Out and About: Riding bikes, toothbrushes, and phone scammers
“Success is a journey, not a destination.” –Arthur Ashe A few rules to remember, when out riding bicycles: The St. Joseph County Conservation & Sportsman Club, located at 23640 Featherstone Road, Sturgis, has activities available for every member of the…
Obituary: ANN DONNELLY
ANN DONNELLY of Fisher Lake passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in her home and with her family by her side. She was born in An Siléar Rosmuc, County Galway, Ireland, on June 28,…
Obituary: Olen A. “Jr.” Rifenberg
Olen A. “Jr.” Rifenberg, 88, of Jones, a lifetime Newberg Township resident, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 23, 1935, the son of Olin A. and Mary (Cunningham)…
DNR official: How the CCC camps changed the face of Michigan
By Ken Wyatt Hillary Pine was a long way from her home in St. Ignace. It likely was a disappointment that her talk last week on Michigan’s Civilian Conservation Corps was delivered to so small an audience at the Meijer…
Obituary: Calvin Lee Crenshaw Jr.
Calvin Lee Crenshaw Jr., age 67, of Albion, Michigan passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Jackson Hospice. He was born Sept. 14, 1956, in Albion, Michigan to Calvin Lee and Annie Mae (Smith) Crenshaw. He was a graduate…
Road work: The top concern in two Jackson County townships
By Ken Wyatt Roads and their crumbling fortunes were a hot item in the neighboring townships of Concord and Pulaski at this month’s board meetings. A summary of issues in both townships: Concord Township Supervisor David Saenz presented the board…
Marshall GIrls Soccer: I-8 CONFERENCE CHAMPS
Marshall traveled to Hastings Wednesday ith and with a 2-0 win they claimed an undefeated, undisputed conference championship. The win moved Marshall’s record in I-8 Conference play to 6-0-0 this season. Marshall outscored I-8 opponents by a margin of 28…
Looking Out: Cream Puff
“Cream Puff is back!” I holler to my beloved wife Marsha. She walks quickly into the kitchen to stand next to me to look out the window at the bird feeder. There, underneath, is a very large and fluffy…
McBain girls fall to Beal City
By John RaffelCorrespondent McBain lost both games 19-0, 15-0 to Beal City on Tuesday in Highland Conference softball action.“The scores don’t reflect how the girls played,” McBain coach Chantel Zuiderveen said. “Beal City has great hitters who are smart in…
Clare golfers take ninth place
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE – Clare golfers took ninth place over the weekend at the Clare Invitational.The tournament started on Friday, May 10 at the Pohlcat in Mount Pleasant.Clare shot a 356. Scorers were Bryce Weiferich 84. Pierson Gallagher 86,…
Obituary: Allen Franklin Medendorp Pence
Allen Franklin Medendorp Pence, of Marion and formerly of the Kalkaska area, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home with family by his side. He was 75.Allen was born on November 15, 1948 in Pontiac, Michigan. He…
Obituary: Michael “Mike” Carl Mayfield
MARCH 20, 1959 – MAY 10, 2024Michael “Mike” Carl Mayfield age 65 passed peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024 surrounded by his family at MyMichigan Medical Center-Midland. Michael was born March 20, 1959 in Cadillac, Michigan the twin son of…
Obituary: Mark Curtis Root
Mark Curtis Root, age 60 of Marion/Cadillac died at his home following a lengthy illness.Mark was born in Three Rivers, MI on November 25, 1963 to Robert and Thelma (Modert) Root.Mark graduated from Pine River High School in 1981. He…
Obituary: Robert Lee Penny
Robert Lee Penny, age 75 of Clare, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Robert was born in Mt.Pleasant to Wm. John and Clara Penny. Survived by his wife of 50 years Melissa (Loomis); sons Devin (Ve) of Georgia and Richard…
Obituary: Patricia Ann (Pat) Lundquist
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
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
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
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
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
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…