1/8/2025

Good morning, Ann Arbor!

This is the Ann Arbor Minute – we don’t snooze, we break news . . . and maybe a few hearts along the way. 😎

Before we begin…The Ann Arbor Minute Team would love to hear your feeback!

Do you have any suggestions on how we could improve? Any thoughts (or compliments!) you would like to share?

If so, just hit reply or email us directly at [email protected].

What’s on tap for today:

• Potential Battle Between AA and DTE ⚡

• Third Suspect Charged in Northfield Homicide🚨

• This week’s sizzling AA Home Sales 🏡

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it…

NEWS DIGEST

⚡ Ann Arbor debates a DTE energy takeover

Ann Arbor leaders are working on the next steps in considering taking over DTE Energy’s services in the city. A potential ballot proposal in 2026 could allow voters to decide if the city should acquire DTE’s electrical distribution system, estimated to cost between $281 million and $1.15 billion. The idea stems from frustrations voiced by residents and groups like Ann Arbor for Public Power, who say DTE has underperformed in reliability and moving toward clean energy. If pursued, the takeover could lead to years of legal proceedings. For now, city officials are digging into the numbers to figure out what a publicly owned electric utility might mean for Ann Arbor.

(Source)

🔫 Third Suspect Charged in Northfield Township Double Homicide  

A third suspect, Keith Finley, 60, has been arraigned in connection with the tragic New Year’s Day shooting in Northfield Township that left two foster family members dead and a third critically injured. Jennifer Bernhard, 48, and her father, Stevie Ray Smith, 74, were killed, while her husband, Jeffrey Bernhard, was severely wounded but has since stabilized. Finley now faces over a dozen felony charges, including two counts of open murder and two counts of kidnapping. He joins co-defendants Gregory Callahan, 37, and Shuvonne Vinson, 42, who were arraigned earlier for their alleged roles in the home invasion and abduction of two children. Fortunately, both children were safely recovered. All three accused remain held without bond and are set to appear in court on January 16.

(Source)

🎓 Michigan Universities Shine in Online Master’s Rankings  

A newly released ranking from Online Master’s Colleges places the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor at the top spot for the best online master’s programs in the state. With 14 top-rated offerings, U of M leads a list of 19 Michigan institutions recognized for affordability, expert faculty, and strong graduation rates. Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti secured the No. 7 spot, earning special praise for programs in Sociology and Clinical Research. Other schools making the list include Michigan State University, Michigan Tech, and Central Michigan. These rankings reflect a growing emphasis on high-quality and accessible education for busy professionals.

(Source)

👩‍💼 Two New Leaders Join Ann Arbor’s City Hall Team  

Ann Arbor’s City Hall is welcoming two fresh faces to key leadership roles. City Administrator Milton Dohoney has appointed Mariah Walton, from Eastpointe, as the new deputy administrator, and Jordan Roberts, hailing from Dearborn, as the public services administrator. These roles are cornerstones for managing city operations and services, so their selection signals an exciting chapter for Ann Arbor’s administration. Walton and Roberts bring a wealth of experience, and all eyes are on how their appointments might influence ongoing projects and future developments in the city. Both are expected to hit the ground running as Ann Arbor tackles critical challenges in 2025, ranging from infrastructure improvements to sustainability goals.

(Source)

🚷 Tragic Crosswalk Accident Claims Ann Arbor Woman’s Life  

A 26-year-old Ann Arbor woman tragically lost her life Monday evening after being struck by two cars on Carpenter Road in Pittsfield Township. Police report that the woman was crossing the road against a red "do not cross" signal when a southbound vehicle with a green light hit her in the crosswalk. A second vehicle struck her shortly after. Both drivers stopped and are cooperating with investigators. While speed and reckless driving are not suspected, authorities are looking into potential drug or alcohol involvement. Police are urging witnesses to come forward with any information at 734-822-4958. The incident is still under investigation.

(Source)

🏡 A Snapshot of Ann Arbor’s Recent Home Sales  

From Dec. 30 to Jan. 5, Ann Arbor saw 14 homes change hands, with prices ranging from $245,000 to over $1.1 million. The median sale was a 1,576-square-foot home on Nature Cove Court, purchased for $385,000. Highlights include a cozy 703-square-foot home on Parkwood Ave. selling for $245,000, and a spacious 3,218-square-foot property on Hollow Oak Drive topping the charts at $1,145,000. Whether you’re curious about neighborhood trends or eyeing your dream home, this week’s real estate data offers a peek into the local market!

(Source)

WEATHER

Today

☁️ High: 23°F, Low: 9°F

Cloudy skies with snow chances at 8%.  

Tomorrow

☀️ High: 25°F, Low: 14°F.

Mainly sunny skies throughout the day.

AROUND TOWN

🕯️ Candlelight: Coldplay Meets Dragons

Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons like never before—under the warm glow of candlelight at First Presbyterian Church (1432 Washtenaw Ave) on January 10, 2025, from 6:30–7:45 PM. This 60-minute performance by the Listeso String Quartet reimagines hits like Viva la Vida and Radioactive in a stunning, multi-sensory setting. Tickets are $26, and doors open 45 minutes early (no late entry allowed). It’s the perfect night out for music lovers looking for something truly magical. 🎶✨

❄️ Monument Park to Transform into an Icy Wonderland

The Dexter Ice Fest is returning to Monument Park on Saturday, Jan. 18, with nearly 80 dazzling ice sculptures on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organized by Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill and the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce, highlights include four live ice carving demonstrations, a figure skating show (weather permitting), and a festive cocoa crawl featuring hot chocolate tastings from local businesses. Kids can dive into cookie decorating or visit Aubree’s to build their ultimate hot cocoa. Expect sculptures ranging from Cinderella’s carriage to a Detroit Lions helmet, which will remain on display until they melt away. The festival supports the Dexter Chamber of Commerce and brings the community together for screen-free fun. Grab a free commemorative mug, if you’re one of the lucky 500, and enjoy the creativity of this frosty spectacle!

🎤 Daphnique Springs Brings the Fire

Get ready for sharp, sassy laughs as Daphnique Springs takes over the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase (212 S. Fourth Ave) on January 10 & 11, 2025, from 7:15–8:45 PM. She’s toured with Katt Williams, won HBO’s Comedy Wings Competition, and lit up screens on Jimmy Kimmel Live and How I Met Your Mother. With millions of followers across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Daphnique is a digital comedy queen and an unstoppable force on stage. Grab your tickets now—this special engagement is guaranteed to sell out fast! 😂🔥✨

🎹 Sing It Loud with Dr. Jam

Warm up those vocal cords and head to the North Star Lounge (301 N. Fifth Ave) for Piano Karaoke with Jesse Morgan, aka Dr. Jam, on January 8, 2025, from 7:00–10:00 PM. For just $10, you can belt out your favorite songs with live piano backing and plenty of soulful vibes. Jesse, a board-certified Community Music Therapist, makes sure everyone feels like a star—whether you’re hitting high notes or just singing for fun. Grab your friends, pick your song, and let’s make some music! 🎤🎶✨

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

SMARTER EVERYDAY

“The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.” – Niccolò Machiavelli.

Aging isn’t loss; it’s clarity.

As you accumulate years and shed illusions, is the view from your own hourglass sharpening, or are you still searching through clouds of sand?

THANK YOU!

🙏 Thank you for reading the Ann Arbor Minute!

If you enjoyed today’s edition, please help us grow by sharing our newsletter with family, friends and neighbors.

Keep up with us on Facebook. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected].

We appreciate your support! ❤️