Supervisor receives check donated to help veterans

Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle made his way to Summit Place Kia in Clinton Township on Tuesday. Aug. 16, in order to accept a $140,000 check from LaLonde Charities on behalf of the Friends of the North Oakland County Veterans’ Treatment Court. (NOCVTC). That check will be split between NOCVTC and the Friends of the […]

Police budget includes revenue increases

Revenue for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Independence Township substation is expected to increase by about $64,000, or 1.3 percent, in 2017. Labor costs are projected to increase by $1,400, or 2.1 percent, and operating costs/capital outlay approximately $78,000 or 1.6 percent compared to 2016. The expenses would be about $15,000 more than 2016, said Budget […]

Budget increases for fire department

Rising property tax revenues are expected to boost the Independence Township Fire Department budget by about $90,000 (1.6 percent of the total budget). Supervisor Pat Kittle said the fire department will add to its budget reserves, which is estimated to be $1.612 million in 2017, $1.623 million in 2018 and $1.631 million in 2019. “We’re […]

Keiser’s Role: What is the truth?

Well, now that the Aug. 2 election is over I am ready for November to come so we can get that election over as well. Not that I am anxious to necessarily vote, but I am ready for the presidential candidates to be the main topic of every conversation. It wouldn ‘t be bad if […]

School bond could get earlier payoff, officials say

The recently approved $76 million Clarkston Community Schools bond could be paid off sooner than 30 years, Deputy Superintendent Shawn Ryan said. “We didn’t want to cloud anything in terms of the election,” Ryan explained. “We knew very early on that Clarkston Schools took a very conservative approach to looking at financing these bonds over […]

$426,000 water grant OK’d

After months of back and forth, Independence Township and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) settled on a price tag for a new water pipeline to be installed on Maple Drive. The Independence Township Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to accept the $426,650 state grant at the Aug. 9 regular board meeting. Getting to […]

Voters OK school bond

Clarkston school officials have $75.98 million for technology and building improvements after voters approved a bond proposal, Aug. 2. “The board and the administration are extremely excited with the passage of the bond and extremely appreciative of the community supporting this initiative,” said School Board President Steve Hyer. “Over a year ago now, dealing with […]

Incumbents returned to Township Board

Voters were kind to incumbents in Independence Township, returning all candidates on the ballot. Supervisor Pat Kittle, Clerk Barbara Pallotta, Treasurer Paul Brown all ran unopposed in the Aug. 2 primary. Incumbent trustees Jose Aliaga, Ron Ritchie and Andrea Schroeder earned their nominations, along with newcomer Rachel Loughrin. Trustee David Lohmeier did not run for […]

Tons of Trucks

Tons of Trucks

The annual Tons of Trucks event hosted by the Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors was tons of fun as kids of all ages got to climb aboard the big rigs and honk some horns. The event also included train rides, wagon rides and tasty treats. Photo by Trevor Keiser

Fair Fun

Fair Fun

Twins Lexi and Ellie Vanderver try their hands at fishing. The Oakland County Fair was at Springfield Oaks Park in Springfield Township where there were rides, games and food for all patrons of all ages to enjoy. Oakland County celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Oakland County Parks and the 35 year fight of Kids […]