The new year brings its share of challenges for Clarkston Community Schools. First and foremost: keeping classroom standards high while tightening up the budget. “Funding is the hottest issue right now,” said Dr. Al Roberts, superintendent. The school district uses a combination of budget cuts and revenue enhancement, Roberts said. About 90 percent of the […]
William Maley of Independence Township bridged out of Cub Scouts with its highest award, the Golden Arrow. Now at the end of the trail as a Boy Scout, he leaves with its highest award as well, the rank of Eagle Scout. “The Eagle award means I accomplished something for the community,” said Maley, who has […]
The humble belly button finally gets some respect, in local author Kelly Hagen’s new book, ‘Belly Button Love.? ‘People don’t think usually about it ? my publisher said this will change how people look at their belly button,? said Hagen, Independence Township resident. Inspiration for the book came after abdominal surgery in 2006, which required […]
In the face of media celebration of bad girls stands local resident Chelsea Gheesling. She recently started Good Girl Comeback, a series of conferences for teenage girls, emphasizing self esteem, modesty, and morality. ‘It’s today’s counter-cultural event,? said Gheesling, who is also marketing and communications director at Everest Collegiate High School and Everest Academy in […]
Clarkston Junior High students spent a day learning about World War II, Feb. 1, talking to veterans who fought and civilians who just survived. “The kids asked many questions ? they wanted to know who I was afraid of more, the Americans or Germans,” said Maria Rotondo-Mark, who was a child in war-torn Italy. “I […]
The school bond proposal is still on the table. Clarkston School Board members discussed ballot language, specific projects, and even moving the election to August or November at the Feb. 13 regular meeting. School board President Cheryl McGinnis said she’s willing to move the election if it makes school board members and voters more comfortable. […]
The community’s continued support for local student Ryan Kennedy stuns his mother Kimberly. ‘I am incredibly honored,? she said. ‘To witness not only North Sashabaw Elementary, but the entire Clarkston School District and community step in and help has been overwhelming. The spirit of giving and community you inspire in all of your students is […]
It was love at first sight for Jerry Olson, seeing Margaret, his future wife for the first time in 1959. “She was extremely attractive, very well put together,” said Jerry, describing their first meeting at a college dance in St. Paul, Minn. “She knocked me off my feet. Me, I was handsome, and funny.” “He’s […]
The Clarkston area lost a longtime leader and friend Dec. 24, with the death of Frank G. “Tink” Ronk, at the age of 78. Ronk was born in Clarkston, and joined the Independence Township Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1947. After high school, he worked at Morgan’s Service Station while studying at the […]
The new year is here, time for some resolutions and predictions. First prediction: road construction returns to Sashabaw Road. I wasn’t working for the paper at the time, but I remember the last time Sashabaw was ripped up for widening and other work, a few years ago. It wasn’t pretty. Phase one of the McLaren […]