What’s in the River: Agricultural and yard runoff
by Claire Pajka Fertilizers contain added phosphorus and nitrogen to help plants grow, but unfortunately these nutrients don’t have the same positive effect on rivers that they do on fields. While they may help crops grow, if these fertilizers get into water, they can not only disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem, but cause […]
No Internet? No problem! Check out a library mobile hotspot
submitted by Quintessa Gallinat, Manchester District Library For library patrons who may be struggling with internet access, the Manchester District Library has a new solution. In addition to providing free 24/7 internet access outside the Village building, patrons can now check out a mobile hotspot to access the internet at home. Not sure what a […]
Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café: So Many Community Connections
This letter is written to the community on behalf of the Acorn Farmers Market & Café, by board member Ruth VanBogelen. It is part of a series of articles submitted by the Acorn Board of Directors, to promote the Patronicity drive supporting the new market in Manchester. As of Monday morning, the drive has $33,115 […]
County upgrades emergency alert system from Nixle to Everbridge
The county announced last week that they have upgraded their emergency alert system and are no longer using the Nixle Program. If you were previously receiving emergency alerts from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and would like to continue receiving alerts, or if you weren’t previously but would like to start receiving alerts, you can […]
Cityhood status stays on the horizon
Despite a lengthy delay due to extreme caution during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, the move toward Manchester becoming a city is still on the minds of Village Council and administration. “Our petition language was approved by the state shortly before everything shut down last winter,” explained Village President Pat Vailliencourt. “At that time, of course, […]
Official election results from August 4 Primary
Washtenaw County has posted its official election results from the primary held on Aug. 4. Figures were not finalized until after last week’s publication. The four local townships, as reported in our August 5, 2020 print edition, had excellent voter turnout overall. Bridgewater had 37.88% turnout; Freedom Township, with a road millage on the ballot […]
What’s in the river: PCBs
by Claire Pajka Buried in the clay and sediments of the lower River Raisin, a stubborn contaminant refuses to be degraded. Polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs, have become a major issue for the River Raisin over the past few decades. PCBs were used in everyday commercial products as well as industrial processes, and were […]
Manchester Township discusses building repairs and more in conference call meeting
by Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps The August 11 township board meeting returned to the conference call format due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic. All board members were present, as well as fire chief Bill Scully. A few other members of the public were present, including Village Council President Pat Vailliencourt. Fire chief Scully reported the […]
School Board discusses and approves preparedness and response plan
by Claire Pajka The Manchester Community School Board met briefly on Google Meet at 6 pm on Monday, August 10 with all members of the board present, and 25 members of the public in virtual attendance. The bulk of the meeting was spent with new Superintendent Brad Bezeau explaining the Manchester Preparedness and Response Plan. […]
New owners, new life for Manchester Market building
Since February 2019, the former Manchester Market building has sat empty and alone on West Main Street. Speculation about the possibility of a new grocery store coming to town has arisen periodically; but hopes have been dashed numerous times. After 18 months, on August 4, the uncertainty ended. A roll-off dumpster suddenly appeared. Vehicles were […]
