Gilpin takes plea bargain

Brandon Twp. – In August 2002, Brandon Township resident John Gilpin signed his daughter’s name on a preliminary election absentee ballot. The vote was cast yet later cancelled by election officials. who questioned the signature. The name verification procedure is a routine measure for absentee ballots. Eight months later on April 11, 2003 Gilpin stood […]

Sirens now Twp’s

Brandon Twp – Last November, Brandon Township officials suffered from sticker shock when they received a bill from Oakland County totalling $29,916. The bill was for three tornado sirens installed throughout the township since 1992. ‘The sirens were installed in 92, 94, and 96, but we show no evidence of ever being invoiced,? said Ron […]

Gov.Granholm’s decision irks locals

Brandon Twp – Governor Granholm’s denial of disaster relief funds on Tuesday, April 22, has many officials questioning the governor’s community support. ‘I was disappointed with the decision,? said Ron Lapp, Brandon Township supervisor. ‘When we needed her support she has turned her back on us.? ‘What do we need to declare a disaster? This […]

Genesee softball league looses umpire, supporter

Goodrich – Jim Sanford Sr., of Goodrich was a gentle guy who knew the rules of the game. The world of Genesee softball will no longer hear the fair calls of Jim, whose reputation for good umpiring since 1973 is legendary. Sanford, 57, died March 29. ‘Jim did an awful lot for softball, he always […]

New Hadley Postmaster eager to serve area

Hadley – On April 30, Margaret Colley will be sworn-in as Hadley’s newest postmaster, and Colley says she is here to stay. ‘I’m here the for the next six years, until I retire,? said Colley. ‘The residents can depend on that, and depend on me,? she said. Colley has spent more than 26 years preparing […]

New ORV ordinance

Brandon Twp – After reviewing the off-road vehicle ordinance draft, Township Trustee Doug Palmer was satisfied the draft is a good first step to adopting an ordinance. ‘As far as ordinances go, this one is brief, direct and to the point,? said Palmer. After reviewing the draft with the study committee, Building and Planning Director […]

April ice storm costly for area

Brandon Twp. -The devastating ice storm that hit Oakland County on April 4, cost local governments and services about $17,000, say officials. An expense that may be tough on communities at a time when budgets are already tight. Following the ice storm that closed businesses, downed power lines and kept public services working 24 hours […]

A license to collect

Ortonville – Howard Grovesteen is no stranger to the history of Ortonville, nor is he a stranger to the antiquity of a few residents? license plate past. Though he down plays his plate expertise, with more than 150 consecutively numbered licenses mounted for display, Grovesteen is a connoisseur. ‘This is no big deal compared to […]

Crews dig in as area services are upgraded

Brandon Twp. – Granger Road resident Susan Nassar saw a possible problem. A utility maintenance truck was stuck up to its axles in the swamp on Kent Road and feared diesel fuel was leaking and the wetlands were being destroyed. ‘I smell diesel fuel and now I have it in my pond,? said Nassar. However, […]

M-15 Safety Path construction to begin

Brandon Township – Once again, the township said construction of the long awaited safety path should begin within the year. ‘I’d like to see dirt turned while we are still on the board,? said Ron Lapp, Brandon Township supervisor. The safety path is intended for student pedestrian traffic. The trail would eventually connect the Brandon […]