The Review starts a new chapter

By Charles Sercombe
For the second time in The Review’s 16 years of publishing, a new owner has taken over operations.
Michigan Independent Media Group, based in Grand Rapids, took ownership of the paper last Friday.
In a press release, the Media Group said:
“The Hamtramck Review has been acquired by the Michigan Independent Media Group (MIMG) as part of its growing effort to preserve and revitalize community-focused journalism across the state. The publication will be operated by Buried Lede Media.
“Founded in 1999, the Hamtramck Review has long served as a trusted local voice, covering city hall, public schools, neighborhood events, and the diverse stories that define Hamtramck. With this transition, MIMG is committed to securing the Review’s long-term sustainability while honoring and preserving its deep local roots.”
The new publisher of The Review is Lonnie Scott, CEO of Buried Lede Media.
“The Hamtramck Review is a vital thread in the fabric of this community,” Scott said.
“We’re honored to help carry its mission forward. Our goal is to maintain the Review’s trusted local voice while providing the support it needs to thrive well into the future.”
Scott has long-time experience in nonprofit management and civic leadership.
Sarah Leach, a Pulitzer Prize–nominated journalist and veteran editor who has led multiple Michigan newsrooms, including The Holland Sentinel and the Ottawa News Network, serves as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing media operations. She is also now Editor-in-Chief of The Review.
This acquisition is part of MIMG’s broader effort to sustain local news outlets through community partnerships, philanthropic capital, and modern operational support.
“We believe every community deserves strong, independent local journalism,” said Jason Franklin, PhD, General Partner of MIMG.
“Hamtramck has a rich cultural and civic life, and The Review has been there to tell its story. We’re excited to invest in its future and ensure it continues to serve as a platform for information, accountability, and connection.”
In addition to the Hamtramck Review, MIMG also owns the Yale Expositor (Yale, MI) and City Pulse in Lansing. All three publications are operated by Buried Lede Media, which is working to modernize operations, grow digital access, and support sustainable local reporting statewide.
Charles Sercombe will continue to serve as editor, and also remaining with the newspaper are Sales Manager Dave Sweet, Office Manager Jean Ingenthron and Copy Editor Alan Madlane.
The newspaper will continue to be located at 3020 Caniff.
Out-going Publisher John Ulaj has been the owner and publisher for much of the paper’s 16-year history.
Prior to John Ulaj taking ownership of the paper, it was founded by former Hamtramck Citizen Publisher Mike Wilcox.
Ulaj, a Hamtramck native and graduate of Hamtramck High School, is leaving to pursue other opportunities, including expanding his real estate company, Villa Real Estate, and will also continue to own Polonia Restaurant.
He said, about the sale:
“After 16 years, I made the difficult decision to sell the newspaper. The new ownership group is Michigan Independent Media Group. They are a well-financed organization with a mission to sustain and grow small-market newspapers and radio stations.
“I know that they will be excellent stewards of this paper that I love so well.
“It has been my absolute honor to have been the owner and publisher of The Hamtramck Review for most of its lifespan to this point.
“I need to thank my staff – Jean, Charles, Dave, Alan and Kim – as well as those others who have helped the paper to be put together every single week, and then put into your hands, the readership.
“I also thank my loyal advertisers, too numerous to list here, for keeping the paper going. Also, to those smaller advertisers in our Want Ads and Service Directory, thank you.
“Lastly, to you, the readership of the paper – needless to say, it doesn’t exist without you.
“The old saying goes, ‘When God closes a door, He opens a window of opportunity.’ I believe this is true. I look forward, personally, to exploring those new opportunities He presents me with.
“I will especially miss writing my annual Christmas and Easter columns, which always gave me a chance to share my gratitude with you.
“Best of luck to the new ownership, the continuing staff, and the business community large and small.
“Again, it has been one of the honors of my life to serve you.”
(You can contact The Review via email at: news@thehamtramckreview.com, or by calling, (313) 874-2100.)
Posted Aug. 8, 2025