By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor
 As we turn the calendar to 2024, we take a look back at part 2 of some of the top stories from the pages of The Clarkston News during 2023.
May 3
Students giving back: Each school year, students and staff at the seven Clarkston elementary schools participate in academic service learning (ASL) projects, benefitting local community programs. Within a short span, Independence Elementary held its 20th annual SOCKS (Serving Our Community Kid Style), while Andersonville Elementary, with the addition of a therapy dog last year, Missy, was inspired to do its part with Missy’s Wags, helping local dog-centered organizations.
Recognizing Clarkston youth: Clarkston Area Youth Assistance honored 70 students during its Youth Recognition Ceremony and Dessert Reception at Clarkston Junior High School Performing Arts Center, April 26.
May 10
FOIA request turns to lawsuit against city: Clarkston resident Susan Bisio’s request for public records regarding the Millpond Inn Bed and Breakfast led to a Freedom of Information Act request and a lawsuit. On March 22, Bisio and her attorney, also her husband Richard, filed two FOIA requests to the city for public records involving the city’s actions against the Millpond Inn Bed and Breakfast, including, but not limited to, records regarding the city’s actions and plans to attempt to shut down the bed and breakfast or take other adverse action against that business on a questionable legal basis and for which the city attorney (Tom Ryan) recommended there be no public discussion at a city council meeting with representatives of the bed and breakfast.
Awards season: A total of 135 Clarkston High School seniors gathered at the school’s Performing Arts Center for the annual Senior Awards Night, held for students receiving awards and scholarships and those with a GPA 3.8 and higher.
Victory over Romeo in Game for Hope: Clarkston Boys Varsity Lacrosse continued their winning streak during Game for Hope over Romeo, 19-6.
May 17
Honoring influential locals: Eight awards were presented during the 38th annual Clarkston Community Awards ceremony at the Clarkston Community Church. The winners in 2023 included Levi Baldwin for Youth of the Year; Dr. Fabrizio DiNoto, Citizen of the Year; Mike Herrmann, Adult/Youth Volunteer; Brandon Bahoura, Business Person of the Year; Sue Julian, Community Beautification and Preservation; Vibe Credit Union, Community Enhancement; Preservation Clarkston, Community Collaboration, and Dawn Horner, Lifetime Achievement.
ACT perfection: After Nathan Beggs scored a 36 on his ACT in 2021, his sister Caroline wondered if she could find a way to also earn the test’s highest score. Mission accomplished for the Everest junior as the younger Beggs put up the same 36 recently.
May 24
Teacher of the Year Kroll grateful: Heidi Kroll, a fifth grade teacher at Springfield Plains Elementary, couldn’t contain her excitement after being named the Clarkston Foundation’s Teacher of the Year for the 2022-23 school year, which celebrated teachers in pre-K through fifth grade classroom for the 2023 honor.
Clarkston girls tennis squad back to states: The Clarkston Girls Varsity Tennis team was returning to the state championship for the third consecutive year after qualifying during the MHSAA Division 1 Regional 7 competition with a second place finish.
May 31
New CHS grads ready for what’s next: The Clarkston High School Class of 2023 completed its requirements May 23 by walking across the stage at Pine Knob Music Theatre as part of the annual Commencement ceremony.There were laughs, tears, back flips, waves to family and friends, hugs, and congratulatory chants from the audience as the school celebrated 50 years graduating at Pine Knob
Four-day work week pilot: A four-day work week for Independence Township was closer to reality with a pilot program potentially starting June 5. The change was discussed at the April 4 Independence Township Board of Trustees regular meeting and then at a special meeting May 16 before a presentation at the May 23 regular meeting by Nancy Olind, township attorney from The Kelly Firm.
Dream come true for Clarkston grad: Before Cameron Brosky graduated from Clarkston High School at Pine Knob Music Theatre on May 23, she spent the morning signing her letter of intent to cheer at the University of Michigan.

June 7
CHS win over Lake Orion puts Wolves in Final Four: The second win over Lake Orion in the spring season, sent last sealed a trip to the MHSAA Division 1 Boys Lacrosse Semifinal for the Wolves, 16-5.. “It’s been something we have been working for all season,” said Clarkston Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Brian Kaminskas about making the Final Four after the quarterfinal.”
June 14
Soothing tunes for Eagle Scout project: Young musician and prospective Eagle Scout Kieron Holloway was making history recording a therapeutic album for his final service project in what may be a first for the Scouting movement. The Davisburg drummer and guitarist and 2023 Clarkston High School graduate partnered with Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Music to produce the album “Music for Mental Health.”
Clarkston grad authors first children’s book, sparks curiosity: Jenna Dempsey said she has always loved to write, and she did just that in her journal, writing poetry and in a previous advertising job. The Clarkston native and current Northville resident took the next step and wrote the book “Shine Bright Little Moonbeam.”
Mountaineers conquer state championship: It was an exciting finish for Clarkston Everest Collegiate at the MHSAA Division 4 Boys Golf State Championship. Senior Jeffrey (Remy) Stalcup won his second individual title in three years. Parker Stalcup finished in second place and sophomore Will Pennanen tied for seventh place.
June 21
Seeking new leadership for SCAMP: After six-plus years as Clarkston SCAMP’s executive director, Aimee Baker said it was time for a change at the top after announcing her departure earlier in June.
Making history: Thousands of student-athletes participate in the 38th Oakland County Middle School Championship at Clarkston High School, but it was Allison Thurman who made history on June 1. Thurman, who was an eighth grader at Clarkston Junior High School at the time of the meet, was the first adaptive athlete participating in the event. She raced in her wheelchair in the 100-meter adaptive event, finishing with the time of 43.04.
June 28
Familiar face taking over Chamber: The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce was without an executive director for just five days. After announcing Jennifer Fair Margraf’s departure on June 15, the chamber named Kendal Petzold, formerly the assistant executive director, the new executive director on June 20.
Clarkston robotics gets $10K grant: The David W. Elliot Memorial Foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Clarkston robotics program, Team RUSH 27. “RUSH will use the funds for a new scholarship for seniors, robot funds and travel for the 2024 robotics season and help offset the personal costs of the students during the season,” said Team RUSH coach Kyle Hughes.
First-place finish at district meets: The Clarkston Junior Equestrian Team competed in two district meets at Shiawassee County Fairgrounds, finishing in first place, June 17 and 18. As a Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA) Division D team, rider Avery Evans competed against equestrians from Owosso, Perry, and Northville in District 11.
July 5
Paid parking: Paid parking will officially begin in the city’s Depot Road parking lot July 5. The parking fee and the hours of operation will be identical to those in the existing Washington and Main paid lot at $1 per hour from 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. All other times remain free.
Scholarship honorees from ‘23 Clarkston class: The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club honored scholarship winners at a luncheon on June 26. Scholarship winners for 2023 are recent 2023 graduates Phoebe Savoie, Kayla Cole, Kara Bowles, and Bedford Muzzy.
July 12
City FOIA lawsuit settled for $8,974: Back in May, Clarkston resident Susan Bisio’s request for public records regarding the Millpond Inn Bed and Breakfast, located at 155 N. Main Street, led to a Freedom of Information Act request and subsequent lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit was settled June 26 in the amount of $8,974.25 for attorney fees after a closed session at that night’s city council meeting was held with City Attorney Tom Ryan to discuss the pending litigation. Back in open session, a resolution was passed to approve the settlement agreement in the lawsuit for attorney fees.
ITPRS director Smith departs after 7 years: After seven years as the director for Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors (ITPRS), Derek Smith left in June for a similar position in Northville.
Honors for pair of Wolves: Blake Berry and Tyler Cray, two recent Clarkston High School graduates, received top honors from USA Lacrosse. Berry was named All-American and Cray All-Academic.
July 19
Building a hands-on future: Summer vacation began just a bit later for Brendan Verbeke, and he was fine with that. During the week of June 19-23, Verbeke made his way to Atlanta for the Skills USA National Competition in carpentry, a week-long event involving team building activities, networking with industry professionals, and an all-day carpentry build-off. And he wound up finishing among the top half of students in the entire United States.
New CCS Board president: At the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education meeting on July 10, the board appointed the leadership positions for the 2023-24 school year. Greg Need was named the new president, taking over for Kelli Horst, while Elizabeth Egan, Stefanie Crane, and Cheryl McGinnis will continue in their roles as vice president, treasurer, and secretary, respectively. Steve Hyer and Amanda Love are staying on as trustees.
Green wraps CHS boys lacrosse season with new goals record: It was a memorable spring season for Zaidan Green. Green, a recent Clarkston High School graduate, and his teammates finished the season in the MHSAA Division 1 Boys Lacrosse Semifinal. Green scored 66 goals during the season, setting a new school record for the most goals in a season.
July 26
Art awards: The Clarkston Arts Council awarded Clarkston students Morgan Marcale, Ellise Dowd, Sophia Catella, and Slate Campbell Erin Modrzynski Memorial Scholarships on June 19. Aria Brown was also a recipient but unable to attend the meeting.
Pig flu at county fair: The Oakland County Fair had something for everyone July 7-16 at Davisburg’s Springfield Oaks County Park. However, not all of it was fun and games. Late last week, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Department of Health and Human Services notified Oakland County Health Division that several pigs present at the fair tested positive for influenza A virus, the causative agent of swine influenza.
August 2
New SCAMP director: When Aimee Baker stepped down as Clarkston SCAMP’s executive director earlier this summer after more than six years at the helm she said “it is time again for a new perspective.” Late last month, Amy Darnell was named as the organization’s new executive director.
‘Let’s get back to business:’ L. Brooks Patterson served as Oakland County executive from 1992 until his death in 2019.Now, his daughter Mary Margaret Patterson is looking to continue the family tradition as the Clarkston resident has announced her intention to run for the same position in the 2024 election.
August 9
Optimists honor local public safety standouts: Each year, the Clarkston Area Optimist Club recognizes both a fireman and a sheriff for their dedicated service. At the July 12 Optimist meeting, Deputy Reed Brown of the Independence Township Substation and Fire Marshal Greg Brandt of the Independence Township Fire Department were honored.
Wolves icers nab All-State picks: Though the 2022-23 high school winter season closed, Clarkston Varsity Hockey players and coaches recently celebrated All-State honors. Ron Wade and Theo Walker received All-State First Team honors. Evan Adams, Devon Collis and Calum Hartner received All-State Second Team honors.
August 16
New Bay Court Park playground: The original Bay Court playground was community-built in the summer of 1994.Now, the legacy of that dream continues as the time comes to replace the play structure.
Credit union planned for old Clarkston Cinema site: After sitting vacant since 1999, the Clarkston Cinema and surrounding land may soon be getting a facelift. Located at 6808 Dixie Highway, a new Dort Financial Credit Union is planned for the property and received conceptual site plan approval at the Aug. 10 meeting of the Independence Township Planning Commission.
August 23
Formal plans announced for Rudy’s Market, old Clarkston News building: Downtown Clarkston is set to feature a new dining experience next June or July with the opening of Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse at 9 South Main Street. Next door at 5 South Main, the former home of The Clarkston News, a Mediterranean-themed restaurant, basement wine cellar, and second-floor bourbon and cigar bar are planned. These plans were made public Aug. 16 at a news conference inside the empty 9 South Main building where work will begin in the coming weeks.
Donation for life, Clarkston style: It’s often been said that the Clarkston community is one where everyone looks out for their neighbor. That has never been more true than when Clarkston Virtual teacher Jessica Sorensen recently donated one of her kidneys to Independence Township’s Adam Klenow, son of Independence Elementary third grade teacher Dennis Klenow.
August 30
Nonresident on Township ZBA gets board talking: At the Aug. 22 regular meeting of the Independence Township Board of Trustees, a motion by Trustee Sam Moraco and seconded by Supervisor Jose Aliaga adding language in the ordinance to prevent nonresidents from serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals was defeated 4-2.
Business exec pleads guilty to conspiracy: A business executive with a Clarkston-based business pleaded guilty to breaking federal trade laws recently and will pay the price, literally.Last week, Kevin Shell, an executive with Clarkston-based F. Allied Construction Co. Inc., a Michigan paving and excavating contractor, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to restrain trade.
September 6
CCS Board of Education appoints Sivers to open trustee seat: On the evening of Aug. 28, the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education voted to appoint Jaclyn Sivers to fill the vacancy left by former Board Trustee Kelli Horst.Sivers’ term is effective immediately and will run through Dec. 31, 2024.
Mill Pond dam status: Recently, the city received a grant of $95,400 from the state of Michigan under its Dam Risk Reduction Program to design and engineer a new water level control mechanism to replace the Mill Pond’s existing dam.When combined with $10,600 in local funds, the total expenditure for this phase is $106,000.
September 13
Clarkston native signs contract with Red Wings organization: After five years playing NCAA Division I hockey at Michigan State University and a taste of the pro game at the end of the 2021-22 season, Clarkston native Mitch Lewandowski is ready for his first full season in the pro ranks. Over the summer, Lewandowski signed a contract with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
Donation ‘makes a huge difference:’ Last month, Joe Fabrizio Sr. donated a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan to Drew’s Home of Clarkston. But it’s not just any van. A custom conversion turned this family minivan into wheelchair-accessible transportation for Fabrizio’s disabled wife Nancy.
September 20
Suspected hepatitis A exposure at lounge inside Pine Knob Music Theatre: If you attended a recent concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre and visited the Ivy Lounge at some point, there is a chance you were exposed to hepatitis.
Taste of Clarkston hitting 25 years: Coming up on Oct. 1, from noon to 6 p.m., Main Street in downtown Clarkston will be home to the 25th Annual Taste of Clarkston event, a day where local restaurants set up shop in the street to showcase their respective menus to hungry customers.
September 27
Board exploring need for police presence at Everest: At the Sept. 19 regular meeting of the Independence Township Board of Trustees, discussion took place regarding the township’s sheriff’s substation having a police presence at Everest Collegiate High School and Academy.
October 4
Improved school bus safety features: With the new school year here and in full swing, Oakland Schools has taken proactive measures to ensure that the nearly 100,000 students throughout Oakland County have safe and secure transportation to and from school.
October 11
$4K donation for CCS construction program, new tools: The David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation approved a grant of $4,000 to the Clarkston Community Schools Construction Tech Program to be used for additional tools needed for students and staff.
Newell named managing editor of View Newspaper Group north Oakland County newspapers: View Newspaper Group is proud to announce Jim Newell has been named managing editor of the View Newspaper Group north Oakland County newspapers. In his new role, Newell is responsible for the day-to-day coverage in Lake Orion and Oxford and coordinates coverage across the Lake Orion Review, Oxford Leader, Clarkston News and The Citizen in Ortonville.
Stencil honored for lasting legacy: When Dan Stencil retired as Oakland County Parks executive officer in early 2021, he did so after 43-plus years with the county. More than two and a half years late, the former Independence Township resident now living in Florida was honored twice in two days – first by being inducted into the mParks Hall of Fame Oct. 4 in Canton and then with a plaque dedication the next day at the Oakland County Farmers Market in Waterford.
Runners place at county meet: Clarkston teams finished in the top 10 during the Oakland County Cross Country Championship at Kensington Metropark last Saturday. The boys team finished in fourth place out of 36 teams and the girls team finished tied for seventh place out of 35 teams.
October 18
Waldon Village Market project progressing: Late last year, the Waldon Village II development took the next step in getting a Meijer-owned market as part of the project when it was approved at the Nov. 15, 2022 Township Board of Trustees meeting. Nearly a year later, the project is still moving along.
Clarkston graduate honored with award from CMU: Abbey Tolmie proudly accepted the Dick Enberg Scholar Athlete Award for 2023 during Central Michigan’s football game against Eastern Michigan, Sept. 30.
October 25
Clarkston mayor resigns position: In a letter to Clarkston City Manager Jonathan Smith dated Oct. 16, Clarkston Mayor Eric Haven resigned, effective immediately. “Because it has become apparent to me, increasingly and recently, that my vision for Clarkston differs significantly from that of several on city council,” said Haven in the letter.
November 1
Suspect charged in township bank robbery: A Belleville man who was on parole from a 2014 federal bank robbery conviction is being held on $1 million bond after he was charged Oct. 23 with robbing an Independence Township credit union. Shannon Donald Sexton, 53, was arraigned in 52-2nd District Court with a single count of bank robbery in connection with the Oct. 19 robbery of the Vibe Credit Union branch office located at 6580 Dixie Highway.
Township trustee steps down: Matt Stoian was appointed to a seat on the Independence Township Board of Trustees in Nov. 2022 but nearly one year later is stepping down due to a cancer diagnosis.
Three candidates, three open seats in upcoming Nov. 7 city council election: Three candidates are running unopposed for Clarkston City Council two-year terms on Nov. 7. Gary Casey and Laura Rodgers are current council members, while Ted Quisenberry is running for his first term. Bruce Fuller is not running for re-election.
November 8
Story Walk vandalized: Allegedly on the night of Oct. 30, portions of the Story Walk on the grounds of the Clarkston Independence District Library were damaged. No one has been arrested or charged and the incident remains under investigation.
City addresses EGLE request at Depot Park: The city was recently the subject of an anonymous complaint against Depot Park. In the complaint, Clarkston City Manager Jonathan Smith said at the Oct. 23 city council meeting that debris in the park may be having a negative impact on nearby wetlands. The complaint was made to the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) about debris stored at the south end of the park.
November 15
Clarkston grad, World War II veteran honored at CJHS: Each year at Clarkston Junior High School, a local veteran is honored during the school’s Veterans Day celebration. This year, Clarkston native Donald Steiner was front and center during the Nov. 9 event inside the Performing Arts Center.
Clarkston Football wraps ‘23 season in Elite Eight: Clarkston Varsity Football players and coaches hugged and said their goodbyes to the seniors after the Wolves finished their playoff run with a 21-20 loss to West Bloomfield in the MHSAA Division 1 Regional 3 game last Friday.
November 22
Township purchases nearly 39 acres of land: On Nov. 2, Independence Township finalized the purchase of nearly 39 acres of vacant land on Perry Lake Road from local resident and landowner BJ Rumph This property is connected to Clintonwood Park and serves as a branch of the Clinton River headwaters and contains significant wetlands. A portion of the land is suitable for park expansion, and the township is currently exploring those options.
New Clarkston mayor a familiar face to locals: Sue Wylie was voted to take over the role by unanimous vote by Clarkston City Council at the council’s regular meeting Nov. 13.
Clarkston Volleyball clinches Final Four appearance: The Wolves swept the MHSAA Division 1 Quarterfinal 4 against L’Anse Creuse North at St. Clair County Community College, Nov. 14.
November 29
Former trustee Tedder returns to township board: Matt Stoian’s resignation from the Independence Township Board of Trustees last month left a seat open on the board, giving way to a special meeting Nov. 15 that saw seven township residents interview for the spot. After all seven had interviewed that night, Jim Tedder was appointed unanimously to serve the term ending Nov. 20, 2024.
Township four-day work week gets green light from board: After going through a four-day work week pilot program since the beginning of June, Independence Township made the schedule permanent at its Nov. 21 regular meeting of the Township Board of Trustees by way of unanimous vote.
Mountaineer magic: Clarkston Everest Collegiate junior Sarah Bradley made the serve in the fifth and final set of the MHSAA Division 4 Volleyball State Championship at the Kellogg Arena, Nov. 18.The serve went unreturned by Leland, giving the Mountaineers a 15-13 victory to win the state championship.
December 13
‘It was the best Thanksgiving ever:’ Last month, Bruce Quigley was unsuccessful in his bid to become an Independence Township trustee. His luck changed after he won $25,000 a year for life playing the Michigan Lottery’s Lucky For Life game on Thanksgiving.
December 20
New ITPRS director: ‘It’s good to be home:’ Adam Kline took over in October as the director of the Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors (ITPRS) Department, replacing Derek Smith. Kline was previously the township manager for Oakland Township.
Celebrating 2023 Chamber award winners: The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Gala event Dec. 7 at Deer Lake Athletic Club, handing out awards for 2023.
District optimistic student loss plateauing: At the Dec. 11 Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education meeting, the vast majority of the 45-minute meeting focused on enrollment numbers across the district.
Seven student-athletes take next steps towards athletic futures: Seven Clarkston High School student-athletes signed their letters of intent in front of family, friends, teammates and coaches at the CHS Performing Arts Center, Dec. 11.
December 27
Car wash planned for old restaurant site: After sitting vacant for several years, the old Big Boy restaurant site at 6440 Dixie Highway is in the planning stages of becoming a car wash.
The site plans were presented during a public hearing at the Dec. 14 regular meeting of the Independence Township Planning Commission.
— with files from Wendi Reardon Price

PHOTO: Clarkston Construction Tech instructors Adam Gorring, left, and Neil Granlund, right, pose with Brendan Verbeke at the Skills USA National Competition last June in Atlanta. Photo: Provided by Adam Gorring