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 […]

Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

Clarkston school district comes up with its list of budget cuts about this time every year, usually a Powerpoint slide or two. This year ? a full 20 slides, filled with 124 cuts, reductions, and other ideas. Some were probably easy. Cutting the Handwriting without Tears program, saving $20,623? A bad title, at least, implying […]

New pastor called to Clarkston

The Rev. Kendall L. Schaeffer, new pastor of St. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, is in it for the long haul. ‘My long-term focus is to retire from here, in about 15 years,? said Schaeffer, 53. He grew up in Mt. Pleasant, and graduated in 1989 from Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne. He was raised in […]

Ready to make a difference

Clarkston graduate Nicolas M. Hedtler is preparing for a life of helping people, starting with those most in need of it. He helped out at Camp Hope, a bereavement camp for children near Frankenmuth, this past summer. “I lost a good friend in March,” said Hedtler , 21, son of Deborah and William Walters. “I […]

Land purchase to expand Independence Oaks

Independence Oaks is set to become the largest Oakland County park, pending purchase of a 186-acre parcel. “We’re thrilled,” said President Sue Julian, president of North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, which is contributing $16,000 to the purchase. “It’s been our number one target in Independence Township, and now it’s under protection and preservation. We couldn’t […]

Church reaches out to community

Volunteers are working hard to put the “community” in Clarkston Community Church. The Clarkston Road church’s community projects include Impact Days, Saturdays during which hundred of volunteers perform home repair and yard work for neighbors in need, said Daniel Whiting, administrative pastor. Men’s Ministry volunteers offer Actively Compassionate Through Service, ACTS, Whiting said. “They set […]

Selling a park millage

Voters will be asked to pony up for Springfield Township parks this summer. Springfield Township Friends of the Parks President Marc Burnett met with Springfield Township Board, Feb. 11, to discuss how much. ‘Revenue will continue to shrink,? Burnett said. ‘We don’t know how much will come in. Every year, it becomes more difficult.? Burnett […]

Night at the races

Three lengths ahead of its nearest competitor, the bug-eyed reindeer racer appeared to have the contest well in hand. Perhaps slowed down by the tire tracks across its neck and hindquarters, the Clarkston Auto Body-sponsored, roadkill-themed racer had trouble closing the deal, as other reindeer narrowed the distance. With a roll of the dice, the […]

Retiring firefighter makes one last call

When Dan DeLongchamp joined Independence Township Fire Department in 1974 right out of high school, his parents figured it was something he wanted to get out of his system. “Dad told my mom I just needed to get the sirens and lights out of my head,” DeLongchamp said. “Now, I’m over it.” Fellow firefighters’ union […]

Solve a ‘murder? with the Optimists

Hotshot film producer Rex Youngblood hosts a dinner for local actors and potential investors, 6 p.m., March 13. It’s a chance for a big break into show business. Things being what they are, it’s also a chance to solve a murder. “It will be up to the audience to grill suspects and find out who […]