Stories

Feature Story Michigan single moms scaled Pikes Peak with I Climb For Her—a symbol of resilience and rising together, step by step.

Holland single moms conquer Colorado peak, finding strength through community

Michigan single mothers scaled Pikes Peak, proving their resilience. The “I Climb For Her” expedition symbolizes overcoming challenges together, step by step.

Feature Story Among events taking place on Labor Day (Sept. 1) throughout the Lakeshore are the White Lake Community Walk (pictured), bridge walks in Grand Haven and Saugatuck-Douglas, and a truck parade from Zeeland to Holland.

September things to do: Labor Day events, car shows, an international fest, and a kiteboarding event

From a historic Civil War battle reenactment to a Hispanic Heritage Festival, there’s something for everyone this month, no matter where you live along the Lakeshore. 

Feature Story R. Aimee Chipman, owner of Bluestocking Bookshop, envisions it as more than just a bookstore.

Bluestocking Bookshop expands with inclusive space for community growth

The independent, LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland reopens with a larger, accessible space designed for connection.

Feature Story Pictured from left to right: Saugatuck Township Treasurer Jon Helmrich, Saugatuck Township Trustee Brenda Marcy, Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco, and Maryjo Lemanski, founder of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative.

Saugatuck Township’s first public art seen as ‘start of something bigger’

A bold new sculpture in Saugatuck Township blends safety, art, and vision, marking the community’s commitment to beauty and innovation.

Feature Story Drivers praised the safety training session as one of the best of their careers, tailored specifically for school transportation.

Allegan bus drivers unite for first countywide emergency safety training

Over 100 Allegan County bus drivers joined hands-on drills, gaining critical tools and confidence to handle real-life school transportation emergencies.

Feature Story Two boys fish during ODC’s “Best of Summer” event at Lake Hills Elementary.

Spring Lake program expands summer learning with $618K MiLEAP grant

MiLEAP’s $618K investment helps Outdoor Discovery Center double sites, expand summer programs, and prevent learning loss for West Michigan students.

Feature Story Carla Flanders of CMF Marketing & Events has been selected for a 2025 Comcast RISE grant.

Comcast supports growth with 100 grants for West Michigan entrepreneurs

Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE delivers $160 million nationwide, including 100 new grant packages in Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

Feature Story Sanilac County CMH CEO Wilbert Morris presents iPad to Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich

Meeting rural Michiganders' mental health care needs

Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.   

Feature Story Redlum Farm Preserve offers 20 acres with biking courses, a kids’ balance track, walking trails, a pond, and restored habitats..

Redlum Farm Preserve opens, expands biking options in Holland

Redlum Farm Preserve opened in August, connecting northside parks with trails, offering beginner-friendly biking, and drawing more than 500 people.

Feature Story  Held in Grand Rapids, the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival features artists from across the country.

Grand Rapids mural festival blends art, ecology, and creative mentorship

KCAD students and alumni join national artists to create murals spotlighting endangered species during Grand Rapids' Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival.

Feature Story Scholarship recipients James Friggins (left) and Nia Theune (right) with Fund Advisor, Dorothy A. Johnson (center).

Ice cream social celebrates scholarships, bright futures for area students

Grand Haven’s annual ice cream social honors 229 scholarship recipients, highlighting community support, student achievement, and investment in education’s future.

Feature Story Gentex employees donated nearly 600 pounds of cereal to support Community Action House in combating food insecurity.

Gentex cereal drive helps families as food costs climb

Gentex employees collected nearly 600 pounds of cereal, joining community partners to help Community Action House fight rising food insecurity.

Feature Story Hudsonville Ice Cream will invest $40 million to expand its Holland headquarters and add 40 jobs.

Hudsonville Ice Cream invests $40M, expands Holland plant, adds jobs

Hudsonville Ice Cream’s $40 million Holland expansion adds 44 high-wage jobs, strengthening West Michigan’s food industry through public-private collaboration.

Longform Monica Smith, Yevgenia Gazman, and Christine Sauvé, MIRC Detroit Office.

الهجمات على العائلات المهاجرة وما تعنيه لتعليم الطفولة المبكرة

في عام 2024، لاحظ معلمو الطفولة المبكرة في جنوب غرب ديترويت انخفاضًا كبيرًا في تسجيل الأطفال في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة، وذلك بعد تصاعد نشاط تنفيذ قوانين الهجرة. وعلى الرغم من أن هذا الانخفاض لم يتم توثيقه رسميًا في ذلك الوقت، أفادت منظمات مجتمعية أن ما يقارب 15٪ من الطلاب تم سحبهم من برامج ما قبل المدرسة في المنطقة خلال أسابيع قليلة.

Longform  Lynda Gregorini

Childhood exam motivates dental hygienist who cares for rural kids

Inspired by a school nurse, Lynda Gregorini now provides dental care and career mentoring to students in rural Michigan schools.

Feature Story Brandon Knapp and Pam Swafford

Physical activity and mental health: LifeWays helps clients make the connection

The connection between physical activity and mental wellness is at the heart of LifeWays’ growing roster of health programs- and community response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Feature Story A year into the job, Spring Lake manager Brady Selner has kept late mentor Chris Burns’ office nearly unchanged, down to her candy dish.

Spring Lake manager honors mentor while leading village into future

Brady Selner marks one year as Spring Lake manager, continuing Chris Burns’ legacy through community projects and plans for growth.  

Feature Story Members of the Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals

Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals joins Chamber to expand opportunities

Volunteer-led HYP transitions into West Coast Chamber, gaining staff, resources, and connections to strengthen programming and support emerging leaders.

Feature Story Les Hoogland's children unveil a plaque honoring the late mayor.

Zeeland honors longest-serving mayor with dedication of Hoogland Plaza

City renames downtown corner during National Night Out to celebrate Les Hoogland’s decades of service, volunteerism, and community leadership.

Feature Story Wendy Dreese is 70 x 7 Life Recovery’s relationship manager

70 x 7 Life Recovery mentors returning citizens through reconciliation, life skills

70x7 Life Recovery is a faith-based nonprofit that equips returning citizens with life skills and short-term support following incarceration