Mike’s Musings: Opinion: It’s Time to Ban Cell Phones From Classrooms
Walk into almost any classroom in America today and you’ll see a familiar sight: heads tilted down, thumbs scrolling, students half-present as glowing screens command their attention. Teachers often joke that they’re competing with a device designed by some of…
Clare wrestlers advance to state finals
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Two Clare wresters placed third at the state regionals on Feb. 21 to qualified for the state finals at Detroit’s Ford Field on March 6-7.Kyle McGraw decisioned Korbin Kobenkosky of Boyce City 12-10 in the…
May I Walk with You? HEALINGS WOUNDS
I recently read the title of a book by Bishop Eric Varden called Healing Wounds, so I bought it. Who can’t use a little healing now and then? Yet, as I pondered the title, I thought, “What if it is…
County schools ahead of statewide cell phone ban
By Genine Hopkins The new smartphone ban that was signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer this month that will officially take effect in the 2026-2027 school year attempts to address distracted students in classrooms that can diminish the…
Deputies disarm man who threatened to kill himself
On February 23, 2026, the Clare County Central Dispatch received information from the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office reporting that 25-year-old Gladwin man Lane Michael Last had made threats toward family members. It was reported Last was believed to be staying…
Deputies find meth in vehicle, woman arrested
Deputies from the Clare County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 25-year-old woman early Sunday morning after locating suspected methamphetamine during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle in Hayes Township.On February 22, 2026, at approximately 2:07 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a…
Mike’s Musings: A Moment Worth the Wait — Why the U.S. Hockey Gold Feels So Good
Sometimes a sports moment turns into something bigger than a medal — it becomes a balm for a weary national psyche, a reminder of resilience, pride and unbridled joy. That’s exactly what happened when Team USA’s men’s hockey team edged…
Clare’s north end sports new construction, remodel
By Christopher Johnson Construction is underway on a new gas station at the northeast corner of Colonville Road and South Clare Avenue. Marking the latest commercial development in Clare’s northern industrial district. Just beyond the overpass of US-10.The 3,955-square-foot facility…
Clare ski teams win conference
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Both Clare boys and gils team won their conference meets on Monday.“This is the girls eighth year winning the conference. This is the boys 1st year since 2021,” Clare coach Tim Gariglio said. “The boys…
May I Walk with You? REPENT, REJOICE, RELAX
Dealing with anxiety has never been a thing I do well. Especially now that I am retired. Being a psychologist and helping others deal with anxiety and depression was one of the ways I dealt with my own anxiety and…
Lake’s Winterfest offers variety of events on February 28
Winterfest will take place on Saturday Feb. 28th starting with an ice fishing contest on Perch Lake as well as Crooked Lake…registration begins at 6:30am. @ the Crooked Lake Resort or the Depot. You can pick up bait at the…
Surrey Board addresses “snide remarks” schedules transfer station town hall
By David Hutchinson The Regular Meeting was held in the Surrey Township Hall on February 10. All five board members were present—Dixie Adams, Mindy Campbell, Mike Coon, Glenna Bradbury, and Paul Ghinelli. Around 20 people attended. The board discussed ordinances,…
Mike’s Musings: Congressional net worth keeps riding and nothing is being done about it
For years, the public has watched members of Congress enter office with modest wealth and leave as millionaires. Lately there has been a lot of talk about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s net worth soaring from o to $30,000,000 while holding office…
May I Walk with You? OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
In his book, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, Dr. Edward Sri gives some excellent advice on tested and true ways of not giving into temptation to sin. The first suggestion he makes is to simply pray.…
Birchwood Restaurant destroyed by electrical fire
By Christopher Johnson On February 5th of this month, Farwell’s Birchwood Restaurant caught fire from what investigators determined to be electrical wiring issues. According to the Surrey Fire Department, it started in the kitchen area and billowed smoke throughout the…
Farwell Schools investigating gun threat; parent raises concerns about communication
By Christopher Johnson Farwell Area Schools officials are continuing an investigation into a reported gun threat that circulated among students earlier this winter, prompting concern from families. It has also renewed discussion about communication and safety procedures within the district.This…
Clare’s wrestling season ends
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE —Clare’s wrestling season ended at home on Feb. 11 with a 57-18 loss to Chippewa Hills in a Division 3 district semifinal match.Shepherd beat Chippewa Hills in the finals.Marshal Strouse won for Clare at 190 pounds…
Mike’s Musings: Why the U.S. Needs Voter ID
Few issues in American politics spark as much debate as election integrity. Yet beneath all the noise, there lies a straightforward truth: in a system built on trust, legitimacy, and the belief that every eligible vote counts, we should embrace…
May I Walk with You? NO GREATER LOVE
When asked what were the greatest events that changed the world, many immediately come to mind. There are many including Columbus sailing to America, the American Revolution, the Communist Revolutions in Rusia and China, the practical use of electricity, dropping…
Clare health park scandal recovers 4.8 million dollars
By Christopher Johnson A onetime aide to a former Michigan Speaker of the House was charged last year with multiple felonies following a lengthy investigation into a stalled health park project north of Clare. Which was an investigation that ultimately…
