May 04, 2026

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Doug Marrin

Doug Marrin is the Managing Editor of The Sun Times News, overseeing editorial operations and working closely with writers on assignments, coverage planning, and story development. He writes extensively on local government, state government, and statewide issues, and also contributes in-depth reporting on local history. His work focuses on providing clear context and helping readers understand how public decisions and past events shape their community.

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Articles written by Doug Marrin

Doug Marrin

Former Director Returns for Final Dexter Community Orchestra Performance

Former Director Returns for Final Dexter Community Orchestra Performance

Community News An old friend is back to help the Dexter Community Orchestra celebrate “Stories of Childhood, Perseverance and Friendship” in concert Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts, Dexter High School. Cellist Anthony Elliott, former music director of the DCO, is coming out of retirement for one last performance ...

Doug Marrin

Housing Town Hall Focuses on Solutions and Benefits of Working Together

Housing Town Hall Focuses on Solutions and Benefits of Working Together

Community News Housing Town Hall Focuses on Solutions and Benefits of Working Together Planning experts, philanthropists, builders, social service workers, community members, and local leaders gathered on an icy Saturday morning in January to witness stories of successful housing projects told by the folks who’ve built them. Hosted by the Western Washtenaw Regional Advisory Group ...

Doug Marrin

DNR Investigates Bird Flu in Washtenaw County

DNR Investigates Bird Flu in Washtenaw County

By Doug Marrin The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating the recent deaths of wild birds in Washtenaw County and other areas across Lower Michigan, suspecting the highly contagious avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause. According to the DNR, the virus appears widespread in the state’s wild bird populations. So far this year, ...

Doug Marrin

SASC Souper Bowl IV Serves Up Fierce Soup Competition 

SASC Souper Bowl IV Serves Up Fierce Soup Competition 

By Doug Marrin  The Saline Area Senior Center’s (SASC) 2025 Souper Bowl IV has officially concluded. Originally starting as a Chili Cook-off in 2018, the event has evolved since the pandemic to feature a wider variety of soups while still welcoming chili entries.  Program Coordinator Megan Kenyon, who has managed the event since its inception, ...

Doug Marrin

Saline Fire Chief Urges Funding Model Overhaul for Long-Term Stability

Saline Fire Chief Urges Funding Model Overhaul for Long-Term Stability

Chief Jason Sperle urges Saline City Council to adopt a taxable value-based funding model to ensure long-term stability and improved fire service. By Doug Marrin At the February 10, 2025, Saline City Council meeting, Saline Area Fire Department (SAFD) Chief Jason Sperle presented a budget update that underscored the urgent need to transition the department’s ...

Doug Marrin

Saline City Council Forms Committee to Hire New City Manager

By Doug Marrin At its February 10th meeting, the Saline City Council approved the formation of a hiring committee to oversee the search for a new city manager. The position opened up with the resignation of former city manager Colleen O’Toole, effective January 31st. Mayor Brian Marl, who will chair the committee, emphasized the importance ...

Doug Marrin

Pavlo Popov Appointed to Fill Vacant Dexter City Council Seat

Pavlo Popov Appointed to Fill Vacant Dexter City Council Seat

By Doug Marrin Dexter City Council has appointed Pavlo Popov to fill the vacant seat left by Zach Michels, who resigned in January. The decision came at the council’s February 10, 2025, meeting, where Mayor Shawn Keough formally recommended Popov for the position. Following Michels’ resignation on January 7, the city advertised the open seat ...

Doug Marrin

City of Dexter to Host Second Street Walking Tour on February 22

City of Dexter to Host Second Street Walking Tour on February 22

By Doug Marrin The City of Dexter will host a Second Street Walking Tour on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will begin and end at City Hall, located at 3515 Broad Street. The walking tour is part of the city’s Master Plan update, aimed at gathering community feedback ...

Doug Marrin

Sylvan Township’s Future Land Use

Sylvan Township’s Future Land Use

By Lonnie Huhman Sylvan Township has the future in mind as it updates its Master Plan. As part of the updating process, the township is informing its neighbors of the changes being made to a plan that isn’t legally binding, but is a guiding tool for prospective changes. Township supervisor Amanda Nimke said at the ...

Doug Marrin

Have You Accepted the Chelsea Trail Challenge?

Have You Accepted the Chelsea Trail Challenge?

Community News The Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Ugly Dog Distillery, is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in the 2025 Chelsea Trail Challenge. Running from February 1 to November 30, the challenge encourages participants to explore various trails in and around Chelsea through a variety of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, running, ...

Doug Marrin

Saline Area Schools says it’s “following the national messaging”

Saline Area Schools says it’s “following the national messaging”

Saline Area Schools assures the district community it’s taking the appropriate steps to protect student privacy. In his Feb. 7 Community Message, Saline Superintendent Stephen Laatsch addressed some issues around immigration and gender identity. The community message is like an e-newsletter to the school district community. This part of his message came under the heading ...

Doug Marrin

Dexter Garden Club Continues Agricultural Legacy with Scholarships for Future Environmental Stewards

Dexter Garden Club Continues Agricultural Legacy with Scholarships for Future Environmental Stewards

From Joan Lansdell “Land suitable for farming!  Tradesmen needed!  Land at low prices!”  Advertisements placed in Detroit and “back East” newspapers in the early 1800’s by Michigan territorial governor Lewis Cass caught the attention of farmers largely from New York and New England.  And come they did!  Settlers and their families travelled west to Michigan ...

Doug Marrin

Justin Breyer Reflects on a Decade in Dexter City Government

Justin Breyer Reflects on a Decade in Dexter City Government

A decade of leadership: Justin Breyer shares insights on Dexter’s growth, financial stability, and community improvements. Dexter City Manager Justin Breyer celebrated his tenth anniversary in the Dexter government in January, reflecting on a decade of leadership, growth, and community development. A Journey to Dexter Justin Breyer arrived in Dexter a decade ago, bringing with ...

Doug Marrin

Chelsea’s Chocolate Extravaganza Sweetens Downtown with Cocoa-Themed Fun

Chelsea’s Chocolate Extravaganza Sweetens Downtown with Cocoa-Themed Fun

Photos by Krista Kangas On Saturday, February 8, 2025, downtown Chelsea, Michigan, transformed into a chocolate lover’s paradise during its annual Chocolate Extravaganza. Despite the snowy conditions, with temperatures around 27°F and light snow, attendees enthusiastically participated in a variety of cocoa-themed activities. The event featured chocolate demonstrations by local culinary experts, including sessions by ...

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