Michigan economy is stronger than expected amid pandemic. Thank the stimulus.
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Federal stimulus checks and expanded unemployment benefits have propped up the Michigan economy during the coronavirus pandemic, driving up spending and tax revenue and blunting the impact of an ongoing recession. The message, delivered Monday by financial experts in Lansing, is good news for Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and […]
Will Postal Service botch election in Michigan? It’s unlikely, experts say.
By Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) For weeks, Americans have feared impending doom: Cuts in the U.S. Postal Service would jeopardize mail-in balloting during the November election. On the verge of likely the biggest absentee-ballot election in Michigan history, those fears were spurred by the removal of mail boxes and sorting machines across the country, including some in Michigan. President Trump has attacked mail-in […]
Obituary: Ruth Ann Haeussler
Ruth Ann (Stortz) Haeussler passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020 after a rapid decline in her health at the Evangelical Home in Saline, MI. She was born December 31,1942 to Stephen and Alice (Davis) Stortz in Adrian, MI. Ruth will be remembered for always welcoming others into her home and community. She loved baking, playing […]
COVID-19 recession could trigger a surprise tax cut in Michigan
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Michiganders could be in line for a surprise tax cut because of the coronavirus pandemic and recession – if state officials don’t stop it first. A little-known provision in a 2015 road funding law signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder requires Michigan to automatically lower its income tax rate if revenue flowing […]
Health survey shows Manchester has more marijuana usage & less access to fresh produce than surrounding communities
This Spring, the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) conducted a health survey of residents of Manchester, Chelsea, Stockbridge, Grass Lake and Dexter. They conducted a similar survey five years ago over the phone. While the survey resulted in interesting changes between the Manchester results from five years ago and the present, including a 48% decrease […]
What’s in the River: Agricultural and yard runoff
by Claire Pajka Fertilizers contain added phosphorus and nitrogen to help plants grow, but unfortunately these nutrients don’t have the same positive effect on rivers that they do on fields. While they may help crops grow, if these fertilizers get into water, they can not only disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem, but cause […]
County upgrades emergency alert system from Nixle to Everbridge
The county announced last week that they have upgraded their emergency alert system and are no longer using the Nixle Program. If you were previously receiving emergency alerts from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and would like to continue receiving alerts, or if you weren’t previously but would like to start receiving alerts, you can […]
Obituary: Wilma Elaine Lentz
Wilma Elaine Lentz, born on March 5, 1931, in Sharon Township, the youngest child of Hazel Sutton Alber and Fred Alber, passed on Monday, August 24, 2020. On May 5, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Ambrose Lentz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Manchester. Wilma was a member of St. Mary’s Church and […]
Feds OK extra $300 a week for Michigan jobless – but it may not last long
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Nearly a million Michiganders who have lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic will eventually qualify for $300 per week in extra unemployment benefits, but the payments could take weeks to arrive and may not last long. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday approved Michigan’s application for the temporary […]
Whitmer wins another round over executive powers. On to the Supreme Court
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer does indeed have the legal right to continue extending a state of emergency during the coronavirus pandemic without approval from the Legislature, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Friday morning. The 2-1 decision upholds a lower court ruling siding with Whitmer and affirming the constitutionality of the Emergency […]
