FDA ends pause on J & J vaccine for COVID, but with warning to women
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) The Food and Drug Administration ended its suspension of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine late Friday, allowing it to be restarted across the United States. But reports of very rare blood clots among women may make the vaccine-hesitant less likely to roll up their sleeves. The FDA decision Friday […]
As Michigan begins redistricting, ‘communities of interest’ take center stage
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) Claudia Pohlen has a big task ahead. She’s trying to convey to the Hispanic and Latinx community in west Michigan the importance of participating in the state’s redistricting process to improve their political representation in Lansing and Washington D.C. Much is at stake: Latinos are estimated to be the largest […]
GOP wants to split Michigan Electoral College votes. That would help the GOP.
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Republicans in the Michigan House are considering a plan to award most of the state’s presidential electors by congressional district, an overhaul that could give new influence to voters in rural areas dominated by GOP candidates. Legislation debated Tuesday would likely help Republican candidates by ending the state’s winner-take-all system […]
Progress begins on Watkins Lake Trail
Travelers along Austin Road west of town may have noticed some tree clearing going on. This is a significant step forward in the development of the Watkins Lake Trail, which has been under discussion for a few years now. “We are in the process of developing access to this trail segment; however, it may be […]
Consumers Energy commits to further safety updates at Freedom Township plant
An invitation to “learn how Consumers Energy is increasing safety measures in Freedom Township” led to an important announcement about a long-awaited safety improvement at the Compressor Station near Pleasant Lake that dates back to 1947. John Broschak, vice-president of gas operations at Consumers Energy, introduced the virtual announcement last Friday by saying that the […]
Cemetery now under township ownership
Two years after the Oak Grove Cemetery Board approached Manchester Township to incorporate the cemetery as township property, the final paperwork from the state of Michigan has been completed to finish the transition of ownership of the cemetery, located just west of the village on Austin Road. The cemetery now officially belongs to Manchester Township, […]
DDA will meet to introduce “social district” on April 21
A new concept in downtown planning, that is hoped to bring more customers to Manchester’s business district, is being considered by the Manchester Downtown Development Association (DDA) at its recent meetings. A preliminary discussion was held during the March 24 DDA meeting, presented by DDA commissioner Joe Jarvis. The “social district” would allow customers at […]
Cityhood public meeting will take place via zoom April 28
On Thursday, March 4, a meeting of the State Boundary Commission (SBC) was held to determine if there was adequate cause to move forward with a public hearing regarding the Village of Manchester’s request for cityhood. The three members of the Commission — chair Robin Beltramini, Richard Datema, and Chris Beland — determined after confirming […]
Planning continues for canoe race May 16
submitted by Sybil Kolon for the canoe race committee We have an update on the 55th Annual Manchester River Raisin Canoe/Kayak Race. Our committee is working diligently to get most of our outreach live this week. The registration site is almost ready; more information will be found at the end of the article. The street […]
MHS girls varsity soccer kicks off spring season!
submitted by Scott Somerville The 2021 Manchester High School Girls Varsity Soccer Season has kicked off after missing the 2020 season due to the COVID shutdown. The absence of last year’s season was particularly concerning for the coaching staff of Dan Tar and Scott Somerville knowing that, entering this season’s first match only one player, […]
