School celebrates Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss
March 17, 2023
Students at Au Gres-Sims Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday last week. The week of events falls on March 2, the same day as Read Across America Day and the birthday of Dr. Seuss. PHOTO COURTESY AU GRES-SIMS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sterling man charged in hostage, police standoff incident
March 17, 2023
ARENAC COUNTY – A Sterling resident has been arraigned on 18 counts after a house invasion that resulted in a hostage situation and an armed confrontation with police. Larry Eugene Karakanen, 44, broke into a home on Wyatt Road in Standish Township during the early...
Expert discusses invasive species
March 17, 2023
ARENAC COUNTY - On March 9, 2023, Stephanie Hoyle, CISMA Coordinator for the Arenac Conservation District, spoke to the Rotary Club of Pinconning and Standish on the work being made to find, report, prevent, and manage invasive species throughout the region. Hoyle explained an invasive...
Euchre fundraiser to fund county scholarships
March 8, 2023
STANDISH – Play cards and help fund local scholarships for high school seniors. An upcoming Euchre Night will help to raise funds for Arenac County High School scholarships. Two local seniors are awarded $500 scholarships by the Arenac County Farm Bureau each year. Applications for...

Thumbelina puppet show set in Standish
March 17, 2023
STANDISH – Thumbelina, a fully-staged puppet show, will grace the Standish Area Art Center, 3233 Grove Road, this Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m. The Hans Christian Anderson-penned tale centers on Thumbelina, who unknowingly embarks on a fantastic journey after taking a stroll in the...
APTA surveys sent out this week
March 17, 2023
ARENAC COUNTY - A poll is being conducted by the Arenac Public Transport Authority to determine how best to provide transportation for area residents. A survey is being mailed to households randomly selected throughout the county. Households that receive the survey may fill it out...

Two organizations to receive $100,000 for training funds
March 8, 2023
STANDISH – Nearly $100,000 in training funding were given to two organizations in Arenac County recently to support regional businesses. Michigan Works! Region 7B, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Roscommon, partnered with 11 companies throughout its six-county service area...

SSC wrestler places third in state competition
March 17, 2023
STANDISH-STERLING - Four Standish-Sterling wrestlers traveled to Ford Field for the 2023 MHSAA State Championship March 3 and 4, with one student taking third in the state in her division. Dannielle Christian won her first two matches of the tournament, both by pin to advance...
Panthers take care of Gladwin
By John Mularz mularzjohn02@gmail.com | March 17, 2023
OGEMAW — Standish-Sterling Central cruised past Gladwin in a boys’ basketball district tournament game on Mar. 8, 57-33. The opening quarter saw the Panthers get out ahead of Gladwin 13-6. In the second quarter, the SSC offense erupted for a momentous 23-16 advantage that put...
Panthers secure second straight district title
By John Mularz mularzjohn02@gmail.com | March 17, 2023
OGEMAW —In the boys' basketball game on March 10, Standish-Sterling Central defeated Midland Bullock Creek 59-33 to capture the district title. The opening quarter saw the Panthers take command right out of the gates, 22-8. In the second, the competition was fierce. Both teams brought...
A common story
March 15, 2023
Lately, it seems like I haven’t read anything besides newspaper copy. So, at the beginning of March, I was ready for Reading Month. One of my projects for March is to participate with Fairview Area Schools in One Book, One School. The idea is for...
A growing family
March 7, 2023
Just this week, I added two new members to my small family. By family, I mean Venus, my adorable ball python, and I. Venus is very quiet and super easy to take care. In the mornings, I turn on her daytime heat lamp and turn...
Tale as old as time
By Mandilee Hecht | March 1, 2023
Song as old as rhyme. There is a not-so-new genre of books that have been showing up on book shelves online and in stores over the past few years. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t be surprised. They’re called Monster romances. And not like...
Out and About
March 17, 2023
Easter Egg Hunt Arenac Christ United Methodist Church (also known as “the big blue church”) will host its 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m. All area children are invited to the event, set to include the hunt, as well...
From the Desk of
Superintendent Chris Ming, Au Gres-Sims School DistrictMarch 8, 2023
It has been a little while since I penned one of these articles. The primary reason for that is that I have been limited by thoughts about what I could share with you. Life has resumed a more familiar rhythm, akin to the way it...
Out and About
March 8, 2023
Put your town on the map The Consumers Energy Foundation is calling for entries in the annual Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition. The competition will provide $50,000 for big ideas in Michigan’s small towns. The competition provides funding for three projects that...
Out and About
March 8, 2023
Veteran's Banner Initiative Au Gres has announced the launch of a new Veteran's Banner Program, which will honor local veterans by displaying their military service on banners displayed on decorative street pole lights throughout the downtown area. Veteran sponsorships are now welcome. Only the first 60...
81st Judicial District Court
March 8, 2023
Recent activity (December 2022 through February 2023) in the 81st Judicial District Court of Arenac County has resulted in the following: Justin Joseph Beavers, of Alger, for failure to pay: sentenced to four days in jail, one day credited, three days to be served, and...

Cheryl St. Aubin
Died March 8, 2023March 17, 2023
Cheryl St. Aubin, formerly Ruggirello, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, after many health issues and illnesses over several years. Cheryl grew up in Harrison Township as one of five girls born to the late Robert L. and Christine Catherine (Gunning) St....

Gloria “Mickey” Jean Sizemore
Died March 3, 2023March 10, 2023
Gloria "Mickey" Jean Sizemore, age 79 of St. Helen, Michigan, passed away at her home on March 3, 2023. Mickey was born on August 22, 1943 in Standish, Michigan to the late John and Emma (Labean) Yenna. She was a 10-year resident of St. Helen...

Julie Ann Friday
Died March 6, 2023March 10, 2023
Julie Ann Friday passed away on March 6, 2023, surrounded by her family at MediLodge Nursing Facility in Sterling, Michigan. She was born in Bay City, Michigan on February 20, 1959, to Shirley Dowd and the late Irving Dubay. Julie graduated from Pinconning High School...

Cleo Saline Gulvas
Died February 28, 2023March 10, 2023
Cleo Saline Gulvas, age 98 years, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, with her family by her side. Cleo was born on February 20, 1925, in Au Gres, Michigan, to the late Willard and...

Sandra Lee Stone
Died Feb. 26, 2023March 7, 2023
Sandra Lee Stone (Frank), 73, of Twining passed away on Sunday Feb 26, 2023 with her family by her side. Sandra was born to the late Lavern and Patricia Frank on July 21, 1949. Sandra married the love of her life and high-school sweetheart Kenneth...