Michigan moves to allow first-time drunk drivers to expunge conviction
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) Many first-time drunk or drugged drivers would have the chance to clear the conviction from their criminal record under bipartisan expungement legislation approved Wednesday by the Michigan House. It’s the latest in a criminal justice reform movement that has united Republicans and Democrats in Lansing. “People seeking this second chance have […]
Michigan free college tuition programs spread across the state
by Ron French (Bridge) Tuition-free programs are spreading across Michigan’s four-year college campuses, a movement that appears to have been sparked by two new and wildly popular free community college programs initiated recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Between the community college programs and tuition-free offers for some students at a growing number of colleges and […]
American Rescue Act makes Obamacare more affordable for Michiganders
by Robin Erb (Bridge) Health care coverage soon will get less costly for thousands of Michiganders under the Affordable Care Act, and it’s not just the needy who will catch a break. Tucked in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan President Joe Biden signed Thursday are provisions that expand federal tax credits that increase subsidies […]
State Boundary Commission gives green light to next cityhood steps
A meeting of the State Boundary Commission (SBC) was held at 10 am on Thursday, March 4. The three members of the Commission — chair Robin Beltramini, Richard Datema, and Chris Beland — were all in attendance via Zoom, along with the SBC’s clerk, Sara Leiby, and a number of SBC staff members. Local officials […]
Students weigh in on stress of removing virtual Wednesdays
This week Manchester teachers and students alike experienced their first five-day school week in nearly a year. On Friday, March 13, 2020 the COVID-19 crisis forced schools across the state and across the nation to close. Manchester, like most other Michigan districts, stayed closed for the remainder of the year. When Manchester Community Schools reopened […]
CRC evolving in response to community needs
March has traditionally been the month of the Community Resource Center (CRC)’s annual meeting. Last year, due to the onset of COVID-19 in mid-March 2020, the meeting was postponed until September. Although held via zoom to make it accessible to the entire community, no one other than board members joined in. “It will be held […]
Worth Repeating starts its second year
submitted by Pat Sahakian In spite of being closed after only eight days of operation last March and reopening slowly in June, Worth Repeating has authorized donations of $14,014 back to the community during its first year of operation. Donations have been made to the Acorn Market, Happy Hearts Feline Rescue, Manchester Community Resource Center, […]
Run Manchester set for August 7
Run Manchester is back! And it’s returning with some hopeful expansions, pending approval by two more township boards. After a year’s hiatus due to COVID concerns, the event, organized by Robotics Teams of Manchester (RTM), is set for Saturday, August 7, 2021. RTM representatives attended the Village of Manchester virtual meeting on Monday, March 1 […]
Disappointing week for varsity basketball
It was a tough week for the Dutch varsity hoops team, losing three games in a row, but their indomitable team spirit will see them through to season’s end and coach Zach Neal had some encouraging words for his players. “We played a close game on Monday with East Jackson that was back-and-forth all game,” […]
Manchester Township board purchases new fire truck
submitted by Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps The February 9 Manchester Township board meeting was held by Zoom video due to restrictions during the pandemic. All board members were present, along with fire chief Bill Scully, village president Pat Vailliencourt, and other members of the public. The board approved payment for the new fire truck […]
