community collaboration

Eastern Michigan University students spearheaded a recent effort to transform the annual Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition (SEMIS) Community Forum into a zero-waste event for the first time. Thanks to their efforts, 250 pounds of food and other materials were composted, and 165 pounds of unused food were recovered and donated to Ypsilanti-based Hope Clinic, resulting in less than a third of a bag of waste from the event going to a landfill. Lee Van Roth talked about the event and what it may lead to with SEMIS Coalition Director Anna Balzer.

Eastern Michigan University President Dr. Brendan Kelly says he wants to see a strong relationship between EMU and the City of Ypsilanti. He stopped by Tuesday night’s City Council meeting to introduce himself to the city officials. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ann Arbor Police Department is advancing its community policing efforts by increasing its presence around the downtown area. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office recognized past and present employees along with its community partners during a combined 2024 and 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony this week. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Thousands across Michigan proudly decide to become Girl Scouts. The program is robustly present in Washtenaw County, too. The mission of the organization is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Still, scouting has had its fair share of controversies through the years. Brenna West is Chief Communications Officer with the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She talked to WEMU's David Fair about the drive for equity, equality and inclusion and about some of the hurdles in helping girls get to that place.

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) has launched a new pilot repair clinic program. It allows residents to use YDL supplies and equipment to repair household items. And it's all for free! Lee Van Roth gets you fully informed through her conversation with librarian Aaron Smith on this week's On the Ground Ypsi!

Ever been to a Friday night fish fry? These are popular events at area churches through Lent. It brings a sense of community to all who attend, regardless of religion. It fosters philanthropy and, in the end, provides some really good food! WEMU's John Stockwell does a frenetic, fish fry fun-run through Washtenaw County and brings you an extended report on the experience.

The Ypsi Performance Space has hosted many community gatherings and musical performances over the years. Now, the venue is more eco-friendly, thanks to the recent installation of new electric vehicle chargers. Lee Van Roth talked all about the chargers and how they’ve created a better connection to the community with Ypsi Performance Space manager Steve Pierce.

Today is what many refer to as “Fat Tuesday” or Paczki Day. These rich, deep-fried Polish doughnuts are traditionally eaten to use up sugar and fat before Lent, and Southeast Michigan celebrates as much or more than any city in the country. The Dingell family has a long history with Paczkis and has created its own traditions around the day. WEMU's David Fair was joined by 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell to talk all about it and caught up on what is going on politically in the nation’s capital.

Officials from Ann Arbor Public Schools and the City of Ann Arbor are looking to strengthen cooperation between the two entities in the year ahead. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.