New plans for Michigan psychiatric facility raise more concerns about care
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge) As the politics of mental health care in Michigan continue to shift, it now looks like a state psychiatric hospital in the Thumb will remain open. But instead of building a $115 million, 200-bed new hospital in Caro, state officials are recommending renovating the existing hospital or building a downsized 84-bed hospital […]
Village Council to talk cityhood with residents
At tonight’s Village Council meeting, held at 7 pm in the Council chambers on the lower level at 912 City Road, there will be a specific time allotted for village residents to ask questions of the Council about the process of becoming a city. Village residents have received post cards inviting them to this meeting, […]
American Legion Auxiliary celebrates 100 years
Submitted by Rita Huber, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 117 The American Legion Auxiliary was organized by women who shouldered family responsibilities when their men went to France during World War I. Very aware of the needs of returning veterans and the plight of fatherless families, the women vowed to continue their supportive role when the […]
Last Gazebo Concert of the season!
The final Gazebo Concert of 2019 will be a special event for Manchester music lovers. The Brockman Brass will be featured on Thursday evening at 7:30 pm at the Wurster Park Gazebo. The quintet features Robert Albritton on Tuba, Clare Bowman on French Horn, Andrew Custer on Trombone, and Katie Sucha and Jared Throneberry on […]
Riverfolk Music & Art to hold auction and fund raiser August 31
With a goal of raising $10,000 to benefit its wide-ranging programs, Riverfolk Music and Arts will hold a fund raiser on Saturday, August 31, from 4 – 9:30 pm at Alber Orchard and Cider Mill. All proceeds will benefit Riverfolk programming–which includes Blacksmith Shop Concerts, Gazebo Concerts, the Cultural Art Strings program, and the newly-formed […]
Study: Untreated mental illness, substance abuse ‘staggering’ in Michigan
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge) Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents with a mental illness or substance-use disorder are untreated, a crisis compounded by a shortage of health professionals and treatment facilities, according to the findings of a report released Tuesday. Commissioned by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (MHEF), an independent healthcare foundation that receives funds from Blue […]
Michigan Republicans sue to stop redistricting commission before it starts
by Riley Beggin, Lindsay VanHulle (Bridge) A group of Michigan Republicans filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking to block the state’s voter-approved redistricting commission, saying it unconstitutionally blocks some residents from serving. The suit — filed by Michigan Freedom Fund Executive Director Tony Daunt, state Sen. Tom Barrett, Board of State Canvassers member Norm Shinkle and other […]
Before debates, Gretchen Whitmer urges Democrats to protect Great Lakes
by Jim Malewitz (Bridge) Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer on Monday joined four other Democratic governors in unveiling a “Great Lakes 2020 Presidential Agenda” — a list of priorities they say are needed to protect “the ecology, economy, and health” of the Great Lakes and inland waterways. The six-item platform touches on topics ranging from fixing the region’s […]
At the Gazebo this week: The Big Band Theory
August 1 will not only bring the Emanuel UCC Ice Cream Social, but “The Big Band Theory” is scheduled to come to the gazebo stage at 7:30 pm this Thursday evening. Come on out and hear jazz standards, pop, and rock as performed by a VERY big band–so big, in fact, a rumor has been […]
Michigan jails fill as crime sinks–and nobody seems to know why
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) It’s a riddle at the heart of Michigan’s efforts to reform its criminal justice system: How can it be that the state’s county jail population has tripled over the past 50 years even as crime rates have plunged to levels not seen in generations? No one seems to know. One major […]
