Article

Minimum wage could be on Michigan’s ballot this year, MT community weighs in

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The Raise the Wage Michigan Ballot Committee’s proposal would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2027, which could impact Meridian Township workers and business owners alike.

Michigan’s current minimum wage is $9.87 an hour. This would increase in one dollar increments over five years. After reaching $15 an hour in 2027, the initiative requires automatic adjustments for inflation each year.

The initiative also seeks to end the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, for people with disabilities and people younger than 20-years old. The sub-minimum wage would be phased out by January 2028.

Government

Meet the new MT Board Trustees

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Out of nine applicants, the Meridian Township Board unanimously selected Scott Hendrickson and Marna Wilson to fill the vacant trustee seats on on March 15. They were sworn on March 17. https://youtu.be/UHptNW1ZKjI?t=5386

One seat opened up after former trustee Dan Opsommer left the board early last month to be assistant township manager. Then, Patricia Herring-Jackson was appointed to Township Supervisor after former supervisor Ron Styka’s death meaning she vacated her trustee seat. 

“We are very happy to have returned to a fully functional Township board with two new members who are well known and respected in Meridian Township,” Herring-Jackson said. “The Board determined that Marna Wilson and Scott Hendrickson both bring slightly different perspectives but shared values and interests to the Township Board.

Business & Economy

Demolition makes way for new Trader Joe’s

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Demolition began last week on the corner of Grand River Avenue and Northwind Drive, clearing the way for a new Trader Joe’s. https://twitter.com/meridiantwp/status/1502303793421111296

It will be approximately 13,500 square feet and includes 2.2 acres of property. The preliminary site plan provided to Meridian Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals requests additional parking spaces on site. The request was approved Dec. 8, 2021.

Education

MT schools lift mask mandates, MSU public health professor weighs in

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Photo by Pam Menegakis on Unsplash

Okemos Public Schools dropped its mask mandates on Feb. 23 and as of this past Wednesday, Haslett Public Schools also lifted the mandate regardless of vaccination status. As K-12 schools start to dropping their mask mandates as COVID-19 cases plummet, some public health experts are concerned about the decision. “We understand that this change may cause relief for some and anxiety for others. Individuals still have the option to wear masks if they so choose,” Haslett Public School Superintendent Steven Cook said in a statement on March 1.

A small memorial to Ron Styka sits on a chair outside the township board meeting room
Government

Patricia Herring-Jackson appointed as MT supervisor

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Sophia KalakailoThe Meridian Township Board appointed Patricia Herring-Jackson to township supervisor at a special meeting on Tuesday. Patricia Herring-Jackson, a Meridian Township trustee, was appointed supervisor at a special meeting on Tuesday after Township Supervisor Ron Styka died unexpectedly last week. 

“I’m excited while being saddened and surprised, but I’ve worked with most of these people at least four years in this capacity so I think this is an opportunity for us to continue how well we work together to accomplish a lot of things,” Herring-Jackson said. 


Township Supervisor Herring-Jackson thanks the board for its support. (By Sophia Kalakailo)

Her appointment opens a second spot on the board of trustees that the township is looking to fill next month. Dan Opsommer left the board earlier this month to be the assistant township manager. Herring-Jackson said she has been in the township for about 35 years.