1/1/2024

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute - helping you stay informed and out of trouble, unlike that third glass of bubbly last night. 🥂

What’s on tap for today:

• NYE snowstorm incoming—ready those shovels and sleds! ❄️

• Fire near hospital destroys cars, sparks community alarm 🚒 

• This week’s AA sizzling home sales 🏡

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

❄️ Ann Arbor Prepares for a Snowy New Year’s Eve  

The Southeast half of Michigan, including Ann Arbor, is gearing up for a snowy start to 2025. Light rain is expected to transition into snow on New Year’s Eve afternoon, with the heaviest snowfall (2–4 inches) predicted along a line from Kalamazoo to Flint. Ann Arbor and Detroit may see only 1–2 inches due to some melting. Snowfall should ease up by sunrise on New Year’s Day, making roads potentially slick for New Year revelers. Areas further north, such as Traverse City, will ring in the year with some lake-effect snow early on January 1. Plan ahead if you’re venturing out!

(Source)

🚒 Vehicle Fire Erupts in U-M Hospital Parking Garage  

Early Monday morning, a fire broke out on the top floor of a parking garage on West Medical Center Drive outside the University of Michigan Hospital. The blaze, reported around 6 a.m., destroyed two vehicles and caused minor heat damage to a third. Thankfully, the Ann Arbor Fire Department quickly contained the flames, and no injuries were reported. Investigators have not yet announced the cause of the fire. If you park in that garage, keep an eye out for updates as the investigation continues.

(Source)

💼 Police deescalate crisis outside Saline station  

A 39-year-old Manchester man was arrested Sunday morning after firing three shots at the Saline Police Department while experiencing a mental health crisis. The man, who had earlier expressed suicidal thoughts and told dispatchers he wanted police to shoot him, had driven to the station with two firearms. Officers from multiple agencies responded and successfully deescalated the situation without injuries. The case is now under review by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. Saline police emphasized the challenges of handling such incidents and highlighted local mental health resources, including the 988 crisis hotline and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health services.

(Source)

🏈 Wolverines Shake Things Up with Transfer Portal Additions and Departures  

Michigan football is retooling its roster for 2025 following the close of the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 28. The Wolverines welcomed seven new players, including Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, who’s expected to compete for the starting job, and five-star defensive lineman Damon Payne from Alabama. Georgia linebacker Troy Bowles also joins the team, along with Arkansas safety TJ Metcalf, his brother Tevis Metcalf, Indiana wideout Donaven McCulley, and Cal Poly offensive tackle Brady Norton.  

Offsetting these arrivals are 14 departures. Notable exits include punter Tommy Doman heading to Florida, wide receiver Tyler Morris still undecided, and numerous athletes transferring to schools like Western Michigan, BYU, and Liberty. With several key positions now up for competition, fans can expect a fresh look for the Wolverines heading into next season.

(Source)

🏡 Ann Arbor's Latest Home Sales: A Seller's Market Snapshot  

Ann Arbor saw 25 home sales between Dec. 23 and Dec. 29, with prices ranging from a cozy $167,000 to a jaw-dropping $1.1 million for a 2,283-square-foot home on Vinewood Blvd. The median sale? A 1,553-square-foot home on Pine Ridge Court that went for $430,000. Notably, the highest price-per-square-foot belonged to a sleek spot on Miner Street, which sold for $527 per square foot. For buyers and sellers alike, the spectrum of options—from compact one-bedrooms to sprawling multi-bedroom homes—paints a fascinating picture of our local real estate trends.

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

🌥️ High: 34°F, Low: 24°F

Cloudy with a chance of light snow or flurries.

Tomorrow

☁️ High: 28°F, Low: 22°F

Mostly cloudy and cold with a mild breeze.

AROUND TOWN

🎤 Mike Lebovitz Brings the Laughs

Kick off 2025 with big laughs as comedian Mike Lebovitz hits the stage at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase (212 S. Fourth Ave). Catch his wild-eyed, bar-stool philosophy and unpredictable humor on January 2, 3, and 4 from 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM. Mike’s been featured on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, and HBO’s The Deuce—and his comedy album even hit #2 on iTunes. Grab your tickets early and get ready for a night that’s spontaneous, joyful, and just the right amount of unhinged!

🎻 Bluegrass Legends: The RFD Boys

Spend your Friday night with The RFD Boys, Michigan’s bluegrass legends, at The Ark (316 S. Main St.) on January 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM. These guys have been entertaining audiences since 1969 with top-notch musicianship and sharp, between-song humor that keeps every show feeling fresh. With roots deep in bluegrass history—performing alongside greats like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley—they’re the real deal. Don’t miss this chance to catch a slice of Americana with plenty of strings and smiles!

🚂 Dive Into Ann Arbor’s Train and Trolley Tales  

Rail enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Two local railroad photographers are hosting an engaging slide presentation at the Traver Lakes Clubhouse on January 17 at 7:30 pm. Bill Struck will share the enchanting journey of the Pere Marquette Railroad Steam Locomotive, following its travels from Ohio to MSU and even to the "North Pole." Meanwhile, Steve Kindschy looks back at over 50 years of vanishing railway relics with his presentation, “The End.” Whether you’re a train history buff or just curious, this free event promises fascinating stories and striking imagery.

🦉 Get Up Close with Local Wildlife at LSNC  

Every Sunday, the Leslie Science & Nature Center opens its Critter House from 12–3 p.m., offering a unique chance to meet and learn about Michigan’s native wildlife. From birds of prey to frogs, turtles, and snakes, this family-friendly event invites curious minds of all ages to explore nature firsthand. A $5 donation is suggested, and admissions support the center’s conservation efforts. The Critter House is located at 1831 Traver; for more details, visit lesliesnc.org or call (734) 997-1553.

Please verify event details with the organizers before attending, as schedules may change.

SMARTER EVERYDAY

“Every man has two lives, and the second starts when he realizes he has just one.” – Confucius.

Forget the calendar. Today’s not just a new year; it’s a reminder that your “second life” can start right now.

Stop waiting. Make this the year you live with intention. 💪

THANK YOU!

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