
Mike’s Musings: Okay with bunker busters if they don’t lead us to war
Dropping bunker buster bombs in Iran last week will go down in history as one of the best military operations ever. Our planes went to and left undetected after dropping the world’s biggest bombs in an effort to destroy Iran’s…
Clare fans celebrate softball team’s success
By John RaffelCorrespondent EAST LANSING — Clare softball fans showed up in huge numbers to watch their Pioneers bid for a state title at Michigan State University on Friday and Saturday.They cheered loudly when Clare won 2-1 on Friday and…
Clare golfers draw honors
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Clare’s golf season featured a team which was third place in the Jack Pine Conference this season.For all-conference honors, Pierson Gallagher was first team; Bryce Wieferich was second team; Kolten Pung was second team and…
May I Walk with You? REAL WAR
The news that the world is at war is not new, as it seems that no matter which channel you watch there are reports of bombings, rioting, countries violence, lives lost, and vast sums of money spent to win. Over…
Clare’s Summerfest is here?
Clare, Michigan, is set to host its much-anticipated Summerfest from June 20 to June 22, 2025. This annual celebration promises a weekend filled with community spirit, entertainment, and new attractions.clarecounty.com Event HighlightsDates: June 20–22, 2025Location: Downtown Clare, MIAdmission: Free Key…
Mike’s Musings: Moving woes, why do I keep doing it?
For some reason I feel the need to move from one house to another, or one office to another, every few years. This time my fiancé and I, decided to move from our condo to a house on an acre…
Clare golfer ties for sixth at state
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Bryce Wieferich competed in the MHSAA D3 Golf Finals at the Meadows at Grand Valley State University on June 6-7.On Friday, Wieferich had a 75, placing him in eighth in the field of 108 golfers.Wieferich…
May I Walk with You? HOLINESS IS A LIFESTYLE
Christianity is more than the Nicene Creed or a set of commonly held beliefs. Holiness is a lifestyle. In the time of the Apostles, when Christianity was just getting started, maybe even before the followers of Jesus we called Christians,…
Upcoming Events in Clare
Summerfest 2025: June 20th–21st – A weekend of fun for the whole family at Shamrock Park. Music, s’mores, crafters, trucks, kid events, fireworks and so much more. Learn More on our fb page. Fun Day in the Park: June 27th,…
Clare softball wins nailbiter, face Ravenna in state semis
By John RaffelCorrespondent CHEBOYGAN — It was a nailbiter between the top two-ranked Division 3 teams in the state, Clare, No. 1, and Gladstone No. 2, on Tuesday in Cheboygan for the quarterfinal round.Clare (38-2) prevailed 1-0 against the Upper…
Local parks get Jurassic with lifelike dinosaurs
By Christopher Johnson Communities in Clare and Gladwin counties enjoyed some dino-mite tremors this past week with the arrival of realistic dinosaurs of the likes of something you’d see on the big screen.Kids of all ages came out to the…
Mike’s Musings: My Father My Hero
(I wrote this a few years ago but wanted share it again. Heck I might share this column over and over for years to come. The man meant so much to me)This week I give pause to reflect on my…
Clare golfers take third place
By John RaffelCorrespondent Clare’s boys golf team took third place with a score of 334 win in the Division 3 Regional 13 golf tournament last week at Belvedere in CharlevoixClare tied with Pinconning for third place but lost in a…
May I Walk with You? PEANUTS
I don’t know anyone who has not enjoyed the Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schultz, but did you know what the Charlie Schultz Philosophy is? It was shared by a friend with the Exodus 90 group at dinner. It is…
Celebrating 40 years: The 20 Lakes Antique Engine & Tractor Show returns
The 20 Lakes Antique Engine & Tractor Club is set to host its 40th Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show from June 12 to 15, 2025, at the club grounds west of Harrison on M-61. This milestone event promises a…
Clare Chamber adjusts office hours, reevaluates staffing
As many of our fellow local businesses are experiencing, the current economy is bringing new challenges and important decisions to the forefront. In light of these factors—and with a strong focus on serving our community in the best way possible—the…
Clare gears up for a vibrant Summerfest 2025
Clare, Michigan, is set to host its much-anticipated Summerfest from June 20 to June 22, 2025. This annual celebration promises a weekend filled with community spirit, entertainment, and new attractions.clarecounty.comEvent HighlightsDates: June 20–22, 2025Location: Downtown Clare, MIAdmission: FreeKey Attractions1st Annual…
Mike’s Musings: Emphasis on education in 2026 election
Rick Snyder’s Vision for Education: A Bold Step for the 2026 ElectionChampioning the Future of LearningIn the rapidly shifting landscapes of politics and policy, it is rare to encounter a leader who prioritizes the foundational pillars of society—education being chief…
Cops and Doughnuts merges with Halo Burger
By Christopher Johnson Big things are happening at Cops & Doughnuts, and you might have heard the latest from a friend of a friend. I’m happy to report that our local cop shop is indeed collaborating with Halo Burger to…
Communities observe Memorial Day
As the sun rose, flags were lowered and dozens gathered across Clare County this past Monday. This was done to honor and remember those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.In Farwell, the Village of Farwell hosted VFW Sparta Esterline…

Do you need help? Write Us!
By Mike Wilcox
Owner/Publisher
Every year, as the Christmas season draws near, I’m reminded just how generous our communities can be. For nearly two decades, Wilcox Newspapers has hosted what’s become one of my favorite traditions: our Annual Christmas Wish Program.
It started simply enough. We asked readers who were struggling to write in and tell us what would make their Christmas a little brighter. The idea was to connect local families in need with local people who wanted to help. Over the years, it’s grown into something truly special—and this year, we’re doing it again.


























