Michigan mulls lifting barrier to solar energy on farmland
by Andy Balaskovitz (Bridge) As states consider the compatibility of utility-scale solar projects on farmland, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is revisiting a state policy that the industry says has acted as a barrier. Michigan’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program provides tax incentives to landowners who keep land under contract for agricultural practices for […]
Michigan is obese, unhealthy and dying young. And that’s costing billions.
by Mike Wilkinson, Ted Roelofs (Bridge) Blessed with abundant water, beaches, hiking trails, bike paths and locally grown fruits and vegetables, Michigan has all the makings of a healthy and fit state. But look closer and the reality is grim: All too often, in much of the state, residents can’t do a simple push-up or […]
Cityhood study committee continues its work
According to the Michigan Municipal League (MML), “since 1931 there has been a steady conversion of villages to cities in Michigan.” The Village of Manchester is one of the more recent additions to this long list of villages making the decision to pursue cityhood. In January, the Manchester Village Council voted to establish a Citizens Advisory […]
Superintendent responds to anticipated school layoffs
submitted by Nick Steinmetz, Superintendent Manchester Community Schools On February 24, 2019, a Manchester Community Schools Budget Workshop, open to the public, was held at Riverside Intermediate at 6 pm. [Editor’s note: see article in March 11 Manchester Mirror]. That evening, one of the main topics of conversation were the larger class sizes currently at […]
Five generations of Strongs
Maureen Strong will turn 88 in June, but she has no intention of going anywhere any time soon. She just welcomed her second great-grandson on April 13, who was born on her daughter-in-law’s birthday, and was named Wesley in honor of Maureen’s father. And with 10 grandchildren, a plethora of great-grandchildren (16), plus a couple […]
What’s your iT?
Heather Rathburn has always enjoyed the concept of home. She loved being a stay at home mom when her boys were growing up. She owned a popular business for many years called “House to Home Interiors” and consulted with people to renovate their homes, offices, and more. She spent 10 years working in administrative jobs at […]
Come “Into Our Woods” this weekend for drama club’s musical
submitted by Jacob Mann, Manchester High School Drama Club The Manchester High School Drama Club is performing Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” this coming weekend at the Manchester High School auditorium. “Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of […]
Pick up extra trees from the WCCD sale on Saturday, April 27
If you missed the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) Tree Sale order deadline, there is still an opportunity to purchase trees for your conservation projects! The WCCD will host a sale of all remaining tree and shrub inventory on Saturday, April 27 starting at 10 am at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road). More than […]
WCRC road work is heating up (again)
Spring is here and load weight restrictions have been lifted! Contractors are beginning work this week on the Sharon Valley Road bridge project in Sharon Township. They are planning to be on site this week to prepare for the concrete bridge deck to be poured. At this point, it is not yet known when exactly […]
2019 Academic State Champs honors Michigan schools where college is the norm
By Ron French, Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Academic State Champs annually recognizes great schools across Michigan. It’s tough to do that this year without also praising a community. Forty Michigan high schools are 2019 Academic State Champs, with the award based this year on the percentage of grads who enrolled in a two- or four-year college. The […]
