features
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, […]
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 […]