Michigan fills free college gap, lowers eligibility to 21 — for now
by Kim Kozlowski, Bridge Michigan Aerik Enfinger recently turned 21 and got an unexpected gift. He learned the state lowered the age of eligibility for its largest free tuition program for adults, Michigan Reconnect, and he just made the threshold. “Whenever you go to buy alcohol on your 21st birthday, they should give you a […]
Mystery Hill defies gravity — and the demise of roadside attractions
by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan Growing up about 20 miles south of the Irish Hills, Nathan Wakefield was a regular visitor to “southern Michigan’s vacation land.” The region along US 12 was filled with roadside attractions, where kids like Wakefield could climb towers, traverse a prehistoric forest and see blacksmiths and saloons in scenes […]
Excessive rainfall in Michigan may affect nutrients in soil amid fertilizer price increases
By ANNA BARNES, Capital News Service LANSING — Michigan’s supply of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers has taken a hit from shipping disruptions caused by the U.S. war with Iran. Bill Knudson, an agricultural economist at Michigan State University, said about 20% to 30% percent of the world’s fertilizer exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, […]
Boil Water Advisory lifted for all properties
submitted by Michael Sessions, City of Manchester manager UPDATE: 6:15pm July 31, 2026: Boil Water Advisory lifted for all properties: The City of Manchester has received satisfactory water quality test results for all areas affected by this week’s precautionary boil water advisory. Effective immediately, the precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted for all properties […]
Senior Millage funds make big impact for Manchester WAVE riders
by Sara Swanson We reported last July that Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE), Manchester’s only public transportation option, had to cut back services due to ongoing reductions in state and federal funding, including decreasing the number of door-to-door drivers from nine to eight. One year later, things have turned around dramatically. In September, we reported […]
10 candidates to vie for 4 school board seats in November
by Sara Swanson The election for Manchester Community Schools’ board of education will indeed be a contested election in November — two, actually. The school board positions have been split into two races, one race for three 4-year-term seats and one race for one two-year-term seat. Although no one had filed a week before the deadline, […]
73rd Chicken Broil: numbers down amidst threat of severe weather, wildfire smoke, and more
by Leon Mann The Manchester Chicken Broil has completed their 73rd successful year of feeding the community. The day ran smoothly and 5,500 dinners were sold, which fell short of the estimated 7,000. This was the first time in 50 years that dinners served fell under 6,000, but that is likely due to severe weather […]
UPDATE: Boil Water Advisory lifted for all properties
EDITOR’s NOTE 6:15pm July 31, 2026: Boil Water Advisory lifted for all properties The City of Manchester has received satisfactory water quality test results for all areas affected by this week’s precautionary boil water advisory. Effective immediately, the precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted for all properties previously included in the advisory. The water […]
Seniors holding pancake breakfast fundraiser for patio renovations
by Sara Swanson Manchester Senior Citizens Committee is hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser on August 3 at 10am at the Manchester Senior Center, on the lower level of 912 City Rd. The menu will include pancakes, sausage links, juice, coffee, tea, milk, and fruit cups and is by donation. Everyone is welcome. Dwayne Vailliencourt will […]
Superintendent search: school board reviewing internal candidates at special meeting tonight
by Sara Swanson The Manchester Community Schools’ board of education met last Monday for a regularly scheduled board meeting. In light of superintendent Steven Head’s announcement that he was resigning due to health issues, the board decided on inviting internal candidates to apply for the position. A special board meeting is being held tonight at […]
