CONTINUED REPORTS OF PROBLEMS AT TOWNE CENTRE PLACE APTS YPSILANTI

Wednesday evening Purple Walrus Press was contacted by an anonymous source who stated that Meals On Wheels Ypsilanti found a deceased person at the Towne Centre Place Apartments in Ypsilanti who had died of "natural causes." However, at this time I cannot officially confirm this information regarding a deceased individual.

The anonymous source also told me that, "The elevators in the apartment building are still an issue." The source also stated, "No freight elevator so getting him out was an issue." According to the source the deceased person was, "Very large, about 400 lbs."

Thursday morning I contacted Meals On Wheels Ypsilanti. I spoke to a woman named Carey. Carey told me over the phone that Towne Centre Place Senior Apartments has two different elevators. She said that there is one large elevator which she said could be considered a freight elevator. She stated to me that this large elevator has problems at times. Carey also stated that, "Within the last week it has been down."

Carey told me that the other elevator, which is smaller, seems to be okay as long as the weight is limited.

In August 2016, Purple Walrus Press reported on multiple problems occurring at Towne Centre Place, which is home to many seniors. These problems included non-functioning elevators, air conditioning problems, and cleanliness issues within the building.

Thursday morning I attempted to talk to staff at the apartment building but could not make contact.

Wednesday night I contacted media representative for Forest City, Jeff Linton. Forest City is the company that owns Towne Centre Place. As of Thursday morning I am waiting for a response.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press

Towne Centre Place Apartments Ypsilanti, Mi. Purple Walrus Press photo.

EASTERN MICHIGAN TROUNCES CENTRAL MICHIGAN IN MAC OPENER AT CONVOCATION CENTER

Eastern Michigan opened up the MAC season with a convincing 85-63 victory over visiting Central Michigan at the Convocaton Center in Ypsilanti Tuesday. And for the record Rob Murphy notched his 100th win as EMU head coach.

It was a tight game in the early going as the teams stayed within 2 points of each other, but by late in the first half EMU began to build a consistent lead. By the time the 2nd half began Eastern had all of the momentum,

A major factor in the win for the Eagles was their strong defensive play as EMU held the leading scorer in the nation, Marcus Keene, to 22 points. This was no small feet as CMU's Keene entered the game with a scoring average of 30.7 points a game. The Chips entered Tuesday's game against EMU with a 10-3 record. The 9-5 Eagle showed why they were picked to win the MAC West as they dominated CMU in the 2nd half.

From the floor Eastern shot 43.5 percent (30 of 69 and hit five 3 pointers. They Eagles also stole the ball from the Chips 12 times.

EMU's Baylee Steele was outstanding in the game as he scored 18 points and had 10 rebounds. James Thompson matched Steele's 18 points as the pair led EMU in scoring.

In the post game EMU coach Murphy said that though the team didn't play well enough in the first half they picked it up in the 2nd half. Coach Murphy also said that a goal for the Eagles was to take away CMU's 3 pointers.

This was a fantastic win for our EMU Eagles and an exciting way to open up MAC season play.

Next up for EMU is Buffalo at the Convocation Center Sat, Jan 7 at 2:30.

Go Eagles!

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EMU guard Ray Lee takes it to the net against CMU. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

ETC (EVERY THOUGHT COUNTS) HOLDING DONATIONS EVENT FOR YPSILANTI APT BUILDING FIRE VICTIMS

An Ypsilanti group called Etc (Every Thought Counts) is coordinating a donations event for the victims of Sundays apartment building fire that occurred in the downtown area of Ypsilanti. The fire began around 11:00 am Monday destroying much of the apartment building located on Washington Street just South of Emmett.

ETC will be collecting donations in the form of apartment essentials and clothing for the victims of the fire. The group is seeking donations such as clothing of all forms, including professional attire,

pajamas, and shoes. The group is also asking for donations of any small appliances.

The donation event for fire victims will be held Wednesday, Jan, 4 from 8:30 am to 4 pm at the First United Methodist Church located on 209 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti 48197.

You can also feel free to bring donations today to the church. Contact Heather Dew. 517-402-1075.

Facebook event details can be found here.

Jeff Brown
Publisher/Editor
Purple Walrus Press.

Ypsilanti Fire Dept responding to Apartment building fire downtown Ypsilanti Monday. Purple Walrus Press photo.

LOVE RESILIENCE ACTION YPSI ORGANIZING MARCH/CREATIVE INAUGURATION

 The local organization Love Resilience Action Ypsi is coordinating a march and community gathering on Saturday, Jan 21, the day after the Presidential Inauguration.  The march will head to historical places in Ypsilanti in observance of the areas history of civil rights, women's suffrage and union struggle.

There will also be a Creative Inauguration emphasizing the groups vision of an interconnected future.

According the Love Resilience Action Ypsi facebook page the group grieves the impending loss of dignity, progress, and civility in the country. The organization advocates opposition to policies of the new administration. Further, the organization seeks to create connection and belonging through diverse voices.

I was informed by a march organizer that more information will be available soon regarding the event.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

FIRE BREAKS OUT AT APARTMENT BUILDING DOWNTOWN YPSILANTI

A fire broke out at an apartment building in downtown Ypsilanti roughly two hours ago. The apartment is located on Washington Street just South of Emmett. As of a roughly an hour ago smoke could be seen billowing from a window on the north side of the building on the top floor. A large number of police and fire trucks were on the scene, as well as at least one ambulance.

I spoke with two people who live near the scene of the fire. Joe Frontiera, who lives near the scene of the apartment building fire stated, "I heard sirens and realized it was right across the street." Frontiera went outside and immediately saw smoke coming from the apartment building.

A source at the scene who wanted to remain anonymous stated to Purple Walrus Press that, "It was on the 2nd floor, on the left side of the building close to the front." The source said, and I'm paraphrasing, that someone who he referred to as a girl with a candle was in the building: "Then the whole place went up." The source was "Pretty certain" no one was still in the building.

As of roughly 12:00 pm the fire seemed to be extinguished.

Stay tuned for updates.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Fire today at apartment building on Washington St downtown Ypsilanti. Photos Purple Walrus Press.