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…
Sprague sentenced up to 55 years for runover death of Dylon Andras
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Allen Leroy Sprague, the Isabella County man found guilty of hitting and killing a dirt biker and attempting to kill a second rider more than a year ago, has been has been sentenced to spend 35 to…
Clare BOE approves property purchase, hears about bond work
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent At the December 16 Clare Board of Education meeting, board members approved a motion to purchase property, 107 E. Wheaton in Clare for $129,285.00At the November 18 board meeting, the BOE authorized the Superintendent to negotiate details…
CTE Health Occupations students excel at Regional HOSA competition
Students from the Clare-Gladwin Career & Technical Education (CTE) Health Occupations program demonstrated their skills and knowledge at the recent regional Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition, held at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). A total of 31 CTE…
Mike’s Musings: Those that gave deserve praise and accolades
Don’t tell me people are inherently stingy and rude. Because what I witnessed this holiday season was just the opposite. As many of you know we had our Christmas Wish Fund in December, like we have done for many years…
Obituary: Jo Ann Raymond
Jo Ann Raymond, age 85 of Clare, passed away Friday, December 13, 2024 at Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare. Jo was born the daughter of George and Cora (Wilson) Conklin on February 5, 1939 in Flint. She was united in…
Harrison girls at 2-2
By John RaffelCorrespondent HARRISON — Harrison’s girls basketball team will enter the holiday break with a 2-2 record.On Tuesday, “we dropped a tough game against Meridian, losing 74-43,” Harrison coach Ryan Carlstrom said. “Leading the way for us was Lydia…
