15 years ago – 1992
‘Supreme Court showdown? Independence Township voted 6-1 to appeal their case against Clarkston cityhood to Michigan Supreme Court. Michigan Court of Appeals had upheld an earlier decision allowing the city charter to go forward. Clarkston residents voted Feb. 5, 1992, to become a city. Independence Township argued the state Township Act did not grant the right of villages to become cities. Trustee Daniel Travis was the only trustee voting to end legal proceedings against the village.
‘Four items featured in June 8 school election? Clarkston area voters had to choose two school board members from among three candidates, and decide on proposals for ‘Schools of choice,? 19-mill tax renewal, and additional two mills in taxes. Tax level at the time was 38.83 mills. Schools of choice would allow elementary students to attend whichever school in the district they wished.
‘Senior, 71, hosts cable-TV country music show? Clarkston resident William Harvey Breeding, stage name Arizona Weston, hosted a half-hour program on local television. He presented portraits of country-music stars, and performed music of his own as well.
25 years ago – 1982
‘Building slumps in 1981, but future is bright, says Independence building director? Building starts dropped 50 percent from 1980-1981 ? 38 permits were issued in ?81. Reasons included high interest rates, financing, and concerns about the economy, officials said. Commercial development on Sashabaw Road was expected to act as a ‘magnet? for professional people.
‘Springfield says ‘no? to Independence expansion? Springfield Township Board turned down a request by Independence Township to annex 13.6 acres near Dixie Highway and I-75. The expansion would have been used as part of a proposed senior citizen village.

50 years ago – 1957
?’A Dip in Time? at Albion College? Clarkston area resident Dorothy McEvoy was set to perform in Albion’s synchronized swim show. The show was to aquatically dramatize the history of the world, including cavemen, Egyptians, Roman soldiers, Indians, Spanish pirates, Russians, St. Patrick and the snakes, and Joan of Arc.
‘Large crowd at 21 Club Dance? About 231 boys and girls attended the dance that weekend. During the evening, soft drinks and chips were served.
‘The Village Weathervane? Five Clarkston students earned superior ratings at the Pontiac Science Fair. Projects included ‘Honey Processing,? ‘Solar System,? ‘Telegraph,? ‘Processing of Wheat from Seedling to Bread,? and ‘Prehistoric Skull Structure.?

15 years ago – 1992
‘Low voter turnout dooms bond issue? The bond issue for a new elementary school suffered a sound defeat April 11, 1992, as only 20 percent of the Clarkston school district’s registered voters went to the polls. It was defeated 2,516-1,621. The district had 21,000 registered voters. Superintendent Gary Haner said he was shocked by the outcome. The district would have to deal with overcrowding issues that would have been solved with a successful bond, he said.
‘Clarkston plans to hire full-time police officer? The Village of Clarkston, which was due to become a city that July, planned to hire a police officer, and buy a police car and equipment for about $80,000. Clarkston used to contract police protection with Independence Township for about $61,693. The difference would be offset by traffic-ticket revenue, officials said.
‘Builder gets chance at public safety complex? Independence Township Board tabled a proposal for a new fire station and Oakland County Sheriff’s Department substation on Citation. DDA officials said the township should consider alternative sites for the project. Cost was estimated at $1.2 million.
25 years ago – 1982
‘Race track neighbors push for tighter controls? Independence Township Board fielded complaints from neighbors of the Waterford Hills Racing Association. Members of the auto racing club said they would respond to the complaints about noise, flying tires, and uncut grass.
?’Dr. Bob? charts his retirement plan? Dr. Robert Buehrig was wrapping up 36 years of service to the Clarkston area as a doctor. He had served as a front-line medic in World War II, and moved to Clarkston in 1949. Retirement plans included travel and a lot of golf.
‘Quick thinking 8-year-old dials ?0? and saves his mom? Tony Morrow, 8 years old at the time, called the operator to report his mother Pat Morrow’s collapse. She had suffered a severe reaction to an antibiotic. When she returned from the hospital, he and his 5-year-old sister, Gina, followed her around the house with pillows just in case.

50 years ago – 1957
‘United Fund Board voted to unite with Pontiac U.F.? Independence United Fund voted to join Pontiac instead of the Metropolitan Detroit organization. Board members said more township people worked in Pontiac.
‘Skywatch perts? The son of a volunteer with Clarkston’s Ground Observer Corps, an Air Force radar officer, said all sightings reported by the observer posts were checked. Intercepter planes were sent to investigate unscheduled flights, he said.
‘Baptist church basement remodeled? An asphalt tile floor was installed in the basement of the First Baptist Church. The Adult Sunday School Class completed the project.