89.1 WEMU has forged a partnership with Concentrate Media to highlight some of the positive things taking place in Ypsilanti. The sponsored project is called "On the Ground Ypsi." Concentrate Media project reporter Lee Van Roth discusses her observations and interactions while "On the Ground" in Ypsilanti.
Ypsi and Lincoln schools emphasize experiential learning in new model
The state of Michigan recently introduced the concept of "3P Learning," which involves problem-based, project-based and place-based learning in STEM education. Now, a 3P Champions Collaborative Learning Initiative is in place, and both Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) and the Lincoln Consolidated School District are participating. Lee Van Roth discussed the challenge and what it may bring to both districts with YCS Director of STEM Innovation Kelly Mickel.
14 Oct 2026
Ypsilanti horror author Ken MacGregor on "Some People I Have Killed"
We're getting closer to Halloween, and there's nothing like a good ghost story! Ypsilanti author Ken MacGregor is a master storyteller of the macabre and has released a collection of stories entitled "Some People I Have Killed." He talked all about his anthology of terror with Lee Van Roth on this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."
7 Oct 2026
Environmental activism and justice as a response to more extreme weather
Extreme heat, wildfire smoke and power outages are becoming more and more familiar parts of summer in Washtenaw County each year, and a growing network of local officials, health professionals and community organizers is working to help Ypsilanti residents do more than simply weather the next emergency. Lee Van Roth spoke about the actions being taken to protect residents with the director of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, Desirae Simmons.
23 Sept 2026
YCS Grizzly Learning Camp gives students so much more than just a "summer school" experience
School is officially back in session for Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) students, but summer didn't keep some students and teachers away from the classroom. YCS's Grizzly Learning Camp gives students opportunities to explore their interests and further their education through hands-on projects and field trips. The camp's coordinator, YCS teacher Tiffany Powell, talked about the camp and the partnerships behind it with Lee Van Roth.
22 Sept 2026
Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation hosts 44th annual tour of historic homes
For more than four decades, the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation (YHF) has hosted its annual Historic Homes Tour. This year, the foundation is turning its attention to Ypsilanti’s Southside neighborhood with the theme "Harvesting Our History." Lee Van Roth gave a preview of the upcoming tour with YHF member Delrhea Byrge.
22 Sept 2026
Ypsilanti resident creates 'Courier Mates' app to help delivery drivers share information
For years, Ypsilanti resident Lonnie Brammer has watched app-based delivery drivers navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods with little information about where they are headed. After five years of development, Brammer has launched Courier Mates, a web-based application designed to help delivery drivers track and share information about delivery locations with other drivers. Brammer talked about the app and how it may change the delivery industry with Lee Van Roth.
22 Sept 2026
Local herbalist gives her voice and experience to the Ypsilanti Farmers & Gardeners Oral History Project
The Ypsilanti District Library is bringing in new stories for its ongoing Ypsilanti Farmers & Gardeners Oral History Project. Among the storytellers is Shalina Nicohl Rankin, a local herbalist and founder of Fiery Maple Wholistic Healing, Inc. Shalina shared her contribution to the oral history project in a conversation with Lee Van Roth.
22 Sept 2026
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority revamps its website with business profiles, job openings and more
The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched an updated website. The redesigned site, launched at the end of July, allows businesses and nonprofits to create and manage their own profiles, improving their visibility in online searches while contributing directly to a community calendar, job board, and volunteer listings. Lee Van Roth talked about the DDA's new online endeavor with the authority's coordinator, Danya Youssef-Agha.
22 Sept 2026
Packard Health's 'Beyond Incarceration' initiative connects former inmates to supportive services
Those reentering society after incarceration face numerous challenges, including addressing their own health. Yet, access to quality health care, housing, and other necessities can be exceedingly difficult. In response to this, Packard Health has partnered with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department to create the "Beyond Incarceration" program. Lee Van Roth talked all about this amazing initiative with Packard Health reentry coach Jessica Slone.
22 Sept 2026
New study shows ongoing life expectancy disparities between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor
A recent study from Washtenaw Optimal Wellness is shedding new light on a long-standing reality in Ypsilanti: where residents live, the opportunities available to them and the color of their skin can all influence how long they are expected to live. Jeff Tritten, the President of Washtenaw Optimal Wellness, authored the study. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss it in detail and what can be done to improve the lives of all Ypsilanti residents.
22 Sept 2026
Ann Arbor YMCA introduces 'Neighborhood Collaborative' wellness center in Ypsilanti
A YMCA building that closed its preschool collaborative doors in March reopened in June as something else entirely — a free, neighborhood-embedded wellness and community hub now known as the "Neighborhood Collaborative". Ann Arbor YMCA President James Highsmith spoke with Lee Van Roth about the development of the Neighborhood Collaborative and what the future may hold for it.
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