Features

Feature Story plantstudent

Finessing farm fare: Montague Schools pilot local produce plan for student meals

Montague Area Public Schools have launched a three-year pilot program aimed at streamlining the incorporation of local produce into school-sponsored meals. If successful, the program, known as PLANTS, could be adopted by other Michigan schools.

Feature Story icestormtree

Community foundations rally to raise money to help victims of historic ice storm

In the wake of a destructive ice storm in Northern Michigan, community foundations from Alpena to Charlevoix are collecting donations to help local residents and businesses with immediate needs like food and shelter. 

Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.

Longform Gordon "Big" Dooley with merchandise from his clothing line, Husky Life. Free coaching from the Small Business Success program helped Dooley refine his business plan.

New program offers free support for entrepreneurs in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe counties

From increasing search engine traffic to overcoming burnout, small business owners in Washtenaw County and beyond are benefiting from Ann Arbor SPARK's new Small Business Support program.

Feature Story "... at least 17 children at any time are boarding in an emergency department across the state.”

Michigan's hospitals and improved pediatric behavioral health care

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association addresses pediatric behavioral health care with data, advocacy, and grant funding of member hospital programs. 

Feature Story woodworkingstmauds

Rural woodworking school teaches carving and life skills to Michigan and Wisconsin students

Saint Maud’s Makerspace operates on the Sloyd principles, an educational model founded and developed in 1800’s Sweden. Students are learning woodworking skills but also strengthening themselves for the journey of life.   

Feature Story Broadway Theatre

From historic preservation to new comedy series, Mt. Pleasant’s Broadway Theatre continues to evolve

The Broadway Theatre has been a cultural staple in downtown Mt. Pleasant for over a century, offering live performances, films, and community-driven events. Led by the Friends of the Broadway nonprofit, efforts to restore and enhance the historic venue are underway, including accessibility improvements, stage renovations, and a newly launched "Comedy Slam!" series.

Feature Story There will be a variety of interactive scenes and simulators to play in and on, including the campground and riding in the kayak.

New exhibit inside the Carnegie Museum aims to inspire stewardship, teach nature topics

Friends of the St. Clair River is partnering with Port Huron Museums to establish the Blue Water, Green Spaces exhibit from April to September to connect the public with the region’s outdoors.

Feature Story GVSU Innovation Hub

Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Battle Creek creates abundant opportunity downtown

"All of this will help to build a downtown where people want to live, where businesses want to relocate and grow, and where stores want to open, all of which is essential for the future success of Battle Creek.” 

Feature Story Home list

No place like homeownership: New programs aid first-generation homebuyers

A coalition of community leaders from the region are working together to help first-generation homebuyers. Statewide programs offer both financial help and education about the responsibilities of homeownership.  

Feature Story andrewdoyleronyob

Now showing: The environment is the star of this annual film festival in Manistee

Folks from all over Michigan are gathering this weekend in Manistee to promote environmental stewardship through an annual film festival and other events.  

Feature Story harvestingcherries

Cherry Republic expands in Leelanau County

Cherry Republic, the retailer of all things cherries, is expanding its distribution and fulfillment center in Empire. The $2.8 million project will create jobs and mean purchasing more cherries. 

Feature Story John Counts, author of "Bear County, Michigan."

Former journalist explores darkness, beauty of northern Michigan in short story anthology

John Counts' book, "Bear County, Michigan," blends elements of crime, folklore, and personal experience, drawing inspiration from Counts' time as a police reporter in Manistee.

Feature Story The park, which sits along the North Bank Trail at the end of Central Avenue, now has a small dog park, tennis courts, and softball and baseball diamonds, but it is in dire need of an update, officials say.

Spring Lake Village leaders aim for accessibility all year long in Central Park renovation

The park would be the Spring Lake's first to be universally accessible and available year round.

Feature Story 20Fathoms offers coworking space with panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay; free snacks and beverages; conference rooms; and more.

Small business hubs elevate startups and entrepreneurs

Across the state, small business support hubs are helping entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses with resources like workshops, co-working spaces, and grants.

Feature Story lavenderfieldrobot

Flower Power: Michigan Tech professor developing robot for lavender harvesting

Harvesting flowers is a gentle business, one traditionally done by hand. An assistant professor at Michigan Technological University is looking to automate that cumbersome task for flower farmers across the state. She is developing a robotic harvesting system.

Feature Story  MMA Executive Director Kirk Hallman.

Muskegon Museum of Art's $15.4M Expansion: a cultural gem shines brightly on Michigan's west side

The Muskegon Museum of Art recently unveiled a $15.4 million expansion in February, the Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion, that doubles the museum’s size and redefines its role as a national arts destination.

Feature Story Tom Kunetz, a retired environmental engineer and chair of Allegan County’s water study work group is working to map groundwater in the county.

Allegan County maps water to secure future supply

Allegan County is earning praise for its forward-thinking approach to mapping groundwater, supporting sustainable water management amid increasing demand and potential future shortages.  

Feature Story LifeWays staff

Community mental health delivers care to Michigan's schools

Michigan's CMHs play a critical role in schools, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and case management to students who might otherwise slip through the cracks.  

Partner Content Gala Banner

Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.”