News
Staff Spotlight: First grade teacher Corinne Clouse helps her students turn pint-size wins into big wins
by Mary Jo David First grade teacher Corinne Clouse is new to Smith Elementary and new to teaching, but she already feels she’s right where she needs to be. “I love my students at this age. They’re still in love with school and it’s wonderful to see the light in their eyes when they have […]
Bridge to Wellness: A holiday reflection for all, compliments of Charles Dickens
by Sarah Wilczynski As we enter into the holiday season, it’s important to reflect on what’s most important to us, remember all we are thankful for, and spread kindness to all around us. To give space for this reflection, take a moment to read this timeless excerpt from Charles Dickens’ short Story “What Christmas is […]
Dear Gabbie:
“Dear Gabbie” is written with the simple hope of bringing a few smiles to your day and is not meant to replace the advice of professionals… especially your mom! Dear Gabbie: I’m pregnant and strangers think nothing of reaching out and touching my tummy. Is this normal, because it sure gives me the creeps! Dear […]
Active Aging
‘Go places and do things’: Building a good life by Alexa Ten Eyck A loved one frequently shared some simple advice for finding a good life:“Go places and do things.” The idea is gentle but powerful: A good life is not imagined in a single moment; it’s built by new experiences that encourage engagement with […]
Stockbridge Community Thanksgiving Dinner: The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well
by Mary Jo David The Stockbridge Community Thanksgiving Dinner is embarking on its 31st year as a highly valued, local tradition. If walls could talk, the cafeteria at Heritage School in Stockbridge would have many stories to tell about those who partake in this annual meal on Thanksgiving Day. For some, it’s a social time—a […]
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 […]
Obituary: Jamie Elaine Zick
Jamie Elaine Zick, born April 8, 1977 to Ed and Lori Zick, in Lansing, Michigan, died at age 48 on November 23, 2025. Jamie grew up in Lansing in her toddler years and then moved with the family to Stockbridge. She was a very fascinating girl, strong willed, very clever, and absolutely a Spitfire. She […]
Main Street Shines as Festival of Lights Parade Welcomes the Christmas Season
by Hope Salyer Stockbridge officially kicked off the Christmas season Saturday evening as the annual Festival of Lights parade illuminated Main Street with sparkling floats, holiday music, and festive community spirit, with Gordie Kunzelman emceeing the night. Families lined the streets despite the snowy weather, gathering to watch local businesses’ and residents’ creatively lit floats […]
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 […]