In Michigan, criminal charges and election denying no barrier to ballot victory
by Hayley Harding, Votebeat (for Bridge Michigan) A self-proclaimed “constitutional sheriff,” a township clerk facing felony charges, and a county clerk candidate who wants to “hand count every ballot cast at the end of each voting day” sailed through their Republican primaries Tuesday, earning themselves spots on November’s ballot and likely victory. The results are […]
Michigan officials ask for federal disaster declaration for cherry industry
by Jenelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Michigan is one of the top cherry producers in the world but state officials say crop production has been a “disaster” this year because of extreme weather patterns. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Aug. 2 requesting a federal disaster declaration, which could provide businesses in […]
Paul Whelan, other captives, back on US soil
by Marsha Chartrand For five years, seven months, five days, a couple of leap days, and a smattering of hours here and there, Paul Whelan labored and languished in captivity in a remote prison colony in northern Russia. And at the same time, his family and friends here in Michigan waited, hoped, prayed, raised money […]
Community card shower for Paul Whelan
by Marsha Chartrand A card shower for Paul Whelan will be held during Fair Week this week, at the Emanuel Snack Shack at the Manchester Community Fair, located across from the tractor pull area. Plans are to have blank cards available to be decorated, signed, or have messages written in them (or all three). A […]
Manchester river-riding brothers take on the Au Sable
by Marsha Chartrand The 2024 Au Sable River Canoe Marathon was held July 27–28. This is an event held yearly since 1947. Two locally raised men paddled in the event this year for the very first time as rookies. Paddlers race 120 miles from Grayling to Oscoda on the Au Sable River, launching at 9pm […]
Desperate for child social workers, Michigan tries new tack: $20K for college
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Michigan desperately needs social workers to take on some of the toughest and least coveted jobs in the field — protecting children from abuse and neglect, working with families in crisis, and developing strong foster families. Now the state’s offering students cold hard cash if they sign onto these roles. […]
Wanted: Teacher on remote Michigan island. Can’t leave in winter without plane
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Magazine) BOIS BLANC ISLAND — School starts in a month. The kids are ready. The building is clean. Just one problem: This island’s four-student school doesn’t have a teacher. They may not get one, leaving the future of the about 90-year-old schoolhouse in doubt. School districts in Michigan and across the country have […]
Thousands of Michigan votes may not count in Tuesday primary. Here’s why
by Haley Harding, Votebeat (For Bridge Michigan) Every other August in Michigan, thousands of votes are rejected because the voters didn’t pay attention to the directions on their primary ballot, or didn’t understand them. The problem occurs when voters do something called “crossover voting,” where, intentionally or otherwise, they vote for candidates from different parties […]
Manchester Community Fair getting ready to kick off with old traditions, new events
by Marsha Chartrand “Michigan’s Biggest little fair” is ready and rarin’ to go for the week of August 6 through August 10. Lots of new events are planned and lots of traditional events are ready to return. Tuesday kicks off the week with the parade beginning at 6:30pm. Prizes will be awarded for decorated floats, […]
Senior/Community center fundraising project is nearing its goal
by Marsha Chartrand “It’s hard to believe,” says Pat Vailliencourt, head of the Patronicity Campaign attempting to raise funds to renovate the new senior citizens quarters at City Hall. With 37 more days to raise $50,000, the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council is literally getting closer every minute. Once the full $50,000 is raised, a […]
