Chambers Academy crowned their 2022 Homecoming Queen on Friday at halftime of the varsity football game. McKenzie Gilliland, daughter of Shelly Kirby and Keith Gilliland, was named Homecoming Princess. Gabby Lamb, daughter of Kim Lamb and the late Jim Lamb, was chosen as Football Sweetheart, and Carley Forbus, daughter of Jeremy and Heather Forbus, was Read More…
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After 50 years, Benchley Buick GMC will have new owners
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Except for his years in the service, Rev Benchley has been living in the Clare area his whole life. For the last 50 years he has also been the co-owner and then sole owner of Benchley Brothers Buick and GMC located these days at 821 East Fifth Street, just east of downtown Read More…
Marion spends ARPA funds for recreation, new tractor
By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – The Marion Village Council had a discussion at its monthly meeting last week on how to spend $45,000 on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.A motion was passed to spend it this way: $1,000 for eight new chairs for the community room; $29,000 for a new tractor from Ina Store; Read More…
Marion to receive $4.3 million grant for water project
By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Marion Village Council president Flora Grundy reports Marion is getting almost $4.3 million in grant money for its water project. This project will include a new water tower, new wells, all new water mains, etc.During old business at its monthly meeting last week, it was noted the estimated cost of Read More…
Vanderhoef arraigned on meth charges
By John RaffelCorespondent Todd Allen Vanderhoef, 44, of Marion, was arraigned in the 84th District court in Wexford County this week on one count possession of methamphetamine, second for subsequent offense notice and habitual offender second notice.He was given a $25,000 cash surety bond and his next scheduled court appearance is at 2 p.m. on Read More…
Marion pulls away from Mesick, 50-6
by Ben MurphySports Writer If there was an 8-man football team that had a chance to dethrone Marion atop the West Michigan ‘D’ League standings, it would most likely have been Mesick. The visiting Eagles showed they were once again the better team on Saturday, as they turned what was a close game early on Read More…
Obituary: James “Jim” A. Ackerman
James “Jim” A. Ackerman passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 12, 2022 in St. Louis, MI at the age of 75. He was born October 28, 1946 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan to Ruth I. (Kever) Ackerman and James H. Ackerman who preceded him in death.Jim graduated from Farwell High School, Class of 1964. Read More…
Obituary: Michael Jeremy House
Michael Jeremy (Mike) House passed away while vacationing with family and exploring the natural beauty of Northern California on Sunday, September 4, 2022. He was born in Midland, Michigan on October 13, 1982, the son of Thomas and Catherine (Haack) House.Mike attended school at St. Cecelia Catholic School for two years and then Harrison Community Read More…
Obituary: Elizabeth M. “Betty” Balis
Elizabeth M. “Betty” Balis, age 93, of Clare, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw. Betty was born the daughter of James and Irene Healy on June 3, 1929, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She married Harry “Bill” Balis on May 20, 1950, They remained in Royal Oak where Read More…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Stupid warning labels…
A few years ago, while we were in the process of doing a home flooring project and just bought some filler (floor leveler) for cracks in the floor, we discovered that on the can there was a warning – “Do not ingest [eat].”Duh, and I was just planning to use it for a “white sauce.”That Read More…

