Sarah Rigg

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."

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.

Chidester Place Apartments in Ypsilanti houses numerous senior citizens and people with disabilities. A number of those residents are unable to leave the facility, which can make their lives lonely and difficult. Chidester resident and community activist Emy Deshotel is working on programming for Chidester Place that creates a more welcoming and enjoyable community. She talks about her efforts and the organizations that have been helping her with Concentrate reporter Sarah Rigg.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you know it or not, many believe Ypsilanti is a hotbed for hauntings and supernatural experiences. Exploring the stories and haunted places is the focus of a new book called, "Ypsilanti Ghosts and Legends. Kay Gray is one of the co-authors and co-hosts the podcast "Haunted Mitten." She shares her journey to the beyond and back in a conversation with Rylee Barnsdale.

More businesses in Ypsilanti are working to become more sustainable in their practices. A Prospect Park business called "We Adore Flowers" is among them. It focuses on organically grown, local blooms and have gone to great lengths to institute sustainable practices in creating their fragrant offerings. Rylee Barnsdale talked all about the "We Adore Flowers" establishment with its founder/owner, Ginny Blades.

Acts of gun violence and deaths have reached epidemic levels throughout the United States. The group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is focused on reducing gun violence. Rylee Barnsdale speaks with Washtenaw County's chapter lead, Rochelle Igrisan, about the work they are doing in Washtenaw County and to highlight some upcoming events.

Officials overseeing the University of Michigan's Ypsilanti Health Center plan to move operations downtown by the end of the year. Not only will it more than triple their square footage and allow for more specialty care, but it could spawn further partnerships and entrepreneurial enterprises to boost economic development in Ypsilanti. Rylee Barnsdale talks with Concentrate Media reporter Sarah Rigg about the certainties and possibilities.