‘I loved it. The rest is history.?

Brandon Twp.- A fire more than 20 years ago in Helen Clemetsen’s Belle Ann Elementary classroom underscored the importance of fire prevention. At Monday’s school board meeting, Clemetsen remembered that fire and honored Assistant Fire Chief David Borst with a community service award for his efforts as the leader of the fire prevention program in […]

‘I felt a snap and that was it. I told them I couldn’t move.?

Hadley Twp.- Kyle Deachin, like many other high school seniors, will walk in commencement exercises this month. However, unlike most, those steps toward the podium to receive his diploma were not an absolute certainty nearly three months ago, when the 17-year-old suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury. ‘This whole experience has gone so fast,? says […]

‘Very few people teach for 40 years and are still sane?

Brandon Twp.- For the first time since 1952, when she started kindergarten, Judy Thurston won’t be in a classroom this September. After 40 years as an elementary school teacher, 39 of them in the Brandon School District, Thurston is retiring at the end of this school year. ‘I’m excited, but I’m not counting the days,? […]

Village acquiring two area properties for demolition

Ortonville- Village officials expect to close on the purchase of two properties in the village within the next 30 days, after which the homes on those properties will be demolished. Village Manager Ed Coy said the village has a purchase agreement with the title holders of 21 Church Street and 61 Narrin Street. Both properties […]

Township park maintenance contract awarded

Brandon Twp.- Chesnutt Outdoor Services, LLC will provide maintenance for the Brandon Township Community Park through Dec. 31 at a cost of $16,250. The township board unanimously awarded the Ortonville company the bid during their May 4 meeting. While Chesnutt was not the low bidder, Recreation Director Fred Waybrant recommended the company based on previous […]

New supply well to aid firefighting capabilities in village

Ortonville- A supply well located downtown will give Brandon firefighters a more reliable water source, better firefighting capabilities and may mean lower insurance premiums for some residents and business owners. Brandon Fire Chief Dave Kwapis received village council approval May 11 for moving forward with plans to locate a supply well on property next to […]

Crime unit aims to protect kids from internet predators

Brandon Twp.- The man lived overseas and was preying on women all over the world. Now, his victim was an Oakland County girl. He asked for sexually explicit photos of her and blackmailed her with her parents? tax information and pictures, telling her he would ruin their lives and credit history if she didn’t comply. […]

Village, Teamsters spar; Union: ‘I don’t know what they are thinking?

Village officials are heading to arbitration to resolve issues surrounding the termination of two Department of Public Works employees. Teamsters Local 214 President Joe Valenti, who is representing Bill Prince and Kevin Booms, said Tuesday an agreement to arbitrate the Prince case had been reached and the Booms case will also be arbitrated, with the […]

Community ‘Victory Gardens? sprouting

Brandon Twp.- During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraged Americans to plant ‘Victory Gardens? to supplement their incomes and the food supply during a time of rationing. Dale and Ginnie Richmond remember that time clearly. Their families and their neighbors all participated. Now, in a recession that is the worst in 74-year-old Dale’s […]

A lesson in love. Dear Mom…

Atlas Twp.- Every year at this time, English teacher Bill Duso gives a special writing assignment to all the seniors at Goodrich High School. He tells them to write a letter to their mothers. Duso doesn’t read the letters, but he mails them and has been doing so for 20 years. ‘When I watched seniors […]