Rylee Barnsdale

Middle schoolers in the Ypsilanti Community Schools are in a new building this year. It’s actually a school that was shut down when Ypsilanti and Willow Run Schools merged. Rylee Barnsdale sat down with YCS Middle School Principal Charles Davis to learn more about the educational and community opportunities that stem from the change this academic year.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, and it takes a lot of care. When in need of appropriate supplies, Ypsilanti residents can find three pet stores that can provide what you need for your furry friends. And there's the opportunity to make some human friends along the way. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale caught up with the owner of the recently opened "Depot Town Cats & Dogs", Holli Andrews, for this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

The Ypsilanti District Library’s Whittaker Branch is about to launch an exhibition capturing what enslaved people might have witnessed on their journey along the Underground Railroad. It will also offer programs highlighting Washtenaw County's connections to the Underground Railroad throughout September and October. YDL assistant director Julianne Smith joined Rylee Barnsdale for a conversation about those very things.

STEM Education is getting a boost in Washtenaw County. Earlier this year, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Community Schools, and Lincoln Consolidated Schools established the Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development. The Institute will provide STEM-related educational resources to help create greater interest in STEM careers among young students in Washtenaw County. To learn more about what it aims to accomplish, Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale sat down with the Institute's director, Dr. Sibrina Collins.

The building in Ypsilanti that used to house Michigan Works! Southeast is now home to three new businesses. Among them is Mix Fitness Studios. It's an expansion for a business that already exists in Depot Town. Owner Sarah Kreiner stopped by to talk with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnssdale about the expansion and ongoing efforts to build community and health.

The Riverside Arts Center has revitalized its Artist-in-Residency program this year. The two artists serving in that capacity are about to mark the halfway point of their residency, and you’ll hear from one of them! Nick Azzaro sat down with Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the program, his art, education and what is still to come through the rest of the residency.

Eastern Michigan University's Halle Library is receiving a makeover thanks to a donation from its namesake. With this move, the university's oral history program will soon grow into a center of its own. EMU Archivist and Library Department head, Alexis Braun Marks, joined Rylee Barnsdale for a conversation on what this will mean to the school and community-at-large.

While completing his doctoral studies at Eastern Michigan University, Dr. Rod Wallace had a vision to give back to his community through music. From there, he partnered with Ypsilanti-based Grove Studios and Ann Arbor-based Leon Speakers to create The Amplify Project, which is now in its fourth season. Dr. Wallace joins Rylee Barnsdale to talk about the work they are doing to lift the voices of African American musicians in Washtenaw County.

It was a sad day when Go! Ice Cream closed its doors in Ypsilanti. Now, there is some happier news to report. Four new business will occupy that building, Rylee Barnsdale spoke with one them. Colleen Kennedy is the owner of Investors Realty Group, which will also serve as the new property manager for the building on North Washington Street.

Today is Juneteenth. This is the is day celebrating the end of slavery in America. The Juneteenth celebration in Ypsilanti this year is bigger and better than ever and will run Friday through Sunday, Rylee Barnsdale sat down with Survivors Speak founder and Juneteenth organizer Trische' Duckworth to discuss the growth that the community will have the opportunity to enjoy.