Michigan strains unemployment system with most claims since Great Recession
by Jonathan Oosting Like thousands of Michigan workers who lost their jobs Monday, Alicia Mason rushed online to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. And then she waited — and waited — for the website to work. What should have taken an hour took three days for the 40-year-old waitress at Sleder’s Family Tavern in Traverse […]
Michigan coronavirus cases surge with more testing but shortage remains
by Riley Beggin In just 48 hours between Wednesday and Friday afternoon, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Michigan grew almost fivefold, from around 110 to 549. That dramatic climb isn’t necessarily a result of an uptick in the virus’ spread. At least some of that increase is the result of testing done at […]
Newspaper box now located at former Pharmacy site
Because so many of our normal distribution spots have found it necessary to close during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we have placed a new distribution point (newspaper box) at the former Manchester Pharmacy site. We will stock it with newspapers and encourage you to pick up your copy there. We will also keep distributing to […]
Dutchmen stop short of claiming District title
“What a way to end the season,” said a very disappointed varsity basketball coach, Mike Ahrens, on Friday afternoon. “Not just a season, but the end of a high school career for the four seniors on our team.” On Thursday, March 12, the MHSAA posted the following announcement: “Postseason events sponsored by the Michigan High […]
Manchester DECA students excel at state competition
Manchester’s DECA chapter had 10 people qualify and attend the State Career Development Conference in Detroit, March 5-7. They competed in events like automotive marketing, hotel and lodging, principles of business management, principles of marketing, professional selling, quick-serve restaurant management, and more. Participants included Nathan Booth, Maddie Harris, Jaxon and Riley McGuigan, Jake Messman, Matt […]
Bethel Church to Host Lenten Breakfast
March 19, 2020 Editors Note: The Women of Bethel United Church of Christ have cancelled the Annual Lenten Breakfast which was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at Bethel Church. Area churches have been notified. If you know of someone planning to attend, please let them know. Thank you! Submitted by Mary Sue […]
Can I get tested for coronavirus in Michigan and other questions answered
By Robin Erb, Ted Roelofs, and Kelly House (Bridge Magazine) It can be difficult to sort through the clamor of changing guidelines and mixed messages about coronavirus, or COVID-19. And let’s be honest: There are a whole lot of people talking without the facts. Bridge Magazine is partial to facts and experts, so we’ve worked […]
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: ‘We’re going to get through’ coronavirus
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Magazine) LANSING, March 11, 2020 — A day after confirming Michigan’s first two cases of coronavirus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday urged schools, community groups and businesses to consider cancelling gatherings or events with more than 100 people. (Update as of 7:48 pm Sunday, March 15: Michigan now has 45 cases […]
Comcast extends plans for low-income households during coronavirus crisis
Comcast announced last week that it will increase speeds for its low-income “Internet Essentials” program, and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Speeds will increase from 15Mbps to 25 Mbps. The change is designed to help millions of low-income Americans who don’t have internet service during […]
How to make your own hand sanitizer during coronavirus shortage
By Kelly House (Bridge Magazine) As coronavirus bears down on Michigan, hand sanitizer is in short supply. After news of 16 confirmed coronavirus cases in Michigan prompted prolonged school closures, canceled public events and work-from-home orders for many workers, shoppers began emptying store shelves of sanitary and medical supplies in hopes of protecting themselves against a more widespread outbreak. […]