features
The Founders of the Waterloo Area Historical Society (Part 2)
by Arlene Kaiser The following is a continuation of the September article. There is so much to tell of these inspiring people who founded the Waterloo Area Historical Society that it was impossible to keep it to one article. Carl and Edna Burklund saw the potential of a real, working museum. In Harriet Beckwith’s words, […]
FROM CADL STOCKBRIDGE
by Head Librarian Sherri McConnell Picture Caption: Head Librarian Sherri McConnell stands with the newly installed Little Free Library in front of the Stockbridge Branch. You haven’t heard from the Stockbridge Branch since spring, but we are in the building delivering books and more from Monday—Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. […]
Area farmer directs $2,500 donation to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation
by Jennifer Hammerberg Local farmer Ben Topping recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation. The donation is sponsored by the Bayer Fund. Ben Topping is a fourth-generation farmer who farms alongside his father and brother. The Topping families operate Hickory Ridge Farms, located between Stockbridge and Gregory. […]
Martell describes a first day of school with remote teaching
by Amy Haggerty As this unique year continues on to autumn, the coronavirus still plays a part in daily activities. One of the most difficult challenges during the pandemic is getting children safely back to school. In Stockbridge, the 2020-21 school year opened Aug. 24 with online learning from teachers for all students at home […]
Filling the COVID time warp: We’ve asked area residents, “What’s your secret?”
by Mary Jo David Secret #1: Dip into your heart to help others Laura Jarvis was looking for a way to fill her time and, at the same time, accomplish something meaningful during the pandemic shutdown, before the state began opening back up. As the owner of KootsiQuilting at 120 E. Main St. in Stockbridge, […]
Highest Praise Worship Center Backpack Give Away 2020
by Tina Cole-Mullins Saturday Aug. 1, eager kids and parents, grandparents or guardians donned face masks and practiced social distancing while attending the Annual Backpack Giveaway on Stockbridge’s Township Square, hosted by the Highest Praise Worship Center. “I think it’s a wonderful thing, especially now with so many hurting because of the Covid concerns going […]
Celebrating tractors at the Waterloo Farm Museum
by Arlene Kaiser Once again, the sound of hit-and-miss engines, tractors and trucks were heard during the annual Antique Tractor, Truck and Farm Equipment Show Aug. 8 and 9 at the Waterloo Farm Museum. Organizers weren’t sure they would be able to have an event at the museum this year, due to the restrictions on […]
Local salon owner overcomes long-term challenges
by Patrice Johnson Robin Lowe-Fletcher founded Simply You Hair Salon nearly nine years ago, as “a new beginning.” Three years ago, she received a bleak cancer diagnosis, and her challenges looked immense. Recently, when asked how she was doing, Robin grinned and replied, “Still here, and I’m still going, but hands down, coping with COVID-19 […]
Back to school: Parents facing tough choices during COVID-19 pandemic
by Tina Cole-Mullins After schools closed in March and the governor’s emergency orders filled the summer, cases of COVID-19 still continue throughout the state. Now as fall begins, school administrators, staff, teachers and parents are working to safely provide the best education for students during the pandemic. What will be best learning environment for the […]
StockBIZ: Big changes for small-town eateries due to COVID-19
by Mary Jo David Ask the average Joe or Jo about how their daily lives have changed during this coronavirus pandemic, and you’re bound to hear, “We’ve never cooked at home this frequently” or “I feel like I’m constantly loading and unloading the dishwasher.” As time has progressed, these conversations have started to morph into […]