Remembering veterans’ service

Exchanging machine gun fire with Japanese soldiers in the heat of World War II jungle warfare, George Thompson sometimes wondered why he stayed alive when so many others didn’t. “The Good Lord looked after me ? I always thought there must be a reason,” said Thompson, 92, of Indepedence Township. There are actually many reasons, […]

Marking veterans? final resting place

Jeff Patterson made it his Eagle Scout mission to make sure veterans aren’t forgotten. “It’s something I’m passionate about,” said Patterson, 16, son of Thomas and Joan Patterson of Springfield Township and scout with Troop 199. “Respecting veterans is something everyone should do. This is a great way to do my part.” The Clarkston High […]

Veterans honored

Campbell Richmond American Legion Post 63 honored those who are or have served in America’s military with a Veterans’ Day Dinner, Nov.11. George Schultz, a medic with the 29th Infantry Division on D-Day, received the Knight of the French Legion of Honor award for his World War II service. “The French people salute its heroes […]

Neighbor group, other agencies get block grants

Springfield Township is set to receive $33,686 in Community Development Block Grants, federal funds for low- and moderate-income projects. The funds come with strings attached ? up to 20 percent, $6,737, can go to planning and management project; and 30 percent, $10,106, to public services; leaving $16,843 for other projects. Also, each project must receive […]

Clarkston Rotary needs volunteer help

Clarkston Rotary Club needs more volunteers this holiday season. ‘When I took over Shoes for Kids about 10 years ago, about 200 children signed up,? said Rotarian Joel DeLong. “This year, 647 are signed up ? that’s eight percent of the (Clarkston) school district.” Too many for the 27 or so members of the club. […]

Alert system back on line

Digital television conversions cost local communities emergency-notification capabilities. Three local townships have a plan to compensate. “It’s an awesome system,” said Mike Trout, Springfield Township supervisor, at a Nov. 18 workshop. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see it picked up in other communities.” Springfield joined Groveland and Rose townships to contract with Satellite Tracking Systems […]

Golden Times

When Joe Savino of Independence Township retired at the age of 62 after 32 years with General Motors, he was ready to try something new. “I was never so bored in my life,” said Savino, now 82. He was taking community education courses in Spanish and German when he noticed a $36 woodcarving course, and […]

New place to shop

Salvation Army’s new Thrift Store in the former Farmer Jack at Sashabaw and Waldon is open just in time for the holidays. “We have lots of good, unique gift ideas,” said Colleen Kinney, director of community relations for The Salvation Army, Southeast Michigan, Adult Rehabilitation Center. “This is also an important time to drop off […]

Cop cuts reconsidered

For officials considering a five-deputy cut to the township police force, a $680,781 fund balance offers a tempting solution. “We want to demonstrate to the voters that we are using the resources they provide to the maximum potential,” said Trustee Neil Wallace in a Nov. 24 memo to the Independence Township Board. The board already […]

Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

In the face of losing five deputies in Independence Township, Trustee Neil Wallace’s idea to spend more of the township’s fund balance makes sense. I see the need for police services every week, thumbing through police reports at Independence Township substation. A pile 2-3 inches thick, every week, of thefts, burglaries, fights, drunk driving, etc., […]