What a gas

Brandon Twp.-Chemistry question: what do you get mixing one-part potassium chlorate and one gummy-bear? Answer: Gummy gas. Well, sort of says Jaime Martin, a Brandon High School chemistry instructor who uses a rather unique approach in a advance placement class. ‘This test demonstrates oxidation reduction similar to cutting an apple open watching it turn brown […]

Summer jobs may be tough to find

By David Fleet Editor Michelle Lyon is employed and happy. ‘It’s hard to get jobs,? said Lyon, 18, and a senior at Brandon High School. ‘My advice to those looking for work this summer’start early in the year and get as many applications out as you can. Also it’s better to find work in something […]

Teacher heads to sidelines after more than 30 years

Whether on the basketball court, football field or classroom Douglas Dillion was a teacher’a distinction earned after three decades as a sports referee and Brandon School District educator. Now, the Brandon Fletcher Intermediate fifth grade mathematics, social studies and science teacher, the former ‘Announcement Man of the Hour,? says it’s time to sign off. ‘It’s […]

Spring trout planting will continue for now

Atlas Twp.- Stocking the Kearsley Creek with brown trout a spring tradition just prior to the April 28 opening day may be in jeopardy if private property owners along the creek and fisherman don’t find common ground. That’s the message from Joe Leonardi, fisheries biologist for the DNR, Southern Lake Huron unit for the past […]

Sap on tap

Atlas Twp.-When the Canada geese are just returning from down south and the ice on lakes is still thick, township residents Jim and Faith Aseltine know maple sap, in all its sweet, gooey glory, will be on the move. ‘Mother Nature decides,? said Jim, 76, who has been tapping sugar maple trees on his rural […]

MSP commander will be shared

Groveland Twp.- The post commander at the Metro North State Police Post in Oak Park will also command the township team after Michigan State Police announced last week that 112 employees statewide will have different job responsibilities or assignments in the wake of a $13.6 million deficit for fiscal year 2007. First Lt. Roderick Williams, […]

Real Estate One set to expand

Brandon Twp.-Real Estate One is on the move. The area’s largest real estate brokerage, with 20 agents, will shift operations from their location, since 1993, at 2245 S. Ortonville Road to 875 S. Ortonville Road (just north of McDonald’s). ‘The new facility has greater open space? better to serve our customers,? said Sharon Williams, Real […]

Teaching tarantula

For Belle Ann Elementary teacher Kay Moreau, what started out catching a few small spiders to demonstrate the fine art of web building to her first grade students, has produced a rather large hairy classmate. ‘A few years ago, John Sherman, a custodian at the school, noticed that I was hunting spiders around school and […]

Brandon school board inks buyout deal

Brandon Twp.-The Brandon School Board Ok’d by a vote of 6-0 Monday night a comprehensive severance package for teachers who choose to retire early from the district. The decision comes after school officials say an estimated 13 teachers may receive layoff notices in the next few months due to declining enrollment. The district is projected […]

Local companies award school bids

Brandon Twp-Three area businesses are among 40 companies awarded bids by the Brandon School Board for work on the Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School renovation project. Rob Busby, assistant project manager for Skasaka USA construction organizers for the Brandon School District project says they try to find contractors that are located in the area. Skasaka USA […]