Ann Arbor and Manchester Township fire departments remember FF Schnearle-Pennywitt
by Marsha Chartrand On Sunday, January 11, the Manchester Township Fire Department and the Ann Arbor Fire Department gathered at the Oak Grove Cemetery to pay tribute to firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt of Manchester, who was fatally injured 20 years ago while performing a rescue operation on I-94. Current Chief of the Manchester Fire Department Mike […]
Dingell’s office gets involved in ongoing broadband hold-up in Bridgewater Township
by Sara Swanson In September 2021, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted to become one of the first counties in the state to create a path for every household to access high-speed broadband internet. Now, in the start of 2026, Manchester, Freedom, and Sharon Townships are completely connected, but only about 1/3 of Bridgewater […]
Meet the new executive director of the Manchester Senior Center
by Sara Swanson The Manchester Senior Center has just hired their first-ever executive director, Holly McDermott. McDermott states, “I am honored to serve as the new executive director of the Manchester Senior Center. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the City of Manchester and to work alongside a community that values connection, service, […]
MUMC receives grant for keeping Blessing Box stocked
submitted by Pastor Susan, Manchester United Methodist Church If you walk behind Manchester United Methodist Church (MUMC) located at 501 Ann Arbor St, near the back doors you will find a pantry-style Blessing Box that quietly serves the community every day. This cupboard plays an important role by offering free food at any time, day […]
Janet Jedele joins ERA Reardon Realty
by Sara Swanson ERA Reardon Realty, whose Manchester office is located at 102 Clinton St, recently announced that Janet Jedele has officially joined the firm as a licensed Realtor®. They stated, “Following the successful completion of her Michigan Real Estate licensing exam in December of 2025, Jedele is now providing comprehensive real estate services to […]
Worth Repeating gives $3,800 grant to seniors for kitchen supplies
submitted by Barry Allen, Worth Repeating On Thursday, Worth Repeating representatives Barry Allen and Sue Fielder visited the Manchester Senior Center to present a check for $3,800 to be used for new kitchen supplies and a sound system. Accepting the check were President Patti McCabe and Pat Vailliencourt, along with David Tamagne and a host […]
Six months after ordinance passes, we have chickens in the city
by Sara Swanson As of January 1, it’s been 6 months since backyard chickens have been legal in the City of Manchester and by the interest in and popular support for the change you may have guessed that now, for the first time since the 1980s, when they were banned, we again have legal chickens […]
Planning for the 2026 Manchester Community Fair; Harvey awarded for service
by Marsha Chartrand Each year, the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE) holds a convention in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Hotel to showcase new acts and innovations. This allows for planners of fairs and festivals to mingle, bounce ideas off each other, and bring new ideas back to their own events. It’s […]
Manchester Township Board meeting: FD calls are up; road repairs needed; and more details on remaining segment of Watkins Lake Trail
by Sybil Kolon All board members were present at the January 13 board meeting except Mike Fusilier. Also present were fire chief Mike Kouba, planning commissioner Jim Carpenter, and a few members of the public. There were public comments about a proposed sand and gravel mining operation in Norvell Township adjacent to Watkins Lake […]
$5 radon test kits for sale at Sharon Township Hall in January
submitted by Washtenaw County Health Department January is National Radon Action Month, and the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) is encouraging residents to test their homes for this harmful gas. Radon test kits are $5 instead of $15 through the end of January at Sharon Township Hall, open from 9am to noon on Thursdays, located […]
