Brandon Alternative High School graduation 2012

Brandon Twp.- Samantha DeRosia received her high school diploma this past Wednesday, something that seemed out of reach for her at this time last year. ‘About a year ago, I didn’t think I would graduate,? said the 18-year-old. ‘It doesn’t seem real. My dad asked me how I feel to be graduating, and I am […]

‘We had no choice,? students protest class split

By Susan Bromley Staff Writer Ortonville- Some sixth-grade students got a lesson in protesting during social studies on Tuesday. The 10- and 11-year-olds in Nadine Vantine’s class were distraught over a recent decision by the district to move three of their classmates to another room. So, they decided to protest. At 3:15 p.m., the students […]

Advanced placement key for college bound

Brandon Twp.- By next summer, Rachel Hartwig will have completed 18 college credits? for free and before becoming a college student. She will have accomplished this through successfully completing numerous advanced placement courses as a student at Brandon High School. ‘I like the challenge and it’s a great opportunity to get college credit and save […]

Surviving domestic abuse: Emerging from darkness: Part II

Editor’s Note: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The story below about a local woman who survived domestic abuse is the second in a two-part series. View the first part, Stephanie’s story, online at www.thecitizenonline.com. Names have been changed to protect identities. Brandon Twp.- Mary was in her mid-20s, fresh out of college and […]

HAVEN: lighting the way out of darkness

As president and CEO of HAVEN, a counseling center for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, Beth Morrison is leading the fight against abuse. Morrison defines domestic violence as a pattern of behavior over time where one person uses tactics to gain or maintain power over another individual, essentially believing it is their right […]

Groveland Twp. break-ins

Groveland Twp.? Michigan State Police are seeking tips in the recent break-ins of two homes and a business in the township. Troopers are investigating the breaking and entering of a business in the 1200 block of N. Ortonville Road that occurred on June 7. Two laptop computers and a pick-up truck were stolen, as well […]

Police dog attacks handler

Goodrich- The police dogs in the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit are highly trained animals that are carefully chosen for duty. While the animals may seem intimidating as they are taught to bite on command to protect their handler or corner a suspect, they are also taught to release on command and are very […]

‘If you want to be a good Dad, you will be?

Brandon Twp.- When strangers learn that Ron Besemer, 24, is the unmarried father of a 6-year-old son, he feels that assumptions are often made. ‘They quickly do the math and assume all the wrong things,? he said. ‘The first impression is, ‘You must be a deadbeat dad,? or ‘You must have left the mom and […]

Consumers Energy to begin major gas project

Brandon Twp.- Consumers Energy is bringing more natural gas to the township with one of the largest projects the utility company has undertaken in years. ‘This is one of the biggest main extension programs we’ve had in a long time for our company,? said Debra Dodd, Consumers Energy spokesperson. As of June 11, the company […]

Auditor to Brandon Township Board: ‘Good job?

Brandon Twp.- Long-term strategic budget planning the township board began in 2010 is starting to pay off. Pfeffer, Hanniford and Palka, CPA, recently completed their audit of the township’s 2011 financial statements. During the board’s June 4 meeting, Ken Palka presented results of the audit to the board, which found that as of Dec. 31, […]