Author

Leslie Cieplechowicz

Leslie Cieplechowicz is a photographer and writer who developed her crafts by working the streets of Detroit as a paramedic and shooting old, historical buildings she found on her runs. Her love of creating unique imagery led her across the state, then the United States, then globally, where she recently finished shooting in the country of Czechia, documenting its lively culture, friendly people, and ornate architecture. She currently works as an instructor after leaving the road and spreads her love of photography to her students. Her book, Detroit Revealed: A Different View of the Motor City, features obscure and amazing hidden gems of the city which is sometimes portrayed as unapproachable.

Leslie Cieplechowicz's Latest Articles

Chloe Nabozney.
Chloe Nabozney redefines norms as an aspiring young, black female police officer from a rural town

Chloe Nabozney, a recent graduate of Landmark Academy in Kimball, talks about her goal of becoming a police officer after attending the St. Clair County Explorers Program. She hopes to inspire other young, black women to become cops in a predominantly male field.

A replica of a freedom quilt where triangles, signifying flying geese heading north, pointed slaves toward freedom.
Celebrating Juneteenth at SC4’s interactive exhibit

Now through June 30, the public can visit the exhibit in the Fine Arts Museum at St. Clair Community College to learn about the significance of June 19 and its historical background leading to the abolition of slavery. Included are many interactive experiences along with a timeline leading to the end of slavery in the United States.

Ethan Trombley making sandwiches at Trombley's Country Market.
More than just a market, Trombley’s Country Market continues to serve as a community hub

For decades, family country stores in St. Clair County have served as not only places to buy goods, but local community hubs. Nathan Trombley of Trombley’s Country Market in Emmett Township talks about how his family store has weathered the years in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Blue Water YMCA hosts VOY discussions to uplift youth voices.
A peek inside the gang scene in Port Huron and its impact on youth

During a discussion with middle school students for the Voices of Youth at the Blue Water YMCA, one of the kids talked about his involvement with gangs and why he joined. Sgt. Ryan Mynsberge from the Port Huron Police Department weighs in on what the police are doing about local gangs.

K-6 youth at the Voices of Youth listening session.
Voices of Youth with the YMCA: Giving local kids a chance to be heard

Josh Chapman, CEO of the Blue Water YMCA, is implementing a new program to find out what is important to young people, how they are coping in their daily lives, and what they hope for the future.

Keeping warm by the fire, attendees roast smore's.
Taste the burn at Chilly Fest 2025

In downtown Port Huron, the annual Chilly Fest took place this year on Feb. 7-8. Various fun activities, from live music to a penguin race, were held and participants came from all over the state.   

The Free Wheelin' statue at Palmer Park in St. Clair, MI welcomes a rose-stained dawn.
In Photos: Explore the Winter Wonderland of the Blue Water Area

Winter is in full swing. Take a look inside some of the snow-filled places across the county, from Marine City's historical city hall to Yale's Red Dog Cafe.

Karlie Gest and her Belgian horse named Cal.
In Photos: Lexington Horse Parade 2024

The Lexington Holiday Horse Parade is a unique annual event. On Dec. 14, the parade celebrated its 14th year and trotted down Main Street in Lexington with over 100 horses and riders decorated with holiday shimmer.

Sheri Faust, Executive Director of Friends of the St. Clair River.
Health of the St. Clair River: Conversation with Sheri Faust

The St. Clair River is vital to the communities bordering it and the commerce flowing through the Great Lakes Seaway. Keeping the river healthy and monitoring development along its shorelines is critical. The Keel talked with Sheri Faust to get an inside look at the health of the St. Clair River.

Mike Delavan in Kammer Cabin with participants.
Exploring ghostly hauntings at the Port Huron Museum’s Kammer Cabin

Carnegie Museum hosted an event with Detroit Rock City Paranormal Investigation, led by Mike Devalan, on October 25 from 7 pm to midnight. The event explored the ghostly activity at Kammer Cabin.

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