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Happy weekend, Central Michigan! 

In today’s happening-today edition: Underrated small towns, a tiny burger shack with a crooked roof, and March-Drag-Ness + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.

Today’s sponsor (Money.com) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Historic streets, welcoming faces: A February feature highlights 10 underrated Michigan small towns where life moves slower, including Clare’s simple downtown, Hastings’ year‑round festivals, Bad Axe’s friendly downtown, and Ishpeming’s proud mining heritage — explore these overlooked towns.

Behind the organizational overhaul: MyMichigan Health’s leadership changes took effect March 1, naming a new COO and reorganizing market leadership for Alma, Clare, Midland and Mt. Pleasant as the system refocuses on community care — get all the details.

Handmade patties, small-town icon: Whitehouse Restaurant in Clare is a six booth burger shack with a crooked roof near Cops & Doughnuts, known for charm and burgers served fast, though lunchtime waits are common — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Make faux stained glass to take home
• Learn to lace Ojibwe snowshoes
• Collect and trade cards at Houghton Lake
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor Money.com

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Tiny green storytellers: Leprechaun Lounge at Doherty Hotel lines its walls with a 1930s leprechaun mural, part local lore, part conversation starter. A low-key spot for catching up over a pint and a dash of whimsy, it’s Clare’s most cheerful history lesson, served with good company and better stories.

Squish-worthy fiber fix: Yarn For Ewe stacks cozy shelves of color, offers smart project help when your stitch count goes feral, and delivers that “I might actually finish this” spark. Skeins invite petting, fresh cast-ons abound, and you leave a little lighter in bag and mood.

Donut beer, anyone?: Rolling Oak Brewing Co.pours a lively tap list, from Range 13 IPA to GoodAle cream ale brewed with GoodAles Bakery donuts, served with easygoing vibes that make weeknights feel like weekends. Expect fresh pours, neighborly chatter, and a little mischief in every pint.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town today & tomorrow

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🏹 Fred Bear Day Salute and Luncheon @ Kirtland Community College (Grayling) | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Kirtland College is the hub this weekend for Fred Bear Day, with a buy, sell, trade swap for archery diehards, a 21 Whistling Arrow Salute at the Old Bear Grounds, and a $35 luncheon. Nothing says Sunday like flying arrows, tall tales, and potato salad.

❄ Guided Snowshoe Hike @ Hartwick Pines State Park (Grayling) | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade the driveway ice rink for a beginner-friendly, off-trail one-mile snowshoe through old-growth pines with the park interpreter and historian. Borrow gear free, finish with hot cider by Logging Museum fire, and reserve spot at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/HartwickSnowshoeHikes2026. Recreation passport required, weather cooperating or boots.

🧶 Chunky Knit Beginner Blanket Workshop @ The Studio By Shiloh (Clare) | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Whether you can barely thread a needle or your yarn stash predates the kids, this chunky blanket class in Clare has you covered. Learn to hand knit, all materials included, leave with a cozy 40×50 throw, and yes, Cops & Doughnuts are encouraged.

💎 Crushed Glass Workshop @ Blanche & Mabel’s Floral Boutique (Clare) | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – Think your creative muscles are rusty? The Crushed Glass Workshop delivers sparkle without the glitter fallout, $40 covers an afternoon, guidance, and 20 project choices. Bring a friend, then pop into the shop or call to lock in a spot.

👠 March-Drag-Ness @ Tinker’s Junction (Grayling) | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 PM – Put down your bracket and let the Spring Queens handle the real March madness. March-Drag-Ness is bringing big looks, bigger laughs, and the kind of sass that pairs nicely with a babysitter. It’s 18 and over, ticketed, grab yours on Eventbrite.

🎶 La Compagnie @ Northeast Art Center (Standish) | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – LaCompagnie rolls in, five seasoned musicians with Irish and French Canadian tunes that make your foot tap before your brain catches up. With festival, museum, and reenactment cred, think pub energy without sticky floors. Tickets are old-school, at the door.

🍗 Meat Bingo @ Grayling Moose Lodge 1162 | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Meat Bingo is back, cohosted by Grayling Moose Lodge and Beaver Creek Fire Dept, the first since COVID. Shout BINGO for steaks, chops, and bragging rights, then feel good knowing proceeds support our firefighters and the Moose. Your freezer, and the town, win.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/7 Denim & Diamonds: Country Music Dinner Show @ Roscommon High School – 5:00 PM
• 3/7 March-Drag-Ness @ Tinker’s Junction (Grayling) – 9:00 PM
• 3/8 La Compagnie @ Northeast Art Center (Standish) – 2:00 PM
• 3/12 Shamrocks & Shenanigans @ Roscommon Area District Library – 4:30 PM
• 3/12 Gits & Shiggles Improv Comedy Show @ AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center (Grayling) – 7:00 PM
• 3/12 Annual Irish Festival Concert @ Clare High School – 7:30 PM
• 3/13 Waylon Hanel @ Trapper’s Sports Bar and Grill (Rose City) – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Central Michigan report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 65°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 85%

Showers and thunderstorms before 3pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 53 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. West wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

—

Tomorrow – High: 53°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. West southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

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It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

Seconds from sandy Houghton Lake access, this 2025-renovated retreat blends fresh style with easy adventure. New kitchen, appliances, bath, furnace, and hot water tank keep things turnkey. Portable AC cools the home. A fenced yard, 2-car garage, and lake views complete the package. Walk to restaurants, the DNR Boat Launch, golf, and the Historic Pine View Theatre, with front-yard fireworks.

Take a peek inside →