Features

Feature Story A girl relaxes with her cow.

In Photos: Family fun at the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair kicked off its 88th year at the Goodells County Park on July 14. Although the event is oftentimes thought of as only for rural kids showing livestock, there are many activities for all ages, including monster trucks, a rodeo, a family carnival, rope making, and music in the meadows.

Feature Story farmmarketspread

Growing healthy eaters: MSU Extension initiative helps daycare providers serve healthy food

MSU Extension's early childhood health initiative, Growing Healthy Eaters, is helping home childcare providers serve healthy foods while teaching kids about community agriculture and gardening with a concept of “farm to early childhood education.”  

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.   

Feature Story MMC List Image

From local classrooms to college credit: Mid Michigan College’s program gets national nod

Mid Michigan College has once again earned national recognition for its commitment to educational quality. As the first public institution in Michigan to receive NACEP accreditation for its concurrent enrollment program, the college has now secured continued accreditation into 2032. This program allows high school students across nine counties to earn college credit while still in high school—taught by their own instructors, in familiar classrooms.

Feature Story Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing in Battle Creek receives $1.6 million boost

“Permanent supportive housing is not a homeless shelter, not a treatment facility, not a rehab, or halfway house. Nor is it public housing or rent-free. It is indeed permanent, full-time leaseholders, and they sign Good Neighbor agreements."

Feature Story gladstonebrewery

Gladstone's downtown is on the upswing

Downtown Gladstone is buzzing with energy, thanks to the opening of new businesses, building renovations, and other improvements.

Longform Mohammed Shawls and Dawn Kotcher participating in the Summer Challenge at YDL's Michigan Avenue branch.

Ypsi library offers social services, Summer Challenge, youth performance opportunity this summer

From the eighth annual Summer Challenge to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, the Ypsilanti District Library offers a full slate of free programming.

Longform Community collaborations help coordinate shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs alongside behavioral health services. Community Action of Allegan County home-delivered meals drivers.

Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.  

Feature Story The event stands out by letting families choose items they’re proud to wear, promoting dignity through the power of choice.

Love Your Neighbor outfits 800-plus students for school with dignity

A Hudsonville nonprofit’s back-to-school initiative helps families in need by providing supplies and clothing to local students.

Feature Story Students prepare food in Huron High School's Culinary and Hospitality class.

Huron High students get real-world kitchen experience through Culinary and Hospitality program

In this installment of our Voices of Youth series, student writer Audra Ambrozaitis looks into how students are getting culinary career experience through Huron High School's Culinary and Hospitality program.

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