Michigan regulators seek penalties for repeat utility outages
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Michigan regulators are moving to force the state’s biggest electricity suppliers — Consumers Energy and DTE Energy — to improve reliability by penalizing them for repeat outages. The Michigan Public Service Commission this week announced it will impose unspecified penalties on companies whose customers lose power four or more times each year, […]
“Mrs. Kelly” heads back to Ireland, and more!
by Marsha Chartrand Breeda Miller has a lot on her mind this month. First, she’s getting ready for her trip to Ireland September 18–29. She’s taking along friends and family for a tour of the Emerald Isle, and while she’s in the neighborhood, so to speak, she will present one performance of her play, Mrs. […]
Schools start off on a positive note — Keep the Wheel Rolling
by Marsha Chartrand “We have most assuredly rebuilt the wheel,” says school board member Michael Tindall, who last year teamed with Superintendent Brad Bezeau and MCS staff member Joe Walsh to find a way to improve morale within the district. “Morale in the district is greatly improved,” Tindall continued. “Life inside and outside the buildings […]
Dutchmen offense hits hard on Whitmore Lake
by Marsha Chartrand Although Thursday night’s game against Whitmore Lake was cut short by lightning, there was no doubt about the outcome. A victory was declared for Manchester at 42–6, with 6 minutes remaining in the final quarter. “Our players executed very well during the first game of the season,” said varsity head coach Ben […]
Pig roast will celebrate market’s second anniversary
by Marsha Chartrand Can you believe it’s been almost two years since Manchester Market opened its doors to the public? The Market has become an integral part of the Manchester community over that time. Now, they invite you to join them for their Second Anniversary Pig Roast on Saturday, September 16. The Market is excited […]
Free school lunches available for all MCS kids
by Marsha Chartrand We all know the importance of healthy eating, and teaching our kids early how to eat well is critical to their future health. A new program in Manchester Community Schools, one that is being implemented statewide, is giving kids an incentive to make better choices when it comes to their school breakfasts […]
Washtenaw ISD’s new director to transform Career and Technical Education
submitted by WISD The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) welcomes Dr. Ryan Rowe to its leadership as the district’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) director. In this role, Rowe will be responsible for bringing strategic visioning and leadership to career development and the county’s efforts to provide high-quality CTE education programs, with a focus […]
Bill requires prisons to give voting registration info to exiting inmates
by Oralandar Brand-Williams, Votebeat (for Bridge Michigan) It’s been nearly a decade since Vince King cast his first vote, and that act of filling out a ballot still resonates with him. “Imagine what it’s like for a person who has never done it,” King recalls. “It made me feel free and part of the process.” […]
Childcare is a critical job, with a critical worker shortage in Michigan
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) La Tonya Glover needs to hire a childcare worker. The families who bring their young children to her Bright Beginnings Child Care in Detroit are counting on her. But Glover, who has operated a licensed childcare business in her home since 2010, has run into a problem tougher to negotiate […]
Michigan lawmakers use word games to skirt law, spend billions on pet projects
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) When Michigan lawmakers approved a $50.7 billion budget bill in 2021, then-House Speaker Jason Wentworth made sure it included money for his hometown, the tiny village of Farwell. Deep in the spending package was a $3.5 million grant “to support a fishing pond that is over 25 acres and located in […]
