Washtenaw County - Washtenaw County News

Bob's Update - October 26, 2009

Autumn is the season of change - cooler temperatures, fall colors and, of course, moving our clocks back an hour. Our organization is changing too. Since the presentation of the recommended 2010/2011 budget to the Board of Commissioners [more]
October 27, 2009 12:08 pm

Fall in Washtenaw County

Come dance in the streets to kick off fall, then follow up with some of these other options. Devils Night Concert Saline - Friday October 30, 7-11PM Featuring... Defly Sly, Echoes, Redleader, Jane Collins, Old Fashioned Knife Fight [more]
October 27, 2009 5:04 am

Thursday, October 29 - Staying Safe on the Internet Events

To recognize this important initiative a series of events aimed at raising awareness of the ways in which employees, citizens and local businesses can better safeguard themselves in cyberspace. Commissioner Kristin Judge and Sheriff [more]
October 26, 2009 11:47 am

Bob's Update - October 13, 2009

Good news from our discussions with the unions. We have made tremendous progress in resolving our projected budget deficit by achieving agreements on future compensation and benefits with many of the bargaining units that represent County [more]
October 14, 2009 11:47 am

Bob's Update - October 5, 2009

In this week's update I'd like to draw your attention to three important agenda items that the Board of Commissioners will consider later this week; and provide an update on the continuing discussion with our labor partners on compensation and [more]
October 6, 2009 2:06 pm

Sunday, October 4 - Open House Celebrating National 4-H Week

Washtenaw County is hosting an Open House on Sunday, October 4 (3-6pm) in celebration of National 4-H Week. Plan to stop by, and learn more about the fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, "learn by doing" experiences which encourage youth [more]
September 29, 2009 12:50 pm

Bob's Update - September 28, 2009

I'm encouraged and energized by some of the great things happening in Washtenaw County. We've heard in the news recently that the economy may be turning around. Let's hope that these signs point the way to recovery for our region. We know [more]
September 29, 2009 9:13 am

Public Defender Receives Prestigious Award

Lloyd E. Powell, Washtenaw County Public Defender, was presented with the prestigious Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Servant Award at the Annual State Bar of Michigan Meeting. Here are highlights from the nomination letter [more]
September 25, 2009 10:00 am

Bob's Update - September 21, 2009

On September 16th we reached a major milestone in the budget process with the presentation of the 2010/2011 budget recommendations. We celebrate this milestone, while acknowledging that there is more work to be done. I was pleased [more]
September 23, 2009 10:15 am

Bob's Update on the 2010/2011 Budget Recommendations

My recommended budget for 2010/2011 is now available online and will be presented formally this week at Wednesday's Board of Commissioners Ways & Means meeting. These recommendations represent a year's worth of work with Administration, [more]
September 17, 2009 3:29 pm

Hogback Entrance to Service Center Closes for 4 Weeks on Sept 1

Enter and exit the Service Center through St. Lukes Church on Washtenaw. An additional gravel lot is now available for overflow parking at the Service Center. This overflow gravel parking lot is located between the Courthouse and Washtenaw [more]
September 8, 2009 4:46 pm

The Bus was STUFFED!!!!

With over 10,000 items collected last week, the bus was literally "stuffed" with school supplies for Ypsilanti Public school students K-5. Washtenaw County, United Way and Ypsilanti Public School employees showed their support [more]
September 8, 2009 9:00 am

Bob's Update - August 31, 2009

Last week I attended a Community Showcase for the Business Side of Art, a summer skills-development and training program for youth, funded through ETCS' Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). BUSINESS SIDE OF ART: I am delighted to see [more]
September 2, 2009 9:29 am

14 District Court Grand Opening in Saline

Nearly 100 people gathered for the "Grand Opening" of the new 14-A District Court in Saline on August 17. The new 7,000-square-foot facility at 1000 North Maple Road is expected to better serve the south-central and western area of Washtenaw [more]
August 27, 2009 6:14 pm

"Take 3" Steps To Fight The Flu

Drive-Through SEASONAL FLU Clinic (for 18 years or older) October 10 9am-3pm Huron Valley Ambulance 1200 State Circle [more]
August 25, 2009 12:04 pm

2009 Stuff the Bus Event August 24-28

Don\'t miss the 2nd annual Stuff the Bus event, August 24-28. Last year, this event collected thousands of school supplies for children in need. We hope to collect even MORE this year, and with your help, it\'s possible! [more]
August 19, 2009 7:00 am

Grand Opening - 14A District Court Facility in the City of Saline

Ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the new 14A District Court facility in the City of Saline. The Honorable Kirk W. Tabbey, Chief Judge of the 14A District Court; the [more]
August 14, 2009 11:51 am

FREE Housing Seminar August 24, 2009

There are options. There are answers. There are important things to know before you make a decision about your home. [more]
August 12, 2009 4:36 pm

Bob's Update - August 10, 2009

I'll be the first one to say that the non-mandated services identified in the phase II budget reduction options are valuable services - if they weren't we wouldn't be doing them. At last Wednesday's Ways and Means meeting [more]
August 11, 2009 11:34 am

4H Youth Fair: Another Exciting Year!

The Fair brought out thousands of people to see hundreds of live animals and other types of youth exhibits, as well as classes, competitions and demonstrations. If you attended the Rooster Crowing contest or the Llama leaping then you know exactly [more]
August 6, 2009 9:38 am

Bob's Update - August 3, 2009

I recently received updated financial projections that indicate that our 2010/2011 deficit, which earlier this year was estimated at $26 million, has now grown to $30 million - further illustrating the unstable nature of this unprecedented economic [more]
August 5, 2009 9:24 am

Housing Grants

Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor Office of Community Development has applied for $19,750,000 from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development\'s second round of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds (NSP 2). NSP 2 funds can be used [more]
July 20, 2009 9:34 am

MSU Extension Receives MSHDA Housing Agency of the Year Award

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA's) Homeownership Division Housing Agency of the Year award was presented to Michigan State University Extension (Washtenaw & Macomb) at the 11th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable [more]
June 23, 2009 3:40 pm

Bob's Update - June 22, 2009

While we need to stabilize the organization to ensure our fiscal stability, I don't want to fall completely into a reactionary mode. It's a delicate balance.We can't lose sight of our responsibility to invest in our community and continue [more]
June 23, 2009 9:04 am

2009 Summer Fun

Take a 'staycation' this year and enjoy your summer Washtenaw County style. Here are some favorite low cost summer events for the whole family to enjoy. Sonic Lunch Thursdays 11:30 - 1:30 pm June 4 - Aug 27 (except the week of [more]
June 16, 2009 4:01 pm

Bob's Update - June 8, 2009

Over the last six months we have been working towards a single goal: the delivery of strategic recommendations to the Board on June 3rd and we did that. To me however, the process is nearly as important as the outcome, so I'm really [more]
June 11, 2009 9:09 am

The Board This Week - June 5, 2009

The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at their June 3rd Ways & Means and Board meetings, and their June 4th Working Session. For more complete information, please [more]
June 5, 2009 2:35 pm

Bob's Update on First Phase of Budget Adjustment Recommendations

Last Friday's Group of 180 was our first opportunity to present the first phase of our 2010/11 budget adjustment recommendations. This was the same presentation that I will make to the Board of Commissioners at this Wednesday's Ways & Means [more]
June 2, 2009 8:00 am

County Well and Septic Records Available Online

Washtenaw County Homeowners can now review information concerning their water well supply and sewage disposal system online. The County's new online database puts this important information at your fingertips! In areas where municipal [more]
June 2, 2009 12:21 am

Bob's Update - May 26, 2009

These will be extremely busy and important days coming up, centered on engaging the Board, you, and the public around our 2010/11 budget adjustment recommendations. I have given overviews of my recommendations in several small [more]
May 29, 2009 3:59 pm

WHP Plan B Enrollment Freeze

Due to significant budget constraints, Washtenaw Health Plan is freezing enrollment in WHP Plan B, effective immediately and indefinitely. The WHP will continue to serve current health plan members, but will not accept applications for new enrollment into the program [more]
May 28, 2009 8:50 am

Bob's Update - April 27, 2009

I was out at the end of last week. The State of Kansas City/County Managers had a conference at Kansas University on the fiscal crisis, and I was flown out to represent the Alliance for Innovation. It was good but sobering to hear about measures [more]
April 28, 2009 1:05 pm

Bob's Update - April 21, 2009

We were able to bring a few more key pieces of information to the attention of the Board last week, as we move through this difficult and comprehensive budget process to eliminate our projected deficit of $26 million for 2010/2011. [more]
April 21, 2009 1:05 pm

The Board This Week 4/17/09

The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at their April 15th Ways & Means and Board meetings, and their April 16th Working Session. For more complete [more]
April 21, 2009 10:11 am

County ETCS Receives Federal Funds for Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Washtenaw County will receive federal funds to support the 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These funds will allow Washtenaw County's department of Employment Training [more]
April 14, 2009 1:07 pm

Ypsilanti Freighthouse Hosts Governor - and Receives $500,000 for Restoration

It's more than a little unusual to see a check for $500,000 these days - especially coming into local coffers. But then, it's a little unusual to see Governor Jennifer Granholm, US Representative John Dingell and a host of other [more]
April 10, 2009 2:45 pm

Federal Stimulus Funds and Washtenaw County

There has been a lot if speculation about how the federal stimulus package might impact County finances - specifically how it might impact the County's $26 million projected budget shortfall. The short answer from County Administrator [more]
April 10, 2009 11:50 am

No Winter Lasts Forever: Spring Activities and Events

Spring is just around the corner. Enjoy some of these fun activities in Washtenaw County. Play the Bells at Kerrytown Wednesdays & Fridays 12:00 Noon-12:30pm and Saturdays 10:30-11:00am Play the charming melodies of the Kerrytown [more]
March 24, 2009 10:52 am

Plaque Honors Nancy Petosky's Support for our Troops

Court Services' Nancy Petosky has been sending boxes of "goodies" to support our service folk in Iraq for almost four years now. In appreciation of her dedication and support of our troops abroad, the soldiers of the Delta Company [more]
February 27, 2009 10:11 am

The Board This Week – 2/20/09

The following is a summary of the discussion and actions taken by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at their February 18th Ways & Means and Board meetings; and their February 19th Working Session. FEBRUARY 18th WAYS [more]
February 23, 2009 8:52 am

4-H Citizenship/Leadership Academy

MSU Extension's 4-H Citizenship/Leadership Academy offers youth the opportunity to work with caring employees from various County government departments for a job shadow experience. This impactful program provides our youth [more]
February 19, 2009 6:10 pm

Michigan Appeals Court Rules in Favor of County on Police Services Suits

In a decision handed down Wednesday, February 11, 2009, the State of Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the lower court’s finding in favor of Washtenaw County on issues related to the provision of police services as well as the denial of [more]
February 12, 2009 11:42 am

Bob's Update: The Financial State of the County

I’m sure many of you have heard about Friday's Group of 180. It was our first presentation of the “Financial State of the County,” the same presentation on the agenda for this Wednesday’s Ways & Means meeting of the Board. [more]
February 5, 2009 8:00 am

A Conversation, and News, with Kathy Reynolds

The following conversation with Kathy Reynolds, director of Washtenaw Community Health Organization, took place in Ann Arbor on January 22nd, 2009. It should be news enough that Kathy Reynolds is moving on from her position [more]
January 26, 2009 10:20 pm

The Board This Week – 1/21/09

A summary of the discussion and actions taken by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at the January 21st Ways & Means and Board meetings, and the January 22nd Working Session. JANUARY 21ST WAYS AND MEANS MEETING [more]
January 26, 2009 10:55 am

Thinking Ahead for Cold, Cold Temps

With forecasts of wind chills in the single digits or below zero for, at least, the coming week, it would be good to remember cold weather safety - along with those in this community who are living without adequate, warm housing. [more]
January 14, 2009 12:04 pm

Applause for PORT's Sara Silvennoinen - Coach at Homeless Soccer World Cup

As featured in this week's PEOPLE Magazine, this special cheer goes out to PORT's Sara Silvennoinen who traveled to Australia as a USA Team Coach at the Sixth Annual Homeless Soccer World Cup. The PORT Street Soccer Team (SSPORT), who all went [more]
January 9, 2009 12:15 pm

2009: County Officials Take Their Oaths

It was a week of new beginnings for Washtenaw County-wide elected officials. Newly elected District Court Judge Charles Pope and re-elected Richard Conlin were sworn in for new terms on the 14B and 14A District Court bench. [more]
January 8, 2009 1:57 pm

Bob's Update - January 2, 2009

Happy New Year! I can’t help but echo Verna’s sentiments in her Update last week: I’m ready to see 2008 in the rearview mirror. It was a long, often difficult year, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this organization will create our future [more]
January 6, 2009 8:12 am

The Board This Week - 12/5/08

The December 3rd Ways & Means and regular Washtenaw Board of Commissioners meetings were the last of 2008. There was no Working Session this week and the newly constituted Board will meet again for its first 2009 meetings [more]
December 7, 2008 9:34 am

Bob's Update: Creating, and Achieving, Bold Visions - November 19, 2008

When the Shelter Association asked for help from the Board of Commissioners more than a decade ago, the system of caring for people who are homeless in this County was broken. They had no funds and no funding mechanism. And the only shelter in [more]
November 19, 2008 8:44 am

Election Results - Local and Beyond

Almost 70% of the County’s registered voters cast ballots in the November, 2008 General Election. The results of last night’s General Election in Washtenaw County can be found on the Clerk/Register’s Elections web site. [more]
November 5, 2008 4:16 pm

Construction Begins at Service Center: New Entrance Restrictions

Two major construction projects for Washtenaw County – the expansion of the Jail and the new 14-A1 District Court – will begin Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Washtenaw County Service Center in Pittsfield Township. [more]
October 29, 2008 12:23 pm

ENPACT: Nearly 10 Years of Building Trust

On Wednesday, October 22nd, law enforcement officials and other interested citizens came together for the County's 9th Annual ENPACT Forum for the "enhancement of police and community trust." The annual event, hosted [more]
October 24, 2008 3:22 pm

Career Jam - October 30 at WCC

Washtenaw County ETCS, on behalf of the Career Jam Steering Committee and its Chair Commissioner Rolland Sizemore, would like to invite you to participate in an exciting opportunity to expose middle and high school students, young adults, and their parents, to careers and opportunities that are available [more]
October 23, 2008 10:03 pm

Public Health Portal Launched

Washtenaw County Public Health Department has a great new Public Health Portal that makes information a lot more intuitive - and fun - to find. The Public Health Department web team began this portal project about a year ago after seeing [more]
October 23, 2008 4:14 pm

Fall is Here, Time to Get Outside

The days are getting shorter and cooler, but there is still time for outdoor fun in Washtenaw County. Mill Tours Washtenaw County Parks is proud to provide fall tours of both Parker Mill and Sharon Mills on Sundays throughout October. [more]
October 8, 2008 12:14 pm

West Nile Virus - Protect Yourself From the Bite!

Washtenaw County Public Health reports that the West Nile Virus has been found in three dead birds locally since August 15. Donna Nussdorfer, WC Communicable Disease Coordinator, reminds us that it is more important than ever to remember [more]
September 15, 2008 9:28 am

Rabies Vaccine Shortage: Take Extra Care

A severe shortage of human rabies vaccine has brought new urgency to directives on dealing with wild life or unfamiliar stray animals to limit potential exposure to the disease of rabies. (Please see more information on the Public Health [more]
August 26, 2008 8:14 am

Bob's Update on Creative Budget Solutions - August 12, 2008

We still have to find more permanent answers to budget shortfalls that appear to be with us for the next few years. Yes, we’ve made changes that helped this year – many of them one-time only, or an aggregate of smaller structural changes [more]
August 12, 2008 4:25 pm

Why Do You Wear Glasses if You’re Blind?

On July 29, more than 40 children, ranging in age from 5 to 12, participating in Ann Arbor's Community Action Network "Puppies are People Too" program, visited the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (LBPD) to learn [more]
August 8, 2008 12:25 pm

Get that NOISE PERMIT Before Heading Back 2 School!

NOISE PERMIT: The Ypsilanti Area Back 2 School Block Party will be rockin' Friday, August 22nd from 3 to 9 pm in Ypsilanti's Historic Depot Town Frog Island Park. All those ages 14-20 headed back to school are invited to [more]
August 6, 2008 8:37 am

Local Photographers Honored in Washtenaw County Landmark Photo Contest

Photographers, judges, and local municipal leaders gathered on July 18 to honor the finalists and winners in the first ever Washtenaw County Landmark Photo Contest. The photos of the twenty finalists including the top five "Judges' [more]
July 24, 2008 9:38 pm

National Recogntion for Ann Arbor: PORT's Street Soccer Team!

High time for kudos to the fantastic performance of Ann Arbor's soccer team -SSPORT- in the Homeless Soccer USA Cup in Washington DC, June 27th through the 29th! The team, taking the name SSPORT for the Street Project Outreach Team, placed [more]
July 21, 2008 12:26 pm

4-H Youth Show

It’s one of the most important community events of the year – the Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show! From Sunday July 27th through Friday, August 1st you’re able to visit the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds to witness the dawning of leadership. [more]
July 16, 2008 8:00 am