25 years ago – 1999
Springfield okays Westwood Hills concept plan: The next step in making Westwood Hills subdivision a reality was made possible when the Springfield Township board unanimously approved the concept plan presented by developer Barry Stulberg, March 25. The board entered into a consent agreement with Stulberg, rezoning the 113-acre parcel at Dixie Highway north of Rattalee Lake Road from R-1 (single family residential to Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Therapy dog works wonders on senior citizens: Sometimes all it takes is a cold, wet nose – that’s what Independence Township resident Carolyn Place found out when she began taking Major, her black Labrador Retriever, to visit her mother at Lourdes Nursing Home in Waterford. Major had become the top dog, cheering up the other senior citizens who lived there.
An Easter egg frenzy!: Warm temps, blue skies and a lawn full of candy – what more could a kid ask for? Easter wishes came true for children attending the Sashabaw Presbyterian Church Easter Egg Hunt.

50 years ago – 1974
Court to move – but not far, judge hopes: The 52nd District Courthouse was going to stay pretty close to Clarkston when it moved at the first of the year if Judge Gerald McNally had his way. Two or three possible locations were being considered, he noted.
Conditions set for gravel mine: Al Valentine was granted permission to expand gravel mining operations on the Andersonville and White Lake roads area providing he met several conditions laid down by the Independence Township Zoning Board of Appeals, including an environmental impact study.
The mill stream: Miss Beverly Hatcher of Clinton Drive was honored with a happy 20th birthday party. The hostess of the event was Anne Courtney, daughter of the United States Ambassador to Nigeria. Many of their college friends from Oakland University came to wish Bev happy birthday. Bev’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hatcher then took Bev and friend, Randee Bass, to Win Schuler’s in Jackson.

75 years ago – 1949
Firefighters get appreciation: Local firefighters received a letter of appreciation and a little encouragement for the work they do. The letter from F. L. Spooner to Fire Chief Don Beach included: “I want to thank you and your boys for the fine job they did in responding to a call for help. It seemed like seconds before I heard the siren and then in no time at all you were there. Thanks again to you and your firefighters. It was a grand job.”
Several honored at Sunday dinner: Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Beattie and family entertained at a dinner honoring the 14th birthday of Bob Beattie, the 29th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. John Beattie of Columbiaville and also the birthday of Mr. John Beattie.
The Hilltopper: Perfect Prom weather added to a huge crowd and many colorful decorations made Friday’s semiformal affair a wonderful event. The theme of the dance was “The Old South” and music of Bill Dobyns provided entertainment and dancing pleasure for all.

  A Look Back. Peek in the Past