Sara Swanson

Judge sides with Whitmer in emergency powers standoff with Legislature

By Riley Beggin (Bridge) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is legally allowed to extend a statewide state of emergency without the Legislature’s approval, a Court of Claims judge ruled Thursday. The ruling is likely not the end of the legal battle between Whitmer and GOP leaders in the House and Senate, as the case is expected […]

 Sara Swanson

WCCD millage question okayed for August ballot

by Megan DeLeeuw, District Manager of Washtenaw County Conservation District for the May Conservation Update On April 22, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted to approve placing a millage question on the August 4 ballot on behalf of the WCCD. The .02 mil, 6-year levy would raise an estimated $348,109 for the Conservation District […]

 Sara Swanson

Letter to the Editor: Our thanks to 5 Healthy Towns survey respondents!

May 14, 2020 The Manchester Wellness Coalition sincerely thanks all area residents who responded to the recent on-line 5HF Survey conducted by the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, covering a range of  health and wellness topics affecting our local population. This data is critical to our annual planning efforts to develop infrastructure, programs and events that […]

 Sara Swanson

When will Gov. Whitmer reopen Michigan? It’s complicated. And a bit vague.

by Riley Beggin, Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Just over the Michigan border in Ohio and Wisconsin, shoppers again are going to stores after coronavirus stay-home orders ended. In Georgia, residents are not only eating out, but hitting the gym and swimming in public pools. Not so in Michigan, which is joined by just three other states, Washington D.C. and Puerto […]

 Sara Swanson

Coronavirus is isolating children. How to help them thrive.

by Brie Zeltner  (Bridge) In the Sterling Heights condominium complex where Mary Johnson lives with her 9-year-old son and husband, kids began playing together outdoors as soon as the weather improved. The sounds of shouting and giggling drift in through Johnson’s windows, a siren call to play that is nearly impossible for a child to […]

 Sara Swanson

Gretchen Whitmer, GOP square off in court over Michigan emergency powers

by Riley Beggin (Bridge) Is Gretchen Whitmer using her just authority as governor to protect Michigan amid a once-in-a-century crisis or setting a dangerous precedent by illegally ignoring the Legislature? That was the question before Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens on Friday morning in a showdown between Whitmer and the GOP-led Legislature that could determine […]

 Sara Swanson

Inflammatory syndrome tied to coronavirus sickens two dozen Michigan kids

by Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press (for Bridge) At first, they might not seem that sick. A child might have a fever and a rash that lasts a few days, or cracked lips, red, irritated eyes and a bright red tongue. There might be swollen lymph nodes or stomach pain, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea […]

 Sara Swanson

Add this phone number to your phone…

submitted by 5 Healthy Towns by Erin Spanier, originally published in Connected Magazine One number, 734-544-3050, should be added to address books all across the county. It’s the CARES access number for mental health and substance use treatment services offered by Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. The number may be needed at 3:00 am on […]

 Sara Swanson

Call for Nominations – 5HF Champions 4 Wellness

submitted by Matt Pegouskie, 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Do you know an individual or business who has been an inspirational role model for personal or community wellness? Do you know someone who has devoted their career or life skills to promoting wellness around them? Now is your chance to help us honor them! 5 Healthy Towns […]

 Sara Swanson

Manchester District Library continues to provide remote resources and community services

submitted by Quintessa Gallinat, Manchester District Library Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-69 requires that all libraries in the state of Michigan remain closed to the public through May 28, 2020. During the closure—which began on March 17—Manchester District Library has continued to offer existing remote resources and worked to expand the services offered outside of […]