School liaison slot remains in doubt

Brandon Twp.- Whether the school district will have a school liaison officer in the new year remains in question after local officials met last week to discuss the position. There are less than three weeks remaining in the school liaison officer contract. ‘We’re still talking about it and sorting it out,? said District Superintendent Lorrie […]

Special education parapros given more time

Brandon Twp.- The school board has approved restoring 10 special education parapros to 5 3/4 hours per day in classrooms. ‘The parapro time was very much missed,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. The paraprofessionals, who work with special education students and assist them in general education classrooms, were moved back to four hours per day this […]

Condemnation plans proceed on township cottages

Brandon Twp.- By next spring, there should be three less cottages in the township. During their Dec. 1 meeting, the newly elected township board unanimously approved going forward with condemnation action on a township cottage at 1681 Hayes, while delaying action on two other structures located at 2431 Ortonville Road while the owner contracts with […]

All day, every day kindergarten

Brandon Twp.- Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be and more changes may be in store. For the past several years, academic expectations have risen in the state for all students, including the youngest ones, and now, the time spent in school for kindergarteners may also be increasing. The school board will consider, likely at […]

Brandon school district wish list work proceeds

Brandon Twp.- The school board unanimously approved French Associates to provide architectural and engineering services for several projects on a district wish list. By state mandate, anytime the district has construction or renovation costs of more than $25,000, an architect or engineer must be involved. The Rochester-based company will begin planning the renovations on science […]

Church hosts holiday grief support

Ortonville- Michael Jordan describes the first Christmas after his daughter Emily died in a 2002 Labor Day weekend accident as ‘absolutely terrible.? ‘I couldn’t focus on anything,? Jordan says. ‘Not on family, on celebrating Christmas, or anything. What I tried to do was focus on our daughter, Katie, who survived through all of that. Instead […]

‘Out of reaction, I grabbed the gun…?

Brandon Twp.- A 41-year-old township man was missing his wallet and phone, but was grateful for his life on Thanksgiving, the day after he was robbed at gunpoint. ‘It gave a whole new meaning to Thanksgiving,? said Mike, who asked that his real name not be used. Now, police are asking anyone who may have […]

BHS grad returns from Iraq deployment

The only thing Kathryn Remm wants for Christmas, besides maybe her grandma’s rhubarb pie, is to spend time with her family. She will get her wish with just the third or fourth Christmas she’s had at home in the last 17 years. ‘I’m usually overseas,? said Remm, a chief equipment operator in the Navy and […]

‘I would think? ‘Tomorrow it will be me.??

Ortonville-This week, Walter Strzelecki will remember two dates from the World War II era that are etched forever in his mind. The first, Sept. 6, 1942, is the day he thought his life was ending. The second, May 5, 1945, is the day it began anew. The time Strzelecki spent between as an American wrongly […]

New Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance caseworker

Ortonville- Fred Morden is ready to take on fresh challenges as the newly assigned Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance caseworker. ‘It’s a tough situation because (this position) really needs a full-time person, but because of the economy, the county can’t do it,? said Morden. ‘We’ll do what we can… The board of directors is really active […]