For The Citizen, as for other newspapers, when New Year’s rolls around and current news events slow the year-in-review edition, a collection of old stories along with a handfull of photos comprise the first publication of the year. It’s a natural thing to do: people are usually reflective this time of year, wanting to take one final look back at the past year before moving ahead with the new one.
However, in some ways, these year-in-review edition are less than great reading unless some critical anayalsis can be given to the event of the 2006. Good, bad, funny, big deals, little deals, no deals, cheap, expensive, boring, or fearful’how the stories of last year are charterized will ultimately shape 2007.
So in 2007 lets look for some progress on the sewer project in the Brandon Township area; all our troops home safely; a union contract considered fair by all parties for Goodrich Area Schools; an end to struggles with the pathway on Hegel Road; a fair resolution to the proposed five acre minimum lot size for portions of Atlas Township; rather than recalls in Ortonville, a better working relationship between citizens and local government; increased attendance and orderly meetings of governing bodies; no more tragedies for those traveling M-15.
Some of these goals should seem apparent, while others may not. It wouldn’t be a NewYear’s article without some resolutions and predictions, which we’ve thrown in along with the lessons.
But in response to adversity, our readers demonstrated what a community that comes together can accomplish. We reported on continued relief efforts by our schools and individuals to raise thousands of dollars to assistance hurricane refugees; community members participating in raising money for individuals fighting for their lives; local churches, organizations, and families gathering food, toys, gifts and cash to give to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund (OCEF) to help their fellow citizens in need have happier holidays.
We at The Citizen are looking forward to reporting the events of 2007, as we follow plans for the $73 million bond extension in the Brandon School District to improve an aging school infrastructure and upgrade technology; and the Ortonville Downtown Development Authority and Main Street program’s work to improve the downtown both economically and aesthetically.
We also anticipate the chance to tell the stories of the individuals who make our community what it is? connected and strong in facing the challenges that come our way.
Our offices are located at 12 South St. downtown Ortonville, next to Thompson’s Hardware store. We are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
From the staff at The Citizen have a happy and safe New Year.
Merritt retires as senior center coordinator
Ortonville- After 29 years as the senior center coordinator, Wilma Merritt retired.
Merritt, 72, started her coordinator assignment at the Brandon Senior Center (now known as the Edna Burton Senior Center) in 1977.
As coordinator, Merritt oversaw the senior van program, took care of the lunch program, ran Bingo games, planned trips, and did all the ordering and paperwork for the center.
‘She’s irreplaceable in a lot of different ways,? said Jeannie McCreery, Brandon Township clerk. ‘She did things for seniors that other coordinators wouldn’t consider doing. Wilma has always taken care of them. She knows the families, the medications, the seniors. All of them.?
Annette Beach was approved by the township board as the new senior center coordinator in February.
Ortonville man buried in Great Lakes National Cemetery
Holly- Ortonville resident Robert Davis was given a place of honor in the Great Lakes National Cemetery following his death Dec. 10. He was 63.
Davis served as the Aero-Rifle Platoon Commander of C Troop 7th Squadron 17th Air Cavalry in Camp Enri. As a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Davis was involved in heavy contact with the enemy.
‘He was shot down three times in Vietnam, each time within a mile of the camp,? recalled Joel Davis, Robert’s son. ‘And each time he walked back to safety. He was so proud that no one in his squadron was killed during his command.?
Church assists Mississippi
Community
Goodrich-Fourteen people from the Goodrich United Methodist Church went to Pass Christian, Miss., to assist in the ongoing clean-up of the devastation left by Hurricain Katrina.
The volunteers spent time helping with clean up and working at a place called ‘God’s Katrina Kitchen.? There, according to one worker, they f eed 1,000 people a day. For many, this is one of the only ways to get food.
‘There are companies like Panera Bread and Campbell’s Soup that are sending supplies. The food does keep coming in,? said Carmen Zeigler, wife of Goodrich United Methodist Church Pastor, Karl Zeigler . ‘I don’t know how or why, but the prayers keep getting answered.?
Police assessment considered
Atlas Twp.-Township officials began examining options to cover rising costs of police protection in January, favoring the idea of a special assessment tax. ‘We must decide whether to opt for a special assessment, drastically cut police protection or seek a millage increase,? said Paul Amman Atlas Township supervisor. The assessment seems to be the most fair.?
February 2006
Goodrich student remembered Goodrich-Students, faculty, friends and family gathered at Goodrich High School to celebrate the life of track star Kayla O’Mara,16, following her death in a January car accident. Reverend Father Andrew Czajkowski of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Pastor Karl Zeigler of the Goodrich United Methodist Church, officiated at the service. Zeigler estimated between 1,200-1,400 people attended the funeral. Goodrich High School was closed early on Wednesday so students and staff could pay their last respects to Kayla .

Fire Department on probation
Atlas Twp.- The Township fire department has been placed on probation following a failure to properly submit medical reports.
Township fire chief James Naugler said the probation is a miscommunication with the Genesee County Medical Control Authority. Naugler said he had not received warning of reports, which say officials, were filed in an inappropriate manner.
Naugler was surprised by the action. The reports in question are documents filled out by the fire department when they go out on emergency calls.
‘Whenever the fire deptartment goes out on a run, they’re responsible for completeing a patient contact record,? said Bruce Trevithick, executive director of the GCMCA. ‘Every month they are supposed to submit all of those run records as well as a summary sheet.?
Main Street program success
Ortonville- Representatives from Main Street Oakland County and the National Trust’s Main Street Center evaluated Ortonville’s 2005 Main Street progress during a day-long visit Feb. 7. The program was found to be exceeding expectations after a year.
The ten criterion used to rate the economic development program were: broad-based community support; vision and mission statement; comprehensive work plan; historic preservation ethic; active board and committees; adequate operating budget; paid professional Downtown Development Authority Main Street program director; program of ongoing training; reporting of key statistics; and Main Street network membership. No grade was given, just a simple yes or no as to whether the program was meeting standards set by MSOC and NTMSC.
‘They said yes to all 10 for us, so we are certified, which is really exciting,? said Main Street Manager Julie Courtney.
CERT team ready
Ortonville- The newly-formed Brandon Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members received certificates of training completion on Feb. 16.
The 13 members of the team operate under the supervision of the Brandon Fire Department and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The program includes organization for disaster response and the incident command system, types of natural and man-made disasters common to our area, personal and family disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue and conducting casualty triage and evacuation.
March
Plane lands on I-75
Groveland Twp.- A single-engine plane made an emergency landing about 4:20 p.m., March 7 in the median of I-75 north of the East Holly Road overpass.
The pilot was lost and had not made radio contact with an airport when at about 2,000 feet altitude, the engine sputtered and stalled, said Charles Oaks, Springfiled Township fire chief who spoke with both the pilot and passenger shortly after the crash. Neither were injured.
Brandon teachers, district ratify three-year contract
Teachers OK contract
Brandon Twp.- By a 7-0 vote, the school board ratified a three-year contract with the Brandon Education Association during the board meeting March 13.
The ratification of the contract came after only three and a half days of negotiations between the board and the BEA which represents about 200 teachers said Tom Miller, Brandon Schools superintendent and chief negotiator for the district.
Police funding questioned
Goodrich- The village council balked at plans for police funding proposed by Atlas Township saying the village residents would be effectively double billed for police services.
‘We’re not discounting the need for police protection,? said Ed York, village council president. ‘Basically what we’re saying is that the residents’all of them’should have the say so in how (the funding) is handled? whether it’s through a millage or a special assessment. We’re not taking a position on that.?
The council’s actions stem from township officials reported shortage of funds to pay for police protection in Atlas Township and the village.
The township established a contract with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department about 10 years ago funded by one mill from area property owners. A property owner with a $200,000 home currently pays about $100 per year for police service.
Tornado policy questioned
Goodrich-The tornado policy for Goodrich Area Schools was changed following an incident in which students were released because of a tornado watch being issued. Concerns regarding school tornado policy were voiced at a meeting of the Goodrich Area Schools Board of Education.
Parents and board members alike expressed anxiety about reports of students going to restaurants, movies and malls instead of seeking shelter after a March 20 early dismissal.
The cancelation came in response to a Goodrich school district policy requiring students be dismissed in the event a tornado watch is issued.
Superintendent Kimberly Hart said school was canceled at 7:15 a.m. Because school begins at 7:30 a.m. for Goodrich Middle School and Goodrich High School, the late cancelation caused conflict for parents needing alternate arrangements
The new policy allows administrators to use their discretion regarding weather related class dismissals.
Brandon resident sentenced in drive-by shootings
Pontiac- Brandon Township resident Daniel Hunt was sentenced to serve one to four years in prison for felonious assault and discharge of a firearm toward a building and two years in prison for possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
The sentencing came in front of Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Wendy L. Potts on March 15 following Hunt’s no contest plea two weeks earlier. Hunt was found responsible for the drive-by shootings of two of his neighbors? homes in Nov. 2005. In all, the two homes had 23 bullets fired at them.
‘The only thing I can say is that it is by the grace of God no one was seriously injured or killed,? homeowner Terri Frasher said, speaking to Daniel Hunt at the sentencing. ‘I truly believe your guardian angel as well as ours was looking out for us. I hope this tragedy will turn into something good and positive for you. I know this has changed your life, as it has ours, forever.?
Library director fired
Brandon Twp.-The library board voted unanimously March 23 to terminate library director JoAnn Foster Gavey.
The termination comes after a two-week long investigation into complaints about Gavey from staff members.
‘We found a widespread feeling that the library was an extremely poor working environment,? said Matt Ault, board vice-president. ‘The board felt that for the good of the library we needed to make a change in direction.?
April 2006
Bond extension considered
Goodrich-School officals began eyeing options for a bond extension and opted out of an inter-county school of choice program. At an April school board meeting representatives from Wolgast Construction presented a list of potential improvements to facilities in the district. If the decision to pursue the issue is made, the extension would not increase the current 7.75 mills paid annually by residents rather extend the bond payment.
Though there are no specific figures available until there is a decision regarding what improvements, if any, will be made, costs are estimated at $17 million.
‘Should the board decide to go forward with this, a bond issue would allow us to maintain our facilities and add areas where we feel we will experience growth in the next five year,? said Kim Hart, school district superintendent.
Groveland Road paving
Groveland Twp.- A $2 million county project to pave a mile stretch of Groveland Road between Barron and Jossman roads started in the first week of April, sparking some rather significant tree cutting operations.
About 300 trees along Groveland Road ranging in trunk size from about 8 inches to about 37 inches were scheduled to be removed as the project moved forward.
BFIS Principal Donald Patrick retires
Brandon Twp.- Donald Patrick, the Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School principal known for community dinners, establishment of the intermediate school concept, and a light-hearted character, announced his retirement April 10.
Patrick was employed by the Brandon School District for 38 years.

May 2006
Thorp re-elected
Goodrich-Incumbant Michael Thorp was re-elected to the Goodrich School Board , defeating challengers June Amman, Kristen Kenny, Terry Marler, and Janell Zirnhelt.
New township firechief
Atlas Twp.-Fred Forys replaced Jim Naugler as Atlas Township Fire Chief. A request was made by Naugler to the board that he be allowed to resign his position by July 15. Naugler cited his desire to move close to Inkster’where he is an employee of the Inkster Valley Golf Club? as his reason for retiring.
‘Jim has done an excellent job,? said Paul Amman, township supervisor. ‘He stepped in in some trying times. We owe Jim a debt of gratitude and a ‘thank you.??
Naugler has been fire chief in the township since 2001, when he replaced Donald Welch following his resignation.
Voters approve bond extension
Brandon Twp.- More than 60 percent of voters in the Brandon School District approved a bond extension that will net about $73.4 million for several major renovations, technology upgrades, and construction of a new elementary school and activities complex.
The bond extension will not increase the 8.24 mills residents pay per year in school taxes, instead, it would add six years to a loan that currently stands at $29 million owed and which would be paid off in 2026.
The official total vote was 1,300 yes and 781 no.
June 2006
Patriot honored
Atlas Twp.-More than 100 gathered at Horton Cemetery in the township to honor revolutionary war Patriot John Britton at a rededication of his grave.
‘I’m really excited to do something like this for a Revolutionary War patriot,? said Joyce Ernst, vice regent of the Genesee chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ‘They were here at the beginning of America and deserve to be recognized.?
MEA at odds with Thorp
Goodrich-The Michigan Education Association was at odds with school board member Michael Thorp in June, upset over Thorp’s alleged use of his work email address and affiliation with ABC to promote his political agenda and to solicit votes during the school board election.
Norm Kapson dies
Ortonville- An entertainer, designer, and family man were attributes of long-time resident Norman Kapson, whose life encompassed a host of both enterprising and colorful activities.
Kapson died June 3. He was 75.
Kapson served as Brandon Township Supervisor from December 1968 to November 1970.
He also served as Treasurer of the Brandon Fire & Police Board, Village Council Member, Police Commissioner, and Chairman of the Citizens for Improvement of Schools.
Kapson appeared in more than 100 commercials in both print and television for a variety of companies including Meijers, Kmart and Coca-Cola. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He also founded the Students of Theater for the Advancement of Good Entertainment or STAGE group.
Windows vandalized
Ortonville- The windows of several vehicles were vandalized in the month of June, including two buses and a van owned by the Edna Burton Senior Center, 305 Ball St.; two 2006 Ford Mustangs at Randy Wise Ford, 900 Ortonville Road; an auto parked near the senior center and a vehicle being driven on Ortonville Road.
A sling shot or Wrist Rocket was believed to have been used in all the incidents. No suspects were ever apprehended.
E.coli levels cause concern
Ortonville- Elevated e-coli levels in the Kearsley Creek had local officials concerned for the safety of residents.
According to a report issued by the Oakland County Drain Office the water in Kearsley Creek was tested on May 26 and again on June 7 from the Ball Street storm sewer outlet, Mill Street bridge and the South Street bridge.
The test conducted included 7,861 CFU (Colony Forming Units) on the May test and had decreased to 618 CFU on the June test.
As a result of the tests, public notices of unsafe e-coli levels were posted near access areas on village property.
Old Mill celebrates 150th anniversary
Ortonville- A celebration at the Old Mill that included an ice cream social and several demonstrations commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Mill. More events were scheduled through the year.
July
Horse killed in accident
Groveland Twp.- An accident on Perryville Road resulted in the death of a horse and the injury of the rider.
Clarkston residents Rita Chavez and her husband, Miguel were riding their Tennessee Walking horses east on Perryville Road, about a mile east of Dixie Highway, when her horse was struck from behind by an eastbound vehicle driven by a Grand Blanc woman.
Man charged with child prono
Atlas Twp.-A township man has been arrested and charged with two counts distributing and manufacturing child pornography and three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years. A first degree criminal sexual conduct conviction carries a life in prison sentence.
Paul Christian, 40, was in custody of the Genesee County Sheriff’s office and has $275,000 cash bond, said Captain Christopher Swanson of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 10, Genesee county 9-1-1 received a call from Christian’s 16-year-old daughter saying she’d found pornographic pictures of a 12 year old girl on a digital camera she’d borrowed from her father, said Swanson.
Road worker killed
Atlas Twp.-The death of a Genesee County Road Commission worker had authorities cautioning drivers to watch for workers while in construction zones.
Locals support troops
Mundy Twp.- Dane Lovelady, a Groveland Township resident, and Thomas Street, an Ortonville resident, both members of the Waterford HOG motorcycle group, joined more than 600 other flag-waving supporters at the funeral for Lance Corporal Brandon Webb, who was killed in Iraq.
The outpouring of support was a reaction to a threat of protestors from the Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka, Ka., who engage in demonstrations at military funerals nationwide opposing the homosexual lifestyle. The group says military deaths are Gods way of getting back at gays.
Rick Lamp owner of Swartz Funeral Home, G-1225 West Hill Road said the Westboro Baptist Church people arrived in the late morning but when they realized the massive support for Webb it deterred their plans.
‘It’s not a war we all agree with but this rally is a small token of support of our troops,? said Ty Caldwell, an Atlas Township resident who was also there in support of the Webb family. ‘These protestors from Westboro are abusing their First Amendment rights of free speech.?
Runaway found
Ortonville- A two-year search for a missing juvenile ended in Waterford Township on July 26.
Ethel Swan, 59, and Gary Swan, 61, along with their son Anthony Swan, 19, were arraigned before 51st District Court Judge Phyllis McMillen on charges of harboring a runaway, a one-year misdemeanor.
The juvenile, now 16-years-old, had just turned 15 when she ran away from home.
According to police reports, investigators had been pursuing the case since she was reported missing in October 2004. More than once, the trail stopped at a Waterford residence where the Swans continually denied knowledge of the missing juvenile.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Detective Arnie Terrell, Brandon Schools police liaison, had been working with the family and Waterford Police Department since the first report of the runaway.
The girl was caught at a Waterford area General Dollar store when her grandfather, along with an adult cousin, overheard her voice in the store,? said Terrell. ‘They were unsure, however, due to the color of her hair. The Waterford Police were called and she fled on foot. Ethel Swan still maintained it was her daughter, not the runaway.?
Ortonville resident stuck in Israel during conflict
Rehovot, Israel- Ortonville resident Jessica Laviolette arrived here July 2 after winning the opportunity to study for nearly a month at the Weizmann Institute as the top high school senior in the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit.
But only 10 days after her arrival, she was anxious to get out when eight Israeli soldiers were killed and two others were kidnapped by Hezbollah terrorists and then southern Lebanon was bombed the next day by Israel forces, leading to subsequent attacks by both sides.
Laviolette would stay in Israel for the remainder of her scheduled visit, due to fully booked flights out of Tel Aviv. She arrived safely in the U.S. July 29, calling her 4-week stay in Israel ‘the trip from hell.?
August
Brandon voters dump override by a landslide
Brandon Twp.- By nearly a 4-to-1 margin, township voters said ‘no? to a override of the Headlee Amendment tax rollback provision on the township’s general operations tax levy.
The vote, 345 to 1,290 thwarted a 1.0119-mill, currently about $110 on $200,000 home, from increasing to 1.41 mills during the next 20 years. The increase would have cost taxpayers, with a $200,000 home about $39 per year.
Township Supervisor Ron Lapp says residents will get the service they are willing to pay for.
‘The cost of doing business has increased over the years,? said Lapp. ‘We don’t have to have a senior center, or a future park, we don’t have to gravel our roads. I will not allow the township to run in the red.?
Oakwood/M-15 light
Groveland Twp.- The traffic signal at the intersection of M-15 and Oakwood Road became operational.
The $60,000 project, installed by Mt. Pleasant-based J. Ranck Company and funded by federal transportation money, will be maintained by the Road Commission for Oakland County, who will share the expenses with MDOT.
Congestion relief near Brandon Middle School
Brandon Twp.- After voters approved the school district bond extension, construction began on the combined new drop off location on the south side of Brandon Middle School and a new exit to the north of the school adjacent to Brandon Tire Company.
The board approved about $200,000 in site work and engineering fees for the project which was to be completed by the end of October. The work was needed to relieve congestion.
Groveland resident named to the GOP gubernatorial ticket
Groveland Twp.- Oakland County Clerk and township resident Ruth Johnson joined gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos on the GOP ticket.
‘It’s an honor to be asked,? said Johnson, 51.
DeVos and Johnson ultimately lost to democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm and Lt. Gov. John Cherry in the November election.
Recall petition forms filed against Bess
Ortonville- The first of four recall petition forms against Village Council President Sue Bess has been filed with the Oakland County Clerk, albeit the incorrect form.
Kim Noble, elections specialist for Oakland County confirmed that on Aug. 18, the county received the form petitioning for the calling of an election to recall Bess from her office.
The reason stated on the petition obtained by The Citizen reads: ‘We the undersigned electors request that the recall of Susan K. Bess be placed before the voters of the village of Ortonville, Michigan. She has abused her power as Village President for financial gain to her personal friends, through unrightful employment and financial favors.?
The petition was signed by village resident Jane Derry, who would go on to file three more forms, each heard and denied by the Oakland County Elections Commission for language lacking clarity.
Contract between village and DPW ratified
Ortonville- After nearly two years of negotiations, a labor contract was ratified by the village and Teamsters Local 214 representing the Ortonville Department of Public Works.
The village council unanimously approved the ratification at their Aug. 28 meeting after a closed session with their attorney, Rick Fanning.
Negotiations on the contract began in 2004 and cost the village nearly $30,000 in attorney’s fees.
Local 214 Trustee Les Barrett said it is normal for first contracts to take longer because the language must be written cover to cover.
However, most of the contract mirrors what was already in place between the village and the DPW workers, says Barrett, adding that changes include a grievance procedure, the addition of dental and optical benefits and higher wages.

Arbitrator rules for district
Goodrich- Following nearly a two-year battle, the Michigan Education Association has reached a decision regarding a major row between school staff and administration regarding the school calendar year.
At issue is the school year being shortened by 14 days. On April 13, 2005, the board of education presented a proposal to the Goodrich Education Association, promising no layoffs of certified teachers if teachers agree to work 14 fewer days this past year.
Superintendent Kimberly Hart said a decision was made, one which favored the district.
‘Basically what (arbitrator Peter Jason) said was he was being told two completely different sides of the story? two conflicting stories,? said Hart. ‘Because of that, his decision had to be made based on who had the burden of proof.?
In this instance, it was the responsibility of the union to prove the fault of the district, which they failed to do. For that reason, arbitration favored the district.
With a reduced calendar year, the school could save an estimated $50,000 for each day school is not in session say school officials.. However, Bregenzer argues the loss of 14 days is the equivalent of a 7 percent reduction in pay for staff. Arbitration was meant to determine if shortening the school year the district constitutes a contract violation.
September
High traffic crash intersections identified
The intersection of Granger and Ortonville roads in Brandon Township, along with the ramp from north I-75 and Grange Hall Road in Groveland Township, topped the area in traffic accidents for the past five years, according to a report issued by the Southeast Michigan Traffic Crash Facts and SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.
Information for the report was provided by the Michigan Department of State Police and the Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC).
‘The five-year trend, in Brandon and Groveland townships, parallels that of the rest of Oakland Township with an overall decrease in accidents,? said Tom Bruff, transportation engineer with SEMCOG. ‘A high use of seat belts, along with coalitions working toward drivers safety has helped reduce the accidents through the years.?
According to the report, traffic crashes dropped by 23 percent, in Brandon Township and 16 percent in Groveland Township between 2001 and 2005. Crashes decreased Oakland county-wide by about 8 percent. Twenty-two percent of all crashes in both townships over the past five years were car-deer related.
Senior apartments eyed
Goodrich-Seniors may soon have a new option for low cost living in the village.
Karl Zeigler, pastor of Goodrich United Methodist Church, 8071 S.State Road, said a deal was in the works to sell approximately six acres of church owned land at 10407 Hegel Road to a Troy-based developer for $1 for use as affordable senior housing.
Zeigler says he anticipates the new development would consist of about 50- one and two bedroom apartments costing less than $500 per month. Additionally, Zeigler hopes to provide two meals per day, prepared in the kitchen of the church’s new family life center, to seniors in the facility.
October
Youths open fire on area home
Brandon Twp.- Two brothers, 10 and 6 years-old, were found to be involved in the shooting of a home.
Brandon deputies were called to the home in the 2800 block of Rock Ridge Lane around 6 p.m., Oct. 11. According to police reports, the homeowner thought something hit his house and while checking outside, saw two boys a couple hundred yards away in a field with a rifle. The 10-year-old was down on his knee with the rifle aimed at the man. The homeowner ran in the house, Bouchard said, and told his wife to get on the floor.
Upon arrival, deputies tracked the suspects to a residence and made contact with their father, arriving at the conclusion the boys were involved.
Five bullet holes from a .22 caliber rifle were found in the side of the homeowner’s garage and two .22 caliber rifles were confiscated from the home of the suspects.
‘This is extremely dangerous and disturbing behavior,? said Bouchard. ‘Regardless of what they were thinking, someone could have been killed.?
Brandon team shows ultimate sportsmanship
Fenton- The Brandon Blackhawks helped make a dream come true for a special needs athlete during Brandon’s final game in October.
Up 28-12, with about one minute left in the game, the Fenton Tigers were poised to hand the Brandon Blackhawks freshman football team their fifth loss of the season? when 15-year-old Tyler Fitzgerald entered the game.
Jason Miller, Brandon freshman head football coach, and fifth grade teacher at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School, had stopped the clock after overhearing two sideline officials, who were also parents of Fenton players, discuss Fitzgerald.
‘I heard them say he had Down’s Syndrome’and I figured if he had the courage and guts to play with those kids’he deserves to score a touchdown,? said Miller. ‘So I called the boys over to the sidelines and let them know the situation’they all agreed to let him run. I think a lot of kids that night realized they were going to make a big difference in some other kid’s life.?
nthony McMillan, Fenton freshman head football coach, was notified of Miller’s plans.
‘The referee came over to me and asked to give number seven the ball,? said McMillan. ‘The referee said they are going to just let him score. It was the classiest act I’d ever seen of anyone and I’ve been in contact with sports for many years.?
Charges filed after road worker killed in accident
Atlas Twp.-Charges have been filed against an township man accused of killing a Genesee County Road Commission worker last June.
John Quillen, 64, was arraigned Oct. 17 in Central District Court on charges of involuntary manslaughter and operating a motor vehicle causing death while drivers license was revoked or suspended.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Layton said both charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years, which can be served concurrently if Quillen is convicted of both.
The charges come in response to the death of Dennis Bundy, 48, of Flushing. Bundy was doing survey work for the GCRC near the intersection of M-15 and Maple Road in the township on the morning of June 22 and was apparently crossing the road when he was struck by a southbound 2006 Chevy Trailblazer allegedly driven by Quillen.
November
York, Horton, Wartella win,
Goodrich-Following a Nov. 8 election the face of the Goodrich Village Council stayed pretty much the sa