Education reforms signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm Jan. 4 have local educators feeling some trepidation. Brandon Schools Superintendent Lorrie McMahon is conflicted over the five-bill legislative package which reforms the state’s education system and allows Michigan to compete for up to $400 million in federal funds. ‘In general, my concern is that we don’t know […]
The economic outlook may be gloomy, but you can brighten your own financial picture in the new year by taking some simple steps, say two local advisors, one financial and one spiritual. Lon Bone, vice-president of public relations and community involvement for Genisys Credit Union, 250 N. Ortonville Road, said the first step in improving […]
Ortonville- The Ortonville Woman’s Club is one of the oldest organizations in the community, formed 105 years ago. At that time, the primary purpose of the club was to educate women and offer them the opportunity for socialization. The service organization has also offered scholarships to local students through the years. ‘Years ago, it used […]
Weight loss resolutions are common at the start of the new year and at any age. The key to success, however, is to set attainable and specific goals, say local health and fitness gurus Nancy Boch, a lifestyle and weight-loss management counselor, and Jessica Arundel, owner of Ortonville-based In Motion Anytime. Rather than aiming for […]
Brandon Twp.- Robotics is back. After years without a robotics team in the district, the school board approved Truck Town Thunder Robotics as the official Brandon/Holly team. ‘I’m excited about this team,? said Andrew Spiece, Brandon High School technology teacher and co-coach of TTTR, along with Tony Ceccacci. ‘Brandon needs something like this. It attracts […]
By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Brandon Twp.- In Toni Schlaire’s Kindergarten class at Oakwood Elementary, students have a new seating arrangement. Instead of the traditional chairs, the children sit on exercise balls. ‘I wanted to implement the balls to see the effect on the students and see if it would improve behavior, attention, and time […]
By Susan Bromley Staff Writer (Editor’s Note: This is the first of a 2-part story about Justin and Sarah Walker, Brandon High School graduates who are working and raising a family overseas.) Ortonville most likely seems a tame vacation destination to most, but for Taelyn Walker, seeing the cows at Cook’s Farm Dairy was a […]
Brandon Twp.-Pat George was 37-years-old when he found himself at a crossroads in life in 1987. He had worked in healthcare finance at multiple hospitals since graduating from Michigan State University in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. ‘I had done everything I wanted to from a finance standpoint,? said George. ‘I […]
Brandon Twp.- Taxpayers in the Brandon School District saw a jump in their bills from 9.66 mills to 13 mills on July 1. The increase was mandated by the state under Public Act 437 passed in 2012. The bill helps the state improve its bond rating and shortens the timeframe that districts have to repay […]
Brandon Twp.- The school board unanimously approved a total of $2.5 million in state aid borrowing for the 2015-16 school year. This is an increase of $500,000 from a previously approved June resolution to borrow $2 million for general operating purposes only. It is separate from a larger total owed to the state regarding bond […]