As crisis looms for Michigan rural townships, bills to help sit idle in Lansing
by Ron French, Bridge Michigan A wave of problems facing Michigan’s rural townships is barely causing a ripple in Lansing. Townships are struggling to find people to serve in the elected and appointed positions and facing increased financial strain from population and business declines. Two bills aimed at easing those struggles are gaining no traction […]
With fewer people drinking these days, Michigan wineries turn to goats
by Mike Kent, The Northern Michigan Journalism Collaborative, Bridge Michigan TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan wineries are fighting back against a worldwide decline in wine consumption by leaning into tourism, special events, creative activities — and goats. South of Suttons Bay, on a rolling field at Black Star Farms Winery, the bleating of goats fills the […]
Michigan houses are old and getting older. It’s a ‘huge problem’ for state
by Jordyn Hermani, Bridge Michigan LANSING — When the typical Michigan home was built, Richard Nixon was president, US forces were withdrawing from Vietnam and “The Exorcist” would become the year’s highest-grossing film. While pop culture has changed dramatically since 1973, much of the state’s housing stock has stayed the same. Roughly 60% of occupied […]
From a garden full of hot peppers to hot sauce at the Manchester Diner!
by Sara Swanson Manchester resident Laura Billetdeaux and her husband, Neil, are avid gardeners, but a quirk of their garden conditions has led Laura to start making hot sauce, and her very abundant harvest of hot peppers this year means you have the opportunity to try it yourself at Manchester Diner! She explained, “For some […]
City hall to be closed during KaBOOM! build; volunteers still needed
submitted by Michael Sessions, City of Manchester manager The City of Manchester would like to inform residents that the City Hall offices will be closed to the public from Tuesday, August 25, through Thursday, August 27, 2026, for the KaBOOM! Playscape Build at Manchester City Hall. This three-day community build will bring volunteers together to […]
Dementia Friendly Services receives 5HF grant to expand in our area
by Sara Swanson The Dementia Friendly movement in Chelsea, part of Dementia Friendly Services (DFS), has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) to continue spreading dementia friendliness through not only Chelsea, but also Dexter, Manchester, Grass Lake, and Stockbridge. This is the second 5HF grant that DFS has received. […]
August school board meeting: decisions made on superintendent contract; in-person school board candidate forum planned
by Melissa Yekulis The monthly School Board meeting for Manchester Community Schools was called to order at 6pm on Monday, August 17. Two board members were absent. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. The agenda was approved unanimously. The agenda was followed by a presentation from teacher Joe Walsh and his STEM […]
Sharon Church annual Community Rummage Sale this weekend
submitted by Sharon Church Sharon Church will host its annual Community Rummage Sale on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, from 9am to 6pm, at 19980 Pleasant Lake Rd in Manchester. The sale will feature a wide variety of donated items, including clothing, household goods, books, kitchen items, small appliances, electronics, tools, and more. […]
Temporary parking closure on Madison Street for paving project
submitted by Michael Sessions, City of Manchester manager The City of Manchester will begin a road paving project on Madison Street between the dead end next to the river and N Clinton Street beginning Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The project will begin with milling of the existing roadway, followed by paving. Parking along this section […]
Reminder not to leave furniture or trash at WWRA bins
by Sara Swanson Manchester Township reported last week that illegal dumping of furniture at Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority (WWRA) bins behind Manchester Township hall occurred on Saturday, August 15, at 6:38pm. Leaving these items or any trash in or by bins is illegal and may be subject to a $1,000 fine. The WWRA does not […]
