Features

Feature Story Mike Delavan in Kammer Cabin with participants.

Exploring ghostly hauntings at the Port Huron Museum's Kammer Cabin

Carnegie Museum hosted an event with Detroit Rock City Paranormal Investigation, led by Mike Devalan, on October 25 from 7 pm to midnight. The event explored the ghostly activity at Kammer Cabin.

Feature Story MCREST women and children's shelter entrance

Macomb County shelter offers pathway to stability for homeless women and their childrenNonprofit Journal Project

Since 1988, MCREST has connected the homeless population of Macomb County with a network of volunteer churches that temporarily house them. In 2022, MCREST completed its first fixed shelter. Two employees discuss the shelter’s impact.

Feature Story The City of Port Huron's Farmers Market.

Port Huron Farmer’s Market closes this year's season with trick-or-treating

On Saturday, October 26, the City of Port Huron's Farmer's Market is hosting a trick-or-treat event to celebrate its successful season. This will be the last chance to gather local goods until next year. 

Feature Story Destiny Henderson, owner of Little Puerto Rican Lady Latin Food.

Food truck to restaurant: Destiny Henderson brings Puerto Rican and Mexican flavors to Port Huron

Destiny Henderson, a Port Huron resident, has transformed her lifelong passion for cooking into a thriving business by opening her restaurant, Little Puerto Rican Lady Latin Food.

Partner Content Croswell Swinging Bridge outing.

Local literacy program inspires and prepares students for a bright future

Earlier this year, St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (SCCORE) incorporated Write to Read, a literacy program, in its afterschool sessions.

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform “By working with our community and fostering dialogue about gun safety, we believe we can reduce firearm injuries and build a safer future for all.” Deanna Price

How public health focuses on gun safety and reducing firearm violence

Michigan's public health experts are working to address firearm accidents and violence through community partnerships and education programs. 

Feature Story Rick Sperling and Nafeesah Symonette co-founded Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts

Uplifting youth arts organizations through collective impact and connectionsNonprofit Journal Project

Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts levels-up arts opportunities for young artists by breaking down barriers and building up connections for the arts organizations that serve them.

Feature Story Children are exposed to fresh air, gardening, vegetables and more when gardens become part of early childhood education experiences.

Learning as they grow: Urban gardens as a teaching tool in early childhood educationNonprofit Journal Project

Keep Growing Detroit connects gardening and food sustainability with early childhood learning to create healthy experiences for little ones in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park.  

Longform Nurses like District Health Department #10’s Becky Gossman RN are only one facet of the future public health workforce.

Redefining public health in Michigan: A vision for a post-pandemic future

The Michigan Association for Local Public Health is advocating for a transformative vision of public health, one that accounts for the complexities of today’s diverse communities and the ever-evolving landscape of health needs. 

Feature Story Community mental health agencies from all over the state came to the 2024 rally to show support for their clients and friends and to advocate for a stronger mental health system.

20th 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' rally promotes public mental health care

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally congregates advocates from across Michigan to support public behavioral health care. 

Feature Story McKenna Golat and Aiden Burke perform in Arcadia by Tom Stoppard at Enter Stage Right this past April.

St. Clair County in the limelight with impactful theatre

Theatre in the Blue Water Area is rising, drawing people to the region to experience culture, contributing to economic growth, and fostering community. Audiences can see a variety of performances at new and historic locations.

Feature Story Audible pedestrian crosswalk near Palmer Park.

Audible pedestrian crossway installations increase safety and inclusivity across Port Huron

The City of Port Huron recently installed four audible pedestrian crosswalk signals at busy intersections across the city. These signals make it safer for blind pedestrians and those with vision impairments to traverse local roadways more easily.

Feature Story Deer at Port Huron State Game Area.

Changing colors signal hunting season in the Blue Water Area

Within the county, there has been an increase in the interest of hunting among youth. Various groups including the DNR and Four Squares Sportsman Club offer training, practice, and insight to help new and old hunters within the area.

Partner Content Natacha Hayden

Natacha Hayden to join the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation announced that Natacha Hayden, currently the Port Huron DDA Director, will join their team in January 2025 to take a high-profile position within the Foundation.

Feature Story Left to Right: Marquicia Pierce and Kanchan Wankhede.

Smartzone: How a state-run tool is helping businesses reach new technological heights

A new tool based in Port Huron is helping businesses get the support they need to keep growing.

Partner Content Stigma graphic.

Breaking the chains of stigma: Building a healthier and more vibrant community in St. Clair County

Oftentimes, there is a stigma surrounding mental health. SCCCMH tells The Keel how stigma can negatively impact a community and how to create a healthier and judgment-free environment. 

Partner Content Passengers loading on a COA bus in Port Huron.

The unique community partnerships of Blue Water Area Transit

Blue Water Area Transit partners with many agencies in the community to provide transportation services and has received numerous awards.

Feature Story Fathers are important figures in children’s lives

Better fathers mean stronger communitiesNonprofit Journal Project

Stronger fathers mean stronger kids. The Children’s Center in Detroit has a dad-focused program that links fathers to the resources they need and gives them a place to connect, share concerns, and encourage each other to invest more deeply in their children’s lives.

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.