Local officials see a lot of potential for new mixed-use development along Washtenaw Avenue from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, along with upgrades for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders.

The following images were put on display Tuesday night at the first in a series of public workshops being held this week as part of the ReImagine Washtenaw project.

They're purely hypothetical, but they show what the corridor could look like if the road was reconfigured to include buffered bike lanes and dedicated transit lanes with new transit "super stops" along the way. Check them out and leave your thoughts below.

This hypothetical cross section shows what Washtenaw Avenue could look like with four 11-foot-wide travel lanes, an 11-foot-wide center turn lane, and buffered bike lanes on both sides that build in 2 feet of buffered space between vehicles and cyclists. On the left side is a 6-foot-wide sidewalk with an 8-foot-wide landscape buffer. Another 8-foot landscape buffer on the right side transitions to a 12-foot-wide activated space with what appears to be outdoor seating for a restaurant.

SmithGroupJJR | Parsons Brinckerhoff

This hypothetical cross section shows what the road could look like with two vehicle travel lanes, a center turn lane, two buffered bike lanes and dedicated transit lanes. In this scenario, the bicyclists would be placed between buses and vehicle traffic.

SmithGroupJJR | Parsons Brinckerhoff

SmithGroupJJR | Parsons Brinckerhoff

SmithGroupJJR | Parsons Brinckerhoff

What a typical "super stop" for Ann Arbor Transportation Authority buses might look like along Washtenaw Avenue. ReImagine Washtenaw project manager Nathan Voght said the stops will be constructed over time as sidewalks fill in and other stops are able to be consolidated. "These will be funded by AATA, or possibly by developers of adjacent private property, as they construct their development," he said. The AATA proposed a five-year plan last year that projected a series of 16 super stops or bus rapid transit style stops for Route 4 on Washtenaw Avenue would cost about $2 million.

SmithGroupJJR | Parsons Brinckerhoff

Public feedback is being sought on these three alternative scenarios showing how Washtenaw Avenue could be configured in different ways from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti.

SmithGroupJJR | Parsons Brinckerhoff

• See the schedule for the rest of this week's workshops.

The poutine burger at Grange Kitchen & Bar in Ann Arbor.

Jessica Webster | AnnArbor.com

We're looking for your suggestions for the best burger in the area. Nominate your favorite burger in the comments below.

What makes a great burger? We’re thinking quality of ingredients and toppings, creativity, flavor, the quality of the beef and bun, and those intangibles that make you want to return the next day.

Maybe it’s a burger loaded with cheese and crazy toppings. Or maybe it’s a perfectly seasoned patty, cooked medium rare on a pillowy bun with just a smear of ketchup.

We'll take your responses here and create a poll on Friday. Make sure to come back and vote. Gonzo will be visiting our top reader favorites and will weigh them against the best burgers from across the state to determine the winner of Michigan's Best Burger.

Have a favorite burger outside of Washtenaw County? We're looking for those too. Make sure to include the restaurant name and Michigan city, and we'll pass your suggestions along to Gonzo.

Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com, a part of the MLive Media Group. Reach her at JessicaWebster@annarbor.com. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

Adrienne Kaplan's "The Pursuit of Happiness No. 1."

It’s a telling display—a University of Michigan Health System Gifts of Art presentation—whose measured wisdom reflects the idea that one cannot always judge a situation by its appearance.

As with her February 2006 “Current Paintings in Acrylic and Watercolor” at the WSG Gallery — and like her “Surf and Turf” exhibit earlier last January at this same gallery — “The Pursuit of Happiness” finds Kaplan ruminating on what looks like fun in the summer sun.

Kaplan’s artistic strength in lies in her consistent assessment of the environment around her. For as she said about her 2006 exhibit, “I find it freeing to be able to communicate through color and brushstroke, to ‘tell my stories’ with immediate expression unencumbered by process.”

Not much has changed from that standpoint. Kaplan still has a decided flair for colorful expression. Rather, what’s changed is the “story” Kaplan finds. For where she’d been previously enamored for the most part with impression — working through a semi-representative exploration of her composition — Kaplan’s now incorporating as much reporting as she explores her creativity.

The first hint comes from last January’s “Surf and Turf” exhibit at the WSG Gallery. That show showed Kaplan expanding on her prior insight.

Yet as she said in that effort’s artist statement, these works are not merely conceptual. Rather, she said, they start “from something concrete in my visual world and become an interplay between the paint on the surface and my idea and feeling about the subject I’ve chosen.”

And it’s at this juncture that this latest Gifts of Art exhibition becomes a transition in Kaplan’s work. For as she says of this show, these paintings “are propelled by the idea of the tradition of the middle class American vacation and leisure time. I want to document that experience which may be growing less and less available.

“The title, ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ holds some irony because in most instances the people look distracted or even lonely in this beautiful, liberating environment. This truly is the ‘pursuit’ of happiness.”

In this instance, it also includes a richer pursuit of what it means to craft art because at its most fundamental, Kaplan’s work hasn’t objectively changed. These paintings are akin to her prior series of acrylic paintings: Each painting showing us an America as seemingly comfortable as the season itself.

But there’s a subtle profundity to these latest artworks. Her subjects are mindful of their pursuit of happiness — or perhaps, as she implies, a little too much so.

Her 11 acrylic on cotton canvas paintings at the UMHS are notable for their quickly executed expressive loose facture whose thickened pigments create a distinct texture and mood. In fact, their very looseness is what Kaplan seems to be striving toward; it makes the paintings crackle with energy.

Yet even as the compositions themselves are succinct commentaries on contemporary America, there’s a focus that indeed seems the opposite of relaxation. As her 36 x 48 inch “Pursuit of Happiness” trio all show, America is working mightily at having a good time. Still, there’s not really a lot of leisure to show for it.

So even as the models in her “Pursuit” series lounge, there’s a preoccupation in their posture that belies their intensity. And this is even more so in a vertically oriented acrylic painting of roughly the same dimensions called “Why,” in which a middle-aged contemplative man is at decided counterpoint with the his relaxed environment. He may be in the pursuit of happiness, yet it doesn’t really seem so.

One thing does seem certain: Having shifted her interest from a relatively detached depiction of events around her; it will be interesting to see how much reporting Kaplan continues to produce in her art. It seems too facile to say this is a pursuit of happiness — but it’s fair to say it’s a pursuit of meaning.

“Adrienne Kaplan: The Pursuit of Happiness — Acrylic on Canvas” will continue through June 10 at the University of Michigan Health System Main Lobby Floor One Gifts of Art Gallery, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. For information, call 734-936-ARTS.

With the season’s first weekend comes an early crop of summer theater offerings, including shows at both summer-only and year-round venues. Ann Arbor’s much-beloved small company Redbud presents “A Small Fire,” by Adam Bock, keeping with their recent trend of bringing cutting-edge work by living playwrights to Ann Arbor.

Meanwhile, one of the newest, and must unique theater venues, Carriage House Theatre, re-opens for the season with “Landlocked,” a Midwest premiere by Cusi Cram. This intimate venue lives up to its name, providing small productions in a converted 1900s carriage house on Ann Arbor’s Old West Side.

It’s official. You can get out your white shoes. They may or may not be galoshes, but no matter. It’s summertime, whatever the weather.

Show: “A Small Fire” by Adam Bock, through June 1
Company: Redbud Productions
Type of Company: Pre-professional
Venue/location: Kerrytown Concert House, 415 North Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor
Recommended ages: 13+
Description: The New York Times raved that “A Small Fire” is “about the complex, ever-evolving nature of enduring relationships….funny and unexpectedly touching.” Emily Bridges loves her job as the owner of a high profile construction firm. She is confident, assured, and runs a successful organization. Her daughter is about to be wed and she is successfully married to an HR manager. But, as she describes to her close employee, she does not approve of her daughter’s fiance, is extremely uneasy at home, and is determined to stop her daughter’s wedding. When something shocking and unexpected happens, Emily is called to re-examine what she cherishes most - and her family and friends must reexamine their relationship to her.
More information
Fun fact: This is the Midwest Premiere of the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play.
For tickets and information: call Kerrytown Concert House at 734-769-2999 or visit kerrytownconcerthouse.com.
Special ticket offer: There are a limited number of front row café table seats for groups of 2 - 3 for $25 a seat - also - there is special a group rate general seating price of $15 per ticket (for groups of 10 or more).

Show: “33 Variations” by Moises Kaufman, through June 1
Company: The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Type of Company: Professional Equity SPT
Venue/location: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea
Recommended ages: 16+ (contains adult language and content)
Description: In 19th century Austria, Ludwig van Beethoven works obsessively on a commission he cannot complete. In present day, musicologist Katherine Brandt struggles to solve the mystery behind her professional passion: Beethoven’s oft overlooked “Diabelli Variations.” As she races against time, Katherine not only discovers the true nature of Beethoven’s work, but gains insight into the other mystery in her life: her daughter. Moving between the past and the present, 33 Variations illustrates how the very passions that threaten to overwhelm us can also save us.
More information
Fun fact: The set of "33 Variations" includes 538 books from the Chelsea District Library, 515 fake books made by PRTC apprentices, and 247 boxes of varying sizes.
For tickets and information: 734-433-7673, www.purplerosetheatre.org

Show: “The Mountaintop” by Katori Hall, through June 2
Company: Performance Network Theatre
Type of Company: Professional Equity SPT
Venue/location: Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron, Ann Arbor
Recommended ages: 16+ (contains adult language and content)
Description: It's April 3, 1968 at Memphis' Lorraine Motel the night before Martin Luther King, Jr. would be assassinated there. In room 306 King prepares his speech for the coming day, as a thunderstorm rages outside. Chain-smoking Pall Malls and thundering to himself, "America, you are too ARROGANT!" he is startled by the mysterious Camae, a motel maid who shows up dripping wet on his doorstep. As they strike up a conversation, sharing cigarettes and laughter, King begins to suspect that her purpose there may not be what it seems. This inspiring drama brings one of America's freshest dramatic voices to the Network stage.
Review from Examiner.com
Fun fact: On October 14, 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence.
For tickets and information: 734-663-0681, www.performancenetwork.org

Show: “The Baton Passes On” Community Discussion, one-time event, June 2, 3:30 pm
Company: Performance Network Theatre
Type of Company: Professional Equity SPT
Venue/location: Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron, Ann Arbor
Recommended ages: 16+
Description: Performance Network Theatre welcomes civil rights historian Matthew Countryman, Associate Professor of Theatre and writer-in-residence at the University of Michigan OyamO, and storyteller LaRon Williams in a discussion of the themes of “The Mountaintop.” This event is perfect for the historic and/or theater enthusiast who is interested in discussing and analyzing Katori Hall’s unique depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth and the tools she used to create the story.
Fun fact: PNT Associate Artistic Director, and Director of “The Mountaintop” Carla Milarch will facilitate this hour-long discussion.
For tickets and information: Admission is free and open to the public. 734-663-0681, www.performancenetwork.org

Christopher Zavac as Ugly with Shavonne Coleman as Bullfrog in "HONK!"

courtesy EMU Theatre

The teens at the Neutral Zone decided to try something new: For the first time, they are throwing a free outdoor music and arts festival to showcase young talent.

The new teen-organized festival makes its debut on June 1 from 2 to 10 p.m. in front of the Neutral Zone on the 300 block of East Washington Street, including the parking lots at Bank of Ann Arbor and Comerica Bank.

For several years, the Neutral Zone has celebrated spring (and the approaching end of the school year) with their Breakin' Curfew teen talent concerts at the Power Center. But no more. Teen organizers and staff report that LIVE on Washington will replace the former event.

Although Breakin' Curfew's time has passed, LIVE on Washington will accomplish some of the same things by taking an entirely new form. It will share the creative talents of young people from the area. An outdoor festival also opens the doors to new possibilities and challenges for the teens and staff at the Neutral Zone.

"For the last 9 years, Breakin' Curfew was a place where so many teens could display their talent. That is something that we still wanted to have in the community. We didn't want it to get lost," says Eliza Stein, a Community High School senior.

"We wanted to keep that element of showcasing all the amazing talent that we have, but there are also a lot of aspects of "LIVE on Washington" that are going to be totally different, which is exciting," Anna Rosenfeld, a senior at Huron High School, says.

LIVE on Washington adds visual art to the mix. Art is a major facet of the Neutral Zone's programming but was not a main emphasis of Breakin' Curfew, because of the nature of a stage show. And although LIVE on Washington will likely feature poetry, as Breakin' Curfew did, it won't be happening on stage. Instead, poets are encouraged to share their works while roaming the crowd.

Two music stages—a main stage and an acoustic stage—will feature mostly teens and some college students from Ann Arbor and around Southeast Michigan. 20 bands or solo musicians will perform, along with 2 dance troupes.

There is also a mystery headliner planned—a popular adult musician from the area that will be announced at a later date.

Connecting with bands is something the Neutral Zone teens and music coordinator Jamall Bufford do well. Some have played at the Neutral Zone's B-Side, a performance and exhibition space at the teen center. Some have come through the Neutral Zone's recording label Youth Owned Records. And others wanted to audition for the show because they know the Neutral Zone by reputation. Many are local teens involved in the center or high school graduates with Neutral Zone alumni status, so to speak. Others connect through their events. It is all over the map, according to event planners.

As for visual art—members of the Neutral Zone's Visual Arts Council "have been thinking up ways that they can do live demonstrations," explains Shoham Geva, a Skyline High School senior.

One will be a mixed-media portrait painting booth. And local illustrator and chalk artist David Zinn will be there supporting his young counterparts by engaging the crowd with 3D chalk art projects.

In all, Shoham says "the spirit" of LIVE on Washington will hopefully be "a place where art can just happen."

The Ann Arbor Skatepark will also have a presence, a new partnership for the Neutral Zone. Visit their information booth for the latest on the forthcoming public skate park - planned to be built this summer.

Rosenfeld promises some good food at the festival. "We are having all local food vendors. The restaurants we've partnered with have been really supportive and will give us a percentage of the money," she says. Food vendors include San Street (of Mark's Carts), Ray's Red Hots, Pilar's Tamales, and Bearclaw Coffee.

All of the teens and staff who spoke with AnnArbor.com agreed that they hope the new outdoor festival format will attract a wide demographic—not just teens, but everyone who loves community events in Ann Arbor. If all goes well, expect the event to become an annual one.

The Michigan Theater will host a viewing of ‘Transforming Loss,' a documentary about how to cope with the death of a loved one, follows six Michigan families who have experienced the death of a loved one.

The film will be screened at 7 p.m. Thursday and is open to anyone who purchases a ticket. The event is being put on by The University of Michigan Depression Center and The Kite Network, an organization that provides one-on-one peer counseling to those experiencing grief.

The Michigan Theater will host a screening of 'Transforming Loss' on Thursday.

“This documentary and the entire subject matter is so closely aligned with the mission and work of The Kite Network," said Anne Rivard, executive director of The Kite Network. "It illustrates how we help our patients (as well as) our unique model of grief support."

The loss of each individual is unique, and the documentary shows the desire each family has to help others who are going through loss.

“People are going to get some up-close and personal answers about the grieving process,” said Judith Burdick, producer and director of the film. “The way the film is put together and the way it unfolds is mimicking the grief process itself. Watching it unfold is a learning experience. Ultimately, my hope is that people will walk away with a sense of hope after seeing how resilient people can be.”

Burdick, like Rivard, said her film perfectly fits with the mission and work being done by The Kite Network.

“The Kite Network is providing hope through peer support and it is really through sharing our stories and verbalizing our experiences of profound loss that enable us to heal,” Burdick said. “That’s one of the main messages in my documentary.”

The organization hopes showing the film will allow them to reach out to the community and show them what kind of support is available.

“Our message is to engage the greater community and let them know that there is hope and recovery and it is possible to find joy after a devastating loss,” Rivard said. “’Transforming Loss’ shows this possibility in a very real way.”

The Kite Network was founded by Doug and Julie Stotlar, who lost their 6-year-old daughter in 2000. In her honor, they developed a community support system to help others with their grief. Located on the east side of Ann Arbor, the network screens and trains volunteers and then pairs these carefully selected counselors with community members who come to the network in need of grief support.

“We want people to know there are many resources out there in the community," Rivard said. "The kite network is out there and willing to help and we hope that events like these will show that.".

The film screening will be followed by a brief discussion panel with psychologists from the University of Michigan Depression Center, five of the subjects followed in the movie, the maker of the documentary Judith Burdick, and and representatives from Kite Network.

The event will count as Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Credit. Those attending the event can receive 1.5 continuing credit hours.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Cost of admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children, students, and seniors, and $7.50 for Michigan Theater members. VIP tickets are also available for $50, which include premium seating and a pre-screening reception.

A portion of the proceeds from the screening will go to The Kite Network to support the nonprofit organization, which dedicates itself to providing free grief counseling to community members.

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.

A suspicious fire destroyed a 2002 Dodge Stratus in Ypsilanti Township early Wednesday morning, and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is investigating, fire officials said.

Ypsilanti Township Fire Department Fire Marshal Vic Chevrette said firefighters went at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday to Ohio Street for a report of a vehicle on fire. The vehicle’s owner called 911 after discovering the car ablaze.

Chevrette said the car, valued at about $4,000, was a total loss. No one was injured in the fire, and the flames were under control by 5 a.m. Firefighters cleared the scene in about 15 minutes, he said.

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Geoffrey Fox confirmed Wednesday the sheriff’s office is investigating the incident. He said there are no suspects at this time. Investigators are working to determine how the fire was started.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office anonymous tip line at 734-973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587).

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Video courtesy of Andrea Frazier.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

I've driven by Dimo's Deli and Donuts numerous times through the years and have wondered how long it's been around, since it shows its age from the outside. The only external decoration is a "God Bless America" sign on the window. But once you open the door, it's a different story.

The upholstery is peeling off some of the chairs, but generally the interior is bright and airy, with lots of windows and black and white floor tiles, while fans dot the high ceiling. A mural over the serving area features brightly colored food items like eggs, coffee, and salt and pepper shakers. It has the feel of a cozy lunch shop you would find in casual resort towns.

Dimo's has been family owned and operated since it opened in 1973, when it was first an Amy Joy Donuts. In 1991, owner Walid Dimo turned it into Dimo's Deli and Donuts, adding deli fare and Mediterranean food from his Palestinian heritage to the menu. It's a true example of one-of-a-kind, locally owned business. I can see why it has staying power.

There's a large counter up front where you place your order, which they call out when it's ready. Walid Dimo staffs the counter and he has a commanding, appealing presence, reminding me of a tough, brash New Yorker who likes to egg on his customers.

His kindhearted demeanor lends an unmistakable burst of personality to this place. Though we ordered only three donuts, he stuck an additional three in our bag. "Find some friends," he said.

Dimo's is only open for breakfast and lunch, offering typical morning fare, as well as hamburgers and more than two dozen varieties of sandwiches, including corned beef, roast beef, turkey, tuna and egg salad (though they ran out of egg salad by 12:30 on our second visit).

The breads are made on the premises, which is obvious once you see the thick slices. Our wheat bread toast was fresh, crunchy and delicious. The bacon that came with it was on the greasy side, and the eggs were a bit dry, but both were decent.

I ordered the vegetarian combo, which came with a gigantic portion of mjadara, salad, pita, grape leaves and hummus. The mjadara — steamed rice and lentils — was thick, hearty and flavorful. The hummus was creamy and good, though it could stand some more spice. Grape leaves were moist and flavorful. I thought the salad, which consisted of cut vegetables tossed in a dressing made of apple cider vinegar, olive oil and salt, was an appealing, healthful offering.

The best sandwiches were those that we opted to have grilled, as the bread shone best in this fashion. I enjoyed the way the ingredients blended with the melted cheese, as in the Manhattan Reuben — corned beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye. While the beef was thin and not quite as good as that which I've sampled at Jewish delis, the ingredients together combined to form a great sandwich.

Similarly, the turkey breast on its own tasted salty and processed, but when paired with Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce and tomato and grilled, it was delicious. I can't say the same for the chicken salad, which was full of mayonnaise — also an issue with the potato salad.

Though the sandwiches are somewhat pricey, with most in the $9 range (a basic grilled cheese is $6.26), the portions are enormous.

Where Dimo's really shines is the donuts. You can immediately taste the homemade flavor in these mouth-watering concoctions. The base of the donuts was so rich and dense it almost resembled yellow cake, which was a delightful foundation for all the varieties.

My favorite was the apple fritter, which was topped with a sugary glaze and had apple pieces tucked within the donut. But all the varieties we tried—and we got to sample six, since he threw in the extra ones—were outstanding, including the donut topped with vanilla frosting and sprinkles, and the chocolate glazed donut.

I'm glad I had the chance to experience this very solid breakfast and lunch destination, which proved that outside looks clearly can deceive. Though many regulars seem to flock to this spot, a facelift might bring even more people in to be treated to what Dimo's has to offer.

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Julie Halpert reviews restaurants for AnnArbor.com.

• For complete Tuesday night prep results, visit Mlive's High School Sports Network

Softball

Pioneer 17, Skyline 6
Story | Boxscore

Pioneer got out to a quick start, outscoring Skyline 8-3 in the first inning and then adding another six runs in the third inning.

Anna Humes led Pioneer at the plate with a single, a home run, three RBIs, and scored three runs, and Katherine Leite added two hits and scored three runs.

Shay Pinhey pitched strong from the mound for Pioneer, striking out six to earn the win.

Elieen Belden helped lead Skyline, earning a single and a double.

Baseball

Grass Lake 8, Greenhills 1
Story | Boxscore

Clayton Connell led Greenhills with three hits, while Derek Heitman went 2-for-2 with a walk in a losing effort.

“From start to finish, our pitching was very good,” Greenhills coach John Dudley said. “I think defensively, we got better as we went along.

“We were a young team with just a couple of seniors and are looking forward to a very good year next year.”

Girls Soccer

Pioneer 5, Brighton 1
Story | Boxscore

Jennifer Fichera scored twice and added an assist to lead Pioneer, and Audrey Park, Sam Freshly, and Emily Turner each had one goal in contribution.

Sam Freshly plowed her way through three Brighton defenders to score the second goal for Pioneer, and Jennifer Fichera scored with 13 seconds left in the first half to give the Pioneers a 3-1 lead.

"Freshly was just a bulldog today, and Fichera's goal gave us a lot of confidence going into the second half," Pioneer coach Chris Coleman said.

Huron 2, South Lyon 0
Story | Boxscore

Huron began district play with a 2-0 shutout win over South Lyon on Tuesday. The win improved Huron's record to 11-5-3 overall.

Huron moves on to the district semifinals, which was moved to Thursday at 5:30 p.m. due to Tuesday's weather, where it will face the winner of the game between Howell and Skyline, which was moved to Wednesday. Pioneer plays Pinckney at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, also at Huron.

Saline 4, Woodhaven 1
Story | Boxscore

After trading goals early in the first half, Saline scored three unanswered goals to defeat Woodhaven 4-1 in the first round of the Division 1 District 5 at Southgate Anderson on Tuesday.

"Overall, I would characterize our performance as good," Saline coach Dana Restrick said. "We were a little slow coming out tonight, but we recovered well and played well enough to win."

Abbey Sovitch gave Saline the early lead, scoring a goal eight minutes into the first half. Woodhaven tied the game five minutes later, and Saline responded with goals fom Brianne Hovde and Becky Sulkowski to take a 3-1 lead into halftime.

Melissa Needham scored a second-half goal to extend the Hornet lead.

Father Gabriel Richard 4, Stockbridge 0
Story | Boxscore

Tymi Staub of Father Gabriel Richard scored all four goals in a 4-0 victory over Stockbridge in the first round of Division 3 girls soccer district play Tuesday.

Gabriel Richard had 34 shots on goal against Stockbridge. Kendall Levens and Ellery Sarosi assisted on two of Staub's goals.

"We were ready to go mentally," Gabriel Richard coach Matt Carroll said. "We were very aggressive around the net and had a lot of opportunities to score."

• For complete Tuesday night prep results, visit Mlive's High School Sports Network

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com.

If schmoozing with artists, drinking delicious booze and eating fabulous food is your idea of a good time, then register for the Ann Arbor Art Center's Paint the Town fundraiser.

If you upgrade and purchase the patron ticket, you will get the added bonus of even more food and more drinks made by Habana at a special reception hosted at the restaurant.

The event is a special fundraiser for the Ann Arbor Art Center. Purchase tickets at http://annarborartcenter.org/content/paint-town.

Saturday, June 1, 2013. Patron Reception: 6-7 p.m. $200. Main Event: 7-10 p.m. $100. Habana is located at 226 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. The AAAC is located at 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor.

A 50-year-old woman suffered multiple injuries to her arm, foot and knee after being attacked by another woman with a metal object Tuesday evening in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor police Lt. Renee Bush said the 50-year-old woman was approached by a 30-year-old woman Tuesday evening in the 200 block of South Seventh Street. The 30-year-old woman pushed the older woman and then began an assault.

Bush said the younger woman punched the older woman and then struck her with a metal object. The younger woman then left the scene before officers could arrive in the area.

The two women knew each other, Bush said. It’s unknown at this point what metal object the woman was struck with.

Huron Valley Ambulance personnel transported the 50-year-old woman to the University of Michigan Hospital emergency room to be treated for multiple injuries on her arm and abrasions on her foot and knee.

The Ann Arbor Police Department detective bureau is investigating the incident, Bush said.

Anyone with information on the assault is encouraged to call the Ann Arbor police anonymous tip line at 734-794-6939 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587).

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Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation aimed at strengthening wildlife protection in the state.

Michigan is fully entering the Wildlife Violator Compact. The state Department of Natural Resources says it now can suspend the hunting, fishing and trapping licenses of poachers who are found in violation in any of the compact's other member states.

The legislation was signed Tuesday. Participating states will be able to suspend the license of their residents who violate Michigan game laws.

Republican Sen. Howard Walker of Traverse City sponsored the legislation. The penalty for not surrendering any licenses would be a misdemeanor.

A Saturday fundraising event has been planned to help the family of 18-year-old Sarah Grundy, a Pinckney girl who was severely burned in an accident at her home March 29, according to media reports.

Sarah Grundy

Family photo

Proceeds from an open skate, silent auction and dinner will benefit the family and are planned for Saturday at the Arctic Coliseum at 501 Coliseum Drive, in Chelsea:

• 1 p.m.: Silent auction
• 2-4 p.m.: Open skate
• 1-5 p.m.: Dinner served

To participate in the open skate or be served dinner, the cost is $10 each, the Daily Press & Argus reported.

• Read the full report in the Daily Press & Argus

Sarah is the daughter of Chelsea Chiefs Blue team Coach Ken Grundy of Chelsea and Sandy Lavey-Grundy of Pinckney.

Doctors anticipated Sarah would need to stay in the trauma burn unit at the University of Michigan's University Hospital for several months.

A 2012 graduate of Pinckney High School, Sarah was preparing to enroll in the nursing program at Washtenaw Community College.

The Saturday fundraiser is in addition to at least three other events in April and May that worked to raise money for Sarah's medical bills.

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.

James Blake will play at the Michigan Theater in November.

Photo provided by UMS

A press release from UMS has all the details.

Twenty-four-year-old James Blake is a London-based electronic musician and classically trained pianist who has quickly ascended to become a leading figure in the dubstep electronic dance music community. His unique creative output blends soul influences, gospel harmonies, and folk traditions with deep, heavy club bass. Blake's self-titled debut LP, "James Blake," was awarded Best New Music and was ranked as the 12th best album of 2011 on Pitchfork Media's year-end list. For his UMS performance at Michigan Theater, Blake will perform music from his critically acclaimed 2013 album "Overgrown." More info: http://jamesblakemusic.com.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday, June 3 at 10 a.m. For tickets, contact UMS at 734-764-2538 or online at ums.org. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the League Ticket Office (911 North University Avenue). The UMS Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday.

… Tickets start at $20.

Jenn McKee is an entertainment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.

Christina Morton and Sebastian Martini sit atop their "Datemobile," a specialized tandem bicycle stolen last year. Ann Arbor police recovered the bike and arrested a suspect Tuesday.

Courtesy of Sebastian Martini

Ann Arbor police Detective Bill Stanford said the man will be arraigned Wednesday afternoon on home invasion charges stemming from the June 15, 2012 incident. Stanford said the man confessed to stealing the bike after he was confronted by police — who were led to the man by Martini.

“The victim was checking out Craigslist and saw the bike for sale,” Stanford said. “He made contact with the guy, confirmed it was his bike and gave us a call.”

Martini built the specialized tandem bike so he and Morton, who has multiple sclerosis, could ride around Ann Arbor. The couple, and their dog Topeka, would ride to dog parks and around the block as a way to spend time together. The couple called the 2004 Specialized Rockhopper with a Xtracycle extension their “Datemobile.”

On June 15, 2012, Martini discovered the Rockhopper and a 1999 Specialized Hardrock bike stolen overnight from the couple’s garage in the 200 block of Oakbrook Drive.

Stanford said the 18-year-old man who confessed to stealing the two bikes will face home invasion charges because he entered a locked garage.

In an email sent Wednesday morning, Martini said he tracked the thief down on Tuesday.

“I tracked down the bike thief via a cryptic, but suspicious, Craigslist ad,” he said, “then called the police and he got arrested. So far, only one of the two bikes got recovered and is currently (held) as evidence with the police.”

The couple had insurance on the bikes and purchased a new bike since the original Datemobile was stolen, Martini said. Once the stolen bike is returned to them, Martini said the couple would like to put it to good use, possibly by auctioning it off and donating the money.

Stanford said the bike would be returned to the couple in short order.

The 18-year-old man is lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail as he awaits arraignment, Stanford said.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

It's time again for the Ann Arbor City Club's Annual Home Tour. In its 61st year, the tour will feature six of Ann Arbor's truly amazing homes.

The tour is a mix of both old and new homes.

Tickets will be available at the Ann Arbor City Club (1830 Washtenaw) or at any of the featured homes on the day of the tour.

Lunch at the City Club will also be available from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch is $12 inclusive. All are welcome.

To get more information and to see the addresses of the homes on tour, visit www.annarborcityclub.org.

Sunday, June 2, 2013. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15. For more information, call 734-662-3279.

A Detroit Free Press article and video chronicles the story of the Ramirez family of Ann Arbor, who came to the U.S. from Mexico 13 years ago without legal permission.

Celestino Ramirez spoke of running from immigration agents as they tried to cross the border in 2000, while Aketzaly Ramirez-Lopez, 18, talked about her constant fear growing up that she would do something that would put them in danger.

The article also quotes Manny Lagunes, 16, of Ypsilanti, who crossed the border in 2006 with his mother and his then-6-year-old brother. It is the second of a two-part series on immigration issues written as politicians debate potential reforms, which the Ramirez family hopes will give them a chance to become legal residents of the nation.

• Read the article in the Detroit Free Press.

Saline's Kristina Zalewski warms up in the batters box during their double header against Lincoln Thursday May 8.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com file

This is usually the time of year when our top prep teams start making their state tournament exits, if for no other reason than their proximity means early district matchups and inevitable losses.

But as softball district play begins this week, nearly every team in the AnnArbor.com rankings has a chance at advancement.

Saline, Dexter, Chelsea and Manchester will all head to different locations Saturday for district play. Saline heads to Monroe, Dexter goes to Huron, while Chelsea and Manchester stay home.

And when it’s all said and done, all could all still be playing this time next week.

Saline retains the top spot in this week’s rankings, where it has been since the third week of the season. The Hornets finished the SEC Red slate undefeated, and didn’t lose to a county team all season.

Now, the Hornets will have to prove themselves against the best teams from Monroe County if it wants to win a district title this weekend and stay there.

Softball

1. Saline: The Hornets have been the county’s best all season but will likely have to get through Monroe Saturday to win a district title.

2. Dexter: The Dreadnaughts won two of three against Chelsea last week heading into district play.

3. Chelsea: After playing mostly Division 1 competition all season, Chelsea will now move on to a small Division 2 district.

4. Manchester: The Lady Dutch’s district play started Wednesday against Adrian Madison.

5. Lincoln: The Railsplitters won four of their final five, but face Saline in a district semifinal on Saturday.

Baseball

Huron Nasheed Bass hits a ball in the game against Pioneer on Monday, May 13.

Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com file

1. Saline: SEC Red co-champs Saline and Bedford could be meeting on Saturday with a district title on the line.

2. Skyline: The Eagles cruised in their tournament opener against Pioneer Tuesday.

3. Dexter: The Dreadnaughts finished with a sweep over Chelsea heading into what should be a good Huron matchup in district play.

4. Huron: A one-run loss to Skyline and a sweep over Milan finished the River Rats’ regular season.

5. Father Gabriel Richard: The Irish split with Carleton Airport Saturday to finish the regular season.

Boys Track

1. Saline: Kaj Althaus is the sixth-ranked pole vaulter in Division 1, and the Hornets 1,600-meter relay is 10th.

2. Chelsea: The Bulldogs have 18 entries in this weekend’s state meet, including the top two pole vaulters and Berkley Edwards, the top seed in the 100.

3. Pioneer: Tyler Leach is the Pioneers’ top seed in the pole vault this weekend.

4. Lincoln: Tyree Waller is the top seed in the long jump by more than an inch, and Robie Webster has the eighth-fastest 110-meter hurdles time.

5. Gabriel Richard: The Irish’s sprint relay could go top six at the Division 3 state meet. FGR won the Catholic League last week.

Girls Track

From left, Pioneer freshman Jamie Johnson, Skyline senior Troi Owens and Pioneer junior Ariana Jackson, compete in the women's 100 meter dash during the Ann Arbor Pioneer vs Ann Arbor Skyline dual meet at Pioneer High School Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Andrew Kuhn | File for AnnArbor.com

1. Saline: The Hornets have 21 state finals entries, including the top seed in the 400-meter relay.

2. Pioneer: The Pioneers and Saline could finish 1-2 this weekend in the sprint relay.

3. Ypsilanti: Endia Francois is seeded in the top seven in the 200 and 400.

4. Chelsea: Laura McGrath and Grace Sauers could both end up All-State at Division 2.

5. Skyline: Anita VanderMeulen has the second-best long jump seed for this weekend.

Girls Soccer

1. Skyline: The Eagles took a six-game winning streak and an SEC Red title into its pre-district game against Howell, pushed back until Wednesday.

2. Huron: The River Rats got one of the tougher pre-district draws in South Lyon, and came away with a 2-0 win.

3. Pioneer: The Pioneers are unbeaten in their last 10, including wins over Saline and Dexter and a revenge pre-district win over Brighton.

4. Saline: A strong schedule is starting to pay off as Saline won its pre-district game 4-1 over Woodhaven.

5. Dexter: Dexter’s postseason starts with the same opponent as its regular season finale: Chelsea, which it beat 2-0 last week.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

The Ypsilanti Township Secretary of State office will close in June, as employees prepare to move the location just down the road to Pittsfield Township.

A man uses a self-serve machine for renewing licenses in southeastern Michigan. The new Secretary of State office in Pittsfield Township will have a similar station.

AP file photo

The office at 2720 Washtenaw Ave. will close Monday, June 10, and staff will complete the moving process by Friday, June 14. The office will reopen at 9 a.m. Monday, June 17, at 4675 Washtenaw Ave., in the Glencoe Crossing Shopping Center.

Fred Woodhams, spokesman for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, said the move will make the "most efficient use of taxpayers dollars."

"We had a little bit more space than needed at the existing location and we were also looking to make some upgrades to the office," Woodhams said.

The new location will have power-assist entry doors, public restrooms, new customer seating, a new counter design and new carpeting. Customers will also have access to a 24/7 Self-Service Station that can dispense license plate tabs.

"Looking at the cost of renovations and looking at the cost of floor space, it was more cost effective to look at other possible locations," Woodhams said.

The office hours will not change, according to a news release sent out by the state. The hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Secretary of State's office said in the release that customers will have the following alternative branches in the area to use:

• Washtenaw County PLUS

• S.W. Wayne County PLUS

• Central Wayne County PLUS

• W. Wayne County PLUS

Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.

This story has been corrected to show that the court case against Glenn Bryant has been dismissed and not bound over for trial.

Charges were dismissed Tuesday against the Eastern Michigan University basketball player accused of choking his girlfriend following an argument last month.

Glenn Bryant

Glenn Bryant, 22, appeared in court for a preliminary exam Tuesday morning, according to court records. Lee Schmidt, Bryant's attorney, said Thursday the case was dismissed after the witness in the case did not show up at the hearing.

AnnArbor.com originally reported Thursday morning Bryant's case was bound over for a pretrial hearing. Court officials confirmed that court records at the Washtenaw County Trial Court showing that a pretrial hearing had been scheduled were incorrect. Officials confirmed the case against Bryant was dismissed Tuesday.

Bryant faced a felony charge of assault by strangulation and a misdemeanor aggravated domestic violence charge. He was arrested April 22 at the Peninsular Place apartments after he was accused of choking his 19-year-old girlfriend during an argument.

The Eagles' second-leading scorer joined the team after transferring from Arkansas in 2011. The 2012-13 season was Bryant's first with EMU and he started 30 of 34 games, averaging 27.4 minutes a game and 10.6 points per game.

Police said Bryant and his girlfriend frequently argued and the argument prior to his arrest was not out of the ordinary. The two have been dating for about a year.

Bryant was free on bond and was suspended from the basketball team until his case concluded.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.