Mike’s Musings: Why America Needs Controlled Borders, Not Open Ones
The debate over America’s border policies often gets tangled in national politics, angry cable-news segments, and social-media shouting. But beneath all that noise, the issue comes down to something our readers in Allegan, Clare, Van Buren, St. Joseph, Calhoun, Jackson…
Austionan explosive runner for Harrison
By John RaffelCorrespondent HARRISON — Clayten Austin had quite a productive season for Harrison as a running back and outside linebacker.He was a sophomore in his first year on the varsity. Austen learned during the summer he would be playing…
May I Walk with You? Why Worship
Ever been asked why someone might worship God? Why would anyone want to worship Jesus? St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 1:12-20) offers some reasons. Here goes. God created the universe, everything visible and invisible. His son…
25 Lego teams compete at Kiwanis qualifier
Twenty-five First Lego Challenge (3rd-5th) teams came to the 7th annual Clare Kiwanis FIRST Lego League Qualifier at Clare High School on Saturday, Nov 22. Four FIRST Lego Explore teams (K-2nd) also presented their team model and poster, sharing their…
Midge appointed Mackinac Island police chief
Duane (Midge Miedzianowski) has been appointed the new Police Chief of the Mackinac Island Police Department. Midge is a former Clare City police chief and undersheriff for Clare County.
Over $10k donated from Clare High School’s Bartering Bonanza
Clare High Schools’ Business Education Department teamed up with Clare Primary and Clare Middle School to once again put on the annual Bartering Bonanza event. Business students from the computer technology classes design products, marketing materials and booths to “sell”…
16-year-old dies in Redding Twp crash
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at approximately 9:16 p.m. Clare County Central Dispatch received a report of a single vehicle crash on Kirby Avenue, north of Stockwell Road in Redding Township. Initial reports indicated a vehicle with one occupant trapped…
Mike’s Musings: Congress works parttime, but receives fulltime pay
Every year, the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate release their official calendars, and every year the same disbelief follows: this is how many days our elected lawmakers plan to work?I saw the House of Representatives schedule for next…
Hopkins finishes strong Harrison volleyball career
By John RaffelCorrespondent HARRISON — Sam Hopkins had a strong senior season for Harrison volleyball to wrap up her career in that sport.It was her second varsity season.“I think I personally transitioned well last year,” Hopkins said. “Our new coach…
41 deer strung up on Clare restaurant’s buck pole
by Christopher Johnson This past weekend was a big deal for local hunters. As part of opening day for rifle season, Ruckle’s Pier kicked off its holiday spirit with the 7th Annual Buck Pole last Saturday.A buck pole is a…
May I Walk with You? RETIRING
Finally, after thirty years of teaching and twenty-five years in counseling, I am retiring. My family and I have been very blessed, beyond my wildest imagination. It is true that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard what God has…
Two-vehicle crash on M-115 in Surrey Township results in three fatalities
On Thursday, November 13, 2025 at approximately 9:11 p.m., the Clare County Central Dispatch received a report of a two-vehicle crash on M-115 near Harding Avenue in Surrey Township. Initial reports indicated that one vehicle was on fire. Deputies from…
Mike’s Musings: Thanksgiving us your time to express thanks
Thanksgiving has a way of arriving right when we need it most. After another year filled with the usual mix of noise—politics, inflation, crises abroad, and the ever-present rush of everyday life—this holiday stands as a rare invitation to stop,…
Harrison, Farwell football players draw honors
By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell and Harrison football teams were members of the Jack Pine Conference’s Division 2 this season and placed several players on the all-league list announced recently.For Farwell, sophomore Mason Sterling was honored as a first-team…
May I Walk with You? CAREGIVER BURNOUT
Recently I was talking with a lady who had been caring for her handicapped child for many years. While she obviously loves her daughter, she has begun showing symptoms of anxiety and depression. She is finding herself not sleeping well,…
Harrison’s Freedom Park ceremony recognizes veterans
By Christopher Johnson The Veterans Freedom Park in Harrison held its annual Veterans Day ceremony this past Tuesday, honoring the many men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The ceremony began at 11:00 AM, with a…
American Legion 505 honors Navy vet with Quilt of Valor
By Christopher Johnson Farwell, like many other locations around Clare County, celebrated Veterans Day with an outpouring of pride for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.At 11:00 AM a flag ceremony took place in the Village Park…
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Mike WilcoxOwner/Publisher Every year, as the Christmas season draws near, I’m reminded just how generous our communities can be. For nearly two decades, Wilcox Newspapers has hosted what’s become one of my favorite traditions: our Annual Christmas Wish Program.It started…
Mike’s Musings: The True Spirit of Christmas Lives in Helping Others
As the Christmas season approaches, the lights, music, and festive cheer remind us of joy, family, and tradition. But amid the celebration, it’s also a time to remember what this season truly represents — compassion, generosity, and community. For many…
