2024


Obituary: Patricia Ann (Pat) Lundquist

Obituary: Patricia Ann (Pat) Lundquist

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20243 min read

Patricia Ann (Pat) Lundquist went home to be with her Lord and Savior, she was 84. Patricia was born to Neltie and Pauleen (Walters) Grandstaff in Elkhart, Indiana in 1939. Patricia graduated from Lake Orion High School and later graduated…

Obituary: Michael Neil Pifer

Obituary: Michael Neil Pifer

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20242 min read

Michael Neil Pifer, of O’Fallon, MO, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the age of 69. Beloved husband of Rita Pifer; cherished son of Neil E. Pifer and the late Lela M. Pifer. Devoted father of Shannon (Ethan) Shown,…

Pat’s Bits & Pieces: Mushroom mania

Pat’s Bits & Pieces: Mushroom mania

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20243 min read

We’re not dedicated mushroom hunters.I have never really understood the compulsion to go mushroom hunting, the mushroom festivals and the unlimited wandering around the woods looking for them.In the first place I always have a hard time just spotting them.…

Postcard from the Pines: School’s Out

Postcard from the Pines: School’s Out

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20244 min read

Clare County Historical friend, Andy, is very much interested in the history of any and all small “country school” districts in our county. I’m happy to answer his questions whenever I can and equally happy to share information. Luckily, the…

May I Walk with You? Feeding the Hungry

May I Walk with You? Feeding the Hungry

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20242 min read

Wow! It is that time of year again when the Rosebush Ecumenical Assistance Program (REAP) Food Pantry teams up with Meijer of Mt. Pleasant for the Simply Give Fundraiser. Donating could not be simpler. Just pick up a barcoded card…

Marion council considers training center proposal

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20243 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – The Marion Village Council, at its meeting earlier this month listened to a presentation from Bruce Tower and David Turner on a training center proposal.There was discussion on the location and sites such as village…

Winterfield Township votes to move forward to become Marion District Library member

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20245 min read

By Genine Hopkins Winterfield Township has moved one step closer to potentially placing a millage to support the Marion Area District Library as a member by approving contact with their township attorney to discuss the wording for a millage that…

Winterfield Township to begin dialogue with Osceola County Rescue

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins After attending the last Clare County Board of Commissioner Special Meeting on 9-1-1 Rescue earlier this month, Winterfield Township Supervisor Dave Bondie is seeking to begin a conversation with Osceola County’s Director of EMS, Steve Young, to…

Harrison’s 25th Memorial Weekend Car and Bike Show coming

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20241 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Harrison’s 25th annual Memorial Weekend Car, Truck and Bike Show is here! Memorial Weekend festivities are truly on tap in Harrison with their annual Car and Bike Show downtown on Sunday, May 25th beginning at 11 a.m.Have…

Farwell Memorial Day Fair coming next weekend

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20243 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Friday, May 24th The Farwell Fair, a Memorial Day Weekend Festival, begins at 8 am at the Farwell Fairgrounds where there will be loads of fun with Craft Venders (Flea Market all day and all weekend in…

Candidates for local offices announced

Editorial StaffMay 17, 20247 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent The filing date is past and the Clare County Clerk Lori Mott (R), Treasurer Jenny Beemer-Fritzinger (R) and Sheriff John S. Wilson (R) are all unopposed on the August 6 Primary ballot.Michelle Ambrozaitis has announced her candidacy…

Hospital debus new site here

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20241 min read

Local family physician and resident Jason Myers handled ribbon-cutting duties during the May 13 opening of Holland Hospital’s new 16,940-square-foot medical center at 6490 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck Township. The facility expands access to primary care, lab, radiology, physical therapy…

New Mt. Baldhead restrooms, deck plans set

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck City Council took steps towards big-ticket Mt. Baldhead Park improvements Monday, hiring Fleis & Vandenbrink engineers for $26,800 towards building new restrooms at the foot of the dune and $24,600 towards replacing the deck on…

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – GUN LAKE TRIBE

JordanMay 15, 20243 min read

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS GUN LAKE TRIBE 2872 Mission Drive, Shelbyville, MI 49344 Gun Lake Tribe will be receiving bids for the following bid package: EDA Award #: 06-79-06443 Project Name: 129th Ave Utility Extension and US-131 Utility Crossing The construction…

Saugatuck track teams take first at Gobles Invite

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20242 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorGOBLES—The Saugatuck quartet of Novella DeGraaf, Brook Simpson, Mazie Robison and Vivian Vallarsa is fast.How fast, you ask?Well, their time of 50.99 in the 4×100 relay at the Gobles Little Guys Invitational on Friday, May 10, not…

Obituary: Jane Feldott

Obituary: Jane Feldott

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20242 min read

Jane Feldott, 101 Jane K Feldott (née’ Keith), 101, widow of Joseph R. Feldott, passed away following a brief illness on May 5, 2024 in Douglas. She was born to Gilbert and Madeleine Keith on Nov. 17, 1922 in Hinsdale,…

Obituary: Estelle Friedl

Obituary: Estelle Friedl

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20243 min read

Estelle Friedl, 94 Estelle Friedl (Estela Alicia López Barajas) of Saugatuck, age 94, passed away surrounded by love on May 7, 2024. She was born on Sept. 1, 1929 in San Francisco del Rincon, Guanajuato, Mexico to Felipe López Mireles…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorWorld Donkey DayJust when I needed a shot of self-esteem came World Donkey Day. Desert animal scientist Ark Raziq founded it to recognize how asses enhance human lives.“Without donkeys’ help,” says Raziq, “it is hard to imagine the…

Volunteers work so kids can play

Volunteers work so kids can play

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20241 min read

A planned community playground build, delayed three weeks by legal skirmishes, finally took place May 6-8 with enthused volunteers such as these installing new children’s gear at Village Square Park in downtown Saugatuck. The $336,000 equipment replaces old apparatus, deemed…

City flies with Old Airport plan

City flies with Old Airport plan

Editorial StaffMay 15, 20243 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorA mixed Saugatuck City Council Monday accepted a $130,000 donation to convert its Old Airport land into public recreation trails.The 169.1-acre parcel lies in Saugatuck Township east of I-196, near 63rd Street and 134th Avenue. The city bought…