Stories

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Inclusive dentistry: Transforming access for patients with disabilities

Three Centers for Inclusive Dentistry in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio use specialized training, sensory-friendly tools, and tailored approaches to provide accessible dental care for all patients.

Feature Story The Great Asian Noodle Cookoff will showcase diverse Asian cuisines and cultural performances, and support local and international Rotary initiatives.

Holland to host Great Asian Noodle Cookoff, showcasing cuisine and culture

The Great Asian Noodle Cookoff will showcase diverse Asian cuisines and cultural performances, and support local and international Rotary initiatives.

Feature Story Hudsonville Mayor Mark Northrup speaks at an open house for Holland Hospital's new location in his city.

Hudsonville's growth spurs Holland Hospital to open downtown primary care facility

Holland Hospital opens a new downtown Hudsonville facility, offering primary care, advanced diagnostics, same-day appointments, and walk-in services.

Feature Story Kendall VanWagner hugs a student.

Finding Their Calling: Hillside educators share their journey

Two former students-turned-educators reunite at Hillside Learning Center in Allegan County, proving that early hands-on experiences can shape impactful careers.

West Michigan Symphony celebrates 85 years of music, community, and innovation

The West Michigan Symphony marks its 85th anniversary of blending tradition and innovation to enrich Muskegon with world-class performances and community engagement.  

Feature Story The Martin Lions was one of many organizations that helped to stock Allegan County pantries with peanut butter last year.

Allegan County Community Foundation 'spreading the love' with ninth annual peanut butter drive

Protein is an essential nutrient that is sometimes hard to come by at food pantries. The Allegan County Community Foundation's annual peanut butter drive managed to secure thousands of jars of the staple. Kicking off this Friday with a Milk and Cookies event, will the nonprofit be able to top last year?

Feature Story The Holland Human Relations Commission honored  people and organizations creating an equitable and inclusive community with their 2024 Social Justice Awards.

Holland honors those creating an equitable and inclusive community

Holland Human Relations Commission’s 2024 Social Justice Awards ceremony packed City Hall on Jan 15 to honor people and organizations creating an equitable and inclusive community.

Feature Story Production of "I Remember When" to set the stage on January 20, 2025 at SC4 Fine Arts Theatre in Port Huron.

St. Clair County Community College to host production “I Remember When” in honor of MLK Jr

On January 20, 2025, SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre will be showcasing its production of “I Remember When” highlighting historical moments that shaped the lives of African Americans.

Feature Story Front cover of Greg DeVoogd's book "Easy Lessons Learned the Hard Way."

Port Huron resident Gregg DeVoogd releases first book: ‘Easy Lesson Learned the Hard Way’

After experiencing what was supposed to be an innocent fire, author Greg DeVoogd wrote a book to spread the word on fire safety and the importance of listening to your parents.

Partner Content InSHAPE staff pose with their National INSHAPE Program Innovator Award.

St. Clair County CMH InSHAPE program address patients’ mental and physical health

To provide a whole health integrative approach to wellness, St. Clair County Community Mental Health utilizes the InSHAPE program. This program provides participants with health and workout plans, group classes, diet plans, and other tools for physical and mental health.

Feature Story NHBP Gathering

Tribal Voices Amplified: A new era of representation in Michigan legislative historyNHBP among 12 tribes included

 Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation with the establishment of Bill 5600. Tribes will consult on laws regarding issues such as land, water, wildlife, and economic development.

Feature Story Hands Across Eleanor

Hands across Eleanor: An oral history of a unique downtown Kalamazoo business corner

"Set the Wayback Machine to 1977." Flipside, Mr. President's, Sarkozy's, Missias — places that might jog a few memories. A December gathering that included former business owners explored the history of this iconic corner.

Feature Story I Got Your Backs

Continuing to have people’s backs through a foundation in Marshall

“We knew we needed to do something to carry on his legacy...Every time we have a request come in or we’re able to give to a child or make a difference in some way, we know this would be something Issac would want to be part of. It helps to keep him alive in our lives.”

Longform A Way Home 530 S. Rose

New income-based senior apartments take on tenants at 530 Rose in downtown Kalamazoo

The new 64-unit senior housing development, 530 Rose Place, is a five-story structure that includes off-street parking on the ground level and lounges on each of its living floors. It will feature a central courtyard that will have greenspace and a fountain.  

Feature Story discgolf

Disc golf course caps tiny school district’s forestry lessons

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

With expansion Alma hospital is poised for growth

MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma has completed a $34 million expansion, which includes a 51,200-square-foot surgical suite. 

Innovation News The free event aims to introduce girls to careers and professional opportunities in the construction industry.

"Build Like A Girl" returns to Midland on Feb. 19

Young women in grades 5-12 can explore construction careers at the Build Like a Girl event, featuring hands-on activities, industry speakers, mentorship opportunities in Midland.

Longform Joe Williams, owner of The Pickleball Pop-Up in downtown Farmington.

How this former home goods store has been repurposed as an indoor pickleball facility

"It’s just kind of unique to have a sports facility within a retail space in such a high traffic area," says Joe Williams, owner of The Pickleball Pop-Up in downtown Farmington. "I don’t think that’s too common.”

Development News Purtell's list image

Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe serves up homemade goodness for 100 years

Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe opened in 1925 as a dairy. Over the last century, Purtell’s has evolved. Today, the menu includes scratch-made soups, pies, and abundant comfort foods.  

Development News “We are honored to continue the stewardship of Leo Creek Preserve, ensuring that it remains a jewel of Suttons Bay for students and the public,” says ISEA executive director Fred Sitkins.

What's next for this 9-acre nature preserve recently gifted to a Suttons Bay nonprofit

“We are honored to continue the stewardship of Leo Creek Preserve, ensuring that it remains a jewel of Suttons Bay for students and the public,” says ISEA executive director Fred Sitkins.