‘There is no playbook’ for Michigan’s businesses to navigate COVID-19
by David Wilkins (Bridge) One statistic that does not show up in CMS Energy’s financial statement points to the unmapped road Michigan businesses are traveling due to the global pandemic. “At this time, we’ve experienced zero fatalities,” CEO Patti Poppe said during the utility’s first-quarter earnings call on April 27. She went on to cite […]
Challenges and successes with virtual meetings
It’s far from “business-as-usual,” but business is still getting done each month in Manchester’s four rural townships, the Village of Manchester, on the school board, and on the Manchester District Library board of trustees. After the Governors’ Executive Order allowing public meetings subject to the Open Meeting Act (OMA) to include participation by remote access […]
Manchester welcomes new football coach for fall season
With no spring sports to watch this year, what is a sports-minded family to do? Well, you could watch a simulated Kentucky Derby on television, or relive the glory days of the Detroit Tigers or the Red Wings through the magic of re-runs. But, there’s something to look forward to on the horizon–and it’s high […]
Legion cancels Memorial Day activities for 2020
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation and the possible extension of the Governor’s stay-at-home orders, the Manchester American Legion Post #117 has decided to cancel all activities related to Memorial Day for this year, according to Commander Les Koch. “There will be no parade, no services at the bridge, park, or cemetery, and […]
School staff makes “Special Deliveries” to seniors
Friday, May 1 was “Decision Day” for high school students, with the deadline for their after-school decisions that is always a cause for celebration and pride among the senior class. Saturday, May 2, should have been the date of the Manchester High School 2020 prom. Due to issues related to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, neither […]
Stories of Wil: Happy Mother’s Day!
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 […]
‘Scary times’ for Michigan restaurants won’t end when dining rooms reopen
By Paula Gardner (Bridge) Michigan’s battered restaurant industry wants to learn when it can reopen. But even as restaurateurs hope to rehire staff and rebuild confidence among customers scared of the coronavirus, they also say they’re bracing for the next struggle: making enough money to stay open. After losing more than $1 billion in […]
As Michigan economy nears reopening, businesses scramble for protective gear
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — The new normal is coming for Michigan businesses, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to begin reopening the economy. And that means the hunt is on for masks. Like hospitals before them, businesses statewide face the prospect of having to compete for personal protection equipment that remains in high demand […]
Northern Michigan University: Campus open in fall despite coronavirus fears
By Ron French (Bridge) Northern Michigan University students will return to campus and in-person classes in September, with the Marquette campus becoming the first state public university to announce a plan for a traditional semester despite the coronavirus pandemic. NMU’s board of trustees approved a plan for students to return to campus late Thursday. The plan, for […]
As coronavirus ravages nursing homes, Michigan records spotty at best
By Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) When Michigan last week released its first list of nursing homes with coronavirus patients, Cathy Wilson scanned it quickly, looking for the facility where her aging mother lives in Royal Oak. It wasn’t on the list, even though just two days before, Wilson said facility operators told her that seven residents had died […]
