Features

Feature Story Ashley Carter of Michigan Justice Fund and Adam Grant of A Brighter Way

Boosting resources for legal reform in MichiganNonprofit Journal Project Feature

Michigan Justice Fund is pioneering a collaborative funding model to support justice reform initiatives across the state. By bringing together local and national funders, the fund invests in community-led solutions that address the long-term impact of mass incarceration.

Feature Story Patient rights form

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.

Feature Story marquetteplaza

First Michigan section of Marquette Greenway completed

The first Michigan section of the long-planned Marquette Greenway, a trail that will go all the way to Chicago from New Buffalo, is finished. A ribbon-cutting will be held on Friday, April 25, in New Buffalo.  

Feature Story Left to Right: Theresa Rosso, Jan Evans, John Highstreet and Sue DeLange.

St. Clair County Quilt Trail stitching community together one block at a time

Algonac Church of Christ’s Piece to Peace Quilting group quilts with purpose, supporting community events and organizations and promoting the county’s history and unique off-the-highway attractions.

Feature Story A petting farm for children is among the amenities at the restored Castle Farms.

Charlevoix's iconic castle: A story of innovation, history and change in Northern Michigan

Built as a model barn to demonstrate the latest farm innovations from Sears, Roebuck and Co., the French Renaissance-style castle in Charlevoix is now a wedding venue and a museum. Its history includes milking, art, music and weddings.

Longform Jason Gold at the Michigan Folk School.

Michigan Folk School builds community by passing on knowledge of traditional skills

The Michigan Folk School in Superior Township's Staebler Farm County Park allows visitors to experience the importance of old traditions in the rapidly changing modern world. 

Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.

Feature Story plantstudent

Finessing farm fare: Montague Schools pilot local produce plan for student meals

Montague Area Public Schools have launched a three-year pilot program aimed at streamlining the incorporation of local produce into school-sponsored meals. If successful, the program, known as PLANTS, could be adopted by other Michigan schools.

Feature Story icestormtree

Community foundations rally to raise money to help victims of historic ice storm

In the wake of a destructive ice storm in Northern Michigan, community foundations from Alpena to Charlevoix are collecting donations to help local residents and businesses with immediate needs like food and shelter. 

Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.

Longform Gordon "Big" Dooley with merchandise from his clothing line, Husky Life. Free coaching from the Small Business Success program helped Dooley refine his business plan.

New program offers free support for entrepreneurs in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe counties

From increasing search engine traffic to overcoming burnout, small business owners in Washtenaw County and beyond are benefiting from Ann Arbor SPARK's new Small Business Support program.

Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.

Feature Story woodworkingstmauds

Rural woodworking school teaches carving and life skills to Michigan and Wisconsin students

Saint Maud’s Makerspace operates on the Sloyd principles, an educational model founded and developed in 1800’s Sweden. Students are learning woodworking skills but also strengthening themselves for the journey of life.   

Feature Story Broadway Theatre

From historic preservation to new comedy series, Mt. Pleasant’s Broadway Theatre continues to evolve

The Broadway Theatre has been a cultural staple in downtown Mt. Pleasant for over a century, offering live performances, films, and community-driven events. Led by the Friends of the Broadway nonprofit, efforts to restore and enhance the historic venue are underway, including accessibility improvements, stage renovations, and a newly launched "Comedy Slam!" series.

Feature Story There will be a variety of interactive scenes and simulators to play in and on, including the campground and riding in the kayak.

New exhibit inside the Carnegie Museum aims to inspire stewardship, teach nature topics

Friends of the St. Clair River is partnering with Port Huron Museums to establish the Blue Water, Green Spaces exhibit from April to September to connect the public with the region’s outdoors.

Feature Story GVSU Innovation Hub

Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Battle Creek creates abundant opportunity downtown

"All of this will help to build a downtown where people want to live, where businesses want to relocate and grow, and where stores want to open, all of which is essential for the future success of Battle Creek.” 

Feature Story Home list

No place like homeownership: New programs aid first-generation homebuyers

A coalition of community leaders from the region are working together to help first-generation homebuyers. Statewide programs offer both financial help and education about the responsibilities of homeownership.  

Feature Story andrewdoyleronyob

Now showing: The environment is the star of this annual film festival in Manistee

Folks from all over Michigan are gathering this weekend in Manistee to promote environmental stewardship through an annual film festival and other events.  

Feature Story harvestingcherries

Cherry Republic expands in Leelanau County

Cherry Republic, the retailer of all things cherries, is expanding its distribution and fulfillment center in Empire. The $2.8 million project will create jobs and mean purchasing more cherries. 

Feature Story John Counts, author of "Bear County, Michigan."

Former journalist explores darkness, beauty of northern Michigan in short story anthology

John Counts' book, "Bear County, Michigan," blends elements of crime, folklore, and personal experience, drawing inspiration from Counts' time as a police reporter in Manistee.