Clare County Review

Farwell businessman found guilty of employment tax crimes

Editorial Staff Mar 14, 2025 3 min read

A federal jury convicted Dale Thrush for not paying employment taxes and not filing his own individual income tax returns this week. Earlier in December, Thrush was convicted of fraudulently obtaining a PPP loan.According to court documents and evidence presented…

Farwell powerlifters place at state

Editorial Staff Mar 14, 2025 1 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell’s powerlifting team had several place finishers over the weekend at the state finals.Coach Owen Murphy said Ivy Frisch placed seventh, Lindsay Esterline was 10th along with Anna VanBuskirk, Chloe Miller was 13th, Allena Wunderlich…

Mike’s Musings: Pat’s legacy will endure for many years

Mike’s Musings: Pat’s legacy will endure for many years

Editorial Staff Mar 12, 2025 3 min read

I lost a good friend and co-worker last week. Pat Maurer, has been a part of the Clare County Review since 1983, first as a sales rep, then a writer, then editor and finally as owner. Along the way my…

Farwell boys bowling coach reflects on season

Editorial Staff Mar 7, 2025 1 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell’s girls bowling team was sixth among 10 schools in the Division 4 regional 29 tournament this season while the boys took 12th place.“It’s been a rough year for Eagle bowling with only six athletes,”Farwell…

May I Walk with You? WHY RULES?

May I Walk with You? WHY RULES?

Editorial Staff Mar 7, 2025 2 min read

There seems to be a notion now-a-days that rules were established to control people, dominate them, that without them there would be chaos, and to take away freedom. I have even heard it said that religion and religious laws were…

Irish Festival STARTS MARCH 11 EVENTS GALORE

Irish Festival STARTS MARCH 11 EVENTS GALORE

Editorial Staff Mar 7, 2025 5 min read

By Rachael Humphrey It’s that time of year again! The banners are up, windows are painted or covered in chil-dren’s drawings and the countdown above the Doherty bar nears zero. The 50th Annual Clare Irish Festival commences this coming week!This…

Former owner and longtime Review correspondent passes away

Former owner and longtime Review correspondent passes away

Jordan Wilcox Mar 7, 2025 2 min read

Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher It’s hard to put a face to inanimate objects, but almost everyone could agree that Patricia “Pat” Maurer was the face of the Clare County Review.Hired on as a staff writer by Review founder, J.L. Grim, Pat…

Mike’s Musings: Send us those $5000 checks, DOGE

Mike’s Musings: Send us those $5000 checks, DOGE

Editorial Staff Mar 5, 2025 3 min read

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has received a lot of attention in the news lately. Led by Elon Musk, his minions of young computer nerds have found billions of dollars of waste and fraud taking place in our vast…

Egg prices continue to soar

Egg prices continue to soar

Editorial Staff Feb 28, 2025 4 min read

By Rachael Humphrey The budget friendly breakfast staple continues to rise in price. According to the latest consumer price index (CPI) the national average for a dozen eggs is $4.95. Compared to the average low of $2.04 in 2023 that…

Farwell girls place sixth

Editorial Staff Feb 28, 2025 1 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell’s girls bowling team was sixth among 10 schools in the Division 4 regional 29 tournament on Feb. 20 at Riverwood Lanes in Mount Pleasant.Farwell’s team score was a 2,317. This is a combination of…

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Marvelous Muddy March is Here!!

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Marvelous Muddy March is Here!!

Editorial Staff Feb 28, 2025 4 min read

Today is possibly my favorite day of the whole year.Oh, it isn’t my birthday, anniversary or any special day at all. It is just the first day of the month that is hinting that winter weather might soon be over.February,…

May I Walk with You? ORIGINAL GOODNESS

May I Walk with You? ORIGINAL GOODNESS

Editorial Staff Feb 28, 2025 3 min read

Original Goodness, Original beauty, Original peace, Original harmony, Original unity, Original health, Original blessing, Original holiness. The Bible and the Church teach that when God created the world, including man, that he not only said that it was good, but”…

Irish Festival How it all began

Irish Festival How it all began

Editorial Staff Feb 28, 2025 4 min read

By Rachael Humphrey This year Clare Area Chamber of Commerce anticipates a big celebration for St. Patrick’s Day, as it marks 50 years since the celebration began.The earliest mentions of the celebrations began on March 10th, 1975 when it was…

Mike’s Musings: How do our public servants amass their huge new worths?

Mike’s Musings: How do our public servants amass their huge new worths?

Editorial Staff Feb 26, 2025 3 min read

I often wonder if I chose the wrong profession. Don’t get me wrong I love my work, but sometimes toiling 60 hours a week becomes kind of a drag at my age.I should have run for election and become a…

Obituary: William L. Comer

Obituary: William L. Comer

Editorial Staff Feb 21, 2025 3 min read

FEBRUARY 19, 1936 – FEBRUARY 11, 2025             William L. Comer age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Pioneer Golden Estates of Clare. William was born February 19, 1936 in Clare, Michigan the son of Phyllis…

Obituary: Harland Lloyd (Bud) Hunt

Obituary: Harland Lloyd (Bud) Hunt

Editorial Staff Feb 21, 2025 2 min read

In loving memory of Harland Lloyd (Bud) Hunt of Lake, Michigan. Bud passed away at Woodland Hospice House of Mt Pleasant surrounded by family and friends on January 27, 2025, at the age of 83 after a lengthy illness. He…

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Yea! It’s summer here!

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Yea! It’s summer here!

Editorial Staff Feb 21, 2025 3 min read

It is hard to wrap your mind around the immediate change of seasons we just experienced, plus the summer temperatures and “coatless” living here in the south, especially when the love of your life keeps reminding you of past and…

May I Walk with You? KIDS IN CHURCH

May I Walk with You? KIDS IN CHURCH

Editorial Staff Feb 21, 2025 2 min read

Ever notice how when children are in church with their parents, how much better it is?I have! Some one said that the church that is not crying is dying. Even if there are times when they don’t behave and get…

Coleman youngster injured during standoff Tuesday

Coleman youngster injured during standoff Tuesday

Editorial Staff Feb 21, 2025 2 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A 12-year-old was injured Tuesday in a Michigan State Police Standoff that began Monday and lasted 16 hours with gunfire between a suspect and police officers at the man’s home near Coleman.Troopers dispatched to the scene reported…

Harrison man locks himself inside house, fires shots

Harrison man locks himself inside house, fires shots

Editorial Staff Feb 21, 2025 2 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A Harrison man, Nathanael Coats is facing multiple felony charges after he threatened a family member with a handgun and fired it inside his home.Tuesday, February 11, at 5:22 pm, Clare County Central Dispatch received a call…

By Mike Wilcox
Owner/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 simply enough. We asked readers who were struggling to write in and tell us what would make their Christmas a little brighter. The idea was to connect local families in need with local people who wanted to help. Over the years, it’s grown into something truly special—and this year, we’re doing it again.