Almost there

After raising $13,400, Independence Township’s July 4 Festival of Fun and fireworks is almost fully funded. ‘With the generous matching contribution from Clarkston Community Church, we are $2,400 shy from our goal ($25,000) as of today,? said Kelly Hyer, Independence Township Parks and Recreation supervisor and event organizer, Monday morning. Clarkston Community Church issued a […]

Keiser’s RoleA column by Trevor Keiser

As I looked at the clock go past 11 p.m. I thought to myself , ‘am I sitting in a city council meeting or a township board meeting?? I was rather confused because the city usually never runs their meetings past 9 p.m., and if they do, they definitely don’t go past 10 p.m.. The […]

Sewer fees changing

Independence Township residents will soon pay for sewer services based on how much they use it. Township Department of Public Works currently charges a flat rate, $77.21 per Residential Equivalency Unit (REU), said Linda Richardson, DPW director. ‘When we look at a home, it’s one REU,? Richardson said. ‘It doesn’t matter if it’s 900 square […]

Teen overcomes disorder with compassion

One out of every 3,000 births a child is born with a genetic disorder known as Neurofibromatosis (NF). “It’s a genetic disorder of the nervous system,? said 13 year-old MacGregor Schaffer, who has NF, the only sign of which are brown spots on his arms and body known as ‘Cafeaulait spots.? ‘Surprisingly not many kids […]

Township hires part-time administrator

After rejecting a full-time office administrator in the supervisor’s office earlier in the year, Independence Township trustees approved a part-timer at $15.40 an hour. The office assistant will provide administrative, secretarial, and clerical support to the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, human resources and assessing departments. Trustee David Lohmeier said the position is ‘overkill.? ‘This type of […]

Team Rush prepares to take on World Championship

Clarkston High School’s robotics Team RUSH is heading to the World Championship in St. Louis after taking second place in the Michigan State Tournament. It was a nail-biter, said CSMTech teacher Kyle Hughes. ‘We lost the first match by one point, came back and won the second to lose the third,? Hughes said. ‘It was […]

Development plan for 90 N. Main goes to city council

After four drafts and a public hearing, Clarkston planners hammered out a proposal for 90 N. Main Street. Proposed amendments to zoning ordinances would allow ‘Limited Use Overlays? for any property like 90 N. Main. The building, formerly used as Clarkston High School, Community Center, and Independence Township Hall, is located in R1, Single Family […]

Adventure race in Clarkston

Teams of two will bike, run, and paddle to the finish line in The Blast Adventure Race, June 4 in Depot Park, but there’ll be no lines to follow. Instead, they’ll have to rely on a map and compass. ‘It is pretty much like a triathlon only they choose their route and they canoe instead […]

Assessor tired of juggling work, play

After nine years as Independence Township assessor, Beverly Shaver has decided it’s time to join Tom, her husband of 42 years, in the fun of retirement. ‘He’s been retired for five years and is dying for me to be home,? Shaver said. ‘I want to play bridge, I want to golf, I want to fish […]

Clarkston grad helps get soldiers fit

Clarkston High School graduate Joe DeGain is getting the opportunity of a lifetime as he leaves this weekend for Iraq to help U.S. troops with physical training. ‘By no means do I think I am serving our country by going over there, but I just love the fact I can give back to the soldiers […]