Books line shelves in the library in the Harbor Beach Community House.

Community Development

It's a gym, theater, library ... a building for the community in Harbor Beach

Sarah SpohnThursday, November 30, 2023

The community of Harbor Beach is a small, tight-knit community, with the Community House at the center of it. The 100-year-old building features a library, gym, theater, serving as a hub of activity for local residents.

Feature Story

Economic Development

State-of-the-art aluminum recycling plant opens in Cassopolis

RIX StaffThursday, November 30, 2023

Eighteen months after breaking ground for construction, the new Hydro aluminum recycling plant has formally opened in Cassopolis. The Norwegian company is the first business in the village's research and technology park.

Longform

Katie Wendel, director of planning and advocacy at Area Agency on Aging 1B, which recently launched a voucher program to help unpaid caregivers afford respite care.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Finding temporary care is a challenge for Michigan's many unpaid caregivers, but help is available

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 30, 2023

Approximately 1.7 million Michiganders are unpaid caregivers, and they often desperately need a break from that work. Resources, like a new voucher program to pay for respite care, can help.

Feature Story

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

Kym ReinstadlerThursday, November 30, 2023

On its reservation in the U.P.'s copper country, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is striving toward the goal of food sovereignty, strengthening the community's ablility to produce more of its own fresh and local food sources.

Feature Story

Historic Bay City homes open their doors for tours in early December

Sarah SextonThursday, November 30, 2023

The CANA Holiday Parlour Tour offers an inside glimpse of eight homes in one of Bay City's historic districts.

Feature Story

Marysville Blast From The Past is located at 1315 Gratiot Blvd. in Marysville, Michigan.

Multigenerational passion for antiquing leads to new business, Marysville Blast From The Past

Rita MacDonaldThursday, November 30, 2023

New Blue Water Area antique store Marysville Blast From The Past continues the tradition of a shared passion for antiquing across multiple generations.

Longform

More than 500 students, staff, teachers, and volunteers participated in a Mental Health Fair and Walk at Detroit’s University Prep Art & Design Middle High School in October.

Healthy Communities

Michigan’s community mental health agencies work hard to prevent youth suicide

Monique BedfordTuesday, November 28, 2023

Michigan’s community mental health agencies (CMHs) and organizations across the state understand that asking questions and having conversations about mental health and suicide is a very significant step in prevention.

Feature Story

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

Kym ReinstadlerSunday, November 26, 2023

On its reservation in the UP's copper country, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is striving toward the goal of food sovereignty, strengthening the community's ablility to produce more of its own fresh and local food sources.

Feature Story

Entrepreneurship

From farm to fashionEntrepreneur opens Oscoda storefront after years online

Sarah RatledgeThursday, November 16, 2023

Entrepreneur moves her online clothing business from the farm to a storefront in Oscoda, bringing a sense of style and trendy clothing to the northern Michigan lakeside community.

Feature Story

Community Development

East-central Michigan collaborates to solve childcare crisis

Rosemary ParkerThursday, November 16, 2023

Organizations from several counties in east-central Michigan come together to survey residents, businesses and others impacted by the lack of childcare in the region. The goal is to use the survey results to come up with a strategic plan.

Longform

Economic Development

Working remotely -- and happily -- in the U.P.

Sarah Spohn Thursday, November 16, 2023

This current era of remote work allows professionals across many industries to choose where they want to work. For many, that choice is to work from home. A few professionals share their stories and perspectives of national remote work while living in the U.P.

Longform

Ken Nixon, director of outreach and community partnerships for Safe & Just Michigan.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Lack of data raises questions about quality and cost effectiveness of Michigan's prison health care

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 16, 2023

According to Michigan researchers and advocates for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, health care in prison is far less than adequate.

Feature Story

In addition to wine, a selection of meads is also available at Belle River Winery made from honey raised on the property.

Belle River Winery to open second location in Port Huron

Riley ConnellThursday, November 16, 2023

Belle River Winery is expanding its presence and offerings with a new location opening soon in downtown Port Huron.

Feature Story

Co-founders of KMI: Troy Morris, Austin Morris, and Adam Kall.

KMI advances space debris removal efforts

UPword StaffThursday, November 16, 2023

A mix of Department of Defense contracts and investments is bolstering Marquette-based Kall Morris Inc's innovative efforts to remove debris in space. KMI’s goal is #KeepingSpaceClearForAll

Longform

Second Wave - MichiganBuilding Communities

Statewide housing plan works with stakeholders across region to address housing needs

Sarah SpohnTuesday, November 14, 2023

Block by Block spoke with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Housing North, and Communities First about how individual communities are working together to tackle the specific housing needs of their residents. For the first time ever, the state of Michigan released a statewide coordinated, comprehensive housing plan, working with stakeholders across the housing sector

Feature Story

Community Development

Small but important steps toward new housing

Rosemary Parker / RIX StaffThursday, November 9, 2023

Two small towns in rural western Michigan are moving forward with small but important housing projects, thanks to a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation's Housing Partnership Fund.

Partner Content

Healthy Communities

Celebrate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 16

Douglas Siwek Thursday, November 9, 2023

The Michigan Center for Rural Health encourages residents across the state to mark National Rural Health Day. The annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.

Feature Story

Raising spirits: Couple opens distillery in former funeral home

Ann DallmanThursday, November 9, 2023

An entrepreneurial couple has turned a former funeral home in Menominee into a distillery and tasting room, adding to the downtown's roster of new businesses. The aptly named Spirit House plays up its interesting past.

Feature Story

Kingdom Builders to open childcare facility in early 2024

Jane ParikhThursday, November 9, 2023

“We need to make sure our children and families are at the forefront,” says Dr. Tino Smith. “I have always been a follower of Frederick Douglass and agree with his words — It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and I would extend that to broken people given the times we are in.”

Feature Story

‘It’s been good to give back in a way that I can,’ says volunteer driver

Shandra MartinezThursday, November 9, 2023

Community Action of Allegan County is looking for more volunteer drivers like Steve Riley, who gives seniors rides to and from their appointments. He also delivers food to people in need at least once a month.

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