April 17, 2025

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

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

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, emotional travel stories, 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.

May, Milan City Council, motorcycle safety

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

Space, Washtenaw Community College

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

Chelsea School District

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

Chelsea crime, Chelsea police

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, family caregiver stories, 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

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Softball

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

Main Street Park, Main Street Park Alliance

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

arts and entertainment, The Encore

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

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

Drone, Milan Area Schools, Milan High School

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

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

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

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

prescription affordability, town hall

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

Eat Well and Live Well by Shopping at a Farmers Market this 2025 Season

Traci Husse

Among the infinite reasons to enjoy living in and around western Washtenaw County, one of the best is the abundance of local farmers markets.  From Stockbridge and Manchester to Saline and Ypsilanti—together covering almost every day of the week—there is always a well-stocked farmers market nearby. Most people know farmers markets are filled with local … Read more

chelsea farmers market, dexter farmers market, farmers market, saline farmers market

Black Bears Are on the Move in Michigan

Doug Marrin

Black bears are expanding south into Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, prompting experts to share key tips for safe coexistence. Photo credit: MDNR Michigan’s black bear population is booming, and the effects are being seen far beyond the woods of the Upper Peninsula. Once rarely spotted below the Mackinac Bridge, black bears are now becoming more common … Read more

bear sightings Michigan, coexist with black bears, DNR bear safety tips, Lower Peninsula wildlife, Michigan black bear population

Croswell’s Jimmy Buffett Tribute Turns Up the Heat on a Cold Afternoon

Steven Sheldon

Parrot Heads packed the house as Morgan Foster and crew brought Buffett’s beachy vibes to life in a high-energy celebration at Michigan’s oldest theater. There is one thing you can say about the Coswell Opera House in Adrian, the 159-year-old theatre and the oldest theatre in Michigan, it sure knows how to throw a party. … Read more

Saline Main Street Invites Community to Celebrate Local Military Heroes

STN Staff

Saline Main Street is pleased to announce openings for the Military and Veteran Banner Program, a community tradition honoring local heroes who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. This unique tribute features custom-designed, full-color, double-sided banners displaying the honoree’s photo, name, military branch, and service dates or war/conflict. Showcased in downtown … Read more

military, Saline Main Street

Saline Area Schools will be getting New Furniture and a Solar Roof Installation  

Lonnie Huhman

Saline Area Schools made some big financial decisions at the April 8 school board meeting, including devoting over one million dollars to the solar roof installation at the high school. The Saline Board of Education approved a number of projects, ranging from new furniture to the solar roof array. Funding comes from the voter approved … Read more

Bond Projects, Saline Area Schools, Solar Roof

Dexter’s Own Lori Tucker-Sullivan Brings Rock Widows Story Home

Doug Marrin

Former Dexter resident Lori Tucker-Sullivan returns to share the emotional journey behind her acclaimed book on the wives of rock legends. Photo: Author Lori Tucker-Sullivan with Ingrid Croce, widow of Jim Croce, holding the iconic photo of Jim taken during the photo shoot for his Life and Times album (photo by Jimmy Rock) On April … Read more

Dexter District Library event, Dexter Michigan author, I Can’t Remember If I Cried, Lori Tucker-Sullivan, rock widows book

WAVE Expands Service to Lodi Township

STN Staff

The Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) has announced the expansion of its door-to-door transportation service to include Lodi Township, effective April 1, 2025. With this expansion, WAVE now offers convenient, reliable Door-to-Door transportation Monday through Friday, 6am – 9pm, from Lodi township. WAVE’s Door-to-Door service provides transportation to anyone in the Greater Western Washtenaw Area … Read more

WAVE

Bill Ruddock Resigns from Chelsea City Council

Matt Rosentreter

City of Chelsea has received councilmember Bill Ruddock’s resignation, issuing the following statement: The City of Chelsea Administration Office has received a letter from City Council Member Bill Ruddock, accepting censure from the Council and resigning from City Council. “As I committed to you in my apology, I accept your decision to censure me. I … Read more

Bill Ruddock statement, Chelsea City Council, Chelsea City Council news, Chelsea City Council resignation

Dexter High School’s High Achieving Model United Nations Team

Lonnie Huhman

Dexter High School’s Model United Nations Team earned a runner up finish at Oakland University’s Model United Nations 8th Annual High School Conference. The competition had nearly 200 delegates from the Greater Metro Detroit and surrounding area.  Dexter’s 10 member delegation also brought home recognition in seven areas. This was Dexter’s first time participating in this … Read more

Dexter Community Schools, Model United Nations

Wake Up and Feel Good Again: RegenCen Hosts Exclusive Event on Longevity and Hormone Health in Chelsea

Chuck Colby

RegenCen invites the community to an empowering and educational event on Wednesday, April 9th from 4–6 PM at its Chelsea clinic, located at 1620 Commerce Park Dr #100. This special evening is designed for anyone seeking natural, science-backed solutions to age well and feel their best again. Led by Dr. Gustav Lo, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of RegenCen … Read more

Health and Wellness Program

CPD Weekly Report, 4-7-25

Doug Marrin

Incident #: 25-1064 Location: 900 block of S. Main St. Date: March 31, 2025 Time: 2:33 pm INFORMATION: While at the Chelsea Police Department the investigator received a telephone complaint reporting a larceny. The complainant stated he recently discovered that sometime between March 22nd and March 24th his prescriptions had been picked up by someone … Read more

Experience the Easter Story with Live Animals in Monument Park

STN Staff

Huron River Methodist Church invites the community to the live exhibit on April 19 On Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., families are invited to Dexter’s Monument Park for a unique, interactive walk-through of the Easter story—brought to life with live animals. Hosted by Huron River Methodist Church, the free event will … Read more

A Prescribed Burn in Scio Township

Lonnie Huhman

If you were a passerby you may have spotted the fire or smoke on the afternoon of April 6. It was a prescribed burn of 10 acres of tall grass prairie along Merlin Way. The Sun Times News connected with the property owner and Scio Township resident, David Read, to ask about it. This is a … Read more

Prescribed Burn

Downtown Dexter Street Closure

Lonnie Huhman

Work in the right-of-way will see Alpine Street closed starting later this month. The city of Dexter announced on April 4, that Alpine St. at Main Street will be “closed to vehicular traffic starting April 28th, and will remain fully closed for approximately 2 – 3 weeks for construction in the right-of-way.” This downtown street … Read more

City of Dexter, Road work, Street Closure

Saline Joins Nationwide ‘Hands Off’ Protests Against Federal Cuts

Steven Sheldon

Hundreds gathered in downtown Saline as part of a nationwide demonstration opposing sweeping budget cuts and defending public programs. “I feel like I am in a locked room, tied to a chair, with a toddler armed with a loaded gun in the room with me,” said Brent P. from Saline, to explain why he was … Read more

april 5 national demonstrations, democracy protest USA, federal budget cuts 2025, hands off protest saline, saline michigan political rally

Saline Softball Splits Season Opening DH

Mike Williamson

The Saline softball team opened the 2025 season by splitting a doubleheader with Carleton Airport on a cold wet Saturday morning. The Hornets took the opener 6-1. Saline did not take long to get things going with a single by Ashley Malinczak and run-scoring double by Reese Rupert. A pair of walks loaded the basses, … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Softball

Zippy Auto Wash: Locally Owned, Engineered for Clean

Chuck Colby

When Corey and Michelle Weaver started exploring business ideas in the early 2000s, they were both working full-time and looking for something they could grow on the side. Vending machines, self-storage, even tech stocks were on the table—until they landed on something more hands-on. “Corey has always been obsessed with keeping our cars clean,” Michelle … Read more

Saline Lacrosse Outlasts Plymouth Salem to Stay Undefeated

STN Staff

By Stacey Page Photo credits amandawalters620 Plymouth, MI – April 4, 2025 – The Saline High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse team overcame an early deficit and a dramatic end to the first half to earn a hard-fought 10-7 road win over Plymouth Salem, improving to 3-0 on the season. Sophomore Nolan Heath led the charge once … Read more

The City of Dexter Celebrates Arbor Day

STN Staff

Wylie Elementary School Students Volunteer to Distribute Free Seedlings The City of Dexter City Council proclaimed April 25, 2025, Arbor Day within the City of Dexter. This year the city, with help from students at Wylie Elementary School, will help distribute 600 free tree seedlings to celebrate Arbor Day. The Arbor Day Celebration is held … Read more

Arbor Day, Wylie Elementary School

EHM Senior Solutions Announces New President and CEO

STN Staff

EHM Senior Solutions has welcomed Ms. Kari Rennie to the role of President and CEO for EHM Senior Solutions. Kari brings a diverse skillset and strong focus on resident satisfaction, quality of service and employee engagement, and describes herself as an engaged and transparent servant-based leader committed to coaching and mentoring others. With over 15 … Read more

EHM

City of Saline and Washtenaw County Treasurer to Host Town Hall

STN Staff

The City of Saline and the Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Office announced a tax and finance town hall scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at 8:30 a.m. The town hall will focus on tax billing, tax payments, property assessments, appeals, and other responsibilities/initiatives which fall within the purview of the City of Saline, or County Treasurer’s Office … Read more

City of Saline, tax, tax assistance, Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Office

Middle schooler with Down Syndrome speaks out during Neurodiversity Month

Karen Lambert

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.

Down Syndrome Awareness, Milan, Milan Middle School, neurodiversity

A Joyful Noise: How Daycroft Montessori in Ann Arbor Is Rethinking Preschool—and Growing Because of It

Chuck Colby

When you step into Daycroft Montessori School in Ann Arbor, the first thing you notice is what you don’t hear: chaos. Instead, in classrooms filled with toddlers and young children, there’s a calm hum of focus. Three-year-olds polishing silver cups. Five-year-olds laying out intricate math puzzles. First graders deep into geometry. And teachers? They’re not … Read more