May 06, 2025

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Articles for author: Karen Lambert

Milan Area Fire Department Chief Retires after 40 years

Fire Chief Robert Stevens lived just down the street from the Old Milan Fire Barn growing up. He recalls his excitement every time he heard the siren go off.  That feeling never went away for Stevens—though he stepped down April 30, after working at the fire department for more than 40 years. “I knew it ...

May Message:  Share the Road, Watch for Motorcycles

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.

Milan City approves $85K county dispatch contract, citing successes

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 ...

Middle schooler with Down Syndrome speaks out during Neurodiversity Month

With her red-hair thrown back in enthusiasm, a fifth grader made her way to the podium at the Milan City Council meeting. Winni Russeau can’t vocalize many words, but she’s constantly communicating. When she’s at home her mother says they know what she wants without sign language or her speech generating device, since they know her so well. She often throws her head back to say yes, like she did when her mom asked if she wanted to speak to the council.

The Milan Library seeks mascot to celebrate 90 years as ‘bedrock of civil society’

Amidst festivities to celebrate its ninetieth birthday, Milan Library has decided it needs a mascot. The call for mascot submissions went out at the library's birthday party March 15, alongside speeches from the library board president, a city council member and a speech entered into the Congressional Record. Already the library has compiled a list of more than 50 nominations ...

Milan City’s First Cannabis Retailer Opens

Milan City’s first recreational marijuana retailer, JARS Milan Cannabis, opened Feb. 20, after a lengthy process that led to the business obtaining a city permit.  Four applicants contended for the two spots. Green Ink 420 obtained the other permit and is building by Love’s gas station, near the Plank Road Exit, possibly opening later this ...