“MI Art Fest” takes place today in downtown Sturgis. 

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20241 min read

A variety of attractions are featured at various locations.  Here’s a roundup of a few of the highlights. 

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

Coming events Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area. Through July 26“Youth Community Art Show,” Open Door Gallery. Submission deadline July 9.Through July 29Adult summer reading, Sturgis District Library.Through July 31“Meet Up and Eat Up,” Sturgis District Library book give-away,…

Local softball team 4-1 in Kentucky

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Michigan Expos 18U team from Marion triumphed over Midwest Pride 18U in Kentucky on Wednesday in the USSSA Great Lakes Nationals tournament.
Michigan Expos 18U, coached by Ryan Raymond of Marion, took the lead late in…

Clare softball looking forward to next season

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20241 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE – Clare’s softball team came off a Division 3 state semifinal finish last month but many players are on summer teams to get ready for next year.Only two seniors graduated and standouts such as Madison Jones,…

Obituary: Carol Lynn (Rusak) Clute

Obituary: Carol Lynn (Rusak) Clute

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

Carol Lynn (Rusak) Clute, age 69 of Clare, passed away on June 25, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland surrounded by loved ones. Carol was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 15, 1955, to Rose (Rohmer) and Richard Rusak.…

Obituary: David Ray Graham

Obituary: David Ray Graham

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

David Ray Graham, age 74, of Lake, MI passed away on June 28, 2024, surrounded by his family at St Mary’s Hospital.  Dave was born in Mt Pleasant on October 31, 1949. He was proceeded in death by his parents…

Obituary: Edwin Lee Woodard

Obituary: Edwin Lee Woodard

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

Edwin Lee Woodard, 84, a beloved figure of Marion, Michigan, sadly left our world on July 5, 2024 after a life richly lived in service and kindness.  Known for his devotion to God, Edwin was a beacon of light and hope…

Obituary: Joyce May Vandeusen

Obituary: Joyce May Vandeusen

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

MARCH 26, 1930 – JULY 7, 2024 Joyce May VanDeusen age 94 went to be with her Lord on Saturday, July 7, 2024. Joyce was born March 26, 1930 in Eagle Township, Clinton County, Michigan the daughter of Orville A.…

Obituary: Paul David Vanaanhold

Obituary: Paul David Vanaanhold

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

AUGUST 26, 1967 – JUNE 25, 2024                 Paul David VanAanhold, 56, of Farwell, went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Paul was born August 26, 1967 in Bay City, Michigan to James Arthur VanAanhold…

Obituary: Richard M. Reuther

Obituary: Richard M. Reuther

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

December 10, 1930 – July 1, 2024 Richard Reuther, or as his friends and family called him, Dick, had many roles. Son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend. He had a way about him, making people feel cared for and…

Postcard from the Pines: Next Holiday, Please

Postcard from the Pines: Next Holiday, Please

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

Now that July 4th has come and gone, Marion’s Old Fashioned Days is rising fast on the horizon. Almost before we can turn around, we’ll be off to the Friday night Main Street Cruise, the Saturday morning parade and visiting…

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Hot, hazy and humid days

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Hot, hazy and humid days

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

Another summer week has flown by.We spent part of the holiday weekend (the 4th of July) enjoying time with family. It was my brother Jim’s 92nd birthday – quite a milestone. He told me afterwards that there were 45 and…

May I Walk with You? CALL FOR VOCATIONS

May I Walk with You? CALL FOR VOCATIONS

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

It’s no secret! All the churches are in desperate need of vocations! While we generally focus on vocations to the ministry, as priests, ministers, consecrated life (nuns and brothers and lay ministers), we are also desperately in need of baptisms,…

Tornado does much damage in Lake George area

Tornado does much damage in Lake George area

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins A confirmed EF1 tornado (winds up to 95 mph) struck Clare County near Lake George, cutting a 10 mile path down Mannsiding and Old State Roads from the Lake George area to Townline Lake area just before…

Some tornado sirens fail, here’s why

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins The EF1 tornado that struck just southeast of Lake George this past Friday somehow took the path of least resistance and missed almost all man-made structures. This could have been far worse, as its path just a…

Falmouth’s annual fireworks spectacular dazzles

Falmouth’s annual fireworks spectacular dazzles

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins The community of Falmouth might be easy to dismiss as it is small in area and without any stoplights, but its heart is as big as New York as the community comes together on July 4 to…

Middle Branch approves tree removal at both cemeteries

Middle Branch approves tree removal at both cemeteries

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins At the recommendation of Eric Abbey, the Sexton (Manager) of the Middle Branch Township Cemeteries, the Board of Trustees approved to have several large, dead trees culled before they cause damage to the headstones/markers or to a…

Douglas wins $1.3M to get lead out

Editorial StaffJul 10, 20241 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Douglas has won a $1.3-million Michigan grant to replace lead service lines, city manager Lisa Nocerini announced last week. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, the state — now knowing lead in water lines posed health threats to…

Laketown 35-year manager Meshkin to bid adieu

Editorial StaffJul 10, 20243 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondence The Laketown Township Board is looking to replace 35-year Manager Al Meshkin, who announced his upcoming retirement July 3. “As a Laketown resident,” said Supervisor Linda Howell, “I thank Al for his contributions and hard work,…

STR cap may go ‘nuclear’ anyway

Editorial StaffJul 10, 20245 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck’s long road to short-term rental caps advanced Monday by a mixed vote, placing 20-percent limits in the R-1 Community Residential zone. The move — argued for a year-plus of task force, planning commission and city…