column
April – Stretch into spring
by Gary Hicks Stretching aids in keeping the muscles flexible and strong, improves circulation, and helps maintain proper range of motion in the joints. The simple act of stretching enhances muscle control and makes many activities more comfortable and, in some cases, almost effortless. At the beginning of a stretching routine, you may experience soreness […]
Rural Perspectives: The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
As March leaves us, thoughts of warmer weather abound and new generations of wildlife leap forward into the Spring. Our Eastern Cottontail is one of these. If you have watched their courting antics in the waning days of March, you understand what it means to be as ‘mad as a March Hare’. They chase and […]
Staff Spotlight: Staying positive and promoting a ‘CAN DO’ attitude among students is what Lynn Balkus does best
by Amy Haggerty Lynn Balkus has been working with our youngest populations in the school district’s Superhero Classroom and the Kids Club program for 17 years. Being a paraprofessional with the 11-years-old-and-under set is not an easy job. You need to be patient and creative and have lots of fun activities planned to keep the […]
Donna Stephens, the first female prison corrections officer in Michigan
by Judy Williams What makes a homemaker and mother of five decide to undertake a career as a female corrections officer in a male facility? “Why not?” Donna Kathryn Wilson Stephens is likely reply. In 1969, when her family was mostly grown, Stephens became the State’s first female corrections officer. Stephens was working at the Jackson […]
Memoirs to read while staying inside in March
by Jenna Chapman Of all the genres of books, I’ve probably read the most memoirs. What I love about them is the chance to learn someone’s story. I think that reading about someone’s life experiences — especially a life different than your own — is an immersive way to learn about history, different cultures or […]
Ask an Expert: At our shop, we deal with all insurance companies
by John and Theresa Kightlinger People ask: Are you part of my insurance company’s preferred body shops? The answer is no. And here is why: We deal with all insurance companies. The difference between being on the list of preferred shops (this is called DRP, or the Direct Repair Program) or not is simple. It’s […]
Student of the Month Spotlight, Alex Avis – 5th Grade
by Cindy Lance Heritage Elementary 5th grade student Alex Avis is the March Student of the Month. His teacher, Mrs. Amber Robidou had this to say: “Respectful, considerate, and hardworking are just a few words to describe what a great student Alex is. He is always actively engaged in his learning and completes high quality work. Alex […]
Bridge to Wellness
March – Relieving stress by Gary Hicks March 2021 and we’re inching closer to spring. We have been stuck in the house, for the most part, due to weather issues and restrictions. Now is a good time to address how we can relieve a little stress. Stress is basically the body’s reaction to change. When […]
Blackbirds and Mallo Cup money
by Alex Weddon A few weeks after the start of a new school year, blackbirds start to fly overhead in ever-growing numbers, a sure sign that fall is just a cold wind away in Michigan. One Saturday of my early ninth-grade year, neighbor Larry Cobb and I were riding our bikes to town in search […]
Rural Perspectives: Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)
by Diane Gray Constable If you have been near a bird feeder lately, you most likely saw our official “snowbird,” the slate-colored junco. It belongs to the sparrow family and is the most common bird at the winter feeders. This bird spends summers in the northern Michigan and Canadian forests. They raise their young in […]