Two Clare women crowned pageant winners
Clare has recently been represented by two exceptional young women in the Miss Michigan Teen and the Miss Michigan USA, leaving a lasting impression and making outstanding contributions.Eliy Simmer of Clare was crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA 2025. Her success…
May I Walk with You? Knock-Knock
I love knock-knock jokes. Usually they are corny, but usually put a smile on the faces of those to tell them and those they are told to. “Knock, knock. Who’s there? Anita. Anitia who? A needa something to eata.” Everyone…
Mike’s Musings: Michigan’s SNAP Fraud Crisis- fraud running rampant
Michigan’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — a lifeline for roughly 1.4 million residents — is being chipped away, quite literally, by inadequate technology and sluggish enforcement.In fiscal year 2024, fraud in Michigan’s SNAP program surged by nearly 400%, reaching…
May I Walk with You? Confusion
One of the most unsettling things that I have noticed among adult Christian men and women in the great confusion about the Bible, what it teaches, and what the Church teaches.This is not confined to ordinary lay people, but to…
Clare Music and Art Festival returns this weekend
By Christopher Johnson The Clare County Arts Council is shifting gears with new leadership, bringing exciting artistic experiences to the table. Get ready for the Clare Music and Art Festival’s return to the downtown area on August 9th, celebrating the…
Trio arrested for burglary, twenty guns recovered
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Deputies with the Clare County Sheriff Office received a report of a breaking and entering of a residence located in the 5000 block of N. Coolidge Ave located in Hayes Township, Clare County. During this…
Harrison coach confident summer work paid off
By John RaffelCorrespondent HARRISON —Harrison football coach Jamie Lipovsky was able to use 7-on-7 passing camps over the summer to his advantage.“It’s been busy,” Lipovsky said in mid-July as summer football was coming to a close. “We met 15 times…
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…
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