Britt Gross named assistant superintendentat Sturgis Public Schools
By Dennis Volkert Britt Gross has been named assistant superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools.The board of education approved the decision Monday at a special meeting, where she was introduced.Gross served in several capacities at Polk County Public Schools in Florida,…
Pay increase approved for Sturgis city manager Kuk
By Dennis Volkert A salary increase for Sturgis city manager Andrew Kuk was approved Wednesday by city commissioners.The new wage $132,612, effective retroactively to April 13, 2024.The contract approved in 2023 set Kuk’s annualized salary at $125,000. That agreement allowed…
Burr Oak Heritage Days Festival continues this weekend
Partial roundup of remaining events. Today, July 26 10 a.m.: Antique tractor country cruise, begins at Railroad Park. Noon-1 p.m.: Bike-a-thon, Church Park; registration 11:30 a.m.-noon. 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Kids Day, Burr Oak School.4-4:30 p.m.: Kiddie Duck Derby, behind the school. 4-7 p.m.: Antique…
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
Coming events Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area. Through July 29Adult summer reading, Sturgis District Library.Through July 31“Meet Up and Eat Up,” Sturgis District Library book give-away, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Congress, Wall and Wenzel.Burr Oak Heritage Days Festival.July…
Clare senior wraps up strong career
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE – Ava Long enjoyed a strong outdoor track and field season for Clare.Long participated for Clare in the 4×100 relay at the state Division 3 track and field meet.During the season, she participated in the relay…
McBain NNC soccer conducting drop-ins
By John RaffelCorrespondent MCBAIN – McBain Northern Michigan boys soccer coach Taylor Mulder reports he’s had drop-ins three times a week for his players.Drop-ins “are when kids show up and we play, scrimmage depending on how many show up.” Mulder…
Obituary: Byron R. Smith
Byron R. Smith, age 75, of Hersey, formerly of Farwell, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Blodgett Hospice in Grand Rapids. He was born on March 1, 1948, near Farwell to Robert and Mary (Jarman) Smith. He had…
Obituary: Greg Fuller
Greg Fuller, a 78 year old Farwell, Michigan resident, passed away on July 15, 2024. He was born to Donald Fuller and Betty Fuller on February 19, 1946 in Streator, Illinois. He grew up in Livonia, Michigan where he attended…
Obituary: Ruby (Foss) Alexander
Ruby (Foss) Alexander was born September 25, 1933 to Ernest and Hazel Foss of Clare, Michigan. She was the youngest and only girl of five. She adored and looked up to her older brothers Ed, Doughy (Clair), Jack, and Cal.…
Obituary: Percy Harold Watson
Percy Harold WatsonMay 24, 1933 – July 22, 2024 Percy Harold Watson, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 24, 1933, in Marion, MI, Percy…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: The 141st Clare County Fair is winding up this weekend
It will be all over again tomorrow so if you want some fun to liven up your summer, there’s still time to catch a bit of it at the fairgrounds in Harrison where the 141st Clare County Fair has been…
Postcard from the Pines: It’s Odd Love Story
Marion, Michigan has a mystical hold on those who come from here, no matter where they may be. I’ve spent considerable time thinking about the Marion phenomena, trying to understand. I’ve written about it more than once and I still…
May I Walk with You? WITNESS
When I read these words, I was reminded that in many evangelical churches, members give their “testimony” as a witness to their faith in Jesus. It has been a long time since I heard anyone give a personal testimony, sharing…
Clare Superintendent Walter on administrative leave
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Following a second closed session at the end of the regular board meeting July 15, Clare Board of Education President Loren Cole released a statement, citing an “employment issue” as the reason for an ongoing investigation using…
Two seriously injured in hit-and-run in downtown Clare
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A late evening motorcycle ride through Clare last Thursday, July 18, turned into a tragic crash when they were hit by a speeding driver on McEwan Street.Clare Police Chief David Saad said in a press release, “A…
Jury finds Ketner guilty of meth charges
William August Ketner, of Harrison, was charged with three counts of Delivery of Methamphetamine, 2nd or subsequent offense; one count of Delivery of (Cocaine, Heroin, or another narcotic) under 50 grams, 2nd or subsequent offense; and one count of Maintaining…
Marion District Library millage is on August Primary ballot
By Genine Hopkins As parents, we all know the strain summer vacations can have on our nerves with the kids home and often complaining of being bored, despite not really missing school yet. It is wonderful to know that there…
McBain Heritage Days brings community together
By Genine Hopkins McBain Heritage Days took place this past Friday and Saturday, July 19th and 20th, under sunny skies and perfect summer days. While the event has had a few hiccups in the past couple of years, from being…
Mecosta-Osceola Transit Authority offers new service for non-emergency care
By Genine Hopkins The Mecosta-Osceola County Transit Authority (MOTA) is pleased to offer a new service for residents within the two-county region they serve, with non-emergency medical transport. Mobility Director Marsha Cornelius believes this is a great program that will…
Festival of light, life here!
To arms, legs and hearts: The Venetian Fest is coming! The community’s annual celebration of life on our waterways arrives this weekend starting with a dance party Friday, July 26 in Saugatuck’s Coghlin Park; continues Saturday with an afternoon dinghy…