Salaries increase for township workers

Independence Township non-union workers are getting a raise, except for those elected. Supervisor Dave Wagner motioned on July 17 for department heads and non-union employees to receive 3 to 7 percent pay increases, one percent of which will go directly to health care. The motion was approved by a 5-2 vote. Trustee Dan Kelly, who […]

Walking the gardens

This year’s Clarkston Garden Tour, July 18, offered six gardens throughout the area, including the Forbes and Cooper houses near downtown. A steady flow of flower and plant afficianodos admired the variety and creativity of the gardens, learning tips and ideas to bring back to their own garden. The tour was sponsored by the Clarkston […]

Senior center construction moves forward

The 2,100-square-foot interim Independence Township Senior Center is now under construction. The 1,500-square-foot basement has been dug, walls built, and cement floor poured. The rough in for the main floor was started this past week. ‘The entire thing should be roughed in and roofed in three weeks,? said Dave Belcher the building director and general […]

Paramedics go electronic

Independence Township paramedics are going paperless, and saving money too. The township board granted Independence Fire Department’s request on July 17 to change billing companies to an electronic billing agent and electronic EMS Reporting System. The fire department will sign a contract with Parastar for EMS billing for less than what they pay with AccuMed, […]

On guard at Deer Lake

About a hundred people drown each year in Michigan ? fortunately, none at Deer Lake. It’s the lifeguards? job to keep it that way. ‘Over the past five years Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Company has had zero drown,? said Kevin Breen, 25, Independence Township Parks and Recreation aquatics director . Breen holds his staff to […]

‘Clarkston for Cure? Breast Cancer walk

‘Clarkston for a Cure? is set for the three-day Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Sept. 28-30. The team was originally known as ‘Sisters in Stride,? founded by Melissa Traver. In 2005, Traver registered for the walk with a coworker because she thought it would be fun, good exercise, and achieve some personal goals. But she never […]

‘Call 911 — because we aren’t going to make it!?

‘God has a way of having the baby arrive when it’s time, no matter what the circumstance,? said Amy Hernandez of Independence Township. ‘Every birth is pretty amazing and each birth has its own story.? She should know. Friday, July 6, the weather was dark and stormy, knocking the power out. Amy decided it was […]

Music brings meaning, joy to singer Beth Stalker

Beth Stalker took the stage at Friday’s Concert in the Park. ‘I love to sing. It’s a joy,? said Stalker, who started singing at 3 years old. She released her first album four years ago, entitled ‘Jesus Loves Me.? She was known as ‘Little Liz? when she was younger. ‘My first name was Elizabeth, but […]

Value of Life

Every single day millions of babies are born, and millions of people die. Rather it be car accidents, fatal diseases, murder, or even suicides. Due to circumstances that occured this past weekend, this hit a little closer to home than I would like. Because of the situation that took place, I gave much thought to […]

Citizens Bank thanks local community

On Friday June 29 Citizens Bank held an open house gala at the branch in Springfield Township off of Dixie Hwy to say thank you to the local residents and businesses for three years of support. ‘This is the least we can do to show our appreciation for the tremendous support by the businesses and […]