austin, a legally blind EMU student, is seeking donations for a stem cell transplant that could stop multiple sclerosis in it’s tracks. While her health deteriorates, she is caring for her 11-year-old autistic son who is non-verbal, and working as a substitute teacher in Ypsilanti.

Insomnia Cookies to offer free ice cream with purchase July 21

By Andrew Lenzo · Thursday, July 18, 2019

Insomnia Cookies in Ypsilanti will be offering free ice cream on July 21 to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. Customers will be able to enjoy one free scoop of ice cream with any in store purchase.

Ypsilanti medical marijuana ordinance amended by city council

By Andrew Lenzo · Thursday, July 18, 2019

The Ypsilanti City Council passed an ordinance with a 6-0 vote to amend its marijuana policy on Tuesday, July 2 at City Hall. The amendment reshaped city code by adding a provision that allows for transfer of city permits for medical marijuana facilities to new owners, if approved by the state.

Booksilanti is a celebration of books, culture and community

By Pamela Mohar · Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Booksilanti celebrated its inauguration this past Saturday. Hosted by the Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse as well as various other local organizations, Booksilanti boasted 25 local vendors and authors. Hailed as a celebration of reading, Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse Events and Non-Profit Manager, Krista Jacob, said the community response to this celebration has been overwhelming. They plan to make Booksilanti an annual event.

City of Ypsilanti awarded GFOA Certificate of Achievement at city council meeting

By Andrew Lenzo · Wednesday, July 17, 2019

The City of Ypsilanti was awarded its fourth Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting at the July 2 city council meeting. It was presented on behalf of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFAO).

City Councilman Anthony Morgan launches Y-Town S.W.A.G.

By Ashlee Buhler · Friday, July 12, 2019

Y-Town S.W.A.G. Summer Without Any Guns is a campaign, started by Ypsilanti City Councilman Anthony Morgan, with the goal of raising awareness for gun violence and creating safe places throughout the community.

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show returning to Ypsilanti

By Andrew Lenzo · Thursday, July 11, 2019

The show will feature the world's largest gathering of the Bent Wing Birds, multiple performances and other attractions.

Eastern Michigan University educators tackle research projects

By Megan Girbach · Monday, July 8, 2019

At the June 13 Board of Regents meeting, 28 Eastern Michigan University faculty research projects were approved. Two of these projects include Geography and Geology Professor Yichun Xie and Tana Bridge, a professor in EMU's school of social work.

Ypsilanti's 90th annual Fourth of July parade made a bang

By Tyler Gaw · Sunday, July 7, 2019

The Fourth of July parade has been an Ypsilanti tradition for 90 years.

Eastern Michigan University to sell Corporate Education Center

By Ashlee Buhler · Saturday, July 6, 2019

Eastern Michigan University plans to sell the Corporate Education Center located on the premises of Eagle Crest Resort. The Board of Regents authorized EMU President James Smith to move forward with negotiating and executing the final sales documents during their June 13 meeting.