Whitmer thanks Michigan COVID essential workers with free community college
by Riley Beggin, Paula Gardner, Ron French (Bridge) Around 625,000 Michigan essential workers will be eligible for free community college under a new program first announced by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in April and formalized on Thursday. Under the program Whitmer is calling Futures for Frontliners, people who worked frontline jobs during the peak of […]
Officials urge 38,000 MSU students to quarantine 14 days after COVID spike
by Ron French (Bridge) The Ingham County Health Department on Saturday urged all Michigan State University students to quarantine for two weeks to halt a rapid growth in coronavirus cases linked to the campus. The quarantine currently is a recommendation but may become mandatory if case counts continue to skyrocket, according to a news release […]
Wellness centers can open this week!
It has been a long wait, and the "COVID-15" may be turning into the "COVID-20" ... or more ... for some people who have been unable to work out as they normally have since the state closed down fitness centers and gyms in the lower peninsula in mid-March. But, as of Wednesday, Sept. 9, the […]
Manchester Township discusses event barns at meeting
With 12 members of the Manchester Township Board and its Planning Commission in attendance last Thursday night, the two entities held a joint special meeting to address a number of topics of concern to both boards. In addition to the board and planning members, township planner John Enos of Carlisle-Wortman also was in attendance, along […]
Superintendent anticipates a great school year for 2020-21
The start to the new school year on Tuesday will be quite unlike any "first day of school" anyone--parents, students, teachers, staff, or administrators--has ever experienced. With COVID-19 still spreading in Michigan, Manchester has opted to provide both traditional in-person schooling in the classroom and is synchronizing that experience with real-time, virtual, online classes for […]
Acorn approaching the finish line of Patronicity campaign
UPDATE: with three days left, Acorn Farmers' Market & Café has exceeded its $50,000 goal and will receive $50,000 in matching funds from the Michigan Economic Development Commission (MEDC). The fund-raising drive will continue through Thursday, Sept. 10, so there is still time to donate and help this non-profit effort succeed. All donations are tax-deductible. […]
Sharon Township approves ballot tracking system and election assistants
By Claire Pajka The Sharon Township board meeting was held on September 3 with all members of the board, and three members of the public, in attendance. Board Supervisor Peter Psarouthakis explained the highlights of the Southwest Washtenaw Council of Governments meeting that happened last week. This meeting included representatives from all the townships, and […]
A story of a painting in a drugstore
by Ray Berg, Manchester Area Historical Society The Manchester Area Historical Society occasionally has the chance to see inside some of Manchester's oldest buildings. Recently we were able to visit the second and third floors of the 1866 “Unterkircher/Daily Block” (128-130 E. Main), most recently known as the Manchester Pharmacy building. The first floor has […]
Stories of Wil: Champs of the day
Wil is a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He is the little brother, by 20 months, to twin sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth. Wil’s mom, Christie, knew very little about Down syndrome when Wil was diagnosed shortly after his birth. It didn’t take long for Christie to realize how enriching life with Down syndrome is. Embracing […]
Youth Football to begin play in October
Are you ready for some football? For many in Manchester, the answer is an unqualified, "YES!" And the Manchester Youth Football organization couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to have a Youth season this fall! According to League Coordinator Dan Budd, "With Governor Whitmer allowing youth sports, we are going ahead with a season […]






