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.
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
Saline Area Schools Names Candidates for Superintendent Interviews
Lonnie Huhman
A list of six candidates has been selected to be interviewed to be the next superintendent of Saline Area Schools. The school district put out its list of names on April 23. The Saline Area Schools Board of Education has identified the following six candidates for first round interviews: This process began when current SAS … Read more
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 Lacrosse Takes Two in SEC White
Mike Williamson
The Dexter boys’ lacrosse team took a pair of SEC White games this week to improve to 6-2 overall on the season. The Dreadnaughts opened the week by taking out rival Chelsea 17-6. Benny Willard had a huge seven point night for the Dreads with two goals and five assists. Dawson Waddington added four goals … Read more
Dexter athletics, Dexter Lacrosse, dreadnaughts, Dreadstrong
Dexter Tennis Splits Pair of Matches
Mike Williamson
The Dexter girls’ tennis team split a pair of matches last week, including an 8-0 sweep of Tecumseh. Brynlee Williams and Siena Taylor blanked their opponents 6-0, 6-0 at one and two singles. The match of the day was a four-doubles where Lydia Cebulski and Katelyn Seeland pulled out a marathon three set tiebreaker 6-3, … 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
Chelsea Track and Field Teams Sweep Chelsea Relays
Mike Williamson
The Chelsea track and field teams both had big weeks with the Bulldogs sweeping a home SEC White meet with Pinckney and both teams winning the Chelsea Relays Thursday. The boys finished with 91 points, beating out East Lansing with 84 and South Lyon 82. Chelsea finished with five first-place finishes. The shot put team … Read more
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 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
Department of Education Grant Helping Dexter Community Schools
Lonnie Huhman
With a big boost from a Michigan Department of Education grant, Dexter Community Schools are getting an upgrade in its filtered water bottle-filling stations at every school building. The DCS Board of Education approved a contract at its April 14 meeting that will use the grant for this district-wide upgrade. The school district awarded the … Read more
Dexter Community Schools, egle, Filter First/Healthy Hydration Grant, Michigan Department of Education
Dexter Girls’ T & F Sweeps, Boys Split SEC Red Tri
Mike Williamson
The Dexter track and field teams took part in the SEC Red tri-meet at AA Skyline Tuesday and the girls came home with a sweep, while the boys split their meets. The girls defeated Bedford 94-43 and squeaked by Skyline 70-66, while the boys beat Skyline 73.5-63-5 and fell to Bedford 92-45. Raiden Kipfmiller won … Read more
Changes coming to Dexter’s Mill Creek Middle School
Lonnie Huhman
Mill Creek Middle School will have a new principal and assistant principal next fall. Dexter Community Schools are looking to two familiar faces and experienced leaders in the district to fill these important roles at the school for seventh and eighth graders. DCS announced the news on April 18. “Dexter Community Schools is pleased to … Read more
Construction to Close Silver Lake Day Use Area Entrance Through July
Doug Marrin
Photo: Google Streetview A construction and pavement improvement project at the Silver Lake Day Use Area will begin Friday, April 18, 2025, and is expected to continue through July 30, 2025. During this time, the main entrance to Silver Lake from Dexter Townhall Road will be closed to all forms of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, … Read more
Local Dog Owners Call for Vigilance Over Rising Lyme Disease Cases in Pets
Doug Marrin
As more pets test positive, veterinarians stress prevention, vigilance, and timely treatment. An outpouring of community comments from Grass Lake and surrounding areas has highlighted growing concern over the spread of Lyme disease in dogs. A recent Facebook post on Chelsea Residents in the Know about a local pet testing positive for the tick-borne illness … Read more
Chelsea Seeks Applicants for Open City Council Seat
STN Staff
The City of Chelsea is currently accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on City Council. The term for this position runs through November 2025, at which point it will be up for election. To be eligible, applicants must be registered voters who have lived in the City of Chelsea for at least one year. … Read more
Saline-Area Students Excel in Automotive Design Competition
STN Staff
Nine SWWC CAD students earn top honors; teacher named ASBE Teacher of the Year Saline students in the South and West Washtenaw Consortium’s (SWWC) CAD program made an impressive debut at this year’s American Society of Body Engineers (ASBE) high school design competition—earning nine top-eight finishes and the prestigious Teacher of the Year award. The … Read more
ASBE competition, automotive design education, Saline High School, student engineering awards, SWWC
Lost in the Lawn, Found by Fate
Cassidy Jenkins
A 1965 Milan High School class ring lost for two decades finds its way home thanks to a chance discovery, Facebook sleuthing, and community persistence. In a remarkable series of events that spanned two decades, a long-lost class ring from 1965 has finally been returned to its rightful owner, Melvin “Mel” Pulsipher, thanks to the … Read more
, heartwarming reunions, high school memorabilia, lost class ring, Milan Michigan news
Dexter Golfers Take Pair in SEC Tri-Meet
Mike Williamson
The Dexter golf team opened its season by taking a pair of SEC matches at Hudson Mills Thursday. Dexter and Tecumseh each tied with scores of 165 with the Dreadnaughts taking the tiebreaker with a better score for their fifth golfer. The Dreads also beat Jackson 165-168. Dexter was consistent with all six of its … Read more
Adult Learners Institute Announces its May Classes
STN Staff
The Adult Learners Institute of Chelsea, MI has announced three May classes for its spring term. Friday, May 9 Kathy Sano Bernard will present an in-person class at the Chelsea Senior Center, Japanese Incarceration During WWII: An Inside Look, in which she will share personal stories of her parents’ and grandparents’ experiences in relocation camps … Read more
The Cancer Support Community Hosts 17th Annual Amazing Race
STN Staff
The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor (CSC) will host the 17th Annual Amazing Race on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Participants will work to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and hunt for landmarks in a family-friendly team-based road rally. At the final destination, everyone is welcome to enjoy a tailgate-style post-race party with music, prizes, … Read more
Chelsea Girl Scout Troop Works Toward Bronze Award
Matt Rosentreter
Local Girl Scout Troop 40889 is taking on a community-based project to earn the Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior troop can earn. “They have to build a team, find a problem, create a plan to address it, set it into action, and spread the word,” troop leader Ashlie Pulford said. “My group of … Read more
Outside dining options to cost Milan businesses more this year
Karen Lambert
The dining area outside Milan’s coffee shop The Owl: Morning ‘til Night has become some of the most expensive rental property per square foot in the city, according to the owner.
Saline Soccer Cruises to Pair of SEC Red Wins
Mike Williamson
The Saline girls’ soccer team improved to 7-0 on the season with three impressive wins this week. The Hornets outscored teams 28-0 in their three games, including two mercy wins in the SEC Red. Saline dominated from the start in a 13-0 pasting of Ypsilanti Lincoln in a game that ended at halftime. Four Hornets … Read more
Chelsea Golfers Roll to Plum Market Tourney Title
Mike Williamson
If the early season is any sign of things to come for the Chelsea boys’ golf team, the 2025 spring season could be something special for the Bulldogs. Chelsea won the tough Plum Market tournament at Tam O-Shanter Country Club, beating out several D1 and D2 state-ranked teams, including last years state champions Detroit Catholic … Read more
Dexter Baseball Takes Three from Monroe
Mike Williamson
The Dexter baseball team improved to 5-1 in the SEC Red and 10-2 overall after a three-game sweep of Monroe this week. The Dreadnaughts scored 19 runs over the past three innings to blow open a close game and win the opener 21-1. Cole Novara had a big game with three hits and five rbi … Read more
Dexter athletics, Dexter Baseball, dreadnaughts, Dreadstrong
Rediscovering Broadway and My Son in the City That Never Sleeps
Steven Sheldon
A Saline father’s journey to New York City brings tears, applause, and a heartfelt reconnection with his son through the power of Broadway. Photo: (L-R) Saline Township resident Steve Sheldon and son Nathan in Times Square. Photo courtesy of Steven Sheldon To begin to describe my trip to NYC, I ask two questions. When was … Read more
Broadway memories, , father son bonding, NYC theater trip, Steven Sheldon reflections
Chelsea High School’s Arbor Club is Working to Help their School and Community
Lonnie Huhman
Among the various clubs and activities at Chelsea High School (CHS) is the Arbor Club. This is a unique club devoted to some important goals and projects that play a part in everyone’s life at the school. The club recently undertook a big project to implement a new recycling program at the high school. The … Read more
Arbor Club, Chelsea High School, Chelsea School District, environmental, Recycling
Dexter Council Moves to Put City Land Sale on August Ballot
Doug Marrin
Dexter voters will decide this August whether to authorize the sale of city-owned property once considered for a new public safety complex. At its April 14 meeting, the Dexter City Council approved a resolution to submit a ballot proposal to voters on August 5, 2025, seeking approval to sell city-owned property at the corner of … Read more
Dexter August 2025 ballot, Dexter City Council resolution, Dexter Michigan property sale, Meadow View Drive land, public land sale vote
Dexter Council Approves Kentwood Place Condominiums
Doug Marrin
Kentwood Place brings 16 new condos, live-work units, and a pocket park to a prime downtown Dexter location. Photo: The parcel at 3165 Baker Road, between Verapose Yoga and Boyce Chiropractic, is planned for two live-work units with street-level nonresidential space. Photo: Google Streetview. Dexter City Council unanimously approved the final site plan for Kentwood … Read more
Dexter City Council condos, Dexter Michigan development, downtown Dexter housing, Kentwood Place Dexter, live work units Dexter
May Message: Share the Road, Watch for Motorcycles
Karen Lambert
As the weather warms up and motorcycles become more common, Milan City Council recognized May 2025 as Motorcycle Awareness Month to encourage safety for everyone on the roads. Members of the Hot Rods Motorcycle Awareness and Suicide Prevention Foundation received the city proclamation from Mayor Ed Kolar at the April 15 City Council Meeting.
Dexter Softball Splits with Monroe
Mike Williamson
The Dexter softball team improved to 4-1 in the SEC Red with a doubleheader split with Monroe Monday. The Dreadnaughts took the opener 10-0. Clara Lamb struck out ten and allowed just three hits for the win in the circle for the Dreads. Lamb also powered the offense with three hits, including a pair of … Read more
Dexter athletics, Dexter Softball, dreadnaughts, Dreadstrong
Chelsea Softball Rallies Past Lincoln in Opener
Mike Williamson
The Chelsea softball team overcome a six-run second inning by Lincoln and rallied to a 16-9 win in the season opener Wednesday. The Bulldogs battled back to take a 10-9 lead and blew the game open with six runs in the seventh to pull away for the win. Kaydee Absher had a day, smashing a … Read more
Milan Baseball Split Their Two Decisions Last Week
Mike Williamson
Written by Tonya Ronayne A sixth-inning surge helped the Milan baseball team edge out Riverview 3–2 in a tightly contested matchup Tuesday April 8. Trailing by a run entering the bottom of the sixth, Milan sparked a rally led by a key RBI single from Kameron Ackley, scoring Larry Shock III and knotting the game … Read more
WCC Alumni Reach for the Stars with Blue Origin Space Launch
STN Staff
Separated by some 15 years at Washtenaw Community College, the paths of two alumni intersected April 14 with Blue Origin’s launch into space. Aisha Bowe, one of the six all-female crew members who crossed the Kármán international space boundary line this morning on the New Shepard-31 mission, and Nathan Perry, a Blue Origin Launch Vehicle Test Engineer, proudly … Read more
Changes Made to Curriculum in Chelsea Schools
Lonnie Huhman
In an effort to strengthen learning in reading, the Chelsea School District (CSD) has brought on a new curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade. They’re now looking at doing the same for middle school and high school, while also reviewing other areas of learning as well. To learn more about the changes and updates, the … Read more
Wade Shows Brings Big Fun Back to Dexter This June
Doug Marrin
The American Legion and Knights of Columbus are teaming up to bring Wade Shows’ rides, games, and food back for a summer carnival June 19–21. Dexter will enjoy not one but two festivals this summer. In addition to the annual Dexter Summer Festival in August, the American Legion and Knights of Columbus have collaborated for … Read more
Dexter American Legion, Dexter Michigan events, family fun Dexter, Knights of Columbus, summer carnival 2025, Wade Shows
CPD Weekly Report, 4-15-25
Doug Marrin
Incident #: 25-1168 Location: 1000 block of S. Main Street Date: April 8, 2025 Time: 4:03 pm INFORMATION: While on routine patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of S. Main Street for the report of a retail fraud that had just occurred. The complainant stated that a male and a female suspect had entered … Read more
Many Hands Lifesharing Community: A Helpful Hand for those in Need
Lonnie Huhman
There’s a big need in Washtenaw County that the planners of the Many Hands Lifesharing Community hope to help address with their development. They estimate around 7,000 people in the county have Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with at least 1,000 of them being of adult age with parents who are aging. These individuals, their … Read more
Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, Many Hands Lifesharing Community
Night Sounds in Saline Brings Community Together on a Spring Evening
Sue Kelch
A guided sunset hike with frogs, owls, marshmallows, and memories celebrated nature and community at the Leslee Niethammer Preserve. Photo: David Rhoads and Jim Peters at the Leslee Niethammer Preserve Entrance photo by Sue Kelch On a Saturday evening in April, the public was invited to a sunset hike at the Leslee Niethammer Preserve called … Read more
Friends of the Saline River, Leslee Niethammer Preserve, Saline community events, Saline nature trail, sunset hike Michigan
When Grandpa Started Fading Away
Steven Sheldon
In this moving story from The Long Goodbye series, Sharon Mischakoff reflects on the love, loss, and lessons learned while caring for her husband Matthew through early onset Alzheimer’s. Photo: Matthew Mischakoff reading to Skyla Widmayer and Samantha Phelps. Photo by Sharon Burkhardt McGill Mischakoff The Sun Times News presents The Long Goodbye, a series … Read more
Alzheimer’s caregiving, dementia awareness, early onset Alzheimer’s, , Saline Michigan
Washtenaw County Receives Immigration Inquiry From the Department of Homeland Security
Traci Husse
Officials are weighing the county’s legal options According to a statement released by Washtenaw County Commissioner Katie Scott, on April 10, 2025, Washtenaw County officials received an immigration enforcement subpoena and a notice of inspection of I-9 forms. The administrative subpoena, issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, is a formal request for “information, … Read more
department of homeland security, immigration status protection
Book Brigade Passed Books Down Main Street, Chelsea as Serendipity Books Relocates
STN Staff
Community News Serendipity Books relocated from Middle Street to Main Street yesterday, Sunday, April 13th in a moving and dramatic show of community support and togetherness. With the help of around 300 volunteers, Serendipity Books moved 9100 books and hundreds of boxes in just under 2 hours. MIchelle Tuplin, bookstore owner said, “I know the … Read more
Shirley Edwards Turns 100 Surrounded by Love and Laughter
Sue Kelch
From surviving the Great Depression to celebrating with 13 great-grandchildren, Shirley Edwards reflects on a century of strength, family, and joy. Photo: Shirley Edwards 100th birthday. Photo by Sue Kelch On April 13, family and friends gathered around Shirley Edwards’ home in Saline to celebrate her 100th birthday. Family members came as far away as … Read more
Great Depression memories, living to 100 tips, local family celebration, Saline Michigan centenarian, Shirley Edwards 100th birthday
Saline Baseball Remains Undefeated at 6-0
Mike Williamson
The Saline baseball team completed a perfect 5-0 week with a doubleheader sweep of South Lyon Saturday to improve to 6-0 overall on the season. The Hornets took the opener 5-1 behind the strong pitching of Ryder Concannon. Concannon struck out nine and allowed two hits in five inning of work for the win on … Read more
Saline Softball Wins Three of Four
Mike Williamson
The Saline softball team improved to 4-2 on the season ater winning three of four games last week. The Hornets opened the week by taking a pair of games from Pioneer 17-0 and 15-0. Saline used a big ten run fourth inning to put the game away in the opener. Abby Curtis tossed a four-inning … Read more
New Member, New Roads, and a Zoning Shift at Saline Township Meeting
Steven Sheldon
Saline Township welcomed a new board member and approved zoning updates, road work, and a final use of ARPA funds in a brisk one-hour meeting. Photo: https://salinetownship.org/ By Steven Sheldon The Saline Township Board took care of routine business in sixty minutes Wednesday evening at the Saline Township Hall. The board introduced new board member … Read more
ARPA fund allocation, Jupiter Energy battery storage, Riverside Lane rezoning, road repairs Washtenaw County, Saline Township meeting
Main Street Park Hosts Penny Drive to Support Construction Campaign.
STN Staff
Main Street Park Alliance (MSPA) has kicked off its Penny Drive. This grassroots fundraising initiative encourages the entire community to contribute to the revitalization of the Federal Screw Works Property. The Penny Drive is a simple yet impactful way for families, classrooms, businesses, and individuals of all ages to shape a public space that would … Read more
The Love Boat’s Fred Grandy to Star in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at The Encore
STN Staff
The Encore Musical Theatre Company is set to present a fresh take on Oscar Wilde’s iconic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, running April 24–May 4. The production stars Fred Grandy as the formidable Lady Bracknell. Grandy, known for his role as Gopher on The Love Boat, leads a cast of rising and established talent … Read more
Chelsea Light & Power Adds 0.7 MW to Renewable Energy Portfolio
STN Staff
Through a partnership with Michigan Public Power Agency, Chelsea Light & Power receives enough energy from Brandt Woods Solar to power 168 homes in a year. Chelsea Light & Power has added 0.7 MW to its sustainable energy portfolio today as Brandt Woods Solar, a solar array in Calhoun County, entered into commercial operation. In … Read more
City Council Votes to Draft Censure of Bill Ruddock
Matt Rosentreter
After his controversial remark made at the March 17 council meeting, Chelsea’s city council has voted to censure Bill Ruddock after deliberating on his interruption of a speaker during public comment. The deliberation was begun by Councilmember Kate Mehuron, who stated she wished for city council members to be able to discuss and decide among … Read more
Discussion of Bill Ruddock’s Conduct and Ordinance 188 Continued in April 7 Public Comment
Matt Rosentreter
Several members of the Chelsea public and surrounding areas spoke at the April 7 meeting about the recent controversial remark made by Bill Ruddock at another meeting last month and the passing of Ordinance 188. City Ordinance 188 prohibits Chelsea city employees from soliciting a person’s immigration status unless it is relevant to the investigation … Read more
Chelsea City Council, Chelsea City Council meeting, Ordinance 188
Dexter’s ArtWalk, featuring Student Creativity, is Coming to Town
Lonnie Huhman
The Dexter Community Schools (DCS) Young Five – 12th grade ArtWalk 2025 is opening on April 19, bringing with it a chance to see student-created art inside local businesses and locations in downtown Dexter. The ArtWalk will run from April 19-May 11. This is the 22nd year the DCS Art Department has held this student show. … Read more
Milan’s FFA Chapter Is Taking To The Skies
Lonnie Huhman
The Milan FFA Chapter has a new learning tool that can fly and will be used in Botany classes. It’s a drone and Milan High School students in FFA recently got to demonstrate it at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District K-12 Career Technical Education summit, which was held last month at Washtenaw Community College. To learn … Read more
Milan City approves $85K county dispatch contract, citing successes
Karen Lambert
Milan City Council has approved a new contract with Washtenaw County to provide dispatch, continuing an agreement that includes 9 percent annual rate increases. The $85,467 contract, which extends through June 30, 2026, builds on the city’s decision to outsource emergency dispatch services four years ago. At the April 1 meeting, Mayor Ed Kolar acknowledged that the move has been controversial among some residents …
911, Central Dispatch, Contract, Milan City, Milan Police, Washtenaw County Dispatch
Lodi Board Slogs Through Differences to Approve Rules of Order
Doug Marrin
Lodi Township’s board wrestled with commas, clauses, and control in a painstaking push to approve its new Rules of Order. The Lodi Township Board of Trustees slogged through a detailed, and at times painstaking, review of its draft Rules of Order during a meeting that tested patience, precision, and parliamentary grit. The process, which included … Read more
board of trustees, local government, Lodi Township, Public Meetings, Rules of Order
Dexter Track and Field Splits with Pioneer
Mike Williamson
The Dexter track and field teams opened SEC Red action with a split with Ann Arbor Pioneer Tuesday. The boys defeated Pioneer 71-66 and the girls dropped an 86-51 decision. Liam Smith finished first in the 400whie the Dreads swept the hurdles with Alder Mesko winning the 110 and Owen Sortor the 300. Robert Elias … Read more
Dexter athletics, Dexter Track and Field, dreadnaughts, Dreadstrong
From Officer to Sergeant: Cody Strait’s Milestone
Karen Lambert
Police Chief Don Tillery recognized Officer Cody Straits on his promotion at the Milan City Council meeting on April 1.
Laughter, Loss, and a Fight Song Light Up the Purple Rose Stage
Steven Sheldon
My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War delivers hilarious family drama with heart, touchdowns of emotion, and a play-ending you’ll never forget. Photo: (L-R) Caitlin Cavannaugh, Teri Clark Linden, Dez Walker. Photo by Sean Clark Photography Playwright Paul Stroili has penned a masterpiece in the Purple Rose Theatre Company’s latest production of My Mother and the … Read more
Chelsea Michigan theatre, Michigan vs Ohio play, My Mother and the Michigan Ohio War, Paul Stroili play, Purple Rose Theatre
Bank on the Corner and the Man Who Never Left
Chuck Colby
In a small town, a bank is more than bricks and balance sheets. It’s where someone knows your name—not because it pops up on a screen, but because they’ve known your name since T-ball. John Mann never really left Chelsea. He went to Chelsea High, played under the Friday night lights, and then did something … Read more
chelsea, Chelsea State Bank, Community Bank, CSB, John Mann, Michigan
A 21st Century Vision at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter
Lonnie Huhman
With their parishioners in mind and a vision for the future, St. Joseph Catholic Church Dexter has added on to its country campus on Mast Road. This has helped the church and its offerings in so many different ways. With the church celebrating the addition to its country campus, the Sun Times News followed up … Read more
Don’t Forget the…
Steve Gwisdalla
Don’t Forget the… By Steve Gwisdalla Originally Published April 3, 2025 Recently, we went on a trip to Mexico over our son’s spring break vacation. We booked the trip a year ago and patiently waited. That patience ended the week before the trip, when impatience for the clock to speed up and our own procrastinations … Read more
Saline Singularity are Robotics All Stars
Lonnie Huhman
The Saline Singularity FIRST Robotics Team 5066 is making a name for itself at competitions this year. In a district competition in Milford, they won the Rising All Star Award, which is intended for teams that are showing rapid development in their programs, and then at the competition recently hosted in Saline they won the … Read more
FRC, robotics, Saline Area Schools, Saline Hornets, STEM, Team 5066
Discover Summer Fun and Learning with Saline Community Education
Doug Marrin
Enrollment is now open for Saline Community Education’s Summer 2025 programs Saline Community Education has rolled out an exciting lineup of programs for Summer 2025, offering something for every age group—from early learners to older adults. With courses designed to enrich minds, foster creativity, and encourage movement, this season’s offerings reflect the district’s belief that … Read more
adult education Saline MI, Saline Community Education, Saline recreation programs, Saline summer classes, youth enrichment Saline
Saline Council Hears Communications Strategy Pitch for Improved Web Presence
Doug Marrin
Saline City Council considers a 10-month plan to overhaul its digital communication and boost community engagement. At its April 7, 2025, meeting, the Saline City Council received a detailed presentation on a proposed communications partnership with Metric Marketing, aimed at transforming the city’s digital presence. Acting City Manager Elle Cole explained the background of the … Read more
city communications strategy, digital infrastructure Saline, local government transparency, Metric Marketing Saline, Saline City Council
Sen. Sue Shink, Rep. Carrie Rheingans, and Michigan Physicians to Host Prescription Drug Affordability Town Hall
STN Staff
On Thursday, Sen. Sue Shink (SD-14, Northfield Twp.) will host a town hall at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch to discuss prescription drug affordability in Michigan and how a PDAB can help residents stay healthy and save money. She will be joined by Rep. Carrie Rheingans (HD-47, Ann Arbor); Dr. David Fivenson, a dermatologist in Ann Arbor; … Read more
Saline Parks Report Spotlights Big Year of Growth and Community Involvement
Doug Marrin
From new gardens to park connections, the Saline Parks Commission had a busy and impactful 2024. Photo: Google Streetview At the April 7 City Council meeting, the Saline Parks Commission presented its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year marked by new volunteer initiatives, expanded regional collaboration, and renewed efforts to maintain and beautify city parks. … Read more
community beautification, Friends of Saline Parks, park volunteer programs, Saline Michigan parks, Saline Parks Commission
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