
Farwell BOE selects Pakledinaz to fill Buccilli seat
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent John Pakledinaz was the Farwell Board of Education’s top choice to fill the remainder of Shari Buccilli’s seat on the board. Buccilli was honored for her many years of service to the BOE, com-munity and children of…
Countdown to Christmas – more holiday events around the area
Gift Ideas at the Clare Union Depot! A little shopping reminder: Christmas Eve is only 11 Days away and if you are looking for unique gifts, check out the local artists’ work at the Clare Union Depot. The Depot is…
Mike’s Musings: Penny should have not been brought to trial
A 26-year-old former marine has had his life turned upside down after trying to subdue a stranger on a subway in New York City. Daniel Penny jumped in to stop the stranger who was threatening to kill other passengers. For…
Farwell wrestling has new coach
By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Ryan Cutler is confident of having a strong first year as Farwell’s wrestling coach.But as a new skipper for the Eagles, Cutler is waiting himself to see what the Eagles will be looking like this…
Obituary: Alan Andrew Veen
Alan Andrew Veen, age 80 of Clare, joined the spirit of the woods for one final hunt in the great beyond on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Born on a military base in Auckland, New Zealand to Peter and Freda Veen on…
Obituary: Jackie “Jack” Joe Lennox
Jackie “Jack” Joe Lennox, age 59 of Lake passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Jack was born to parents Donald Eugene and Marilyn Rae (Purvis) Lennox in Mt. Pleasant on January 23, 1965. After graduating…
Obituary: Margaret Punches
Margaret Punches, 84, of Onekama, Michigan, went to be with our Lord on December 1, 2024. Margaret had her husband George and her daughter Ann by her side. Margaret had a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born Margaret Ann…
May I Walk with You? A BEAUTIFUL CHURCH
It’s done! It didn’t take hundreds of years as some cathedrals in Europe and certainly didn’t cost as much, but the renovation of St. Cecilia Church is finally finished. My first reaction was awe! We no longer participate in mass…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Christmas traditions
December is here again and we are wrapping up the first week of December already. That means that Christmas is now just 18 days away counting Christmas Eve.I have most of my shopping done, but the “making” is going pretty…
Doherty Hotel celebrates 100 years
By David Hutchinson The Doherty Hotel held its Centennial Celebration on Sunday, December 1. It has been the Doherty family’s business since opening in 1924. Dean and Ann Doherty, the fourth generation of owners since Alfred James “A.J.” Doherty, hosted…
Clark charged with murder, mutilation of his grandmother
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Shawn Clark Jr, 23, has been charged with the September murder of his Grandmother, Donna Mae Croft, who was reported missing by family.After an extensive investigation, Croft’s body was found in the Meredith area.The Clare County Sheriff’s…
Grandson arrested for stabbing grandmother
On Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 1:41 p.m., The Clare County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from a subject reporting a stabbing. The 911 caller was traveling on Harrison Ave when she was flagged down by a 68-year-old Harrison…
Mike’s Musings: Words to live by
I found this post on Facebook. I unfortunately don’t know who the author is, but I haven’t read anything lately, that expresses best, how to live our life. Follow these basic tenets and you will be a great person. Personally,…
Marion Gains a Grocery Store and Pharmacy
By Genine Hopkins The Village of Marion lost its pharmacy over a decade ago. This year, the village lostboth its grocery store and newspaper. Many people have been very disheartened about losing somuch in their hometown. Residents of the Village…
Farwell cheerleaders expect successful season
By John RaffelCorrespondent Nora Jannenga is Farwell’s competitive cheer coach and expects to have a successful season.“We had an extremely successful 2023-24 season,” she said. “Our highest overall score was 657.9 which is a 75 point increase from the year…
Obituary: Kathryn Marie “Kitty” Tharp
Kathryn Marie “Kitty” Tharp, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the age of 95.Funeral Services for Kitty will take place at Clark-Campbell Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ray Francis officiating. Interment…
Obituary: Larry Lee Levi
Larry Lee Levi passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Larry was born December 10, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan. Larry enjoyed the family home he built along with his wife and children’s help…
May I Walk with You? HELL
I don’t know of anyone who likes talking about the possibility of hell as the final place where some people may spend eternity. Hell has been described as a place where one exists in torment for eternity. Pope Benedict described…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: ‘Tis the season
Since I am writing this Tuesday (early deadline this week folks), we haven’t had our family Thanksgiving dinner yet, but I am really looking forward to it.I love turkey and dressing and cranberries. (and mashed potatoes and green bean casserole…
More Holiday events coming up!
By Pat Maurer Small Business Saturday is TomorrowTomorrow, November 30th is Small Business Saturday! Come and support your local businesses in the Clare, Farwell, and Lake Areas!There’s truly something for everyone!See a list of participating businesses on the Clare Area…






NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging (COA) is accepting sealed proposals for an interior remodel of a portion of the Rivers Enrichment Center located at 1200 W. Broadway Street. The project involves renovation of an interior area that was part of the building’s former hotel use and was not included in the renovation completed approximately seven years ago when the building was converted into the Rivers Enrichment Center. Proposals must be received by Wednesday, February 25, 2026 by 2:00pm EST. Bid documents may be obtained by contacting the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. The COA reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
All communications regarding this RFP shall be directed to:
Pamela Riley
Executive Director, St. Joseph County Commission on Aging
Phone: (269)279-8083 Email: priley@sjccoa.com
OR
Gary Oberlander
Maintenance Department
Phone: (269) 279-8083 Email: goberlander@sjccoa.com




















