Council to considered proposals, future of village dam, mill pond

Goodrich-A century ago this summer, water from the Kearsley Creek was first dammed and a mill was built to produce locally ground wheat for area farmers. A hundred years later the mill is long gone, but Goodrich Dam still holds back the Kearsley Creek, forming the mill pond. However, its usefulness and soundness have deteriorated […]

Identity protection offered by village council

Goodrich-The village council voted 4-1 on Jan. 14 to extend identity protection to a handful of those associated with the village that may have had their Social Security numbers breached. The council agreed to retain TrustedID for the protection at a rate of $84.12 per person for a year. In the event all 13 individuals […]

Civil defense structure still part of landscape

Brandon Twp.- It’s a 10 foot-by-10 foot building in the woods just outside the Village of Ortonville. But about 50 years ago the small shed located near an elevated area of the township played a critical role in the safety of the community. Larry Westphal, owner of the property near Oakwood Road, said the small […]

New park supervisor set for camping season

Groveland Twp.- Sandwiched between two populated metropolitian areas is a natural oasis that harbors a wilderness setting much like the northern regions of the state. Since Dec. 19 the wildlife, campers and natural attributes that comprise the 8,000 acre Holly State Recreation Area are now under the experienced direction of new park supervisor Shawn Speaker. […]

‘Goodrich Vandal Squad? arrested after tips from community

By David Fleet Editor Goodrich-Two 16-year-old high school juniors claimed boredom prompted a month-long graffiti spree that included spray painting village signs, school property and several local businesses. Genesee County Sheriff Sgt. Joe Parks said the vandals were arrested on Aug. 25 at their homes after tips from the community and a story in The […]

Fire investigators determine township blaze was set

Brandon Twp.- Oakland County fire officials are saying a township house blaze was intentionally set after an investigation with an arson detection dog uncovered accelerant at the scene. Brandon Fire Department, along with Independence and Oxford townships, responded to the house fire at 6:53 a.m., Aug. 28 at 3875 Melanie Ct. When firefighters arrived, flames […]

Gazebo may replace village fountain in square

Ortonville-The days of the village fountain may be dried up. A plan to remove the fountain in the village square and replace the decade-old downtown landmark with a gazebo is currently under consideration by the Downtown Development Authority. The DDA had recently eyed a plan to install an underground water supply to the existing fountain […]

Harrison Hoe, Inc. to expand business

Brandon Twp.- Harrison Hoe keeps on digging into the area market. ‘The community needs to know that we’re expanding to a larger facility,? said Brian Harrison, owner of Harrison Hoe, Inc. 1358 Ortonville Road. ‘Even with the struggles in the economy right now, we’re having a fantastic year.? Founded in 1980 with a backhoe, five-yard […]

Demand for flu shots continues

Goodrich- It ain’t over yet. A persistent flu season that has filled emergency rooms, closed schools and caused at least two deaths in Genesee County has strained the stock of the flu vaccine in some locations. Jason Chon, CEO of PharmD Co./ Health Mart, 8191 S. State Road, Goodrich had run out of the medication, […]

Local’s sister to ride horse in Presidential Inaugural Parade

Since Thomas Jefferson’s second inauguration on March 4, 1805, it has become tradition for the president to parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. This year the public ceremony will have a local connection. Anita Schmidt, 57, a younger sister of Brandon Township resident Rose Marie Paetsch, will be part of […]