Mike’s Musings: A tornado for the ages- so many pitch in to help
When the tornado tore through Three Rivers, Michigan on the afternoon of March 6, it left behind a landscape that residents will remember for years. In a matter of minutes, powerful winds—later rated an EF-2 tornado with speeds near 130…
Farwell bowlers ended season
By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell’s bowling teams competed recently in the Division 4 regional tournamentThe boys were 10th out of 10 teams at the tournament conducted at Riverwood Lanes in Mount PleasantThe Eagles had a total score of 1,398…
May I Walk with You? PRAYER, PENANCE, AND PEER-PRESSURE
As I was speaking with some friends about being religious a few questions came to mind. The first was that while you can ask Jesus to be and the Lord and Savior of your life, can you ask Jesus to…
Clare’s 51st Annual Irish Festival Returns with Four Days of Celebration
By Christopher Johnson Clare’s much anticipated Irish Festival is back, and this year’s edition promises to be the most spirited yet. Running Wednesday, March 11th through Saturday, March 14th, the four-day celebration transforms downtown Clare into a hub of Irish-inspired…
Meet Bruce Hales: Clare’s latest Grand Marshal
By Christopher Johnson This year’s Irish Festival congratulates Bruce Hales as the people’s choice for Grand Marshal. A lifelong Clare native, the role came as a surprise to the now retired educator.Bruce is widely known for his time at Clare…
Nine arrested at several Harrison, Hayes locations for meth related crimes
Deputies with the Clare County Sheriff’s Office executed several search warrants over the weekend, resulting in multiple arrests related to methamphetamine.On Friday, February 26, deputies responded to 202 Barbara Lane in Hayes Township in an attempt to locate 40-year-old Kyle…
Mike’s Musings: Opinion: It’s Time to Ban Cell Phones From Classrooms
Walk into almost any classroom in America today and you’ll see a familiar sight: heads tilted down, thumbs scrolling, students half-present as glowing screens command their attention. Teachers often joke that they’re competing with a device designed by some of…
Clare wrestlers advance to state finals
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Two Clare wresters placed third at the state regionals on Feb. 21 to qualified for the state finals at Detroit’s Ford Field on March 6-7.Kyle McGraw decisioned Korbin Kobenkosky of Boyce City 12-10 in the…
May I Walk with You? HEALINGS WOUNDS
I recently read the title of a book by Bishop Eric Varden called Healing Wounds, so I bought it. Who can’t use a little healing now and then? Yet, as I pondered the title, I thought, “What if it is…
County schools ahead of statewide cell phone ban
By Genine Hopkins The new smartphone ban that was signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer this month that will officially take effect in the 2026-2027 school year attempts to address distracted students in classrooms that can diminish the…
Deputies disarm man who threatened to kill himself
On February 23, 2026, the Clare County Central Dispatch received information from the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office reporting that 25-year-old Gladwin man Lane Michael Last had made threats toward family members. It was reported Last was believed to be staying…
Deputies find meth in vehicle, woman arrested
Deputies from the Clare County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 25-year-old woman early Sunday morning after locating suspected methamphetamine during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle in Hayes Township.On February 22, 2026, at approximately 2:07 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a…
Mike’s Musings: A Moment Worth the Wait — Why the U.S. Hockey Gold Feels So Good
Sometimes a sports moment turns into something bigger than a medal — it becomes a balm for a weary national psyche, a reminder of resilience, pride and unbridled joy. That’s exactly what happened when Team USA’s men’s hockey team edged…
Clare’s north end sports new construction, remodel
By Christopher Johnson Construction is underway on a new gas station at the northeast corner of Colonville Road and South Clare Avenue. Marking the latest commercial development in Clare’s northern industrial district. Just beyond the overpass of US-10.The 3,955-square-foot facility…
Clare ski teams win conference
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Both Clare boys and gils team won their conference meets on Monday.“This is the girls eighth year winning the conference. This is the boys 1st year since 2021,” Clare coach Tim Gariglio said. “The boys…
May I Walk with You? REPENT, REJOICE, RELAX
Dealing with anxiety has never been a thing I do well. Especially now that I am retired. Being a psychologist and helping others deal with anxiety and depression was one of the ways I dealt with my own anxiety and…
Lake’s Winterfest offers variety of events on February 28
Winterfest will take place on Saturday Feb. 28th starting with an ice fishing contest on Perch Lake as well as Crooked Lake…registration begins at 6:30am. @ the Crooked Lake Resort or the Depot. You can pick up bait at the…
Surrey Board addresses “snide remarks” schedules transfer station town hall
By David Hutchinson The Regular Meeting was held in the Surrey Township Hall on February 10. All five board members were present—Dixie Adams, Mindy Campbell, Mike Coon, Glenna Bradbury, and Paul Ghinelli. Around 20 people attended. The board discussed ordinances,…
Mike’s Musings: Congressional net worth keeps riding and nothing is being done about it
For years, the public has watched members of Congress enter office with modest wealth and leave as millionaires. Lately there has been a lot of talk about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s net worth soaring from o to $30,000,000 while holding office…
May I Walk with You? OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
In his book, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, Dr. Edward Sri gives some excellent advice on tested and true ways of not giving into temptation to sin. The first suggestion he makes is to simply pray.…
