Troubled Brandy’s liquor store shut down by city

Brandy’s Market on West Michigan and Summit in Ypsilanti has been shut down by the city after a month long investigation by the City of Ypsilanti Police and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Brandy’s is located at 902 West Michigan Avenue and has been owned by the Cathy and Samir Hanna since 1999. Before then it was called Forbes Market.

The controversial store has had a long history of problems with the City and neighbors. The owners in 2009 signed a consent decree with the City to continue operations after the city filed suit declaring the property a nuisance. A report indicated the store had over 100 calls for service, twice as many calls for police service than any other store or location in the city. The two year consent order expired yesterday, September 1, 2010.

According to the Ypsilanti Police, YPD and Michigan Liquor Control Commission executed a search warrant at 11am today. The search warrant stemmed from several complaints that individuals inside the store were purchasing stolen items and illegally distributing tobacco products. During the month long investigation undercover officers sold numerous items requested by store staff and purchased tobacco that was illegaly sold.

In Michigan, tobacco products cannot be sold without a tax stamp, which precludes the selling of individual cigarettes. Brandy’s has been accused in the past of breaking apart packs of cigarettes and selling them as ’singles’. It is unclear if today’s search warrant alleges a similar charge.

During the search, police noted what appeared to be building code violations and called both the Ypsilanti Fire and Building departments to the scene. City inspectors found numerous health and safety concerns and the store was condemned and shuttered.

The liquor store across the street called Cal’s, was also condemned by the city in 2008. The owners of Brandy’s purchased Cal’s and the store has remained closed since it was sold. A quick check shows that Cal’s is still condemned thus preventing the owners of Brandy’s from re-opening across the street.

The case has been turned over to the County Prosecutor for review to determine what, if any, charges will be filed against the owners and employees.

Political Cartoon August 2, 2010

With the Primary election on Tuesday, the Little Mayors are back. They are making a list and checking it twice.

Picture of the Week - Ypsilanti police get new patrol car(t)

The Ypsilanti Police took possession of a new Patrol Cart this afternoon. The cart will be used during festivals and special events.

It was a gift to the department from the Friends of the Ypsilanti Police.

Obit: Angie Veigel

Angeline R. (Angie) Veigel passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Angie was born in Tripoli, Greece the daughter of Peter and Priscilla (Anguras) Roopas. She graduated from Ann Arbor Senior High School in 1947, attended the University of Michigan Business School and Washtenaw Community College. Angie owned and operated A. J. Stenographic Service in Ann Arbor for 11 years. She had worked as a Probate Court Clerk and Deputy County Clerk for 10 years.

She was an executive secretary to Local 252 I.B.E.W. and worked as a substitute teacher for Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor Public Schools and Washtenaw Community College. Angie served on the Washtenaw County Jury Board for 13 years. She was instrumental and initiated the Greek/American flags at the Statue of Demetrius in Ypsilanti.

Angie was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and member of Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, Senior Citizens in Ypsilanti and the church where she held offices and was an active member. She was a lifetime member in the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary and a member of Lambda Chi Omega Sorority. Angie loved sports, golf, gardening, crocheting, knitting, music, dancing, traveling and acrobatics.

She is survived by her loving husband, Fred Veigel, her son, Dr. Michael (Jonna) Roopas and granddaughter Samantha; three step-children, Karen (Ron) Veigel-Coon, Teri Veigel-Nims and grandchildren, Travis and Crystal Nims and David Veigel as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five siblings, John, George, Tony, Heidi and Kula.

Memorials:

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Visitation:

2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Trisagion service at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 25, 2010

Nie Family Funeral Home - Carpenter Rd. Chapel
2400 Carpenter Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Service:

11:00 a.m.
Monday, July 26, 2010

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Cemetery:

Bethlehem Cemetery
Ann Arbor, MI

Wanted: Do you know me?

Pictured below is a suspect that used a stolen credit card to make several purchases.

If you can help identify this person, please contact Cpl Gerald Wagner at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office (734) 973-4694.

Click on the picture to view a larger picture.

Next Page »