The brilliant young engineer behind Dexter’s famous stone viaduct
by Doug Marrin Reprinted with permission from The Sun Times News, February 2, 2026. Note: This article was originally published on August 10, 2022. Author’s note: February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black Americans whose stories continue to shape our shared history and future. The railroad […]
One Big Connection Volunteer Portal now live
Information provided by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Volunteering in the 5 Healthy Towns service area just became easier, as 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) and One Big Thing unveiled a new volunteer portal on onebigconnection.org. Inspired by an earlier Chelsea Wellness Coalition- and 5HF-supported project called Volunteer Chelsea, the One Big Connection Volunteer Portal will […]
Women of Note: Willah Weddon: Pioneer journalist and devoted mother
by Alex Weddon, Amy Tomlin, and Patrice Johnson Willah lived with grace, grit, and a gentle sense of humor. Our mom—Willah Weddon—was pretty cool. She, like all our neighbors along Dexter Trail and Brogan Road, made do with what she had. Willah could ride a horse, drive a tractor, bottle-feed orphan lambs, and manage a […]
Women of Note: Booster, Lion, coach, board member: Lyn St. Dennis wears many hats well
by Mary Jo David Camping is what attracted one of this year’s Women of Note to our area. Lyn St. Dennis and her husband, Mike, landed in Unadilla Township by way of Waterford and then Ann Arbor, where Lyn worked at the Veterans Hospital. Eventually, the couple purchased 10 acres and built their home on […]
Emma Smith Elementary builds strong foundations through Science of Learning approach
Information provided by Smith Elementary administration Families seeking a strong academic start for their children will find a research-driven, student-centered environment at Emma Smith Elementary, part of Stockbridge Community Schools. Serving students in Young 5s through Second Grade, the school is building momentum around a clear focus: aligning instruction with the Science of Learning to […]
Women of Note: Kim Killinger leads by example from the front office, church or in the community
by Melissa McPherson Kim Killinger is an organizer. In her role as secretary at Stockbridge Jr./Sr. High School, she is relied upon daily for her organization skills and follow-through. Although it’s not in her job description, the Stockbridge Community News regularly benefits from Kim’s super power. Whether preparing for the newspaper’s extensive coverage of the […]
Women of Note: Gwen Reid helps the community provide food, services, and compassion with a smile
by Mary Jo David Recognizing those who run Stockbridge Community Outreach is not easy. Everyone wants to remain in the background so Outreach as a whole can be recognized—and rightly so. Outreach does so much good in the community; the nearly 50 volunteers, including its board, all deserve recognition. But there’s something to be said […]
Reading Between the Lines: In ‘Shelterwood,’ alternating timelines eventually lead to a satisfying conclusion
by Mary Jo David Shelterwood was picked for me. That is to say, upon agreeing to lead the next month’s book club discussion, I thought it best to read the book first! Although I was familiar with author Lisa Wingate, I was not aware of this particular book in her list of works. In fact, […]
Staff Spotlight: For Stockbridge school bus driver Meredith McManaman, keeping kids safe is non-negotiable
by Mary Jo David Many things stood out while interviewing school bus driver Meredith McManaman, but the most notable is that, in the life of a bus driver, every minute counts. McManaman drives Bus 17-04, better known to younger kids in the Stockbridge School District as the “Lion” bus. She starts her day at 5 […]