Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

As the ‘editor? in ‘letters to the editor,? it is my responsibility to verify identity of writers, as well as, you know, edit their letters. We have a stable of regulars, who’s email or postal address labels and generally consistent viewpoints make verification easier. If I were to receive a letter from a ‘Mike Clark? […]

Dentist makes Clarkston his home

Dr. Robert J. Opie, DDS, treats patients the old fashioned way ? as individuals. ‘We put patients? best interests first,? said Dr. Opie, associate dentist with Dr. Bruce P. Mercado, DDS, in Independence Township. ‘We offer very personalized care, very individualized ? not with a factory feel.? Opie joined Dr. Mercado’s practice part time in […]

Drum all day

Residents meet twice a week for Drums Alive Golden Beats class, working on strength, coordination, balance, and mental awareness, all while drumming away to the latest music. The meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m., at Carriage House in Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road. For more information, call 248-625-8231

Deputies closing in on cross burners

The cross-burning case still smolders for local law enforcement, intent on catching those responsible for the racial-intimidation incident this past summer. ‘It’s a crime that shocks the senses ? not something that happens in Independence Township,? said Det. Sgt. Matt Baldes, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. ‘We need accountability, someone to step up and say I […]

Rocket sled backfires for local ‘stunt? man

A self-styled stuntman’s pyrotechnic display went awry, Jan. 30, resulting in burns to more than 18 percent of his body. Witnesses told police the 62-year-old resident hosts an annual sledding party at his home on Townview Drive north of Deer Lake, and is known for doing “crazy” things there. This year plan included construction of […]

Eagle’s work helps O.A.T.S.

A digital animation student interested in 3D modeling, Ryan Zukoff’s Eagle Scout carpentry project may not be directly applicable to his future. But it provided lots of leadership and life lessons, said the Life Scout, Troop 192 of Davisburg. “I learned that when you are leading a project, you need to know and communicate every […]

Tanners open their home to Open Your Heart

Jim and Audrey Tanner don’t have far to go for this year’s Open Your Heart fundraiser for Lighthouse of Oakland County. The Springfield Township family is hosting it. “We’ve been attending them for years,” Audrey said. “I was speaking to the Nallamathus, Shivajee and Terri (last year’s hosts), and I said I like to plan […]

Singer lands role in Oz

When Dorothy Gale’s tornado-driven house comes to a landing in the land of Oz, Zoe Nygaard will be there. The Independence Elementary third-grader plays a Munchkin in ‘Wizard of Oz,? Fisher Theatre, Detroit, through Feb. 14. ‘I love acting. It’s really fun, a great experience,? said Zoe, 9, who lives in Independence Township with her […]

Making new memories, sharing old ones at Wint

Amongst the photos adorning page 21 of the June 26, 1985 edition of the Clarkston News is Lynn Conover, attaching a stuffed woodpecker to a tree exhibit at the new Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks. Twenty-five years later, both are still going strong. ‘I love what I do and I do what I love,? […]

State school funding reforms on the way?

According to Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts, the district’s budget problems stem from state funding and budget calendar, legal issues surrounding contracts, and state graduation requirements. “Districts across the state are, or will be facing enormous financial problems within the next year or two,” Roberts said. “We are trying very hard to find additional ways to […]