Features

Longform Christine Sauvé.

New state law will help ensure health care access for non-English-speaking Michiganders

Michigan's new Statewide Meaningful Language Access Coordination Act will require public services to be more accessible to non-English speakers. 

Feature Story Irish Fest List

49th Annual Clare Irish Festival celebrates heritage and traditions

The 49th Annual Clare Irish Festival captured the hearts and spirits of locals and visitors alike March 13 through 17. Enjoy a photo essay of events that took place on Saturday, March 16 in downtown Clare.

Feature Story Creation Coffee List

Creation Coffee expands presence in Mt. Pleasant: A journey from hobby to entrepreneurship

As Creation Coffee opens a new location on Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant this month, discover the story of two college friends who turned their love for coffee into a thriving enterprise, one roast at a time.

Longform Kelsey Lehman and Autumn Carson

Podcast a "not-so-clinical approach to conversations surrounding all things mental health."

Podcast hosted by three friends covers a range of topics like finding a therapist, tips for loved ones, and misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medications. 

Feature Story Robert Sheehan, executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

Proposed licensure changes aim to ease Michigan's social worker shortage

Mental health and social work advocates are pushing for legislative change to shift Michigan's social worker licensing process from a test-based approach to a practice-driven alternative that has proven successful in other states.

In The News SDB List Image

Sleepy Dog Books and local businesses give gift of literature to schools for National Reading Month

In honor of March being National Reading Month, downtown Mt. Pleasant bookstore Sleepy Dog Books is hosting a community-driven fundraiser aimed to provide area students and teachers the gift of literature. 

Feature Story Tech Farming List

Precision farming and technology revolutionizes crop management in mid Michigan

Farmers in mid Michigan are leveraging cutting-edge technology such as auto-steering tractors and precision-planting tools to optimize crop production and mitigate challenges. These advancements not only enhance efficiency and reduce costs, but also empower farmers to make data-informed decisions, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for the future.

Longform Rendering of Sawmill Lofts in Grayling

Recent Michigan housing legislation incentivizes more housing developments

As part of the Make it in Michigan Strategy, the state of Michigan has new finance tools and opportunities to convert vacant land into housing via the Transformational Brownfield Fund and tax increment funding. The State Land Bank Authority and Michigan Community Capital are working with state, local, and federal organizations to develop attainable workforce housing in their communities.   

Feature Story coty list image

Diane and Richard Fleming receive Mt. Pleasant Chamber “Outstanding Citizens of the Year” award

The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated members of the Mt. Pleasant community at their annual awards Saturday, March 2. Diane and Richard Fleming were announced as 2023’s Outstanding Citizens of the Year—a special tribute as there have been only four other couples recognized in the 67-year history.

Feature Story Summer Hill Village

Summerhill Village: Pioneering sustainable living with Clayton eBuilt™ homes in central Michigan

With a goal of building innovative homes which are less expensive, healthier, and more sustainable places to live, Summerhill Village in Mt. Pleasant introduces first-of-it's-kind eBuilt Zero Energy Ready Homes amid housing shortage.

Feature Story Ray Ribitch

Mt. Pleasant dentist Dr. Raymond Ribitch receives national accreditation

Mt. Pleasant dentist Dr. Raymond Ribitch recently received nationally recognized dental accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry—making him only one of eight dentists with this accreditation in the state of Michigan. Discover Dr. Ribitch’s dental practice, Mid Michigan Smiles, plus their accomplishments and goals moving forward to help the community.

Longform Melvin Henley

Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

Development News CMU RC List

The Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub receives federal entrepreneurial hub grantGovernor Whitmer designation unleashes vital resources for local entrepreneurs

The Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub has been selected as one of 27 regional grantees to receive funding from the Small Business Support Hubs program. See how 11 partnering area organizations aim to create a dynamic ecosystem for small businesses to thrive by providing essential resources such as networking opportunities, events, programs, and dedicated spaces.

Longform Dr. Kelsey Sala-Hamrick is the Michigan Public Health Institute's MI ACE project director.

200-partner collaborative raises awareness about impact of adverse childhood experiences in Michigan

Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them. 

Feature Story PT List

Mt. Pleasant pottery studio provides a haven for creativity and relaxation

For about a dozen years, The Painted Turtle has been a haven for creativity and relaxation in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Discover the business’s origins and their plans for what’s next.

Longform MDHHS staff early 20th century.

State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.   

Feature Story MM Bin

Materials management: We’re not talking about just trash anymoreQ&A with Isabella County Material Recovery Facility director, Jake Borton

The Isabella County Material Recovery Facility is setting its sights on becoming a regional hub for sustainability efforts when it comes to materials management. Discover more about how the MRF is implementing a new legislature, shifting the focus away from landfill capacity, and toward more sustainable methods of recycling.

Longform Child at NEST Child Care and Parent Institute in Detroit

Michigan makes the leap to improved educational opportunities with MiLEAP

MiLEAP consolidates the expansion of Pre-K for All, Sixty by 30, which would see 60% of working-age Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030, and all education in between. 

Feature Story virtual job fair image

Virtual Job Fair represents 40+ employers seeking behavioral health services professionals

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is sponsoring a Behavioral Health Services Virtual Job Fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024. 

Feature Story Broadway Lofts on Broadway Street in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

If we build housing, economic development will come

Regional leaders gathered at SVSU to talk about the positive impact housing has on economic development. During the Housing Summit, they talked about successes in each area—including Isabella County—and exchanged ideas about public tools to help private developers.