Stories

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Community Impact Day expands, mobilizes volunteers across Michigan

The West Coast Chamber’s Community Impact Day grows statewide, rallying businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to create lasting community change.

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West Michigan embraces inclusion as autism diagnoses rise

As autism diagnoses climb, families and organizations like Disability Network West Michigan work to empower young adults entering the workforce.

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May things to do: Festivals, fundraisers, Memorial Day, an Anne Frank exhibit — and don’t forget Mom

Tulip Time in Holland and the Grand Haven’s Kite Festival return, as does the Prom with a Purpose in Spring Lake and several Memorial Day events across the lakeshore. 

Feature Story Chasity Fedon (left) participated in the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program last summer and said it gave her the tools and confidence to earn her first paycheck. Pictured with her manager her manager, Alysa Hoy, she is still employed there.

Summer career program expands to serve more youth

The West Michigan Works! six-week paid summer program offers teens across seven counties real-world job experience, skills training, and career exploration. Applications are open now through May 5.

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Indiana nonprofit’s oral health program reaches 39 states

McMillen Health’s Brush program equips families and educators with easy-to-understand oral health tools, transforming access in underserved communities.

Feature Story Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage and Jeff Stutz, CFO, MillerKnoll

Business leaders launch plan to power Lakeshore growth

Lakeshore Advantage unveils a five-year plan to strengthen West Michigan’s economy by growing talent, supporting businesses, and boosting startups.

Feature Story During a recent Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce event, Comcast kicked off its latest round of RISE grants and support packages to help 100 Grand Rapids and Muskegon small businesses grow, innovate, and thrive.

Comcast RISE to provide 100 grants to GR, Muskegon small businesses

Comcast RISE offers grants and support packages to help 100 Grand Rapids and Muskegon small businesses grow, innovate, and thrive.

Feature Story Allegan County Prosecutor Mike Villar.

Allegan Prosecutor’s Office goes fully digital, saves resources

The new system streamlines justice processes by managing digital case files, coordinating with law enforcement, and ensuring secure, efficient prosecutorial operations.

Feature Story "Waves of Pride: The Impact of Out on the Lakeshore" is a new exhibit spotlighting the city’s LGBTQ+ community and the grassroots group that has championed visibility, inclusion, and equality for over a decade.

Exhibit explores hidden chapter of Holland’s LGBTQ+ history

"Waves of Pride: The Impact of Out on the Lakeshore" is a new exhibit spotlighting the city’s LGBTQ+ community and the grassroots group that has championed visibility, inclusion, and equality for over a decade.

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Career tech program tackles skilled trades labor shortage

Allegan Tech Center equips students with real-world manufacturing skills, addressing industry gaps and opening career paths for hands-on learners.

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Holland author turns Tulip Time into scene of fictional murder

Holland author Myron Kukla blends mystery, humor, and local history in his new Tulip Time-themed murder novel, “Murder at Tulip Time.”

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Protecting patient rights: How community mental health goes above and beyond

MI Mental Health spoke with Wil Morris, CEO Sanilac County Community Mental Health about how local agencies help mental health patients navigate their rights.

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Students learn empathy and justice through real stories

Early college students explore empathy and transformation through a panel featuring formerly incarcerated speakers and restorative justice professionals.

Feature Story Carla Flanders will sign copies of “On the Day You Graduate,” a keepsake book celebrating childhood milestones with space for personal reflections, at two upcoming events.

Muskegon entrepreneur writes book to chronicle child's milestones

Carla Flanders debuts “On the Day You Graduate,” a keepsake book celebrating childhood milestones with space for personal reflections.  

Feature Story The Lakeshore Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell

Farewell from Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell

The Lakeshore's Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell is moving on to new adventures. Before that happens, we asked her to reflect on her five years covering the people and organizations working to solve problems along the Lakeshore.

Feature Story Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.

Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025 advocates for the mentorship she wishes she had

Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.

Feature Story Michigan Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Jaqulin Barajas, right, poses with 2023 Michigan Youth of the Year Isabel Shepard at the state Capitol building.

Holland Boys & Girls Club cultivates leaders

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland is a place for youth to get help on their homework, form friendships — and become leaders. The Holland club has been home to three recent Michigan Youths of the Year.

Feature Story KCAD's Fashion Studies students gather around the table to discuss runway show plans.

Couture Code: KCAD’s students' capstone collections aim to be more inclusive …and sustainable

The Grand Rapids Public Museum's main floor will again transform into a catwalk for emerging designers from the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion at KCAD. This year’s student-led show, “Couture Code,” features original creations and innovative ideas, with each garment telling a story of sustainability, inclusion, and resilience.

Feature Story Spring cleaning is for the birds.

Trying — and failing — to escape spring cleaning

Holland humorist Myron Kukla explains why spring cleaning is his least favorite season — to the disappointment of his wife.

Feature Story Love in Action (LIA) is expanding its services to meet growing food insecurity in Northwest Ottawa County, with help from a $125,000 grant from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF).

Love in Action expands services with GHACF grant

A $125K GHACF grant helps Love in Action build a larger warehouse to meet rising food needs in Northwest Ottawa County.