Stories

Feature Story Accessible-Kent

Absolutely Accessible Kent looks at making ‘disabled’ buildings extinct

On June 14, from 1–4 p.m. at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, Absolutely Accessible Kent will explore how universal design goes beyond ADA to future-proof space.  

Longform Dr. Kellen Stilwell conducts telepsychiatry sessions with rural Michigan children and adolescents.

Psychiatric residents and fellows fill gaps in rural Michigan mental health care

Psychiatry fellows and psychiatry residents are helping to fill the gaps in care experienced by rural Michiganders.

Feature Story The 60th District Courthouse in Muskegon.

Muskegon expungement clinic offers hope, a new start

An expungement clinic in Muskegon Heights this Saturday will help those who are eligible to wipe their records clean.

Longform Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi, director of Detroit Life Is Valuable Everyday (DLIVE), and Juanita Houston, DLIVE's lead healthy minds coach.

Michigan programs aim to stop violence against youth before it happens

Medical researchers in Michigan are designing innovative programs to intervene in cycles of violence.

Feature Story Carlos Seise performs. Courtesy of Carlos Seise

Carlos Seise: An international operatic tenor in West Michigan

Carlos Seise, 61, a professional operatic tenor, has been quietly residing in West Michigan for the past 24 years. He has traveled the world sharing his gift with audiences for 40 years and recently has been helping young singers with their own musical gifts.

Special Report Permiable pavement RISC

As flooding happens more often, plans emerge to put Nature to work in handling the overflow

Across the Great Lakes basin scientists and planners are pivoting to re-examine alternative drainage systems and to address barriers — including obsolete data — that may stand in the way of innovative, sustainable green designs that could help alleviate flooding.

Feature Story Demolition of Holland BPW’s retired James De Young power plant is underway.

Holland coal plant comes down to make way for waterfront development

Demolition of Holland BPW’s retired James De Young power plant is underway. The project is the first step in preparing the waterfront site for redevelopment.

Feature Story Lucia Rios

Why commemorating Global Accessibility Awareness Day is important

This global event shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. The idea is that every user deserves a first-rate experience on the web.   

Feature Story A USO-style swing dance and D-Day commemoration event will be held in Muskegon.

Things to do in June: D-Day, Pride events, baseball, trail race, parade of homes

Whether you’re into walking tours, fun runs, or something altogether different, there is plenty to do along the lakeshore in June, including a D-Day commemoration, Pride Month events, music, old-time base ball.

Feature Story Tuesday Forum Series participants share their ideas.

Tuesday Forum Series wraps with plans to move ideas forward

Organizers say the six-part series, which brought the North Ottawa County community together to hear experts envision the region’s future, exceeded expectations.  

Feature Story Courtesy of Tyler Herbstreith.

Rethinking design with a focus on restoration and regeneration

The 2023 Wege Prize provided an opportunity for students worldwide to create solutions to challenging social and environmental issues. Looking ahead, additional opportunities are available to continue the momentum and develop a more sustainable future.

Feature Story New CFHZ board members Rogen McLean, Micki Janssen and Rogen McLean. (CFHZ)

CFHZ adds three new board members, nonprofit campaign raises $1.7M

During its Annual Luncheon, the CFHZ welcomes new president/CEO, celebrates the success of its Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector campaign, and introduces three new board members.  

Feature Story Community Health Workers help people navigate complex health care systems.

Community health workers bring mental health home

Across the state, community mental health agencies enlist CHWs to extend their reach. Washtenaw County Community Mental Health partners with Michigan Community Care (MiCC) in providing CHWs.

Feature Story LEDA

This year’s Summit on Race and Inclusion focuses on ‘Power of Belonging!’

The Summit on Race and Inclusion is returning for its 18th year on June 7. The all-day event will be held in person at Hope College and virtually. 

Feature Story Linden Peterson, director of events for the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, points out an area in Muskegon County during the STAR! training.

How Muskegon STAR! training builds community pride

Muskegon STAR! is a class designed to educate people about Muskegon, build pride in the community, and create brand ambassadors for the city.

Feature Story Two of Ottawa County's senior environmental health specialists Rebekah Folkert and Kayla Anderson were honored for their work recently.

Ottawa County Environmental Health duo honored for food safety work

Ottawa County’s Senior Environmental Health Specialist Rebekah Folkert earned the Distinguished Service Award to recognize her outstanding accomplishments in environmental health, and Senior Environmental Health Specialist Kayla Anderson earned the Samuel M. Stephenson Sanitarian of the Year Award.

Feature Story A handful of Muskegon County Jail inmates and their families had private access to the Lakeshore Museum Center for their visit.

Incarcerated moms and their children come together at Muskegon museum

The Lakeshore Museum Center’s “Time Well Served” provides the opportunity for children to visit with their mother for an extended period in a less trauma-inducing, more child-friendly environment than a jail visitation room.

Feature Story On Point signage

OnPoint’s new community mental health facility increases access to care

Located on a main road, OnPoint’s new facility is easily accessible with a focus on integrated care  

Feature Story Howard Behm

Why community matters when it comes to engagement

Engagement is key to building community, says author Christine Porath, who joined the 2023 Tuesday Forum Series to discuss why the priority should be building connections with others. 

Feature Story Bicycle Showband Crescendo performs at Hope College’s Ray and Sue Smith Stadium during the debut performance at the Tulip Time Festival, May 12.

Dutch bicycle-riding marching band makes U.S. premiere at Holland’s Tulip Time

Bicycle Showband Crescendo, a bicycling-riding marching band from the Netherlands, wowed Tulip Time crowds during the group’s first visit to the U.S.