Township wants fair share from Comcast

With neighboring communities receiving Public, Education, and Government (PEG) fees from Comcast cable, Independence Township wants its fair share. ‘Of the 10 to 12 municipalities that our firm represents, Independence Towship is the only one in this situation because under your expired franchise with Comcast, you didn’t receive any PEG fees, the township has never […]

‘Bucks for Busses’ rolls in the cash

Bull Frogs Bar and Grill in Ortonville was jampacked last Thursday night, Aug. 13, as crowds of people filed in for the third annual Bucks for ‘Buses. The event raised $1,800. ‘We were very happy with the number of people that showed up, and everyone seemed to enjoy Dr. (Michael) Baker’s band, 40 Buffalo Band […]

Township board has final say on employee discharge

Authority to fire township employees formerly reserved for the supervisor now lies with the entire Township Board. The new personnel-manual policy, revised by human resources Director Carol Gabris, gives discharging authority to the Independence Township Board, based on supervisor or HR director’s recommendation. ‘The employee who would be subject to separation from employment would also […]

Thrift store set for former Farmer Jack

With 25 thrift stores already in Southeastern Michigan, Salvation Army is venturing into new territory as they set their eyes on Clarkston area. The new store will be located at the former Farmer Jack located at the corner of Waldon and Sashabaw Road. ‘We are very excited,? said Colleen Kinney, director of community relations for […]

Raising a stink

Oakland County Health Department found E. Coli bacteria in storm water sewer at Cheshire condominiums and apartment complex off Walden Center Drive Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner asked Charles Dunn, attorney with Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. and former township trustee, “to investigate the circumstances surrounding the release and to advise the administration of its […]

Keiser’s Role A column by Trevor Keiser

Warren E. Burger told the Ohio Judicial Conference on Sept 4, 1968, (nine months before being named Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court): ‘A court which is final and unreviewable (the Supreme Court) needs more careful scrutiny than any other. “Unreviewable power is the most likely to self-indulge and the least likely to engage […]

Trustees OK rehab act for Dixie Highway

Dixie Highway business owners are in luck, the Independence Township board voted unanimous for a Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Abatement plan. ‘It’s really a win-win scenario for everyone. For businesses, land owners, the township, and the county,? said Treasurer Curt Carson. ‘Because what it does is it allows a business to come in expand or improve […]

A good neighbor

Michelle Phaup of Independence Township was recently named a top 10 finalist for the ‘Good Neighbor Award? by the National Association of Realtors. ‘It’s a great honor,? she said. ‘I can remember being at past realtor conferences and being in awe of the top 10 people that were selected, so to be a part of […]

What’s the need for speed?

When Jim Reed saw a 45 mile per hour speed limit sign a few weeks ago on Perry Lake Road, a gravel road, he wrote to state Senator Mike Bishop, state Rep. Eileen Kowall, and Sheriff Mike Bouchard. Public Act 85, passed in 2006, requires speeds on gravel roads to be based on the number […]

Residents fed up with ‘township waste’

A new township hall not approved by voters, trash hauling monopoly to campaign contributors, secret bonus payments to township employees, no bid contracts for lawyers and friends of officials ? just a few reasons why residents Michael Powell and Henry Woloson began ‘Citizens Against Independence Township Waste.? Powell and Woloson passed out fliers prior to […]