GRAND BLANC NEWS

The Latest News, Updates and Opinions

Jodi and David Harper of Grand Blanc have a method of naming their children that drives friends and family members nuts.

Question of the Day:

"We wait until the baby is born before we decide on the name," said Jodi, a 33-year-old mother of four. "We go to the hospital with a list of names we like, then we wait to see the baby to decide what fits best."

The method worked well for sons Nicholas, 6, Jackson, 4, and Matthew, 2. Four weeks ago, Chloe Elizabeth joined the family. She was a day old before her mom decided that she was a Chloe, and not a Lauren, Victoria or Reagan.

"Everyone was calling and asking, 'Does she have a name yet?'" Jodi said. "But it wasn't until the day after she was born, when I was nursing her, that I decided, 'She looks like a Chloe.'"

Choosing a baby's name can be one of toughest decisions parents make, said Jennifer Moss, author of "The One-in-a-Million Baby Name Book" and founder of BabyNames.com.

Continue reading "The name game: There's much to be considered when choosing your baby's name; Grand Blanc couple has see-it-first method" »

Flint Journal extras: See below for a district-by-district comparison of the graduation rates.

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- About one in every six high-schoolers in Genesee County did not graduate in four years, according to 2007 data released Monday by the state of Michigan.

It's a significant drop from previous graduation rates, partly because state officials are using a new formula -- which they say gives a more accurate account of how many students graduate on time.

Some school officials say isn't a fair assessment. They believe their districts are being punished for helping students who need it the most: those in alternative education programs.

Continue reading "Genesee County graduation rates take beating; School officials cry foul over new formula used in calculating graduation numbers" »

Flint Journal extras: See below for a district-by-district comparison of the graduation rates.

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- About one in every six high-schoolers in Genesee County did not graduate in four years, according to 2007 data released Monday by the state of Michigan.

It's a significant drop from previous graduation rates, partly because state officials are using a new formula -- which they say gives a more accurate account of how many students graduate on time.

Some school officials say isn't a fair assessment. They believe their districts are being punished for helping students who need it the most: those in alternative education programs.

Continue reading "Genesee County graduation rates take beating; School officials cry foul over new formula used in calculating graduation numbers" »

GRAND BLANC TWP., Michigan -- It's been a long journey for Alex Maysura, a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for three years,

There have been ups and downs ... and more than 200 miles.

Maysura, 55, of Troy, spoke to more than 60 people Sunday evening during an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at UAW Local 1292, 6253 S. Dort Hwy. in Grand Blanc Township. The stop was part of his more-than-350 mile trip from Mackinaw City to West Bloomfield to honor National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month and to share his personal experience.

Continue reading "Recovering alcoholic shares his journey in a 350-mile walk" »

GRAND BLANC, Michigan -- It's the beginning of a new season.

It's not football or baseball, nor is it even recognized as a sport, but it's just as fun and the competition is just as tough.

It's marching band season.

Continue reading "Grand Blanc students race to learn new routine at band camp" »

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Chances are at lunch time you've seen a fit, tan man with "military" written all over him running through town.

That's Mark Yonan, retiredformer U.S. Marine, marathon runner and vice president at Merrill Lynch.

Continue reading "Retired Grand Blanc Township Marine Mark Yonan sets course as Crim chairman" »

FLINT, Michigan -- Forget any stereotypes you may have formed about Genesee County's largest city.

Because Flint is cool.

Continue reading "Explore Flint: Entertainment abounds in Genesee County's largest city" »

GRAND BLANC, Michigan -- When James Conner celebrated his 21st birthday in June, the day was anything but typical.

He didn't have plans for the evening or a group of friends waiting to take him out on the town. His birthday agenda: preparing for a visit from President Bush.

Continue reading "Grand Blanc's James Conner serves as 'face of U.S.' as U.S. Embassy intern in London" »