Can Michigan’s forests survive climate change? One researcher is finding out
by Emilio Perez Ibarguen (Bridge Michigan) As Michigan’s climate warms, tree species like red pine and eastern white pine may no longer thrive here. Their native regions are moving north faster than forests can keep up with. That could have devastating consequences for Michigan’s $26.5 billion timber industry and rob the state of the ecological services the […]
Opioid crisis cost Michigan $38 billion in 2024, new analysis finds
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) Opioid use cost Michigan $38 billion last year in lost productivity and wages, along with the cost of criminal proceedings and treatment, according to a new comprehensive analysis. And if lost quality and years of life were factored into the equation, the cost for Michigan would balloon to nearly $162 […]
Michigan drunk driving arrests plunge. Impairment remains deadly threat
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Drunk driving arrests in Michigan continue to fall, dropping 4% last year and 28% since 2014, according to new state police data released this month. Across Michigan, there were 25,318 arrests for drunk driving in 2024, down 1,090 from the 26,408 in 2023. In 2014 there were almost 10,000 more DUI arrests — 35,060. […]
Manchester’s suicide rate increases, highest in county
by Sara Swanson The Washtenaw County Health Department is releasing a new Suicide Report detailing local suicide data trends through 2024. While the county’s overall rate has decreased and the suicide rate among Washtenaw residents continues to remain below both the Michigan and national suicide completion rates, the Manchester area’s rate increased and once again is the […]
Plein air painters paint in Manchester
submitted by Sandra Difazio, Great Lakes Plein Air Painters Association On Saturday, June 21, 2025, seven artists from the Great Lakes Plein Air Painters Association (GLPAPA) gathered to paint along the banks of the River Raisin Park in the scenic city of Manchester. GLPAPA is a statewide organization of plein air artists that hosts painting […]
Farm to Table 10th Annual Fabulous Feast – Tickets now on sale
submitted by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation You don’t want to miss out on this year’s Farm to Table Fabulous Feast, Sunday, September 14 at spectacular, sesquicentennial Gee Farms in Stockbridge. This popular event always sells out. This outdoor celebration highlights our local farms, local chefs, and the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) communities coming together […]
Wild Summer Bees nature hike in the Leonard Preserve
by Sara Swanson Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation (WCPARC) invites attendees to learn about the beauty and importance of wild pollinators while exploring the prairie from the bees’-eye view. Join WCPARC on Thursday, July 31, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Leonard Preserve (parking lot located at 375 N Union St) to help document the […]
Summer Reading midway “Mess“-tival
submitted by Quintessa Gallinat, Manchester District Library Don’t miss the Manchester District Library Summer Reading Program Midway “Mess”-tival on Saturday, July 12, from 11am to 2pm, in the back lot of the Community Building. At the “Mess”-tival, you get to be the mess and forget the rest! Featuring tie-dye, oobleck insanity, and many other activities. […]
Roadwork this week in Freedom & Manchester Townships
from Washtenaw County Road Commission Washtenaw County Road Commission will be performing roadwork in Freedom and Manchester Townships this week. In Freedom Township, Bethel Church Rd between Eisman Rd and Ernst Rd will have intermittent lane restrictions on July 1 through July 3 for forestry as will Waters Rd between Haab Rd and Parker Rd […]
Manchester Fairy Festival of 2025 was a “fairy“ big success!
submitted by Laura Wohlgemuth, Fairy Festival organizer On Thursday, June 26, the City Room transformed into a magical world for all ages during The Annual Manchester Fairy Festival! With sponsorship from Worth Repeating, The Manchester District Library hosted The Annual Manchester Fairy Festival with fairy crafts including fairy wands and bracelets, a fairy garden make […]
