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Positive Parenting: A love note to parents
by Kelsey Rasmussen In July, sun-kissed children ride bikes, splash in pools and lakes, and run with the fireflies until it finally gets dark. In July, we don’t bother with a Hallmark holiday to remind us of warmth and love. But this is February, and February is different. We’re doing our best. Sometimes our best […]
Active Aging: The everyday practice of adoration: At the senior center and in the community
by Alexa M. Ten Eyck Cards paired with flowers or sweet treats have long been a part of Valentine’s Day celebrations. These symbols offer a visible expression of a deeper idea: adoration. Adoration is the intentional practice of noticing people and responding with care and appreciation. While it is often framed as a personal or […]
Dear Gabbie…
“Dear Gabbie” is written with the simple hope of bringing a few smiles to your day and is not meant to replace the advice of professionals…especially your mom! Dear Gabbie: I occasionally post on a community-wide Facebook page, but it always seems as though someone sends the discussion off the rails by turning it hateful. […]
Rural Perspectives: Great horned owls begin nesting here in early February
by Diane Constable The great horned owl is found throughout North America and is the largest owl in our area.Its scientific name, Bubo virginianusis, means “large owl first found in Virginia.” Like most owls, they are nocturnal birds, and are rarely seen. But during February evenings and nights, you can sometimes hear great horned owls […]
Faces of Addiction: From ashes to action, when pain becomes purpose
by Tina Cole-Mullins (Editor’s Note: Faces of Addiction is a continuing series about people who experience drug addiction and the difficulty of recovery. By telling their stories, they hope to help others who are struggling and encourage them to seek treatment and healing.) Michigan has been quietly reshaping how communities understand addiction and support long-term […]
Clyde’s Corner: Clyde shares a love story for Valentine’s Day
by Clyde Whitaker I know this is not my typical story, but since Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, I thought I would mix it up a little bit. I’m sure all of you have stories of your own, but here is a story that has transformed my life. In 1978, I was working for Rockwell […]
Reading Between the Lines
‘Sunrise on the Reaping’: A prequel done right by Jessica Martell In 2008, Suzanne Collins lit the world of young adult literature on fire with “The Hunger Games.” Since then, there have been several books and movies, and the phrase “I volunteer as tribute!” has become part of the pop-culture lexicon. In 2025, Collins delivered […]
Local FFA students to share their knowledge and expand their experience in the Dominican Republic
Information provided by Stockbridge Jr./Sr. High School FFA program The Stockbridge FFA Underwater Robotics Team has been invited to conduct research, test equipment, and participate in an educational outreach project in the Dominican Republic, Feb. 22-28. This project aims to inspire, engage, and educate students while providing a unique research experience in the Caribbean islands. The […]
Superintendent’s Desk: Schools made great progress on goals in 2025
Dear Panther Families, Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the continued growth of our students. With the start of the second semester, students have a fresh opportunity to refocus on academics and deepen their engagement in learning. As we return from the holiday break, our continued […]
Black-eyed peas and greens for New Year’s resilience, growth, renewal
by Alexa M. Ten Eyck Black-eyed peas and greens are often linked to the start of a new year, a tradition born in American agricultural and rural communities out of necessity. Both foods are valued for affordability and reliability. Black-eyed peas thrive in tough conditions. Cold-hardy greens, like collards, kale, and spinach, return early after […]