Hit-and-run victim dies from injuries, suspect still sought

BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer The wheelchair-bound man who was hit by a car outside of the Clarkston Specialty Healthcare Center on the night of March 14 has died from his injuries. Albert Russell Orsette, an 83-year-old resident of Independence Township, then a patient at the facility, passed away on April 8. Authorities […]

$243,852 for school security

BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Clarkston Community Schools was recently awarded nearly a quarter-million dollars in state grant money from the Competitive School Safety Grant Program to improve the safety in school buildings. “Absolutely nothing is more important than the safety and protection of our kids,” State Rep. Andrea Schroeder said. “These grants […]

WHAT ‘MATT’ERS: Signs of spring

BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Independence Oaks for a photo story that ran in last week’s edition of The Clarkston News. And while the park was lots of grays and browns, there were some signs of green. Yes, while the calendar tells us spring […]

Vaara sees positives in current school environment

Vaara sees positives in current school environment

Second in a series on a pillar of the community, Mel Vaara, as he remembers more than a half century of Clarkston history, and looks to the future. BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer As someone who spent a lifetime in Clarkston Community Schools as a teacher and educator, Mel Vaara saw several generations […]

Father, daughter team up for musical entertainment

BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer The father-daughter bond between Mike and Grace Peterson will be on display May 18 as the two will perform a vocal recital at the Clarkston United Methodist Church. The recital starts at 3 p.m. and admission is free. “I feel like it’s going to be a difficult day […]

Teachers’ snow days

With the changes of half days to full days for Clarkston Community Schools due to the amount of snow days this year, the teachers will also be affected in the amount of days they normally get for professional development and learning. “We have sacrificed a half day of professional learning,” said CCS Marketing Director Mary […]

Marketing Wolfie a success

BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Marketing students at Clarkston High School are making the grade. As part of the sales unit each year, the CHS Marketing II class helps to select a one-time purchase item to sell in the school store, sets sales goals and is involved in all aspects of the business […]

Emotional night at Sparkle Awards

BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer The annual Sparkle Awards, held March 26 at Clarkston Junior High School, again proved to be an emotional night as teachers, para educators, student peers, custodians, board members, school administrators, bus drivers, and counselors were recognized and received awards at the Special Education Appreciation Evening Ceremony. Awards were […]

Reminiscing with Mel

Reminiscing with Mel

First in a series on a pillar of the community, Mel Vaara, as he remembers more than a half century of Clarkston history. BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Mel Vaara is well-known in the Clarkston and surrounding communities. Now 85 and living in Birmingham in an assisted living facility with Jo, his wife […]