Last week’s apartment fire on Washington Street fire was caused by human error, said Independence Township Fire Chief Steve Ronk. That’s typical for fires he’s seen, Ronk said. ‘None of it’s been building problems, just the people who live in the building left something unintended or whatever,? he said. On March 1, firefighters were dispatched […]
Even though tax revenues are still sliding to the negative, Independence Township Assessor Beverly Shaver believes ‘the big slide is over.? ‘We’re going to eventually even out and go up,? Shaver said. Shaver projects $1,294,424,000 taxable value for 2012, down about four percent from the current 2011 estimate of $1,349,901,940, made before the tax Board […]
After 31 years of service as an Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy, Sgt. Paul Bidinger is trading in his gun and badge for golf courses, grandbabies and family time. ‘I’m just glad he’s retiring, it will be nice,? said Rhonda Bidinger, Paul’s wife. ‘I look forward to having him home after 31 years and the stress […]
After four meetings of ‘still no clerk,? the crowd stood and cheered in standing ovation as Independence Township Supervisor David Wagner gave the deciding ‘yes? vote to name Barbara Pallotta as interim clerk and end the four-meeting stalemate. ‘When Wagner said ‘yes? I could not believe it,? Pallotta said. ‘Now that I’m here and can […]
Not only is the community stepping forward to help save July 4 fireworks and events, but also to keep lifeguards and swim lessons at Deer Lake Beach. Clarkston Area Optimist Club offered up to $20,000 if the township can match it. ‘When we heard about the possibility of closing the beach for the summer, not […]
Just a few weeks since Clarkston Community Church put out their community challenge to raise $10,000 to save July Fourth events and fireworks, the community is stepping up to the challenge. ‘It’s pretty amazing because we haven’t really banged down any doors or anything yet, people are just coming out and showing this is important,? […]
The third time wasn’t a charm in the search for a new Independence Township clerk. No one was picked at the Feb. 17 special meeting, the third deadlocked meeting in as many days. Board members and residents were surprised, however, by what Joan Patterson, clerk candidate, had to say during public comment. Patterson said she […]
I came into work last Thursday angry and furious that after a regular board meeting and two special meetings Independence Township board still had not appointed a new clerk and now (Thursday night) we were having yet another special meeting. However, I left Thursday’s meeting no longer angry, but completely dismayed because I had just […]
The former Ram’s Horn and Nick’s Country Oven on Dixie Highway is now The Royal Diner. It was bought by brothers Martin and Paul Gojcaj, who have been in the restaurant business in metro Detroit for over 20 years. ‘They’ve renovated the building, made everything brand new,? said Elizabeth Foglesong, ‘It’s contemporary, but modern.? Foglesong, […]
Clarkston Community Church stepped up to help save Independence Township’s Fourth of July festival. ‘The Clarkston Community Church came up with a community challenge,? said Kelly Hyer, recreation supervisor for Township Parks and Recreation. ‘Challenging the Clarkston community to raise $10,000, they will match every dollar raised towards July Fourth events and fireworks.? The event […]