Gemini returns for traditional Gazebo opening concert
by Marsha Chartrand If you’re feeling like summer might have finally arrived last week, after the very blustery winter, you’re probably feeling ready for a Gazebo concert! Just in time, the Thursday night staple of Manchester entertainment is gearing up to come your way and bring you exactly what you’ve been wanting. Leading things off, […]
2026 Fair Queen candidates announced
submitted by Angie Schaible, Manchester Community Fair The fair is fast approaching. The Manchester Community Fair Queen contestants have been announced: Class of 2026 Abbi Austin Jolene Line Olivia Woods Class of 2027 Zoe Hadden Amanda Hieber Teagan Clark Class of 2028 Elle Woods Maddi Bennett Macie Felczak Class of 2029 Guiliana Brothers Isabella Rattray […]
Michigan loves a ‘river story.’ But happy ending isn’t guaranteed
by Kelly House, Bridge Michigan Michigan may be known as the Great Lakes state, but most of its residents have a river to thank for their hometown’s existence. “Just looking at settlement patterns in Michigan tells us a lot about how important our rivers are,” said Lisa Dechano-Cook, a Western Michigan University geographer who co-wrote […]
Whitmer on 2028 presidential aspirations: ‘Never say never’
by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan After telling Fox2 Thursday morning she had no plans to run for president in 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer walked back the statement hours later with a familiar political caveat: “Never say never.” After giving her final keynote speech as governor at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Whitmer told Tricia A. […]
As MSU president exits, what the heck is going on? We have (some) answers
by Kim Kozlowski (Bridge Michigan) It’s happening again: Michigan State University is losing another leader. President Kevin Guskiewicz announced Wednesday that he will be departing soon to serve as president of Clemson University in South Carolina. He’s leaving a lot of money behind to serve a school with 20,000 fewer students. Here’s what we know. […]
Shakespeare Club ends the year theatrically
submitted by Joan Gaughan, Shakespeare Club After a year discussing the cats of Shakespeare’s time and the numerous Shakespeare clubs in America, Manchester’s Shakespeare Club’s last three formal meetings appropriately ended in the theater. Figuratively speaking. On March 24, courtesy of Rosemary Whelan, Dame Judi Dench provided a penetrating insight into the complex character of Lady […]
Manchester man graduates from WCC
submitted by Schiel family John Schiel graduated from Washtenaw Community College on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with an Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology and Applied Science. John is currently employed at Rosedale Products in Saline as a Hydro Technician and on his family farm. He is the son of Joanne Schiel and the late Charles […]
WCSO: City of Manchester police activity, April 2026
from Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, compiled by Marsha Chartrand During April, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations responded to calls for service, conducted traffic enforcement, and completed criminal investigations. There were 111 calls for service in the City of Manchester, a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year. An incidence of fraud was investigated on […]
Michigan is old and getting older. Experts warn of looming consequences
by Jordyn Hermani, Bridge Michigan An aging population, rising retirement rates and a stagnating labor market could have serious consequences for the state and its residents if left unaddressed, state demographers said Friday. Data presented to state lawmakers painted a stark picture of Michigan’s labor market, which officials say has seen little upward momentum since bouncing back […]
Michigan prison sentences are growing. Revived commission to consider reforms
by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan The Michigan Sentencing Commission convened this month for the first time in nearly 30 years to begin reconsidering guidelines that have led to increasingly long sentences pushing state prisons closer to capacity. Lawmakers in 2024 voted to reinstate the commission, which is made up of 15 members, including current and former state legislators, attorneys, […]
