BMS singers earn seat at Hill

Brandon School District – Of more than 300 middle school choir students who auditioned for the state honors choir, two Brandon Middle School singers found their way to center stage. On Jan. 24, Krista Bertolone and Tiffany Angell will join more than 120 eighth grade vocalists from across the state, to perform for a full […]

Fletcher finds family support in community

Goodrich — When the doorbell rings at Cheryl Fletcher’s house, her dog yips excitedly. Missy, who “thinks she’s a lap dog”, affectionately nuzzles a visitor’s hand. “She thinks people are coming to see her,” says Fletcher. The endless stream of company seems like family to Fletcher, whose life has drastically changed since she was diagnosed […]

Teri’s Turn

In the three years I have worked in this community I’ve heard residents complain about the conditions of the roads—the conditions of septics—that they want sewers, they don’t want sewers, there’s not enough space for recreation and yet they don’t want a skate park, kids are too noisy, and the police don’t patrol enough. We’ve […]

Welcome home solider

Brandon Twp. — For his 13th birthday, Shelby Travis didn’t mind sharing the spotlight with his big brother Byron. Spc. Byron Travis had just come home from serving in the United States Army. “I’m pretty excited ‘cause he’s home for good,” said Shelby. Decked out in shades of red, white, and blue, the Travis home […]

Unemployment remains high in local markets

Local jobless rates continued to increase in September, according to a report from Michigan Department of Career Development Employment Service Agency. Genesee County unemployment increased by 1.1 percent for September 2003 compared with 2002, while Oakland County jobless rates increased by .6 percent. Locally, Brandon Township leads the area in unemployment with 6.6 percent outpacing […]

New Beetle is hot ticket wherever you go

I didn’t get to test drive the New Beetle Convertible GLS in the summer — which would have been my first choice to drive any convertible vehicle. I did have it for the second seven days of October. It was perfect time for tooling around with the top down and taking in the area’s fall […]

Embezzlement suspect arrested in Groveland Twp.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Groveland Post arrested a 23-year-old Holly female during a traffic stop on Dixie Highway near Tindall Road when she was observed speeding while driving a 1995 blue Chevrolet pickup. A lien check revealed the driver had a warrant for embezzlement. Unable to post bond, the suspect was transported to […]

Power outage leaves residents in the dark, again

Brandon Twp. — Last Wednesday’s power outage left local residents and business owners frustrated. At approximately 3 p.m. Nov. 19 power went out in the Brandon Township and Ortonville area, affecting 2,500 customers and shutting down area traffic lights. “A 40,000-volt line made contact with a 13,200-volt line,” said Scott Simons, spokesperson for Detroit Edison. […]

Christmas in the village

Saturday, Dec., 6 will be a full day of adventure downtown Ortonville. Wake up early, dress in layers, pack up the family and start a full day of Christmas in the Village with breakfast at the United Methodist Church, before the parade. All who have little ones, pack up the wagon with parade bells, cameras […]

Being thankful is our way

The harvest is in and the holidays are upon us. Americans, despite the world at large, can find reasons for thanks. It’s our way, that despite the troubles and turmoils, we look heavenward and give thanks. After all, things could be worse. I guess it is our way as Americans to count our blessings and […]