Stories

Feature Story small-dakc The LakeshoreEquity

Absolutely Accessible Kent returns to show what’s possible in accessible design

Shandra MartinezFriday, May 3, 2024
The 6th annual Absolutely Accessible Kent will take place May 8 at GVSU’s Eberhard Center from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with presentations on designing for neurodiversity, aging in place, and accessibility in arts venues.
Feature Story Clay hands being made for a Muskegon Museum of Art touring Through Our Lens: Hands exhibit. Rural Innovation ExchangeArts 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 Kalamazoo Jail Ministry Southwest MichiganHealthy Communities

Kalamazoo Jail Ministry offers 'radical acceptance,' resources, and hope

Zinta AistarsThursday, May 2, 2024
“We don’t push religion at all. We have magazines, art books, whatever they need. Our job is to serve and to love."
Feature Story Sojourner Truth Choir Southwest MichiganArts and Culture

Inner City Music Proving Arts Can Teach makes huge IMPACT in Battle Creek

Jane ParikhThursday, May 2, 2024
Battle Creek IMPACT is a free music education program that features the Sojourner Truth Choir, along with drums and piano instruction. About 85 percent of the students represent the area’s African American, Burmese, and Latinx communities. "We train kids and give them the opportunity to go out in the community to share their gifts and talents."
Feature Story Gun Violence Southwest MichiganSafe Communities

How we can all do our part to decrease gun violence in Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, May 2, 2024
“It’s not a meeting telling people, ‘You need to do this, or you need to do that.’ It’s each one of us looking at ourselves and asking what can we do and then will we do that?”
Feature Story With events like the Gaylord tornado in mind, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County is preparing for unexpected disasters. Rural Innovation ExchangeEquity

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 Native Plantings Southwest MichiganSustainability

Local synagogues and churches rewilding to welcome migratory flocks and other creatures

Mike WenningerThursday, May 2, 2024
“One of the reasons I enjoy doing native planting is because it sequesters carbon and helps the ground absorb more water. If we’re taking care of the planet, we need to take care of the soil and the creatures on the planet, and native plantings are one of the most immediate visible ways to do that."
In The News Dr. Tino Smith Southwest MichiganCommunity Development

Planned closure of overnight Battle Creek Shelter has local faith leader looking for solutions

Jane ParikhThursday, May 2, 2024
After three years in operation, the Battle Creek Shelter is slated to close. Dr. Tino Smith of Kingdom Builders Worldwide, the current operator of the shelter, is seeking funding.
Feature Story Mental Health and Athletes Southwest MichiganKids and Education

Voices of Youth: Student-athletes need mental health support, too

David HarperThursday, May 2, 2024
It's not uncommon to take the mental health of student-athletes for granted. Studies suggest that although most teens develop improved resilience through athletics, others experience stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and more that may be less visible due to the stress-related impacts of training and competition.
Feature Story Self-driving vehicles Southwest MichiganTransportation

Voices of Youth: Self-driving vehicles are coming to Calhoun County — ready or not

Rodrigo CondeThursday, May 2, 2024
While the technology is still developing, it's only a matter of time before driverless cars come to Battle Creek — and to other cities across the state. Three larger cities already have robotaxies. What are some advantages to self-driving vehicles and how do we prepare?
In The News Horseshoe List Epicenter - Mount PleasantCommunity Development

Spring into action: Your ultimate guide to May events in Isabella County

Daria BlondThursday, May 2, 2024
Discover May’s must-attend events in Isabella County. From Mother’s Day celebrations to community fundraisers, explore a diverse lineup of activities throughout the month. Don’t miss out—click here to plan your May adventures!
Development News When Tawas Point Lighthouse was completed in 1876, the lighthouse keeper could dock a boat almost at his front door. Rural Innovation ExchangeArts and Culture

With $455K restoration complete, this historic lighthouse is ready for visitors once again

MJ GalbraithThursday, May 2, 2024
“After many years we are so excited to see the tower of Tawas Point Lighthouse return to the gleaming white beacon it was meant to be,” says Laurie Perkins, a Michigan History Center site historian for Tawas Point Lighthouse.
Development News “We are beyond excited about joining the DNR in finding new ways to help solve old problems,” says Saugatuck Brewing Company CEO John Miller. Rural Innovation ExchangeSustainability

Buy a beer, save a fish: Michigan brewery teams with DNR on wildlife habitat restoration fundraiser

MJ GalbraithThursday, May 2, 2024
“We are beyond excited about joining the DNR in finding new ways to help solve old problems,” says Saugatuck Brewing Company CEO John Miller.
Development News Sanford Park Diamonds Catalyst Midland

A time to celebrate: Sanford Park reopens after 4 years

Stephanie M. YancerThursday, May 2, 2024
Four years after devastating flooding, Sanford is on the rebound. Celebrate the reopening of Sanford Park with live music and baseball on their brand new diamonds.
Development News Give Local Midland 2024 Catalyst MidlandCommunity Development

Give where you live: Give Local Midland starts May 7

Misty BarronThursday, May 2, 2024
The Midland Area Community Foundation is gearing up for its annual 24-hour Give Local Midland fundraising campaign on May 7.
Rural Innovation Exchange

Over $600K to spruce up fronts of 5 downtown properties with help of DDA façade grants

Thursday, May 2, 2024
Source: True North Radio Network
Rural Innovation Exchange

New mountain biking trails open in Cheboygan

Thursday, May 2, 2024
Source: Interlochen Public Radio
Feature Story Marla Schneider, Muskegon County’s economic development director Rural Innovation Exchange

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. 
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