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According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, there were fourteen confirmed new cases, two hospitalizations, and no deaths from Covid-19 in Washtenaw County in the past twenty four hours. Seventy-seven percent of U-M students are now vaccinated, which could lead to the lifting of indoor mask mandates on campus.
City administrator to step down after “insensitive” remarks. City council voted along factional lines Monday to relieve Tom Crawford of his position and make public a report by an outside investigator into allegations that Crawford “made comments to other City employees that reflect insensitivity to issues of diversity.” Attorney Jennifer Salvatore concluded that while Crawford had not violated the city’s non-discrimination policy, his comments were “detrimental to the image or reputation of the City or the operations of the workplace.” Crawford worked for the city for seventeen years, most recently as CFO and acting administrator after a previous council majority fired his predecessor.
U-M overhauls sexual misconduct policies, works towards “cultural change.” The Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX office replaces the Office for Institutional Equity with broader representation from across the university. New policies include changes to how outside hires are vetted and prohibiting supervisors from initiating romantic relationships with supervisees. Also, “equity specialists” replace investigators as the point of contact and support for claimants and respondents. University Record
Moped driver killed by hit and run. Thirty-five year old Ann Arbor resident Kenneth Hohenthaner was struck by an SUV at the intersection of Platt and Packard. The driver sped away, but was apprehended by police. Results of an investigation of the crash will be sent to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. A GoFundMe has been created by family members to raise money for Hohenthaner’s funeral expenses. Michigan Daily
String of assaults in downtown Ann Arbor may be connected. Police are investigating the assaults of three women in downtown Ann Arbor in separate incidents on July 16, 17, and 18. Based on his behavior and description, police believe the assailant is the same person: a six foot tall, clean shaven man in his early twenties. Anyone with information should contact Det. Sgt. Dawn Murphy at (734) 794-6930 ext. 49302, dmurphy@a2gov.org, or call the anonymous tip line (734) 794-6939. MLive
Child Tax Credit will cut the percentage of children living under the poverty line in Washtenaw County by one third, from 9,356 to 5,950, according to U-M Poverty Solutions. Parents of children ages six through seventeen receive a $3,000 credit, and children under six receive $3,600. Low-income parents qualify for the full benefit even if they do not work. MLive
County water resources staff assist residents and business owners with drainage and flooding issues. Responses are prioritized by safety, public health, imminent damage, and impassable road conditions. Local, state, and federal resources are available for flood victims. Washtenaw.org
Marathon returns in October. Ann Arbor approved the return of the annual marathon, scheduled for October 24, 2021. Several shorter runs will take place the same day, with limited street closures to promote runner and spectator safety. MLive (subscriber exclusive)
Two hundred-fifty acre farm permanently protected from development. Base Lake Farm LLC, on Strawberry Lake Rd, was purchased by Argus Farm Stop owners Kathy Sample and Bill Brinkerhoff in 2015. The farm and its gently rolling fields, mature woods, and wetlands are currently rented to a farmer who raises grass-fed cattle. According to a press release, the couple sold an easement in 2019 to protect the woodlands from development, and have now sold an easement for 204 acres of farmland. The purchase was funded with money from Webster Township, Washtenaw County, and state and federal grants. Sample and Brinkerhoff plan for the farm to serve as a model of sustainable agricultural practices.
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