Beyond books: Rural libraries expand services to meet community needs Read Article

The historic Rogers Theater is owned by the Presque Isle District Library and is used for movies, community and school events.
Photo: The historic Rogers Theater is owned by the Presque Isle District Library and is used for movies, community and school events. Facebook / SHPO

Need to work away from home? Consider these co-working spaces in rural Michigan Read Article

Tom Buchkoe

How one rural Michigan brewery created community Read Article

A craft beer enthusiast, Jeremy Grossenbacher grew up in Coopersville.
Photo: A craft beer enthusiast, Jeremy Grossenbacher grew up in Coopersville. Craig Watson

Michigan's first commercial elderberry farm offers u-pick, market and more Read Article

Lavender farms on the rise in Michigan Read Article

Brian Wells

New 'ride' showcases Cadillac as an ORV destination Read Article

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 discgolf Entrepreneurship

Disc golf course caps tiny school district’s forestry lessons

Rosemary ParkerThursday, January 16, 2025
For Farwell Area Schools students and others, the school forest is about more than forestry and tree management these days. It's also a serene, shaded place to play disc golf, a sport growing in popularity across the country.   
Feature Story almawelcomedesk Community Development

With expansion Alma hospital is poised for growth

Rosemary Parker Thursday, January 16, 2025
MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma has completed a $34 million expansion, which includes a 51,200-square-foot surgical suite. 
Feature Story Gregory Hall reaquired his beloved Virture Cider and is returning the brand to its independent roots.

Virtue Cider’s Next Chapter: Gregory Hall brings the brand back to Allegan County roots

Shandra MartinezThursday, January 16, 2025
Virtue Cider founder Gregory Hall reacquired the Fennville brand, blending old-world techniques with local heritage to craft sustainable, creative ciders.
Feature Story New Port Huron Mayor Anita Ashford. Economic Development

Port Huron makes history with election of first African-American mayor, Anita R. Ashford

Harold PowellThursday, January 16, 2025
Anita Ashford reflects on her journey from community volunteer to historic mayor, vowing to continue her legacy of service and leadership in Port Huron.
Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS. Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Rylee BarnsdaleTuesday, January 14, 2025
Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.
Feature Story “Friendsgiving dinner” with a group of teen participants in One Michigan’s CALM program Second Wave - Michigan

‘Our kids are very stressed’: Program boosts immigrant youth mental healthNonprofit Journal Project

Julie J. RiddleFriday, January 10, 2025
The threat of losing relatives to deportation compounds mental health stresses for immigrant teens. A youth-designed program uses conversation and community to help.
Feature Story Janelle Smith (seated) and Kate Litwin Second Wave - Michigan

Cross-sector partnerships key to prosperity in downtown HowellNonprofit Journal Project Feature

Julie J. RiddleFriday, January 10, 2025
A bustling downtown Howell – including a fanciful outdoor play space – has been built from strong partnerships.  
Feature Story Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman are the long-time hosts of Under the Radar Michigan, airing on PBS. Arts and Culture

The duo behind Under the Radar Michigan

Jennifer ChampagneThursday, January 9, 2025
For more than a decade, the duo of Tom and Jim have been traveling Michigan, sharing the stories of people and places -- the hidden gems of the Great Lakes State.
Feature Story Corewell Health has been among the supporters of the Lakeshore Trail. Community Development

Donations boost plans for Southwest Michigan's Lakeshore Trail

Rosemary Parker Thursday, January 9, 2025
Plans for the Lakeshore Trail, a multi-use pathway connecting beaches and communities in Southwest Michigan, are moving forward, thanks to successful fundraising efforts.
Feature Story The Grand Landing site at the intersection of US 31 and Adams Street in Grand Haven has been in the sights of hotel developers since 2006.

Grand Haven's Grand Landing could finally land a hotel

Andrea GoodellThursday, January 9, 2025
At the Grand Landing site at the intersection of US 31 and Adams Street, Elite Hospitality has now proposed a 131-room Hilton hotel complex, including a Hampton Inn and Home 2 Suites.   
Feature Story Women's Giving Group

Women in Albion and Marshall make an impact through collective giving groups

Jane ParikhThursday, January 9, 2025
Collective giving groups, especially among women, continue to rise in popularity. We introduce you to two such Southwest Michigan groups to find out how they were formed and why they are thriving.
Partner Content Autism can be a very isolating. AAoM shares and hosts events that are relevant to the autism community. Second Wave - MichiganEquity

Welcome Kit helps Michiganders navigate autism resources and support

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, January 8, 2025
AAoM Welcome Kits provide a broad yet concise overview of AAoM’s roster of services. Available in two versions — one for families raising autistic children and autistic adults and another for professionals serving the autistic clients — Welcome Kits extend a warm handshake that welcomes them to AAoM’s services.
Feature Story Color of Autism Foundation provides training for families of autistic children Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Ending the stigma of autism in communities of colorNonprofit Journal Project

Layla McMurtrieFriday, January 3, 2025
“I would go to support groups, but no one looked like me,” says Camille Proctor. She eventually founded the Color of Autism Foundation to end the stigma of autism among communities of color and create a better understanding of autism and autism services for families.  
Feature Story Shannon and Todd Postill are the new owners of Family Tradition Tree Farm located in Kimball, Michigan.

Tree Farm in Kimball springs back to life with new owners

Liz FredendallThursday, December 19, 2024
Formerly known as Tollander Tree Farm, Family Tradition Tree Farm in Kimball is taking root under new ownership, blending a long-held family business with new traditions.
Feature Story Dr. Rehab (Ruby) Alhajjar is the founder of FlowShield-Nano and holds a doctorate in biological sciences, specializing in water microbiology and nanotechnology, from Michigan Technological University.

Houghton entrepreneur develops real-time monitoring of water contaminants

UPword StaffThursday, December 19, 2024
A Houghton startup has developed a prototype of a monitoring device that can test for contaminants in water and beverages in real time.   
Feature Story Downtown Zeeland shown at dusk.

Downtown Zeeland sees record $30M investment in transformative year

Shandra MartinezThursday, December 19, 2024
Downtown Zeeland celebrates a record $30 million investment in 2024, a year highlighted by major developments, thriving businesses, and community milestones.
Feature Story librarysign Community Development

Beyond books: Rural libraries expand services to meet community needs

Rosemary Parker | RIX StaffThursday, December 19, 2024
Many libraries in rural Michigan have expanded their services in recent years to offer everything from prom dress rentals to costume swaps to seeds for spring planting. 
Feature Story Meresa Salisbury attends the Baldwin Senior Expo earlier this year. Equity

Disability Network West Michigan’s new Lake County office brings support to rural residents

Shandra MartinezThursday, December 19, 2024
Disability Network West Michigan’s Lake County office empowers individuals with disabilities, providing essential resources and personalized support while fostering independence.
Feature Story "We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family." Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Brianna NargisoTuesday, December 17, 2024
Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 
Feature Story Robert Sheehan Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan’s community mental health agencies will do even more good work in 2025

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, December 17, 2024
Federal dollars, state initiatives, community partnerships, and a normalization of seeking and receiving behavioral health care have positioned Michigan’s community mental health agencies to do even more good work in 2025.
Load More Stories

Recommended Content

Sponsored By
Regions
Focus Areas
Copyright © Issue Media Group. All rights reserved.