Emanuel church bell replaced in steeple
Who knew that bells had names? Well, they do. They’re engraved on the front of the bell, along with the manufacturer’s name and the date they were cast. Emanuel United Church of Christ on West Main Street, actually has two bells–one of which is named “Concordia” and its smaller companion, “Virginia.” Concordia, originally installed in […]
Commercial open house a success
After months of speculation about how the community could work to fill several empty downtown buildings, Manchester is making its move in a big way. A sense of excitement and optimism was evident at the Two Black Sheep restaurant on Friday morning, and it continued throughout the day as several local realtors and building owners […]
Manchester native completes 48 of 50 marathons
When you’re 10 years out of high school and looking for something new to do, you come up with some crazy ideas. Or maybe, if you were Mark Harris, you would even call it “stupid.” “It had been nearly 10 years since I was in an organized sport,” he explains. I had just turned 28 […]
A Sunday afternoon destination: MAHS museum and gift shop
While summer weekends are often reserved for fun outdoor activities, a Sunday afternoon in the fall and winter can seem long and dreary. That might be a good time to visit the Manchester area Historical Society Museum and gift shop on Main Street. Or, the blacksmith shop just a few doors down. The well-curated collection […]
When residents say ‘no’ to aerial mosquito spraying
By Michael Schulson/Undark (for Bridge) On a Friday afternoon in late September, Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford announced that aircraft would mist much of the county with an insecticidal spray. Intended to kill mosquitoes, the emergency plan quickly turned into a public relations battle. Hundreds of calls and emails — and even some threats […]
Michigan lawmakers want to expand tax break before it’s created a single job
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Debate is intensifying over plans to expand a $200 million tax incentive program for big businesses that proponents say has helped Michigan land planned investments, but not yet created a single job. The state has so far committed $168.3 million in future tax captures to five firms under the […]
Beyond term limits: 5 ‘good government’ ideas eyed by Michigan reformers
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — An unlikely coalition eyeing changes to the state’s term limits law is working to break a legislative logjam on government reform proposals in a state notorious for failing grades on ethics and transparency. Voters Not Politicians, the grassroots group that successfully pushed an anti-gerrymandering ballot proposal last fall, is discussing a suite of reform ideas […]
John Conyers Jr., champion of Detroit and civil rights, dies at 90
By Joel Kurth (Bridge) Former U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., a liberal stalwart, champion of Detroit and one of the longest-serving members in Congress, died Sunday at his home in Detroit. He was 90. Elected in 1964 at the height of the civil rights movement, Conyers served 53 years and was the longest-serving African-American in […]
Commercial open house set for Friday, November 1
As three of its larger retail stores closed within six months, the future of Manchester’s downtown has been a concern to many. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) have been contacting and working with a variety of different grocery store chains to help fill the gap left by the […]
Election Guide for the Manchester area
On Election Day, November 5, Manchester Township residents will be voting on two millage renewal proposals, for fire equipment and road maintenance. The “Extra Voted Fire Equipment” millage renewal of 0.15 mills ($.15 per $1,000 of taxable value of property) will raise an estimated $30,680 in its first year and the renewal is requested for […]
