features
SPD’s new interim police chief is leading search for permanent chief
by Melissa McPherson John Tyler stepped into the role of interim chief for the Stockbridge Police Department just three weeks ago, but he is no stranger to small-town police work. He brings with him more than two decades of law enforcement experience and a desire to strengthen the connections in our community. Tyler has been […]
Rural Perspectives: The garter snake hibernates in groups during winter
by Diane Constable The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is non-venomous and one of the most common snakes found in our area. It prefers to live near a water source and can be found in fields, grasslands and lawns. It is cold-blooded, and hibernates during the winter, often in large groups. If frightened, a garter […]
Positive Parenting: Why toddlers lie and how to respond
by Dr. Erin Clifton I remember when my oldest was 3 years old and told his first lie. I immediately called my sister, excited about this intellectual stage of development. It wasn’t deliberate deception, but more of an untruthful statement. According to “A Parent’s Guide to Lying and Age-Appropriate Consequences” on parents.com, research shows children […]
Outreach in Action
New bipartisan legislation introduced in Michigan to address water affordability and access by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall “I can’t afford to keep my house.” Heartbreaking words, spoken by a client to Gwen Reid, Stockbridge Community Outreach director, in early November as the client faced elevated water and heating bills, along with a rise in […]
Adrenaline and vigilance paved the way for Kensington winter fun
by Andrea Stickney How did we ever find that toboggan hill in Kensington? We didn’t. We made it, along with a growing number of winter snow enthusiasts, until the broken arms and legs, not to mention threatened lawsuits, shut it down. But that was only temporary. Some things are meant to be, and the hill […]
Clyde’s Corner
‘But I only wanted a trim!’ by Clyde Whitaker Probably none of you out there will believe this, but I was a little spitfire when I was young, full of “vim and vigor,” a pretty hyper kid. Eventually, I needed to start getting my hair cut. I don’t remember much about those early haircuts, but […]
5 Healthy Towns Survey Update
(Chelsea, MI) – 5 Healthy Towns Foundation continues to ask our community members to take five minutes of their time to complete the 5 Healthy Towns survey. Responses will be collected through December 7, 2025. Anyone 18 and older living within the boundaries of the Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester and Stockbridge school districts can […]
Stockbridge FFA Celebrates a Season of Growth, Learning, and Community Impact
2025 fall school year written by Stockbridge FFA Reporter, Klayre Smith Stockbridge, MI — The Stockbridge FFA Chapter has enjoyed a busy and rewarding fall season filled with hands-on learning, leadership development, and community engagement. From raising animals and competing in statewide contests to environmental conservation and national travel, students have truly embodied the FFA motto: Learning […]
Guest Essay
Beauty is not just found in ‘the eyes’ of the beholder by Jill Ogden Living with a degenerative retinal disease, I’ve watched my world slowly dim as my vision has faded. Over the years, I have lost many things. I have lost the ability to see colors, recognize faces, or watch the waves roll across […]
Reading Between the Lines
‘Hatchet’: An iconic and inspiring story for young adults by Joan Tucker Gary Paulsen is a three-time Newberry Honor Author and captures the attention of young readers by writing this story from the perspective of Brian Robeson, a 13-year-old boy starting an adventure in a small Cessna 406 airplane. So many emotions are going through […]