Stories

Feature Story K-6 youth at the Voices of Youth listening session.

Voices of Youth with the YMCA: Giving local kids a chance to be heard

Josh Chapman, CEO of the Blue Water YMCA, is implementing a new program to find out what is important to young people, how they are coping in their daily lives, and what they hope for the future.

Feature Story Left to Right: Theresa Rosso, Jan Evans, John Highstreet and Sue DeLange.

St. Clair County Quilt Trail stitching community together one block at a time

Algonac Church of Christ’s Piece to Peace Quilting group quilts with purpose, supporting community events and organizations and promoting the county’s history and unique off-the-highway attractions.

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 Anderson & Roe

'Rock star' classical pianists to perform at Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra's season finale

“It’s quite a coup that we were able to bring (Anderson & Roe) here,” says BCSO Director Anne Harrigan of the well-known piano duo. "The way they play and interact with each other is something you don’t see every day.”

Longform Hands Off Kalamazoo

Hands Off! demonstration in Kalamazoo drew nearly 4,000

Close to 4,000 people lined South Westnedge Avenue in Portage to participate in the Hands Off! Kalamazoo rally, one of over 1,400 protests that took place Saturday throughout all 50 states.

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 Hands Off Battle Creek

Hands Off! protest in Battle Creek was an all-hands-on-deck moment

On the Ground Project Editor Jane Parikh and OTG Photographer John Grap headed out this past Saturday to find out why people were participating in the Hands Off! Rally in Battle Creek. See also the video interviews that demonstrate the wide variety of reasons people chose to protest.

Innovation News Jacqueline Leapheart

Meet Jacqueline Leapheart

A Midland native juggles nonprofit work, photography, and mentorship while honoring a family legacy at Adoption Option Inc. and advocating for inclusivity and youth empowerment.

In The News Josh Holliday

New VP of Marketing, Communications & Sales at Midland Center for the Arts is a familiar face

Midland Center for the Arts is welcoming back a familiar face, Josh Holliday, to his new role of Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Sales.

In The News CNCschoolList

Chippewa Nature Center celebrates Earth Week with all-ages, hands-on fun

Chippewa Nature Center celebrates Earth Week with hands-on, all-ages activities designed to promote environmental awareness, outdoor learning, and fun for families in the Midland area.

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.

Development News "There is just something innately good for you in a forest. It’s good for your soul," says Whiting.

Arbor Day unites Midland community through tree planting, education

ReLeaf Michigan and Dow Gardens celebrate Arbor Day with tree plantings at Wallen Park and school visits, promoting environmental education, community engagement, and sustainability in Midland.

Development News A startup bootcamp held previously by 20Fathoms.

'It’s a local movement': Northern Michigan Startup Week returns to Traverse City this April

“Northern Michigan Startup Week is more than a week of events—it’s a local movement designed to foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification in the region,” says Bradley Matson, Lead Organizer of Northern Michigan Startup Week.

Development News “Spring is a season of awakening, and an opportunity to explore the beauty of Michigan in springtime by connecting with the great outdoors and unique city experiences,” says Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan.

Bellaire brewery to release latest in series of Michigan-themed craft beers

“Spring is a season of awakening, and an opportunity to explore the beauty of Michigan in springtime by connecting with the great outdoors and unique city experiences,” says Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan.

Feature Story Jordan Ensing 40U40

Promoting Mt. Pleasant: How Jordan Ensing Is championing community connection through tourism

A CMU alum, 40 Under 40 awardee, and passionate advocate for the area, Jordan Ensing is using her role at the CVB to foster connections, empower frontline workers, and ensure Mt. Pleasant’s welcoming spirit reaches both residents and visitors alike.