Somehow I've both spent a good amount of money this merry month and hardly addressed my gift list.
I often purchase something entirely unrelated to my stated shopping mission - silly cards I might never send (Rock, Paper, Scissors has such a fun collection!), earrings for myself, just a few more decorations.
And, yet, that list (and its price tag) lingers, even grows. It's such a mystery.
Dusty May, in fact, has the highest 2024 salary, $3.625 million, at the University of Michigan, Sam Dodge reports this week.
This is more than Michigan Medicine CEO Dr. Marschall Runge, President Santa Ono and head football Coach Sherrone Moore.
Wonder about the highest-paid deans? You can find that list here.
Dodge and Data Reporter Scott Levin's presentation of salaries for the university's more than 57,000 employees was our most-read story in Ann Arbor this week.
The No. 2 story: Slim Chickens is set to open in January in Scio Township, Makayla Coffee tells us.
I had never heard of the fast-casual restaurant chain, but it is apparently popular elsewhere. It has 250 locations in 34 states and its menu features chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, chicken and waffles and Oreo cheesecake served in jars. (I could definitely go for that last thing.)
Need somewhere to go before January?
A pair of Coffee stories might inspire a festive outing or two this holiday season.
The Pretzel Bell opened a pop-up bar inspired by the iconic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" in its Down Bar.
Order Cousin Eddie's Eggnog in a moose mug or have an Aunt Bethany's JELLO shot topped with "cat food" (Cheerios).
With a 1970s living room, an inflatable Clark Griswold and squirrels in Christmas trees, they really went big on the theme. Check out multimedia specialist Jacob Hamilton's photos. Griswold, it seems, would be pleased.
Just outside of town, in Lodi Township, Ann Arbor Baptist Church is celebrating with more than 100,000 bright lights.
You can take your family on a drive through the display - for free.
"This is one way to connect with the community and show Christ's love," the senior pastor told Coffee.
And in school news, Ann Arbor school teachers rallied Wednesday, Dec. 11, outside the public school district's administration building against an expected hike in out-of-pocket health care costs, Jackie Smith writes.
They contend the projected premium increases will cut into take-home pay and spur teachers to seek employment elsewhere.
In Ypsilanti, students can use earned tokens to purchase books from new vending machines.
Ypsilanti Community Schools received a grant, aimed at innovative approaches to literacy, for the 10 machines, which cost $48,000, Sophia Kalakailo reports.
From Reporter Ryan Stanton - because every "Hello, Ann Arbor" has to highlight at least one Stanton story, growing property tax revenue is adding millions of dollars to Ann Arbor's budget. (Shocking, I am sure, for anyone who ever does any real estate browsing.)
"We continue to have a balanced budget in the general fund, no structural deficit there," Kim Buselmeier, the city's interim chief financial officer, reported, projecting a nearly 6% or $5 million increase in property tax revenue in the general fund for the fiscal year starting July 1.
Here is some other news from the week of Dec. 8:
Washtenaw County firefighter of the year initially thought he would join police
Washtenaw County police officer of the year works to build community
Parking on Ann Arbor streets during snow storms could be illegal soon
'It's been a great run': Saline schools superintendent announces retirement
Days before murder trial, man sent for psychiatric examination
Ann Arbor schools hiring fewer new teachers, district staff than 2 years ago
Meet the Teacher: This Chelsea educator stepped away twice before her passion brought her back
Man sentenced to 25-50 years in prison for fatally stabbing father
71-year-old pedestrian injured in crash that closed Ann Arbor road
Suspended Ann Arbor figure skating coach accused of sexual assault heads to trial
University of Michigan buys 2.3 acres next to MGM Grand Detroit
University of Michigan regent's home vandalized with mason jars, pro-Palestine slogan
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