April 30, 2025

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The Sun Times News is the hub of the most useful information in Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, and Saline.

CPD Weekly Report, 4-29-25

Doug Marrin

From Chelsea PD Incident #: 25-1381 Location: E. Old US 12 X N. Freer Rd. Date: April 22, 2025 Time: 12:50 am INFORMATION: While on routine patrol, an officer observed a vehicle traveling down the road with no visible taillights and no license plate on the vehicle. The officer got behind the vehicle and noticed … Read more

Chelsea MI crime, Chelsea MI fraud

Busch’s Fresh Food Market Marks 50th Anniversary with Celebrations for Customers

STN Staff

Busch’s Fresh Food Market, a family-owned supermarket chain in Southeast Michigan known for its locally sourced offerings, is celebrating 50 years of serving the community with a 10-day sale featuring special anniversary pricing. From May 16–25, guests can enjoy exclusive deals across the store as a thank-you for their support over the past five decades. … Read more

Busch’s, local business

Dexter High School SRSLY Leaders Push for Stricter Cannabis and Vape Laws at State Capitol

STN Staff

Student leaders from Dexter High School’s SRSLY club traveled to Lansing to participate in the Michigan Prevention Association’s Advocacy Day on April 23. These student advocates met with State Senator Sue Shink and State Representative Carrie Rheingans to call for stricter regulations on cannabis advertising and flavored vaping products—measures aimed at protecting Michigan youth. Representing … Read more

SRSLY Dexter

Dexter 2025 Bond Proposal Up For Vote

Matt Rosentreter

On May 6 Dexter residents will be able to vote on the 2025 Bond Proposal put forward by a collaboration of local community members, students and Dexter Community Schools staff. The bond will be used to improve the infrastructure of the school district’s buildings, including restroom and playground upgrades, new musical instruments for students and … Read more

Chelsea High School Wins State Titles in Personal Finance and Economics

Lonnie Huhman

Chelsea High School took home state titles in both the Michigan Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge. These competitions, organized by the Michigan Council on Economic Education, bring together students from around the state to compete and demonstrate their skills. Chelsea has built a legacy in these competitions. This is the eighth year in a … Read more

Chelsea High School, Chelsea School District, Chicago Federal Reserve, Michigan Council on Economic Education

Saline Soccer Improves to 11-0 on the Season

Mike Williamson

The Saline girls’ soccer team remained perfect on the season with three wins this week after picking up three wins. The Hornets opened the week by taking down rival Ann Arbor Pioneer in a make-up of a game that was postponed earlier this season. The weather still wasn’t great for the rescheduled game with cold … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Soccer

The Encore & Fred Grandy Produce a True Laugh Fest in “The Importance of Being Earnest”

Steven Sheldon

Photo: (L-R) Maddie Dick, Caleb McArthur, Fred Grandy, Jackson Reagin. Photo by Michele Anliker The Love Boat’s Fred “Gopher” Grandy highlighted an outstanding cast as The Encore Musical Company staged Oscar Wilde’s classic play “The Importance of Being Earnest – A Trivial Play for Serious People,” running now through Sunday, May 4th. Wilde’s play premiered … Read more

Fred Grandy, Fun things to do in Dexter, Musical Theater, The Encore

Dexter Area Museum Kicks Off 2025 Season with Open House on May 2

Doug Marrin

Photos: Dexter Area Museum The Dexter Area Museum will welcome visitors back for the 2025 season with a special evening open house on Friday, May 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. Presented by the Dexter Area Historical Society, the event — Spring is in the Air: An Evening at the Museum — offers a chance … Read more

Saline Golfers Second at Farmington Invite

Mike Williamson

Photos provided by Debbie Williams-Hoak The Saline golf team had a strong showing at the Farmington Invitational Friday, coming home second. The Hornets finished with a team score of 302, four strokes behind champion Flushing with 298. Haidren Stewart led Saline with a second-place finish with a one over par 73. Harper Hummel was one … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Golf

Chelsea Senior Center’s Read & Seed Celebrates Another Successful Year

STN Staff

Nearly 90 Chelsea Community Preschoolers dug into seed-sowing fun at Chelsea Senior Center on April 23 and 24 for the annual Read and Seed program. “I am thrilled that Read and Seed continues to be a highly anticipated activity each year,” says Jennifer Smith, Executive Director, Chelsea Senior Center. “Many preschoolers have heard older siblings … Read more

Chelsea Community Preschool, CSC, Read & Seed

Dexter’s Sip and Shop is back Friday, May 9th

Traci Husse

Each of the participating retail shops will have light snacks, unique sales, and special offers Downtown Dexter Merchants will host its popular Sip and Shop event on Friday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. This spring edition, themed around Mother’s Day, offers an evening of shopping, chatting, and sipping, all with a fun buzz … Read more

Downtown Dexter, Events, retail

Chelsea Senior Center is Hiring for Senior Nutrition

STN Staff

Chelsea Senior Center (CSC) seeks to fill an open position for Senior Nutrition Program Coordinator, starting in June. This person will report to the Assistant Director and work 20 hours a week. The ideal candidate is very personable, detail-oriented, and able to pivot directions as needed. The key responsibility is to work alongside volunteers and … Read more

CSC, hiring, job openings

Garrett’s Space Breaks Ground on Transformative Mental Health Campus for Young Adults

STN Staff

Garrett’s Space, an Ann Arbor-based suicide prevention non-profit, is proud to announce the start of construction on its visionary residential campus for young adults experiencing mental health challenges. The Garrett’s Space campus will offer an innovative, non-medical approach to mental health support designed to serve as a much-needed bridge between outpatient therapy and crisis-level inpatient … Read more

Garrett’s Space, mental health, mental health services

Chelsea Police Report, March 2025

Doug Marrin

In March 2025, Officers responded to 374 calls for police service in the City of Chelsea, up from 340 the previous year, a 10% increase. Total calls for 2025 (Jan-Mar) are 1,045, up from 1,044 for the same period last year. Officers conducted 155 traffic stops, up from 131 last year. Twenty-five citations were issued. … Read more

Saline Farmers Market Kicks Off 24th Outdoor Season May 3

STN Staff

Fresh produce, live music, children’s activities, and more return to downtown Saline every Saturday through October. Photo Saline Farmers Market Facebook Community News The Saline Farmers Market is anxiously awaiting the beginning of May to leave their winter home and head out into nature! Summer market runs from May – October, from 8am-noon at 100 … Read more

local produce Saline, Michigan farmers markets, saline farmers market, Saline outdoor market, Saline summer events

Dexter Memorial Day Parade Grows as Community Groups Sign On

STN Staff

Photo by Thomas Morris The Dexter Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26 in downtown Dexter along Main Street, and the lineup is already packed with community favorites. Organized by the Dexter Rotary, the parade will once again honor the nation’s veterans and those who gave their lives in service, … Read more

FBI Raids Multiple U of M Student Homes in Reported Vandalism Investigation

Matt Rosentreter

Five Michigan individuals from Canton, Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor had their homes raided Wednesday morning by the FBI, and at least three individuals were detained in their homes before being released. “Between 6:00 am and 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 23, FBI Agents, the Michigan State Police, and local police officers, at the behest of … Read more

Ann Arbor Raids, FBI Raids, Palestine, politically motivated vandalism, University of Michigan, vandalism

Bank Michigan Expands to Manchester, Continuing Over 100 Year Legacy

STN Staff

With existing locations in Onsted, Brooklyn, and Ann Arbor, Bank Michigan has announced the opening of its newest location in Manchester, bringing its legacy of personal service and community commitment to a new town. “We’re not just opening a new location,” said Rick Northrup, President and CEO of Bank Michigan. “We’re planting new roots. Our … Read more

Bank Michigan, local business, local business expansion

Author Lori Tucker-Sullivan Returns to Dexter with “Rock Widows” Book on Grief, Legacy, and Love

Doug Marrin

“When you layer the misogyny of the music industry on top of the misogynistic framework around being a widow, it’s really quite something.” Photo: Moderator Rich Fahle and Lori Tucker-Sullivan at the Dexter District Library, April 23, 2025. Photo by Doug Marrin. On April 23, acclaimed writer and former Dexter resident Lori Tucker-Sullivan returned to … Read more

American Pie Buddy Holly, Crystal Zevon Warren Zevon, Dexter District Library event, Gloria Jones Marc Bolan, grief and legacy stories, Lori Tucker-Sullivan, music memoir, Rich Fahle author talk, rock widows book, Sandy Chapin Harry Chapin

Earth Day Contest in Chelsea Sparks Community Imagination for Sustainability

Doug Marrin

Dozens of residents shared innovative ideas at Chelsea’s Earth Day Contest, reviving community efforts toward sustainability and environmental action. On a sunny spring afternoon at Lyndon Park North, Chelsea residents gathered to celebrate Earth Day and share ideas for a more sustainable future. Held in conjunction with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce’s Bark Rangers program, … Read more

Chelsea Earth Day 2025, Chelsea Michigan eco initiatives, Chelsea sustainability ideas, community composting Chelsea, Earth Day contest winners

Chelsea Gears Up for Community-Wide Garage Sale May 2-4

STN Staff

The 2025 Chelsea Area Community Garage Sale is just around the corner, and the official sale map is now live. From May 2 through May 4, treasure hunters can explore dozens of participating sales across the area—30 homes and counting—offering everything from vintage finds to household essentials. Shoppers are encouraged to plan their routes in … Read more

Chelsea garage sale, Chelsea MI events, Chelsea yard sales, community garage sale 2025, Michigan garage sales

From Skeptic to Supporter: How One Nurse Sparked a Cannabis Healthcare Revolution

Delaney Krause

Katherine Golden founded LEAF411 to bridge the gap between patients and reliable cannabis healthcare after her personal journey transformed skepticism into advocacy. Photo: CEO and Founder Katherine Golden doing a Community Outreach Event. Photo from LEAF411’s website In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. In … Read more

cannabis advocacy nonprofit, cannabis nurse hotline, Katherine Golden LEAF411, medical marijuana education, safe cannabis use guidance

Dexter Lacrosse Stays Perfect in SEC White

Mike Williamson

The Dexter boys’ lacrosse team picked up two more wins this week to improve to 8-2 overall and 6-0 in the SEC White. The Dreadnaughts opened the week by rolling over Ypsilanti Lincoln 19-1 Monday night. Dawson Waddington had a huge night for the Dreads with six goals and one assist. Marty Watson and Jay … Read more

Saline Improves to 9-0 in SEC Red

Mike Williamson

The Saline-Dexter SEC Red softball showdown was a one-sided affair as the Hornets remained unbeaten in the conference with a doubleheader sweep of the Dreadnaughts 16-0 and 14-4 Monday. Abby Curtis and Zosia Mazur combined for a four-inning no-hitter with Curtis striking out eight in three innings and Mazur two of the three batters she … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Softball

Gov. Whitmer Launches $1 Million “Ticket to Tuition” FAFSA Sweepstakes

STN Staff

Governor Whitmer and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) have announced the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes, a statewide initiative to encourage Michiganders enrolling in college for the first time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “Filling out your FAFSA can help you save thousands of dollars on your education and with … Read more

college, FAFSA, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, tuition assistance

Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Award Honorees

STN Staff

The nominees of Saline Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC)’s 2025 Circle of Excellence Award, which recognizes those who have substantial contributions from living or working in the Saline Area, have been announced. These Circle of Excellence Awards also honor businesses that have made significant contributions to the community. Event sponsors include A & H Lawn … Read more

SACC, Winners of the Circle of Excellence Awards

Scio Township Police Report, March 2025

Doug Marrin

In March 2025, Deputies responded to 718 calls for police service in Scio Township, down from 746 the previous year, a 4% decrease. Total calls for 2025 (Jan-Mar) are 1,892, down from 2,277 for the same period last year, a 17% decrease. Officers conducted 129 traffic stops, down from 303 last year. Forty-two citations were … Read more

Lodi Township Police Report, March 2025

Doug Marrin

In March 2025, Deputies responded to 162 calls for police service in Lodi Township, down from 190 the previous year, a 15% decrease. Total calls for 2025 (Jan-Mar) are 453, down from 681 for the same period last year, a 33% decrease. Officers conducted 71 traffic stops, down from 108 last year. Nine citations were … Read more

Saline’s Volunteer Spirit Shines in April

Sue Kelch

From student-led clubs to senior support and city initiatives, Saline celebrates the people who make a difference during National Volunteer Month. Photo: Builders Club cleaning patio courtesy of Saline Senior Center April is National Volunteer Month, and Saline has no shortage of volunteer opportunities. – let’s take a look. Saline Schools Builders Club Helps Students … Read more

High Five Club Saline, National Volunteer Month Saline, Saline Builders Club, Saline community service, Saline volunteer opportunities

A Hidden Gem of a Bookstore in Downtown Dexter

Lonnie Huhman

Walking into a bookstore can be a fun experience. Seeing the different titles, discovering something new and finding that right book to take home, having a bookstore in town really adds a great destination spot for local businesses. Chelsea has Serendipity Books, Saline has the Fine Print Bookshop and Dexter has…The Fox and the Feather. … Read more

Webster Township Police Report, March 2025

Doug Marrin

In March 2025, Deputies responded to 91 calls for police service in Webster Township, down from 101 the previous year, a 10% decrease. Total calls for 20235 (Jan-Mar) are 276, down from 342 for the same period last year, a 19% decrease. Officers conducted six traffic stops, down from 25 last year. Two citations were … Read more

Saline High School has a National Champion

Lonnie Huhman

After competing in a national competition, Semmy Badenhop, a Saline High School senior, was crowned the first-ever National Machining League Champion. Badenhop earned both the prestigious title and a $10,000 grand prize. To learn more about this great news, the Sun Times News connected with Jackelyn Martin, Saline Area Schools’ Executive Director of Communications and … Read more

National Machining League, Saline Area Schools, Saline High School

Three Milan Road Projects Expected This Summer, a Fourth Paused By Federal Budget Woes

Karen Lambert

Milan City has slated two road projects to start this summer and plans to schedule a third for the same time. However, a fourth project the city expected to move forward—Second Street, which some call the worst street in the city—is paused due to holds on federal funding.

Ann Marie Street, Michigan Avenue, Milan, Rep. Debbie Dingell, road projects, Second Street, state road funding

Live Music to Launch Warmer Days at Chelsea’s New Palmer Commons Pavilion

Doug Marrin

Photo: The recently constructed Palmer Commons Pavilion waiting for the shows to begin. Photo by Doug Marrin. Chelsea’s newest downtown venue, the Palmer Commons Pavilion, is set to host its inaugural event with a free night of live music on Friday, May 9, marking the start of the city’s outdoor entertainment season. The event, organized … Read more

Chelsea Michigan events, free concert April 2025, live music Chelsea MI, Palmer Commons Pavilion, Sometimes Pretty band

Chelsea Garden Club to Hand Out Free Seeds and Seedlings at Farmers Market, May 3,  8-1 pm.  

STN Staff

Community  News The Chelsea Area Garden Club will be handing out free tree and shrub seedlings:  White Pine, Allegheny Serviceberry, Ninebark, and Hackberry. Also, Basswood, Shellbark Hickory, Silver Maple, and Tamarack.  The garden club will also distribute wildflower seed packets. The wildflower seed packet contains a blend of 20 wildflowers that provide important habitat and food for pollinators … Read more

chelsea farmers market, free seed packets, free seedlings, pollinators

Dexter’s $242M School Bond Proposal Sparks Debate Over Spending, Risk

STN Staff

As Dexter voters prepare to weigh a historic school bond, questions emerge about long-term costs, debt, and the district’s financial future. Editor’s note: This article offers a counterpoint to the perspective presented by Dick Lundy in a recent piece published by the Sun Times News online on March 27, 2025 and in print April 2. … Read more

2025 bond proposal, Dexter Community Schools, Dexter election May 6, Dexter school bond, Michigan school funding

You Can Do It

Steve Gwisdalla

You Can Do It By Steve Gwisdalla Originally Published April 17, 2025 The title of this article is something you have said a thousand times if you are a parent. If you were ever a teammate on a sports team, a member of the band or orchestra, drama club, owned a puppy, or had self-doubt. … Read more

Join the Movement: 100 Kids Who Care Invites New Members to May 4 Meeting

Melissa Marcum

Middle schoolers in Chelsea are making a difference—and they’re inviting more kids to be part of their next big giving event. Photo: Founders Charley Cigan, along with her friends Norah and Ellie Hurst. Photo provided by Laurie Cigan A growing group of young changemakers in Chelsea is inviting new members to join them on May 4 … Read more

Chelsea District Library meeting, Chelsea youth charity, join 100 Kids Who Care, kids supporting nonprofits, May 4 Chelsea event

Saline Police Weekly Report, 4-22-25

Doug Marrin

BB Gun Vandalism, Larceny, and Multiple Vehicle Accidents The Saline Police Department responded to several incidents during the week of April 15–18, 2025, ranging from property damage to vehicle accidents and a reported theft. Here are the highlights from the department’s press summary: BB Gun Damages Window Incident #25-1834 – Malicious Destruction of PropertyDate: April … Read more

Teacher Contract Negotiations Continue in Saline Area Schools

Lonnie Huhman

At the February 25 school board meeting, Saline Education Association (SEA) president Bridget Corie spoke to the school board and gathered public, which included teachers, about the current contract negotiations between the teachers union and district. During one part of her talk, she said “we deserve to be compensated fairly for the incredible work we … Read more

City of Dexter Police Report, March 2025

Doug Marrin

In March 2025, Deputies responded to 188 calls for police service in the City of Dexter, down from 298 the previous year, a 37% decrease. Total calls for 2025 (Jan-Mar) are 547, down from 819 for the same period last year, a 33% decrease. Officers conducted 39 traffic stops, down from 183 last year. Thirteen … Read more

Dexter Township Police Report, March 2025

Doug Marrin

In March 2025, Deputies responded to 118 calls for police service in Dexter Township, down from 168 the previous year, a 30% decrease. Total calls for 2025 (Jan-Mar) are 350, down from 456 for the same period last year, a 23% decrease. Officers conducted 39 traffic stops, down from 82 last year. Twenty-two citations were … Read more

Q&A: Erika Westfall of The Dog Wizard Is on a Mission to Help Dogs—and Their People—Thrive

Chuck Colby

After more than 20 years in software sales, Erika Westfall hit pause on her fast-paced corporate career and asked herself one question: What could she do that would actually make a difference? The answer had four legs, a wagging tail, and a whole lot of heart. Today, Erika runs the Dexter-based franchise of The Dog … Read more

dog obedience, dog park, dog training, dog wizard, dogs, labrodor, pets, rotweiller

CPD Weekly Summary

Doug Marrin

Chelsea Police Department Weekly Press Summary Incident #: 25-1276 Location: 14000 block of E. Old US 12 Date: April 15, 2025 Time: 5:39 am INFORMATION: While on routine patrol, officers were dispatched to the 14000 block of E. Old US 12 for the report of a burglary alarm at a commercial location. Upon arrival, the … Read more

Dexter Soccer Rolls to Pair of Wins

Mike Williamson

The Dexter girls’ soccer team improved to 3-0 overall on the season after a pair of wins last week. The Dreadnaughts opened the week by taking down Monroe 3-1. Jillian Lower found the net twice for Dexter with Alexis Roller adding one goal for the Dreads. Bella Vetere and Anna Marie Myint picked up assists … Read more

Chelsea Baseball Drops Four of Five

Mike Williamson

It was a rough week for the Chelsea baseball team as the Bulldogs dropped four of five games to two of its biggest rivals. The Bulldogs opened the week by dropping two of three to Tecumseh in a three-game SEC White series. Chelsea scored five runs in the fourth to take a 6-5 lead, but … Read more

Chelsea Tennis Takes Two of Three

Mike Williamson

The Chelsea girls’ tennis team continued its early season roll by taking two of three matches last week. The Bulldogs opened the week by sweeping Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 8-0. Singles wins went to Samantha Bieber, Nora Garbarkiewicz, Libby Timberlake, and Seffi Berg, while doubles winners were Josie Jackson/Haley Hopkins, Lucy Taylor/Brenna Taylor, Sage Gabriel-Menegay/Brooklyn … Read more

Bulldogs, Chelsea Athletics, Chelsea tennis

Saline’s Good Friday Walk Brings Churches Together in Prayerful Unity

Sue Kelch

Residents carried a handmade cross through town on a route marked with reflection and hope, uniting congregations in a shared expression of faith. (April 18, 2025) On a warm April Good Friday, Saline residents commemorated Holy Week by walking the “Cross/Prayer Community Walk.” The Walk Emphasizes the Importance of Life and God’s Love for All … Read more

Community Prayer Walk Saline, Crosswalk Saline Michigan, Holy Week events Michigan, Saline churches Easter, Saline Good Friday Walk

Chelsea Attorney Chooses Business Successor

STN Staff

After more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Chelsea community, attorney John A. McDermott has announced his retirement, and chosen successor, Leigh Anne Beauchamp, who will take over their established law practice effective May 1, 2025. Leigh Beauchamp, a graduate of Wayne State University Law School, brings 28 years of legal experience and … Read more

chelsea business, John A. McDermott

Chelsea Senior Center Welcomes New Ease the Day Program Co-Leader

STN Staff

Chelsea Senior Center announces the addition of Emily Nagaonkar, LMSW, to its Ease the Day adult day program dedicated to providing caregivers with a safe destination for their loved one while they enjoy a break in the caregiving routine. Nagaonkar’s devotion to the holistic well-being of older adults is showcased in her 18-year career and … Read more

Caregiver Support Programs, CSC, Ease the Day Program, elder care

Saline Softball Rolls to Five Wins

Mike Williamson

The Saline softball team improved to 6-0 in the SEC Red and 9-2 overall after a 5-0 week. The Hornets opened the week by sweeping Bedford 9-2 and 18-3. Saline broke open a tie game with a single run in the fourth, two in the fifth, and five in the sixth to take the opener. … Read more