Finding a cause with paws

At Sunday church services three years ago, Carolyn Place of Independence Township noticed something unusual. ‘Here walks in a woman and a dog,? Place said. She had owned dogs all her life, but wasn’t in the habit of bringing them to church. Talking with the woman, Chris Wellsandt, Place learned she was a puppy raiser […]

New home for teapot collector

For teapot collector Judy Ableser, the fun is in the never-ending search. ‘People ask me if I look on Ebay ? absolutely not,? said Ableser, who lives in Independence Township with her husband, Jeffrey. ‘I love the hunt.? She has about 500 teapots of all sizes, shapes, and materials displayed throughout the house. They recently […]

More revenue found in budget amendment

In her first crack at Clarkston Schools’ budget, new business director Mary Beth Rogers found the shortfall to be less than half what was expected. “Now we know the full federal allocation,” said Rogers, executive director of business services. Federal funding, mostly for at-risk student programs, was $335,474 more than expected. State funding was also […]

Rules set on school board communications

In the wake of a legal presentation on board of education ethics, Feb. 13, Clarkston schools administration sent a memo to all school employees listing “specifics” on the role of school board members. The rules, approved unanimously by the school board Feb. 13, include: ? Board members cannot advocate in a manner contrary to a […]

Firefighter retires after 37 years

Capt. Mike Fahrner saw major changes in firefighting in his 37 years of service on the Independence Township Fire Department, but one thing that never changed was strong community support. “When we’d go to the people for something, they always supported us,” said Fahrner, who retired last month. “I’m entirely grateful they’re behind us.” He […]

Four decades on the force

After 40 years of making the Clarkston area safe, Lt. Dale LaBair is ready to ride off into the sunset, heading for the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. LaBair, commander of Oakland County Sheriff’s Independence Township substation, plans to retire this year and move to Greenback, Tenn., with his wife, Lisa, and daughter Lauren, where they […]

Contract approved amicably

The UAW may be on strike, but not all labor-management relations are that contentious. Clarkston School administration and employee unions get along just fine, approving new contracts Monday. ‘Both sides made good points, and both listened to the other, brainstormed ideas, made compromises,? said Brooke Davis, president of the Clarkston Education Association. ‘We worked really […]

A tasty 10 years

Going out to eat will be easy Sunday at Taste of Clarkston. Thirty restaurants will present the best they have to offer all along downtown Main Street, 12-6 p.m. Sept. 30, from steak tips made by Bullfrogs to chicken stew at Hamlin Pub, Johnny Rockets? mini hamburgers to chocolate cinnamon bread by Starbucks. ‘We’ll have […]

Welcome new teachers

The Clarkston community welcomes eight new teachers to its elementary, middle, and junior high schools. They include teachers fresh from college as well as experienced veterans from other districts: Melissa Dunham is DOLLS Lead Teacher at Early Childhood Center. DOLLS stands for Development Of Language and Learning. ‘I work with the whole family,? Dunham said. […]

Middle schoolers run for fun, PTA

About 1,300 Sashabaw Middle School students ‘It’s my way to get involved ? I love it,? said parent organizer Kathy Smith. ‘The Fun Run would not be possible without the efforts Kay Smith and all the volunteers put into this,? said Principal Linda Foran. The children, divided in 10 teams, ran in 15-minute to music […]

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