Margaret Lee, Citizen of the Year

Margaret Lee, Citizen of the Year

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer We are proud to honor Margaret Lee, a long-time Brandon Township resident who has dedicated herself to serving those in need in this community for more than two decades, as the 2016 Citizen of the Year. Lee, 73, received numerous nominations from community members who value her service as treasurer […]

9-11 reflections

After 15 years locals recall impact of worst terrorist attacks on U.S. soil

9-11 reflections

Ground Zero about two days after the attack on the World Trade Center. The photo was taken by Brandon Firefighter David Castle.  By David Fleet Editor David Castle recalls the faces of family members. “They were lined up along the streets holding pictures of loved ones,” recalls Castle. “They really had no other way to […]

The Voice on Snapchat eyes local musical artist

Check out Miley's selection on The Voice: https://youtu.be/-Au-EW8erHc

By David Fleet Editor Genavieve Linkowski has never had a voice lesson. But if all goes well on Sept. 19, the 17-year-old Atlas Township resident will receive musical instruction from a few of the best in the entertainment business. In August, NBC announced that fans of the reality competition “The Voice” series could audition for […]

2016 CROP Walk features new route, scavenger hunt

For the 36th year, walkers in Ortonville will help fight hunger both abroad and at home. This year’s annual CROP Walk is set for 1:30 p.m., Sept. 25. CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk is a historic walk and one that is celebrated across the nation as communities band together to reduce world hunger. […]

Pork Chop Hill veteran

Pork Chop Hill veteran

At 7 p.m., Sept. 14, the Ortonville Community Historical Society will host a local US Army veteran, Ken Maxwell, 82, a Linden resident, served in the Army during the Korean War as a medic and was injured in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill—flecks of shrapnel are still in his left leg. That shrapnel still […]

RAGBRAI: Local finds healthy habit, bikes across Iowa

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Brandon Twp.-Stephen Lyon smoked for 30 years until the “great recession” hit him in the pocketbook in 2008. He had been quitting smoking for three decades, but after losing his job with a bank, he finally gave up his 10-pack of Marlboro Red cigarettes a week for good, and when […]

A day for Purple Hearts

Community honors veterans; WWII P.O.W. recalls being shot down, captured in Austria

A day for Purple Hearts

Front from left, James Cartwright, WWII; Don Kengerski, Korean War. Back row from left, Tyler Gucwa, Iraq War; Larry Perry, Vietnam War; Larry Carrithers, Vietnam War; Dane Guisbert, WWII; Ron Allen, Vietnam War; Robert Wilk, Vietnam War and  Samuel Mackey WWII. On Aug. 6  Area Purple Heart recipients gathered at the Ortonville Cemetery. Now, Ortonville […]

Mission: Flint

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Last year, Jan Pasteiner led youth on a mission trip more than 500 miles south of here in Tennessee. This year, they offered their help to those in need less than 20 miles to the north in Flint. “We have neighbors that are 10 miles from us that are homeless,” […]

Costa Rica cuts—locals offer aid to poor natives, refugees

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Hair cuts and manicures aren’t typically thought of as mission work, but they were very appreciated by some Costa Ricans in need, as well as refugees. Kim Parsons, a hairdresser at Amedae Salon in Brandon Township, wasn’t able to take all the tools of her trade, but she made great […]

St. Anne pastor celebrates 50 years as priest with Mass

By David Fleet Editor St. Anne Catholic Church was full. Really full. “For two or three years during the summer months I said Mass outside under the pine trees,” said the Rev. John J. Sullivan. “There were so many summer visitors there was really no option but to build a new church—the need was there. […]