Features

Feature Story Nancy Roy, co-owner of C. Roy Processing.

Spreading the love of Bologna at small town festival

Partners of 37 years, C. Roy Processing and the Yale Bologna Festival, have made what Yale is informally called the “Bologna Capital of the World,” with its famous fried bologna sandwiches. Nancy Roy, who co-owns the business with her husband Richard, supplies two tons of bologna for the festival and has been a part of the community since 1924.

Partner Content Girl at AAoM Hero Walk

Lock Arms and Unite for Autism: Campaign commits to continued advocacy and support

AAOM’s current fundraising campaign, Lock Arms and Unite for Autism seeks to raise $31,000 to support its services for the one in 31 people diagnosed with autism in Michigan. 

Longform Head Start and similar programs build academic skills as well as social and emotional strengths. 

60 years of Head Start. What's next?

As Head Start marked its 60th anniversary this past May, the program’s legacy stands as more than a historical benchmark. It offers a powerful example of how early learning can drive equity, resilience, and long-term impact. 

Feature Story Summit Pointe youth staff. CMHs collaborate with schools and families to provide care to kids and teens.

Community mental health advocates take stand against privatization plan

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) advocates against proposed MDHHS plan to privatize community mental health care.

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 Left to Right: Port Huron Mayor Anita Ashford, Special Assistant to the City Manager Tony Pearson, Southside Summer Pop Up Market Manager Elizabeth Buckley, and NIA Vice Chair Mary Williams, enjoying the Southside Summer Pop-Up Market.

Port Huron’s new Southside Summer Market sparks community revival

An often forgotten corner of the city is hosting a fresh wave of vendors, vibes, and revitalization at Knox Field in Port Huron every Tuesday from now until August 26.  

Partner Content Marysville Fire Department.

Marysville Community Fund celebrates 10 years of impact

The Marysville Community Fund is celebrating 10 years of community impact this year with another round of grants available to Marysville nonprofits and organizations.

Longform Rx Kids has provided for the Wright family stability during an unpredictable time.

More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings

Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.  

Feature Story Kevin Fischer3

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.  

Feature Story The Pride March through Port Huron.

Blue Water Pride Festival in Port Huron celebrates resilience of LGBTQ+ community

The Pride Festival on June 29 in Port Huron was hosted by Barbara Payton, executive director of Blue Water Allies, an organization that serves as a resource for the local LGBTQ+ community. Payton shares how events like these are imperative to foster pride for queer folks who live in a predominantly conservative region.

Feature Story Chloe Nabozney.

Chloe Nabozney redefines norms as an aspiring young, black female police officer from a rural town

Chloe Nabozney, a recent graduate of Landmark Academy in Kimball, talks about her goal of becoming a police officer after attending the St. Clair County Explorers Program. She hopes to inspire other young, black women to become cops in a predominantly male field.

Feature Story Laundry Room French 75

Keeping the Prohibition era alive at Port Huron's speakeasy, The Laundry Room

The Wrigley Center’s speakeasy in Port Huron has become a popular destination for locals because of its unique Prohibition-era atmosphere, specialty cocktails, and live music.

Feature Story Lakeside Park's splashpad.

Where to stay cool during the summer in St. Clair County

The summer is here, and the weather is already proving so. Check out these parks, beaches, and pools in the Blue Water Area that can help you cool off and enjoy the sun in these waterfront communities.

Longform Cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.

Commmunity mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.  

Feature Story A replica of a freedom quilt where triangles, signifying flying geese heading north, pointed slaves toward freedom.

Celebrating Juneteenth at SC4’s interactive exhibit

Now through June 30, the public can visit the exhibit in the Fine Arts Museum at St. Clair Community College to learn about the significance of June 19 and its historical background leading to the abolition of slavery. Included are many interactive experiences along with a timeline leading to the end of slavery in the United States.

Feature Story Digital rendering of the Lincoln Avenue Loft project in Port Huron.

Port Huron’s Lincoln Avenue Loft project aims to address urgent housing needs

The Lincoln Avenue Loft Project will bring 40 income-restricted workforce housing units to a central Port Huron site, addressing the city’s deepening housing crisis. With supportive services, transit access, and proximity to key employers, the development aims to create long-term stability for working families and residents.

Partner Content Emmett Township Park.

New grants boost placemaking in St. Clair County

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has made placemaking the center of its mission to connect people and places, from the coastlines of the St. Clair River to the rural stretches of the county’s western towns.

Feature Story "Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Feature Story Valerie Orr, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Monroe County

Valerie Orr Brings educator’s eye and collaborative vision to Community Foundation of Monroe CountyNonprofit Journal Project

Valerie Orr brings an educator’s perspective and collaborative spirit to her role as executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.

Feature Story Art advocate and educator Jason Stier poses with Wally the Walleye, a public art piece crafted by dozens of Blue Water Area residents of all ages.

Creating Connections Through Art: A conversation with educator Jason Stier

Art teacher and advocate Jason Stier empowers at-risk youth through art education. As vice president of the St. Clair Art Association, he also helps facilitate public art events and projects that foster creativity and connection in the Blue Water Area.