Manchester High School Class of 2026 graduates
by Sara Swanson On the evening of Thursday, May 21, Manchester Jr/Sr High School held its 155th commencement exercise in the gymnasium. Principal Joshua Lindeman gave the welcome address. The National Anthem was performed by the MHS band, which was conducted by graduating senior Valorie Hieber. In place of a guest speaker, the class officers, […]
Census releases new numbers; Manchester area still losing residents for now
by Sara Swanson For years Michigan has been losing residents at one of the fastest rates of all of the states. The census bureau recently released population information for 2025, and last year, for the first time in a long time, Michigan added about 28,000 more residents than it lost. Washtenaw County contributed to this […]
FOWL & Jackson District Library partner for Underground Railroad StoryWalk at Watkins State Park and County Preserve
by Sara Swanson History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts can both get excited for the new Underground Railroad–focused StoryWalk at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve (WLSPCP) up now through at least June 3. Jen Holan, Community Engagement Manager for the Jackson District Library (JDL), explained that it will be up for at least two […]
Karin Villarreal retiring after 32 years with MCS, one of five longtime staff members retiring
submitted by Katie Altherr, Riverside Intermediate, Office Secretary Manchester Community Schools is proudly honoring five longtime staff members whose combined 154 years of service have left a lasting impact on the district and community. This year’s retirees include Mrs. Laura Neal, Mrs. Karin Villarreal, Mr. Bryan Barnard, Mr. Ron Tindall, and Mr. John Wilkins. Mrs. […]
CRC Food Pantry cooler stopped working; community stepped up
submitted by Carol Wotring, Executive Director, Community Resource Center When the Manchester Community Resource Center’s (CRC) food pantry cooler stopped working last month, the community did what Manchester tends to do—it helped. Three local organizations answered the call. The Manchester Lions Club and Manchester Masonic Lodge #148 each contributed $1,500, and Worth Repeating provided a […]
New 4-way stop on Pleasant Lake Rd between Manchester and Ann Arbor
by Sara Swanson The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) announced a change from a 2-way stop to a 4-way stop at the intersection of Pleasant Lake Road and Zeeb Road in Lodi Township. While this is not technically in the Manchester area, this is one of the main paths to get to the eastern half […]
All-natural doggie treats available at the Farmers Market this summer
by Sara Swanson If you’re looking for locally made, all-natural treats for your dog this summer, you won’t need to go farther than the Manchester Farmers Market! This summer, 9-year-old Marcus Holdridge is launching Marcus’s Doggie Delights—all-natural, sweet potato–chip dog treats. He is doing nearly everything himself from slicing and dehydrating the sweet potatoes to […]
5th–8th-grade bands hold Spring Concert
by Colleen McKenney On May 19, 2026, at 7pm, the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students performed their Spring Concert for the Manchester community at the MHS Auditorium. Led by Director Jenna Kezelian with special guest conductor Mr. S., students showcased solo pieces as well as ensembles, including many classics and favorites. Eighth grader William […]
Obituary: Terri-Lee Lynn Hodroj
Terri-Lee Lynn Hodroj, 60, of Manchester, Mich., passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Life Care Center of Plainwell. Terri Lee’s family and friends will gather from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Eineder Funeral Homes—Manchester Chapel. Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich., on […]
May school board meeting: school board hears presentations from students & teachers
by Melissa Yekulis The monthly School Board meeting for Manchester Community Schools was called to order at 6pm on Monday, May 18. One board member was not in attendance. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, which was approved unanimously. The agenda was followed by a series of presentations from students and teachers. Ellen […]
