News
Rural Perspectives: Common chicory a favorite of bees and butterflies
by Diane Constable Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a non-native perennial herb plant that can be found along our roadsides, fallow land, waste areas, and sometimes lawns. Its base leaves and deep taproots resemble its close relative, the dandelion. The flower stems can grow up to 6 feet tall with flowers spaced vertically along the […]
Unadilla Township honors Hometown Heroes with street banners in downtown Gregory
by Kristin Shea Unadilla Township has chosen to honor the township’s Hometown Heroes in a unique and distinguished manner starting this year. At the intersection of M-36 and Main Street in Gregory, a number of banners have been hung with pride from the tops of utility poles. According to Merriam-Webster, the word “hero” can be […]
Outreach in Action
Donor-advised funds: Another way to benefit Outreach while reducing your tax burden by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall In June’s column, we explained the pros and cons of qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), noting one big limitation: QCDs can only be used by those over 70.5 years old. This column explains an alternative—called donor-advised funds (DAFs)—which […]
New Stockbridge superintendent focuses on learning, belonging and community trust
by Melissa McPherson As he prepares to lead Stockbridge Community Schools into the new school year, incoming superintendent Jeffrey Trapp says his top priority is keeping student learning at the center of every decision while strengthening relationships with students, staff and families. Formerly principal of Stockbridge Jr./Sr. High School, Trapp began his new role as […]
Obituary: Gay Marie Flores
Gay Marie Flores of Jackson, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13, 2026 at the “eternal age of 29.” She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Ezequiel; her twin daughters, Socorro Flores and Corazon (Christopher) Tippens; Maria (Jim) Krohl, and Ezequiel Flores Jr.; grandchildren, Emrys, Viktor, Aiden, Sawyer, Elliott, Finnley, Ethan, Isabella, […]
Rural Perspectives: Duckweed a tiny plant without true stems or leaves
by Diane Constable Duckweed (Lemna minor) is neither a duck nor a weed but is the tiniest flowering plant we have. It is found floating on the surface of slow-moving or still lakes, marshes, and ponds, where it can form large colonies of bright green vegetation. This is a plant with no true stems or […]
Reading Between the Lines
Take a gamble and give ‘Doc,’ by Mary Doria Russell, a try by Mary Jo David “Bein’ born is craps … How we live is poker.” (Doc Holliday to Morgan Earp in “Doc.”) The very reason some people don’t join book clubs is the very reason why maybe they should. By that I mean, I […]
Obituary: Daniel Milton Dixon
Daniel Milton Dixon, age 85, of Gregory, Michigan, passed away on July 10, 2026, at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor. Daniel was born on August 15, 1940, in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Vaughn and Catherine (Adams) Dixon. He made his home in the Gregory area for the past 39 years, moving from Howell, […]
Changing your vote after your candidate drops out of the race
compiled by Mary Jo David Recently, Michigan voters experienced a candidate (Mallory McMorrow) dropping out of the U.S. Senate race after absentee ballots had already been sent out. Voters who already completed and returned their absentee ballots can change their vote, but they must follow a specific process to make sure their changed vote will […]
Obituary: Jane W. Marz
Jane W. Marz, age 90, of Jackson, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on July 6, 2026 at Brightside Assisted Living and Memory Care in Jackson, MI. She was born on October 12, 1935 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Wendell and Vera (Hurst) Barber. Jane was a lifelong Stockbridge resident. She grew up in […]