tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660512774820226602024-03-13T04:46:22.375-07:00The WireA local blog connecting the outside world to the news of Manchester, Sharon, Bridgewater and Freedom townships as well as Manchester Village from the staff of The Manchester EnterpriseDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-63810459829361102412012-08-23T11:31:00.003-07:002012-08-23T11:31:22.141-07:00New editor at the EnterpriseWe've had a lot of staffing changes over this past summer at Heritage
Media, but I'm happy to tell you all that I'm taking over as editor at
The Ypsilanti Courier and Manchester Enterprise.<br />
<br />
I'm Krista Gjestland, and I've been at Heritage since November as a
general assignment and government reporter. Prior to that, I freelanced
for Heritage for about nine months. I graduated from Eastern Michigan
University in 2011, where I earned a degree in journalism and worked at
The Eastern Echo.<br />
<br />Although I'm a Washtenaw County resident, most of my experience has been on the east side of the county. I'm incredibly excited to get to know Manchester and its community better. Who wouldn't want to be the editor in a town that hosts its own Oktoberfest?<br />
<br />
I'm always looking for more community contributors, bloggers and freelancers so please reach out to me if you're interested. Please feel free to let me know what you want to see in the Enterprise. Let me know what issues are most important to you.<br />
<br />
If you have any suggestions, feel free to email me at
kgjestland@heritage.com, find me on Twitter @kgjestland or give me a
call at 734-429-7380 ex. 18.<br />
<br />
I'm also regularly stationed in our Community Media Lab, located at
215 W. Michigan Ave. in downtown Ypsilanti. I'm there every Monday from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. so stop in and say hi. Krista Gjestlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16100845614644923752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-31904603609711931302012-06-18T13:27:00.000-07:002012-06-18T13:31:39.554-07:00A new face for the EnterpriseStarting tomorrow, a new face will be in editing the Manchester Enterprise. <br />
Carrie Kennedy, who previously worked at the Oakland Press, will be taking over the Enterprise and Ypsilanti Courier as I transition into a new role, community engagement editor for Heritage-West.<br />
<br />
As Carrie starts to get settled in her new position, I'll still be in the Manchester community, covering school board, chamber of commerce and Sharon Township meetings. I'll also be covering a few local events. You'll probably see me petting baby rabbits, or in line for an elephant ear, at the fair. <br />
<br />
I'm grateful for the Manchester community's kindness and help as I became acquainted with the community and am looking forward to continuing to cover local events. <br />
<br />
If you'd like to submit story ideas, content or have a question, Carrie can be reached at editor@manchesterenterprise.com or ckennedy@heritage.com.She's a pleasure to work with and I have no doubt she'll exceed expectations in her new role.<br />
<br />
<br />Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-59717872795714213372012-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:002012-05-05T16:00:06.136-07:00Thanks for the memories, ManchesterThis is my final blog post for The Wire.<br />
<br />
I'm leaving Heritage Media to begin a new reporting job covering Redford Township near Detroit, but wanted to leave some final thoughts on working with and in Manchester for more than a year.<br />
<br />
Covering a village like Manchester was the right thing for me to do after graduating college. I had worked in the big city for 7 months previously, but craved more. I wanted a community, I wanted to get to know a town well. I felt like I had more of an opportunity to do that covering Manchester, and did what I could to make that happen.<br />
<br />
Even though my role at Heritage shifted over the last 6 months, I still identified with covering Manchester. I tried to make sure the stories I did write were in Manchester, and enjoyed all of the community events I covered.<br />
<br />
I tell stories to my friends back near Detroit and across the country about how this small town can do so much. I talk about the Chicken Broil, and I marvel to them about how this village attracts thousands for a delicious chicken dinner every year. I saw events such as the medieval festival and Crazy Ca$h night, and was in awe of the participation and enthusiasm everyone involved had. They are impressed with the stories I tell.<br />
<br />
I've appreciated all of the feedback I've received from residents, both positive and negative. I realize I came into a town as an outsider, and I worked to make myself recognizable around town. I've spent plenty downtown eating lunch and sometimes dinner, and I found myself loving spending the afternoons writing at the Manchester District Library.<br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who I've worked with in the village and surrounding townships. I hope our paths cross again in the future.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-32780368217011822412012-04-20T07:26:00.000-07:002012-04-20T07:26:30.446-07:00The Wire's blog posts earns third place in SPJ Detroit awards<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wR96wCM-XeQ/T5FkUxllp3I/AAAAAAAACDU/mpHhFGkCUp4/IMAG0951.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The award certificate for blogging I received for my writing on<br />The Wire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br />
I started blogging on Manchester more than a year ago, as a directive for work. But in that time, I've embraced the inside look at Manchester, and the time spent has earned some recognition. <br />
<br />
I attended the annual <a href="http://www.spjdetroit.org/" target="_blank">Society of Professional Journalists Detroit Chapter</a> banquet in Troy Wednesday night. There, I received a third place award for blogging, which was all done here on The Wire.<br />
<br />
I submitted three posts, including <a href="http://wireenterprise.blogspot.com/2011/06/manchesters-congressional-state-senate.html" target="_blank">my one on redistricting</a>, and come in third. The first and second place finishers in the category, which was open to all publications in the state, were from the <a href="http://detnews.com/" target="_blank">Detroit News</a> and <a href="http://freep.com/" target="_blank">Detroit Free Press</a>. Not bad names to be mentioned with.<br />
<br />
Each entry was judged by non-local journalists from all over the Midwest, and each winner had comments left by them. Here's <a href="http://www.spjdetroit.org/2012_winners_revised__with_comments.pdf" target="_blank">what they said</a> about this blog:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">"Veselenak's blog is a great read because it goes beyond the story, to reveal the details of 'local reporting' that used to be the grist of community journalism.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> It's exceptional because its so simple. Interesting stories about the community. His piece on a local candidate who failed to obtain a single vote, even her own, is great journalism because at its most basic level, is what we're here to do."</span></blockquote>
The <a href="http://wireenterprise.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-voting-still-matters-even-if-every.html" target="_blank">write-up on the "local candidate who failed to obtain a single vote"</a> is slightly misleading, as I used an example from the Flint-area as a way to show the power of the vote, not Manchester (Everyone in the village elections this time got a vote, even though there weren't that many).<br />
<br />
Even though I'm not doing as much Manchester blogging these days, I'm still popping in and writing when something hits me as a blog post. I'm hoping to continue to find interesting tidbits that might not be story-worthy, but quick post-worthy. Thanks for reading!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-8101432811029123232012-04-11T12:46:00.006-07:002012-04-11T13:55:45.937-07:00My day with Mark OuimetMy Monday morning started off like any other day. I began my 40-minute drive to Saline with 102.9 FM on the radio. That morning, State Representative Mark Ouitmet, R-Scio Township, was a guest on the morning show, playing "Make me Say Wow." If callers told a story that made Ouimet say, "Wow," they would win concert tickets. Ouimet felt all the stories had a wow factor and all the callers walked away with concert tickets.<br /><br />I thought Ouimet sounded very awake and that it must have been an early morning for him. Little did I know, it would be an early morning and a late night.<br /><br />At 12 p.m., I arrived in downtown Manchester to attend the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. Shortly after I sat down, in walked Ouimet, who stayed for the entire meeting.<br /><br />At 7 p.m., I walked into the Sharon Township Hall for the monthly board of trustees meeting and who was there? Ouimet of course. After talking with the residents and answering questions, Ouimet said he was headed to Saline Township for another meeting.<br /><br />I was impressed with Ouimet's drive. I had been stressed covering just two meetings, but Ouimet made it to a radio show, three meetings and who knows what in-between, all in one day.<br /><br />As he left to go to Saline Township, Ouimet joked that he'd see me tomorrow.Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-38225142828874287792012-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:002012-04-07T06:49:50.137-07:00Sunblossom Solar Gifts makes it onto "Made in Michigan" on WWJ RadioAnother Manchester business is being highlighted in a bigger media market.<br />
<br />
Sunblossom Solar Gifts, 131 Adrian St., was recently featured on WWJ 950 as a part of the Made in Michigan series.
<br />
<br />
Marie Osborne, host of the show, interviewed President Bonnie Greenwald about the products at the shop during the minute-long clip.<br />
<br />
Miss hearing it on the radio? Take a listen to the clip below:<br />
<br />
<div id="8D0D2DF95EC5">
</div>
<script src="http://player.play.it/PodcastPlayer/Embed.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><script type="text/javascript">
player.render('fileUrl=http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/nyc.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d1/d0/d6/d7/dY/1067Y_3.MP3?authtok&name=Made in Michigan&artist=Marie Osborne&stationID=89&configFile=config.xml&buttonColor=grey&buttonOverColor=blue&backgroundColor=#FFFFFF&guid=8D0D2DF95EC5');
</script>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0131 Adrian St, Manchester, MI 48158, USA42.1491929 -84.038113942.1477214 -84.0405814 42.150664400000004 -84.0356464tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-11315727797376385602012-03-28T12:37:00.000-07:002012-03-28T12:37:50.883-07:00Construction season is upon us; we've updated our cover photo to reflect itWith construction now fully in force throughout the village, we thought it would be time to update our cover photo here on the blog.<br />
<br />
The trees have been removed, and the concrete is being cut up as a part of the streetscape project. The plan is for this phase to be completed by Memorial Day, which will work well for this year's parade.<br />
<br />
We'll keep this photo up until more updates have been done, and a brand-new photo will look great once the downtown streetscape is completed.<br />
<br />
We're also looking for new submissions for our Facebook cover photo. Right now, we've got one of the River Raisin on our cover, but we're always looking for new photos to feature. You'll be sure to see images celebrating the Chicken Broil, community fair and Riverfolk, too.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-81618382433898942282012-03-28T12:25:00.004-07:002012-03-28T14:25:40.312-07:00Remembering Hutaree<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhmYhHBMqSQ/T3OBuGGEDiI/AAAAAAAAFLI/_6SDEOnceis/s1600/hutaree.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhmYhHBMqSQ/T3OBuGGEDiI/AAAAAAAAFLI/_6SDEOnceis/s400/hutaree.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725062180228042274" /></a><br />Whether it's sitting in a shack with a bloody butcher talking about Constitutional rights or simply entering a stranger's house, there are plenty of opportunities to feel uneasy as a journalist.<br />Uneasy might not be the right word for my experience with covering the Hutaree militia in Hillsdale County.<br />I was working for the Hillsdale Daily News at the time, and my editor Amy Bell and I set out to find the home where militia member Joshua Stone had fled following the initial arrests in Lenawee County.<br />Down dusty dirt roads we searched for the house, only knowing that the property was run down and the lawn was full of junk. It wasn't much to go on, considering the area.<br />We teamed up with the Channel 4 news from Detroit in approaching the house. When veteran reporter Roger Weber advised that I put my camera away initially, I realized the the very real potential danger in the situation.<br />As best we knew, we were approaching a known Militia hideout and had no idea who was there or how aggressive they were.<br />Thankfully, it was just an older man named Bob Dudley sitting at his house, who told us how Joshua arrived at his home and how we couldn't turn away his friend's son. He allowed the young man to stay overnight in a trailer on his property before the police arrived the next day.<br />Still, I will never get what Dudley said to me when we asked him why he believed in the idea of the militia: "I fully believe we are headed toward a civil war."<br />Members of the militia were acquitted from charges of sedition and conspiracy yesterday. The group's founder David Stone and his son, Joshua Stone, will remain on trial for lesser weapons charges.Erica McClainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839594254780660388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-74339802345195977402012-03-25T16:12:00.000-07:002012-03-25T16:12:59.041-07:00M-52 construction starts tomorrow; how do you plan to retain normalcy?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KEk7kAKqn0/T2-lYhHkLZI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/XYnwLNQtGBA/s1600/construction+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KEk7kAKqn0/T2-lYhHkLZI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/XYnwLNQtGBA/s320/construction+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utility workers dig near City Street earlier this year. The<br />
MDOT construction project begins tomorrow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Tomorrow kicks off the first leg of construction through Manchester that will engulf the village until November. Originally, the project <a href="http://heritage.com/articles/2012/02/20/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4f430661c1530341443195.txt" target="_blank">was to begin next week</a>, so at least the project is beginning early.<br />
<br />
MDOT will begin its construction throughout the village beginning at the east end by the Village Hall tomorrow. The downtown streetscape project, which will revamp the look and feel for downtown, will start shortly after (more to come on downtown later).<br />
<br />
We know businesses are working hard to make sure they aren't forgotten, but what about area residents? <b>What are you planning on doing to keep business-as-usual during the construction?</b>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-79924666255063665452012-03-02T12:31:00.000-08:002012-03-02T12:31:16.566-08:00A strange vote at the Manchester Township Planning Commission<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XE1nXfx1yA8/T1EfgE4ZkDI/AAAAAAAAB5I/Ip30al1IttU/s1600/Manchester+township+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XE1nXfx1yA8/T1EfgE4ZkDI/AAAAAAAAB5I/Ip30al1IttU/s320/Manchester+township+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Manchester Township Planning Commission seemed to<br />
have an odd vote at last night's meeting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Last night's Manchester Township Planning Commission was filled with drama, accusations and walk-outs. This isn't out of the ordinary when an issue strikes at the heart of any community.<br />
<br />
While the commission <a href="http://heritage.com/articles/2012/03/02/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4f50fa306e638277268641.txt" target="_blank">voted to approve the conditional use permit</a> for the banquet hall on Tracey Road 4-2, the events right before that final vote (which effectively ended the meeting, as the board moved the rest of its agenda to next month and adjourned after many residents left very upset), were slightly interesting.<br />
<br />
Confusion over what motion was made when the roll call made it to Lyle Widmayer, who also serves on the township's Board of Trustees. A motion to seemingly approve the permit was made by Trustee Pete Stumpo, seconded by Secretary George Daubner. As the vote went around the table, it got to Widmayer, who questioned what the vote was on. His claim was that the vote being made was for whether or not the commission would vote on the issue tonight, not to approve it. Even with planning adviser Andrea Bibby reading the proposed ordinance for approval, it was unclear to him what the vote was actually on.<br />
<br />
Much discussion ensued, and then it seemed the previous motion was halted in its tracks along with the vote. That's something I've never seen before: a vote initiated by the body after a motion and second, and all of a sudden, it vanished during voting without a clear withdrawal.<br />
<br />
Another motion was then made by Stumpo, this time to approve the conditional use. This went through like most motions do, and was eventually approved 4-2. But that lone vote continued to be on the floor.<br />
<br />
Perhaps this means nothing, and perhaps there's something else here. I've just never seen a procedure for a vote taken like that at a public meeting, where the previous motion seemed to not be withdrawn.<br />
<br />
Take a listen at the last few minuters of the meeting and see if you agree:<br />
<br />
<object align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" height="200" id="embed-352x200" title="Ipadio Audio Player" width="352"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=34329&phonecastId=135710&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_34329&callInView=local_20120302201343"></param><param name="scale" value="exactfit" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"></param><embed src="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=34329&phonecastId=135710&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_34329&callInView=local_20120302201343" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="352" height="200" name="embed-352x200" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" scale="exactfit" /></embed></object>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-1083185518785448662012-02-29T07:26:00.004-08:002012-02-29T07:30:25.997-08:00Middle school student's letter to the editor gives advice on how children can become more responsibleI received a letter to the editor from Manchester Middle School student Josh Bunn on how to make your children more responsible. Take a look at his suggestion.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uizfIcXfTts/T05ES89pWaI/AAAAAAAAAGM/NDJNgrrlfoY/s1600/Letter.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uizfIcXfTts/T05ES89pWaI/AAAAAAAAAGM/NDJNgrrlfoY/s320/Letter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714580069572762018" border="0" /></a>Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-20630273989847620392012-02-16T10:44:00.000-08:002012-02-16T11:46:14.835-08:00Wildts were one of the first German-speaking families in Washtenaw CountyKathy Siler, chairwoman for the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau Communications Committee, sent me an email earlier this month telling me about some of the research she's been doing on the history of Washtenaw County agriculture. While reading an article by Dale R. Herter and Terry Stollsteimer, she saw the names of the first German-speaking families that settled in Washtenaw County, and one caught her eye. Imagine my surprise when the final name on the list was "Wildt."<br />I knew my family had some Michigan roots, especially near Homer, but I didn't know we had a Washtenaw County presence. It's very cool to find myself reporting on agriculture in Washtenaw County, the opportunity that brought my ancestors here almost 200 years ago.<br /><br />Here's the full list:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Surnames of the first German-speaking families known to have settled in</span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Washtenaw County (1830-1832). All were from the Stuttgart area of Wuerttemberg.</span><br />Allmendinger<br />Aprill<br />Auch<br />Beck<br />Bissinger<br />Grauer<br />Gross<br />Haab<br />Haas<br />Hornung (Horning)<br />Kaercher<br />Koch<br />Laubengayer<br />Mann<br />Maeyle<br />Mueller (Miller)<br />Osius<br />Paul<br />Roth<br />Ruehle<br />Schilling<br />Schneeberger<br />Staebler<br />Stollsteimer<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wildt (Wild)<br /><br /></span><span>To read the full article, <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Emiwashte/washtenawgermansettlerhistory.pdf">click here</a></span><span>. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-79923035939490768202012-01-12T10:28:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:42:44.274-08:00Great invention<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAj4JOQ831I/Tw8pONZ315I/AAAAAAAAAEs/sIEupf_qqF4/s1600/cupcake1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAj4JOQ831I/Tw8pONZ315I/AAAAAAAAAEs/sIEupf_qqF4/s320/cupcake1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696817377740052370" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-397FjDntg0A/Tw8n2OTzM2I/AAAAAAAAAEg/m2cTLm1L64s/s1600/cupcake2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-397FjDntg0A/Tw8n2OTzM2I/AAAAAAAAAEg/m2cTLm1L64s/s320/cupcake2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696815866154529634" border="0" /></a><br />Today I ate a homemade cupcake at work, that I made, for the first time. This special moment took place thanks to a cupcake carrier my sister received as a gift. The plastic container holds a single cupcake and secures it, so fears of smeared frosting are long gone.<br /><br />The container is a creative invention that will add a sweet treat to my lunch that I wouldn't have been able to transport safely before.<br /><br />As you can see, the cupcake was transported so beautifully its deliciousness did not last long enough for the photo.Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-5097092719658969602012-01-02T12:35:00.000-08:002012-01-03T06:28:49.921-08:00An open letter to MDOT on the Adopt-a-Highway sign on M-52 (updated)Dear <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/" target="_blank">Michigan Department of Transportation</a>,<br />
<br />
I gotta get this off my back, it's bugged me since before I began working at Heritage Media: this year, is it possible you could work and change the Adopt-a-Highway sign facing northbound M-52 and correct the spelling on it?<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.manchestermensclub.com/" target="_blank">Manchester Men's Club</a> has sponsored two miles of highway on the road in Manchester Township. But, the sign has the name spelled wrong. Here's what it looks like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rq7pnaKeGQY/TwIS_O1WbvI/AAAAAAAABa0/fRf44I9PA0k/s1600/sign+on+m-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rq7pnaKeGQY/TwIS_O1WbvI/AAAAAAAABa0/fRf44I9PA0k/s400/sign+on+m-52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I remember seeing it, and thinking "that's a strange way of spelling a group." But after seeing the sign pointing southbound closer to the village spelling it correct, I realized it was an error.<br />
<br />
Perhaps this year when M-52 is being worked on in the village later this year (more on that later this winter/spring), someone could go down and correct it. I know MDOT's <a href="http://wireenterprise.blogspot.com/2011/08/m-52-sign-to-bridgewater-is-busted.html" target="_blank">fixed other signs on the stretch several times</a> closer to the village, and I'm sure the Men's Club would love to see the village's name spelled correctly.<br />
<br />
<b>Sincerely</b>,<br />
David Veselenak, Heritage Media online coordinator<br />
<br />
<b>P.S.</b> While out on the road taking the picture of the sign, a man stopped and asked if I needed any help or a ride; he assumed my car had broken down and I needed help. I told him no worries, but thought it would nice knowing Michigan still has some pretty friendly drivers.<br />
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<b>UPDATE: </b>MDOT tweeted back at us this morning, saying they'll look into it and get it corrected:<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-in-reply-to="153937886885060608"><p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/davidveselenak">davidveselenak</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/HeritageNews">HeritageNews</a> Thanks for pointing out the misspelled AAH sign - we'll get this taken care of as soon as possible!</p>— Michigan DOT (@MichiganDOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichiganDOT/status/154202846429052928" data-datetime="2012-01-03T14:09:58+00:00">January 3, 2012</a></blockquote><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-24747962669807572132011-12-29T10:38:00.000-08:002011-12-29T10:38:43.767-08:00Looking for something to do New Year's Day? How about a hike at Hayes State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.upnorthjournal.com/images/Michigan_DNR_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.upnorthjournal.com/images/Michigan_DNR_logo.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>If you're looking for something different to do on New Year's Day, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a hike at<a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=454" target="_blank"> Hayes State Park</a> near Onsted off Michigan Avenue (only about 11 miles from Manchester) at 11 a.m.<br />
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The hike will begin at 11 a.m. at the park, and the difficult will vary on what those in attendance want to partake in. The DNR encourages participants to bring their camera and a chair to enjoy a campfire later that day.<br />
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If you attend, you'll also have the opportunity to win several fitness club memberships, as well as an afternoon at Lazy B's Ranch.<br />
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If you're out of town, <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_36576-265431--,00.html" target="_blank">here's the list</a> of other hikes taking place around the state. They range from Hayes all the way to the Porcupine Mountains in the western Upper Peninsula.<br />
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And for those of you who are worried about timing: yes, the hike says it will be complete before the <a href="http://www.detroitlions.com/schedule-and-events/game/2011/regular17/" target="_blank">Lions kick off at 1 p.m.</a> against the Packers.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-40041501774395664192011-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:002011-12-28T11:44:17.552-08:00Offensive advertising?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJouPR3wds/Tvtw2gDPeII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/1QPkKMf7ZKo/s1600/spirit.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuJouPR3wds/Tvtw2gDPeII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/1QPkKMf7ZKo/s320/spirit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691266635731531906" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> 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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was horrified today when I checked my email and saw the latest ad from Spirit Airlines.</span><span style=" ;font-size:100%;color:black;" ></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;color:black;" >The "busty" advertisement is outrageously offensive to women. The "double d" slogan is an extreme stretch to find some way to incorporate breasts into the company's advertising. It's sad Spirit has been forced to use sexual images of women to sell its services and can't stand on its reputation, treatment of customers and overall experience.<br /><br />The subject of the email teased readers with "Check out our Double D's." Sounds quite similar to a slogan an adult entertainment company might use.<br /><br />Worst of all, this ad commits one of the most common and repulsive parts of sexual advertising, not showing the model's face. Why isn't it shown? It's because the company could care less about anything above her neck, including her brain. This model's breasts were used as objects, trying to disconnect them from any uncomfortable feelings that could arise from associating them with a person with thoughts and feelings. It makes it easier for the ad to be digested, but actually adds to one of society's problems, the sexualization of women.<br /><br />The ad also continues to send women and young girls the message that they have to have large breasts to be appealing. Who in the Spirit Airlines advertising department thought this ad campaign was acceptable?<br /><br />Spirit may support it's double d promotion, but it's definitely disgusting. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" > </span></p>Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-12077573603977043762011-12-27T07:27:00.000-08:002011-12-27T07:27:18.549-08:00Bridgewater is getting excited for the Sugar Bowl<div>The painted rock in Bridgewater on Austin Road has had some additional embellishments in recent weeks to go with its "Go Blue" tagline: <br />
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<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zeRQJOwmN6c/TvnivuFHg-I/AAAAAAAABZM/b7IhnAxsdL8/IMAG0560.png" /><br />
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We want to know how you think the Wolverines will do next week in the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech. Click on the widget below and enter your phone number, and Google will call you and prompt you to leave a message telling us how you think Michigan will do next week in New Orleans (Your phone number can be left private as well, if you're worried about giving out your phone number).</div><br />
<object data="https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/webCallButton" height="85" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="230"><param name="movie" value="https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/webCallButton" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="FlashVars" value="id=22df8d405b8671da254a016d9db31b5470a1218d&style=0" /></object>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-3087671028514276282011-12-19T07:04:00.001-08:002011-12-19T07:04:28.351-08:00BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP: Man shoots his wife and himself, wife taken to U-M hospital<p class="byline">By Ben Baird<br /><a href="mailto:bbaird@heritage.com">bbaird@heritage.com</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BenBaird1">@BenBaird1</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> A Bridgewater Township man shot his wife and then committed suicide Saturday night in the <strong><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=13000+austin+road,+bridgewater+township+mi&oe=UTF-8&hnear=13000+E+Austin+Rd,+Bridgewater,+Washtenaw,+Michigan+48158&gl=us&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=0">13000 block of Austin Road</a></strong>.<br /><br />The wife was shot in the chest and shoulder. She was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.<br /><br />Township Supervisor Jolea Mull learned about the shooting at about 11:45 p.m. Saturday from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office.<br /><br />She said according to police, the couple was arguing throughout the day because of the man's depression issues.<br /><br />He shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. The wife was able to run out of their residence and call 911. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but on Sunday police told Mull the woman is now in stable condition.<br /><br />There is no official statement on the shooting from the sheriff's department yet, Mull said.<br /><br /><strong>Staff Writer Ben Baird can be reached at <a href="mailto:bbaird@heritage.com">bbaird@heritage.com</a>. </strong><br /><br /><em>Text HERNews and HERWeather to 22700 to receive news and weather alerts to your cellphone. Msg and data rates may apply. </em><strong><em>Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.</em></strong>Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-86882908180630336722011-12-15T12:45:00.000-08:002011-12-15T12:45:14.238-08:00Midnight Madness event the result of quick brainstormingIt's amazing how such a short time span can result in some of the best ideas.<br />
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A seemingly good example is <a href="http://www.heritage.com/articles/2011/12/15/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4eea11fc68d97751059757.txt" target="_blank">the Midnight Madness Fundraiser event</a> being put on by several of the merchants in Manchester next weekend. The event, designed to spur late-night shopping and donate to a local charity or community group, was thrown together just this month by two local merchants: Steven Hahne of MacLennan's Nursery, and Nichole Fisher, owner of Nichole's Emporium, which <a href="http://heritage.com/articles/2011/09/22/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4e7b56101c95a789048438.txt" target="_blank">opened earlier this year</a>.<br />
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Hahne said the ideas for it just came within minutes of the two of them discussing, and out of it a seemingly fun idea was born.<br />
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Janet Larson, the president of the <a href="http://48158.com/" target="_blank">Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce</a>, said the talks for it happened at an evening chamber networking party. It's amazing what can happen with just a few minutes of small talk at a business-related function.<br />
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If you're planning on shopping that night and you have your camera, we'd love to publish any photos we receive from the evening (unfortunately, I have that day off, and won't be able to make it). If you have any, feel free to send me an email at dveselenak@heritage.com.<br />
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And be sure to spread the word of the event. We're doing our part, with the flyer posted on our front door at our downtown Saline office:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-060j7nRYJh8/TupZqf_6K3I/AAAAAAAABTk/LuWbUDG_zo4/s1600/flyer+for+downtown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-060j7nRYJh8/TupZqf_6K3I/AAAAAAAABTk/LuWbUDG_zo4/s320/flyer+for+downtown.png" width="320" /></a></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-144812280877534732011-12-08T16:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T16:02:02.090-08:00Land acquisition by DNR in Manchester, Norvell townships recommended by Michigan Natural Resources Trust FundThe list of recommendations by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund was tweeted this evening by the DNR, and the purchase of the Trolz family farm is listed.<br />
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Here's the tweet announcing <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/MNRTF_Recommendations_FINAL_370798_7.pdf" target="_blank">all the recommendations statewide</a>, which includes six projects in Washtenaw County:<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center"><p>Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommends 99 grant-funded projects totaling $39.6 million: <a href="http://t.co/gTOGR048" title="http://ow.ly/7TwWl">ow.ly/7TwWl</a></p>— Michigan DNR (@MichiganDNR) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichiganDNR/status/144919906104782849" data-datetime="2011-12-08T23:22:52+00:00">December8, 2011</a></blockquote><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8">
</script><br />
The recommendation of the acquisition, which is being called the <b>River Raisin Recreation Area</b>, is to cost $3 million on the area, which is "to focus on hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation."<br />
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The move was the next step in the land acquisition, the DNR told <a href="http://www.heritage.com/articles/2011/09/07/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4e67850126402429403299.txt?viewmode=fullstory" target="_blank">The Enterprise in September</a>. The next step is to send the recommendation to the state legislature, a process that could go well into next year.<br />
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Other projects on the recommendation list in the county include:<br />
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<b>Washtenaw County</b><br />
<ul><li>$2.275 million to connect to urban nature preserves</li>
</ul><b>Ann Arbor</b><br />
<ul><li>$300,000 to Gallup Park for several improvements, including energy improvements and better access to buildings</li>
<li>$300,000 to help fund the in-ground skate park at Veterans Memorial Park</li>
</ul><b>Ypsilanti Township</b><br />
<ul><li>$300,000 to renovate Rutherford Pool</li>
</ul><div><b>Ypsilanti</b><br />
<ul><div>
<li>$289,400 for developing the Heritage Bridge over Michigan Avenue and a fishing pier</li>
</div></ul></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-68232185898294540572011-12-02T07:27:00.000-08:002011-12-02T07:27:59.246-08:00Manchester resident appears on NPR's "Talk of the Nation"A benefit from Google Alerts is to see whenever something is written about "Manchester, Michigan." Yesterday, an interesting piece came across and thought I'd share it.<br />
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</div><div>It was a link to <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/talk-of-the-nation/">NPR's "Talk of the Nation" show</a>, a call-in program for listeners to voice their opinions on different subject matters in the nation. This clip talks about the new television show, "All-American Muslim," a show filmed in Dearborn to showcase Muslims living in America. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Many of the callers debated on whether the show was a good representation of Islamic life here in America, and one of those callers came from the village. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A caller identified as Susan called the show from Manchester, and talked about how she would like to see more diversity when it comes to showing Muslim<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">s in their day-to-day lives.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">And when I go to the masjid or the mosque in my area in Ann Arbor, I don't see this as a cross-section of Muslims," she told the radio show. "I see this as a very small proportion of Muslims."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">It was a show filled with Michigan voices, as another caller voiced their opinion from Ann Arbor, and another from Dearborn.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">You can read a transcript of the conversation <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/11/30/142950262/ali-calls-all-american-muslim-a-welcome-relief">here</a>, or click below to listen to the show. It's about 16 minutes long.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><embed allowfullscreen="true" base="http://www.npr.org" height="386" src="http://www.npr.org/v2/?i=142950262&m=142950255&t=audio" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" wmode="opaque"></embed>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-88795472504660278882011-11-23T07:22:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:49:18.987-08:00Bomb Patrol Afghanistan is best new TV showOf all the new TV shows this fall season, "Bomb Patrol Afghanistan" is the only show that has garnered my attention and respect, and I only discovered it this month.<br /><br />The show, which airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays on G4, gives viewers a first-hand look at the daily activities of the U.S Navy's Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit. The team specializes in detecting, destroying and investigating improvised explosive devices.<br /><br />Cameras are on board military vehicles, on the site of IED investigations and inside the military base. Viewers get to know the military members and experience highly-stressful and dangerous situations where the soldiers risk their lives to protect fellow military members and Afghan citizens.<br /><br />The show features soldiers carefully climbing out of a military vehicle, situated directly on top of an IED, and trying to cut the cord without setting it off. It also shows how the soldiers take in all their surroundings to determine IED and civilian dangers.<br /><br />"Bomb Patrol" opens viewers' eyes to the reality of what's going on in Afghanistan and makes them appreciate how much members of the armed services are risking to protect others.<br />The unique setting and experience makes it the best new show of the season.Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-16625439243642658452011-11-18T09:06:00.000-08:002011-11-18T09:33:37.745-08:00Employees suffer on Black FridayI've always thought waking up at the crack of dawn to wait in line and fight for Black Friday sales was insane. But with the increasingly-popular decision to open stores either all day Friday, or in the late evening, it's gone far beyond insane.<br /><br />It seems like people are embracing the change to Thanksgiving night shopping because shoppers would much rather stay up late than wake up early for 5 a.m. sales. What they don't realize, or don't care about, is how the hours will be affecting employees and their holiday celebrations.<br /><br />My sister is a cashier at a department store and I also worked several years in retail. We've both suffered the wrath of Black Friday, from long hours to crabby customers.<br /><br />Last year, my sister was scheduled for the 5 a.m. shift and had to be awake by 3 a.m. in order to get to work on time. We had family staying with us from out of town and going to bed at 8 p.m. definitely put a damper on her family holiday activities.<br /><br />This year, she's scheduled to work 11 p.m. Thursday night to 12 p.m. Friday afternoon. Again, she will either have to try to squeeze in a Thanksgiving nap, or face a 12-hour shift with no sleep. I don't know how this can be safe or acceptable for employees and I don't think shoppers realize what employees are put through.<br /><br />That brings me to my retail experience. Shoppers tend to believe you're getting paid extra to work the holiday and only work your eight-hour shift and go home. This couldn't be further from the truth.<br /><br />As an assistant manager, I was required to work all day Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. I'd start at 7 a.m. and wouldn't leave until after 10 p.m. both days. It also usually took longer to get out because the store was such a disaster and required extra cleaning.<br /><br />On top of the 15-hour Friday and Saturday, I also usually put in a 14-hour day the day before Thanksgiving in order to finish setting up displays required for the day after Thanksgiving. The display changeover usually began earlier in the week, so the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving were in no way short days either. And trust me, there was no special pay except for overtime after 40 hours.<br /><br />In order to alleviate the pain of retail employees, Thanksgiving day sales should be online only.<br />Shoppers can still shop, but there will be less of a need for employees.<br />Until the shopping trend changes, I ask that all shoppers please be kind to your retail employees. Clean up after yourself, be patient and realize the employees have given up a great deal to make your Black Friday shopping possible.Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-27868015123014544072011-11-08T12:52:00.000-08:002011-11-08T12:52:11.430-08:00Voting is especially important in local races, like Sharon Township and Manchester schools<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6VSmdt-aWHw/TrmQzPxNl7I/AAAAAAAABGE/IzPTXno-JoU/IMAG0463.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6VSmdt-aWHw/TrmQzPxNl7I/AAAAAAAABGE/IzPTXno-JoU/IMAG0463.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you pick up your sticker<br />today?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've always been taught that voting is just something you do as a citizen. I remember the first time I voted, and it felt kind of cool to do it. Today, voting still felt just as cool, even though it was not in the usual spot for me (I casted a ballot in Clinton this morning, the first time I've done so away from my hometown).<br />
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These local races many residents are voting on today are perhaps the most important ones they'll vote on. Presidential and gubernatorial races have all the glamour, but it's these city council and school board elections that determine more of your daily life than what Barack Obama does in the White House.<br />
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Be sure you head to the polls and vote today. There's a contested race for <a href="http://heritage.com/articles/2011/08/23/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4e53acd527cc0361443652.txt">two seats on the Manchester school board</a>, and there's <a href="http://heritage.com/articles/2011/10/19/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4e9ecfc7ce8f0315379830.txt">an uncontested race in Sharon Township</a> for two seats on the board, stemming from <a href="http://www.heritage.com/shared-content/search/?search=go&l=25&d1=180+days+ago&d2=today&s=relevance&q=sharon+township+recall&Submit=Go">the recall election in August</a> (if you think not voting in an uncontested race is an okay thing to do, reflect on what <a href="http://wireenterprise.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-voting-still-matters-even-if-every.html">I wrote here a few months ago</a> about that very issue. I hope you'll look at it differently).<br />
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There still is time to go to the polls today, they're open until 8 p.m. So go pick up your sticker and wear it the rest of the day.</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14562417786018297485noreply@blogger.com0106 W Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176, USA42.1665674 -83.78198942.165096399999996 -83.78445649999999 42.1680384 -83.7795215tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766051277482022660.post-66052039913371580312011-11-07T11:52:00.000-08:002011-11-07T12:09:04.610-08:00Sharon Township impressesI was quite impressed at the Sharon Township Board of Trustees meeting Nov. 3. First, agendas were printed and available for residents, a practice that has began taking place the last month or so.<br /><br />Next, Interim Treasurer Brian Simons presented the board and audience members with a packet detailing the townships financial information. For the first time since I began covering Sharon Township in April, audience members had the financial information at their fingertips. They were also able to ask questions, which Simons competently answered, although he's been on the job a few months. His organization and willingness to engage residents was impressive.<br /><br />Finally, mineral licensing board chair Jim Hopkins gave an extremely informational presentation on the MLB that far exceeded my expectations. He even said he would do additional research to try to establish a list of all the townships in Michigan that have MLBs, something he would have found helpful for his presentation.<br /><br />The eagerness of Sharon Township officials to be more transparent to its residents is a welcome change that is not going unnoticed by the residents. It's what the residents hoped for after August's successful recall election. The obvious change is probably in part due to the board a facelift with it's two newest members, Simons, and interim trustee Peter Psarouthakis.<br /><br />At the meeting, the audience applauded the efforts from both Simons and Hopkins and I'd like to do the same.Tanya Wildthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772192051613785568noreply@blogger.com0