Features

Feature Story Amber Alexander, director of the Presque Isle District Library, stands in front of the historic Rogers Theater.

Bring popcorn when you check out this library branch

It's uncommon for libraries to have group meeting rooms or even auditoriums. But a theater? Well, never discount the imagination or practicability of a librarian. The historic Rogers Theater is a branch of the Presque Isle District Library. Now, that's something worth checking out. 

Annual Michigan Outdoor Summit celebrates, strengthens outdoors communities

The annual Michigan Outdoors Summit in Traverse City brings together a host of players in the diverse outdoors sector. Their goal? To celebrate the outdoors and encourage more Michiganders to appreciate the natural beauty around them. 

Feature Story Davenport University and Gentex leaders formalized their commitment to education and workforce development with a signing ceremony Sept. 30 at the corporation’s office in Zeeland.

Gentex partners with Davenport University to offer scholarships for employees

Gentex Corporation is partnering with Davenport University to provide corporate education scholarships to its employees and their families.

Feature Story Project RED List

Annual elementary student field trip focuses on agricultureStudents from Isabella County participate in Project R.E.D.

Nearly 450 mid-Michigan fourth graders participated in Project R.E.D. hosted by the Michigan Farm Bureau at Bryant Family Farm. The event featured 13 stations of hands-on learning about agriculture, from farm safety to drone technology. Local volunteers and experts helped students explore farming, livestock, and career opportunities in agriculture, highlighting its importance in daily life.

Feature Story President of Lakeshore Advantage Jennifer Owens.

Report: Adaptability fuels economic growth along Lakeshore

The latest Industry Trends Report from Lakeshore Advantage shows that nearly 90% of businesses had steady or increased sales over the past year.

Feature Story Saginaw Bay WIN list image

The waters of the Saginaw Bay Watershed fuel Michigan’s outdoor economy

Representatives from three businesses – Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, Nor’East Outdoors, and Dietrich’s Sportfishing Charters – explain their unique connections to Michigan's waterways. Experts estimate that Michigan's lakes, bays, rivers, and streams collectively have a $26 billion impact on the state’s economy.  

Feature Story Students prepping in the kitchen at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

Culinary school plants seeds of Farm to Table

Offering a farm-to-table class, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute teaches aspiring chefs an appreciation of local food and helps them build relationships with farmers.  

Feature Story Vernon LaLone, founder and managing director of Wave Lumina, pitches at a recent TCNewTech pitch event, hosted by 20Fathoms.

Startup incubator expands its reach across northwest Michigan

After helping more than 200 entrepreneurs launch their businesses, Traverse City-based 20Fathoms is expanding its reach across northwest lower Michigan.

Feature Story Left to Right: Marquicia Pierce and Kanchan Wankhede.

Smartzone: How a state-run tool is helping businesses reach new technological heights

A new tool based in Port Huron is helping businesses get the support they need to keep growing.

Feature Story Houghton city officials and beautification committee members pose with the trophy from the Michigan Municipal League.

Houghton's waterfront 'vision' earns honors from Michigan Municipal League

Houghton is the second U.P. community to earn the Community Excellence Award from the Michigan Municipal League. The Keweenaw Peninsula city was honored for the transformation of its waterfront and improved connections to the downtown and the community.

Feature Story alleganscene

Downtown improvements help Allegan draw new businesses and visitors

With a fresh streetscape and improved infrastructure, Allegan is welcoming new businesses and visitors alike. The southwestern Michigan city is also home to vibrant community programming and a notable craft beer scene.  

Partner Content bucksporthopediner

Northern Initiatives helps rural entrepreneurs build businesses, community

Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender with a mission to support underserved entrepreneurs, helped restaurateur Tarra Hurlburt open the Port Hope Diner, helping to make the Thumb community a destination.

Feature Story The Muskegon County Airport is slated for a major renovation and modernization of the passenger terminal this year.

Muskegon County Airport marks new era of air service

Muskegon County Airport says its new carrier, Denver Air Connection, will provide improved reliability and service. It will replace Southern Airways Express.

Feature Story Jim Baumann and Michelle Cortright meet at Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company in Boyne City. They launched The Boyne Citizen earlier this month - a nonprofit digital newsletter.

As local media disappears, 'Boyne Citizen' returns under nonprofit model

Local news is disappearing across the American landscape. That means residents no longer get the information they need to understand important local issues. In Northern Michigan, a community-minded couple hopes to break that cycle -- they've resurrected The Boyne Citizen as a nonprofit digital newsletter.

Feature Story Consumers Energy list

Study draws a picture of the possibilities at the former Karn site in Hampton Township

A comprehensive study, titled "Where the River Meets the Bay," calls for transforming the former Dan E. Karn Generating Plant site into a public space featuring outdoor recreation areas, natural habitat, mixed-use development, and a clean energy complex.

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Feature Story Champions of Wayne students with Wayne Memorial High School staff and mentors at the Student Achievement Banquet on June 20, 2024

Visionary Wayne Memorial High School program helps students succeed by paying themNonprofit Journal Project

At Wayne Memorial High School, Champions of Wayne pays students $250 per semester to work with mentors to meet personalized goals.

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Feature Story Participants in the 2023 songwriters retreat.

Port Austin sets the stage for a songwriting retreat

The fourth annual Huco Songs songwriter retreat weekend takes place at the Port Austin Artist in Residence Bee Barn from Sept. 27-29. The retreat invites songwriters of all ages, experience, and styles to learn techniques, tips, and collaborate with a supportive network of creatives.   

Feature Story onawaybranchlibrary

Spark grant will help Onaway with trailhead, recreation improvements

Onaway, a small city not far from the Mackinac Bridge, has been awarded a big Michigan Spark grant to help with the development and improvement of recreational amenities and a trailhead.