State Rep. Brad Jacobsen Praises Snyder's Speech

Official said governor's State of the State full of openness and ideas to solve problems.

State Rep. Brad Jacobsen, R-Oxford, took Lake Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett as his guest to Gov. Rick Snyder's third State of the State address Wednesday night. Afterwards, Jacobsen had this to say:  "Tonight the governor gave a great overview of how far our state has come in the last two years and also where Michigan needs to head in the future. We have made great strides in our efforts to get Michigan back on track, but work to revitalize our economy is far from over. The governor has always been extremely honest about our state's problems, and I have truly appreciated his openness to various ideas and solutions for these problems. "I truly believe our state is headed in the right direction and I'm confident that continuing to …

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'Mental Illness is Not a Factor or Predicator of Violence'

People with mental illness do not belong in database.

Turn to God for Strength, Hope as Christmas Approaches

As the nation mourns the deaths of students at Sandy Hook Elementary School, local pastors remind Dexter residents that God's love will prevail.

By Rev. Larry Van Slambrook St. Andrew's United Church of Christ From Thanksgiving Day on, it seemed as though you could sense a growing atmosphere of joy and happiness in anticipation of the upcoming celebration of Christmas. The stores filled with shoppers, the lighted trees and carol singing all added to the joy of the season. Then came the news of the massacre of 20 children and 6 adults in Newtown, Conn. last Friday, which sent shock waves all across this country. We have felt the grief and pain of the parents and families of these children whose lives were taken and the adults who died trying to protect them. How can we celebrate Christmas in the wake of this tragedy? What can help us find peace and joy in the midst of this storm? …

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End of the World Poll: Is the Apocalypse Coming Dec. 21?

The Mayans may or may not have predicted the apocalypse will occur on Dec. 21. Even the New York Times and NASA are talking about it. Do you buy it?

Time for another Patch poll, and it's simple this time: Do you expect the world to end on Dec. 21, 2012? Apocalypse in the house... Seriously though, even NASA is getting in on the action. The agency created a page on its website devoted to debunking the Mayan apocalypse idea—not least because the Mayans never predicted any such thing. The date is simply the end of one time period that simply starts over. “Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012,” NASA wrote. But maybe they're just fun-haters: there are a number of parties planned for Dec. 20 or 21 this year, just in case the Earth explodes, or zombies run amok. With the "long count…

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Should Snyder Sign Bill Allowing Concealed Weapons in Schools?

On Friday, a gunman killed at least 27 at a school in Newtown, CT. Meanwhile in Michigan, Gov. Snyder has a bill on his desk that would allow some concealed guns in schools. What do you think?

Should Michigan's governor sign a bill on is desk that would allow concealed weapons in former no-gun zones, like schools? The question is timely: What do you think of the legislation? Should the governor sign it?

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What Do You Think About Right-to-Work Legislation?

Post your views on the proposed right-to-work legislation by adding it to the Local Voices section of Oakland Township-Lake Orion Patch.

Do you have an opinion on the proposed right-to-work legislation? Then we would like you to let everyone know about it by sharing it on Oakland Township-Lake Orion Patch. All you need to do is add your opinion—it could be as short as a sentence or as long as a term paper—to our Local Voices section. It’s quick and easy to do. Just click here to post your opinion. Whether you are for or against the right-to-work bills, we would love for you to share your voice with the Oakland Township and Lake Orion community.

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Gov. Rick Snyder Wants Right-to-Work Legislation

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced Thursday morning that he would sign right-to-work legislation if passed by the state Legislature.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced Thursday that he would pursue right-to-work legislation for public and private employees in the state, according to the Detroit Free Press. The law would include an exemption for firefighters and police officers, but it would apply to 17.5 percent of Michigan's workforce, according to the Detroit News. A poll on possible right-to-work legislation on Wyandotte Patch generated several comments. "Not sure why you would ever think being a Right To Work state is a good idea...unless you like getting paid less for the work you do," Jerry Barton said. "The only ones that benefit from Right To Work legislation are the employers." Another commenter, Just Sayin', disagreed: "I think right to work is ok, if you …

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J.B.

8:28 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Now maybe they will get to work...   more ›

How Much Have Patch Readers Raised to Fight Hunger in Michigan?

There's still time to donate to Gleaners Community Food Bank through the Patch Fights Hunger online drive!

What do some Michigan families have to be thankful for this winter? Patch readers. Thanks to dozens of generous donations, Patch has raised $4,698 so far through our Patch Fights Hunger online food drive, supporting Gleaners Community Food Bank. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to feed families throughout southeast Michigan. This virtual food drive runs through Saturday, Nov. 24, and is the first for the Gleaners Community Food Bank. The 30 Michigan Patch sites are proud and honored to be their first partner. Shop Gleaners' virtual grocery shelves. Click to get started! Follow progress of Patch's fight against hunger. Click to watch donations grow! Click the shopping link above and select items from the virtual grocery shelves. When you check …

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POLL: Which Hostess Treat Will You Miss the Most?

The Irving, TX-based company Hostess announced Friday that it is going out of business.

No more Twinkies? Ho Hos? Wonder Bread? Hostess Brands, Inc. announced Friday that it's closing all of its operations due to combining factors of declining profitability, bankruptcy, and—the icing on the cupcake—a strike by one of its largest union worker contingencies. According to a release from the company, the end of Hostess will mean the loss of 18,500 jobs and the shuttering of 33 bakeries, 565 distribution centers, about 5,500 delivery routes and 570 bakery outlet stores throughout the United States. It's not clear yet whether the closure will mean the end to all of Hostess' sweet treats. CEO Gregory Rayburn said the company hopes to sell off most of its bigger brands, according to the Wall Street Journal. “I’m certainly hopeful we …

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Your friendly (not) local Farmington Hills Curmudgeon!!

9:16 am on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I would like to point out that BAIN CAPITAL bought Dominos Pizza many years ago and due to the fact that ALL PARTIES involved COOPERATED in the company restructure... that now Dominos Pizza is not only alive and well but it has AMAZING good pizza that gets to you door VERY HOT. And save the negative comments about Dominos Pizza. If you have not tried it lately - then you don't know how good it is…   more ›