Water issues continue to plague schools

Brandon Twp.- Paul Haggerty was more than a little surprised to learn that his sons were unable to drink from the water fountains at their schools. ‘It’s shocking that it’s not safe to drink from the fountains at Harvey Swanson (Elementary) and also at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School,? said the father of Chase and Dylan […]

A world away: Local serves Peace Corps in Madagascar

Monica Lambert left the comparatively tame Brandon Township early this month for wild and exotic Madagascar. But while a trip to the fourth largest island nation in the world, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, may seem exciting, Lambert is not traveling there for a vacation. She will be working […]

Zelenak resigns as Ortonville village manager

Ortonville-Village Manager Paul Zelenak made it official last week? he is leaving to become the city manager of Bloomfield Hills. Zelenak signed a contract with Bloomfield Hills April 19 and background checks were finalized last Wednesday. He will begin his new position May 16. ‘It’s a tremendous opportunity,? Zelenak said. ‘Bloomfield Hills is a very […]

Senate Bill 770 will impact district, taxpayers

Brandon Twp.- As of last June, the district had $81.4 million in outstanding bond debt. In 2006, voters approved a $73 million bond for capital improvements, including a new elementary school. The bond was approved before the bubble burst on the housing market, foreclosures grew rampant, and property values tanked. Since the downward spiral, the […]

‘Terrorizing the neighborhood?

Brandon Twp.- Residents along Hadley Road can rest easy. After months of arson fires, detectives found the culprits and have confessions from three local juveniles. A fourth teen that is involved lives in Ohio. ‘Everyone on the street can relax,? said Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Detective and School Liaison Officer Arnie Terrell. ‘Hadley is a […]

Drunk driving arrests double in township: deputies cracking down

Brandon Twp.- Drunk drivers beware? deputies are on the hunt for you in the township. ‘Our guys are out there hitting the streets really hard every night and taking drunks off those streets,? said Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Pete Burkett. ‘We are aggressively pursuing drunk driving in Brandon Township.? From January to September 2007, […]

Reaction to nation’s financial meltdown at home

Local financial institutions reassured customers this week that their money is safe as a crisis caused by foreclosed mortgages and bankrupt businesses rattled the industry. The situation has caused Congress to debate a $700 billion bailout of failing banks and businesses, but area banks and credit unions remain confident. ‘It really hasn’t had an effect […]

School district liaison officer future still uncertain

Brandon Twp.- The fate of the school liaison officer position remains in question less than two weeks after the school district learned they lost 92 students in this year’s student count, which will equal a loss of $673,072 in revenue. Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Arnie Terrell has been the district’s school liaison officer for […]

New pavilion at the park

Brandon Twp.- A new pavilion at the community park is a direct result of the efforts of 15-year-old Zack Zernec. Zernec, a sophomore at Brandon High School, raised funds for the structure, requested donations, recruited people to build it and helped in the construction itself, all as part of his Eagle Scout project. A ribbon-cutting […]

Proposed cuts for Brandon Schools; $1.2 million needed

Brandon Twp.- Reductions of teachers as well as non-instructional staff would account for more than half of $1.2 million in savings if a proposed list of budget cuts is adopted by the school board. Janice Meek, executive director of business services for the school district, presented the list of proposed budget reductions for fiscal year […]