Rina Risper

LANSING, MI — On the night Rasha and Vontresse Thomas got in their car with their 8 month old daughter Jaida, they were doing what any responsible couple would do, preparing themselves for a smooth ride in the morning. Rasha was starting a new job and they wanted to make sure he knew exactly where it was.  They had no idea that a simple trip on April 7, 2004, would change their lives forever.

A few hours earlier, Vontresse  went to see a passion play at a local church with her friend, Michelle King.  A passion play is about the suffering, passion, death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Easter was right around the corner and the Thomas family was preparing themselves for a joyous time.   Spirits were high because of Rasha’s new job and Easter would provide more time for them to spend at church and with extended family and friends.

By Stacy Lewis
State Farm Insurance

Each year, more cars and drivers hit the highways.  With so many vehicles on the road, crashes will happen.  Auto insurance can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major life change.  We need auto insurance for protection.

By Wolfgang Puck
Tribune Media Services

I know we’re truly into springtime when farmers’ market stands are piled high with beautiful bunches of asparagus. Those bright-green, tender-crisp stalks are a perfect taste of the season, so fresh and vivid.

By Sean Conway
Tribune Media Services

The secret to good gardening is timing. My advice to those who feel overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done in their gardens is to start by making a list. Just as the secret to cooking a holiday meal for a big family gathering requires some planning and a good grocery list, so too does a successful garden.