News & Events

Brooklyn Christmas Parade 2024

Brooklyn Christmas Parade 2024

Just now, parade-goers are beginning to thaw out.  It was 22 degrees, windy, and some snow in the air on this Friday after Thanksgiving.  Spirits were high for this annual event, so the chill didn't deter the crowd from enjoying this celebration.  And the Clark Lake...

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Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving 2024

Clark Lake is indeed blessed.  Its natural beauty is enhanced by sparkling water from crystal clear springs.  Beyond its waves, shores and docks, the lake leaves an indelible impression on all who experience it.  These attributes are only a starting point. Those at...

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Clark Lake’s Memory Update #6

Clark Lake’s Memory Update #6

On Monday, November 25th, a momentous occasion occurred in the Clark Lake Cemetery.  For the first time since 1912, the original bell from the first Clark Lake church rang out. The Clark Lake Spirit Foundation's Build the Bell Tower project is almost complete.  In...

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November Count 2024

November Count 2024

When it comes to taking things out of the water, some at the lake don't wish to rush things.  So, to record the level of procrastination, C.J. Cox assembles a crew for the November Boat Count each year.  On one of the last raft rides of the year, the challenge is to...

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The New Lucero’s

The New Lucero’s

A favorite Clark Lake restaurant is opening its second location in Summit Township.  Owner Blair Huff announces Lucero's Mexican Bar & Grill 2 plans to welcome guests near the end of January.  Meanwhile, work continues on restructuring the building formerly known...

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Two New Officers

Two New Officers

Columbia Charter Township welcomes two officers wo are filling vacant positions to the police department - Brandon Berkeypile and Bret Taylor.  Both are Michiganders.  Officer Berkeypile is a Jackson County native, and Officer Taylor, from Lenawee County. Officer Bret...

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Hi Judi

Hi Judi

Seeing familiar faces when walking into a grocery store is not unusual.  But seeing a smile behind the counter that you remember from elsewhere could be a surprise.  Judi Kelly is now helping customers at Country Market. When this website last reported on Judi, she...

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Clark Lake’s Memory Update #5

Clark Lake’s Memory Update #5

As the Jackson Monument team continues to straighten and gently clean markers in the Clark Lake cemetery, Building the Bell Tower is nearing completion.  The Bell Tower is a pillar that will hold a bell that rang for the last time in 1912 from the spire of Clark...

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Township Abandons Short Term Rental Restrictions

Township Abandons Short Term Rental Restrictions

The Columbia Township board decided tonight (Mon 11/18) to abandon a proposed ordinance that would restrict short term rentals (30 days or less) at Clark Lake and other locations in Columbia Charter Township.  The idea had been discussed during several previous...

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Clark Lake Forever

Clark Lake Forever

Photo: Mike McKay Clark Lake is hard to leave behind.  It tugs at your heart no matter how or when it became part of your life.  Many have found ways to establish lasting Clark Lake connections through plaques on the Welcome to Clark Lake Sign, taking part in the...

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Consumers Energy Outage System

Consumers Energy Outage System

Here's an update to the Consumers Energy news release that outlined their plan to upgrade its electric outage system: "Consumers Energy is postponing an upgrade of its power outage system (see original message below) due to the potential for high winds in parts of...

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Veterans Day Salute 2024

Veterans Day Salute 2024

Monday, November 11, 2024 is Veterans Day. Unlike now, Veterans did not always hear "thank you for your service." During Viet Nam, returning soldiers and sailors were often met with condemnation, disparagement, or some other kind of disrespect.  The military sometimes...

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Spirit Pole Update

Spirit Pole Update

Four Spirit Poles are now in place at Clark Lake.  Through their colorful tiles, each tells a story as they help mark the Spirit Trail. Armida and Trav Pearse The journey for Armida Pearse's pole began in October 2019.  That's when she and her husband, Trav, made the...

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Short Term Rental Ordinance

Short Term Rental Ordinance

Columbia Charter Township is considering a short-term rental ordinance.  Short-term is defined as 30 days or less, and would cover Clark Lake and all of Columbia Township except Brooklyn.  A draft ordinance is currently under review, and could be voted upon at the...

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Doyle’s Market Smoothie

Doyle’s Market Smoothie

This "smoothie" is all about the new paving at Doyle's Market.  Gone are the potholes, and in its place, asphalt that is flat as a pancake.  Owners Carol Hunt and Lori Giorgi pose for the photo-op. Carol and Lori have found that running a business has its expenses. ...

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Clark Lake’s Memory Update #4

Clark Lake’s Memory Update #4

The pros at Jackson Monument continue their work - straightening markers and gently cleansing them, as previously reported.  That work will be completed soon.  Now the next step in Clark Lake's Memory begins. Build the Bell Tower When the Cincinnati Northern Railroad...

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Clark Lake Calendar for 2025

Clark Lake Calendar for 2025

Bill Leutz has collected his favorite Clark Lake photos and compiled a 2025 calendar.  The views feature the Spirit Trail that will keep you in tune with Clark Lake all year long. The calendar is available at these locations: The Artful Eye Beach Bar Doyle's Market...

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Hobie Halloween 2024

Hobie Halloween 2024

Is Hobie Halloween a new Clark Lake tradition?  On this October 27th, four intrepid (and somewhat scary members) of Fleet 58 dressed in costume, put up their sails, and headed toward the east end.  After dealing with the chill, they warmed up at the Beach Bar....

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Township Proposes Parking Lot for Transient Boaters

Township Proposes Parking Lot for Transient Boaters

Columbia Charter Township has met with the Clark Lake Lions Club with the intent to lease Club property.  The Township’s primary purpose is to build a parking lot for the benefit of out-of-town boaters who use the west end boat launch. At a Club meeting on Tuesday,...

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Shop with a Cop Fundraiser Underway

Shop with a Cop Fundraiser Underway

Shop with a Cop fundraising launched Saturday (10/19) at the Eagle's Nest.  Out of the gate, support was excellent.  To ensure Shop with a Cop success, further contributions are welcome. Thanks to these supporters for leading the way on Saturday. [metaslider...

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Haunted Woods 2024

Haunted Woods 2024

Little goblins cruised trunk to trunk and availed themselves of treasure chests of full candy.  Then, those who dared, entered the Haunted Woods, for a good scare. What was the inspiration for the Second Annual Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted Woods olong Grand Boulevard? ...

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Clark Lake on TV News

Clark Lake on TV News

Montessori's Diane Smith, Clark Lake's Sally Lyons and her son, Jack, were featured on TV news.  Fox47 News came to Clark Lake to tell the story.  Click here to view it. The Clark Lake Spirit website has followed the Montessori story from its inception in March 2023. ...

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Missing Number Found

Missing Number Found

At one time, Clark Lake's Fleet 58 had more Hobies than any other inland lake in the United States.  But how many Hobies during the years of peak popularity?  The Clark Lake Boat Count has taken place since 1959, but the numbers from 1961 to 1986 were lost.  Until...

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Clark Lake’s Scary Night of Fright

Clark Lake’s Scary Night of Fright

Clark Lake has the perfect setting for a scary good time - the second annual Haunted Woods and Trunk or Treat.  If you dare, take a walk through the haunted woods on this night of fright.  Here are the details. How did things go last year? Definitely a night to...

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Quiet Drama over Clark Lake

Quiet Drama over Clark Lake

A solar storm generated quiet drama in many locations - Clark Lake was among them.  The first set of  photos in this slide show were taken by Elaine Stewart from her vantage in the Eagle Point Cove. Tom Kohut also witnessed the display from a...

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