Lee Van Roth
Concentrate Media reporter/host of On the Ground YpsiLee Van Roth is a Michigan native and longtime Washtenaw County resident. Until recently, she went by the name Rylee Barnsdale. Now, the name may be different, but her mission remains the same. She uses her journalistic experience from her time at Eastern Michigan University writing for the Eastern Echo to tell the stories of Washtenaw County residents that need to be heard.
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Young Black men face many challenges in their lives, and that can take a toll on their mental health. Plus, there’s a high level of stigma concerning Black men and their mental health. So, Packard Health in Ypsilanti established the "Healing Brothers United" program, which brings these young men together and provide mental health resources. Lee Van Roth discussed the program and what it hopes to achieve with Packard Behavioral Health Program Manager Santinio Jones. -
Ypsilanti has been selected as one of six communities participating in Recast City's Recast Leaders Program, a new Southeastern Michigan cohort focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. Lee Van Roth was joined by Recast City founder/CEO Ilana Preuss to discuss why Ypsilanti was selected for the program and what this work could mean for local businesses and residents. -
Students across Ypsilanti Community Schools are learning local history in a hands-on way by turning it into art. A new project called "Ypsilanti Future History" invites students to explore the people, places, and events that shape their city and to imagine what its future might look like. The program is led by Ypsilanti artist and educator Nick Azzaro. He spoke about what he hopes the project will achieve with Lee Van Roth. -
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy and the upcoming Black History Month, the Riverside Arts Center is presenting its fourth annual Black Artist Exhibit. This year's theme is "Embracing Unity through Art" and is made possible by the African American Cultural Historical Museum of Washtenaw County, the Palm Leaf Club, and by Ronnie and Gloria Peterson. Ronnie Peterson himself will talk about the exhibit in detail with Lee Van Roth. -
As national policy changes continue to reshape access to housing, food, health care, and other basic resources, more people are turning to local nonprofits for stability and support. Here in Ypsilanti, that increased need is being felt every day by organizations working directly with individuals and families in crisis. Tyrone Kelsey is the executive director of Friends In Deed. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his organization's ongoing mission to serve the public and the challenges they will face in the near future. -
The Ypsilanti Bourbon Fest is coming to the Michigan Firehouse Museum on January 17. The event provides a sampling of high-end whiskeys and bourbon from both local and national distilleries, as well as great food and live music. Lee Van Roth gives a preview of the 2026 Bourbon Fest with the event's organizer, Paul Starr. -
Back in the fall of 2024, Eastern Michigan University added a new, four-legged staff member. Tinker, a PAWS facility golden retriever, provides emotional comfort and relief to students and the campus community. Lee Van Roth shared Tinker's story and what her ongoing duties will be with her handler, Alexis Braun Marks. -
For half a century, the Ypsilanti-based Student Advocacy Center of Michigan (SAC) has made it its mission to help students facing disciplinary issues get back on track with their education. Lee Van Roth was joined by the center's co-executive director, Peri Stone-Palmquist, to talk about the SAC's legacy and what new programs will be introduced in the near future. -
There’s a new educational program that's literally transforming the landscape around Ypsilanti Community Schools, sometimes one sweet potato or pawpaw tree at a time. YCS has launched a new agriscience and botany career technical education program. It's part of a countywide push to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students. Lee Van Roth discussed the program and what it hopes to achieve with Ypsilanti Community High School biology teacher Laurel Wiinikka-Buesser. -
Originating in Flint, Rx Kids is a program designed to provide new and expectant mothers and families below the poverty line with financial assistance—no strings attached. Starting this month, the program is expanding to Ypsilanti, and registration is now open. Lee Van Roth discussed the expansion and its local impacts with State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor).
