Features

Feature Story MSU's PA Medicine program includes 12 months of clinical experience.

MSU's PA Medicine program helps fill the gap in health care in rural Michigan

The first graduates of Michigan State University's PA Medicine program are working across the state -- some in medically underserved communities or in rural areas like the U.P., where there is a health care provider shortage.  

Feature Story Volunteers help out at Ken-O-Sha Park

Harbor Springs Indigenous group plays role in ecological and cultural restoration

Scientists and Indigenous leaders partner to restore native plant life and cultural practices in one of Michigan’s most biodiverse urban parks.

Scratching the Right Itch

Ron Reimink knew how uncomfortable and annoying swimmer’s itch could be. He spent much of his adult life trying to eradicate it in lakes across northern Michigan. Then one day, he realized he was completely wrong.

Feature Story The owners of the Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom.

Three Bridges distillery expands with craft brews, event space and bigger dreams

Three Bridges Distillery in Midland is expanding with a new event space, growing its craft beer and spirits offerings, and eyeing broader distribution while keeping its community roots.

Feature Story A drone view of the campground, perched 200 feet above Lake Superior.

Camping with a view: Kona Hills Campground opens in Marquette

Three lifelong Marquette friends with a passion for the outdoors and rustic camping have come together to create their campground: Kona Hills Campground. The unique 80-acre site boast views of Lake Superior, the Huron Mountains and Marquette.

Feature Story The chapel of St. Mary's Academy

Vacant for 20 years, historic Monroe building will be repurposed for community goodNonprofit Journal Project Feature

In Monroe, the former St. Mary’s Academy building left an empty space in the city’s downtown when it closed in 2003. Demolition was on the table until a developer with a personal connection to the building stepped up to save it.

Feature Story Julia Lemieux behind the bar at Shoey’s Long Bar.

As ICE plans to move into Baldwin prison, residents hope jobs will stay

In Lake County — population 12,000 — a new ICE facility is opening in a shuttered private prison, promising to create hundreds of jobs in the poorest county in the state. The reopening is part of what has long been an on-again, off-again relationship between county residents and North Lake Correctional Facility, and many residents have doubts about whether the jobs will last.

Longform The START Collaborative's first retreat in January 2024.

From tornado to ice storm, collaborative addresses unmet needs in Otsego County

Inspired by a string of recent disasters, the START Collaborative aims to address unmet needs in Otsego County through collaboration between nonprofits, schools, hospitals, government entities, and businesses.

Feature Story Zack Sporte of Walker's Zack's Bees.

Teen beekeeper builds buzz with sustainable honey

Zack Sporte, 19, grows a thriving honey business while promoting pollinator health and sustainability in West Michigan.

Feature Story Cherry Republic's newest store has opened in Mackinaw City.

Cherry Republic opens store in Mackinaw City

Cherry Republic is expanding its footprint in Northern Michigan with a new store in downtown Mackinaw City. What else is ahead for the iconic cherry innovator?

Feature Story Tim Klont is the CEO of MSHDA.

Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan

Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state. 

Feature Story Newaygo is among the communities receiving money for placemaking projects.

West Michigan communities awarded grants to help with placemaking projects

Several communities in West Michigan have received grants from the state's Revitalization and Placemaking Program to help fund a variety of important municipal projects. 

Feature Story pumpkindisplay2

Northern Michigan pumpkin patch poised to expand, thanks to $100,000 state grant

A $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will help a Northern Michigan farm expand seasonal operations in the fall and winter. 

Feature Story Funds from the 2020 EPA grant helped support site assessment at Terra Station, a 12-building, mixed-use complex currently under construction in Hudsonville.

EPA grant helps Ottawa County turn contaminated sites into community assets

Federal funds will support environmental assessments to prepare contaminated properties for redevelopment, spurring investment and protecting local waterways.

Feature Story Demolition work has begun at the old hospital site and is expected to take about 18 months.

Private-public partnership spurs redevelopment of abandoned hospital site in Marquette

The 17-acre former Marquette General Hospital site is poised for a $166 million redevelopment project, including housing and retail and commercial space, thanks to the efforts of a public-private partnership.  

Feature Story  Olver Lavender

Four Suns Farm opens for its first full summer season in Mt. Pleasant

Created with intention and rooted in family values, Four Suns Farm opens to the Mt. Pleasant community this summer. Offering yoga, workshops, lavender products, and peaceful experiences in nature, Tom and Stephanie Olver have cultivated more than just crops—they’ve created a space for connection. Learn about the family’s inspiration, upcoming events, and how this new local destination is growing something meaningful for all.

Feature Story Valerie Orr, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Monroe County

Valerie Orr Brings educator’s eye and collaborative vision to Community Foundation of Monroe CountyNonprofit Journal Project

Valerie Orr brings an educator’s perspective and collaborative spirit to her role as executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.

Feature Story After the Storm stepped in to help Gaylord residents after a tornado in 2022.

Master of disaster aid: Nonprofit helps Michiganians rebound from storm damage

Brutal storms have wreaked havoc across Michigan in recent years. Stepping into help in the wake of these disasters is the nonprofit After the Storm. Although fairly new, the organization has helped thousands of families cope financially, logistically and emotionally from the aftermath of weather events.

Feature Story The popular Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Northern Michigan national parks prepare for summer visitors amid staffing, morale concerns

Visiting a national park in the U.P. or lower Michigan this summer? Staffing issues have been a concern at national parks across the country in the wake of federal budget cuts. How will Michigan parks handle hordes of tourists?

Feature Story City of GR's Parks Director David Marquordt (in red shorts) enjoys meeting folks in our parks.

Adapting outdoor recreation in West Michigan amidst shifting seasons and climate change

As winters become shorter and seasons increasingly erratic, outdoor recreation in West Michigan is experiencing significant changes. Local leaders are exploring innovative methods to maintain year-round connections to nature through the revitalization of ski resorts, the enhancement of trail systems, and the introduction of new warm-weather activities.