Fundraiser helps students around world

Harvestland Ministries hosts its second-annual Dumps to Diplomas fundraiser, 12-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1. Weather is expected to be better than last year’s wind and rain, but they have plenty of indoor activities this year just in case. ‘It’s a great cause,? said Pastor Pete Freeman, who joined the church at 5848 Clintonville Road this […]

The Clarkston News proudly presents Golden Times

Starting to reach retirement age, Baby Boomers are having as much impact as ever. “They’re redefining what it means to get older,” said Margaret Bartos, director of the Independence Township Adult Activity Center, also known as the Senior Center. “They’re more self sufficient, greater sense of entitlement, more knowledgeable, they want more choices, and they […]

Marines give thanks for Optimists’ help

In care packages sent to U.S. Marines in Iraq, Clarkston Optimists included greeting cards for Mothers? Day, Fathers? Day, congratulations, thanks, and other occasions. The Marines knew what to do with the thank-you cards. ‘The Optimists received 25 thank-you cards back from these young men and women from Iraq,? said Curt Carson, Clarkston Area Optimist […]

Cars line up for clunker program

Cash for Clunkers has been a shot in the arm for car dealers, including John Bowman Chevrolet in Independence Township. ‘It’s been an extremely good program for car sales,? said Al Hall, sales manager. ‘It’s created a lot of showroom traffic.? The law, officially called Car Allowance Rebate System, or CARS, was signed into law […]

Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

The phrase ‘teachable moment? used to be just for parents and teachers, but now it’s mainstream, thanks to the president. In school, a teachable moment would be like a bee buzzing into the classroom, and teacher takes the opportunity to talk about bees, instead of freaking out along with students. For teachers, they’re targets of […]

Serving community with Rotary

For Clarkston graduate Tobias Lerke, the new Metro Detroit Rotaract Club is a way to repay a debt. “The Clarkston Rotary Club helped me with scholarships,” said Lerke, 21, who now lives in Flint, attending classes at the local University of Michigan branch.”Ever since then, I’ve wanted to give back. Rotaract is a direct avenue […]

Teacher learns science first hand in Costa Rica

When reunited with her students this fall, Holly Rupprecht has stories to share. “The pre-trip training, ziplining through the top of trees ? that was absolutely magnificent,” said Rupprecht, AP Environmental Science teacher at Clarkston High School. “I had an amazing experience working with the farmers and helping to collect data that will help them […]

School vote may be on way to fall

Clarkston is one vote away from moving May school elections to November. Clarkston Board of Education hammered out details of a resolution to be discussed for possible vote at its Aug. 24 meeting. It will initially call for even-year November elections of board members serving six-year terms. ‘All options are still on the table,? said […]

Merit exam scores rise for Clarkston

Clarkston students scored higher in all categories except one in the 2009 Michigan Merit Exam. “Science, math, social studies, reading, and writing scores went up,” said Staci Puzio, testing and research supervisor. “English Language Arts had a slight drop, but not by much.” Taken by Clarkston High School juniors this past spring, 71.4 percent scored […]

Dog rescuers open homes, hearts

Five dogs sitting in a row, one in the middle, named Olivia, wears a scarf and a big, toothy grin. Connie and Carl Fleck love photos like that ? the pictures illustrate why they run Canine Companions Rescue Center out of their home in Independence Township. ‘They touch your heart,? said Connie, who has been […]