Author

Lee Van Roth

Lee Van Roth is a Michigan native and longtime Washtenaw County resident. They want to use their journalistic experience from their time at Eastern Michigan University writing for the Eastern Echo to tell the stories of Washtenaw County residents that need to be heard.

Lee Van Roth's Latest Articles

A job seeker talks to employers at a career fair.
50 employers to offer career opportunities at upcoming job and internship fair at WCC

Washtenaw Community College will host its annual Spring Career and Internship Fair on March 25, bringing together dozens of employers and job seekers for an afternoon of networking and career exploration.

Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley Home Improvement Program Manager Claire Simpson; Field Construction Superintendent Stevenell Clark; Director of Grants, Corporate, and Faith Giving Leah Tessman; House Leader Peter Shineman; Volunteer Leader Wendy Correll; and House Leader Noeal Johnson at a new Habitat build at 740 Dorset Ave. in Ypsilanti Township.
Habitat for Humanity events aim to beautify and clean up Ypsi Township neighborhoods

Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is combining its clean-up and beautification events in Ypsilanti Township into a large-scale neighborhood initiative called Rock the Block.

An open mic night at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.
UMS residency returns to Ypsi with pay-what-you-can concerts, film screening, kids’ events, and more

The University Musical Society (UMS) will host another residency at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse this spring, bringing performances, participatory events, and family programming shaped by local partnerships and direct community input.

Edward Shaffran in front of the mural on downtown Ann Arbor's Pretzel Bell building, which he owns.
How does public art influence perception of downtown Ann Arbor?

Public art is playing a growing role in how people experience Ann Arbor’s downtown, not just as decoration but as an integral part of what makes the district special and memorable to visitors.

A sign in the window of Book Love Bar in Ypsilanti.
As ICE comes to Ypsi, residents organize to protect neighbors and prevent misconduct

Community advocates are urging residents to organize, prepare, and support one another as enforcement actions become more visible and more aggressive.

Electric vehicle chargers at the Ypsilanti Performance Space.
Ypsi venue opens solar-powered electric vehicle chargers for free use

Prompted in part by neighborhood power outages, the Ypsilanti Performance Space recently began operating four solar-powered electric vehicle chargers.

Matt Jones & The Reconstruction performing at The Ark
Ypsilanti’s Matt Jones and The Reconstruction make long-awaited return to music scene

Matt Jones and The Reconstruction will return to The Ark for the first time in over a decade to celebrate the release of their new album, "The Good Life."

Ypsilanti middle school students visit Coleman A. Young International Airport.
Ypsi middle schoolers explore future careers through hands-on pilot program

The "From Curiosity to Career" program gives students exposure to careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, mobility, robotics, and engineering.

Downtown Ypsilanti.
Ypsi selected to join downtown revitalization program with emphasis on small manufacturers

Ypsilanti is one of six communities participating in Recast City’s Recast Leaders program, which is focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. 

A young participant tries out a trumpet at an Ann Arbor Art Center PlayLab session that featured the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra's "Instrument Petting Zoo."
Free art activities available to children and caregivers through Ann Arbor Art Center program

The Ann Arbor Art Center’s PlayLab program is carving out a rare space where children and caregivers can explore creativity together, free of charge.

Our Partners

30044
30045
30046
30047
30049
Washtenaw ISD logo
Eastern Michigan University
Ann Arbor Art Center
UMS
U of M Arts Initiative
Engage EMU

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.