Sara Swanson

Whitmer budget would triple literacy coaches to help Michigan students read

by Ron French (Bridge) The number of literacy coaches working in Michigan schools would triple under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed budget, a change that could yield huge benefits for Michigan school children, school officials said. Whitmer’s budget plan, unveiled Tuesday, proposes a $24 million increase in spending for literacy experts to work with classroom teachers to improve […]

 Sara Swanson

Michigan businesses to Whitmer: Focus on talent, stay consistent on taxes

by Lindsay VanHulle (Bridge) Creating more skilled workers. Developing more housing in rural areas to attract more workers. Staying consistent on business taxes and regulations. These are among the policy goals that new Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should consider, business groups across Michigan, from chambers of commerce to small business advocates, told Bridge in advance of the new […]

 Sara Swanson

Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to fix Michigan roads: Nearly triple gas tax

by Jim Malewitz, Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to nearly triple Michigan’s gas tax, adding another 45 cents per gallon to fix the state’s roads, her administration confirmed Monday. The proposal will come Tuesday as the Democratic governor unveils her first budget, which would need approval from the House and Senate, both controlled […]

 Sara Swanson

Analysis: Gretchen Whitmer’s budget banks on Michigan GOP backing one historic tax hike

by Lindsay VanHulle, Riley Beggin (Bridge) A single, simple vote. With just the push of a button, Michigan lawmakers can solve the many vexing, expensive problems plaguing the state. At least, that’s how Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pitched her first budget proposal to legislators Tuesday, before a joint meeting of the state House and Senate appropriations […]

 Sara Swanson

Six big proposals in Gretchen Whitmer’s first Michigan budget

by Riley Beggin, Lindsay VanHulle (Bridge) The conventional wisdom that many of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign promises to protect the environment, invest in education and fix the roads would pack a punch to the state’s wallet has finally come to fruition. Whitmer’s first budget proposal, unveiled Tuesday, calls for a 3.6 percent increase in state spending over […]

 Sara Swanson

Sportsman Club chili cook off winners

The Manchester Sportsman Club (MSC) held their annual chili cook-off on February 23rd. Scott Poet, president of the club stated, “Things went well. Everyone had a great time. A lot of great chili was enjoyed by all.” The best chili was chosen by the the guests who served as tasters and judges. Prizes were given […]

 Sara Swanson

Fantastic Botanicals opens at the Art Kettle

Are you having trouble waiting for spring flowers? Stop by the Art Kettle, Manchester’s art space located at 121 West Main Street, and take the opportunity to soak in the flora. Their newest show, Fantastic Botanicals, opened on Saturday and held the artist reception on Sunday. The exhibit will be open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout March, from 1 to […]

 Sara Swanson

Vaping 101: What’s important to know

Have you heard about vaping but have questions? Manchester SRSLY is sponsoring an upcoming and educational program for adults and adolescents through St. Joseph Mercy Health System on March 12, 2019 from 7 to 8 pm in the media center at the Manchester Jr/Sr High School located at 20500 Dutch Rd. Participants will learn what […]

 Sara Swanson

Public Notice: Manchester Township

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Manchester Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the Manchester Township Hall Board Room, located at 275 South Macomb St., Manchester, MI 48158, on Thursday, March 21st, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed […]

 Sara Swanson

Whitmer kills Michigan marijuana licensing board in favor of new agency

by Lindsay VanHulle (Bridge) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday killed a controversial state board tasked with approving licenses for medical marijuana operations, instead opting to house the process in a new state agency intended to speed up the process. The announcement drew praise from industry advocates and at least one Republican legislative leader, even as it was […]