Looking back over the news stories of 2004, one receives a sense of just how dynamic the Clarkston area community truly is. The City of the Village of Clarkston, Independence Township and Springfield Township are in a constant state of change.
Here is a continuation of the big news stories for this great community. Enjoy the many topics raning from the expansion and completion of the boulevard on Sashabaw Rd. to the creation of curriculums for Clarkston Schools new middle and junior high schools…
from the retirement of a respected Independence Township official and defeat of another to Clarkston Schools champion sports teams?
from the end of a decades-long middle school rivalry to the many staff changes happening right here at The Clarkston News.
Yes, oh yes, the Clarkston community has seen some sights. So as you start off your new year, sit back, relax and enjoy the many headlines ending 2004.
June
June 2
Candidates attempt to show differences: School board candidates participating in the League of Women Voters – Oakland Area forum spent the night attempting to show their differences among many agreed upon issues.
Residents discover the benefits of spring season walking: Area resident Kathy Uchman assisted many Clarkston locals with discovering the benefits of taking advantage of warmer weather and getting out for a walk.
Oakhurst charity event helps support ‘Fallen Heroes?: The second annual Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial Charity Golf Event at Oakhurst Country Club on May 24 raised $3,000 to support the statue saluting public service officers and another $1,000 to the family of Officer Gary Davis, a Bloomfield Township police officer who was killed in a car crash on May 13.
Clarkston golfers advance to state competition: Clarkston finished third in the region with a team score of 361, edging out Grosse Pointe North, to earn a spot in the state competition. Top scores for the Wolves included Jackie Schram with 82, Lisa Lesko with 94, Nina Jackson with 93 and Sara Maesch with a 92.
Millstream: Cathy Forst was featured for her 25 years of dedication as the Springfield Township Library director.
June 9
Moving On!: The Clarkston High School Class of 2004 graduated on June 2.
Campfire Circle issue hits road block: The Independence Township board delayed an investigation into closing Camfire Circle, a road connecting the Lake Waldon Village and Spring Lake subdivisions, after learning that the street may actually be a private road.
Schools push non-homestead tax: Clarkston School administration and the five school board candidates voiced unanimous opinions for passing a proposal to restore the full 18-mill non-homestead property tax.
Orion man charged with sexual assault: Gregory Combs, of Orion Township, was arraigned for allegedly raping a 19-year-old Clarkston woman near the DTE Energy Music Theatre on May 28.
Softball team captures fourth district in a row: The Clarkston softball team captured their fourth district title, which was no big surprise going into the competition. The team defeated Pontiac Northern, Pontiac Central and Waterford Ketterington.
Schram leads Clarkston golfers at state tourney: The Clarkston girls golf team finished 11th in state competition at Forest Akers Golf Course at Michigan State University. This was the first time the team made state competition since 1976. Jackie Schram led the way with a 95 on day one and a 93 on day two.
Millstream: For the second year in a row, Sharon Worden, a cancer survivor, led a team in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
June 16
Clarkston School Board… Foyteck, Patterson win: Incumbent Karen Foyteck and newcomer Joan Patterson won the two open 4-year seats on the Clarkston Schools Board of Education.
Locals charged with murder: Independence Township residents Lance Allen Schmidt and Joseph Wells Stepleton had preliminary examinations on June 14 in 52-2 District Court before Judge Dana Fortinberry. The two men were charged with second degree murder after Peter Richard, 44, died from an assault.
It’s a silver celebration for this summer’s ‘Concerts?: Clarkston’s ‘Concerts in the Parks? celebrated 25 years of bringing great music to residents. To celebrate the milestone, the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce scheduled local performers to open each event and donated the profits earned by the concessions stand to a local non-profit charity or agency.
Clarkston softball team takes regional title: The Clarkston Girls Softball Team took its first regional title under coach Al Land when they beat Number 2 ranked Walled Lake Western and Birmingham Groves in the competition.
Millstream: Kathy Davis retired as a Clarkston Schools bus driver after 34 years of service. Davis was the senior driver for the district before her retirement.

June 23
Township shuts down Bangkok Massage: The Independence Township board voted unanimously to revoke the license of Bangkok Massage and the masseuses who work there. The decision stemmed from an investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff Department where a female masseuse at the establishment offered to perform sex acts on an undercover officer for $100.
Cops catch burglary suspects: Jamie Catherine Shallal, Eugene Anthony Lince and Anthony Wynn Owens were each arraigned on one count of first degree home invasion, and receiving and concealing stolen property. The three suspects were apprehended after breaking into an occupied Independence Township home. Officers were investigating their possible connection to five other home invasions.
Some suspect cruelty to animals: Residents in the area of Tindall and Ormond roads reported incidents of animal abuse. Several residents reported their pets being injured after being outside. One feline was found dead in a nearby pond.
Crash victim to be remembered for service: Gina Verros, an Independence Township resident, was killed in a June 13 car crash. The 17-year-old was remembered for her love, kindness and dedication. Her family received many reminders of how the young lady ‘touched so many lives.?
School district falls short of budget reduction goal… Board votes 2.5 percent pay hike for Superintendent Roberts: The school board announced they should be able to cut approximately $1.6 million from their 2004-2005 budget, about $0.3 million shy of their January goal. At the same time, the board voted unanimously to give Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts a 2.5 percent pay increase. He salary went from $134,564 to $138,000 with a ‘possible? $4,000 bonus if performance goals were met. He was also granted a one-year contract extension with an expiration date of July 1, 2009.
Millstream: John Cesarz, a driver for the Independence Township Senior Center, was featured for his work with senior citizens and the handicapped.

June 30
District plans to spend $69.6 million in ?04-?05: Clarkston Schools announced the district will need approximately $2.2 million from fund equity to balance the 2004-2005 budget. At the June 28 school board meeting, members approved a ‘major funds? budget with an anticipated $67.4 million in revenues and $69.6 million in expenditures.
Residents protest plans for new natural gas pipeline: The Michigan Public Service Commission held a public hearing on June 23 at the Springfield Township Civic Center to hear opinions on a proposed pipeline through the area. Consumers Energy was proposing a new West Oakland Pipeline with a route that included natural features, such as the Great Huron Swamp in Springfield and Buckhorn Lake in Rose Township. The proposed plan garnered plenty of protests.
Slide vandalized in Depot Park: A member of the Clarkston DPW staff witnessed two young adults vandalize the slide in Depot Park after the June 25 ‘Concerts in the Park? performance. The DPW staff member attempted to catch the youths, but was unsuccessful.
Millstream: Kathy Calcaterra was featured for her active role as a member of the Clarkston SCAMP Board of Directors since 1990. She experienced the benefits and joy of the program first hand with her daughter Carmen, who began attending the camp at age 4.

July
July 7
Everybody loves a parade: The Clarkston area exploded with patriotic celebration on Jul. 3. The patriotic partying included the traditional parade down mainstreet followed by a festival of fun and fireworks in Clintonwood Park. During the parade, military jets flew overhead complimenting the pageantry of flags and stories of military service read over a public address system. The Clarkston Jaycees helped the Independence Township Fire Department organize the Main street procession which had 89 entrants.
Residents aim for downtown Clarkston farmers? market: Anissa Howard and Lynne Millies took bringing a farmers? market to Clarkston personally. The two took their cause to the Clarkston and Independence Township governments asking that the market be held on Sunday mornings from May to October.
Millstream: Katie Anderson, having been named the new executive director for the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, was featured this week. Anderson in her work with the NOHLC strives to set up new protected areas for wildlife and maintain the current preserves in and around Clarkston and Oakland County.

July 14
Independence Township audit raises questions: Trustee Dave Wagner and others were searching for answers when Independence Township’s audit came back showing a lack of bank reconcilliations and quarterly adjustments throughout the past year. The auditor, Plante & Moran PLLC, had to work much harder due to the lack of information, costing the township an estimated $32,000 in additional funds. Wagner blamed then township supervisor Dale Stewart for a lack of leadership.
Video catches robber in action: On Jul. 9 at 12:33 p.m., Clarkston State Bank was robbed by a man wearing a ‘Harley? t-shirt, University of Michigan baseball hat and large sunglasses. The crime was caught on tape by the surveillance video inside the bank. The man escaped with approximately $4,000 in cash.
Vacant school board seat filled: Barry Bomier was named to the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education on Jul. 12. He was selected from a field of seven applicants and replaced Tony Miller who resigned on Jul. 1.
3 baseball players named All-State: Addison Turk, Sam Palace and Aaron Powell were all named to the All-State team for their play on the ?04 Wolves team which made the Regional finals.
Millstream: Ray Delasko was featured for his 30 years of service with Oakland County Parks. Delasko has been the Independence Oaks supervisor since the park opened in 1976.

July 21
Fortinberry leaves bar association in protest:Dana Fortinberry, 52-2 District Court judge, resigned on Jul. 1 from the Oakland County Bar Association. Fortinberry was protesting the ratings system used by the association’s Public Advisory Committee on Judicial Canidates. She felt the committee suffered from ‘pre-judgement and bias.?
Campaigners cry foul over sign rules: Several Springfield Township canidates reported that their campaign signs had been stolen Jul. 10?18. Along with accusations of unfair play, some canidates also pointed out that others canidates were flaunting the township’s sign placement rules.
Millstream: L.C. Scramlin was featured for his work as the general manager for the Oakland County 4-H Fair. The position was created by the fair board to recognize the year round work that goes into putting the annual event together. Scramlin was president of the fair board from 1988?2003.

July 28
Low voter turnout expected for township primaries: Joan McCrary, Independence Township clerk, predicted that 20 percent of registered voters would be at the polls for the Aug. 3 primary election. McCrary’s counterpart in Springfield Township, Nancy Strole, expected 25 percent voter turnout.
Springfield canidates square off at chamber forum: The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon on Jul. 22 to get some answers out of Springfield Township hopefuls. Chamber President Tim Patterson asked questions which were written and submitted by an audience of approximately 50 people. Participants included Christine Reilly, clerk challenger; Jamie Dubre, incumbent treasurer; Nancy Strole, incumbent clerk; Collin Walls, incumbent supervisor; and Bill Sahutske, challenger for the supervisor post.
Millstream: Tom Braun was featured for his work with the Free and Accepted Masons Cedar Lodge #60 in Clarkston. Braun is a past master of the lodge and is now chaplain. He has garnered numerous awards in his service with the Masons, but to him the most important accolade is the satisfaction of helping people.

August

August 4
Wagner and Walls prevail in supervisor races: Dave Wagner won the Independence Township supervisor race over incumbent Dale Stuart by a 2,458 to 1,703 margin. In the Springfield Township preliminary election, incumbent Collin Walls defeated Bill Sahutske, 1,319 votes to 887. Also prevailing in the primaries were Shelagh VanderVeen in the Independence Township clerk’s race; and Dan Kelly, Larry Rosso, Dan Travis and Charles Dunn for the Independence Township board. In Springfield Township, Nancy Strole was victorious in her pursuit of another four years as clerk. Dave Hopper, Dennis Vallad, Roger Lamont and Marc Cooper were elected to the Springfield Township board.
E coli closes county park beach: Independence Oaks County Park’s Crooked Lake Beach closed for one day due to E coli readings taken on Jul. 27. The water had 549 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. The allowable limit is 300. The beach was reopened on July 28 when the ratio of colonies per 100 milliliters of water fell to 238.
DTE Energy Music Theatre patrons keep police busy: Twelve people were arrested for a variety of criminal acts over July 26-27. The list of criminal behavior charged by the Oakland County Sherrif’s deputies included: trespassing, disorderly conduct, malicious destruction of property and several alcohol related offenses.
Millstream: Robert Sloan was featured for his work as an Independence Township Parks and Recreation lifegaurd. He has held the position for three summers now and was promoted to supervisor this past year.

August 11
Clarkston schools get report cards: The Clarkston schools as a whole received an ‘A-? average for all school buildings in the district in 2003-04. Last year (?02-03), the schools received a ‘B? average. The elementary schools in the Clarkston area received an ‘A? grade and the middle schools received a ‘B? grade for the past year.
Inaugral triathalon able to cross the finish line: In helping raise money to fight cancer, 270 participants ran, bicycled and swam in the Craig Greenfield Memorial Tri/Du on Aug. 8. Between $8,000-$10,000 was raised for the Michigan Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at the event.
Petitions filed for Clarkston City Council seats: Incumbents Scott Meyland and Derek Werner are seeking re-election. Anne Clifton is stepping down from her seat. Steven Wylie, Kristy Ottman and Steve Coventry are challenging the incumbents for one of the three vacant seats.
Millsteam: Terri Bendes was featured for her work as the ‘event enthusiast/planner? for the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for planning of all chamber activities.

August 18
Legendary journalist Joe Falls dies at age 76: Former Detroit News columnist and Independence Township resident Joe Falls died Aug. 11 at age 76 due to heart failure after a battle with diabetes. Falls had a 58 year career in sports journalism and authored 18 books. He was only the second newspaperman voted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Schools to open amid construction: At the Aug. 9 school board meeting, Clarkston school officials promised the construction projects that will be continuing when schools open on Aug. 23 will not be a burden on students. Parents and others motorists in and around both middle schools can expect delays though as bond-funded renovations are completed.
Millstream: Elizabeth Egan was featured for her role managing the garden project on the old McCord farm near Pine Knob. The garden produced 12,332 pounds of fresh vegetables for the Food Bank of Oakland County this past year. Most of the work done on the farm is by individuals serving ‘alternative sentences? for non-violent crimes.

August 25
Board waits for Maybee to be paved: Developer Angelo Zervos? bid for a sight plan approval for the Morgan Lake development was tabled by unanimous vote by the Independence Township board on Aug. 17. As part of the agreement with the township, Zervos needs to pave Maybee Road from the Orion Township border to Clintonville Road before he can get final approval.
Letter puts District Judge Fortinberry in center of controversy: A letter written by District Judge Dana Fortinberry questioned the Oakland County Deputy Sherriff’s Association’s endorsement of Kelly Kostin 52-2 for District Court Judge. The leaked July 20 letter was sent to OCDSA Vice President Dave Curtis. In the letter Fortinberry wondered why she was lied to about the association’s selection process and questioned Kostin’s suitability for the bench. Kostin and her husband, Bob Kostin, filed a complaint with the Judicial Tenure Commision.
Millstream: Gerry Townsend was featured for her role as the primary receptionist at the senior center. Apart from her official duties, she started the euchre program, coordinates senior bowling at Cheery Hill Lanes, runs bingo on Thursday nights and acts as fill-in nutrition host.

September
September 1
Recount set for Springfield Township election:Even in the face of certified results and a wide margin of victory, a recount was ordered in Springfield Township due to alleged ‘mistakes? being made in handling ballots in the Aug. 3 primary election. The Oakland County Board of Canvassers was expected to meet on Sep. 2 in response to the request of three unsuccessful candidates, all of whom were backed by Citizens for a Progressive Springfield. The petitions were filed by Bill Sahutske, who ran against incumbent Collin Walls for Supervisor; Christine Reilly who ran against incumbent Clerk Nancy Strole; and James Ashley who was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat incumbent treasurer Jamie Dubre.
Clarkston hockey players win European cup: Steve Morin, Adam Peters and Trevor Johns spent Aug. 8-15 competing at the European Cup Tournament in Prague, Czech Republic. They helped their team USA-Midwest go 5-0-1 and bring home the gold medal in the tournament. The three Clarkston players skated on a line together and pumped in nine goals as a unit.
Millstream: Karen Price was featured for her role as President of the Springfield Branch of the National Woman’s Farm and Garden Association even though she admitted she is a ‘terrible gardener.?

September 8
Warm weather draws large crowds to annual Labor Day parade: Close to 50 entries took turns parading down Main Street in the Labor Day Parade hosted by the Clarkston Rotary Club. Independence Township Clerk Joan McCrary served as Grand Marshall, having been chosen for the honor after serving for 16 years as township clerk. Clarkston’s American Legion Post 63 and the CHS marching band were some of the groups who entertained the crowds on a day which featured bright and sunny skies overhead and smiles on every face.
Springfield recount yields same results: None of the numbers in the contested races in Springfield Township showed any change after a recount of primary election ballots on Sept. 2. Collin Walls remained the victor in the supervisor’s race over Bill Sahutske; Nancy Strole will still be the clerk, not Christine Reilly; and Jamie Dubre will remain as treasurer instead of James Ashley. The trio of Sahutske, Reilly and Dubre petitioned for the recount. They ran as part of a ‘slate? of candidates backed by a group called Citizens for a Progressive Springfield. The trio petitioned the recount because they felt they should have all received approximately the same number of votes.
Clarkston News hires new sports writer: Noah Purcell did not expect great things so soon after being hired on as the first full-time sports writer at The Clarkston News. But after just one week on the job, he had already saved two children from a burning building, synthesized a form of oil which burns cleaner and written his first column.
Millstream: Fran Cashin was featured for her 30-year career in education, including 20 spent at Clarkston Community Education. ‘You don’t count how many people you’ve helped,? said Cashin. ‘You just keep helping.?

September 15
Kid Rock opens Spraypark: On Sept. 12 before an audience of 3,500, Kid Rock opened the Renee Pryzbylski Memorial Spraypark with these immortal words: ‘Let’s turn it on.? Aside from the chance to splash and play for the first time in the spraypark, Clarkston residents were treated to activities and pretend tattoos courtesy of Palace Sports and Entertainment. Kid Rock and the Palace of Auburn Hills donated $60,000 to help the committee reach its fund-raising goal in March.
Clarkston Elementary welcomes new principal to community: Dana Pennanen’s teaching career has come full circle. She started out as a student teacher at Clarkston Elementary 10 years ago, and now, shortly before the 2004-05 school year, she was named the principal of CES. ‘This is where I started, so it’s fun to come back,? said Pennanen.
Millstream: Dan Stencil was featured for his continuing service to Oakland County Parks and Recreation after 28 years. Stencil has lived in Clarkston for 14 years and is trying to bring the 2008 pre-Olympic qualifier in Motorcross to Waterford Oaks.

September 22
Art brings people to the village: What was once dubbed the ‘Craft and Cider Festival? became ‘Art in the Village? this year. The festival has been going on now for 30 years and was coordinated this time around by the Clarkston Community Historical Society. Jennifer Arkwrigth, the President of the Historical Society, estimated between 10,000 and 15,000 people flocked to Depot Park during the festival and spent nearly $20,000 at the society’s four booths.
Staff proposes major work at football stadium: At the Sept. 13 Clarkston school board meeting CHS Athletic Director Dan Fife and Deputy Superintendant David Reschke asked the board to consider allocating up to $225,000 over the next two years for a new team room among other improvements in and around the football stadium. Due to poor planning or oversight when building CHS in 1998, there was no space constructed in which to gather the entire football team. Also, the current set-up has the players and referees cutting through the crowd near the concession stand in order to get to the locker rooms. The school board responded by asking Mr. Reschke to draw up a Master Facilities Plan for a later meeting date.
Auditors praise district but suggest improvements: The Plante Moran accounting firm praised the School District at the Sept. 13 Board of Education meeting on thrifty spending during the 2003-04 school year. Only 95 percent of the allocated budget was spent last year. The thrifty spending, combined with previous cost-saving measures. allowed the district to end the previous year with an undesignated fund equity of 17.5 percent, well above the board of education’s goal of 15 percent.
Millstream: Debbie Hansen was featured for her role as one of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors. She works at Clarkston area branch of Oxford Bank. ‘My job is to get out into the community and get involved and have a presence so when people think of Oxford Bank, they have a name to put with it,? said Hansen.

September 29
Crowds pack Main Street for Taste of Clarkston: Approximately 10,000 people attended the seventh annual ‘Taste of Clarkston? on Sept. 26. For the first time Main Street was closed down for the event which has outgrown the corner of Main and Washington. The event was put on by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
Adult Ed faces challenges with large cuts: This year’s funding for adult education was cut by 75 percent due to state-wide cuts in funding to educational programs. The program must make due with a pared down budget of $42,000 for the entire school year, despite posting nearly a 75 percent graduation rate last year. Due to the cuts, program officials had to consolidate classes and reduce the number of curriculum choices available.
Millstream: The Young at Heart senior group was featured this week. The group meets every Thursday for lunch at the Hart Community Center in Davisburg. On average, 30 people attend the weekly gathering, which provides not only a chance to chat with friends, but also a nutritious, home-cooked meal for $4.

October
October 6
‘Undisclosed? rumors still cause concern: Residents voiced their worry over the city’s police department and private rumors regarding its employees. The biggest rumor was a communication barrier between the council and the police department’s Chief Ernie Combs. Council members attempted to address the rumors, but residents were reluctant. After the termination of Clarkston Police Officer Chris Joyce, Chief Combs could not comment on the grounds for Joyce’s dismissal. Joyce requested an investigation on his termination by Combs. Joyce has the option to meet with the council during either a closed or open meeting. Because residents questioned open versus closed meetings, the council came together to discuss their concerns. Another issue discussed was the purchase of Taser’s.
Popular businesswoman passes: Dr. Jacqueline Milzow, 66, died Sept. 30 from an apparent heart attack following the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Milzow’s husband Forrest stated the cancer was diagnosed only three weeks prior. Milzow was the owner of the Deer Lake Athletic Club and had a career as an educator. The Milzow family will honor Jacqueline with the Jacqui Milzow Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will offer scholarships to those with special needs.
Local Masons celebrate 150th anniversary: Members of the Cedar Lodge #60’s sesquicentennial threw a party at the Grotto Hall in Pontiac. The event’s purpose was to honor 150 years of Masonry in Clarkston. The night included a catered meal along with kind words from lodge officers. Once the speeches were complete, guests were able to mingle and exchange stories.
Millstream: Kurt Miller, past president of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, was featured as a member of the chamber board of directors.

October 13
Fire destorys Springfield Twp. home: A fire destroyed a home, which was under construction, in Springfield Township. Fire Chief Charlie Oaks said the fire does sound suspicious because the home had neither electric nor gas connected to the structure. Firefighters knew the house could not be saved, so they began to defend the neighboring homes, spraying them with water to keep the fire from spreading. No one was reported injured at the scene. Loss to the home is estimated between $130,000 to $140,000, and the two adjacent homes estimated damage of about $40,000 each.
Parents research history of middle school rivalry: This fall, Clarkston Middle School and Sashabaw Middle School will have new names along with new grade configurations.In 2005, CMS will house grades 8-9 and SMS will house grades 6-7. On Oct. 27, the schools? football teams will play their final game. In 1970, Sashabaw Middle School launched its own football program, and since then, a game between the two middle schools has been an annual tradition. Parents sought back issues of The Clarkston News to retrieve articles to document the history of the in-town rivalry. Parents believe it is important to help the players make a smooth transition.
Tennis heads to state competition:The Clarkston varsity tennis team finished third place in the MHSAA Division I Regional Tournament. The team totaled 19 points, this is the first time in 20 years a boys or girls tennis team from Clarkston will travel all the way to states.
Millstream: Robert Esshaki, co-owner of Rudy’s Market, was featured for his passion for business and love for Clarkston.

October 20
City officials reinstate Joyce: After his termination on Sept. 7, Officer Chris Joyce will return to the Clarkston Police Department. While collecting paperwork for Joyce to prepare for the hearing, City Manager Art Pappas discovered that procedures were not followed and the city charter was violated. Since Police Chief Ernie Combs did not contact Pappas on Joyce’s discharge, the officer was reinstated with conditions. Pappas said he was unsure when Joyce would return to active duty.
Springfield Twp. residents to vote on police millage renewal: A proposal asking voters to approve 0.7289 mill for another 10 years was placed on the Springfield Township November ballet. The current levy is 0.7920, but Supervisor Collin Walls said the figure should be adequate with the current contract with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. The vote for the second levy will be in 2006. After a misleading ballot, library trustees are expected to fill a sixth seat after Theresa LaPorte decided not to take the job.
Clarkston’s singles go big at states: Five candidates began campaigning for two four-year seats on the Clarkston Schools Board of Education: Jeffrey Allsteadt, Barry Bomier, Karen Foyteck, Joan Patterson and Diane Weller.
Millstream: Brett Knapp was featured for bringing Red Knapp’s American Grill to Clarkston. The Knapp family offers 50 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

October 27
Suspect uses bomb threat to rob bank: At the Clarkston State Bank, located inside the Farmer Jack’s on Sashabaw road, a man threatened tellers with a bomb if they failed to cooperate with his demands. The tellers did as they were told and the man got away with a large sum of money. A teller says the man approached the counter after retrieving a handful of plastic bags from the store’he looked around, left, then came back 15 minutes later demanding $100, $50 and $20 bills. Witnesses say the man left the store by foot and no one saw a vehicle.
Officials not concerned with federal court ruling over political sign ordinances: Federal courts recently ruled in favor of first amendment rights regarding the length of time political signs can be displayed on property.
‘Signs are like litter to our residents,? said Township Clerk Joan McCrary. ‘We’ve tried to balance this with no signs at all. Dale Stuart, Independence Township Supervisor said he’s not concerned about the ordinance. Township officials do not want to push the matter because residents don’t realize where municipality lines stand.
Wolves make playoffs by drubbing Dragons, 30-12: For the first time in four years, CHS seniors beat Lake Orion. The win qualifies Clarkston for the MHSAA playoffs, where they will come face to face with Utica Eisenhower.
Millstream: Owners of the Nickelodeon Restaurant, Michael and Demetrious Asim and Steve Gabriel, were featured for selling the historic Clarkston landmark.

November
November 3
New face unseats council incumbent: In the city of Clarkston , two new faces joined the board. Winning council seats are incumbent Scott Meyland with 249 votes, Kristy Ottman with 282 votes and Steve Wylie with 259 votes.
Chamber hosts 18th annual Expo: The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual 2004 Business and Community Expo at Clarkston High School. The theme was’Local Businesses are Red, White and True Blue.? The event included many goodies such as exhibitors and door prizes. Cyndy Canty from Magic Radio 105.1 entertained guests with music and games.
800 local residents without power: On Oct. 30, many local residents were without power due to high winds. The winds caused about 165,000 people to lose power including 600 Springfield Twp residents and 200 Independence Twp. residents. The winds managed to miss the City of Clarkston, with the exception of mementary outages.
Millstream: Clarkston patrons were recognized for supporting the Oakland Symphony. Volunteers dressed up for a Medieval Feast to raise funds.

November 10
Tasers used by police to subdue larceny suspect: 26-year-old Brian L. Wylie was arrested when Oakland County Sheriff deputies responded to a home invasion report. He faces two charges of larceny from an automobile and one charge of restricting and obstructing a peace officer on Eagle Hill Road in Springfield Township. After refusing to put out a ciggarette, deputies used their Tasers to control the suspect. Both darts hit Wylie in the head and he was taken to the North Oakland Medical Center for treatmernt and then to Oakland County Jail.
M-15 bridge construction brings a new safety path: The Michigan Department of Transportation (