Donaldson pleads no contest to involuntary manslaughter

Wendy Marie Donaldson will not face a jury trial in the death of group home resident Carol Christie. Donaldson, an Ortonville resident, pled no contest to involuntary manslaughter on Nov. 8 in front of Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Judge John J. McDonald. A vulnerable adult abuse charge was dismissed. The plea was made under the […]

Donaldson trial begins

The trial of Wendy Marie Donaldson on charges of involuntary manslaughter and vulnerable adult abuse in the death of Carol Christie, will begin at 8:30 a.m., Nov. 16, in front of Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Judge John J. McDonald, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. #12 East, Pontiac. ‘She negligently performed her duties by leaving a […]

Little Caesar’s returns to town

Brandon Twp.- They’re back. After nearly two years out of the community, Little Caesar’s opened a new location at 969 S. Ortonville Road on Oct. 31. ‘What’s faster than a 747?? asks Jeff Larbig, owner of the pizza franchise, then, smiling, answers, ‘Little Caesar’s.? The plug not only promotes the restaurant, but also is a […]

Study says, ‘Community center needed?

Ortonville- Exactly half of the adults participating in a recent survey believe a family-centered community center is definitely needed in the area, while an additional 33 percent said one is ‘probably? needed. Still, there is unlikely to be such a place as the area struggles with a faltering economy. ‘It was encouraging that so many […]

Community speaks out as land vote draws near

Brandon Twp.- The township board is expected to make a decision tonight, Nov. 6, on the proposed purchase of 66.1 acres of land at a cost of $1,955,000 following a public hearing Oct. 30. The only action taken following the public hearing was to move the decision to the regular board meeting, which will start […]

Public hearing for land purchase

Brandon Twp.- The township board will have a public hearing tonight, Oct. 30, to receive citizen input on the proposed purchase of more than 50 acres of land using Brandon Fire Department funds. The hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the township offices, 395 Mill St. Comments and written requests will also be received regarding […]

An immeasurable blessing

Brandon Twp.- Patrick and Michelle Ervin started out with a dining room table with six chairs. It was large enough for them and their three children? Dillon, Jackie and Shannon. But when they took in two foster children, Annie and Nathan, they needed a bigger table. They got a table that would seat eight, and […]

‘One of those kids that made everyone smile?

Goodrich- The community is in mourning following the death of a middle school student described by his teacher as being a sweet, kind, polite young man. Cayn Nance, 11, of Burton, died in a traffic accident at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 20 near the intersection of M-15 and Kipp Roads. Preliminary investigations by the […]

Recall petition language denied again

Pontiac- Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson has received 10 recall petitions thus far in 2006, from five different municipalities. She may be receiving number 11 this week, the fourth seeking approval of petition language to recall Ortonville Village Council President Sue Bess, after three failed attempts by village resident Jane Derry. The Oakland County Election […]

‘Pygmalion? hits Brandon High School stage

Brandon Twp.- The students in Cathy Ciesielski’s British literature class loved ‘Pygmalion? so much they told her she should do it as the fall play. ‘I told them, ‘You’re right,?? says the Brandon High School English Department Chairwoman and fall play director. ‘They loved the humor and wit.? Ciesielski is directing 18 cast members in […]