Top Stories of 2018
Throughout 2018, readers voted with their clicks on their favorite SCN stories. Here are the top-ranked website and Facebook stories by month (excluding lost-and-found dog postings–those stories always shot through the roof).
January: Old Katz School to become Katz Communities by Judy Williams
Cassie Watson and mother Cindy Lance discuss plans for Katz Communities. Photo credit Judy Williams.
Rumors swirl around the community as to the fate of the old Katz Elementary School in Munith, so this reporter went to the horse’s mouth, so to speak. In January 2016, Doug and Cindy Lance purchased the building and property. Since then, Cindy Lance and the couple’s eldest daughter, Cassie Watson, have been working to repurpose the building.
February (3-part series): A reflection on past choices from inmate Donovan Buckner by Judy Williams
Web image.
In January’s edition, Stockbridge Community News printed a letter sent to the editor from Donovan Buckner. This young man’s correspondence gave rise to questions as to how his life devolved to a lengthy prison sentence. When SCN asked, Buckner agreed to share aspects of his life with readers and to reflect on the choices he has made.
March: From the Superintendent’s Desk: Governor recognizes Stockbridge as one of 11 School Systems leading the way by Karl Heidrich
When Gov. Rick Snyder unveiled the $100 million ‘Marshall Plan for Talent,’ he praised Stockbridge schools and administrators, as “already leading the way.” Photo credit: Crain’s Detroit.
Governor Snyder unveiled the Marshall Plan for Talent, a statewide partnership of “educators, employers and other stakeholders to transform Michigan’s talent pipeline and redesign the ways we invest, develop and attract talent in our state.” During the rollout, the governor recognized Stockbridge Community Schools, along with 10 other school districts across the state, as “already leading the way.”
April: Update on Stockbridge State Bank and Eaton merger by Cindy Lance
User provided photo.
While the recently announced Stockbridge State Bank merger with Eaton Federal came as a surprise to many in the community, it is not uncommon in the industry. Tim Jewell, President, and CEO of Eaton Federal stated, “The ever-increasing costs of technology and regulatory compliance have become a huge challenge for small banks who cannot spread those costs over a large customer base.”
May: Daltons breathe new life into the old Stockbridge Middle School by Bob Castle. Photos by Patrice Johnson
Mike and Leah Dalton. Photo credit: Patrice Johnson
The prior edition of the Stockbridge Community News reported that the old Middle School was sold to Mike Dalton for one dollar. But while taking a tour of the building and conversing with Dalton, it became apparent that this transaction was not so much about the sale of the complex as it was about putting the school in trust to a family of alumni who have the commitment and ability to renovate property, so it can continue to be of service to the community.
June: Chamber names Cheryl Holloway Volunteer of the Year by Patrice Johnson
Photo caption: Volunteer of the Year Cheryl Holloway. Photo credit: Judy Williams
In keeping with tradition, the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce announced its Volunteer of the Year award during the annual Day in the Village, and this year a retired Stockbridge teacher was named recipient. Cheryl Holloway’s unwavering commitment to Outreach’s Tide Me Over program ranked high among her many kind and generous acts.
July: Stockbridge Township paves way for $2.4 million solar farm by Patrice Johnson
Sample image of a solar farm.
July 11, Cypress Creek Renewables moved a step closer to building a $2,400,000 solar farm in Stockbridge Township, thereby launching its entrance into Michigan.
August: Stockbridge Students heading to American Samoa by Michelle Zemke and Bob Richards
Stockbridge InvenTeam travels to American Samoa.
September: Kids Area at Stockbridge Harvest Moon Festival thrills dogs, children, parents and neighbors by Patrice Johnson
Six-year-old Border Collie, aptly named Splash, dives for a chew toy. Six-year-old Border Collie, aptly named Splash, sails through the air and catches a chew toy mid-flight before hurtling into the Ultimate Air Dog attraction. Owner Ann Williams of Lansing grinned. “Be careful what you name your dog,” she said, as blue-eyed Splash peered longingly at the pool of water, hoping for another turn.
Splash jumps for a chew toy. Photo credit Patrice Johnson
October: Robert Halfacre: Little-known Homecoming hero works behind the scenes by Bruce Wm. Brown
Robert Halfacre quietly arranges homecoming cars. Photo credit Judy Williams
A Homecoming Queen in a pretty dress waving from the back of a convertible is an iconic part of the fall Homecoming Parade. Moms and Dads support their queens by figuring out the frantic homecoming schedule along with the dress, shoes, and hairstyling. But there’s another important element that’s hard to arrange: The Ride.
November: Local dentist helps honor Michigan veterans with fishing trip by Judy Williams
Tight Lines is a success because of hundreds of volunteers. User provided photo.
From the first time local dentist Dr. Gary Adiska volunteered for “Tight Lines for Troops,” he was hooked on the event that honors veterans a free charter fishing tournament on Lake Michigan. This year, 300 Michigan veterans and more than 50 captains and their boats took part.
December: Ele’s Place heals hearts in Stockbridge Schools by Amy Haggerty
Ele’s Place comes to Stockbridge Schools, thanks to John Twining’s initiative and the efforts of others. User provided photo.
Many of us recognize Ele’s Place for its help to grieving children, teens and their families. But how many are aware that this Michigan-based nonprofit has a home in Stockbridge Community Schools?
See full story in January edition.
Patrice Johnson
Editor in Chief of Stockbridge Community News. Author of national award winning, "The Fall and Rise of Tyler Johnson"