Mike’s Musings: Why So Many Michiganders Under 30 Can’t Afford a House
The dream of homeownership, once a clear stepping stone into adulthood, now feels like a mirage for many Michiganders under 30. Despite living in a state often touted for its affordability, structural barriers have erased much of the margin that…
Harrison lineman will be key player
By John RaffelCorrespondent HARRISON — Senior Hunter LaFeve earned all-state honorable mental ion hours for Harrison’s football team and is eager to be on the field for the 2025 season, which starts at LeRoy Pine River on Aug. 28.LaFeve usually…
Old US 27 Motor Tour hits City of Clare August 21st
By Genine Hopkins Before heading to Harrison Street Fair on Friday, August 22, the Old US 27 Motor Tour heads to the City of Clare on Thursday, August 21, from 6 to 8 p.m., allowing car enthusiasts to view hundreds…
Harrison Street Fair August 22nd and 23rd
By Genine Hopkins It’s coming! The 19th Annual Harrison Street Fair is almost upon us and this year looks to be even bigger and better than ever!The ever popular Kid’s Carnival will be returning this year, on Saturday, from 11…
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…
