Marsha Chartrand

Stories of Wil: In kindness

Submitted By Christie Taylor Wil is a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He is the little brother, by 20 months, to twin sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth. Wil’s mom, Christie, knew very little about Down syndrome when Wil was diagnosed shortly after his birth. It didn’t take long for Christie to realize how enriching life with […]

 Marsha Chartrand

What COVID stimulus plan would mean to Michigan’s jobless, cities and renters

By Madeline Halpert (Bridge) After months of stalemate, congressional leaders are closing in on a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus deal that would provide support for businesses, COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and direct payments to individuals. For some Michiganders, that might mean $600 stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental relief, eviction delays, money for schools, and small business loans. […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Detroit police working to de-escalate confrontations with the mentally ill

By Ted Roelofs (Bridge) In an emergency room at Detroit Receiving Hospital in August 2018, a city police officer faced a choice: How to respond to a naked, unarmed, out-of-control mentally ill woman? As the 29-year-old woman flailed her arms and reportedly spit at him, Detroit Police Cpl. Dewayne Jones reacted with blunt force, in […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Whitmer extends Michigan indoor dining ban, allows other businesses to reopen

By Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced relaxed coronavirus restrictions on Friday that will allow high schools to resume face-to-face classes and movie theaters, bowling alleys, and casinos to reopen Monday with limitations. Pointing to the continued drop in coronavirus cases, test positivity and COVID-19 hospital admissions, Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Luminaria return on Christmas Eve

Submitted by Barry Allen, Manchester Lions Club Each year since the 1970s, the community has turned into a village of lights as the residents of Manchester light their luminaria at sunset on Christmas Eve. The annual luminaria celebration will return this year with the Manchester Lions Club organizing the holiday tradition since taking over the […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Over the Edge to offer outdoor seating areas this week

A late addition to the agenda for last Monday’s Village Council agenda included a request from Over the Edge Sports Bar for temporary outdoor seating in “pods” on the sidewalk adjacent to the restaurant and Ollie’s pizzeria. A $9,000 winterization grant from the Small Business Association (SBA) to the State of Michigan, to be disbursed […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Chamber of Commerce Santa mailbox relocates downtown

The Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce’s traditional Santa Mailbox can be found in a new location this year! Look for it in front of River Raisin Mercantile & Antiques, 138 E. Main Street. All letters received by this coming Sunday, December 20, will be personally answered by Santa, with delivery hoped for before Christmas. To […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Freedom Township looks ahead under new leadership

Last Tuesday night, newly-elected Freedom Township Supervisor Larry Lindemann took his seat as he replaced long-time supervisor Dale Weidmayer. At its November meeting, the board had thanked Weidmayer for his 44 years of service and dedication to Freedom Township, after serving 33 years as a trustee and the past 13 as supervisor. Weidmayer was appointed […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Manchester Township begins new terms for supervisor, treasurer, and trustee

Submitted by Sybil Kolon The December 9 township board meeting was held by phone due to restrictions during the pandemic. All board members other than supervisor Ron Milkey were present, including the new treasurer, Kim Thompson and new trustee, Krista Jarvis. Fire chief Bill Scully was also present. It was not apparent if other members […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Stories of Wil: Of Mice and Squirrels–defying categories

Submitted By Christie Taylor Wil is a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He is the little brother, by 20 months, to twin sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth. Wil’s mom, Christie, knew very little about Down syndrome when Wil was diagnosed shortly after his birth. It didn’t take long for Christie to realize how enriching life with […]