As each year ends, we like to bring you a summary of all that Lake Orion and the surrounding community has experienced throughout the year.
We like to call it the Year in Review. The first six months of 2015 will be in this week’s Lake Orion Review and the second half of the year will appear in next week’s newspaper.
The year was a great one for most of the Orion community where we all know that living is like a vacation.
January 7
One of the biggest controversies of the year began in earnest in January. The Orion Township board proposed moving to a single waste hauler for garbage and trash pickup for residents.
The thinking behind the move was to curtail the number of licensed trash haulers in the township. There are nine different licensed.
censed waste haulers in Orion Township and collectively they have 92 licensed trucks.
But, residents would have none of it and told township officials to keep their noses out of their garbage collection. Residents came out in force to township board meetings, criticizing board members, especially Supervisor Chris Barnett, and saying they liked their garbage services as they are.
Residents said they wanted a choice in who picked up their garbage and questioned whether going to a single waste hauler would be more expensive than rates they were paying. There was evidence that rates would go down with a single waste hauler.
‘I’m not emotional about my trash service but I am emotional about my freedom of choice,? one resident said at a board meeting.
‘If I want to pay more, shouldn’t I have that choice?,? asked another resident.
Township officials got the message that residents were not interested in going to a single provider and dropped the issue, which would have been accomplished through an ordinance.
‘There are some passionate people here who love their garbage service,? Barnett said.
January 14
The Village of Lake Orion got some good news and a pat on the back from its audit firm for running a tight financial ship during 2014.
The audit found no major qualms and only a few words of wisdom: Look closely at their refined pension plan, which needed some tweaking. The audit also praised the village for increasing its fund balance by $187,673, which it said was due to watching expenditures more closely.
January 21
Orion Township teamed up with neighboring communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Rochester Hills to form the North Oakland County Water Authority. The plan involves utilizing a water storage tank in Pontiac that is filled during non-peak hours and then used by all four municipalities as needed.
The estimated savings to Orion Township is $250,000 annually.
Lake Orion’s girls bowling team won the county championship for the second time in four years. The young Dragons had no seniors on the team but defeated the other 26 schools in the tournament.
January 28
Downtown Lake Orion was awash with outhouses in the first-ever Winter Carnival Outhouse Races. Teams put portable outhouses on wheels and raced down Broadway in pursuit of the dubiously-coveted Golden Toilet Seat Award.
There also was an ice golf challenge out on Lake Orion that attracted 12 teams and about 50 people to the nine-hole tournament.
February 4
A blizzard on Groundhog’s Day brought 10 inches of snow to the area and gave kids the day off school for the first time all season. Children throughout the area took the opportunity to enjoy the snow and a short break from school.
The Village of Lake Orion had to repair a water main break on Heights near Lakeview. The break spewed nearly two feet of water into a nearby low spot. Village DPW workers were able to repair the break after several hours.
February 11
The possibility of a high-end development plan was unveiled by Orion Township. The 125 acres could be the site of seven different developments called the Brown Innovation Zone.
The township hired a firm called Strategic Communications Solutions to try to analyze what is needed and then bring some interested parties to the table.
‘We are trying to attract jobs and stimulate economic growth,? Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said.
Lake Orion Schools announced that they have a substitute teacher shortage and said nearby schools also have a problem finding good substitutes. Full time teachers get 10 paid leave days per year and during flu and cold season, Lake Orion is often strapped to find substitutes who are certified and can fill those needs.
February 18
Lake Orion Schools are looking at a loss next year of about $1 million. The district has plans in place to adjust the expected losses and keep within a 10 percent budget surplus. The expected losses in revenue are from lower than anticipated enrollment and changes by the state of Michigan in per-pupil funding.
General Motors announced that the new electric Bolt EV will be built at the Orion Assembly Plant.
The plant has received about $160 million for re-tooling and other upgrades necessary to assemble the new vehicle.
The all-electric vehicle is expected to cost about $30,000 and will have an estimated 200 miles of range.
The new vehicle is expected to start rolling of the lines in late 2016 or early 2017.
February 25
Lake Orion’s girls competitive cheer team won the state district championship for the third consecutive year. The girls? team is one of the best in the state.
The Orion Township Planning Commission gave preliminary approval to Meridian Commons, a community of single-story apartments at 3677 S. Lapeer Rd. The proposed development would be designed for senior citizens and so-called empty nesters.
March 4
Orion Township became the first municipality in Oakland County to develop and approve an ordinance to control the growth of phragmites, an invasive plant species that is eradicating inland and coastline native plants.
Lake Orion’s competitive cheer team won its regional championship and moves on to the state meet.
March 11
Several lakefront properties along Broadway in Lake Orion have been sold and one of those businesses is moving north to Oxford.
Spa on the Lake announced plans to move to an historic two-story house in Oxford. Other properties that were sold include the Rustic Cabins, Lakeshore Motel and Apartments and the Allergy and Asthma business.
Future plans include redevelopment into various residential and commercial uses, perhaps even a lakefront restaurant.
The properties, owned by Chuck Schneider, were sold to the Porritt Group, who are in the lighthouse building, between the purchased properties.
March 18
Lake Orion High School senior Devon Nowicki won two state titles in establishing himself as one of the greatest swimmers in state history at the Division 1 meet held in Ypsilanti.
Nowicki obliterated his own state record in the 100 yard breastroke, beating the old mark by nearly two seconds. He also won the 100 yard butterfly.
Nowicki will continue his swimming career at Oakland University.
The Lake Orion community mourned the loss of Staff Sgt. Trevor Blaylock, 29. Blaylock, a Marine and graduate of Lake Orion High School, was killed in the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter along with 10 other servicemen.
March 25
The newly-renovated Orion Library opened to some new kid-friendly spaces and a thing or two for adults as well.
The renovations, costing about $300,000, were greeted with great feedback and positive signs. The renovations included a special children’s section, an automated check-out system. Children now have some exciting computer options so the young ones can learn and play.
Lake Orion English teacher Joshua Hosler was honored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for his dedication, attentive and caring attitude toward his students.
Hosler was honored along with 12 other educators from around the country. Hosler has taught at Lake Orion for 11 years.
April 1
During his ‘State of the Township? address, supervisor Chris Barnett noted the progress and development that is sweeping the community. He noted the 328 new home starts in 2014 as well as seven commercial or industrial buildings going up.
He also touted the announcement by General Motors that a new all-electric vehicle called the Bolt is expected to be built at the Orion Assembly Plant.
Barnett said he is often told by home developers that their customers want to come to Orion because of the great schools.
Lake Orion schools announced a plan to use 25 area stakeholders to develop a long-range planning study. The district has been losing students for a few years and the planning study was to look at long-range plans that take into account new development and other changes on the horizon.
April 8
Several popular businesses announced plans to build on Baldwin Road. The developments include Chicago-based restaurant, Potbelly; Denver-based Chipolte Mexican Grill and two other tenants, Aspen Dental and Sherwin Williams Paints.
Plans were announced to construct five traffic roundabouts in the areas of Brown and Clarkston roads. The roundabouts are expected to be constructed at Judah Rd., Gregory Rd., Maybee Rd., Waldon Rd., on Baldwin Rd.
According to the Road Commission for Oakland County, the roundabouts improve public safety with fewer fatalities and accidents.
April 15
The Lake Orion Winter Percussion Ensemble took first place in the world in the Winter Guard International World Championships. The 46-member group of Lake Orion students performed a presentation they called ‘The Shield? that depicted a battle between Spartans and Persians.
The Dragons were the only group that received a standing ovation from the crowd at the world championships in Dayton, Ohio.
The Lake Orion Downtown Development announced they are looking to connect the Paint Creek Trail directly into downtown. The extension, of nearly one mile, could be done in 2016.
April 22
Orion Township officials announced plans to contract with ArborTrek Canopy Adventure company to construct an $800,000 eco-adventure park at Camp Agawam, 1223 W. Clarkston Rd. The development is expected to include zip line canopy tours, aerial trek courses and an adventure challenge course, aimed at a variety of groups. The park, which was purchased by the township, will be open for rentals and outdoor activities. The development would use about six acres of the 143-acre park. Arbor-Trek officials estimated the township could make several hundred thousands of dollars per year with the development.
The village of Lake Orion announced it will have a balanced budget for the year. The village was able to balance the budget even after it had a $1 million renovation of the new village hall on Church Street.
April 29
Area veterans came together with a lot of help from Home Depot to construct a Victory Garden at the Orion Veteran’s Memorial. Victory Gardens became popular in World War I and World War II in many countries, including ones in the United Kingdom, and the United States, Australia, Canada and Germany.
The plan was for communities to grow their own food in difficult times.
With a $5,000 grant from the Home Depot Foundation, 35 of the company’s employees descended on the Orion Veterans Memorial and built two 22-by-4-foot raised gardens at the Memorial to be stoked with vegetables, fruits and herbs.
May 6
Lake Orion Schools announced the layoffs of 14 teachers due to budget constraints. The district has a $1.3 million shortfall.
School officials said it appeared that at least three of the 14 would be called back and it was possible with other budget adjustments that most of the remaining 11 could be re-hired, officials said.
May 13
Lake Orion bocce player Jose Botto won the United States? first-ever medal at the World Bocce Championships held in Rome, Italy. Botto, representing Orion Township’s Palazzo di Bocce, defeated players from Germany, Peru, France, Poland, Lithuania, Brazil and San Marino. He won the Silver Medal at the games.
Botto lost to the defending world champion from Switzerland.
More than 1,000 area residents attended the Community Business Expo, held at Lake Orion High School. The annual event attracts businesses from throughout the area.
May 20
Lake Orion Village residents will see a lowering of their millage rates for services. The annual millage rate set by the village council decreased from 10,0176 mills to 9.9025 mills. For a homeowner with a home valued at about $200,000 this means a yearly savings of about $30.
Notre Dame Prep senior Katherine Carlson, was named athlete of the year by the Catholic High School League. Carlson is a Lake Orion native who also won the state’s Miss Volleyball title in 2014. She is now attending Valparaiso University.
May 27
Orion area residents and veterans came out in droves for the annual Memorial Day Parade in downtown and to the gathering at the Orion Veterans Memorial.
Thousands of marchers and parade watchers came downtown for the annual event, honoring the nation’s veterans who perished in wars.
The Lake Orion Village offices were closed a couple of days this week so that the village offices could be moved to the renovated site at 21 E. Church. The move was made after the village sold its old offices on Flint Street to Lockhart’s Barbeque, which opened later in 2015.
June 3
An Oxford man, who attended Memorial Day services at the Orion Veteran’s Memorial seated in a wheelchair and wearing the uniform of a decorated Army Special Services solider, was exposed as a hoax. The man, Nicholas George, was found not to be a retired soldier, who claimed he was a former Green Beret.
Following an investigation by the editor of The Oxford Leader, it was determined that George allegedly falsified nearly all of his honors and service.
Orion Township earned the highest auditor rating by its accounting firm of Plante Moran. The auditors gave the township an unqualified or ‘clean? opinion for their financial situation.
June 10
While Lake Orion Schools will see a $106 per pupil increase in funding for 2015-2016, school officials said the net gain is only $8. The increase means the district will realize about $60,000 for the year.
Orion Township announced plans to use Deputy Kevin Hall in bike patrol duty, patrolling off-road sections of the township on certain days and times.
Hall completed 40 hours of training and is expected to patrol off-road segments of the Paint Creek and Polly Ann trails, township parks, safety paths and retail plazas. Hall also will perform regular patrol duties.
June 17
A four-year-old Lake Orion boy drowned in a swimming pool while the family visited friends in Sterling Heights.
According to police reports, the family was visiting friends on Winterfield Street, near 19 Mile Rd., when the tragedy occurred. The child was not seen for a few minutes and was found in the pool.
The family of Lake Orion village resident Natalie Dazersa, was forced to pay $21,000 to pay for a sewer lead break in front of her home on Lake Street.
Dazersa argued to the village council that the village should be responsible for the break since it occurred 25-feet below the surface.
‘I think the village should be responsible for anything on their property,? she said.
However, other communities around the state have similar ordinances that hold residents responsible.
June 24
General Motors announced more detail in the $962 million investment spent and planned for the Orion Assembly Plant since 2010. The upcoming improvements include $169 million for development to assemble the Chevy Bolt, an all-electric car; $545 million for retooling for current Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano; and $12 million for landfill gas power houses.
The annual Lake Orion Lions Club Jubilee took over downtown Lake Orion. The annual carnival returned to downtown Lake Orion one year ago after being held at Canterbury Village while downtown renovations were underway for the prior two years.
The popular event had an array of carnival attractions, food and the Lions? beer tent.
Chevy Bolt, an all-electric car; $545 million for retooling for current Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano; and $12 million for landfill gas power houses.
The Lake Orion Lions Club Jubilee took over downtown Lake Orion. The annual carnival returned to downtown Lake Orion one year ago after being held at Canterbury Village while downtown renovations were underway for the prior two years.
The popular event had an array of carnival attractions, food and the Lions? beer tent.