Sara Swanson

Fact Squad: No, Michigan Gov. Whitmer did not ‘defund the police’

by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Conservative “news” outlets, Republican activists and a GOP super PAC this week falsely accused Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of  attempting to “defund the police” by executive order. The misinformation began spreading Wednesday as Whitmer and GOP legislative leaders rolled out details of a deal to close a $2.2 […]

 Sara Swanson

Manchester pop-up COVID-19 testing site THIS SUNDAY

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced this morning that they will be hosting a pop-up COVID-19 testing at Riverside Intermediate School in Manchester located at 710 East Main, Sunday, July 26, 12:00 - 6:00pm. This site will offer free tests. Anyone with or without symptoms can get tested. Symptoms include: fever higher than 100 degrees, […]

 Sara Swanson

Chip seal begins today on Pleasant Lake Road

On Thursday, July 23, 2020, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will begin a preventative maintenance chip seal project on Pleasant Lake Road between M-52 and Schneider Road in Sharon and Freedom Townships. The road will not be closed to traffic, but delays are likely due to lane restrictions. WCRC encourages motorists, emergency services and others to […]

 Sara Swanson

River Bend Gardens: An endeavor of native seeds

by Claire Pajka How do you restore an ecosystem that has been all but eliminated from the state of Michigan? Wayne and Julie Oliver of River Bend Gardens, a private botanical garden located in Manchester, can tell you! The Oliver’s journey with the garden began three years ago when they bought 65 acres of land […]

 Sara Swanson

WCSO statement on mask wearing enforcement

from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners are asking residents to do their part in helping slow the spread of the Coronavirus by following the executive order recently announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. On Monday, Executive Order 2020-147 went into effect, requiring you to wear a […]

 Sara Swanson

Freedom Township discusses airbnb, upcoming election, and more

by Claire Pajka The most recent Freedom Township board meeting was held in the parking lot outside of the township hall on July 14th, with all board members and eight members of the public in attendance. Rudy Layher gave the treasurer’s report and stated that the ending balance for June was $680,292.95. During the public […]

 Sara Swanson

Time to nominate farmers for Conservation District 2020 Awards

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is seeking nominations for the 2020 conservation awards. They are looking for nominations for conservation farmer of the year, tree conservationist of the year and small or beginning conservationist farmer of the year. The descriptions are as follows: Conservation Farmer of the Year Award: Candidates demonstrate leadership in and commitment to conservation practices […]

 Sara Swanson

Great things are happening at the Clinton Township Public Library!

In addition to using the Manchester District Library, Manchester and Bridgewater Township residents can get a library card for free to check out materials from the Clinton Township Library. Additionally, Manchester and Bridgewater residents are welcome to attend all library events at the Clinton Township Library. The Clinton Township Library is located at 100 Brown […]

 Sara Swanson

Here’s what Michigan nursing homes that escaped coronavirus did right

by Patricia Anstett (Bridge) The leadership team at Rest Haven, a large senior living community in Holland with nearly 350 residents, reacted forcefully and quickly when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on March 13 ordered nursing homes to lock down against the new coronavirus. In a unified, daily drumbeat, facilities emailed staffers and held daily leadership calls. They rigorously […]

 Sara Swanson

Michigan unemployment system designed to slow payments working all too well

by Sarah Alvarez, Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING —  Michigan’s failure to promptly pay benefits to thousands of residents who lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic is driven in part by a computer system that state officials have known for years is faulty but failed to fix. As Michigan’s economy collapsed in March, the state’s unemployment […]