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 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. 
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.
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.
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.
Feature Story Nicole and Rob Fowler, the owners of Fowler's Creamery & Coffee, stand outside their storefront in downtown St. Clair with their children Nash (left) and Harper.

Fowler’s Creamery & Coffee to open in St. Clair this spring

Rita MacDonaldThursday, April 18, 2024
Long-time hairdresser, Nicole Fowler, says she is ready to pursue her dream of opening up an ice cream, coffee, and sweets shop, scheduled to open next month in St. Clair.
Feature Story One of four charging stations on the electric-trail network in Ontonagon County.

It's electrifying: The U.P. is home to first of its kind electric off-road vehicle charging network

RIX StaffThursday, April 11, 2024
The first electric off-road vehicle charging network is open in the western U.P. Polaris, Inc., a global leader in power sports, has installed four electric chargers along a network of trails. The initiative is part of Michigan's efforts to lead the country in outdoor recreation innovation, vehicle technology and sustainability. 
Feature Story marquettegreenway Community Development

Michigan's stretch of the Marquette Greenway moves forward

Rosemary Parker Thursday, April 11, 2024
The Marquette Greenway will connect New Buffalo in southwestern Michigan to Chicago. The 60-mile pathway will follow the Lake Michigan shoreline and connect to lakefront amenities. 
Feature Story The Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan. Arts and Culture

New organization seeks to educate and empower the Hispanic community in Southeastern Michigan

Harold PowellThursday, April 11, 2024
After a significant gap left by the disintegration of Hispanic organizations in the Blue Water Area, the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan is set to fill the void by offering vital resources and educational services as they cultivate tradition and spread awareness across the region. 
Longform Dr. Theresa Hastert (right) helped develop the Michigan Community Outreach to Address Financial Toxicity (MI-COST). Ali Fakih (left) is a research assistant with MI-COST, and Cornelius Wilson (center) sits on its Community Advisory Board. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Here's how Michigan organizations are working to reduce cancer treatment's crushing financial burden

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, April 11, 2024
In Michigan, several efforts are underway to help cancer patients prepare for, manage, and alleviate the financial struggles associated with treatment.
Feature Story Indigo farm

Agritourism: How small farms in rural Michigan are finding solutions

Leslie CieplechowiczThursday, April 11, 2024
“I don’t believe that we would still be farming without diversifying,” says Dory Hill, co-owner of Crooked Creek Farm Dairy in Romeo. Agritourism income in Michigan jumped from $USD 20 million in 2017 to $56 million in 2022 as small farms are finding new ways to survive.
Feature Story Small-MiCareer-Quest

MiCareerQuest connects 8,000 students with hands-on exploration into future career opportunities

The Lakeshore StaffThursday, April 11, 2024
Over 8,000 middle and high school students across West Michigan had the opportunity to experience more than 300 high-demand careers first-hand at this year's MiCareerQuest.
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