Features

Feature Story The latest installation in Port Austin's barn art project is a mural by Detroit artist Bakpak Durden. Inspiration came from a local poet.

Detroit artist Bakpak Durden's mural is the latest barn art in Port Austin project

The newest installation in Port Austin's popular barn art project is a mural by Detroit artist Bakpak Durden. The work, “Confronting Loneliness,” was inspired by the poems of Port Austin poet Jane Mayes.

Feature Story orvbylake

New 'ride' showcases Cadillac as an ORV destination

The growing popularity of off-road vehicles prompted the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau to take another look at local roads. The result? The newly designated ORV Scenic Ride offers outdoor enthusiasts a 100-plus-mile excursion through woods and scenic spots in Wexford County.   

Feature Story The new University of Michigan facility in Wayland is staffed by three primary care physicians and three advanced practice providers.

U-M Health-West opens new $10.4M Wayland Health Center

University of Michigan Health-West has opened a new, larger $10.4 million Wayland Health Center to address the needs of Wayland’s growing population.

Feature Story Eagle Release List

Exploring Isabella Cat Clinic's wildlife rehabilitation efforts

The Isabella Cat Clinic in Mt. Pleasant, known for its feline care services, also operates the Isabella Feline Adoption & Wildlife Center, a non-profit founded by Dr. Catherine Lindstrand over two decades ago. Collaborating with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, the clinic rehabilitates various wildlife species, from birds and rabbits to bald eagles and fox kits. With a dedicated staff and donation-based funding, the clinic's efforts exemplify a commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Feature Story Finlandia University is always looking to expand its educational offerings.

Finlandia's Old Main lives again

The former Finlandia University's Old Main has a new owner and a new future. Naturally Michigan Properties plans to use the historic building as an inn, reception space and boutique gallery.

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

White Lake council boosts rural access to the arts

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.

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

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

Muskegon Heights is poised for success with available vacant land and buildings ready for development, say officials. 

Feature Story small-rendering

State backs collaborative approach to affordable housing project

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.

Port Huron author turns imagination into reality

Dillon Barr, a Port Huron-based author, uses his passion for comic books to inspire imagination in kids worldwide.  

Longform Vibrant Futures

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

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.

Simple accommodations can eliminate barriers to health care

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

Keep an eye on these outdoor rec startups

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.