May 08, 2025

Help keep local news alive—donate to support our community reporting!Donate

Latest Articles

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

At Chelsea Council’s May 5 meeting, the Council declared June as LGBTQ Pride Month, following the lead of the state government. This June will mark the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall riot, “a catalyst for the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement,” according to the proclamation made and passed by the city council. “While society at large … Read more

Chelsea City Council, LGBTQ, Pride Month

No Dig, No Mess, No Problem

Chuck Colby

Grass Lake’s Curtis Rodriguez brings trenchless sewer repair to Washtenaw County If your home was built before 1980, your sewer line could be on borrowed time—and the worst part is, you might not even know it. Fortunately, a high-tech solution is available right here in Washtenaw County, thanks to Curtis Rodriguez, owner of Velocity Master … Read more

Affordable Sewer Repair, Ann Arbor Plumbing Services, Chelsea MI Plumbing, Concrete Driveway Repair, Dexter MI Sewer Repair, Eco-Friendly Plumbing, Fast Sewer Line Repair, Fix Uneven Driveway, Grass Lake Plumbing, Home Plumbing Solutions, Jackson County Sewer Services, No-Dig Plumbing Solutions, Pipe Lining, Sewer Inspection Services, Sewer Line Replacement, Sidewalk Leveling, Southeast Michigan Trenchless Repair, Trenchless Sewer Repair, Washtenaw County Plumber

Lodi Township Board Approves 2025 Road Improvements

Steven Sheldon

The Lodi Township Board of Trustees meeting lasted for almost two hours at the township hall on Pleasant Lake Road on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. It wasn’t until the discussion over the need to call a special meeting to discuss an Ethics Policy that disagreements appeared amongst the board members. Trustee Leslie Blackburn, citing board … Read more

ethics policy, gravel pit reports, Lodi Township, Lodi Township Board, PFAS testing, road improvements 2025, Short-term Rentals, Washtenaw County news

Dexter School Bond Passes; Pittsfield Voters Approve Millages

Doug Marrin

Photo: Aerial view of Dexter Community Schools. Courtesy of DCS Unofficial results from the Washtenaw and Livingston county clerks’ offices for Tuesday’s (May 6, 2025) special election show voters approving Dexter Community Schools’ $242 million bond proposal, with 6,922 voting Yes (56.35%) and 5,362 voting No (43.65%). A total of 6,183 ballots were cast out … Read more

Dexter Community Schools, Dexter election results, Dexter school bond, May 6 2025 election, school bond vote, Washtenaw County elections

WCC Esports Competing for a Pair of National Championships

STN Staff

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is vying for a pair of Esports national championships this week. In its first year of eligibility, the WCC Esports program qualified two teams – Counter Strike 2 and Overwatch 2 – for National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) postseason competition. Both have advanced to the finals of the 16-team, single-elimination tournaments. “The program has built … Read more

esports, WCC

CPD Weekly Report, 5-6-25

Doug Marrin

Chelsea Police Department Weekly Press Summary Incident #: 25-1512 Location: 50 block of Butternut Court Date: April 30, 2025 Time: 12:18 pm INFORMATION: While at the Chelsea Police Department, the Investigator was assigned a larceny complaint over the telephone. The complainant stated that sometime between April 23rd and April 30th, an unknown suspect(s) had reportedly … Read more

Saline Softball Closing in on SEC Red Title

Mike Williamson

The Saline Softball team moved one step closer to the SEC Red title after a hard-fought doubleheader sweep over second-place Lincoln Monday. The Hornets improved to 14-0 in the Red with five games remaining and hold a 3.5 game lead over Bedford and four games ahead of Lincoln. Saline swept the doubleheader from Lincoln 9-0 … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Softball

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Returns to Washtenaw County

STN Staff

On Sat, May 10, Washtenaw County residents will be able to donate a bag of nonperishable food during Stamp Out Hunger, the nation’s largest one-day food drive. Residents who would like to participate in the drive can set their nonperishable donations in recycled, unused bags next to their mailboxes in the morning of May 10. Donations … Read more

local food drives, National Association of Letter Carriers, Stamp Out Hunger

Dexter Soccer Snaps Four Game Skid

Mike Williamson

The Dexter girls’ soccer team snapped a four-game losing streak with an 8-0 win over Ypsilanti Lincoln Thursday night. The Dreadnaughts finished the regular season part of SEC Red play with a 3-4 record and will begin the round-robin tournament this week. Kendall Cabana recorded a hat trick of three goals to lead Dreads to … Read more

Truck Crashes into House in Downtown Dexter

Lonnie Huhman

A single-vehicle crash in downtown Dexter left the front porch of a home damaged, but thankfully there were no reported injuries. The crash happened around 6 p.m. on May 5, at the intersection of Baker Road and Main Street.  The Sun Times News connected with Doug Armstrong, Fire Chief of the Dexter Area Fire Department, … Read more

crash, Dexter Area Fire Department

Dexter Community Band Hosts Free Spring Concert May 18

STN Staff

By Todd Nissen The Dexter Community Band will host its summer-themed concert on May 18 at the Dexter High School’s Center for Performing Arts. The performance will feature “Casey at the Bat” and Principal Trumpet Richard Savitski performing an original version of George Gershwin’s “Summertime.” For Savitski, a long-time Dexter resident who has been in the … Read more

arts and entertainment, Dexter Community Band, free concert

Shotgun, Always: A Goodbye to Chester

Chuck Colby

Publisher’s Note: I don’t usually write things this personal. But our editor, Doug Marrin, encouraged me to share this story—he said, “This will resonate with anybody who has lost a pet.” I hope he’s right. Chester was more than a dog. He was part of our story. We never really know how much time we’re … Read more

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Speaks to Hundreds of Protesters in Dexter

Doug Marrin

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell rallied a crowd in Dexter on May 3rd, calling for federal accountability and defending constitutional and social protections under threat. Hundreds gathered at Monument Park in Dexter on Saturday as part of the nationwide May Day Strong movement, joining over 1,000 coordinated protests across the U.S. calling for federal government accountability. … Read more

Debbie Dingell, Dexter protest, May Day 2025, Medicaid cuts, , student visas, veterans care

Saline Hornet Golfer Collects First Hole-in-One

Mike Williamson

Photos provided by Debbie Williams-Hoak Saline freshman Jackson Billingsley hit the shot of the lifetime Thursday when he became the fifth golfer in Saline history to record a hole-in-one in competition for the Hornets. Billingsley aced the 133-yard 16th hole at Ella Sharp Golf Course in Jackson. The slope of the hole made the shot … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Golf

A New Residential Proposal Goes to Scio Township

Lonnie Huhman

A developer is hoping Scio Township will rezone a vacant property south of Jackson Road so it can build residential townhome units on it. This new proposal went before the township’s planning commission on April 28. According to the township planner, the applicant, M/I Homes Inc, is requesting a conditional rezoning from the current PUD … Read more

residential development, scio township

Chelsea District Library Announces 2025 Summer Reading Details

Matt Rosentreter

Chelsea Library will start its annual program with a Summer Reading Program Kickoff event on the library lawn June 6 from 12 – 2pm.  The program seeks to encourage reading across all ages, and toddlers through adults are able to join and begin logging their hours and/or books read. The theme this year will be: … Read more

Chelsea District Library, Chelsea District Library Events, kids activities in Chelsea, Summer Reading Program

Saline Church Aims to Collect 10,000 Pairs of Shoes for Global and Local Impact

Doug Marrin

Shoe drive continues through June as First Presbyterian Church partners with Soles4Souls The First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Saline has launched its 2025 spring shoe drive with an ambitious goal: collecting 3,850 more pairs of gently used shoes to reach a milestone of 10,000 pairs donated to Soles4Souls. The global nonprofit distributes shoes to those … Read more

PHOTOS: Mackinac Island Springs Back After Devastating Ice Storm

Delaney Krause

A fierce ice storm left Mackinac Island battered, but in just weeks, the community rallied to restore its charm in time for tourist season. Editor’s note: Delaney Krause writes for the Sun Times News and recently relocated to Mackinac Island for the summer. She witnessed firsthand the island’s remarkable recovery efforts following the massive ice … Read more

lilac trees Mackinac, Mackinac cleanup, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island recovery, Mackinac Island spring 2025, Michigan ice storm, Michigan state of emergency, Michigan weather damage, Northern Michigan tourism

Scio Township Addressing Dirt Roads in Road Agreement

Lonnie Huhman

Looking ahead to improving some roads, Scio Township has inked an agreement with the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) for a list of projects to do in the upcoming construction season. At its April 22 meeting, the Scio Township Board approved an agreement for its share of the costs at an estimated total amount of … Read more

Road work, scio township

LaFontaine Automotive Honor Outstanding Educators with Teacher of the Year Awards

STN Staff

LaFontaine Automotive Group, in proud partnership with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, has announced the recipients of the 2025 LaFontaine Teacher of the Year Awards. This initiative honors exceptional educators within the Washtenaw County School District who demonstrate dedication, passion, and heart for their students. This year’s honorees are: Each teacher will receive funding to … Read more

LaFontaine, teacher appreciation, Teachers

EMU Forensics Team Ranks Third Nationally at Forensics Tournament

STN Staff

By Melissa Thrasher Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) Forensics team capped off a successful season with a third-place finish at the National Forensics Association National Tournament, held April 17–21, 2025, in Detroit. The team competed against 53 colleges and universities from 23 states, reaffirming its national reputation for excellence in competitive speaking and performance. The team’s performance surpassed … Read more

EMU

Gallery 100 Hosts Newest Exhibition

STN Staff

Gallery 100’s newest exhibition, “Whimsy & Wonder,” will be on display from May 6 to June 27 and located at Silver Maples of Chelsea. This showcase features the artistic talents of Joanne Porter and David Kaemming, demonstrating the interplay of texture and color through watercolor and mixed media. David Kaemming brings earthiness and playfulness to … Read more

art, Gallery 100, Gallery 100 Art Show

Federal Immigration Activity in Ypsilanti Prompts Clarification from Sheriff’s Office

STN Staff

May 1, 2025 The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office issued a public statement Wednesday clarifying its non-involvement in recent immigration enforcement activity conducted by federal agents. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived at the 14A-2 District Court in Ypsilanti between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. in search of an individual. Agents … Read more

Local Federal Employee Speaks Out on Federal Budget Cuts

Matt Rosentreter

Saline councilmember Nicole Rice spoke before the Michigan Senate Labor Committee about the effects of federal budget cuts on local residents at their April 17 meeting. During her speech, she discussed the impacts that the loss of federal funding could have on the people of Michigan if labs and research facilities across the state are … Read more

federal budget cuts 2025, GLERL, Great Lakes, Michigan Senate, NOAA

What a Federal Wolf Bill Could Mean for Michigan’s Pack

Doug Marrin

Proposed legislation would strip protections and ban court challenges Photos courtesy of Michigan DNR Michigan’s gray wolves are back in the political spotlight. A new bill in Congress—H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025—would remove federal protections for gray wolves across the lower 48 states. It wouldn’t stop there: the bill also … Read more

congressional wolf bill, Endangered Species Act Michigan, federal wolf protections, gray wolf population Upper Peninsula, gray wolves endangered species, H.R. 845 wolf bill, Michigan DNR wolf management, Michigan gray wolves, wolf delisting 2025, wolf hunting in Michigan

Saline Cruises to Three SEC Red Wins

Mike Williamson

The Saline softball team improved to 12-0 in the SEC Red after three easy wins this week. The Hornets outscored their opponents 43-0 on their way to the three wins. Saline pounded out 20 hits in the 16-0 win over Ann Arbor Huron Monday. Emma Wiedmayer smacked a home run and finished with two hits … Read more

Hornets, Saline Athletics, Saline Softball

When The World Doesn’t Want You Up

Steve Gwisdalla

When The World Doesn’t Want You Up By Steve Gwisdalla Originally Published 5/1/2025 Is it me, or does the world seem to be louder than ever these days? The literal and figurative shouting at everything going on seems to be at a near deafening level. This article, and the over one hundred before it shares … Read more

positive blogging, Tribe of Up

Washtenaw County Faces Slower Job Growth and Shrinking Wage Gap, Forecast Shows

Doug Marrin

University of Michigan’s RSQE releases 2025–2027 economic outlook Photo: Aerial view of downtown Ann Arbor. Source: Wirestock Washtenaw County’s economic engine is expected to downshift over the next three years, according to the April 2025 forecast by the University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics (RSQE), a modeling and forecasting unit active since 1952. … Read more

2025 Michigan job growth, Ann Arbor employment sectors, Ann Arbor jobs outlook, Michigan economic policy uncertainty, Michigan wage trends, RSQE University of Michigan, Washtenaw County economic forecast, Washtenaw County inflation forecast, Washtenaw unemployment rate, Washtenaw wage gap

Milan High School’s FFA Succeeds at State Competition

Lonnie Huhman

The Milan FFA Chapter performed really well in the recent State Skills Competition. Held in Lansing this past month, high school students from Milan placed in the top 25 percent of the contest where over 2,000 FFA members from around the state competed in different challenges to demonstrate their skills. The Sun Times News followed … Read more

FFA, Future Farmers of America, Milan Area Schools, Milan FFA, Milan High School

University of Michigan Named a “New Ivy” as America Rethinks Higher Education

Doug Marrin

As Ivy League prestige falters under political pressure and employer skepticism, the University of Michigan rises as a top-tier contender with real-world results and Midwestern grit. Photo: The University of Michigan Law Quadrangle. Photo by tiny al The tides of elite education are shifting. Amid growing skepticism toward the traditional Ivy League institutions, the University … Read more

Forbes New Ivies, New Ivy League 2025, top public universities USA, U-M graduate outcomes, University of Michigan ranking

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