‘Not exempt from fire?

Brandon Twp.-Even after more than 30 years as a firefighter, former Brandon Fire Chief James Frantz says you just can’t be too cautious with fire. After serving as chief from 1974-1996 he’s seen and fought thousands of fires, but the blaze that started late in the afternoon of April 19 was just a little too […]

Local Re/Max, Real Estate One merge

Brandon Twp.-Two leading area real estate companies announced last week that they will merge their businesses. Re/Max Property Center, 630 Ortonville Road and Real Estate One, 2245 S. Ortonville Road will join forming the largest Ortonville area real estate company according to a report. ‘We determined that one company could serve the community better,? said […]

On the roads again

A trek to just about any destination in Oakland County this spring and expect some travel delays due to road construction. The gauntlet of countywide orange barrels is the result of $54.55 million to improve county roads and bridges in 2005, say Road Commission for Oakland County officials. The series of projects range from $40 […]

Teamsters, village contract talks open

By David Fleet Editor Ortonville- On April 7, representatives from the Village will meet for the first time with Teamsters Local 214 to discuss ground rules for a labor contract with the department of public works. Les Barrett, a trustee with Local 214 said a series of 47 proposals ranging from non-economic to disability to […]

New park supervisor set for camping season

Groveland Twp.- Sandwiched between two populated metropolitian areas is a natural oasis that harbors a wilderness setting much like the northern regions of the state. Since Dec. 19 the wildlife, campers and natural attributes that comprise the 8,000 acre Holly State Recreation Area are now under the experienced direction of new park supervisor Shawn Speaker. […]

Public safety department considered by township

Groveland Twp.- Firefighters and police officers may share duties if township officals have their way. Township officials say if the Michigan State Police are no longer available to patrol area roads then township public safety officers, a combination of both firefighters and police officers, may be an option. ‘Because we’re a small community it allows […]

Groveland Twp. eyes new fire station

Groveland Twp.- Township officials say that plans are underway for a new fire station which will include facilities for the Michigan State Police. ‘The current facility, Groveland Township Fire Station No. 1 is about 60 years old and not so efficient,? said Robert DePalma, Groveland Township supervisor. ‘I’ve notified the Michigan State Police that we’ll […]

Existing home sales slow, as new homes soar

The average sale price of existing homes increased in the fourth quarter of 2004 in local markets according to a report from the North Oakland County Board of Realtors. Brandon Township home sales prices outpaced Groveland, Goodrich and Atlas Township sales during the fourth quarter. The number of homes listed on the market in Brandon […]

Brandon teacher awarded, says she’ll retire

Brandon Twp.-After more than 33 years as an elementary teacher culminated by a nomination for Oakland County teacher of the year, a local teaching icon says this will be her last year. ‘It was all farm county when I first came to Brandon,? said Diane Pich, Harvey-Swanson elementary third grade teacher. ‘There was no McDonald’s […]

Area unemployment ‘level?

Local unemployment remained steady through 2004 according to a report issued by the Michigan Department of Economic Growth and Development. ‘The best that you can glean from the last three years were that the real increases in unemployment were between 2002 and 2003,? said Jim Rhein, Michigan Department of Economic Growth and Development analyst. ‘Not […]