Looking for a forever home

Sammy Jo was about to get a new name and a new family. She seemed pretty happy about it, if a wagging tail is any indication. Jan and Brett Saunders of Lake Orion were signing papers to adopt the dog recently from the K-9 Stray Rescue League in Oxford. The 2-year-old female was going to […]

Students develop strength, stamina, ‘I can? attitude

Brandon Twp.- Jacob Green loves the pool. Not so unusual for a 12-year-old, until you learn that Jacob isn’t your average seventh grader. While most kids will jump, dive, or climb into the pool, Jacob needs adults to help him into the water. But just the fact that he is able to walk once he […]

Winter nears: County warns of road snow woes

Drivers in Brandon and Groveland townships beware: Snowy, icy roads ahead. Officials from the Road Commission of Oakland County are warning local drivers to exercise caution this winter as they travel M-15 and dirt roads that will likely be a challenge to drive as funding cuts affect snow and ice removal. ‘The critical message is […]

Voters approve millage renewal, Privette elected to board seat

Brandon Twp.- Despite a dire economy, voters passed an operating millage renewal for the school district on Tuesday, providing a bright spot for students, teachers, and school district officials as per-pupil funding cuts loom. The operating millage renewal of 17.9496 mills on businesses and secondary residences such as vacation homes, passed on Nov. 3 with […]

Twp. employees next casualty for budget axe

Brandon Twp.- Township employees, like workers around the state and country, are finding themselves on the chopping block in a wretched economy. As a Dec. 31 deadline to balance the budget bears down on township boardmembers, discussion on changes for employees is heating up. At the Nov. 2 board meeting, trustees and elected officials debated […]

New village manager named

Ortonville- The village has a new manager. By a 4-2 vote Monday night, the village council approved the hiring of Bill Sprague. Councilmembers Harold Batten and Aileen Champion voted no. ‘He was the best of many well-qualified candidates,? said Council President Ken Quisenberry. ‘I’m optimistic that he understands what the needs of the village are […]

OCEF prepares for Thanksgiving

Brandon Twp.- On Nov. 26, millions of Americans will gather at tables laden with food as they celebrate Thanksgiving. For 200 local families this year, Thanksgiving feasts will be made possible by generous donations to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund. ‘We are up from last year, when we had 170 families seeking assistance,? said OCEF […]

‘And Then There Were None?

Brandon Twp.- Time for a mystery. The Brandon High School drama department presents ‘And Then There Were None,? by Agatha Christie, at 7 p.m., Nov. 5, 6, and 7 onstage at the BHS Performing Arts Center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road. Admission cost is $5. ‘It was time to do a mystery, we like to do […]

By 4-2 vote, village OKs new councilmember

Ortonville- In a spontaneous move, Coleen Skornicka was appointed as a village councilmember Monday night. Skornicka told Councilman Dan Eschmann on Monday she was interested in the position that was vacated by Mary Kassuba on Oct. 5. Eschmann told her to come to the village meeting that was starting in about 30 minutes. At the […]

Gift of Life heart beats on

Brandon Twp.- Dan and Renelle Tolan received an extraordinary letter in the mail in August. ‘Dear donor family,? began the letter. ‘There are no words possible to tell you the impact that your selflessness has had on my life and that of my family. I know that during a very difficult time in your lives […]