
May I Walk with You? ACTION ITEMS
Those of us who are Christian have an obligation to share the Christian way of living with others. Easier said than done, or is it? Let me make some suggestions. The first is to faithfully live the Christian faith yourself.…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: The colors of January
The new year is here and already the middle of January is only a few days away – next Wednesday actually.We’ve had some bone chilling cold, a little snow and wind to greet it, along with the local TV weatherman’s…
Harrison basketball returns to action
By John RaffelCorrespondent HARRISON — Harrison’s boys basketball team will return to action on Jan. 13 at Houghton Lake for Jack Pine Conference play.Also for Harrison will be road games on Jan. 15 at Ogemaw Heights and on Jan. 17…
Mike’s Musings: Congress should not ban TikTok
There has been a new push in Congress to out right ban or heavily regulate TikTok. I’m neither a user nor am I fan of social media in general. However, to ban or heavily regulate the most popular social media…
Farwell wrestlers set to resume season
By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell wrestling coach Ryan Butler continues his efforts to build a solid wrestling program at the school.It’s a busy slate of wrestling coming u for the Eagles who are at the Lakeview varsity Wrestling Invitational…
Mike’s Musings: Dose of DOGE needed to curb government spending
Maybe DOGE has a good thing going. DOGE, the acronym for Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, has been charged with eliminating waste and inefficiency at the federal government level.I have been a…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: All about January
After Mother Nature briefly flirted with Spring temperatures last weekend, with temperatures in the 50s for a couple of days and in the 40s at the start of the week, the snow is now all gone and the thermometer is…
Coin dealer Burton’s trial set for February 10 for gambling away customer’s money
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Matthew Joseph Burton, 52, a coin dealer and business owner in Isabella, Clare and Bay Coun-ties, is facing a “settlement conference” January 24 and a trial beginning February 10 in Isabella County for “false pretenses.”The owner of…
2024 – The Year in ‘Review’
Another year is behind us. They seem to go by so fast and we are now beginning 2025. Time for a look back at the year just past. Here are some highlights from the front pages of the Clare County…
Obituary: Michael R. Piotrowksi
Michael R. Piotrowksi, age 68, of Lake passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Carriage House. Per Michael’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned at this time. Michael was born on November 18, 1956,…
Obituary: Donald Stuart Wentworth
Donald Stuart Wentworth, age 86 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at home. On November 12, 1938, Don was born to Will and Mildred (Derby) Wentworth in Clare, MI. Before Don graduated from Clare High School…
Obituary: Don David Papesh
Don David Papesh went to celebrate Christmas with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1950 to Andrew and Jo Maxine (Seibt) Papesh. He graduated from Clare High School in 1968 where he…
Mike’s Musings: Dose of DOGE needed to curb government spending
Maybe DOGE has a good thing going. DOGE, the acronym for Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, has been charged with eliminating waste and inefficiency at the federal government level.I have been a…
Clare wrestlers defeat Charlotte
By John RaffelCorrespondent CKLAE — Clare’s wrestling team defeated Charlotte 39-26 at the Mount Pleasant team tournament on Dec. 14.For Clare, Devin Wheeler (126) lost 17-11 to Lane Moore; the Pioneers forfeited at 132 to Isaiah Keith; Dalton Kruskamp fell…
Obituary: Don David Papesh
Don David Papesh went to celebrate Christmas with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1950 to Andrew and Jo Maxine (Seibt) Papesh. He graduated from Clare High School in 1968 where he…
Obituary: Richard “Dick” G. Ellis III
Richard “Dick” G. Ellis III, age 79 of Clare, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 19, 2024 at home. Dick was born the son of Richard Ellis II and Muriel Engelston on August 31, 1945 in Oswego, NY. He served in…
Obituary: Janet Marie “Jan” Taylor
NOVEMBER 23, 1943 – DECEMBER 22, 2024Janet Marie “Jan” Taylor age 81 of Harrison, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Janet was born the daughter of Edward Joseph and Ida Carrie (Clark) Menke…
Obituary: Thomas Joseph Gibbs
Thomas Joseph Gibbs, age 85 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the Horizon Senior Living Center of Clare. On March 10, 1939, Tom was born the son of Helen (Brick) Gibbs in Detroit, MI. He…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Resolutions for 2025
It’s time for my annual list of resolutions for the coming year.I am really good at making lists and resolutions.I make lists for just about everything. It used to be because I like doing it. These days it’s because I…
May I Walk with You? Making the Sale
I’m frustrated! Many times, I have heard pastors talking about how great the Christian life is, the importance of living a moral life, the importance of giving and committing one’s life to Jesus and the Church. They and others share…

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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.























