Growth, growth and more growth was the name of the game for 2005 in the Clarkston area. The headlines of the year centered primarily around development ? and the many changes that came along for the ride in the City of Clarkston, Independence and Springfield townships.
In last week’s issue of The Clarkston News we touched upon several areas of growth and began our Year in Review with the opening headlines of 2005.
In this issue, we continue those top headlines ? taking our readers through the end of a year filled to brimming with news.
May

May 4
Fiery crash kills 3 on I-75: Three people died and one was seriously injured following a fiery crash on northbound I-75 just south of Sashabaw Road. The accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on April 30 when a southbound 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup truck crossed the median striking a northbound 2004 Jeep Cherokee. The crash spread gasoline causing three vehicles to catch fire.
Spraypark committee say thanks: Kid Rock and Tom Wilson, President of The Palace of Auburn Hills accepted plaques recognizing their contributions to the Renee Przybylski Memorial Spraypark during halftime of the April 25 Pistons-76ers game. Kid Rock and Palace Sports and Entertainment both donated $30,000 to the spraypark located in Clintonwood Park in Independence Township.
Kickers weather scoring drought: Clarkston’s soccer team’s offense had a cold snap to rival the weather last week? the Wolves were defeated 1-0 by Seaholm on April 26 and tied Dondero 1-1 on April 28. Senior Jenna Przybycien scored Clarkston’s lone goal against Dondero.
Millstream: The Lions Club is back in Clarkston. About 100 people, including 33 charter members from Clarkston and Lions from other communities, gathered at Liberty Golf and Banquet to celebrate the official recognition of the local Lions chapter. The Lions had a group in Clarkston as late at the 1970’s but it disbanded.

May 11
Congrats to ‘Teacher of the Year? Jayne Bannister: Special Education Elementary Learning Resource teacher Jayne Bannister was named ‘Teacher of the Year.? Bannister was able to pick her dream car to drive for a year and selected a 2005 red Ford Mustang.
Couple helps patients, families live full life despite Parkinson’s: Harry and Nancy Knitter appeared on a new video ‘In Their Own Words,? a documentary focusing on people in Michigan affected by Parkinson’s disease. The 25-minute video debuted on May 4 at a support group meeting in Rochester facilitated by Nancy and will be used by doctors and support groups throughout Michigan to help those facing the news of the chronic, progressive neurological condition.
Clarkston baseball stakes claim to its legacy: The Clarkston baseball team played the role of bad host by beating Waterford Mott, Warren Mott and Pontiac Notre Dame in succession to win the Roy ‘Pops? Warner Classic in Clarkston on May 7.
Millstream: On May 4, the local Ducks Unlimited chapter held its largest fund-raiser of the year, an annual banquet featuring a live auction, silent auction and plenty of raffles at Deer Lake Athletic Club. Over 380 people attended the event and the local DU chapter will ship over $85,000 to the National Ducks Unlimited.

May 18
Judge Fortinberry faces state charges: An attorney representing 52-2 District Judge Dana Fortinberry said he will file a response to a May 10 complaint brought by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. The formal complaint said Fortinberry’s conduct, ‘if true,? constituted 14 distinct violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct and Michigan Court Rules. Discipline in the matter could include Fortinberry’s removal as judge.
New assistant fire chief working to make important changes: New assistant fire chief Robert Elizondo is determined and excited about his job. Since joining the township fire department in January, Elizondo has been making his mark. Elizondo set out to make training firefighters his mission by introducing new technology with computer simulated fires to improve public safety.
CHS softball hits the unhittable Granger: While the Wolves softball team did not register much in the win column this past week, they did accomplish something no other team in Michigan has done all year ? they scored a run on Troy’s indomitable senior pitcher Jessie Granger. The run came in the second of two losses to Troy and Granger courtesy of a double by junior Katy Kleinedler which brought home Kara Wandrie.
Millstream: Carl Matisse of Summit Properties in Clarkston was featured as a man building to the top. Summit Properties is known in Clarkston for building custom homes of excellence and variety. Since 1994, Summit has built over 100 homes throughout North Oakland County.

May 25
Clarkston SCAMP announces its 23rd home tour: Six Clarkston homes will be featured and offer a little something for everyone on this year’s SCAMP home tour. This years houses, including the Detkowski Home, Campanaro Home, the Vernier Home, the Joyce Little House, the Swayne House and the Wilson House, all are located within 100 yards of Clarkston’s Mill Pond.
Alpha Club finishes year: The Pine Knob Elementary Alpha Club completed another successful year. Students involved in the group were active in team work, completing homework assignments and helping each other whenever necessary. A memorable project included making table center pieces for the adult Alpha Club Annual Fund-raiser.
Girls track regains regional crown from Grand Blanc: The girls track team took back the regional title from Grand Blanc on May 20. Clarkston won the meet with 126 points, Grand Blanc was second with 100 points, followed by Lake Orion with 78. Jenny Morgan’s 10:33.70 finish in the 3200, nearly 8 seconds and three-fourths ahead of any competitor, was key to Clarkston claiming its second regional title in three years.
Millstream: Representatives from throughout the Clarkston area gathered on May 18 to honor those who ‘make Clarkston, Clarkston? at the 20th Annual Community Awards. The event, hosted by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, was part of the 2005 Michigan Week celebrations.

June

June 1
Fortinberry answers complaint: Judge Dana Fortinberry answered the formal complaint made by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission and denied allegations of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. Her response was the latest step in an a process that could result in her removal from office.
Coming together to help SMS student: Sashabaw Middle School teacher Kim Prentice noticed her student Cody Passmore, 14, did not look like himself in class one day. After learning Passmore’s bike had been stolen off his porch on May 22, Prentice had a conversation with Rick Detkowski of Clarkston Paving. The conversation lead to purchasing a new bike for Passmore. Detkowski and Louise Kasl of Kinetic Systems paid for the bike.
Wolves slugging their way to districts: The Clarkston Wolves baseball team waited until the absolute last minute of the season to register a 5-4 victory over the OAA Division I leading and No. 8 ranked Farmington team on May 25 setting up district play. With the game tied in the bottom of the seventh Frank Davis drew a two-out walk and was doubled home by Steve McIsaac, whose game winning RBI also netted him the win on the hill.
Millstream: On May 25 the 2005 Clarkston High School Lacrosse team completed a successful regular season (8-5) with a 14-3 drubbing of Royal Oak Kimball. The Clarkston team was lead by a group of 12 seniors including five that played four years: Dan Walsh, Brad Welbourn, Drew Spencer, Aaron Ehrmann and Tom Garavaglia.

June 8
2005 Clarkston Graduation: The massive crowd at DTE Energy Music Theater became still as the Clarkston High School choir opened commencement ceremonies. The guest speaker for the event was Clarkston High School’s physics teacher Ned Burdick. Commencement concluded with the Madrigal Singers performing ‘A Parting Blessing.?
When ‘over? doesn’t mean over: Katy and Keith Overby scheduled a seminar on non-aggression featured speaker Lt. Col. Dave Grossman at the Colombiere Center. The Overby’s became motivated after Keith, a deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff Department, struggled with an incident involving a gun-totting 10-year-old and wanted to address issues of violence and training.
Morgan, Mengyan headline strong showing at state finals: Jenny Morgan and Liz Mengyan finished in first and third place respectively in the 1600 at the state finals in Rockford on June 4. Clarkston finished with 36 points as a team, good for fourth in the state behind Detroit Mumford (74), Ann Arbor Pioneer (56) and Southfield Lathrup (37). Clarkston’s 3200 relay team of junior Lyndsay Smith, senior Liz Mengyan, junior Lisa Sickman and senior Jenny Morgan shattered the old all-division and lower peninsula division I record of 9:13.83 by eight seconds with a time of 9:05.49.
Millstream: Covering the streets of Clarkston to assure sanitation and beauty is not always easy. Smith’s Disposal Company has been doing just that for 23 years. Smith’s Disposal is the only independently-owned disposal company in Northern Oakland County.

June 15
Guilty verdicts in murder trial: On June 9 separate juries found Joseph Stapleton Wells and Lance Allen Schmitt, both 21, guilty of second degree murder of Lapeer resident Peter Richard. The Clarkston men were charged after Richard, 44, died from a pulmonary embolism prosecutors linked to a 2002 beating by the defendant’s outside the Sashabaw Road McDonald’s.
Local band opens Concerts in the Park: 11 Letters Long of Clarkston is slated to open the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Concerts in the Park. The band, composed of all Clarkston High School students performs in the Local Talent Spotlight before the headliners take the stage.
CHS hockey stars to become Wolves of a different color: Unlike the rest of their friends in the Clarkston High School class of ?05, Mike Fogg and Trevor Johns? education will continue on the ice rather than the classroom. The duo signed with the Junior-A Boston Harbor Wolves, who scouted the Clarkston hockey stand-outs during the 2004-2005 season.
Millstream: In the fall, Lorimer Building Company was recognized by the Building Industry Association, receiving a blue ribbon for homes priced over $725,000 to $1 million category. The winning home is located in High Meadows in Independence Township is priced at $999,000.

June 22
City predicts $8,875 surplus: On June 13, the Clarkston City Council discussed a proposed budget of $771,025 in expenditures, up $43,945 from 2005. In revenue the 2006 proposal alots for $779,900 also up about $21,228. The council currently plans for a $8,875 surplus which will be placed in reserves for unexpected costs.
Haiti mission just the beginning: Members of the Church of the Resurrection in Clarkston returned on May 16 from a mission trip through the Detroit Area Haiti Outreach program. The goal of the trip was to improve the quality of life for Haitians by providing a lasting infrastructure.
Clarkston stars shine at Summer Games: Three Clarkston athletes: John Devitt, James Diegel and Brian Wilson won multiple medals at the Special Olympics 2005 State Summer Games held at Central Michigan University June 2?4.
Granholm appoints Lohmeier to tribunal: On May 26 Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Clarkston resident Michael Lohmeier to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, making him the youngest member on the the seven member tribunal. According Lohmeier the MTT is a quasi-judicial body which hears appeals on anything related to Michigan taxes.

June 29
FEMA trains local emergency personnel: Last week, firefighters and medical professionals from around Oakland County picked up key skills at a training session hosted by the Independence Township Fire Department. Twenty-four emergency responders leanred how to treat victims injured while trapped in confined places.
COG meeting kicks off July 4 petition drive: At a June 22 meeting at Clarkston High School Citizens for Orderly Growth officially kicked off a petition drive to force a special Independence Township Board election in November. The subject of the election would be a one time tax to raise a legal defense fund to deal with developer’s challenging the township’s master plan.
Clarkston foursome shatters national running record: Competing for Runnin? Gear Track Club in the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina, Clarkston High juniors Jenny Morgan and Lyndsay Smith, senior Liz Mengyan and Clarkston Middle School eighth grader Stephanie Morgan proved their prowess to the nation on June 18. The ladies set a new outdoor national record in the four mile relay with a time of 20:01.7, besting their old mark by just under 10 minutes.
Millstream: Retired Jesuit Brother Bruno Karpinski continues to work creating wooden crafts in his workshop at the Colombiere Center in Springfield Township. Karpinski spent over 40 years working as a missionary. During his time spent in India he saw Gandhi and met Mother Teresa.

July

July 6
Budget in, deficit covered: After passing the budget for the 2005-06 school year, Clarkston School Baord members discussed the effect current budget cuts would have on future budgets.
Sentence handed down in murder trial: On June 30, Joseph Wells Stapleton and Lance Allen Schmitt, both 21, of Clarkston were sentenced to 20-40 years in prison for the second degree murder of Peter Richard. Circuit Judge Langford-Morris credited both men with 729 days served.
Farmer’s market gets sign approval: The Clarkston City Council approved three out of four sign styles for the Farmer’s Market coming to downtown in August.
Millstream: Dave Moroz was featured for his work with in the entertainment industry booking comedians in the college circuit around the country.
13 year old Rvierdawgs break through against Rochester: At the beginning of the season there were a few goals established by the 13-year-old Clarkston Riverdawg baseball team. One of these goals was accomplished in style as the much improved squad posted a 9-7 victory over the always tough Rochester Rockies behind the strong pitching of Alex Topham (5-0-4).

July 13
Saving History: McCord farmhouse available for purchase: Independene Township offcials were hoping a private developer would step forward to save the old McCord farmstead located on 2.23 acres on Pine Knob Road.
Easements at Pine Knob confirmed: Research by Independence Township Planner Richard Carlisle answered several questions about the much debated Pine Knob scenic easements ? while at the same time spurred various opinions from interested parties.
Into uncharted waters…: Staying cool in the Clarkston area is easier than ever thanks to two new pools at Deer Lake Athletic Club.
Trip to Japan memorable for all: Ten Japanese language students honed their skills in a trip that covered three locations in two weeks on the island of Japan. The Clarkston students and Sensei Barbara Rice, Japanese teacher at Clarkston High School, began the adventure on June 27.
Clarkston Riverdawgs prepare for Cooperstown: Tournament Clarkston’s 12-year-old travel baseball team chalked up a few wins during the end of June in preparation for a one-week trip to Cooperstownm New York, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
First female 12 letter winner gets moment to catch breath: CHS graduate Stephanie Parkin’s sport’s accomplishments are highlighted as Parkin becomes the first female athlete to earn 12 varsity letters in CHS history.
Millstream: Doctors and friends Charles F. Munk and Timothy O’Neill were featured for their work in Clarkston, their hometown community.

July 20
Lights, camera, action!, Sight and sounds of Hollywood film set comes to Clarkston: Film company M.V..P. Collaborative of Madison Heights shot a docummercial for OnStar in Clarkston.
4-H fair ready to roll: Details for the 4-H fair at the Oakland County Fairgrounds were annouced.
Funeral home plan approved: On July 14 the Springfield Township Board approved the final site and land-scaping plan for Harrington Funeral Home, with the understanding that there were concerns over the establishment of lightinging , landscaping borders and the use of fertilizers along the border of the lakeshore.
Dick Devos visits Clarkston Cafe: On July 12, businessman and potetntial goveneotiral candidate Dick DeVos fielded questions at Clarkston Cafe from area residents concern about the Michigan’s current state of affairs.
League lets seniors stay in the game: Feature story on the North Oakland Senior Softball League, a group of 17 teams comprised of senior citizens.
Millstream: Larry Malace was featured for his successes business practices,work with the Clarkston Chief’s and founding of the Northern Youth Football League.

July 27
Taking Control, Teacher undergoes stem cell treatment: Clarkston resident and Post High Autistic Program teacher Barbara Greenstone described stem cell treatment she began in April 2005 for stage III ovarian cancer.
Township takes step to regulate ‘keyholing?: On July 19, After receiving consistent complains for years, the Independence Board of Trustees reviewed an amendment concering keyholing ? the use of one dock by more that one property owner on a parcel of land.
Clarkston loses beloved mentor: Feature on the community involvment of Gus Birtsas, who passed away on July 20. Birtas was involved with the Clarkston School District for more than 30 years.
American Legion breathes new life into old field: Members of the Chief Pontiac American Legion Post 377 worked to refurbish their baseball field.
Millstream: Annette Thomas was featured for her travlels in the Middle East with the Michigan Peace team, where she witnessesd the struggles of Palestinian refugees.

August

August 3
4-H Fair leaves fond memories: The 4-H fair set single day and week long attendance records pulling in more than 90,000 visitors over a five-day period.
Ellis Barn dedicated: The Ellis barn, an important piece of the area’s history, was dedicated during a July 25 ceremony at the Oakland County fairgrounds in Davisburg, ensuring the story behind the barn continues.
Clarkston local gives perspective: Clarkton resident Angie Regiani and her mother Sherry describe thier experiences in London shortly during the second terrorist subway bombing.
Softball league stresses fun and community: The Independence Township Parks and Recreation therapeutic softball team offers sports for special-needs players.
Millstream: The family of Callie and Walter Johnson was featured for a series of historical firsts in the Clarkston area. The family was one of the first African American families to move to Independence Township..

August 10
Triathalon cherishes memory: Aug.7 marked the second annual memorial triathalon for Craig Greenfield. More than 300 people participated in the event, which raised money to find a cure for non-hodgkins lymphoma, which took the Clarkston native’s life in December of 2000. The event raised $76,000 for the Michigan Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Market a great success: While some farmers were unsure of just how much to bring, by 10 a.m., just three hours after opening, most of the vegetables at Saturday’s Farmer’s Market had vanished.
COG members turn in legal fund petitions: On Aug. 2, Citizens for Orderly Growth presented the Independence Township Board with the completed petitions for a land use legal defense fund millage.The petitions ask for the township to put a one-time ?-mill tax proposal on the November ballot. The proposal calls for the tax to be levied only once between 2006 and 2010. The township could then use the $750,000 fund to defend against litigation from property owners in reference to zoning classification disputes.
Long-time business owner turns 90:Richard Morgan of Morgan’s Service, celebrated his 90th birthday on July 3. Morgan set up shop in Clarkston in 1932 and has been a major part of the community as it grew around him.
Millstream: Artist Bob Hubbach of Springfield Township was featured for being a major designing force behind the Dodge Viper.

August 17
Man guilty of murdering former Clarkston woman:
After eluding charges for over 15 years, Mark David Bailey was convicted on July 29 of murdering a former Clarkston woman. Bailey was already serving time in Carson City Prison for criminal sexual conduct.
Clarkston Jaycees fall short on membership — dissolve: After approximately two years and to Fourth of July parades, the Clarkston Jaycees , a service organization known for creating future leaders and professional development did not keep enough members to remain a functioning chapter.
ARCA race car driver eyes NASCAR: Clarkston native Michael Simko, a 24-year-old third generation driver works fir Mound Steel and Supply by day, and keeps his dream of racing for NASCAR alive on nights and weekends.
Clarkston grad holds Bulldogs? leash: Ryan Kaul, a gradute of CHS who led the football team to a 22-3 record from?99-?00 and went on to become the starting quarterback for Ferris State.
Millstream: Don Brose, Jr., a third generation lighting specialist, was recently elected District Governor of the Michigan District for Optimist International.

August 24
No Wal-Mart, MTA finds COG ballot proposal ‘deficient?: Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner released an opinion from attorneys with the Michigan Townships Association concluding the proposed legal defense fund ballot language ‘has serious deficiencies and infirmities, and would notsuccessfully pass legal challenge.? In the same meeting, Wagner announced that ORCO is no longer considering a Wal-Mart.
Student wants to promote ‘understanding?: Clarkston High School sophomore Kara Huth was selected to partake in the People to People Student Ambassador Programs. Huth will travel to New Zealand and Australia in the summer of 2006 to raise understanding of international cultures.
New face on sidelines for varsity girls Basketball: As a point guard at Clarkston High School, Grand Valley State University and Aquinas College, Tim Wasilk viewed himself as an extension of his coach.
Wasilk is no longer an extension, he is the root, as he takes over the CHS varsity girls basketball team this year. In his first year Wasilk guided the Wolves to a appearance in the state quarterfinals, winning regional and district crowns along the way.
Millstream: Brent Bair, managing director of the Road Commission for Oakland County was featured for his work with the commission and his extensive world travel.

August 31
Rotary hosts 65th Labor Day parade: This labor day is the 65th time the Clarkston Rotary’s parade rolls down Main Street.
The theme of this year’s grand affair is “Community Service: A Labor of Love.”
“We are representing Clarkston. So many groups act and so many people volunteer their time in this area,” said Joel DeLong, chairperson of the Clarkston Labor Day parade committee. “No matter where you go, there’s someone representing a group.”
Country Fair approaches: On a day celebrating workers there is a lot of fun to be had down Clarkston Road.
The First Congregational Church in Clarkston is celebrating its 11th Annual Labor Day Country Fair and Classic Car Show Sept. 5.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of events including live auctions, a dime auction and a bake sale. An eclectic range of items can be purchased or won ranging from Detroit Piston tickets and movie passes to baked goods and antiques.
Feelin? the burn: Stand Ministries PowerLifting for Christ spread their message at Clarkston Community Church’s annual picnic. The Stand lifters hefted, twirled, tore and witnessed their message to those in attendance.
Couple to attend Franklin Art Show: Looking for something to do over the long Labor Day weekend? Interested in something unique?
Then hit the road for the Franklin Art Show’s 25th anniversary celebration “Art on the Green” to visit Independence Township artists Ruth and Ed Coulson.
The Coulsons will show their clay pieces along with more than 60 other artists.
“We really enjoy this show. It’s a nice place to present our work. It’s a smaller, intimate show,” Ruth said.
Swimmers waste no time: Clarkston swimming coach Kenwyn Chock did not have to wait very long for confirmation that this year’s girls team is the best in school history.
In the first meet of the season against Grand Blanc on Aug. 29, in the first event, and even from the first lane of thepool, the 200 medley relay team of freshmen Christine Seiple and Molli Simpson, junior Kandice Keen and sophomore Alyssa Vela became Clarkston’s first ever state qualifiers with a time of 1:56.7.
Millstream: Dr. Derrick Fries was featured for his nomination to the Sailboating World International Hall of Fame. Fries won many sailing awards and wrote ‘Start Sailing Right,? which is in its fifth edition.

September

September 7
Every penny counts, Doing what they can for Katrina victims: After seeing the destruction and suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina, some Clarkston area children wanted to do anything they could to help ? a cookie and lemonade sale on Sept. 3 is what they came up with.
The sale in Deer Ridge Manor began at 11 a.m. Many of the children were up late the night before baking for the sale.
The children also passed out poems, buttons, baked goods and crafts during the Labor Day parade.
The group has raised over $1200 and is currently searching for a business or corporation that will match their donation.
Lincoln book gives firsthand accounts: Condescending history professors may claim there is nothing new to learn about Abraham Lincoln. Considering he was assassinated 140 years ago and remains one of the most revered figures in United States history, that claim may not be too outlandish.
But two Clarkston residents believe they are publishing a book that does indeed provide new information and may change some of the historically recorded details about the nation’s 16th president.
Historical collector Bill Snack and Bill Feeheley recently published “Rare Personal Accounts of Abraham Lincoln,” a 360-page book containing approximately 250 personal accounts of President Lincoln. The book provides a typed version of each account as well as a scanned version of the original letters in each individual witnesses own handwriting.
The never before published letters are part of a series of unpublished books written by John Boos, a Lincoln collector and author who lived in Albany, New York.
Wolves win against Lakers put in perspective: As Clarkston put the finishing touches on a 31-21 victory Sept. 1 over host West Bloomfield, the jubilation attached to the Wolves first win of the season evaporated as senior quarterback Mike Kittle lay injured on the field.
According to Clarkston Coach Kurt Richardson, Kittle will make a full recovery, a declaration which might surprise anyone who watched him attended to for approximately 20 minutes before being taken off the field on a stretcher and then to Beaumont Hospital.
Millstream: Tom and Loraine Hall were featured for their dedication to land preservation while acknowledging development. The Halls have preserved over 10 acres of their original lot in five easements to the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, leaving the community a wooded preserve called Oakland Crest which earned them the NOHLC’s Blue Heron Award.

September 14
Buyer found for McCord homestead: The McCord house on Pine Knob Road will soon have a new owner ? and while some celebrate the property’s new lease on life, others question the decision.
The Independence Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Sept. 6 to sell the property to township resident and planning commissioner Sam Moraco for $5 plus the cost of restoring the structure. The property is approximately 2? acres located at the corner of Pine Knob and Stickney roads.
Clarkston area relief effort for Katrina victims: The Clarkston Relief Committee, in conjunction with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, has united in an effort to create a single, generous donation from the community of Clarkston to the American Red Cross.
“I’m not worried about saying ‘Clarkston sent $500,000.’ Just the fact that we are doing this as a community is what makes it so special,” said Nancy Carlisle, who is heading up the CRC.
The Clarkston Relief Committee is coordinating the collection of donations for Hurricane Katrina victims from all participating Clarkston Community Schools, non-profit organizations and other community groups. These donations will be forwarded to the American Red Cross to provide much needed aid to the affected region.
Memories of ‘Whitey’: In the partisan world of politics, civility and goodwill can be hard to find. Independence Township lost a citizen and public servant who exemplified both qualities when Floyd “Whitey” Tower passed away at age 73 on Aug. 27, 2005.
Tower had a distinguished presence in the community and was heavily involved in township affairs. A few of his contributions include spending time on the Clarkston Village Council and Planning Commission, as well as serving as Supervisor of Independence Township. He remained an active member of the American Legion and a grounding member of the Clarkston United Methodist Church.
Art in the Village comes to Depot Park this weekend: Time stands still in anticipation of the Clarkston Community Historical Society’s 31st annual Art in the Village festival.
This Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 17 and 18), stop down at Depot Park for entertainment, shopping and some delicious fall treats.
Once again highlighting this year’s event is an art show featuring almost 100 artists from across the country including potters, painters, woods, jewelry, glass, fabric and much more. CCHS is also sponsoring a silent auction with pieces ranging in value from $10 to $400 from over 50 artists.
Wolves’ fourth quarter surge too much for Hawks: While by no means bleak, the conditions were not exactly perfect for Clarkston on Sept. 9 during their home opener as they trailed Farmington Hills Harrison 16-7 at the start of the fourth quarter.
The Hawks had the ball at midfield, but one fluke fumble later, the clouds began to part. On Clarkston’s subsequent first play from scrimmage following the turnover, senior running back Nick DeVault was a ray of light, darting into the endzone from 27 yards out.
DeVault, whose touchdown just 10 seconds into the final quarter cut the deficit to 16-14 after junior Mike Breen’s kick, was just gettting started as the spry runner gained 104 of his 116 yards and scored Clarkston’s final touchdown of the game.
DeVault’s second touchdown, after another Breen conversion, made the score 27-16, which was the final tally four minutes later.
Millstream: Deputy County Executive and Chief Information Officer Phil Bertolini was featured for his work with technology in business and community in Oakland County.

September 21
Wal-Mart still possible?: The possibility of “big box” development in Independence Township has not gone away ? even with a new proposal from Orco Investments Inc. presenting a residentially-based plan.
Orco Investments Inc. owns approximately 70-plus acres at the southwest corner of Sashabaw and Waldon roads near I-75. In February, the company requested a rezoning for the area with the intent to build two regional chain stores (with Wal-Mart and Lowe’s being named at one point), restaurants, hotel, shopping complex and assisted living center.
The company considers this proposal Plan A for the site and, in a letter from Robert A. Jacobs to Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner, stated Orco has not withdrawn the application for rezoning.
However, Orco did offer an alternative to Plan A on Sept. 6.
In a new Application for Site Specific Relief Authorization, under Section 5.30 of the township zoning ordinances, Orco Investments is proposing a plan with 6.07 acres of commercial development and 64.5 acres of residential. The company is proposing two possible residential densities: Plan B provides for 476 homes, while Plan C proposes 532.
Clarkston says, ‘Good Morning America!’: Members of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, staff from the Union and other residents were filmed in a spot for “Good Morning America” on Sept. 15. A news crew from ABC 12 WJRT-TV Flint/Saginaw filmed the 10 second spot where residents, led by Jason Ryan from the Chamber Board of Directors, said hello to the rest of the country from the Taste of Clarkston. Chamber Enthusiast/Planner Terri Bendes said the spot should air Wednesday or Thursday during the week of Sept. 19. The TV station approached the chamber about the Taste of Clarkston because they like to focus on events that are benefi