Michigan loses 14K people a year to other states. It could be worse (and has)
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Michigan has lost the equivalent of a standing-room only crowd at the Detroit Tigers’ Comerica Park, 43,200 people, to other states since 2020, recent Census data shows. Believe it or not, that’s relatively good news. The rate of migration to other states appears to be slowing, down to about 14,000 […]
Michigan businesses with hourly workers fret over continued pay hikes
By Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Teenagers not yet old enough to drive now earn $14 per hour in many of the nine mid-Michigan McDonald’s restaurants owned by Shawn Saputo. That 40% pay jump from roughly $10 per hour three years ago is a sign of inflation and a dearth of available workers in the quick-service […]
Deaths prompt transparency push for Michigan’s Children’s Protective Services
by Jenelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) The deaths of three children within days of each other have increased calls to expand access to Children’s Protective Services records in Michigan, but the effort faces plenty of hurdles. Sen. Jim Runestad R-White Lake, this week introduced a bill that would allow the media and legislators access to the records, […]
Obituary: Loretta Widmayer
Loretta E. Widmayer, age 91, of Manchester, passed away peacefully under the loving care of her family and Elara Caring Hospice on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Loretta’s family and friends will gather Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 10am to 11am at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 210 […]
City Charter moves to Village Council for approval next week
by Marsha Chartrand On Thursday night, January 26, a small audience of nine residents and property owners within the village gathered to hear the City Charter Commission make its final discussions, presentations, and decisions on the draft City Charter that will soon be delivered to the Governor’s office for approval. First, however, the finalized document […]
Manchester to lose another “local“ pharmacy
by Marsha Chartrand Just three and a half years ago, on July 19, 2019, Manchester residents learned that they would be losing their longtime local pharmacy. Despite much hard work to bring another pharmacy to the community, the building owners have not been successful in finding another to fill the vacant space on Main Street. […]
Michigan Music: Banjo Mike Evans — Obsession … or passion?
by Steve Girbach Within minutes of stepping into Mike Evans’s home in Brooklyn, Mich., to do this interview, I began to see his obsession with the banjo, its history, music, and culture. I probably should have realized it sooner — after all, he does reference it in his name, Banjo Mike Evans. “When you get […]
Library offers “Winter Survival Series“ programs for all ages in February
submitted by Quintessa Gallinat, Manchester District Library This month, Manchester District Library (MDL) will offer a Winter Survival Series of fun-filled activities for all ages. Stop by the library or visit the MDL event calendar for more information. For programs requesting advance registration, sign up at the circulation desk or by phone at (734) 428-8045; […]
St. Mary Church sets program beginning Feb. 13
submitted by Bill Kwolek, St. Mary Church, Manchester St. Mary Church invites all to the “Rescue Project,“ a series of nine video sessions for adults and teens presented by Michigan’s popular speaker, Fr. John Riccardo from ActsXXIX. Fr. Riccardo is a captivating and convincing storyteller! This is a fascinating story of how Jesus’ concealed power […]
Obituary: Susan K. Harms
Susan Kay Harms (Kensler) was born June 3, 1950, to George and Eleanor Kensler (Aiken) in Tecumseh, Mich. Susan passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on January 26, 2023. Susan is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Randolph Harms; her son, Frank (Jodi) Harms; daughter, Jennifer (Christopher) Schoening; grandsons Alexander […]
