Stories

Longform Sacred Earth

Grounded: How art, faith, and ecology unite to 'touch the heart' and inspire changeWestminster Art Festival going on now

When it comes to climate change, science appeals to the mind, but art can touch the heart. To create change, we need both. The Westminster Presbyterian Art Festival unites earth care, art, and faith for its annual celebration.

Feature Story One possible way the river could look if it were freed from its concrete channel.

Rising tide of optimism eddies around Battle Creek River naturalization project

Rivers are often urban areas' greatest natural resources. In Battle Creek, plans to restore, beautify, and re-imagine the Battle Creek River are taking shape, thanks to many partners.

Feature Story Kalamazoo Commuter Challenge

Kalamazoo Commuter Challenge encourages new cyclists to Love to Ride to work

With new bike lanes and lights installed in downtown Kalamazoo, it's time for cyclists to test them out. If you work downtown or nearby, consider joining the Kalamazoo Commuter Challenge taking place from May 17 to 30.

Feature Story BC Bagpipes

Midwest bagpipers and drummers skirl and snare together in Battle Creek

An opportunity to hear the ethereal sound of bagpipes and drums happens this Saturday at the Cricket Club in Battle Creek. The Greater Midwest Pipe Band (which has a home base in BC) is preparing for the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships this August.  

Feature Story trinityhealthshelby

Q & A with rural hospital leaders

The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects are still being felt in health care systems across the nation. It's the same in rural Michigan communities. We spoke with Munson Healthcare and Trinity Health Grand Haven and Shelby Hospital to hear their perspectives, concerns, and future outlooks. 

Partner Content Carlson's Fishery opened in 1904 at Fishtown in Leland.

More than just a filet of fish

Iceland has figured out how to use almost 100% of every fish caught – not just the filet. By making things like durable leather, beauty products and skin graft bandages, it’s increased the value of Atlantic cod from about $15 to over $5,000. Can this approach help the struggling Great Lakes fishery?  

Development News The Philadelphia-based company Baleena was awarded the grand prize at the Great Lakes AquaHacking Challenge, receiving $20,000 in seed funding.

Northwestern Michigan College hosts first-ever international AquaHacking Challenge. Here's who won

“The Great Lakes AquaHacking Challenge has brought innovators and entrepreneurs to the region from across the US and Canada," says Jason Slade, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Northwestern Michigan College. 

Development News “Imlay City is thrilled to be recognized as an innovative leader in putting our city on the map from Consumers Energy,” says Christine Malzahn, Imlay City Executive DDA Director.

Storytelling project in downtown Imlay City wins grand prize at placemaking contest for small towns

"Our storytelling project gives purpose to where we’ve been, what we’ve achieved and the path forward to a thriving community,” says Christine Malzahn, Imlay City Executive DDA Director.

Development News The S.S. Badger heads out of Ludington, on its way to Wisconsin.

It’s full steam ahead for the S.S. Badger

“We are thrilled to welcome our passengers back more than a month earlier than originally anticipated. It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff here and the hard work of local vendors to make sure we are ready to go,” says Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry, operator of the S.S. Badger.

Feature Story Marysville Community Center is located at 876 E. Huron Blvd.

100 years of community spirit: The history of Marysville

Explore the history of Marysville as the city celebrates its 100-year anniversary on May 10 at Alexander's Premier Banquet Facility. 

Feature Story small-fiber

Holland’s community-owned broadband network building ‘fiberhoods’

Holland’s first “fiberhoods” will go live this summer, and the build-out is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

Feature Story Fishing list

Bay City lands four fishing tournaments this summer

Hundreds of anglers will visit the Saginaw Bay and Saginaw River in June and August for four high-profile fishing tournaments. The tournaments should have a substantial impact on the local economy.

Feature Story Mumford Prize List

Meet the top three nominees for this year’s Mumford Prize for GoodFeaturing Kim West, Phil Maxwell, and Jim Holton

An annual accolade which celebrates community members who are “doing good” in central Michigan communities is “The Good Prize.” From restaurateur Jim Holton's quiet benevolence to teacher Phil Maxwell's impactful classroom initiatives, and advocate Kim West's dedication to supporting families, each of the “Top 3” nominees for this year’s selection exemplify selflessness and community spirit. Through their stories, witness the transformative power of individuals making an extraordinary difference.

Feature Story Bay County Library System list

From ghost hunting kits to telescopes, the Bay County Library System loans out much more than books

The Bay County Library System debuted its Library of Things in February, making a range of sporting equipment, gaming systems, and technology available to library cardholders

Feature Story Fishing list

Bay City lands four fishing tournaments this summer

Hundreds of anglers will visit the Saginaw Bay and Saginaw River in June and August for four high-profile fishing tournaments. The tournaments should have a substantial impact on the local economy.

Feature Story Chamber logo list

Talent recruitment: Hey, Bay City! focuses on reversing the decline in populationTalent recruitment:

Businesses, government, colleges, and economic development agencies are working together to attract and retain young people in the Great Lakes Bay Region

Feature Story Great Lakes Bay Matchmaker List

Supplier Summit held in Bay City helps match businesses with new vendors

Private businesses and governmental units met with small business leaders to talk about potential new partnerships