Bryan Barnard retiring after 28 years with MCS
submitted by Katie Altherr, Riverside Intermediate, Office Secretary Manchester Community Schools is proudly honoring five longtime staff members whose combined 154 years of service have left a lasting impact on the district and community. This year’s retirees include Mrs. Laura Neal, Mrs. Karin Villarreal, Mr. Bryan Barnard, Mr. Ron Tindall, and Mr. John Wilkins. Last […]
2026 MHS Peacemaker Award presented to Ioli Papadopoulou
by Sara Swanson The Peacemaker Award was established in 2023 by Manchester Community Schools, along with the help of resident Joan Gaughan, who envisioned the award, and Barry Allen, representing Manchester’s Masonic Lodge, which funds it. It was originally envisioned as an award to be presented to a graduating senior who has shown leadership in […]
May 2026 MHS Students of the Month
submitted by Carla Zygner, Manchester Jr/Sr High School Manchester Junior/Senior High School is proud to announce the May Students of the Month. Every student who received the honor has consistently demonstrated kindness, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic. They always do their best, whether they are in the classroom, representing Manchester in sports or […]
Harvey makes dean’s list at GWU
submitted by Harvey family Lila Harvey, 2025 Manchester High School graduate (and valedictorian) earned a place on the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List at George Washington University for spring semester. The George Washington University is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Originally named Columbian College, it was […]
Obituary: Nelson Adelbert Kothe
Nelson Adelbert Kothe of Manchester, Michigan, age 82, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson. He was born July 5, 1943, in Tecumseh, Michigan, the son of Norman Ray and Erva Mae (Whelan) Kothe. Nelson worked at the Chelsea Proving Grounds for 38 years as a driver and mechanic. […]
Obituary: Terri-Lee Lynn Hodroj
Terri-Lee Lynn Hodroj, 60, of Manchester, Mich., passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Life Care Center of Plainwell. Terri Lee’s family and friends will gather from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Eineder Funeral Homes—Manchester Chapel. Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich., on […]
Karin Villarreal retiring after 32 years with MCS, one of five longtime staff members retiring
submitted by Katie Altherr, Riverside Intermediate, Office Secretary Manchester Community Schools is proudly honoring five longtime staff members whose combined 154 years of service have left a lasting impact on the district and community. This year’s retirees include Mrs. Laura Neal, Mrs. Karin Villarreal, Mr. Bryan Barnard, Mr. Ron Tindall, and Mr. John Wilkins. Mrs. […]
Obituary: Gretchen Mary Kirk Connors
Gretchen Mary Kirk Connors, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, just three days shy of her 83rd birthday. She was born to Robert and Mary Kirk in Lansing, Michigan on May 23, 1943. Gretchen was the oldest sibling to be raised on the family farm in Manchester with her twin sisters, Kathleen […]
Manchester man graduates from WCC
submitted by Schiel family John Schiel graduated from Washtenaw Community College on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with an Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology and Applied Science. John is currently employed at Rosedale Products in Saline as a Hydro Technician and on his family farm. He is the son of Joanne Schiel and the late Charles […]
Helen Drysdale celebrates her 100th in style
by Marsha Chartrand Helen Drysdale of Sharon Township gathered with her Red Hat group at Frank’s Place in downtown Manchester last Wednesday for a very special birthday celebration—her 100th! The group held the luncheon in her honor. About 12 ladies attended. Helen was delighted to have so many friends surrounding her for this special occasion. […]






