Downtown Clare has a new vibe, thanks to a new wave of entrepreneurs Read Article

Courtney Jerome

Agritourism: How small farms in rural Michigan are finding solutions Read Article

Leslie Cieplechowicz

A roadmap to prosperity for rural communities Read Article

Cassopolis has made many improvements, including to its downtown, but housing remains an issue.
Photo: Cassopolis has made many improvements, including to its downtown, but housing remains an issue. Bryan Esler

The life of a modern shepherdess: Bridging tradition and innovation in farming in rural Michigan Read Article

Dasher? Dancer? Prancer? Nope. But there are "other" reindeer at this festive farm in Clare County Read Article

A reindeer stands on top of a hill inside an enclosure at Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm
Photo: A reindeer stands on top of a hill inside an enclosure at Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm Brian Wells

It's a gym, theater, library ... a building for the community in Harbor Beach Read Article

Brian Wells

Cow cuddling? It's a thing at this northern Michigan dairy farm Read Article

Kim Schneider

Michigan hop farmers are upbeat about their future Read Article

Chuck Marshall

Photo essay: The murals of Monroe Read Article

Indoor axe throwing and corn hole entertainment venue coming this fall to Mt. Pleasant Read Article

Courtney Jerome/Epicenter

Visitor perspectives help move MI communities forward Read Article

Katielynne Gougherty

Ludington celebrates a milestone anniversary Read Article

ToddandBradReed.com

Hop Lot Brewing Co. finds success with Up North vibe Read Article

Lisa Baird

Creating an idyllic space for artists, educators and entrepreneurs in rural Michigan Read Article

Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures Read Article

Cassopolis: A village reimagined Read Article

Bryan Esler

Cops & Doughnuts: Behind the badges and doughnuts Read Article

Cops & Doughnuts

An honor for the whole village of Vicksburg Read Article

An historic postcard of the Lee Paper Mill, which once generated over 17 tons of paper per day at its peak.
Photo: An historic postcard of the Lee Paper Mill, which once generated over 17 tons of paper per day at its peak.

Now showing ... former theaters repurposed Read Article

Delft Theater

Grow Benzie: Rooted in community Read Article

Grow Benzie
Ark Installation by Scott Hocking
Ark Installation by Scott Hocking

Barns become works of art in Michigan's 'thumb' Read Article

Secret Sky Barn in Hume Township
Photo: Secret Sky Barn in Hume Township Catie Newell of Alibi Studio.

Cops & Doughnuts: Behind the badges and doughnuts Read Article

Cops & Doughnuts

Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures Read Article

Features

Feature Story Clay hands being made for a Muskegon Museum of Art touring Through Our Lens: Hands exhibit. Arts and Culture

White Lake council boosts rural access to the arts

Erica HobbsThursday, May 2, 2024
A group of mothers in the White Lake area came together to create their own arts organization when they couldn't find anything local for their children. Today, the Arts Council of White Lake -- Nuveen Center is a vibrant arts center for the community, offering classes, programming, music, exhibits and other events.
Feature Story With events like the Gaylord tornado in mind, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County is preparing for unexpected disasters. Equity

Preparing for disaster: Community Foundation of St. Clair County creates fund for catastrophes

Erica HobbsThursday, May 2, 2024
Disasters are not common in Michigan but there have been a memorable few in the past several years. With that in mind, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has initiated a fund to meet the immediate needs like housing, food and medical care and also to help long-term recovery efforts.  
Feature Story Marla Schneider, Muskegon County’s economic development director

Muskegon Heights’s new industrial parks strategy is key step in bolstering economic development

The Lakeshore StaffThursday, May 2, 2024
Muskegon Heights is poised for success with available vacant land and buildings ready for development, say officials. 
Feature Story small-rendering Economic Development

State backs collaborative approach to affordable housing project

Shandra MartinezThursday, May 2, 2024
A church, two nonprofits, the city of Holland and a Native American tribe are coming together to create 52 affordable housing units in Holland. The state is supporting the project with access to low-income tax credits. 
Feature Story Dillon Barr works with students in a classroom, teaching them about how to find to find their path. Arts and Culture

Port Huron author turns imagination into reality

Riley ConnellThursday, May 2, 2024
Dillon Barr, a Port Huron-based author, uses his passion for comic books to inspire imagination in kids worldwide.  
Longform Vibrant Futures Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

Early Education Community of Practice brings unified message to state focus on early childhood care

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaTuesday, April 30, 2024
The Community of Practice has expanded to 30+ Michigan organizations focused on early childhood. Members have access to a variety of resources and experts and are able to provide solutions and mobilize quickly.  
Partner Content Accommodations can help create a successful visit. Second Wave - MichiganEquity

Simple accommodations can eliminate barriers to health care

Joseph GoralTuesday, April 30, 2024
Because equal and quality access to care is so important, making sure medical practices improve access and accommodations for people with autism is a crucial goal of the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM).
Feature Story groundedrv Technology and Innovation

Keep an eye on these outdoor rec startups

Jennifer Donovan | RIX StaffThursday, April 25, 2024
Outdoor recreation is big business -- in Michigan and across the country. And advances in technology and good old ingenuity are changing the landscape of outdoor recreation. Check out these startups and see if you don't want to get back outdoors and explore nature. 
Feature Story housingconstruction Economic Development

First-ever rural-focused Real Estate Development Boot Camp aimed at emerging housing developers

Rosemary ParkerThursday, April 25, 2024
Looking to encourage emerging developers to build new housing in the state's rural communities, the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is launching its first-ever Real Estate Development Boot Camp.
Longform Metric Marketing founder and CEO Hannah McNaughton.

Positive culture helps Saline marketing firm climb Inc. list of fastest-growing Midwest companies

Sarah RiggThursday, April 25, 2024
Metric Marketing has grown from a one-woman company to have a staff of about 40, and it's doubled revenue nearly every year since it launched. Here's how it happened.
Feature Story Inside one of the greenhouses at Griskie Farms

Griskie Farms continuing the small farm legacy in challenging times

Leslie CieplechowiczThursday, April 25, 2024
Being a farmer isn't easy. Laura Rzanca of Griskie Farms explains the history behind the family business and the challenges of being a farmer today. 
Feature Story Entering its second summer of construction, downtown Zeeland is working with customers and shop owners to make sure downtown shopping and dining is still "The Main Thing."

Supporting local businesses — even during construction — is the Main Thing in Zeeland

Andrea GoodellThursday, April 25, 2024
Zeeland is encouraging customers to make continuing to support their favorite downtown businesses during construction "The Main Thing" with an awareness campaign that highlights how to navigate construction and why it's important.
Special Report Special report graphic Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Special report: How can Michigan fix a guardianship system that fails some kids and older adults?

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, April 24, 2024
Guardianship is designed to protect those who can't care for themselves, but it doesn't always work that way. Advocates are pursuing a variety of solutions to improve the system.
Longform Leaders from Mackinac Straits Health System and the public health departments implemented the assessment in the communities of Mackinac County. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Community health needs assessments drive priorities for local health departments and hospitals

Leslie CieplechowiczTuesday, April 23, 2024
To better serve their communities, many health departments and hospitals undertake community health needs assessments (CHNA) by surveying the people they serve.
Longform Shelby Coolbaugh, administrative assistant for the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP), and Salli Pung, state long term care omubdsman for MLTCOP. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan ombudsman program advocates for residents in long-term care facilities

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, April 19, 2024
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program improves quality of care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. 
Partner Content URC Second Wave - MichiganTechnology and Innovation

How Michigan universities are at the forefront of advancing AI technology

Layla McMurtrieFriday, April 19, 2024
Artificial Intelligence offers enormous opportunities across industries, but universities in Michigan are aware of the need to implement the technology responsibly and are leading the charge on how to do so.
Longform Lindsay Steele at Garden Fort farm.

Farms are growing in Washtenaw County even as they decline nationwide. Here's why.

Sarah RiggThursday, April 18, 2024
A decline in food-producing farms has continued in Michigan for many years since the '50s, but the trend reversed in Washtenaw County starting around 2012.
Feature Story Photo: Courtney Jerome Community Development

Downtown Clare has a new vibe, thanks to a new wave of entrepreneurs

Dianna StampflerThursday, April 18, 2024
Clare, a small farming community in central Michigan, is experiencing a resurgence in its historic downtown, thanks to a small group of entrepreneurs with new ideas and collaborative philosophy. 
Feature Story 906group Healthy Communities

The 906 Adventure Team program teaches life skills with mountain bikes and more

Ann DallmanThursday, April 18, 2024
Marquette's 906 Adventure program helps teach children the skills they need for life -- on and off mountain bikes. The program’s focus is on developing and nurturing life skills and working together.
Feature Story Christine Duhaime & Denny Sian of Sanford Hardware

Family, Business, and Community

Ben TignerThursday, April 18, 2024
A local hardware store in Sanford blends family, business, and community to build its future.
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