Everest to expand with new high school

Pieces have fallen in place sooner than expected for Everest Academy, allowing it to add a Catholic High School program years earlier than expected. ‘Ever since we started, we knew we’d have a high school,? said Maura Plante, director of admissions at Everest. ‘We needed some pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.? The […]

Trimesters set for Clarkston schools

The good news for Clarkston students next year: only five classes a day. Perhaps less than good news: each will be 72 minutes long. Clarkston Board of Education approved a trimester plan for the junior and senior high schools. Instead of two semesters a year with six classes each day, next school year will have […]

Cookbooks serve students’ Cause

Kids 4 a Cause are in the cookbook business, hoping to raise $1,000 for charity this Christmas season. “We’re making cookbooks for Lighthouse,” said Brittany Schooley, fifth-grade student at North Sashabaw Elementary School. “We’re raising money so they can help families in need.” Cookbooks will be sold for $10 each. All proceeds will go to […]

Students show their building skills

Springfield Oaks Activities Center in Davisburg echoed with the pounding of hammers and roar of power saws Dec. 6, as construction students tested their skills in head-to-head competition. Oakland Schools Technical Center – Northwest in Independence Township hosted the First Annual Holiday Invitational Carpentry and Masonry Competition. Students from the Clarkston area competed with teams […]

Clarkston welcomes new Chase bank

A small crowd of business and government leaders gathered Wednesday to welcome Chase bank’s new branch on Sashabaw Road. “It’s a real positive addition to Sashabaw Road,” said David Wagner, Independence Township supervisor at the Dec. 5 ribbon cutting ceremony. “We’re delighted to see such a beautiful facility in our community,” said Penny Shanks, executive […]

Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

People receive many wonderful things at the annual Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Expo at Clarkston High School: giveaways, information, prizes, snacks, coupons. I got a cat. Advanced Pet Care brought along some kittens from a shelter for adoption. Looking for a new cat for a while now, I stopped for a look and asked […]

Taking Lego league by (Robo) Storm

Preparing for FIRST Lego League state finals Dec. 15, Robo Storm of Sashabaw Middle School has quite a to-do list: move faster, better reliability, and finish more missions, said Linda Zbarcha, who coaches the team with John Shutty. ‘They’re ambitious goals,? Zbarcha said. ‘But they do a great job ? these guys are really good.? […]

Family friendly dance instruction at Bella Pointe

Bella Pointe Dance & Performing Arts offers instruction for all children in an atmosphere of encouragement. ‘We’re all very encouraging to children, and offer very good technical training,? said Debra Wertz, owner, of Davisburg. The studio, located at 5631 Sashabaw Road in the Pine Knob Professional Center, offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, […]

Books bring girls together with moms

A group of giggling 10-year-old girls gather every month, sitting in a tight circle on the floor to talk about’books. Their moms aren’t far. They’re gathered nearby to talk about books, too. ‘It’s very rewarding,? said Julie Alexander, part of the group with her daughter Emma Alexander. ‘It makes us take time for things we […]

Community comes through for family affected by fire

The Browne family home in Independence Township is gone, burned in a fire, but the family is fine. Their neighbors have made sure of that. ‘It’s unbelievable ? the community just opened their arms to us from the moment the fire happened,? said Molly Browne, who lives in Independence Township with her husband Jim Browne […]