Features

Feature Story Staff at Shier’s Deli prepares 150 ReGrow meals each week. The program has allowed the two employees to keep their jobs.

ReGrow Midland keeps restaurants busy while assisting families in need

The Midland Area Community Foundation and the Midland Business Alliance have teamed up to organize ReGrow Midland, a program that enlists local restaurants to prepare food for distribution to families in need of food assistance. The initiative has helped foodservice establishments stay open amid COVID-19-related shutdowns and worker shortages.

Feature Story On Oct. 6, 2021, the Midland County Health Department held a vaccine clinic at the Holiday Inn near the mall.

“It’s the key out of this,” says Midland County Public Health Director

Midland County Public Health Director Catherine Bodnar encourages more of the county to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine. She worries the county might see a “twindemic” if we have a bad flu season.

Development News "We want to be a constant in everybody’s lives; if people are having a bad day, we can help them bounce back from hardship and have a good day.”

Boomerang Coffee Lounge wants to shift coffee culture

A new Midland business is setting its sights on shifting the culture of the coffee shop. Boomerang Coffee Lounge opened Monday, and they want to be a welcoming place for everyone.

Feature Story United Way's campaign lasts until Oct. 29.

United Way Midland campaign off to a strong start

United Way of Midland County has a goal to raise $4.7 million by Oct. 29. Money raised will go toward local nonprofits and partners helping residents in need. Because of the pandemic and last year’s flood, needs in the community are on the rise.

Feature Story “Every offender that we can get those convictions taken out of their criminal history is a huge advantage for them going out into the workplace.”

Midland County offers a “Clean Slate” to previous offenders

The “Clean Slate” expungement expansion laws started going into effect on April 11, 2020. The opportunity for previous offenders to wipe their criminal records has never been easier or more accessible.

Development News The NEXTGEN Pass will give young people a specially curated lineup of performing arts events, networking opportunities, and behind-the-scenes pre-show events.

Midland Center for the Arts launches NEXTGEN Pass for young adults to mingle

Midland Center for the Arts just launched their NEXTGEN Pass — a program that gives young people a specially curated lineup of performing arts events, networking opportunities, and behind-the-scenes pre-show events. 

Feature Story The Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) will be held in-person on campus Friday, Oct. 1 from 1-9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Northwood University’s Auto Show revs up this October

Only students are planning, leading and hosting the 58th annual Northwood University Auto Show on Oct. 1-2. The NU students will learn a range of skills, from public speaking and business to catering and marketing.

Feature Story It's pumpkin season.

“Fall” in love with Midland County: A guide to living this fall to the fullest

Yes, we have a pumpkin patch and orchards, and they’re wonderful! But we have so much more. See our roundup of fall activities and events. You name it, we’ve got it: nature walks, trick-or-treating, treasure hunts; painting, poetry, shopping, and more.

Development News Kevin Fischer is the executive director of NAMI Michigan.

Q&A with Kevin Fischer, NAMI Michigan

A mental illness can have a devastating impact on the individual who has it and their family members and caregivers. In advance of Mental Health Illness Awareness Week in early October, Kevin Fischer of NAMI Michigan shares his thoughts on the need for better care and how you can support someone who needs help. NAMI Michigan will hold their state conference in Midland, October 19-20.

Development News The reading material for this year is Sandra Cisneros’ book, “The House on Mango Street.” The book tells the story of a young Latina.

Big Read celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, Neighboring Week in Midland

Creative 360 will host an NEA Big Read kickoff event on Sept. 25 from 1-5 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, live music, and distribution of “The House on Mango Street,” the selected book for the 10-month-long reading initiative.

Feature Story By 2030, global water requirements are projected to be 40% greater than the current supply.

Midland startup to commercialize industrial water filtration technology

Accelerated Filtration, an industrial water filtration startup, will be making its home in Midland. They’re working to commercialize their AFX filter, which removes fine particles from water without chemicals.

Development News “The Dow Runwalk is truly a community and regional event, one that people look to come out to year after year."

Dow RunWalk returns to celebrate healthy communities

The annual community race, Dow RunWalk returns this year, welcoming community members in a celebration of health. The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 18 with a full morning of family fun. 

Feature Story Whether it’s playing a game that promotes communication, talking about the deceased person as part of a favorite memory or creating a craft, children are able to work through grief.

Children’s Grief Center offers hope to children and teens after the death of a loved one

The Children’s Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region aims to help children and teens cope with the death of someone in their life. They'll have an open house of its newly renovated facility on Thursday, Sept. 9. 

Partner Content When students complete the GED program, they are offered a full-time position at MidMichigan Health, including a comprehensive benefits package.

MidMichigan Health’s training programs support continuing learning

MidMichigan Health’s career development programs provide full-time employment options, financial incentives, and support systems aimed at helping trainees balance work and learning.

Development News Downtown has transformed itself into a place with life that encourages engagement.

Downtown Midland and the Importance of Urban Planning

In the second of a Catalyst Community series, we're again going to learn about the influence of architecture on Midland. The focus is on urban planning.

Development News The Tapped Craft Beer Festival will be held in downtown Midland on Aug. 28.

Tapped craft beer fest hoppy to return to downtown Midland

The 6th annual craft beer fest, Tapped, takes place Saturday, Aug. 28 in a new downtown Midland location. The event’s new setup welcomes attendees to sample pale ales, IPAs, stouts, sours, ciders, seltzers, wine and non-alcoholic options.

Feature Story Enjoy! Bakery has eight different flavors of cupcakes.

The Midland Area Farmers Market is a business incubator

The Midland Area Farmers Market not only offers fresh produce and other locally produced items but it also serves as a business incubator, with some of the vendors moving into storefronts

Development News Little Forks Conservancy is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 21 for the George and Sue Lane Preserve in Sage Township, northwest of Gladwin.

Little Forks Conservancy celebrates new preserve with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Little Forks Conservancy is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 21 to celebrate the opening of the George and Sue Lane Preserve in Gladwin County. The community is invited to attend the event.

Development News MidMichigan Health has purchased the former Sears Building at the Midland Mall.

Some MidMichigan staff to move into old Sears space next spring

MidMichigan Health will renovate the Sears building at the Midland Mall, moving about 250 employees in by spring 2022.

Feature Story “In Midland, we want people to understand and realize and know that everybody here belongs."

Neighboring Week promotes inclusive communities

Everyday acts of neighboring add up to create thriving and inclusive communities. Between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3, Midland’s Neighboring Week will provide activities and resources for enriching neighborly interactions.