Michigan farmers fear ruin as coronavirus lockdown collapses prices
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge) A dairy farmer all his life, Dan Weil just scraped by over the past few years as the market price of milk tumbled. A wet spring last year cost him half the corn crop on his 1,000-acre farm operation in Goodrich, southeast of Flint. Now he’s bracing for the next blow, this one triggered […]
Half of Michigan school children will get coronavirus food cash
by Ron French (Bridge) Half of Michigan families with children in K-12 schools will receive extra cash for food through June, as part of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The program, announced Thursday, will send EBT cards (used like debit cards) to families with students who are eligible for free or reduced price […]
Ascension doctor becomes 7th Michigan health care worker to die of coronavirus
by Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press (Bridge) Seven health care workers in southeast Michigan have now died from complications of the coronavirus, including a doctor at Ascension Macomb Hospital who graduated from Wayne State University. Research by the Free Press and Bridge Magazine finds that workers in hospitals, a nursing home and a foster care […]
GOP, merchants upset Michigan’s stay-home order is tougher than other states
by Mike Wilkinson, Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s expansion and extension of her “stay-home” order is prompting anger over its economic impact and calls by some municipal leaders to reject parts of it. Whitmer’s Thursday order is more sweeping than those in other states, barring the sale of paint or plants at stores, lawn services, […]
Restaurants get creative as they adapt to new reality
“I never would have seen this coming, not in my wildest dreams,” says Linda Minor, who has owned and operated Linda’s Diner in Sharon Township for 14 years. “We have been through a lot as a community and a country during my years in business, but this … was not on anyone’s radar.” It is […]
School district prepares to tighten budget
At a special virtual meeting of the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education last Monday, two budget-related personnel decisions were made by the board. According to Kevin Upton, interim superintendent, during the past year, it has been challenging for the district to meet increasing budget demands created by a decreasing revenue and shrinking enrollment. “The […]
MCS looking at ways to continue programs as school closes early
On Thursday, April 2, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order suspending face-to-face instruction for all public and private K-12 schools for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. In a letter to parents dated Saturday, April 4, Interim Superintendent Kevin Upton said, “this raises numerous questions for our students, families, and staff. We are […]
Photos: Signs of the times
It’s been said many times over the past few weeks that “we are all in this together,” and nowhere is that more evident than in the Manchester business community. Local businesses are being creative in the way they deliver their services and local community members are being supportive in many ways–whether it is purchasing gift […]
Stories of Wil: A good party never ends
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 […]
