Keiser’s Role A column by Trevor Keiser

With 16 of the 19 non-union township workers deciding to unionize and Beaumont once again denied by the planning commission, politics in Independence Township are heating up; and it’s just the beginning of a long summer. I am glad there is a lot happening in the township politically because it is keeping my hands busy […]

Township workers to unionize

With jobs on the line and benefits packages being threatened, 16 of the 19 non-union township employees have decided it’s time to unionize. ‘Over a number of years when it would come time for negotiations of the other unions, non-union always had to take a backseat and we did not have any say as to […]

Beaumont returns with high hopes

Beaumont Hospital is back before township planners Thursday. Independence Township Planning Commission is set to consider conceptual site plan approval April 10, for Beaumont’s Life Care Campus on the corner of I-75 and M-15. ‘Certainly it was very clear when we were there last December there were a few issues that remained, but what we’re […]

Love of dance leads to love of life at studio

For Curtis and Sarah Haremza, dancing is like swimming. ‘You have to learn it, you have to be taught,? she said. ‘You can’t just expect to jump out in the water and swim.? At their dance studio, Elegance in Motion, the Clarkston couple teaches 22 different dance styles, including Fox Trot, Hustle, Salsa, Rumba, Waltz, […]

Dogs don’t belong in cemetery, neighbor says

When Carolyn Gibson visits her loved ones at Lakeview Cemetery, the last thing she wants to see is a dog around the gravesites. ‘It just makes you angry when you go in there and you see some dog lifting their leg or stooping and going to the bathroom on a grave,? said Gibson, a Springfield […]

U.S. Census calling for more info more often

How much is your house worth? How much do you earn? What time do you leave for work every morning? The federal government wants to know, and failure to answer could mean $100-$5,000 fines for each unanswered question. Information gathered through the American Community Survey will be used to update government population, housing, and transportation […]

Trip to Clarkston High nets 100 new voters

Independence Township Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen and Sandy Miller, elections administrator for Independence Township, went to Clarkston High School March 18 and recruited 100 new voters. ‘We were able to register all the kids who turned 18 on or before Nov. 4. Even though I can’t put them in the computer yet, some of them I […]

Carson brings business experience to treasurer campaign

Curt Carson of Independence Township is running for township treasurer. ‘I’ve been the treasurer for a number of different organizations and I’ve run my own companies and handled all the financials on those,? he said. ‘I’ve been very successful every time.? Carson grew up just outside of Birmingham. Both of his parents were teachers, his […]

Spring break fun at the library

Last week was spring break for Clarkston Community Schools, and many youngsters along with their parents could be found at Independence Township Library, enjoying time away from school and with their families. The majority of the young ones had fun playing in the puppet area, while others sat at tables enjoying the adventures of literature.

Wading through tax appeals

Challenging your property taxes this year? You aren’t alone. The Independence Townshp Board of Review will review 370 cases during the next two weeks. The board is comprised of township residents Terry Haran, Henry Hogan, and Susan Aulgur. Most who appeared before the board March 6-12 were nice, and understanding of the board’s role, Aulgur […]