Columns

Digital Camera Each year at this time I like to feature one of Albion’s Civil War soldiers. Benjamin Barnes Ford (1837-1861) was one of the Albion area’s first casualties of the War. Benjamin came to Michigan in 1844 from New…

Next Wednesday, May 29, Chef Brigitte Romanelli will offer a cooking class at the Immaculate Conception Church, 645 S. Douglas St., in Three Rivers. This “Cook for a Cause” will feature preparing Homemade Pasta and Meatballs. The cost is $55.…

Main Street Marion Memorial Day 1923 Decoration Day, as Memorial Day was originally known, was established in May 1868. It was designated as the day to decorate graves and honor the memory of soldiers killed during the then very recent…

I can’t remember a time when I did not have a garden of some kind. The early part of my life in northern Gratiot County was accentuated by gardens. Not only were there the gardens where we planted, weeded, and…

By Scott SullivanEditorFish StoryA leading suspect has emerged in the case of the spinning smalltooth sawfish: algae.For months ichthyologists have puzzled over what’s ailing and killing dozens of fish species off the Florida Keys. In what NBC News calls “a…

   When I was growing up, some of The Olds still called it Decoration Day.  They were participating in a tradition that dated back to the 1860s, just after the Civil War.  Late each May they went to the local cemetery to clean…

Our newspapers, for the most part, are filled with photos of high school graduates and some college graduates. It is indeed a milestone to graduate, and it will be a feat you, your parents and grandparents will remember for years…

“Success is a journey, not a destination.” -Arthur Ashe A few rules to remember, when out riding bicycles: Bikes are not permitted on the sidewalk in the downtown business district. If you must use the sidewalk, walk your bicycle. Bicyclists…

  “Cream Puff is back!” I holler to my beloved wife Marsha. She walks quickly into the kitchen to stand next to me to look out the window at the bird feeder. There, underneath, is a very large and fluffy…

Charlevoix, morel We’re not dedicated mushroom hunters.I have never really understood the compulsion to go mushroom hunting, the mushroom festivals and the unlimited wandering around the woods looking for them.In the first place I always have a hard time just…

Grandon School early 1950’s Clare County Historical friend, Andy, is very much interested in the history of any and all small “country school” districts in our county. I’m happy to answer his questions whenever I can and equally happy to…

Wow! It is that time of year again when the Rosebush Ecumenical Assistance Program (REAP) Food Pantry teams up with Meijer of Mt. Pleasant for the Simply Give Fundraiser. Donating could not be simpler. Just pick up a barcoded card…

By Scott SullivanEditorWorld Donkey DayJust when I needed a shot of self-esteem came World Donkey Day. Desert animal scientist Ark Raziq founded it to recognize how asses enhance human lives.“Without donkeys’ help,” says Raziq, “it is hard to imagine the…

    If you don’t mind me saying so, I think the world is getting a bit too spooky.  This war in Israel has been going on for months and tempers are getting short about the number of civilian casualties – and rightfully…

I thought I’d take time out from writing about politics to offer a few weird, or absurd items that appeared in the news last week. It seems some news stories are getting weirder and weirder as weeks and months go…

“I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” -Helen KellerOne hundred…

Time for my annual Mother’s Day column again.Sunday should be a special day for everyone. It is time to remember that Mom was always there for you when you needed her and time to make her one day of the…

It is interesting to note that when I was a child the mass and most liturgies were in Latin. While few people in attendance knew what was being said there were other things about it that were appealing. I remember…

Arbor Day happens each April, although just one day to honor and plant trees doesn’t seem quite right. Perhaps the late date is meant to coincide with the coming of green across the land. We are especially fond of our…

By Scott SullivanEditorDerby DayWhat’s worse than a man without a home? In Douglas, a land without a zone. The planning commission May 9 will weigh saving 16.77 acres — bought in 2013 and annexed from Saugatuck Township two years later…