Mike’s Musings: Why You Matter More Than You Think
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, where headlines are filled with division, disaster, and doubt, it’s easy to wonder: What difference can one person really make?The truth? More than you could ever imagine.We are taught to look…
May I Walk with You? Do You Love Me?
In the Gospel of John chapter 21, Jesus is talking with Peter. Jesus simply asks Peter three times, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter’s response, which to me seems rather heart-breaking is, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I…
Small, rural grocers face huge barriers to stay open
By Genine Hopkins Over the past several years, Marion has faced what many other rural areas in America has faced: the closing of their independent, local grocery store. Carrow’s in Farwell, Witbeck’s in Clare, and M&J Market in Marion, all…
Amazon distribution center, bowling alley preparations expected for Clare south end
By Christopher Johnson You may have noticed some major construction on the south end of town in recent months. With Dollar Daze now sadly shuttered, the husk that remains is now the placeholder for the new Gateway Lanes entertainment center–confirmed…
Clare golfer displays remarkable improvement
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — It was a fun sophomore golf season at Clare for Kolten Pung.He shot an 88 in the regional tournament for Clare.It was his first year on the varsity.“I think I made the transition (from varsity)…
Mike’s Musings: Traverse City violence too close to home- action needed
Here we go again. This time it is too close to home. Another alleged nut-job gone crazy injuring a dozen people, some critical at a Wal Mart, not with a gun, but with an ordinary pocketknife. If it weren’t for…
May I Walk with You? Not about You
As I was praying, getting up in the middle of the night, as I often do, I was pouring my heart out to Jesus. I was telling him about all the worries I have and what might happen to me,…
Routine stop leads to major drug and weapons bust
By Christopher Johnson It was a challenging weekend for local authorities, who found themselves dealing with a homebrewed Bonnie and Clyde scenario.What started as a standard traffic stop quickly escalated into a major arrest involving drugs, a loaded handgun, and…
Lost Ring Found: Clare man answers stranger’s call for help
By Christopher Johnson This week’s human-interest story is a fascinating one.While camping with her husband at Sleeper State Park in Caseville, Andrea Mandich-Ross’s vacation took a heartbreaking turn when her wedding ring slipped from her finger after being overwhelmed by…
Clare pole vaulter ends impressive career
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Ethan Reeves likes what he was able to accomplish for Clare’s boys outdoor track season in 2025.He was a senior and Reeves had another strong season in the pole vault.His best performance was 14 feet,…
Mike’s Musings: “Pay It Forward” Is a Powerful Idea Worth Embracing
In a world often overshadowed by cynicism, economic struggle, and divisive headlines, the simple idea of “paying it forward” offers a powerful counterbalance. It’s a concept built on selflessness—doing something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return, trusting…
Allen a key future player for Clare
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Only six players will be returning for Clare’s softball team next year from this season’s roster including sophomore first baseman Pamela Allen, who enjoyed a state runner-up finish in Division 3.“I’m really excited,: Allen said…
May I Walk with You? MORE TAKE AND RECEIVE
According to the book, The Soul Also Keep the Score, the author quotes a prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola called the Suscipe. Many people, not just the Jesuits, pray this prayer daily in their attempt to become the people…
Former NFL players teach youngsters at Legends Camp
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Youngsters who love football beat the heat this week at Clare’s football field for the Legends Football Camp, featuring Jeff Chadwick and other Detroit Lions alums.Kristen Blackburn, a co-founder of the camp along with Chadwick,…
Clare County Fair kicks off Sunday with gospel concert
By Genine Hopkins Clare County Fair 2025 is set to be a humdinger of a fair with the regular fan favorites of a demolition derby, a mud bog, rodeo, of course the 4-H animal exhibition for animals big and small,…
Farwell’s Lumberjack Festival is here
By Christopher Johnson Farwell’s long-running Lumberjack Festival returns this weekend, promising a packed celebration with something for everyone.This has been a reoccurring festivity in our community for decades and promises to hit hard, fast and furiously. Clare County has been…
Mike’s Musings: It’s Time for the Fed to Lower Interest Rates – Before It’s Too Late
The Federal Reserve has done its job. Inflation, which recently reached its highest point in forty years, has gradually moderated. The labor market, while still resilient, shows signs of softening. Consumer confidence is shaky, small businesses are tightening their belts,…
Red Cross on site helping fire victims
The American Red Cross is working with local officials and community partners to help meet the immediate needs of 25 people displaced by a fire at the Wagon Wheel Motel on Saturday in Harrison. The shelter at Hayes Township Hall…
Fire at Wagon Wheel motel leaves 26 homeless
By Genine Hopkins A devastating fire at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Hayes Township on July 5, 2025, left 20 people and 6 children homeless but had only one serious injury, the owner, who was burned on their hands and…
Horse Progress Days celebrates another great year at the Yoder farm
By Christopher Johnson If you stuck around town this Fourth of July weekend, you may have noticed Colonville Road had transformed into something of a rural autobahn—buzzing with both motorized traffic and horse-drawn rigs, all headed in the same direction.That’s…
