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 […]
As PFAS fears spread, Michigan ramps up testing by zapping fish
by Jim Malewitz (Bridge) LANSING — “Carp!” Michael McCauley shouted as he leaned over the bow of a powerboat. Net in hand, the electrofishing expert and contract field technician for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) stepped on a pedal that sent electricity through a claw-like contraption trolling in the water. A […]
After three student suicides, a Michigan school district fights back
By Ted Roelofs (Bridge) In the course of a year, the rural Cedar Springs Public Schools district, north of Grand Rapids, came to know the raw pain of suicide and loss all too well. In August 2015, a 17-year-old rising senior at Cedar Springs High School took his own life. The following May, students on the […]
Manchester Pharmacy to close Friday, July 26
On Friday morning, July 19, employees at Manchester’s Hometown Pharmacy were called in for a staff meeting, only to learn that the more than 100-year old pharmacy business would be closing in one week. This is yet one more blow to the beleaguered business community in Manchester. With the closure of the Manchester Market in […]
Emanuel’s new pastor enjoying warm welcome and weather
Rev. Chris Kurtz has taken a somewhat roundabout way to his new pulpit at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Manchester. It’s not surprising, perhaps, since his father teasingly called him a “nomad” when he was younger, because he never stayed in one place too long. What might be more surprising is to learn that […]
