Government officials and members from Lake Orion businesses attended the joint Downtown Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Nov. 18, celebrating the completion of the Restore M-24 project. Chamber Executive Director Kim Urbanowski (center, holding scissors) cut the ribbon as DDA Executive Director Molly LaLone (center, holding paper) read a proclamation declaring the streets open for business. They were joined by Orion Twp. Supervisor Chris Barnett (center) and Village Manager Darwin McClary (right of Molly LaLone). The ceremony was an effort to encourage residents to shop local and support the business community, many of which have suffered during the ongoing construction.

By Jim Newell