Features

Feature Story Performance Plus was among the businesses destroyed during the tornado.

Building a lasting foundation in Otsego County

Like Gaylord, the Otsego Community Foundation has overcome its share of challenges in the past few years. Moving forward, the foundation is working to build an enduring foundation to meet the needs of the northern Michigan community.  

Feature Story Bakpak Durden's mural at Orchard Center High School.

Planting the seeds of art in Monroe

An initiative, Plntng Seeds, is painting Monroe in murals. The goal is to inspire youth to pursue their creative passions and to bring public art to the southeastern Michigan community.   

Feature Story Mama's Eatery and Ice Cream Shop

New restaurant Mama’s Eatery and Ice Cream Shop opens in downtown Lexington

Formerly the Lighthouse Creamery, the newly-opened Mama’s Eatery is a dream come true for mother-daughter duo Taryn Strausser and Debbie Paradoski.

Feature Story Read Muskegon helps bring together people from all age groups and backgrounds to learn from each other.

New Read Muskegon program addresses literacy struggles with respect, compassion

The Literacy Ally Training Program is Read Muskegon’s new approach to assisting adults who are struggling with literacy, and to do so with dignity. Allies are trained to identify signs of literacy struggles and to address those struggles with respect and compassion.

Feature Story Destination Development Awards are often used for signage and wayfinding.

Improving communities for residents and visitors alike

Every year Visit Keweenaw presents Destination Development Awards to communities and organizations to help improve the experiences of visitors and residents. Tourism, of course, is a big part of the peninsula's economy.

Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Feature Story On Point signage

OnPoint’s new community mental health facility increases access to care

Located on a main road, OnPoint’s new facility is easily accessible with a focus on integrated care  

Feature Story ludingtonkayakers

Forging a new trail at Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park continues to make the sprawling recreation area along Lake Michigan accessible to everyone. Its newest feature is an accessible water trail, which begins at an accessible ramp. It's another way for those with mobility issues to enjoy some of the park's many amenities.

Feature Story R.O.N.S. Farm-A.C.

Former cafe owner turns 18-acre land into nonprofit farm and community center

Kathy Cox, former owner of a New Baltimore cafe, bought land in Casco Township to grow her own produce but discovered its potential for more, establishing a nonprofit community center offering sustainable organic produce and hands-on education.

Feature Story The Nature Exhibits will include a Northern Lights display with color-changing lights.

A vision for Sault Ste. Marie's children's museum

The Soo Locks Children's Museum has a home but a fundraising effort is underway to renovate that space and create innovative exhibits.

Longform Kaili Dence and Randy Dence in the future location of Whitepine Studios.

Saline art center pursues "more vibrant downtown" in expanded new location

Whitepine Studios arose from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its classes and other programs have quickly become popular.

Feature Story The Village of Spring Lake’s DDA invested $18,000 for an eight-unit kayak rental kiosk from Rent.Fun.

Spring Lake unveils new kayak rentals at Tanglefoot Park

The Village of Spring Lake’s DDA invested $18,000 for an eight-unit kayak rental kiosk from Rent.Fun. It costs $5 to unlock the kiosk via the app and $20 per hour to rent a kayak, complete with a paddle and floatation device.

Partner Content A family enjoys jump roping along the Lansing River Trail.

Rec-Connect™ makes fitness fun for everyone

Across the state, Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Rec-Connect™ demonstration series is being used in communities to inspire and empower people to engage regularly in physical activity.

Partner Content U.S. Supreme Court Decision confirms rights of people with disabilities including those living with autism.

Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates Supreme Court decision

U.S. Supreme Court Decision confirms rights of people with disabilities including those living with autism  

Feature Story The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is the state association representing and advocating for Michigan’s public mental health system and those served by this system.

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan study shows integrated care is growing

A recent study by the Center of Healthcare Integration and Innovation shows that integrated care in Michigan’s public mental health system has not only grown in the last six years but that the initiatives are diverse and available in rural, suburban, and urban committees.

Feature Story Many of the businesses damaged during the tornado have reopened.

Rebuilding: Gaylord one year after its first tornado

Gaylord continues to rebuild and recover nearly a year after an EF3 tornado stormed through the Otsego County community. Events are being held next week to commemorate the disaster.

Feature Story The former Second Ward School has been renovated has Boyne Schoolhouse Lofts.

Schoolhouse rocks Boyne City

A former schoolhouse from the early 20th century has been renovated and reimagined as a multi-unit guest house in Boyne City. The Boyne Schoolhouse Lofts units are named after local landmarks and the decor reflects seasonal northern Michigan connections. 

Feature Story Andrew Comtois Outdoor Driven list

Outdoor Driven, based in Bay County, combats PTSD by channeling the healing power of nature

Marine combat veteran Andrew Comtois has turned his own struggles and successes into a new local nonprofit, Outdoor Driven, that supports military veterans and active first responders with unique outdoor experiences and adventures.

Feature Story The Chippewa is poised to become the first electric passenger ferry in Michigan.

Going green: Mackinac Island Ferry Company commits to Green Marine initiative

The Mackinac Island Ferry Company made a splash earlier this year with plans to develop the first electric passenger ferry in Michigan. Now, the ferry company is bolstering its green efforts even more. 

Feature Story Boyd Feltman when Peachwave opened in downtown Holland in 2013. (Peachwave)

Q&A: Boyd Feltman shares secrets of Peachwave’s sweet success

Peachwave Yogurt & Gelato is celebrating its 10th year of serving frozen yogurt, gelato, and nondairy treats in downtown Holland. Owner Boyd Feltman talks about the sweet success of his business model.