Stacie Smith

Community and features editor overseeing special sections (S.H.E., Farmers Resource, 50+ Fabulous, etc.), obituaries, birth announcements, celebration announcements, church news and community-related listings (honor rolls, marriage licenses and more). I graduated from Belding High School and Grand Valley State University - though I am a NMU Wildcat at heart - and I am the mother of three sons. I am a voracious reader and in my writing, I like to think I uncover the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary. Contact Stacie Smith at ssmith@staffordgroup.com or (616) 548-8274.


Latest Articles:

Danish Dash around Baldwin Lake is back

Lace up your shoes and enjoy the view while running or walking around Baldwin Lake as the Danish Dash returns as a live event for the Danish Festival. Danielle Wells is a communications specialist with Spectrum Health and she serves as the race coordinator for the Danish Dash, as well as volunteering on the Danish Festival Board.... READ MORE >

STANTON OLD FASHIONED DAYS: Stanton man turns grief into helpful opportunity

Phil Kava was troubled when he wanted to remember his son’s fiancee when she died of COVID on May 4. He was troubled because her parents had preceded her in death and it was difficult to host a gathering due to the ongoing pandemic.... READ MORE >

Life is full of transitions

I debated on writing this column. As I’m typing this, I look around at my desk and the box filled with memories.... READ MORE >

Bad Ace for Men Skin Care review

I recently received some samples of Bad Ace for Men skin care. I asked my husband to try out these products and give me their thoughts. In the box were a total of four tubes — Charcoal facial scrub, charcoal facial moisturizer in summit rain scent, Energy Face Wash and moisturizer in citrus punch scent. The cleansers were 4-ounce tubes... READ MORE >

Finding balance means finding peace

Jamie Gorby has always enjoyed being outside and seeking new adventures. When she was a young girl, her favorite place to be was on her grandparents’ property in Montcalm County. When she and her husband of 23 years had the opportunity to move onto those 100 acres, they jumped at the chance.... READ MORE >

Grand Rapids-area students learn about agriculture careers

In the fall of 2019, Steve Beauclair of Gear Up Wyoming met with Rob Spohr, vice president of academic affairs with Montcalm Community College. It was a networking meeting to help high school students in the greater Grand Rapids area learn about career and educational opportunities post high school graduation.... READ MORE >

Being environmentally conscious

Last year, Alec Dakin and his wife began to prepare the soil on their property to become more self-reliant. Their goals were and continue to be ambitious but he provides an update on what things have helped and continue to help them reach those goals.... READ MORE >

Home is where the heart is

It is pretty evident that the housing market is hot right now. Even if not in the market to buy a home, browse listings and the asking prices cause sticker shock.... READ MORE >

Reader’s Say: Downsize or not?

Daily News readers were asked if they have downsized or are considering doing so and what prompted their decision.... READ MORE >

Lume Natural deodorant review

This review is going to force me to confess that I spend far too much time scrolling through my Facebook feed. I kept seeing an ad for Lume deodorant and without listening, I could tell they were unique.... READ MORE >