Josie the fire dog
Josie the fire dog keeps the home fires burning at the Independence Township Fire Department Station #1 on Citation Drive. Photo by Matt Mackinder
State RTA proposal off table, Kittle says
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer The proposed Regional Transit Authority state legislation is stalled in committee, which is fine with Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle. “I’m happy to announce that at 4:30 p.m., I received notice that House Bill 5550 has stalled. It is off the floor,” Kittle said at the March 3 […]
Suicide prevention training
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Local churches are going the extra mile to help those affected by suicide. Clarkston Community Church, 6300 Clarkston Road hosts a suicide prevention event, “Soul Shop: Ministering to Faith Communities Affected by Suicide,” on Saturday, March 14, from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will also be […]
New LT in familiar digs
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer He’s the new Independence Township substation commander, but Lt. Todd Hill is far from unfamiliar territory. “I’m excited,” said Hill, whose first day on the job was Feb. 1. “I began my patrol career here in Independence in 2004 and spent a couple of years here before going […]
Virus voids exchange with Japan
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer While no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have yet been confirmed in Michigan, Clarkston has been impacted by the worldwide outbreak. Students and staff from Japan scheduled to visit later this month as part of the ongoing Japanese exchange program with Clarkston High School will not be coming due […]
New truck
Back to work for former fire station
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer After almost 20 years, the 5255 Maybee Road building will once again be in the ambulance business after $50,000 of renovations are completed. Independence Township Board voted unanimously, Feb. 18, to approve the upgrades and a five-year lease agreement between the township and Medstar to provide non-emergency ambulance […]
New top cop for Clarkston area
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Lt. Todd Hill, new commander of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Independence Township substation, arrives with former commander Larry Perry’s highest endorsement. “He will keep things headed in the right direction to keep the community and schools safe,” said Perry, Independence’s commander for the past four years who […]
Residents not yet sold on marketplace proposal
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Area residents voiced their displeasure at a proposed 67-acre development in Independence Township at a recent informal meeting. “None of this benefits the community,” said township resident Shannon Tiller, who attended the Jan. 28 meeting at the Clarkston United Methodist Church. “Like we need another bank. We’re not […]
Homeowner balks at Walters Lake plan
BY MATT MACKINDER Clarkston News Staff Writer Joanie Bachor doesn’t want to see more change in Clarkston. Last month, the Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors Department (ITPRS) received a partial grant from the DNR’s Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for a Walters Lake property development including public beach, fishing, pavilion, and other facilities. “I […]