Area schools brace for cuts

After cutting more than $1.2 million in July 2003, local schools will face yet more cuts by the first of the year. School districts statewide may soon contend with a cut of about $92 per student announced on Dec. 17 as part of an effort to contend with a $900 million state deficit. The cut […]

Just one of those years

During the past weeks the editorial staff here at The Citizen peruse the 52 editions of 2003 seeking the top stories for the traditional Year in Review edition. The upside to the assignment is knowing the conclusion to the story.The downside some stories end sadly while some end happliy and some simply never. For example: […]

Manufactured homes may swell Goodrich schools

On the eve of approving a development that could add 1,000 students to the Goodrich School District, Grand Blanc Township will now consider a second proposal that may bring even more students to the district. Bertakis Development will be seeking rezoning of about 154 acres west of Vassar and south of Baldwin roads in Grand […]

New Year’s Eve fire

Brandon Twp.-Brandon Fire Department responded to a manufactured home fire at Sashabaw Meadows community on Dec. 31, 2003. According to David Borst, Brandon Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief a neighbor reported flames from the home at 8:56 p.m. and firefighters arrived on the scene at 9:04 p.m. The fire was under control at 9:17 p.m. […]

Arrest made in parent organization

Brandon Twp.-On Jan. 5, Lori A. Ruhle was arrested and charged in Oakland County District Court with embezzling funds from Belle Ann Parent Organization (BAPO). Ruhle served as BAPO treasurer from 2002-2003. She is accused of misappropriation of $2,688 in funds collected by the organization. A part-time Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School employee, Ruhle is currently, […]

Lead detected in Brandon school water

Brandon Twp.-On Wednesday, the Oakland County Health Department informed the Brandon School District that lead exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acceptable standards has been detected in the drinking water at Belle Ann Elementary, Brandon Fletcher Intermediate and Brandon High School. Although the source of the lead is still unknown, typically most lead in water […]

OSMTech hits slopes for future

Groveland Twp.-Each winter many learn to ski at Mount Holly. Yet, on Jan. 10, about 40 students hit the slopes and ‘skied to learn.? Utilizing Global Positioning Units, two teams of Oakland Science, Mathematics and Technology Academy students skied 205 miles continuously to raise funds to keep their school open. The project raised about $3,000, […]

Water safe to drink at Brandon schools

Brandon Twp.-About 48 hours after three schools in the Brandon school district were notified that lead exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits was detected in the drinking water, a second report was issued declaring the water safe. On Wednesday, drinking fountains in Belle Ann Elementary, Brandon Fletcher Intermediate and Brandon High School were closed […]

Bold neighbor has a great idea

Environmental changes are tough here and for neighbors. At least one area township is looking toward Oakland County for a possible solution. Earlier this month Fenton Township Trustee Sean McDermott suggested to fellow board members that a septic system inspection proposal, like that considered in Oakland County should be considered. (See The Citizen, June 9, […]

Funding loss ‘minimal? say library officials

By David Fleet Editor Brandon Twp.-Despite a 10 percent increase in expenditures since 2001, Brandon Township Public Library officials say the loss of nearly $24,000 in annual revenues from Groveland Township will have minimal impact on operations at the three year old facility. ‘When we established the 2004 budget we did not include the revenues […]