Stories

Longform In Detroit, a truck drives on Jefferson Ave. while smoke billows from Zug Island.

Wayne County air quality monitors alert residents and inspire clean air action

Wayne County is tackling its air quality crisis with a new network of 100 hyperlocal monitors, launched in partnership with environmental service company JustAir to track pollution in real time.

Feature Story Kent District Library's Write Michigan Short Story Contest is free to enter for youth. Adults pay a $10 entry fee, although scholarships are available.

Write Michigan contest inspires creativity and connection across the state

KDL’s Write Michigan Short Story Contest invites Michiganders of all ages to share their stories, fostering creativity and connection statewide. Deadline is Nov. 30.   

Feature Story fragmentslist

How 2 West Michigan designers are turning plastic waste into art

Two KCAD alumni are transforming plastic waste into durable recycled materials. They are showcasing their sustainable innovation at the “Fragments to Form” exhibit,  which runs through Nov. 22.

Feature Story “Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” offers visitors a sparkling walk through history, revealing how jewelry has shaped and reflected society from the Renaissance to the present day.

Exhibit at Muskegon Museum of Art shows jewelry as a window to the past

A Q&A with Art Martin about the new jewelry exhibit at the Muskegon Museum of Art that reveals history through pieces from the prestigious Richard H. Driehaus Collection.   

Feature Story small-zumba

5 Lakeshore nonprofits to share $100K for arts, wellness projects

The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation is awarding $100,000 to five Lakeshore nonprofits, funding wellness and arts projects.  

Feature Story Families can enjoy the illuminated carousel, seasonal photo spots, and a chance for children to meet Sinterklaas, the Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus, on select days.

Magic at the Mill returns to Windmill Island Gardens for the holidays

Magic at the Mill returns to Windmill Island Gardens with dazzling lights, festive activities, and treats, creating a holiday wonderland in Holland.  

Feature Story If you’re looking for unique and delightful gifts to give this holiday season, look no further than the Kerstmarket (Christmas market) in Holland.

Artisans are coming to town: Nonprofit markets offer holiday cheer, goodies

B.Hope for the Holidays and several other artisan markets are kicking off the holiday season this Saturday with hand-crafted goods and good causes.

Longform K-Connect's data dashboard for Kent County.

Local health statistics are a click away as community health dashboards proliferate in Michigan

Community health dashboards are readily available online resources that compile various health data for different regions.

Feature Story Michigan Library Association 2024 Public Librarian of the Year Rob Carpenter is known for his silly storytimes and innovative thinking.

HDL manager is Michigan Public Librarian of the Year

Herrick District Library North Branch Manager Rob Carpenter is loved by his staff and now the entire state knows it after he was named the Michigan Library Association's 2024 Public Librarian of the Year.  

Feature Story Among the help available at Community Action House are cooking classes.

CAH’s Food Club to launch a mobile version

The Community Action House is celebrating the third anniversary of the Food Club & Opportunity Hub with plans to launch a new Food Club Mobile Market.

Feature Story Women of Color Give announced the latest recipients of its grants at its fifth-annual “Elevating You Brunch."

‘Powerful collective of impact’: WOC Give to award $50k to 3 organizations

Three recipients have been picked for WOC Give’s 2024 grant cycle: Children’s Advocacy Center, I Am Academy, and Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative – Lakeshore Latinas. Vice President Rebekah Bakker talks about the impact of the group's investments.

Feature Story Sisters Emily and Chelsy Millner drive school bus for Allegan Area Educational Services Agency.

Sisters know the rewards of driving a school bus

Being a bus driver isn't always the easiest job, but it certainly has its rewards as sisters Chelsy and Emily Millner know so well.

Feature Story GVSU President Philomena Mantella extends a warm welcome to the inaugural recipients of the Michigan Growth Office’s Make MI Home grant.

GVSU secures $200,000 grant to attract diverse grad students – and keep them here

GVSU plans to use a $200,000 grant through Michigan’s “Make MI Home” program for diverse talent retention and community integration.

Feature Story  Shane Scherer, director of the Peter Secchia Military and Veteran Resource Center, speaks as part of the Military Connected/Student Veteran Orientation, which returned this fall as a way to provide specialized support for veteran students.

GVSU earns gold status as a top veteran-friendly university for 10th year

Veteran Shane Scherer continues the mission to make the West Michigan campus welcoming for military veterans.  

Feature Story If you’re looking for unique and delightful gifts to give this holiday season, look no further than the Kerstmarket (Christmas market) in Holland.

November things to do: Theater, shopping, music, food drives, crafts, Thanksgiving, and turkey trots

There’s no reason to stay home this month. From Día de los Muertos celebrations to Thanksgiving gatherings, there are concerts, plays, nature, art, comedy, tree-lightings, and so much more on our November calendar.

Longform Zachary Frieben, Summit Pointe customer service specialist, can help clients who feel their patient rights may not have been respected.

Michigan's CMHs work hard to ensure patient rights are understood and upheld

Michigan’s community mental health agencies are working to break down these barriers and encourage people to seek care confidently, knowing their rights will be respected.

Feature Story Marcus Drenth of NineTen Media

Marketing agency looking to offer pro bono services to 3 West Michigan nonprofits

Grand Rapids' NineTen Media offers pro bono digital services to local nonprofits.  

Feature Story Kent County Emergency Manager Scott Corbin is sworn in.

Holland City Councilman is Kent County’s new emergency manager, sets sights on community resilience

Holland City Councilman Scott Corbin is Kent County’s new emergency manager and says he will focus on “preparedness, resilience, and risk reduction.”  

Feature Story Sautatuck Township Hall’s redesign will include a new façade, enhanced signage, and the addition of a pedestrian plaza.

Saugatuck Township Hall renovation part of larger Blue Star Highway transformation effort

Saugatuck Township's public meeting on Oct. 23 will allow residents to review the Township Hall renovation plans and the Blue Star Highway Corridor Safety study.   

Feature Story An artist's rendering of the 17 East Main project in Zeeland.

New mixed-use development project to transform downtown Zeeland with support from state, city

Private-public partnerships have made possible a transformative project in downtown Zeeland that will add more residential and commercial space to a critical corner.