Michigan county threatens to bulldoze Amish homes in poop dispute
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge) LENAWEE COUNTY—As late afternoon sun streamed into the home’s spare living area, an Amish couple recalled the day this past August when a Lenawee County health official came to their door to post a notice. “Do Not Enter,” it warned. “Unfit For Human Habitation.” And below that: “Order to Vacate.” An […]
Michigan the latest to roll out Medicaid work rules. Can it avoid pitfalls?
by Robin Erb (Bridge) Dreaded by some as a red-tape attack on the poor and lauded by others as a road to self-sufficiency, Michigan’s Medicaid work requirements are now in force. Since Jan. 1, more than 238,000 Michiganders ages 19 to 62 have been required to work at least 80 hours a month or produce […]
The answer to swelling jails? Stop jailing so many folks, Michigan report says
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) LANSING – A coalition charged with shrinking Michigan’s county jail populations is recommending the state reduce license suspensions, shorten probation terms, cut fines for civil infractions and stop requiring inmates to pay for their own incarceration, among other things. The recommendations, unveiled Tuesday, are based on an unprecedented analysis of local jail […]
Michigan’s ‘green ooze’ may be ‘tip of iceberg’ of state’s toxic sites
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING – The discovery of toxic PFAS chemicals at a contaminated site in Madison Heights could triple the cost of an already expensive cleanup effort, a state official told lawmakers Wednesday. And taxpayers could get stuck with the bill to clean up the green ooze site, since it’s unclear if its […]
Manchester Agriscience and FFA grow into new barn
With more student interest and community support, the Manchester Junior/Senior High School Botany and Zoology classes along with the FFA program, is growing stronger and ready to move into a new storage barn to improve their programs. Randy Smith, agriscience teacher at Manchester High School, is excited about the upcoming project, which is made possible […]
Manchester Diner–New faces in familiar places
Manchester folks really like their breakfasts. And now there’s a new place in town to try–the Manchester Diner at 108 Adrian Street. You’ll find many new faces at the Diner, but there are also some things that have not changed: They still serve great meals at breakfast and lunch times. They still have prompt and friendly […]
WISD’s High Point Program Begins 2020 in Ypsilanti Community Middle School @ Willow Run
On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, students in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s High Point program will begin the second half of their school year on the east side of the county at Ypsilanti Community Middle School @ Willow Run (YCMS @ WR) located at 235 Spencer Lane, Ypsilanti. Due to passage of the WISD’s […]
New year, old problems: Six issues Michigan leaders vow to tackle in 2020
By Riley Beggin LANSING – It was a rocky first year of divided government, and none of Michigan’s leaders deny it. But Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate say they’re going into 2020 wiser, relationships strengthened, to tackle the problems they couldn’t address in their first year. […]
How to weigh in on Michigan’s proposed limits on PFAS in drinking water
By Alexandra Schmidt (Bridge) The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy this week is beginning to accept public comment on proposed new limits for PFAS in drinking water. Through month’s end, the state is soliciting input on the proposed rules, including three community meetings, before likely rolling them out in late spring. Michigan’s rules would […]
Michigan to allow cellphones in all courts, striking down local bans
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) LANSING – Cellphones, laptops, tablets and similar devices will be allowed in all Michigan courts beginning in May, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled last Wednesday. The order strikes bans on cellphones that are common in Michigan’s 242 courts, which are allowed to set their own policies. And it follows public testimony […]
