Marsha Chartrand

Senate Dems want $1B more for Michigan schools, call cuts ‘dangerous’

by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) Senate Democrats say they’re hoping to pump an additional $1 billion into Michigan’s public schools this year in an effort to cut class sizes, increase funding to at-risk students and bolster teacher pay. The effort would put even more money into schools than what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pitched at the top of […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Michigan proof-of-citizenship question fails to gain House support

by Hayley Harding, Votebeat (for Bridge Michigan) An attempt to get a proof-of-citizenship requirement for would-be voters onto the 2026 ballot failed along party lines Thursday in the Michigan House — a blow to the GOP-backed effort, but likely not the final word. The measure would require new Michigan voters — and almost certainly some […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Trump, joined by Whitmer, announces new jets for Selfridge

by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighters to replace a fleet of retiring jets. “I’ve come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge,” Trump said at the Harrison Township base, hours before a planned speech […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Manchester Veteran receives installation of new roof 

by Marsha Chartrand Earth Day was more than just another day for U.S. Marine Corps veteran Don Dettling. Dettling received a new roof on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from Palmer Construction out of Lansing, an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor, as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. Through a partnership with Habitat for […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Hillsdale Gina Relays and Leslie Dual recap; Fletcher breaks school record in discus

  submitted by Michael Coltre We didn’t have any school records on Saturday, April 19, in Hillsdale, but we got to run on a mondo track and the performances were outstanding. The Jump Crews were really leveling up with their efforts. It appears just about everyone on the team had a PR in something at […]

 Marsha Chartrand

School offers peek at ‘science of reading.’ Can it boost scores in Michigan?

by Isabel Lohmann (Bridge Michigan)  In a first grade classroom in Stockbridge, 18 students sit on a rug while they say out loud the sounds different letter combinations make. They shout together the sounds of “sm-,” “-xt,” “-lk,” “-nch,” as teacher Brittany Floyd stands in front of a colorful whiteboard, rehearsing with them. Soon, they’ll […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Native plant sales are popping up around Michigan. Find one near you

by Laura Herberg (Bridge Magazine) It’s the time of year in Michigan when spring blossoms are blooming, the daffodils and tulips are out, and native plant sales are popping up! Native species — plants from the area that have evolved with the local ecosystem — have a lot of benefits. They can provide a place […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Attention MSU fans: Huge Sparty for sale. One catch: Must have 30-foot wall

by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) What’s the market like for a well-crafted metal Spartan warrior in profile? The Michigan State University Surplus Store will find out on May 9 after 15-day auctions for three Big Screen versions, taken right off of outdated football stadium scoreboards. “Very large scoreboards,” store operations manager Chris Hewitt emphasized to Bridge Michigan. Students, graduates […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Water main break in downtown area causes flooding, but no damages

Water main break in downtown area causes flooding, but no damages

submitted by Michael Sessions, City Manager A water main broke around 6:30am Thursday morning on West Main Street between Washington Street and Clinton Street. Despite the break, we were able to complete the repair while the system remained under constant pressure. To relieve excess water from the system, two fire hydrants were opened, which resulted […]

 Marsha Chartrand

Jo Kladzyk ‘Evolves‘ her artistic success, opens new gallery on Main Street

Jo Kladzyk ‘Evolves‘ her artistic success, opens new gallery on Main Street

by Marsha Chartrand Jo Kladzyk has been part of Manchester since 1985, when she and her husband, Tom, briefly moved to the area before relocating to Texas and then California. In 1988, they returned here and, she says, they’ve “been rooted ever since.” “In 2004, we purchased a vacation home in Grand Marais, Michigan, where […]