Audit finds DTE Electric and Consumers Energy outages ‘worse than average’
by Jenelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) DTE and Consumers Energy had “worse than average” service interruptions, restoration delays, and tree trimming cycles compared to other utility companies, according to an audit conducted by an independent party. The Michigan Public Service Commission said it hired Liberty Consulting Group, based in Pennsylvania, to audit both companies in 2022 “amid […]
Football: Rolling on through the Conference, Dutchmen grab another victory
by Marsha Chartrand Manchester rolled over its competitors from Napoleon in Game 4 of the season on Homecoming Friday night 36–14. The Dutch started play with Bubba Duffing returning a 30-yard kick from Napoleon and were off rushing to a series of first downs that led to their first touchdown and two-point conversion, completed by […]
WCSO — August 2024 police services monthly report
As reported by Lt. Alan Hunt, WCSO During the month of August 2024 there were 123 calls for service in the City of Manchester. During this time, 73 traffic stops were made, resulting in 5 citations. Noteworthy events in the City of Manchester during the month included: On August 2, a Collaboration Deputy responded to […]
Letter to the editor: Township responds to letter regarding fire-protection contract with City
September 20, 2024 As Supervisor of Manchester Township, I am disappointed with the hostile and disparaging tone of your September 17, 2024, letter [see letter embedded in Letter to the Editor: Township ignores City request for fire protection contract] that Mayor Vailliencourt publicly read at the September Township Board meeting. You accuse the Township of […]
Letter to the Editor: Township ignores City request for fire protection contract
September 20, 2024 On November 7, 2023, the residents of the Village of Manchester exercised their right, per the laws of the State of Michigan, and voted to become a city. Michigan State Law requires a division of assets between the Township and a newly created city. State Statute MCL 117.14 clearly defines the formula […]
Michigan’s mental health crisis extends beyond students: Teachers struggle, too
by Katie Finkbeiner for Capital News Service (via Bridge Michigan) LANSING – “When I was a teacher, I felt like I connected so much with the kids who were struggling, I felt like I took that home with me,” said Becky Halamka, a Negaunee Public Schools counselor and founder of Superior Educator Wellness Services. Before […]
As Michigan moves toward $15 minimum wage, workers rally to keep tip system
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) Michigan will move forward with plans to raise its minimum wage to nearly $15 an hour by 2028 but should delay a full phase out of the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers until 2030 under an amended order released Wednesday by the state Supreme Court. Responding to a request for […]
Tough job, fewer applicants: Michigan struggles to hire police, survey finds
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Police agencies throughout Michigan are struggling to hire qualified officers, a new study finds, exacerbating an officer shortage that has hit forces nationwide. A University of Michigan study released Tuesday found that 72% report difficult hiring and another 48% said they had problems keeping officers of the 1,800 Michigan cities, townships and counties surveyed. […]
It’s a community affair with Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) Day of Action
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by Marsha Chartrand It’s a great thing when a group of unrelated (or loosely related) entities gathers together for a volunteer effort. Many companies in recent years have turned to a “day of action” where employees are granted time off work to perform acts of volunteerism; whether those of their own choosing or something pre-selected […]
Manchester Varsity Football blows out Homer in week #3, 44–0
by Marsha Chartrand The Flying Dutchmen traveled to Homer for its third game of the 2024 season last Friday and brought home a big one for the “W” column, ready to meet their opponents from Napoleon for homecoming this weekend, September 20. The Dutch carved out a 44-point shut-out in three periods, scoring three TDs […]