City praised by auditor

City of theVillage of Clarkston received high marks on an audit, although Mayor Joe Luginski previously said the way the city spent money was illegal. At the meeting, Luginski was missing again, an issue he previously said he would improve. City officials were praised by auditor Rana Emmons from PSLZ, LLC, a certified public accounting […]

State vote goes against McLaren

Michigan Senate voted last week against changing the state Certificate of Need process, dealing a blow to McLaren’s hopes for a new $300 million hospital on Sashabaw Road. Local officials are disappointed in the decision. “Looks like we need to do a better job communicating with the folks in Lansing,” said township Supervisor Pat Kittle. […]

Station demolition makes way for redevelopment

The vacant gas station at Dixie Highway and Ortonville Road is no more, thanks to a grant from Oakland County to Independence Township. The former BP station at 6756 Dixie Highway was vacant for more than four years. Since the location closed, several business plans for the location have been proposed and rejected. In August […]

Township auditors fired over 2012 cost overruns

Independence Township severed relations with its auditing firm over billing irregularities stemming from its 2012 audit. The Township Board of Trustees voted, Nov. 18, to deny a request by accounting firm UHY LLP of Farmington Hills for $20,000 in overage charges for the 2012 fiscal year audit. The 2012 audit was completed and presented to […]

Generator to power township in emergency

Officials have been considering a new generator for Independence Township Hall for the past 18 months, and on Nov. 18, they voted to approve the purchase. The complete cost of the unit is $64,000, which includes installation of a gas line, as well as additional landscaping around the unit and other work. Township Building Director […]

GPS trackers OK’d for township trucks

Officials hope a new GPS system for township trucks will increase fuel savings and safety. Independence Township Board voted for a three-year contract with Fleetmatics, Nov. 18, to equip township vehicles with the fleet-tracking system. Township Treasurer Paul Brown said Fleetmatics is a reputable company that oversees numerous large fleets. ‘They are a big company […]

Andrea’s Anecdotes A column by Andrea Beaudoin

Life is always full of inspiration and beauty if you look…even in the midst of things most troubling. I have always believed the most challenging and darkest times in life can eventually bring about the brightest moments and lead you to the path you are meant to travel. I have known people who hold much […]

Hitting the road for hospital project

A bill to authorize a special exemption to state Certificate Of Need requirements, which would allow construction of a McLaren hospital, was discharged from committee on Nov. 12 and sent to the state senate. Meanwhile, Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle has been pounding the pavement gathering support for a new $300 million hospital on Sashabaw […]

Sidewalk talks continue as snow falls

With winter weather already pelting the area, Clarkston City Council is still debating how sidewalks should be cleared of snow. Newly elected Councilman Richard Bisio, who was sworn in at the Nov. 10 meeting, said the city should enforce an existing ordinance requiring residents to shovel their sidewalks. Councilmen Mike Sabol and David Marsh also […]

Questions for city audit

Questions continue regarding city spending practices in advance of this year’s audit, which is expected to be presented to City Council later this month or in early December. At the Oct. 27 council meeting during public comment, resident Lori Mahler expressed concerns. Mahler said she read ‘All is not right in the city, so sayeth […]

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