Young activists speak out on guns

When Madeline Johnson lost her best friend in the shooting that took place at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, she knew that she wanted to do something to create real change. 

“I was near her when it happened,” she said. “It’s obviously been pretty hard for me. I decided that I wanted to take action and change something for her and the other three that we lost, hopefully to stop things like this from happening in the future.”

Johnson, along with other Oxford students, banned together to create No Future Without Today, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. The members’ goal is to educate students and raise awareness about gun violence in schools. 

The rise of gun violence across the country has left students feeling afraid for their well-being.

Buddy’s Pizza eager to open Okemos location

They call it a pizza that started a style. And Detroit-style pizza has landed in Okemos. The location at 2010 W. Grand River Ave. marks the 20th location in Michigan. Known for its rectangular cut with a thick crispy crust, it’s no secret that the Detroit-style pizza is a big hit.

Demolition makes way for new Trader Joe’s

Demolition began last week on the corner of Grand River Avenue and Northwind Drive, clearing the way for a new Trader Joe’s. https://twitter.com/meridiantwp/status/1502303793421111296

It will be approximately 13,500 square feet and includes 2.2 acres of property. The preliminary site plan provided to Meridian Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals requests additional parking spaces on site. The request was approved Dec. 8, 2021.

Detroit-based Buddy’s Pizza adds second location in Mid-Michigan 

With its grand opening on April 4, the new Buddy’s Pizza at 2010 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos is looking for more employees. “Hiring is ongoing, and we are still looking for plenty of help,” said General Manager Mike Wensel, who is looking for 30-35 to be  servers, bartenders, bussers, hosts and kitchen staff. Training will begin March 21, but applicants are welcome to apply and join late. Previous restaurant experience is helpful but not required.

MT salon moves, sees uptick in business

Roughly a month after moving to a new location, the staff at one of Meridian Township’s most popular salons is officially acclimated to their fresh space and seeing an unexpected increase in new clients.

Fluid Salon, a staple of the community since it opened in January of 2015, made the move from 2755 E. Grand River Ave. to 5030 Northwind Dr. over the course of nine days, from January 30 to February 7.

Since its reopening on February 8, owner Kimmi Chubb has already noticed a change in business, despite the new location only being a few blocks from the previous one.

Okemos Public Schools to announce new mascot logo

After years of deliberation, Okemos Public Schools officially has a new mascot, the Wolves, necessitating a an updated logo.

In determining its new logo, the school district is also responsible for replacing the current one across the district.

Superintendent John Hood said the district asked the community to submit new logo designs. The final design will be released at the March 14 board meeting, and it will feature aspects of multiple design concepts.

Detours implemented as construction begins on historic Okemos Road bridges

Those who take Okemos Road southbound on their commute to work or school will have to use a new route starting February 14, courtesy of a full-scale replacement and expansion of the Okemos Road bridges.

Southbound traffic will detour until November, while the northbound lane of will be unchanged throughout the new construction project, according to a notice from the Ingham County Road Department.