features
AMY CHIMNER OF GREGORY WINS SEPTEMBER’S GARDEN OF THE MONTH
by Joan Tucker Dear Readers, Congratulations to Amy Chimner of Gregory, garden winner for September. A judge writes, “Vegetable gardening can be easy and beautiful with these practical raised beds. Lush plants of corn, cabbage, cucumbers and basil―to name a few―are thriving in a contained environment. Besides efficient watering, fertilizing and providing protection from critters, […]
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Area family’s 1977 tragedy changed laws on domestic violence
by Tina Cole-Mullins First of two parts On March 9, 1977, I heard a knock on our door and voices. My childlike curiosity led me to leave the warm security of my bed. Walking quietly down the hallway to the living room, my sleep-filled eyes struggled to focus and I saw it was the teenage […]
StockBIZ: Real estate shortage is being felt in Stockbridge and beyond
by Mary Jo David Drive around Stockbridge and surrounding areas and you see plenty of political signs this month, but what you don’t see are many FOR SALE signs. A recent discussion with a Stockbridge resident prompted this month’s column focusing on the shortage of available real estate in the area. To gain a professional […]
2020 Youth Hunt
by Stephen Vliet Timothy and Elizabeth are Stockbridge High School students that had a little sibling rivalry going into the youth hunt. Elizabeth got her first deer Saturday evening and was really excited! But then her older brother Timothy had to go out Sunday morning and bag a bigger buck! Fun times around the house. […]
Staff Spotlight: Home-town girl Janice Armstrong is a great ambassador for the Stockbridge Community School District
by Amy Haggerty Since 1998, Janice Armstrong has been working for the Stockbridge Community School District. She began as a substitute teacher and then moved into the position of director of preschool programs. Upon Jo Mayer’s retirement, Armstrong took over as community education director. It’s quite evident that Armstrong loves her job. She especially enjoys […]
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, […]