Features

Feature Story Ron Smith (left) and Doug Tucker are a two-person band from St. Clair County, Michigan.

Meet life-long friends and talented musical duo, Smith and Tucker

High school rock band turned entertainment duo, Ron Smith and Doug Tucker of Smith and Tucker have deep roots in the Blue Water Area, drawing crowds to sing along with them and their guitars, mandolins, and harmonicas.

Longform Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

Michigan organizations work to improve poor health outcomes through "path to a prosperous future"

A group of Michigan political, health care, community, and foundation leaders are working together on a project that aims to coordinate sustained investments in Michiganders' health.

Feature Story Becks Farm and Produce is located at 5021 Beard Rd. in Clyde, Michigan.

Corn maze, tractor pulls, hay rides, & more agritainment fun at Becks Farm and Produce

The Beck family has transformed the 100-year-old McNaughton Estate in Clyde into a 12-acre agritainment destination offering a fall experience that’s fun for the whole family.

Development News Doña Marina’s Pollo Asado with maduros and Spanish rice.

Doña Marina’s, the region’s first Nicaraguan restaurant, sets up permanent residence in Wrigley Hall

Heather Fagan's determination and passion has taken her restaurant, Doña Marina’s, to new heights. Serving up a unique fusion of Nicaraguan and Latin American cuisine, this Port Huron gem is thriving at its new home in Wrigley Hall.

Partner Content Back to School Guide — St. Clair County Community Mental Health

Community Mental Health shares tips for developing resilience in children

From mindfulness activities to self-care techniques, St. Clair County Community Mental Health offers a range of strategies in a free online toolkit for parents and educators to help promote children's mental well-being and foster resilience.

Longform Emily Miller, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project managing attorney.

Scams rob Michigan elders of millions, but health providers and nonprofits offer help

Michigan organizations that provide health care and other services for older adults are working to reduce the impact of scams through education and legislative help.

Longform Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Home-based early childhood educators weigh in on PreK for All

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Feature Story Early Education Matters,

Pre-K para Todos mejorará a largo plazo la salud, la educación y los resultados sociales de los niño

Cuando se trata de educación, el Kids Count Data Book (Libro de datos sobre el recuento de niños) de 2023 sitúa a Michigan en el puesto 42 de los 50 estados. Una de las muchas maneras en que el estado está trabajando para mejorar la calidad y la equidad en la educación es mediante el avance de Pre-K gratuito para todos.

Feature Story The marina site on the Belle River in Marine City is highlighted in red.

New marina in Marine City aims to boost tourism and downtown economy

The result of a multi-year collaborative effort with more developments still on the horizon, Marine City’s new marina is working to boost tourism in the coastal community.

Partner Content During National Recovery Month, St. Clair County Community Mental Health is hosting its annual Recovery Summit, offering a series of free webinars throughout September.

Free webinar series aims to reduce mental health stigma, address nationwide drug crisis

St. Clair County Community Mental Health knows that tackling issues such as overdoses requires solutions that involve community education. During National Recovery Month, SCCCMH is hosting its annual Recovery Summit, offering a series of free webinars throughout September.

Longform A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.

Michigan looks to create a better career path for early childhood educators

Improved career pathways, state incentives, and improved wages are essential to recruiting and retaining the early education workforce needed for the PreK for All roll-out.

Feature Story Rev. Horace Sheffield III, Executive Director of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations

Michigan nonprofits cite need for change in board diversityFeature: Nonprofit Journal Project

The charge for nonprofit board diversity has waned, but its importance is as strong as ever say Southeast Michigan nonprofit leaders.  

Feature Story Bootleggers Axe Co. has a speakeasy as well as a full bar available with 40 taps.

New axe-throwing venue, bar, and restaurant opens in downtown Port Huron

Offering food, fun, and perhaps some friendly competition, Bootleggers Axe Co. is set to become a go-to destination for entertainment in the Blue Water Area.

Feature Story Rain Barrel

‘Where art meets sustainability’New rain barrel initiative aims to harness of one of nature’s most valuable resources

Friends of the St. Clair River's new initiative unites art and nature through rainwater collection.

Feature Story A bartender at Renaissance Man Distillery & Cocktail Lounge makes a Guava Daiquiri.

Port Huron’s first whiskey distillery opens at Wrigley Hall

Renaissance Man Distillery & Cocktail Lounge celebrated its grand opening last month at Wrigley Hall, offering unique, flavorful products and a tasting room that will transport you to a bygone era.

Feature Story The Maritime Museum in Algonac, Michigan, has a large collection of Gar Wood and Chris-Craft Boats on display including boating memorabilia, posters, and other nautical artifacts.

Michigan’s maritime legacy: Exploring the history of Chris-Craft Boats in the Blue Water Area

The legacy of wooden boats has a long-running history in the Blue Water Area. Originating in Algonac, Michigan, Chris Smith and Sons boats, or Chris-Craft boats, are renowned worldwide today and offer a sense of something special to boating enthusiasts.

Longform Participants at Ypsilanti PreK for All listening session.

PreK for All listening sessions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators

PreK for All listening sessions in Michigan's 10 prosperity regions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators.

Feature Story The passing of MI SB0227 would improve mental health care ofr Michigan's children.

Community mental health agencies want more options for helping Michigan's children

Michigan's community mental health agencies address children’s mental health care but need legislative change to do it better.

Feature Story Eagle Staff Carrier, Patricia Shawnoo, poses for a photo during the 2023 Blue Water Traditional Pow-Wow.

Highlights from the 2023 Blue Water Traditional Pow-Wow

The annual Blue Water Traditional Pow-Wow returned this month bringing the community together in a celebration of indigenous culture and history.

Feature Story The Cookies n' Cream Cookie from MJ's Bakes.

Local businesses whip up tasty bite-sized treats for statewide snack competition’s return

With more than $75,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, local businesses are whipping up their signature treats to prepare for the upcoming MI New Favorite Snack competition taking place in Port Huron this September.