News - The Eastern Echo

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.

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.