Manchester Chicken Broil — a source of community pride
by Marsha Chartrand There are many recipes for the long-standing success of the Manchester Chicken Broil. Of course, most would say that #1 is the world-famous chicken dinner with the almost-equally famous coleslaw. And there’s the aroma of the chicken slowly roasting on the pits. There’s the camaraderie of running into old friends who come […]
Freedom Township family farm protected forever
submitted by Legacy Land Conservancy A scenic 226-acre family farm bisected by Pleasant Lake Road in western Washtenaw County is now permanently protected by Legacy Land Conservancy. Locust Hill Farm, conserved thanks to the efforts of siblings from the Kress family, consists of idyllic farm fields, a classic German-style dairy barn, a picturesque farmhouse, and […]
Local band releases new album
by Marsha Chartrand Grant Reiff has been writing, singing, and playing music all his life, but he’s just now releasing his first full album with his new band, The Riflemen, and he’s pretty excited about it. Having recorded albums in the past with other bands, he sees this one as special, because the band is […]
Christmas in the Village and Community Garage Sale are happening!
by Sara Swanson The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) held a special meeting on Wednesday evening as a follow-up to one held in the beginning of May specifically to address the community events in need of volunteers and how to organize them if they are to continue. The good news is that Christmas in the Village and […]
Three Manchester-area culvert projects awarded ARP funds through the County
by Sara Swanson Washtenaw County announced last week that Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (WCWRC) has awarded a total of $784,000 to aid in local stormwater improvements, flood control, and water quality projects. Through funds made available from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) allocation to the county, WCWRC has committed a total of $2 million […]
Klager hosts Community Leadership Day as school year draws to a close
by Marsha Chartrand As part of a continuing effort to grow as a Leader in Me School and to immerse children in the world of community leadership, Klager Elementary School is continuing its tradition of holding a Community Leadership Day at the end of each school year. “The idea is that the leaders of Manchester […]
After 40+ years, the Okey family is moving on
by Marsha Chartrand Shortly after talking with JoAnn Okey for this article last week, I ran across a quote: “We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” And it seemed particularly appropriate to share at this time, as so many in Manchester likely have the same feelings […]
With 80 years between them, two alumni reflect on Manchester High School, life experiences

submitted by Julie Trolz Ashley, Manchester High School Alumni Association, Class of 1973 Reno Feldkamp graduated from Manchester High School in 1943. Caiden Kippnick is graduating from Manchester High School in 2023. Reno is 98 and Caiden is 17. The Class of 1943 had 33 students, while the Class of 2023 has 76 students. Eighty […]
Dean Spaulding — Manchester’s “missing” Vietnam casualty
by Marsha Chartrand Editor’s note: After publication of a story (May 17, 2023) on the book Lest We Forget, published by Mary Blossom for the Emil Jacob American Legion Auxiliary Unit #117 in 1999, the Mirror received a phone call from Barbara Rhoades of Clinton, letting us know that the article was missing information on […]
Manchester makes the TV news!
by Marsha Chartrand Paul Whelan has been in captivity in Russia for 1,620 days now. And his family, friends, and the community of Manchester are still waiting for his release. Yellow ribbons on trees, light poles, store entryways, and other creative placements have kept him front of mind for local people who know Paul and […]