Good native gardening
by Claire Pajka If you’re searching for a beautiful way to support pollinators like bees and butterflies, look no further than planting some native Michigan plants. By planting native flora throughout your yard or garden, you are also building crucial habitats that native wildlife relies on. Furthermore, because native plants are already well adapted to […]
Highly anticipated River Raisin Distillery opens
It’s been 61 months since Joe and Krista Jarvis purchased the old Koebbe Welding building on West Main Street. But who’s counting? They have spent most of the past five years doing most of the work of cleaning, creating, and crafting that old, drafty, dusty building into their vision, then cleaning some more, and simultaneously […]
County wide 4-H project fills CRC’s freezers
The Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC) was the recipient of some very special gifts last week, thanks to the efforts of an annual 4-H community service project. “During a normal year, some of our poultry kids raise chickens and/or turkeys as a community service project,” explained Christie Warren, parent to two 4-H’ers, Rhea and Ethan, […]
Manchester hosts pop-up COVID-19 testing site
Sunday, Manchester played host to a 6-hour long pop-up COVID-19 testing site in the Riverside Intermediate School parking lot. Many residents took the opportunity to get the free test and although the wait was longer at the very start, most only waiting 5 or 10 minutes, if at all. According to the Washtenaw County Health […]
Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, a unique partnership
By Claire Pajka Michigan’s newest state park, Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve (WLP), is comprised of Watkins Lake, open meadowland, and low wetland areas. Long a popular birding and wildlife observation area, Watkins Lake is designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) as a waterfowl refuge. This serene park also holds […]
Primary Election set for August 4
Manchester area voters are reminded that the state primary election, which also selects candidates who will run for township offices in the November general election, will be held on Tuesday, August 4. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm and voting is held at your local township office (for those who live in […]
The battle of invasive plants, and two to watch out for
By Claire Pajka The Manchester area is currently involved in an intense invasive battle. But what, exactly, are invasive plants? An invasive plant is considered any plant that is non-native to the area and has potential to seriously disrupt or harm the balance of natural communities. According to the Jackson Lenawee Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species […]
Manchester canoe/kayak race organizers safely execute successful event
Last Sunday, July 19th, Manchester held its 54th Annual canoe/kayak race. It rained, hard, and was somewhat modified due to the pandemic, most obviously being held in July instead of May. Although it took planning and effort, the annual event was safely executed. One of the race organizers, Sybil Kolon stated, “We knew back in […]
Manchester Township discusses fire, events, communications at July 14 meeting
Submitted by Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps The July 14 Manchester Township board meeting was held in person for the first time since March. All board members were present, as well as fire chief Bill Scully. Four other members of the public were present, including Manchester Village President, Pat Vailliencourt. Residents will notice a new […]
From Acorn Farmers Market: A letter to the community
This letter is written to the community on behalf of the Acorn Farmers Market & Café, by Laura Wolgemuth, the former Manchester Farmer’s Market Manager and a new member of the Board of Directors for Acorn. It is part of a series of articles submitted by the Acorn Board of Directors, to promote the Patronicity […]







