The Monroe Evening News

- Photo courtesy of Monroe Public Schools Monroe Public Schools teacher Christine Jarrait stands in front of a bulletin board with information about the Eco Art Class, which she teaches. Full Story »

More than 70 volunteers from the Monroe Exchange Club and Monroe Council 1266, Knights of Columbus, will take part in the annual Goodfellow Newspaper Sale today and Saturday. Full Story »

Despite being in the struggling State of Michigan, a number of local community officials remained in a state of optimism Thursday, touting new streets, parks, businesses and capital projects as glimmers amid lingering economic gloom. Full Story »

Monroe County Community College President Dr. David E. Nixon received a contract extension this week. The college’s board of trustees approved a three-year contract extension by a 6-0 vote. His contract will run through July 31, 2013. Full Story »

The first signs that the River Raisin battlefield in Monroe is a new national park might sprout within a year, but it could be as long as eight years before any significant development of the park occurs, federal officials said Thursday. Full Story »

Donations are being accepted for the Smith family, whose house and belongings were destroyed by fire Nov. 24. Five adults and two children lived in the home on Wells Rd. on the border of Ida and Summerfield townships. Full Story »

— Evening News photo by BRYAN BOSCH Jerry Smith (left) lay unconscious in the bedroom of the family home in Ida Township, which he shares with three sisters and his younger brother Travis (right). Full Story »

The City of Milan is raising water rates after years of not charging enough for the service. The city council unanimously approved the water hike at its Nov. 23 meeting. The rates will be raised by about $12.50 a month. The increase took effect Tuesday. Full Story »

BERLIN TOWNSHIP — A public hearing on a new $1.1 million budget for Berlin Township in 2010 will be held Friday. The township board will host the hearing at 3 p.m. in the lower level of the township hall, 8000 Swan View, Newport. Copies of the spending plan will be available to review. Full Story »

For Amanda Brightman, one local performance by Joey Page just wasn’t enough. After attending his concert at last year’s Christmas in Ida festival, the 14-year-old was determined to see him again at this year’s festival in downtown Ida. Full Story »

The 27th annual Christmas in Ida Festival and Parade of Lights kicks off Friday in downtown Ida. The three-day festival offers a wide variety of entertainment and shopping. Full Story »

Pump Engineering, a pump technology firm that began in a Frenchtown Township garage more than two decades ago, will be acquired by a California company in a deal worth more than $25 million. Full Story »

— Evening News photo by RAY KISONAS Jane and Jim Gosla of Monroe have three grandsons and a nephew serving in the military. Full Story »

ASH TOWNSHIP — A suspected car thief jumped out of a slow-moving vehicle along N. Telegraph Rd. while being pursued by police Tuesday night and eventually eluded capture. Full Story »

Decisions on naming an interim principal at Eyler Elementary School and eliminating four media aides at the elementary level were delayed by the Airport Community Schools Board of Education last week. Full Story »

With the school year back in full swing and some hiring across the economy, Monroe County’s unemployment rate fell to 13.6 percent in October, one of the largest drops among Michigan’s major labor markets. Full Story »

Jennifer Ewen breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday as the Monroe County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted its proposed 2010 budget. Full Story »

— Evening News photo by KIM BRENT Loraine Bolton (center) of Monroe picks out some baked goods for her family, with the help of volunteers, including Rochelle May (left) and 14-year-old Josh Gibson during a weekly giveaway of food, clothing and other household items in the lot of the Eagle’s Nest Community Church in Monroe Tuesday. Full Story »

SUMMERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Fire engulfed and destroyed a house in a rural area of Summerfield Township close to the Lenawee County line early this morning. Full Story »

Area residents can get an update on the progress toward developing the War of 1812 River Raisin Battlefield into a national park during a meeting Thursday night at Monroe County Community College. Full Story »

— Evening News photo by KIM BRENT Monroe High School students (from top left) Stephanie Adams, a senior; Brandon Bagley, a junior, and Amber Evans, a sophomore, have completed previously unfulfilled course credits through the new E2020 online credit recovery program. Full Story »

The Salvation Army of Monroe County is looking for more donors for its Adopt-a-Family program to assure all needy families have a merry Christmas this year. Full Story »

ERIE TOWNSHIP — Three suspected burglars, including the grandson of the victim, are being held in the county jail after allegedly breaking into a house, stealing several guns and trading them for drugs while the homeowner was at Thanksgiving dinner. Full Story »

On Saturday, people from Monroe and elsewhere will celebrate Gen. George Custer’s 170th birthday with a guided bus tour of the sites that Custer frequented. The "charge" will be led by none other than Gen. Custer, portrayed by Steve Alexander. Full Story »

— Evening News file photo by KIM BRENT Steve Alexander has portrayed Gen. George Custer at local and national events for years and will take part in a Custer birthday celebration this weekend in Monroe. Full Story »