BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Staff Writer

As we turn the calendar to 2022, let’s take a look back at the top stories from the second half of the year from The Clarkston News during 2021.
July 7
Home of the brave: Independence Township honored local veterans with a free pancake breakfast at the township’s Senior Center.
Potential police immunity reform leaving bad taste in county: Top law enforcement officials from five counties said congressional proposals to change qualified immunity protections for police were unnecessary because existing laws already hold them accountable for illegal acts and could ultimately lead to municipal bankruptcies.
RUSHing to camp to dive into robotics program: RUSH Robotics camps made their return with a variety of camps for different grade levels. “Camp is going great,” said Jordan Bailey, a senior on the Team RUSH 27 Robotics team at Clarkston High School.
July 13
Supervisor tenders resignation: In a letter to the Independence Township Board of Trustees dated July 4, Township Supervisor Pat Kittle announced his resignation after nearly nine years in the position, effective September 8, 2021.
Putting his stamp on ITFD: Pat Stamper had been with the Independence Township Fire Department since 2005. His newest role was as interim chief after Mitch Petterson stepped down as fire chief.
Animal fun at the fair: The Oakland County Fair was back at Springfield Oaks after taking a break during 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Many had fun at fair enjoying rides on the midway, enjoying shows and visiting animals.
July 20
Waldon Village development changes approved: The first reading for the latest amendment to the planned development for Waldon Village, located on the north side of Waldon Road between Sashabaw and Walters road was approved at the Independence Township Board of Trustees meeting, July 6. The biggest changes comes in Phase 1 of development consisting of 132 townhouses, down from the initial 280 apartments.
Clarkston graduate wins local art award: Samantha Moyet, a 2021 Clarkston High School graduate, took first place in the 12 grade division of the 10th Annual Financial Literacy Multimedia Arts Contest.
Sink, float, win in annual race: It didn’t matter if their cardboard and duct tape boats tipped over, sunk or crossed the finish line – Clarkston High School students had smiles during the 14th Annual RUSH Regatta.
July 28
Heading to Beantown: Fingernails may have been a bit shorter in the Gallagher household, but it was worth it when the Boston Bruins selected Ty Gallagher in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft, held virtually.
Township resident pens book focusing on childhood inclusion: Donna Neumann, an Independence Township resident, always wrote short stories but there was one story she always wanted to tell. She told it in her children’s book “I Don’t Celebrate Anything” about Annie the Porcupine and her family, who don’t celebrate holidays.
August 4
Township fire chief search down to four candidates: Four candidates were in the running to take on the role of Independence Township Fire Chief, including Pat Stamper, who was filling in as interim fire chief.
August 11
Clarkston Community Schools has plan for school year: Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan shared plans for the 2021-2022 school year as COVID-19 and the new Delta variant was still around which included mask use, learning model options, and cleaning and disinfections.
August 18
Community rallies around family after recent storm: Lisa Hanes had just purchased her new home on July 30 and was living with her daughter, Eastyn. The storm whipped through much of Oakland County, Aug. 12, produced a lightning strike hitting the gas meter on Hanes’ home on Mann Road, and immediately set the back half of the home on fire.
August 25
Returning to school ‘does not come without challenges’: With the 2021-2022 school year beginning on August 30, Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan sent out an email to the community providing an update. “We know our return to school does not come without challenges,” Ryan said.
Makeover for local playground: The playground at Bay Court Park would soon be undergoing a facelift to make the popular park more conducive to contemporary standards.
Clarkston man charged with threats toward governor: Kevin Dawe, a Clarkston man, was charged with two counts of malicious use of telecommunications services, misdemeanors each punishable by up to six months in jail time and/or a fine up to $1,000 for sending threatening messages directed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
September 1
Local business closing, to reopen as new eatery: Rudy’s Market and Catering entered its last days as a grocery story before revamping its format to become a restaurant in 18-24 months. Rudy’s Market opened in July 1933.
September 8
Remembering Mel Vaara: Mel Vaara, known to many for his different roles in Clarkston, was remembered after he passed away on August 26, 2021 at the age of 88.
September 15
Independence Township at impasse with no new supervisor elected: The Independence Township Board of Trustees on September 7 was the last for Pat Kittle as supervisor. At the time, the position for supervisor was still vacant. The board had two meetings prior to appoint a new supervisor and no motion passes.
September 22
Everest hits milestone, celebrates 30 years: Everest Academy opened its doors to 33 students 30 years ago. For 2021, Everest Collegiate High School and Academy had an enrollment of 427 students in preschool through 12th grade.
September 29
Supervisor stalemate: Another meeting and still no progress to appoint a new Independence Township supervisor during a special meeting on September 27.
New township fire chief comes with experience, knowledge: David Piche was appointed the full-time fire chief on September 7. Piche, a retired fire chief from Bloomfield Township, shared his experience, knowledge and “I still feel like I have a lot in the tank to give back to the fire service.”
October 6
Local state rep Schroeder loses cancer fight, passes away at 57: In the final hours of her life, Andrea Schroeder said she wanted to be remembered as “an ordinary person who had an extraordinary life.” Schroeder passed away on October 1, at the age of 57. She had been serving as the Michigan state representative for the 43rd District.
October 13
‘An amazing coach and teacher’: Everyone at Clarkston High School stadium honored Steve Himburg with a moment of silence before the Wolves varsity football game. Himburg passed away suddenly on Friday, Oct. 1 while he was watching the Wolves play West Bloomfield. He was 76.
Supervisor stalemate continues in township: The Independence Township Board of Trustees meeting on October 5 ended just like the last several – with no appointment of a new supervisor.

October 27
Finally, a supervisor: It took longer than anticipated, but Independence Township unanimously appointed Gerald Fisher as its new supervisor at the October 19 regular meeting of the board of trustees.
November 10
Clarkston City Council election proves to be tight vote as county steps in to assist: Three Clarkston City Council spots were up for election on Tuesday, November 2 but at press time the results were not finalized. A total of 322 votes were cast between in-person and absentee votes in the close race.
Making a difference in construction: Students and staff form Northern Michigan University’s Construction Management program joined area female students in ninth and tenth grades in Construction Day at Clarkston Junior High School.
November 17
Thank you for your service: Clarkston Junior High School honored and recognized Elaine Jefferson-Blevins for her service during their special Veteran’s Day ceremony. Blevins, secretary to the principal at CJHS, served in the United States Navy for 20 years.
Two newcomers, one returnee to city council: After a close vote for the open Clarkston City Council seats had to be certified by Oakland County, open seats went to Gary Casey, Laura Rodgers and Bruce Fuller.
December 1
Community impact: Clarkston resident Drew Moscovic can be seen around town collecting cans and bottles returning them to Neiman’s Family Market to raise money for the continued development of Drew’s Home of Clarkston, a building on Washington Street which provides one-, two-, and three-bedroom residential apartments for adults with disabilities.
December 8
Addressing school safety in Clarkston: Following the tragic shooting at Oxford High School on November 30 which killed four students and injured seven, Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan shared he would continue to keep everyone informed as CCS make every effort to keep the schools safe which includes a strong partnership with Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the staff is fully trained on ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols.
Township, city leaders offer support to Oxford neighbors: Independence Township Supervisor Gerald Fisher and Clarkston City Manager Jonathan Smith offered words of encouragement to those affected by the shooting at Oxford High School.
Magic on stage at Depot Theatre: The Clarkston High School Drama Club brought to life “The Elves and the Shoemaker” at Clarkston Village Players’ Depot Theatre for five performances on Saturday and Sunday. They had one performance at CHS.
December 15
Special delivery: The Independence Township Department of Parks, Recreation and Seniors received an $80,000 donation from the local Bartsch Foundation and Clarkston Area Optimist Club to refurbish the Bay Court Park playground.
Residents get vocal at township trustees meeting: The Independence Township Board of Trustees meeting lasted more than two hours and included several residents voicing their concerns over the township removing Sam Moraco from the planning commission and discussing the re-appointment of Brian Galley to the planning commission, Dec. 7.
After two years, annual holiday parade makes bright return: For the first time in two years the Clarkston Holiday Lights Parade was held, Dec. 11. One of the highlights was Santa’s sleigh pulled by the Union Joints Rudolph.

TOP PHOTO: Residents said goodbye to Mel Vaara on August 26, 2021 when the longtime resident passed away at the age 88. Vaara wore many hats during his time in Clarkston. File photo by Matt Mackinder