by Amanda E. West | Nov 12, 2026 | Shelbyville, Stories
When Kathy Maddox was laid off from her job in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she needed a pivot — and fast. She saw it as her opportunity to run like someone had left the gate open. From the time she was a toddler and was gifted a collie mix named Lady, she had...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 12, 2026 | Shelbyville, Stories
Wanda Woodlee stacked the box among the others inside the moving truck and took another long glance at the backyard. Her heart ached. Her chin wobbled. Although she was excited to move and begin a new chapter in her life, she was also torn. The possibilities in her...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 12, 2026 | Cover, Shelbyville, Stories
Pedicures, baking, shopping sprees, binge-watching a favorite show on Netflix, swimming, golfing, hiking — these are a few ways mothers and daughters enjoy spending time together. Margie Cooper and her mom, Sheila Spain, bond over their love of animals. But this is no...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 12, 2026 | Feature, Shelbyville, Stories
Morgan Lapczynski stifled a sob. The traumatic labor and delivery had left her newborn son, Harrison, lifeless. “Oh, God,” a voice screamed inside Morgan’s brain, “He isn’t breathing.” A nurse began CPR. “Breathe, Harrison. Breathe,” Morgan whispered as the terrible...
by Amanda E. West | Nov 12, 2026 | Feature, Shelbyville, Stories
Andy and Laurie Kraft left Pennsylvania and moved to Shelbyville in 2003. Although they love Tennessee and have adjusted well, our state still has work to do when it comes to the care of animals. Laurie said, “Pennsylvania has a lot better laws when it comes to taking...
