Trustees reject closing Deer Lake beach

Despite losing money each year, township officials voted unanimous to renew the lease at Deer Lake Beach. With a $60,000-$70,000 deficit each year, Supervisor Dave Wagner sent a memo to board members about possibly not renewing the lease for the beach. ‘We’re kind of stuck for this year unfortunately because we have a lot of […]

HR director approved

Second times a charm for Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen. After nearly a month since postponement, Independence Township Board reconsidered hiring a human resources director, June 23. This time, votes fell in VanderVeen’s favor. ‘I’m really excited about it,? she said. ‘I think it’s a step in the right direction.? The board voted unanimous to approve hiring. […]

Pool malfunction investigated in school evacuation

All students are home from the hospital following a pool-chemical accident at Clarkston High School. “The coach identified the problem immediately, evacuated the pool and called 911,” said Anita Banach, director of Communications and Marketing. “Emergency response was very efficient. HAZMAT arived and took over. Our number one focus is safety of students, and we’re […]

Township considers rehab act for Dixie

Business owners along Dixie Highway are a little closer to tax relief to help revitalize the corridor. Independence Township Board voted June 16 to move forward with a Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Abatement plan, creating tax incentives for commercial properties for up to 10 years. Tax break districts can include industrial, commercial, and residential property, said […]

Players end year with bowling bash

Cast and crew members of the Clarkston Village Players met at the 300 Bowl in Waterford for a fun filled night in celebration of the end of the season. The night included bowling, food, drinks, conversation and lots of laughter. Al Bartlett awarded Jan Cable with the ‘Life Membership CVP.? The Clarkston News was also […]

Date change leads to debate about note

What started out a simple date change, turned into a chaotic debate about a promissory note. At the June 16 Independence Township Board meeting, Treasurer Curt Carson said after reviewing the resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from water and sewer to general fund that he noticed the first payment date needed to be changed […]

More than just makeup

When Kim Hill got her first job at Clarkston Hair Salon in 1985, she didn’t know styling hair and putting on makeup would become more than just ‘enhancing physical beauty.? Hill, a 1983 Clarkston graduate was diagnosed in 2002 with fiberticulitus, (weaking pouches in the lining of the intestine) which has led to five abdominal […]

Memos point to money trail

Openness and transparency were the reasons Trustee Mark Petterson walked out of the executive session at the June 16 board meeting. ‘When I arrived at the township board meeting I was informed that there was an attorney opinion letter sent to all board members that day,? Petterson said. ‘This letter was then prompting an executive […]

Pool malfunction investigated in school evacuation

During a Clarkston Seawolves swim event at Clarkston High School Independence Township Fire and paramedics responded to a call that kids in the pool were having difficulty breathing and throwing up. Fire Chief Steve Ronk who was on the scene said they received the call at 6:42. Seven kids ages 7 to 12 years old […]

Hair today, gone tomorrow

For the last three years Brock Nowak’s identity has been ‘the boy with the long blonde hair,? however with one snip with some scissors his identity was changed. After hearing about the non-profit organization Locks of Love from his mother, Brock decided to donate for his 13th birthday. ‘I was just growing my hair out […]