Features

In The News Adult Recess

Midland brings summer fun with sidewalk sales, adult recess, and photo contest

Downtown Midland comes alive this summer with sidewalk sales, weekly adult recess activities, and a photo contest inviting residents to capture life in their community.

Feature Story River Days

Midland River Days 2025: Family fun, food, live music, and hot air balloons

Once a tribute to Midland’s history, River Days has evolved into a major family festival featuring balloons, food, music, and community fun at the Tridge.

Feature Story This year marks the fifth annual Fosterpalooza event in Grove Park

Foster Midland brings the community together to care for foster kids, families

Daniel Terhune and his family know how meaningful it is to feel loved and cared for  — both in your family and in your community. They founded the local group, Foster Midland, to provide connections, education, and resources for foster families. The group’s upcoming event, Fosterpalooza 2025, invites the community to see what the group is all about, and how residents can help in its mission.   

In The News Pride 2025

Hundreds Gather in Saginaw for Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival

Great Lakes Bay Pride marked the finale of a month-long effort to create space, share stories, and support LGBTQ+ individuals across the region.

Feature Story Scott Holzinger

A new chapter for Midland County: Sheriff Scott Holzinger leads with heart and vision

Midland County’s new Sheriff Scott Holzinger emphasizes integrity, community-focused leadership, staff wellness, youth outreach, and honoring his family legacy while strengthening county ties and resources.

Feature Story It takes a village,  not just healthcare workers, to keep people healthy.

MyMichigan Health calls on its “village” to impact social determinants of health

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to address social determinants of health - factors such as education, transportation, food security, and more. In order to rise to the challenge of meeting the nationwide 2030 Healthy People goals, communities will have to work together.

Feature Story Kevin Fischer3

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.  

Innovation News Corn Grinding

Enjoy Homestead Sundays, bird banding, kayaking at Chippewa Nature Center this summer

Chippewa Nature Center’s summer lineup includes free, family-friendly educational events. Highlights include Homestead Sundays, bird banding, paddling excursions, and guided nature experiences.

Innovation News The front of Chef Sergey’s Bakery in the historic Ashman Circle

Making home (& bread) from scratch: Meet Natalia Iakovleva

Natalia Iakovleva found new beginnings in Midland, where she blends Ukrainian heritage and homemade bread into a story of resilience, warmth, and starting over from scratch.

In The News The Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Show starts at 9:45pm on Sat, August 5.

Midland to host Fourth of July block party with music, baseball, and fireworks

Midland will celebrate July Fourth with live music, food, baseball, and fireworks across downtown and Dow Diamond, offering all-day, family-friendly festivities for the community.

Feature Story Pups enjoy Plymouth Pool

Staying cool and safe this summer

With record heat already hitting Midland, residents are finding ways to stay safe and cool. From health tips to splash pads, the city offers plenty of options.

Innovation News Penny Miller-Nelson

From fields to the classroom: Helping students grow, meet Penny Miller-Nelson

Midland Public Schools Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson reflects on her journey from a family farm to educational leadership.

Feature Story The owners of the Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom.

Three Bridges distillery expands with craft brews, event space and bigger dreams

Three Bridges Distillery is expanding with a new event space, growing its craft beer and spirits offerings, and eyeing broader distribution while keeping its community roots.

In The News The Tina Turner Musical

Midland Center for the Arts closes out June with musical tribute, global concert and youth theater

Midland Center for the Arts ends June with three shows: a musical celebrating Tina Turner’s rise, the Camerata Singers’ Pan-American concert, and Freaky Friday. musical.

In The News Midland Soccer Club

Midland Soccer Club’s $10M indoor turf facility to boost youth sports, regional growth

Midland Soccer Club’s new $10 million indoor turf facility promises year-round play and is expected to be a game-changer for youth sports and regional development.

Feature Story  “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.” - Carl Jung, psychologist, as quoted by Megan Welke, LMSW

Forward Therapy builds connections, provides quality mental health care in Great Lakes Bay region

Forward Therapy and Consulting blends mental health care with strong community and staff support, aiming to expand services while fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.

Innovation News Boots

Walk Midland returns for summer 2025 with weekly community strolls

Walk Midland invites residents to enjoy free, weekly group walks throughout summer, promoting wellness and community connection across various Midland locations.

In The News A  performer at the 2024 Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival goes off-stage to teach the crowd some dance moves

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month with events across the region

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month 2025 with inclusive events across mid-Michigan, including festivals, fitness, drag shows, and community gatherings promoting LGBTQ+ joy and visibility.

Feature Story Housing Forward

Housing Forward takes lead on Region G housing partnership

Housing Forward has been named the lead for Region G’s housing initiative, aiming to improve affordability and access across eight counties under Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.