Ex-boyfriend suspected in township arson

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Brandon Twp.– A jilted boyfriend is suspected of arson that damaged three vehicles and a house. Brandon deputies and firefighters responded at about 3:45 a.m., July 24 to a residence in the 4600 block of Ramsey Road for a vehicle fire. En route, they were advised that the house was […]

Goodrich man arrested for sex crimes

By David Fleet Editor (Update) A Goodrich businessman and resident was arrested on July 18 after he allegedly used the social media app Grindr to attract a 14-year-old boy into his home for sex. Sheriff Robert Pickell announced on Thursday morning that Terry Cadarette, 48, will face three counts of criminal sexual conduct, one count […]

Renaissance parking, traffic addressed

By David Fleet Editor Groveland Twp.– Jennifer Simsack lives about a half-mile east of the Perryville Road and Dixie Highway intersection. For most weekends the rural crossroads has very little traffic. However, in late summer the placid country intersection takes on a new look during the weekends in late August through early October when nearby […]

Voter’s Guide 51st District State House

(Editor’s note:Earlier this month, The Citizen newspaper e-mailed questions to candidates in the 51st State House District, which serves Atlas and Groveland townships along with the Village of Goodrich. Candidates were limited to 30 word responses. Key: (I) Incumbent, (R) Republican and (D) Democrat. Name:John Lauve (R) Age: 75 Years in the 51st District:20 Years Education: University […]

Standing room only trail meeting shows split community

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Brandon Twp.- It was standing room only at a board workshop regarding the Iron Belle Trail on Monday. Among the people crowding the township office room for the meeting, 35 were counted as in support of the trail, 27 were opposed, and five were indifferent. “We are directly affected— it […]

Goodrich man allegedly used Grindr to meet, abuse 14-year-old boy

By David Fleet Editor A Goodrich businessman and resident was arrested on July 18 after he allegedly used the so cial media app Grindr to attract a 14-year-old by into his home for sex. Sheriff Robert Pickell announced on Thursday morning that Terry Cadarette, 48, will face three counts of criminal sexual conduct, one count […]

New Brandon athletic director named

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Brandon Twp.-The path that led Chris Deines to being named the new Brandon athletic director included time in an airport prior to his honeymoon flight. Deines, who was unanimously approved as the district’s new AD at the July 18 board of education meeting, was newly wed to wife Danielle in […]

Keeper of the light

Township resident tends to historic Lake Michigan lighthouse, reflects on island life

By David Fleet Editor Leland-For about the past month Jonathan Schechter had a room with a spectacular view. From May 24 until June 28 Schechter, a Brandon Township resident and on-call firefighter, served as the lighthouse keeper on South Manitou Island. He was one of three individuals selected by the National Park Service for the […]

Purple Heart Day

By David Fleet Editor It’s been a little more than a year since Ortonville VFW Commander Dennis Hoffman went in search of Purple Heart veterans. Sixty-one veterans responded. “I’m just amazed that many responded in our small community,” said Hoffman, an Army veteran who served in Korea from 1968-70. “It’s just a great honor to […]

Dinosaurs make a comeback in township

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Brandon Twp.-A dinosaur first spotted last fall in the township has since been sighted more than 9 million times. The T-Rex, identified as 8-year-old Ryan DePalma, has gained widespread fame after his parents, township residents Brad and Dana DePalma, recorded a less than 1-and-a-half minute video of him in costume […]