Mike’s Musings: Rescues are an Easter weekend miracle
There are moments when a nation is reminded, in the clearest possible terms, who it is and who it chooses to be. The rescue of two American airmen from enemy territory is one of those moments. Not just because it…
Farwell wrestler completes his first year
By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Anthony Amerson was a first-year wrestler for Farwell who picked up some valuable experience as a freshman.He was also in football and said early in the season he was eager to test out his talents…
May I Walk with You? WHAT HAPPENS
On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of two sacraments. While at supper with his disciples Jesus instituted the sacraments of Holy Orders and Eucharist which are intimately related to each other. In the few words of consecration Jesus says…
Clare Train Derailment: New tracks underway
By Christopher Johnson Fresh-cut timber, uniform and unweathered. Metal switches with a mint-condition shine. APC crew members in hi-vis yellow move quietly alongside the track near Clare’s Ann Arbor Trail crossing, driving ties not by hammer anymore but with much…
MUSICAL SHAMAN: Dixon’s violin enchants Clare audience
By Christopher Johnson The Ideal Theatre was packed Tuesday night.In recent years, Clare’s historic venue has been quietly expanding what a night out means in this town. Country artist Kari Lynch has frequented its stage. Folk musician Mike Fornes, a…
Mike’s Musings: Shame on Congress, sexual harassment, misconduct claims will remain secret
There are few things more corrosive to public trust than the appearance that those in power play by a different set of rules. Congress’s long-standing practice of shielding the identities of lawmakers who used taxpayer-funded settlements to resolve sexual harassment…
Farwell girl wrestler has success
By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Millie Mcaulay has had quite a career for Farwell wrestling so far.She was 17-11 for the 2025-26 season. Her high school record is 31-26. She was a junior this past season and was in her…
Mike’s Musings: Scrap Current System if we can’t figure out how to pay TSA agents
This logjam that has TSA agents not being paid is absurd. We are now going on week 5 and those providing security at the nation’s airports- our TSA agents haven’t been paid. That’s because they are beholden on Congress to…
May I Walk with You? Life- Changing Events
It is with sadness that I noticed that some in our culture claim that there is a great discrepancy between what they call the historical Jesus and the Jesus of faith. Their thought is that while the man Jesus really…
Harrison Family Fare celebrates re-grand opening
By Genine Hopkins As many smaller towns are losing their local grocery stores, Family Fare in Harrison just got a major facelift in renovations to the unit. Built in 2006, the store has not had a remodel since and was…
New playground equipment arrives in Hayes Township
By Genine Hopkins Looking like big presents for a huge Christmas tree, Hayes Township’s new playground equipment has been delivered and the anticipation is thrilling! As the weather continues to warm, construction will begin on the new playground leaving the …
Annual EGG-Stravaganza at the Clare County Airport April 11th
The Annual EGG-Stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 11th, and the time is pushed forward a bit to account for the Monthly Food Distribution at the Clare County Transit Building that morning. Times for the hunt…
Mike’s Musings: Speculators, not war are driving gas prices higher
Every time Americans pull up to the pump, they’re told the same story: gas prices are high because of global supply problems, geopolitical tensions, or refinery issues. Those factors certainly play a role. For instance the war with Iran has…
Clare girl wrestler second in the state
By John RaffelCorrespondent AnnMarie Green was a state runner-up for the Clare Pioneers girls wrestling team on Friday and Saturday during the girls division finals at Ford Field in Detroit.Green started the tournament at 235 pounds by pinning Elloise Norman…
It’s here! 51 Years of Green: Faces Behind Irish Fest!
By Christopher Johnson If there’s one thing that can be said for certain about Clare this time of year, it’s that there’s no shortage of Irish pride as the 51st Irish Festival approaches. Just about everywhere in town is decked…
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…
