New Washtenaw County Board sworn in; leadership committee elected
submitted by Washtenaw County A new board was seated last Wednesday at the first Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting for the year and term. The meeting was opened by Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum, who also administered the Commissioners’ Oaths of Office. While all nine commissioners took the oath, two brand new commissioners joined the Board […]
Dingell, Fitzpatrick reintroduce bill expanding Medicare hearing-aid coverage
submitted by Rep. Debbie Dingell’s office WASHINGTON – Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently reintroduced the bipartisan Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids for beneficiaries. Medicare does not currently cover hearing aids, which have an average price of about $2,500. “Hearing aids aren’t a luxury; they […]
End of federal child tax credit expansion risks more Michigan kids in poverty
by Sarah Atwood, Capital News Service (For Bridge Michigan) LANSING — The expansion of a federal tax credit extended to low-income families during the pandemic lifted more than half a million Michigan children out of poverty, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy. The expansion ended at the close of 2022, and advocates worry […]
Who gets paid minimum wage in Michigan? Only 1% of workers, as pay soars
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Michigan’s minimum wage jumped to $10.10 an hour from $9.87 on Jan. 1, but for the first time in decades, that pay is well below what many employers can even consider offering entry-level workers. Instead, business owners are paying $1 to $4 more an hour in order to find employees […]
Michigan may see ‘mild’ recession in 2023, but it also has a $9.2B surplus
by Yue Stella Yu (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Michigan could see a slowdown in economic growth in the coming years, as state economists projected Friday a “mild recession” may be on the horizon nationally. But the state estimates it will have a combined $9.2 billion in surplus by the end of this fiscal year — […]
Senior citizens meal and bus programs receive emergency funding to get back on their feet
by Marsha Chartrand After months of uncertainty regarding their meal program, deliveries, programming, and transportation, the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council can rest easier with a small cushion of financial stability thanks to the determined efforts of Village President Pat Vailliencourt and Village Manager Michael Sessions, along with the help of Washtenaw County Administrator Greg […]
Manchester could soon become home to marijuana dispensary
by Marsha Chartrand When medical marijuana became legal in Michigan by votes of the public in 2008, and recreational in 2018, communities across the state needed to make a choice: To allow retail dispensaries in their community, or not? On both occasions, Manchester Village Council and the surrounding township boards all opted out of the […]
Manchester Underground restarts performances
by Marsha Chartrand After a 2½-year absence, Manchester Underground has restarted its music series in a new home. Manchester Underground Music and Art was formed in 2019 by John Mooneyham and Steve Girbach with the concept of bringing live, original, quality music artists to town for a “once-a-month“ concert in a more “listening room“ atmosphere. […]
Centershot archery program at Sharon UMC
submitted by Sharon United Methodist Church Sharon United Methodist Church invites you to take part in a discovery event for Centershot Archery. If you are 13 or older, join us January 28 and 29 from 4:30pm to 6pm to learn archery safety and skill. Registration fee is $15 per participant. All instructors are NASP-trained Basic […]
Washtenaw County Conservation District launches 2023 spring plant sales
submitted by the Washtenaw County Conservation District Winter is the perfect time to start planning for how to make improvements to your property. Whether you are looking to reforest an area, naturalize the landscaping, create a wind barrier, protect the soil, reduce runoff, establish wildlife habitat, shade your property, or plant an orchard, the Washtenaw […]
