The News...briefly
Court plans to order new cleanup and monitoring for Gelman dioxane plume, but judge Tim Connors expects Gelman to appeal the decision. Connors also rejected Gelman’s argument that local governments, which last year rejected a proposed settlement, lacked standing to intervene in the case. Mlive
The Ann Arbor Public Schools will spend $50 million to replace Mitchell Elementary and redesign Pathways to Success alternative high school. Mitchell, which has seen enrollment increase since adding an International Baccalaureate program five years ago, will be the first AAPS elementary school to have a new building in fifty years. The project will break ground in 2023, and construction and design costs are estimated at $31 million. Pathways to Success is a high school campus for students matriculated in AAPS who require an alternative academic environment. Originally an elementary school, the campus will be redesigned for an estimated $19 million. MLive (subscriber exclusive)
AAPS moves forward with in-person high school graduation. In observance of current restrictions on public gatherings, ceremonies will be held outdoors at the Huron, Pioneer, and Skyline high school stadiums between June 1-7. Seating will allow for social distancing between families. AAPS
City Council asks MDOT to help reduce crashes on the M-14 bridge over the Huron River. The state says it’s working on a traffic backup warning, but the only immediate solution would be to close the eastbound ramps to and from Barton Dr. Meant to be temporary until a new interchange was built farther east, they became permanent when a planned extension of Huron Parkway was abandoned. In the last two years, there have been multiple crashes involving commercial trucks on the bridge, including one fatality. MLive (subscriber exclusive)
Detours for Liberty and Ashley through May for streetscape improvements. Vehicles traveling northbound on Ashley Street and westbound on Liberty will be detoured through May 15; eastbound traffic on Liberty will be detoured until May 31. The city is partnering with the Waze traffic app for updates on all summer construction and special events closures. a2gov
A 150-year-old farm is permanently protected from development. The 158 acres of rolling fields, forest, and wetlands in Grass Lake are owned by brothers Tom and Jim Irwin. By preserving the farm, the brothers are honoring the wishes of their late father, Richard, who preserved a portion of the farm in 2008. Legacy Land Conservancy
It’s a big year for small farms, as people shocked by empty store shelves early in the pandemic turn to community supported agriculture. After selling out early last year, small organic growers are adding new options, including “hybrid” offerings that incorporate prepared foods—everything from honey and maple syrup to homemade bread and quiche. The Observer’s Cynthia Furlong Reynolds has our story.
Eight Wolverines selected for NFL draft. Last year’s record was less than stellar at 2-4, but the NFL appreciates the talent of coach Harbough’s team. Eight players were drafted in Cleveland between April 29 and May 1, putting U-M in the top five schools in the number of athletes chosen. Michigan Daily
Cinetopia remains paused for 2021. The Michigan Theater-based film festival plans to return in 2022, when festival goers can again gather in close proximity to talk about the exciting and strange films they have just seen.
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System launches Lifestyle Medicine program. The whole-patient program is designed to improve overall health and even reverse symptoms of chronic illness through changes in diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, risky substance use, and social connections. Patients meet individually, in groups, and in “culinary medicine” classes with doctors and dietitians. No referral required. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
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