The Arenac County Independent

01/09/2026

Back to writing

I was inexperienced, timid, full of energy, and hungry for approval from both my employer and the community when I started working at the Herald in Spring 2021. The former owner of the Herald/Independent, Bob Perlberg, had offered me a reporter position before I tossed my cap at the commencement ceremony.

https://www.arenacindependent.com/opinion/2026/01/05/02-p4-jg-column/

01/08/2026

First win of 2026 for AGS

The Au Gres-Sims varsity girls basketball team played Alcona at home Jan. 5, winning 54- 14.

https://www.arenacindependent.com/sports/2026/01/06/02-p3-sports-ags-girls-bb/

01/08/2026

If there’s snow

Ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding Jan. 10-11, 2026, with a full weekend of free snowmobiling. Each year, for one weekend, you can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit.

https://www.arenacindependent.com/community/2026/01/07/02-p2-snowmobiling-2/

01/08/2026

Sonas kicks off the New Year at Standish Art Center

The Northeast Michigan Arts Council is pleased to present Sonas in concert Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m. at its Northeast Art Center, located at the corner of Grove Road and US-23 in Standish.

01/05/2026

Happy New Year

Holiday greetings from the Herald/Independent.

01/05/2026

Jan. 5 – The Herald/Independent office is now open.
If you don't care to face poor driving conditions but have business to transact with the paper, let us help via email.
For assistance with subscriptions or classified ads, contact Michelle Driscoll at [email protected]
For editorial assistance, contact Amy Hensel at [email protected]
For assistance with display ads, contact Jessica Ashbrook at [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

01/04/2026

Joy to the new

This Christmas, my goal was to prevent work from interfering with holiday preparations.

01/03/2026

Four signs that IT’S A SCAM

https://www.arenacindependent.com/opinion/2025/12/29/01-p4-viewpoint/

01/02/2026

Beyond Reason - 2025 Year in Review

As the year ends, Beyond Reason does what it does every year: it adjusts the lens. The rest of the year, we’re zoomed in—tight, intimate, granular. Like when you zoom in on your computer screen and can’t figure out how to back the heck up.

01/01/2026

Four three bedroom houses will be ready for occupancy in 2026.
The City of Au Gres received a Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant to fund four new houses.

01/01/2026

From all of us at your local paper to all of you readers, ad customers and subscribers, thanks for your continued support! Have a safe and happy new year!

12/31/2025

Conservation district invites you to join the Good Stewards

The Arenac Conservation District wants your property to work for you. With a little effort and guidance, you can turn your dull landscape into a vibrant community you can be proud of, while providing valuable environmental benefits.