Local biker has plenty of heart

Although former Ortonville resident Ken Dockery won’t set any world records when he bicycles 3,627 miles across the U.S. this summer, he feels safe in saying he is the only Ross procedure heart patient to do so. He is also probably the first heart patient from the Cleveland Clinic to bike cross country. He hopes […]

Let the battle (of the books) begin

Brandon Twp.- They came ready for battle, some in pajamas, others with a giant homemade turtle shell, a few with kneepads and helmets, still more with a variety of hats, all armed with knowledge of six books. The third annual Battle of the Books at the library on March 26 had seven teams comprising more […]

A stitch in time

Ortonville- The quilt is mostly pink and white, with intricate, feminine patterns of ribbons, flowers, polka dots, hearts, dresses and soft stripes. It will soon be auctioned online as part of QuiltPink, a fundraiser to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer foundation. Brenda Heffernan, owner of Mabelena Quilting Supplies and […]

‘I thought he would die?

Ortonville- Like many young siblings, Kieler Price has had his share of arguments with his older brother, Jacoby. But whatever their past disagreements, there is no arguing that Kieler, 10, showed courage and loyalty when he saved Jacoby’s life March 18. That afternoon, Kieler, Jacoby, 12, and their youngest brother, Colton, 6, went walking on […]

Fifty-eight percent say ‘no? to sewers

Brandon Twp.- The final tally is in and it appears sewers are not in the cards. Residents and businesses along the M-15 corridor, Bald Eagle Lake and Lake Louise mailed back to the township 661 postcards, 55.3 percent of the 1,195 postage-paid postcards that were sent out last month polling them on their interest in […]

Police seek assistance in home invasions

Brandon Twp.- A series of home invasions has police seeking help from residents. The most recent home invasion was March 20, in the 2500 block of S. Hadley Road. The homeowners arrived home from a doctor’s appointment to find their front door damaged and open and a sliding door to their deck also open. A […]

Brandon Middle School art teacher signs off

Brandon Twp.- After more than 22 years of helping students express themselves, Julie Hock has retired as the Brandon Middle School art teacher. ‘I always liked the interaction with the kids,? says Hock, who also taught yearbook for 18 years. ‘Sometimes you think you missed one, a problematic kid, and they come back and tell […]

Busy little B.E.E.S.

Brandon Twp.- It’s a Monday afternoon and the B.E.E.S. program is buzzing at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School. In the Brandon Early Education Services 4 and 5-year-olds class, children laugh at a story teacher Liz Napier is reading to them, as they sit in a circle. Next door, in another 4-and-5-year-old classroom, teacher Janelle Soucie is […]

Cost of Brandon Township battles continues to grow

Brandon Twp.- Unemployment compensation paid to two terminated deputy treasurers, and attorney and auditing fees regarding policy disputes between elected officials has cost the township more than $24,000 in the past three years, according to invoices obtained by The Citizen from the township offices. In November 2003, Treasurer Linda Owen fired Diana Reckwald, who had […]