Let the battle (of the books) begin

Brandon Twp.- They came ready for battle, some in pajamas, others with a giant homemade turtle shell, a few with kneepads and helmets, still more with a variety of hats, all armed with knowledge of six books. The third annual Battle of the Books at the library on March 26 had seven teams comprising more […]

Relay for Life of Brandon/Ortonville

Ortonville- Everyone is welcome at the area’s largest 24-hour summer party, taking place next weekend. The 2013 Relay for Life of Brandon/Ortonville is set for 10 a.m. June 15 to 10 a.m., June 16 at the Varsity Track, 209 Varsity Drive in the village. ‘Everyone needs to come, the public is welcome, it’s family friendly,? […]

Brandon District in decline

Brandon Twp.- The school district has been losing students and funds at an increasingly alarming rate for the past eight years. Budget reductions have not stopped a steady depletion of the fund balance, which takes another $600,000 hit with the proposed 2013-2014 budget. During a public budget hearing June 10, Jan Meek, executive director of […]

From Oakwood to Finland: Secrets of educational success

For the past ten years, Finland has ranked number one in the world on a test that measures the competency of high school students in math, science and reading. Last month, Oakwood Elementary Principal Kristy Spann traveled to the Scandivanian country to learn the secrets of their educational success. The Brandon educator was able to […]

Millage rate hike looms as debt piles up

Brandon Twp.- In 2006, voters here passed a $73 million bond for school district improvements. The district has been borrowing money from the state every year since just to make their annual bond payments. Last year, the district borrowed $5 million to make their payment. As of June 30, the district will owe $38 million […]

Area Consumers Energy project moving ahead

Consumers Energy has fully released two gas main extension projects in Atlas and Brandon townships. In Brandon, the utility has received 356 applications of a total 806 possible customers within the second phase of the gas main extension project. In Atlas, Consumers has received 129 applications of the total 308 possible customers in the township. […]

School lunch prices higher

Brandon Twp.- School lunches, as well as breakfast, preschool, and latchkey, are increasing in price this fall. During a public budget hearing June 10, District Executive Director of Finance Jan Meek presented a plan to increase school lunch prices for students by 25 cents districtwide, to $2.75. Breakfasts will increase by 20 cents to $1.50. […]

Brandon bus stop in Pontiac?

Brandon Twp.- The school board is considering all options to keep students, including offering bus transportation to those who reside in Pontiac. ‘The board is looking at any and all options to retain students,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘We have talked about what is possible for the district to do, but haven’t reached a decision…If […]

A stitch in time

Ortonville- The quilt is mostly pink and white, with intricate, feminine patterns of ribbons, flowers, polka dots, hearts, dresses and soft stripes. It will soon be auctioned online as part of QuiltPink, a fundraiser to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer foundation. Brenda Heffernan, owner of Mabelena Quilting Supplies and […]

‘I thought he would die?

Ortonville- Like many young siblings, Kieler Price has had his share of arguments with his older brother, Jacoby. But whatever their past disagreements, there is no arguing that Kieler, 10, showed courage and loyalty when he saved Jacoby’s life March 18. That afternoon, Kieler, Jacoby, 12, and their youngest brother, Colton, 6, went walking on […]