Features

Development News X

New contest for small and emerging Michigan snack makers offers $50K in cash prizes and more

“The growth of new small craft and niche snack food companies in Michigan is exciting,” says Duncan Smith, President and COO of All Star Services, Inc. “All Star Services is a growing small business and we want to help bring more focus to the growing segment of snack food companies in Michigan.”

Development News Poetry

Midland Reads Poetry Event

In celebration of National Poetry Month and Shakespeare’s birthday, Midland Reads Poetry takes place on April 24 at Creative 360. The free, all-ages event welcomes participants to read original poetry and enjoy the creative writing form. 

Development News Taco-U offers a taco with sliced beef.

New fundraising event showcases local restaurants

It's been a challenging two years for restaurants. A new fundraising event will promote local food establishments during Midland Restaurant Week, April 26-May 7.

Feature Story Close-up-Marijuana

Why Bay City allows marijuana sales and Midland doesn’t

It's an interesting question, why does Bay City allow the sale of marijuana and Midland doesn’t? Read to find out the rationale for each city.

Development News Guitar-Summer Camp-MCFTA

Midland Center for the Arts Launches Summer Camps

Registration is now available for the annual summer camps at the Midland Center for the Arts. They’ll hold sessions for preschoolers through eighth graders, in a variety of disciplines, including science, art, history, and the performing arts.   

Development News The 2022 Michigan Fishing Guide reports that sports fishing has a $4 billion impact on the state’s economy annually including 38,000 jobs.

Profile Q & A: Jeff Jolley, Michigan DNR

In our Profile Q&A, we focus on Jeff Jolley, a fisheries supervisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The 2022/23 fishing license season got underway on April 1st. Fishing has a major impact on the state and our region’s economy, our environment, and way of life.   

Feature Story Some two dozen bowls were made by Dr. K from the Levys’ silver maple.

Honoring a century old tree with the help of a Midland artist/woodworker

A Midland woodworker and retired Dow Chemical Co. chemist helps a local couple take the remains of a 100 year old tree on historic property and turn it into items that have been shared with neighbors, friends and family. 

Development News Terwillegar says the mission is to give back and support 4-H groups and children with special needs.

Hooves & Hearts Thrift Store Gives Back to Community

A new thrift store, Hooves & Hearts, sells donated items to support 4-H programs, and youth with special needs in Midland County. With a successful opening on March 1, the store aims to give back even more to the community later this year.   

Development News Erica Sprague shares her ideas in Home Ericanomics.

Catalyst Community: Home EricaNomics-Erica Sprague

 In the latest in a series of columns from different perspectives in our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on home economics, shared by someone who teaches both inside and outside the classroom.

Feature Story Welcome Sign-The Bridge

The Bridge Food Center, non-profit grocery store, serves the community

The Bridge Food Center in Midland, a non-profit, offers groceries just above wholesale prices.

Development News A couple of young visitors look into the Sugar House.

Chippewa Nature Center hosts Maple Syrup Day, March 19

After a two-year absence, Maple Syrup Day returns to the Chippewa Nature Center on Sat, March 19. The sweet treat is a food that originated in our region.

Development News "It’s filled with natural light, color, angles, and perspectives."

Alden B. Dow Home and Studio Tours Open to Public

Alden B. Dow Home and Studio public tours are now available for reservations. The historic architectural standout opens its doors for 1.5-hour long tours through colorful and naturally-lit space.

Feature Story Closer-HSC billboard

"Help Wanted" Employers are taking different approaches to fill jobs

A large corporation and a pizza shop franchise owner in the Great Lakes Bay Region are making several efforts to attract job candidates.

Development News NAMI Family to Family

NAMI Midland provides information and comfort to families facing mental health challenges

 In the latest in a series of columns from different perspectives in our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on mental health and a program offered by NAMI Midland to help families help their loved ones struggling with mental illness.

Development News The LAB camp is open to 6th through 11th graders.

Northwood offers LAB summer camp to future entrepreneurs

A camp designed to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit is being offered this summer by Northwood University for 6th through 11th graders  

Feature Story Youth Survey Results

Youth survey highlights concerns about teens

Midland County youth reported overall declines in traits that reduce risk-taking behavior, according to the latest Midland County Youth Study. Organizers of the study celebrated teens as having a better understanding of diversity and inclusion. The report suggests young people focus on service projects to others as an important way to increase self-worth and purpose.  

In The News Diane Postler-Slattery

MyMichigan Health CEO & husband die in plane crash

MyMichigan Health President and CEO Diane Postler-Slattery, Ph.D., FACHE, 62, and her husband Don died following a plane crash in northwest Florida on Tuesday evening.

Development News Balance class at Senior Services

Chronic pain workshop at Senior Services

Chronic pain can lead to frustration, depression and isolation. Senior Services of Midland County offers a series of classes to assist with chronic pain management.  

Development News Chris Mundhenk is the president and general manager of the Great Lakes Loons.

Profile Q & A: Chris Mundhenk, Great Lakes Loons

In our Profile Q & A, we focus on Chris Mundhenk, in his second year as the president and general manager of the Great Lakes Loons, Midland’s minor league baseball team. Opening Day is on Friday, April 8 at Dow Diamond.   

Feature Story Jameson Baker places a pizza in the oven.

Owners' son thrives at Pizza Baker

Young adults with disabilities have many resources in the Midland area to work and thrive. Business owners Jim and Janet Baker of Pizza Baker work alongside their son Jameson who has Asperger's Syndrome. He’s thriving and performing tasks, exceeding their expectations.