Lake Orion Senior wins first place America’s Field Trip award

Lake Orion High School senior Morgan Leney became one of 75 students to win the first America’s Field Trip contest on July 8. Thousands of students across the country submitted entries to the prompt “what does America mean to you” for a chance to win a summer field trip. Available trips included a tour of […]

Heidi Mercer signs LOCS superintendent contract

Lake Orion Community Schools’ new superintendent Heidi Mercer signed a contract that was approved by the board of education on Wednesday, Aug. 8. The signing marked Mercer’s official start to leading the district since being selected as superintendent on July 18. Mercer has been with LOCS for 28 years overseeing district academics technology, student discipline, […]

‘Heart of a Dragon’ Scholarship awarded in memory of Ted Swietlik

‘Heart of a Dragon’ Scholarship awarded in memory of Ted Swietlik

By Jim Newell Managing Editor jnewell@mihomepaper.com  ORION TWP. — Lake Orion High School 2024 graduate Ben Schadel was awarded the Television Production Workshop “Heart of a Dragon” Memorial Scholarship. “We are glad to be continuing the honoring of Ted by awarding the winner of the Ted Swietlik Heart of a Dragon Memorial Scholarship. The winner […]

Oakview, Waldon bond projects are ‘on schedule’

Selected LOCS superintendent Heidi Mercer said Oakview and Waldon Middle Schools’ bond projects are “on schedule” during a Board of Education meeting on July 24. Construction to Waldon’s track, media center and other projects began in June, and are expected to be completed by September, according to the school’s website. LOCS Director of Communications and […]

Lake Orion Community Schools hires eight teachers, social worker and psychologist

By Joseph Goral Staff Writer jgoral@mihomepaper.com  LAKE ORION — Lake Orion Community Schools gained eight teachers, a social worker and school psychologist during a regular Board of Education meeting on July 24. The hires continue what Lake Orion Interim Superintendent Adam Weldon called a busy hiring season. Weldon introduced the hires beginning with new social […]

Lake Orion school board selects Heidi Mercer as new superintendent

By Joseph Goral Staff Writer jgoral@mihomepaper.com LAKE ORION — The Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education selected Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Heidi Mercer to be the district’s new superintendent. The 7-0 decision came on July 18 after the board completed five first-round interviews over the course of two evenings. Board members cited […]

LOCS Board of Education appoints Nate Butki to vacant seat

Butki to serve through the November election By Joseph Goral Staff Writer jgoral@mihomepaper.com LAKE ORION — The Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education members appointed Nate Butki to its vacant trustee seat during a special meeting on July 10. The appointment was approved by a 5-0 vote. Vice President Heather Sinawi was absent from […]

LOCS sees nearly $2.3M federal funding decrease, holds 2024-25 budget resolution second reading

By Joseph Goral Staff Writer jgoral@mihomepaper.com  LAKE ORION — The Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education covered a decrease of $2,273,626 in federal sources funding during their 2024-25 budget resolution’s second reading on June 26. The decrease in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds accounts for $1,674,958 of the total decrease. ESSER […]