State approves Manchester’s “Social District”
On Friday, the village received approval from the state to establish a social district in downtown Manchester. “Now, we must hustle to get ready,” said Village President Pat Vailliencourt. Before the next DDA meeting on June 16, it is expected that the signage required within the district will be ready for DDA approval, in order […]
Family hopes to renovate ancestor’s burial site
Lois Pratt Mekkas, 85, of Hillsdale, has always been interested in family ties. For several years now she has been studying genealogy and ultimately began writing a book, “Vignettes of Little Miss Pratt,” about growing up in Washtenaw County, which she hopes to publish soon. Her most exciting genealogical discovery led her to a family […]
Manchester couple work to save the honeybees
by Tracy Stengel (reprinted with permission of the author) Today, there are approximately 115,000–125,000 beekeepers in the United States. Most are hobbyists, and two of them are Don and Nancy Hieber in Manchester, Michigan. They are doing important work to save the honey bees right in their own backyard. Honey bees are vital to humans […]
“Passport to Manchester” event tickets now available!
If you have been wondering when you could receive a “Passport to Manchester,” wonder no longer! Tickets are now available on Eventbrite to sign up to participate in this exciting summer program, co-sponsored by the Manchester Area Historical Society and Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization. The first event, 19th Century Industries and Living in East […]
Water tower painting project nearly complete
After a seven-week process, Manchester’s water tower is fully repainted and refurbished, ready to continue serving the community for years to come. “The tower itself was constructed in 1968 and has been painted a few times, both inside and out,” said Thomas Thompson, superintendent of the water treatment facility. “According to state inspections, which […]
Alumni association awards local scholarships
submitted by Paul Heinrich, Manchester Alumni Association The Manchester Alumni Association is honored to announce the scholarships for these outstanding students of the Class of 2021. The Alumni scholarships are made possible by the generosity of so many people with a connection to the Manchester community. Because of this, each year we are able to […]
St. Louis Center embarks on new direction
Submitted by Joseph Yekulis, PR Director, St. Louis Center Effective June 21, 2021, St. Louis Center (SLC) is embarking on a new strategic direction aligned with Pope St. John Paul II’s “After Us” program; caring for people with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD) who have aging parents. This idea came to fruition when the St. […]
Stories of Wil: Taking Note
submitted by Christie Taylor Wil is a 14-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 […]
Michigan fireworks 2021: What you can and can’t do on the Fourth of July
by Olivia Tucker (Bridge Michigan) With the COVID-19 pandemic canceling summer festivities in 2020, Michigan residents may not remember what they can and cannot do with fireworks for their Fourth of July celebrations. Are firecrackers legal in the state? Can I shoot them into my neighbor’s yard at 3 am? What’s the difference between a […]
Michigan GOP advances voter ID mandate: common sense or a new poll tax?
by Jonathan Oosting, Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) Fourteen years after Michigan’s voter identification law survived a legal battle because of an affidavit option Republicans are now moving to eliminate, critics are threatening litigation again as the legislation moves to the full Senate for a potential vote. Because Michiganders without an ID can currently vote by […]
