Chuck Luchies, Coloma machine shop instructor with product produced by laser-cutter. (TCR photos by Sheila Schultz)

BREAKING THROUGH TO THE BASKET… In their recent district semifinal game against Bloomingdale on Feb. 25, 2026, Hartford’s Jeff Littlefield (23) battles through two defenders under the basket, looking to bring his team within striking distance in this game of conference foes. Littlefield finished the night with a team-high 24 points, but the Huskies would fall short, 59-46, closing out their season. (Contributed photo)

BACK-TO-BACK DISTRICT CHAMPIONS… Coloma Comets Competitive Cheer team makes history! This group of skilled young ladies continued their historic run by capturing a second consecutive district championship, solidifying their place among the area’s competition. With poise, precision, and unwavering determination, the Comets delivered on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at Bloomingdale when it mattered most—showcasing growth, resilience, and focus throughout the competition. This back-t

LIGHTS, CAMERA, VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE… Winners from the King and Queen of Hearts contest are Annabelle Butler and Kobe Dew. They are both 7th graders at Watervliet Middle School. The semi-formal Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday was a festive fundraiser supporting the school’s Student Activity Fund, which helps provide incentives, field trips, and other student activities. (Contributed photo)

HARTFORD WINTERFEST 2026… Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Winterfest Court of Honor for Hartford High School. Pictured are: (from the left) King Josh Dyson, Queen Lizeth Perez, Princess Valeria Mandujano and Prince Carter Nichols. HHS wrapped up a week of celebrating Friday, Feb. 13 on the basketball court with varsity games against the Vikings of Bangor. (Contributed photo)

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE… Hartford High School Senior Top 10 of Semester 1! Pictured are: (from the left) Bryson Prillwitz, Weston Pitcher, Destiny Davis-Russell, Isaiah Lovell, Sullivan Summerhill, Shane Brink, Jose Sanchez, Joel Garcia, Anahi Ugalde-Rivas and Jamilette Vinaja. (Contributed photo)

100 DAYS AT COLOMA ELEMENTARY… Students and staff celebrated “100 Days of School” at Coloma Elementary on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. The concept of 100 is often difficult for elementary students to grasp, but by reflecting on the number of school days since the beginning of the year is a way to change an abstract idea into understandable knowledge and have a memorable, creative learning experience. Some students celebrated this milestone of being in school for 100 days by dressin

TACO TUESDAY... is every day when you have a Snow Taco! Dan Danger made for El Primo restaurant in downtown Hartford.

DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH… at Watervliet North School were “Respectful, Responsible and Safe” every day. Pictured are: (from the left) Zion Martinez, Cedric Andrews, PJ Cooper, Sophie Butler, Tessa Wooley, Saage Irwin and Nolan Spencer. (Contributed photos)

Some love stories begin with grand gestures or carefully laid plans. Others begin quietly, tucked into the ordinary rhythms of daily life, where destiny waits patiently for the right moment. For Hunter and Darla “Deej” Leggitt, that moment arrived not in a ballroom or at a party, but on a crowded Chicago city bus—proof that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with the most unremarkable rides.