Lawn Wars: The Struggle for a New Lawn Ethic

Brandon Twp.- Do we really need lawns? This is the central question of Lois Robbins? new book, Lawn Wars: The Struggle for a New Lawn Ethic. ‘To keep a healthy lawn, you need chemicals and fertilizers that are not so good for the environment,? said Robbins, who will read passages from her book on Nov. […]

Major crimes sag in township

Brandon Twp.- Calls for police service are up and major crimes are down in the township for the first eight months of this year. Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Pete Burkett, township substation commander, is pleased with the results of the quarterly report he gave to township and village officials recently. ‘It’s always good to […]

‘Ugly Quilts,? provide warmth for needy

Goodrich- Mondays are the best day of the week for Kathy Adair. On those days, from 9 a.m.-noon, the village resident can be found at the Goodrich United Methodist Church with a group of about 15 other volunteers, all working on what are known as ‘Ugly Quilts,? which will be given to Genesee County residents […]

Fire danger up as furnaces come on

Brandon Twp.- With temperatures dropping to near freezing and snow showers in the forecast last week, the heat is on as homeowners turn to their furnaces, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces for warmth. Fire Chief David Kwapis warns residents however, to follow some fire safety precautions to avoid things getting too hot. The chimney is of […]

Village council seeks appointee to fill vacant seat

Ortonville- Wanted: A village resident to fill a vacant council seat. The village council is short one member after Mary Kassuba resigned her seat Oct. 5. The remaining councilmembers confirmed at their Oct. 12 meeting that they are seeking someone to appoint to the position. The appointee will serve until the November 2010 election, at […]

Village inks new cable television agreement

Ortonville- Finally, the village will have a voice in local cable operations. After months of discussion, on Monday night the village council unanimously approved a cable agreement with Brandon Township. The township board approved the intergovernmental agreement for collection and joint use of cable franchise fees and management of public access channel several weeks ago, […]

Township deficit soars as officials eye staff restructuring, cuts

Brandon Twp.- High unemployment, stock market dives, increasing foreclosures, bank failures, and bankruptcy in the auto industry has many people wondering when the economy will turn around. For township officials, the answer is? no time soon. Instead, they are bracing for a grim 2010 and even more desperate times in 2011. ‘If we don’t do […]

Kassuba steps down from village council

Ortonville- After nearly 20 years of serving on the village council, Mary Kassuba has resigned her position. ‘I am not effective anymore as a councilmember, and it’s time to move on,? said Kassuba in explaining her decision. ‘I have very mixed feelings about it… I would not do this as a threat, or to play […]

Foreclosed home pot hot bed

Brandon Twp.- More than two dozen marijuana plants were discovered in a vacant township house recently. Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the foreclosed house in the 1900 block of Oakfield at about 6 p.m., Sept. 27 after a contractor employed to secure the residence by the property owner (the bank) found the plants. […]

Village manager position vacant for now

Ortonville- The village will have to manage without a manager as a search continues to fill the position vacated by Ed Coy on Sept. 30. During a special meeting Oct. 5, Councilmember Dan Eschmann made a motion, seconded by Aileen Champion, to leave the manager’s seat vacant for the time being and run the office […]