Search starts for Clarkston superintendent

Discussions haven’t started on how to replace Clarkston schools Superintendent Al Roberts and dozens of other early retirees, but should soon. “We will be losing many experienced and highly regarded staff and they will be sorely missed,” said board Vice President Sue Boatman. “Employees have until June 11 to rescind their retirement application. I would […]

Graduation grants heartfelt wish

Watching their child walk across the stage at Commencement, many parents of Clarkston’s 592 graduates consider it a miracle. For Chesney Oldenburg’s parents Jeff and Jeanne Oldenburg, they know it is. “By all accounts, she should not be here,” Jeff said. “It’s a true miracle, a success story. Rescuers did everything right on a day […]

Taking to the sky

Dozens of miniature aircraft fill the sky throughout the summer, with members of Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club at the radio controls. “Everyone is welcome to join us at the field on Thursday evenings,” said Steve Demster of Clarkston, club president. Visitors learn about radio-controlled flying with the help of club instructor pilots and trainer planes, […]

Seniors honored with awards

Clarkston State Bank honored more than 50 Clarkston High School Senior Scholars with an Awards Breakfast, May 18, at Deer Lake Athletic Club. “Despite budget cuts, the schools still produce high-caliber students,” said J. Grant Smith, president and CEO of Clarkston State Bank. “A lot of impressive kids come out of Clarkston High School and […]

Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

Right at the beginning of Clarkston’s search for a new superintendent, and some signs are less than encouraging. Reporter Wendi Reardon sent an e-mail to school board members asking about the timeline for the search, and what they want in a superintendent. These aren’t difficult questions. I, for one, would look for a slavish devotion […]

Volunteers help family rebuild

Nothing can replace a husband and father, killed in the line of duty in Iraq. But people can help. ‘It’s amazing what can be accomplished in one day,? said Patricia Peterson, ‘Patty,? of Independence Township. ‘We have a nice, safe deck to walk on, and enjoy the summer on.? Employees from BAE Systems? facility in […]

Roberts hired out of state

As Clarkston begins its search for a new superintendent, a suburban Chicago school district finished their own ? they hired retiring Clarkston Superintendent Al Roberts. Consultants Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) assisted in Oak Park Elementary School District 97’s search, just outside Chicago, with Roberts among its top five recommendations. Roberts contracted with HYA […]

City Police millage important, chief says

Clarkston is a quiet town, and that’s how the local police officers like it. But just in case, the department has about a hundred years worth of experience to handle it, said Chief Dale LaCroix. ‘We have investigators from Pontiac, New York City, with a ton of experience,? LaCroix said. ‘It’s nice to have if […]

Family safe after tree comes crashing down

When the Wilson family posted a sign ‘This house believes? every Christmas, it used to refer to Santa Claus. It means more now. ‘It means miracles ? we believe in miracles,? said Amy Wilson, who was home with her husband Greg and their children Hailey, Abby, and Brady during a storm, June 18. At about […]

Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

This year’s vacation went fast. My family gets together every couple years for a week, renting a big house or cabins on the shores of some lake. We’ve been to the Upper Peninsula, foothills of the Smoky Mountains, and the plains of Colorado. We didn’t go that far this year, just up to Port Sanilac […]