A year in photos
A look-back at 2024. Among notable projects and events during the year were opening of the splash pad park, paving of Franks Avenue and downtown parking lots, opening of apartments at The Watershed, completion of a downtown lighting concept and…
Clare wrestlers defeat Charlotte
By John RaffelCorrespondent CKLAE — Clare’s wrestling team defeated Charlotte 39-26 at the Mount Pleasant team tournament on Dec. 14.For Clare, Devin Wheeler (126) lost 17-11 to Lane Moore; the Pioneers forfeited at 132 to Isaiah Keith; Dalton Kruskamp fell…
Obituary: Don David Papesh
Don David Papesh went to celebrate Christmas with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1950 to Andrew and Jo Maxine (Seibt) Papesh. He graduated from Clare High School in 1968 where he…
Obituary: Richard “Dick” G. Ellis III
Richard “Dick” G. Ellis III, age 79 of Clare, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 19, 2024 at home. Dick was born the son of Richard Ellis II and Muriel Engelston on August 31, 1945 in Oswego, NY. He served in…
Obituary: Janet Marie “Jan” Taylor
NOVEMBER 23, 1943 – DECEMBER 22, 2024Janet Marie “Jan” Taylor age 81 of Harrison, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Janet was born the daughter of Edward Joseph and Ida Carrie (Clark) Menke…
Obituary: Thomas Joseph Gibbs
Thomas Joseph Gibbs, age 85 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the Horizon Senior Living Center of Clare. On March 10, 1939, Tom was born the son of Helen (Brick) Gibbs in Detroit, MI. He…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Resolutions for 2025
It’s time for my annual list of resolutions for the coming year.I am really good at making lists and resolutions.I make lists for just about everything. It used to be because I like doing it. These days it’s because I…
May I Walk with You? Making the Sale
I’m frustrated! Many times, I have heard pastors talking about how great the Christian life is, the importance of living a moral life, the importance of giving and committing one’s life to Jesus and the Church. They and others share…
Sprague sentenced up to 55 years for runover death of Dylon Andras
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Allen Leroy Sprague, the Isabella County man found guilty of hitting and killing a dirt biker and attempting to kill a second rider more than a year ago, has been has been sentenced to spend 35 to…
Clare BOE approves property purchase, hears about bond work
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent At the December 16 Clare Board of Education meeting, board members approved a motion to purchase property, 107 E. Wheaton in Clare for $129,285.00At the November 18 board meeting, the BOE authorized the Superintendent to negotiate details…
CTE Health Occupations students excel at Regional HOSA competition
Students from the Clare-Gladwin Career & Technical Education (CTE) Health Occupations program demonstrated their skills and knowledge at the recent regional Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition, held at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). A total of 31 CTE…
Bulldogs blast Wadley, but can’t get by Opelika
The LaFayette Bulldogs hosted the Opelika Bulldogs on Tuesday at the Bulldogs gymnasium. The coaches and cheerleaders were all dressed In Christmas attire to show Christmas spirit. All three Bulldogs teams fell short to the Opelika Bulldogs.The Lady Bulldogs fell…
City mural and welcome signs unveiled in LaFayette
By John BriceCorrespondent Community leaders and local officials gathered for a city welcome signs and mural reveal event in LaFayette during the afternoon hours of Thursday, December 19th of 2024.In a post to the official facebook page for LaFayette Main…
Community reacts to Valley hospital rebranding
By John BriceCorrespondent Local officials and business leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting at East Alabama Medical Center – Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital on 48th St in Valley during the late morning hours of Thursday, December 19th of 2024.In a…
Saugatuck boys drop two games
The Saugatuck boys basketball team heads to Christmas break with a 2-6 record following a pair of losses last week.The Trailblazers dropped a 59-30 decision at home to Bridgman on Tuesday, Dec. 17, before suffering a 53-42 road loss at…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorBurnt by Unlearnt“We learn from history that we don’t learn from history,” German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel wrote in 1837. Less than a century later Adolf Hitler was führer there.We learned the same nothing here last year…
2024: What a year it was
By Scott SullivanEditor How have we survived 2024? Some of us with aplomb, others might prefer a bomb. Our annual Year in Review: JanuarySaugatuck High School thespians will present Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on midwinter nights Jan. 19-21.Saugatuck City…
Next Laketown manager still unsure
By Jim HaydenCorrespondent A special Laketown Township Board meeting scheduled for Dec. 17 had to be canceled due to a lack of quorum. No new special meeting date has been announced, leaving the township with the chance of having no…
Shop with a Hero celebrates 12th year in Plainwell
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor If you drove past the Plainwell Meijer on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 19, you might have noticed several police vehicles in the parking lot.There was no cause for concern, however, as the first responders were…
OHS toy drive serves 172 children in the area
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The four pillars of the National Honor Society are scholarship, service, leadership and character.One of the ways the Otsego High School chapter of the NHS demonstrates service is through its annual toy drive that supports the…
