September 10, 2026, town hall meeting at the Manchester Mill on the Water on Damian Craft Meat $18.5 million USDA-certified meat-processing plant being built in Manchester. Photo credit: Colleen McKenney.

by Colleen A. McKenney

On Thursday, September 10, over 125 community members, including at least 37 farmers, attended a town hall meeting at the Manchester Mill on the Water in downtown Manchester. The meeting was to discuss the current status and progress of the $18.5+ million USDA-inspected meat-processing plant being built by Damian Craft Meats at 789 Hogan Rd (southeast corner of Hogan and Sooten roads), right here in Manchester. Co-owners Damian Rivera and Rosemary Linares had prepared a presentation, showed a video about their plans and facility, and presented speakers, as well as answered questions.

View the slide presentation and watch the video here:��. Take a look and see how many local celebrities you can spot in the video!

Damian Craft Meats will be a USDA-inspected, multi-species processing facility. Initially they will be able to process beef, hogs, sheep, and goats. They will also guarantee that the animal that is brought in is the one that the farmer takes out. In addition, they will have a “boutique meat shop” open to the public and plan to distribute to stores in the region. They expect to break ground this coming spring and begin operations the following spring.

Their facility will fill a gap in processing facilities that will not only benefit local farmers and the community but also the wider state. According to Linares, this will be the first new USDA-inspected facility approved in Michigan in over 10 years. They specifically want to provide better access for small and mid-sized farms. These farmers often have to travel hours to get their animals processed. They also highlighted their commitment to the humane treatment of the animals, which several speakers Thursday mentioned can be lacking at some facilities.

Several local farmers spoke on the direct impacts this new facility will have on their operations and the benefits it provides to them. One farmer shared that the closer facility would save him over 28 hours a year just in travel time, plus the gas savings, and the shorter drive will be less stressful on his animals. Another shared his concerns about how he takes great care to raise his animals humanely and the challenge it is to have to trust them to a facility he is not sure is taking care of them how he would expect. Rivera and Linares also discussed, as did at least one farmer, the ability to provide organic-compliant processing options at the new facility, which is currently a challenge to access locally.

Rivera highlighted his desire to provide employment opportunities with living wages to local residents, and in building long-term ties in this community.

Mayor Pat Vailliencourt spoke about the city role in getting this project together and securing funding from the state for site preparation, including sewer and water infrastructure for the industrial zone. The city staff and mayor have been supportive collaborators and advocates of this project as it will benefit the city and area residents.

Manchester Mill on the Water was set up beautifully for this event and demonstrated they are a great location for hosting town hall–style events as well as other meetings in addition to special events like weddings. Their staff was on hand for refreshments during the town hall, for the dinner prior to the event, and were joined by Linares and Rivera children, Damian Rivera Jr. and Joaquin Rivera-Linares, who assisted in the background.

Mill owners Dawn Donnelly and Ken Magee were very happy with the community participation in the event. This is the largest crowd they’ve had in the Mill to date. On the topic of the processing plant, Donnelly added, “Any new ventures that support local business can only be a good thing, especially when the business also benefits the farming community.”

Michigan State Senator Sue Shink (District 14) was also in attendance. When asked about the state support of this project, Senator Shink stated, “I think this project is good for Michigan farmers, Michigan residents, and it been a lot harder than it should have [been] to get it going. This is the direction I’d like to see our investment in Michigan agriculture grow on into the future.”

If you missed the meeting, you can learn more at an in-person event at Weber Restaurant in Ann Arbor that will include dinner on September 22 at 5:30pm. To register for this event, sign up at:

Linares noted that farmers interested in using the facility are invited to complete a non-binding Letter of Intent indicating their anticipated livestock-processing needs for 2028 and that farmers who complete an LOI will be eligible for a 10% discount on hanging-weight processing charges for livestock processed in 2028. The LOI is available at .

To stay informed about upcoming events and project updates, join Damian Craft Meats’ mailing list:����You can also follow Damian Craft Meats on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @damianscraftmeats or visit their website:

Left to right: Rosemary Linares, Damian Rivera, and Farmer Dave Steinhauser, from Steinhauser Farms in Ann Arbor. Photo credit: Colleen McKenney.

2020 Aerial view of 789 Hogan Road (southeast corner of Hogan and Sooten roads), the future location Damian’s Craft Meats. Mirror file image.

Images of proposed facility from the presentation, courtesy of Damian Craft Meats:

Map of streets to be paved starting this week, courtesy of the City of Manchester.

submitted by Michael Sessions, City of Manchester manager

The City of Manchester will begin street paving work on Monday, September 14, 2026, as part of the City ongoing street-improvement efforts.

Paving is scheduled for the following streets:

• E. Duncan Street — Hibbard Street to the City limits
• Spring Street — all of Spring Street
• N. Macomb Street — W. Main Street to the dead end

Residents and motorists will continue to have access to these streets while paving is underway. However, temporary traffic restrictions and delays should be expected as crews and equipment move through the project areas.

Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling through the construction zones and to follow all traffic directions provided by the paving crews. Crews may temporarily stop, redirect, or limit traffic as necessary to safely complete the work.

Residents along the affected streets will also receive direct notification regarding the upcoming paving work.

The City asks motorists to use additional caution around construction workers and equipment and appreciates the community patience and cooperation while these improvements are completed.

Map prepared by Irish Hills Concerned Citizens, released September 9, 2026.

by Sara Swanson

Irish Hills Concerned Citizens (IHCC), a nonprofit grassroots group organized in January to oppose a proposed gravel mine that would border Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, reported last week that American Aggregates of Michigan (AAOM), the mining company, is preparing to resubmit its comprehensive zoning and site application to Norvell Township. IHCC reports that they have assembled to help residents understand the proposal and participate effectively in the review process.

The proposed 625-acre heavy industrial aggregate sand and gravel mine sits directly on the border of Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, a designated Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Waterfowl Refuge. The mining company has stated that the mine would generate 18 travel trucks an hour, 10+ hours a day. The proposed haul route runs through a second state park in our area, Hayes State Park, as well as residential areas.

Norvell Township Supervisor, Andrew Haystead, confirmed that while there are no updates to the mine application yet, the township is expecting updated studies from the applicant.

“Once the township receives the new package, the clock starts ticking,” stated IHCC president Sybil Kolon. “The community will have a short time to review the new proposal, while the township consultants are reviewing it. A public hearing will be scheduled soon after the township determines that the proposal is complete. Now is the time to make a plan to present your public comment.”

In anticipation of the filing, the IHCC board is encouraging residents to prepare their public comments using objective, measurable information rather than emotional rhetoric. “We are suggesting that our community should focus heavily on the state legal standard of ‘Very Serious Consequences’,” IHCC vice president Andy Buchsbaum stated. “We need every property owner and neighbor to identify their primary, specific concern, whether it is impacts to local parks and nearby properties, traffic safety, property values, or health concerns, and describe exactly how they will be affected, citing clear facts and real-world consequences.”

IHCC stated that they plan to provide additional guidance for making public comments in the near future.

In addition to preparing for the eventual public hearing, IHCC is encouraging residents and property owners to stay informed and participate in regular Norvell Township meetings as the review process continues. The Township Board meets on the third Monday of every month, and the Planning Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month.

We reached out to Norvell Township supervisor but did not receive a response before publication.��

Visit for more information.

9-15-2016 Editor’s note: Updated with confirmation from Norvell Township Supervisor.��

submitted by Michael Sessions, City of Manchester manager

The City of Manchester will begin necessary sanitary sewer repairs on S. Macomb Street between Main Street and Duncan Street beginning Monday, September 14, 2026.

The Manchester City Council approved the repair work at its September 8 meeting. The project is necessary to address existing sanitary sewer infrastructure issues on S. Macomb Street before the City sanitary sewer relining work can proceed in this area.

The work will include replacing approximately 28 linear feet of sanitary sewer main, installing a new 4-foot sanitary sewer manhole, and replacing approximately 28 linear feet of 18-inch pipe in the area surrounding the manhole.

Equipment is expected to be delivered to the S. Macomb Street project area on Monday, September 14, with excavation anticipated to begin that same day.

Because the project requires excavation of the roadway and work on underground sanitary sewer infrastructure, residents and motorists should expect construction equipment, temporary traffic impacts, and activity in the area while the repairs are underway. Please use caution and follow all traffic-control measures and directions from construction crews.

Completing these repairs will allow the City to move forward with sanitary sewer relining in the S. Macomb Street area as part of the City larger Sanitary Sewer Relining Project, which is designed to rehabilitate aging sewer infrastructure and extend the useful life of the City sanitary sewer system.

The City appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents while this important infrastructure work is completed.

Manchester Township Hall.

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the September 8 board meeting. Also present were fire chief Mike Kouba and a few other members of the public.

Kouba provided the monthly report for August. There were 59 calls for service, including five fires, 37 EMS responses, and five hazmat incidents.��Regular meetings and trainings were held. The board accepted the resignation of Eagan Lounsbery. The fire department was present at the Manchester Community Fair and again won the extrication challenge. Kouba will attend the Southwest Washtenaw Council of Governments meeting and will provide drafts of three ordinances for other townships’ consideration. Open burning, driveway, and dangerous building ordinances affect fire department operations and vary among the townships the fire department serves, complicating response actions.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber issued two permits for new residences, three permits for barns or garages, and one deck and one residential solar installation. Driveway access problems due to the overgrowth of brush on Yonge Drive at Iron Mill Pond are being addressed by the owners.

Milkey reported that a resident called about extensive tree trimming along Mahrle Road by the Washtenaw County Road Commission. Mahrle Road is a Natural Beauty Road and tree cover was affecting clearance for vehicles. Milkey reported extensive foundation work is being done around the foundation of the house at Iron Creek Church due to water issues.

There will be a tire collection day at the Manchester Township Hall on October 10. The Irish Hills Gravel Bike Race will be held on October 17. It will begin at Michigan International Speedway and have a significant route through Manchester Township.

As reported in July, the owner of property along M-52 near Austin Road may request rezoning from low-density residential to industrial. The owner had asked the township for a letter of support for a grant to investigate the feasibility of developing the property. Neither the board nor the planning commission support signing the letter without some idea of what the use would be. Milkey will send a letter to the owner to inform them of the rezoning application process.

The new roundabout following the placement of the concrete pavement at Scio Church Rd and Zeeb Rd intersection. Photo courtesy of Washtenaw County Road Commission.

by Sara Swanson��

Editor note: While this is not technically in the Manchester area, Scio Church Rd and Zeeb Rd is one of the main paths to get to the eastern half of the county from Manchester, so many Manchester residents pass through this intersection on a regular basis. The intersection has been closed since June 15 for the construction of a roundabout.

Last week, Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) reported that the concrete pavement is now fully in place and curing, and that the contractor is applying pavement markings, installing signs, and restoring the roadside. DTE Energy is installing new streetlights.��

The intersection of Scio Church Rd at Zeeb Rd remains closed to all traffic. WCRC encourages motorists to follow the posted .��All truck traffic is to follow the detour��using��Pleasant Lake Rd and Wagner Rd.��

by Sara Swanson

Are you a farmer who wants to give your input on the work Washtenaw County Conservation District does? Consider joining the WCCD Farmer Committee.

WCCD states, “For over 78 years, WCCD has been working with county landowners and producers in conserving our natural resources, and farmers have been a part of our leadership every step of the way. Currently, we have three farmers serving on our Board of Directors but are always looking for those willing to fill in vacant positions or simply give their input.”

There are minimal requirements to be a member of the committee, but you must be a farmer and be willing to attend a one-hour meeting every three months. If you are interested, reach out to Nick Machinski at 734-302-8711 or nick@washtenawcd.org.

by Sara Swanson

A set of keys were found on M-52 heading out of Manchester. They have a distinctive key ring. If they are yours, call Mary at 313-969-3612.

Areas that will be affected are shown in yellow. Map courtesy of City of Manchester.

by Sara Swanson

Work in the city on sanitary sewer mains will begin Tuesday, September 8.

City Manager Michael Sessions stated, “The project involves installing a new liner inside existing sanitary sewer mains, allowing the City to rehabilitate aging infrastructure without excavating and replacing the entire sewer main. The work is intended to extend the useful life of the City sewer infrastructure and improve the long-term reliability of the system.”

Work will start on portions of Washington Street, Madison Street, East Main Street, Adrian Street, South Washington Street, and Territorial Street, as well as properties impacted by the Chi-Bro Park relining. As the project progresses, work will move to Ockrow Street, City Road, Riverside, Furnace Street, Elton Street, Union Street, West Main Street, and Macomb Street.

Sessions stated that residents and businesses affected by the project will receive an advance notice from the City at least two days before relining work is scheduled to begin in their area. During the relining process, sanitary sewer service to individual properties may be temporarily interrupted.

He added, “Residents and businesses should follow the instructions included in notices distributed by the City or project contractor regarding sewer use while work is taking place. Once relining has been completed in a particular area, the City will distribute a completion notice to affected residences and businesses. The City will also send an update through its notification system advising residents that work in their area has been completed.”

Temporary traffic disruptions may also occur while work is underway as crews and equipment will be working in roadways around sanitary sewer manholes.

Sessions concluded, “The City appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents and businesses as this important infrastructure project continues.”

Worth Repeating ready for fall. Photo courtesy of Pat Sahakian.

submitted by Pat Sahakian, Worth Repeating

Come celebrate another milestone for Manchester charity resale shop. In August, Worth Repeating reached a goal of returning $200,00 to the Manchester community.

Since March of 2020, the store authorized over $200,000 in cash grants to local nonprofits, the Manchester Community Fair, Manchester parks, the Manchester District Library, and the Manchester Community Schools. Several thousands more in merchandise was given out in partnerships with local organizations.

Stop by Worth Repeating on Saturday, September 12, 2026. There will be free cake for all customers during the day. Each customer can purchase one item for 50% off on Saturday, September 12. A raffle for a giant teddy bear will be held at 1:30pm, no purchase necessary to enter. The store is open from 10am until 2pm on Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 2pm until 6pm on Thursdays.

Worth Repeating continues to look for ways to channel our profits back into the community. Grant applications are available in the store for local nonprofits.

Worth Repeating is grateful for all the volunteers, donators, and shoppers who continue to make it a success.��Our next goal is to return $225,000 back to the Manchester community. If you are interested in becoming a part of our effort, stop by the store to pick up a volunteer application. Salable donations are always welcome during open store hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10am–2pm, and Thursday, 2pm–6pm.