April 18, 2025

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Articles for author: Traci Husse

In Plain English: Michigan Public School Funding Explained

How schools get their money is confusing and misunderstandings often lead to unnecessary contention. Public school funding in Michigan is complex and draws from multiple sources. Reliable funding directly affects the quality of education, the availability of resources, and the equity of opportunities for all students so having a clear grasp of how it works ...

August Primary Results Are In!

See who won the Democratic nomination for County Sheriff and more Voters across Michigan turned out to cast their ballots in yesterday’s primary election. Of the 324,138 registered voters in Washtenaw County, 83,375 weighed in on regional ballot initiatives and set the stage for partisan candidates in the November general election. Washtenaw County’s 26% turnout ...

Saline’s Community Development Director To Depart, Leaves Lasting Impact

“I have no doubt that Saline will continue moving forward with its dedicated City Council, skilled City Manager, engaged businesses, phenomenal school district, and passionate residents.”  The city of Saline is about to lose one of its leaders. According to City Manager Colleen O’Toole, Community Development Director Ben Harrington has accepted a new position in ...

IPE Dexter Ballot

In Plain English: Dexter’s August 6 Ballot Proposals

Simplified ballot explanations for Dexter area primary voters Elections are the crux of democracy, guaranteeing every registered voter an equal voice. As good citizens and neighbors, we are all responsible for being engaged and informed voters. However, complicated ballot language, unfamiliar technical terms, and partisan rhetoric can make that seem almost impossible. Below is a ...

IPE_ Saline area Ballot language

In Plain English: Saline’s August 6 Ballot Proposals

Simplified ballot explanations for Saline area primary voters Elections are the crux of democracy, guaranteeing every registered voter an equal voice. As good citizens and neighbors, we are all responsible for being engaged and informed voters. However, complicated ballot language, unfamiliar technical terms, and partisan rhetoric can make that seem almost impossible. Below is a ...

Rolling Hills County Park.

In Plain English: August 6 Election Proposals for Washtenaw County

Every Washtenaw County primary voter will be asked to renew these three millages Elections are the crux of democracy, guaranteeing every registered voter an equal voice. As good citizens and neighbors, we are all responsible for being engaged and informed voters. However, complicated ballot language, unfamiliar technical terms, and partisan rhetoric can make that seem ...

Saline City Manager Colleen O’Toole Leads With Vision and A Sense of Duty

On the importance of open communication, strategic planning, and community engagement In a recent interview with STN, Saline City Manager Colleen O’Toole shared insights into her role, the city’s achievements, and future plans. Raised by a family dedicated to government service through roles from postal worker to Police Chief, O’Toole earned a Master’s in Public ...

Chelsea To Provide Recycle Bins in Public Spaces

Wastewater Superintendant Jason Freeman presents to the Chelsea City Council at its April 15, 2024 meeting. Photo courtesy of the City of Chelsea. At its April 15, 2024, meeting the Chelsea City Council approved the purchase of recycling bins and dog waste receptacles for use in the city’s most popular public areas. A Washtenaw County ...

Chelsea One Step Close to New Community Health Resource

Superintendent of Chelsea School District Mike Kapolka presents updates to the city council regarding the new community mental health position in development. Photo courtesy of City of Chelsea. At the April 1, 2024, Chelsea City Council meeting, members of the city’s Roundtable Group presented a progress report regarding the addition of a community mental health ...

Acting HUD Secretary and US Congresswoman Visit Dexter’s Supportive Housing Development

Acting Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Adrianne Todman visited Hilltop View Apartments in Dexter with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on Thursday April 4, 2024. Photo courtesy of Ryan Henyard. On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Acting Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Adrianne Todman visited the Hill ...

Dexter Receives Audit Results for Fiscal Year 2023

CPA Rama Emmons presents the results of her firm’s audit of Dexter’s FY2023 activities to the city council during their February 12, 2024, meeting. The results of an independent, third-party audit of Dexter’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 financials were reported during the city’s February 12, 2024, city council meeting. The city contracts with an independent ...