Features

Feature Story The new center is located on the campus of Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

New mental health crisis center offers stress-free treatment environment — and house calls, too

The newly opened Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center has begun rolling out programs, beginning with an urgent care center to help people experiencing mental health crises.   

Partner Content A nonprofit lender with a mission to support underserved entrepreneurs, Northern Initiatives is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Northern Initiatives celebrates 30 years of supporting Michigan small businesses

Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender with a mission to support underserved entrepreneurs, celebrates its 30th anniversary, while reaching a milestone in lending.

Feature Story A stone fireplace adds to the winery's cozy charm.

From Munising to Memphis: Two brothers' journey to winemaking in rural Michigan

Brothers Mike and Jeff Dausey have transformed a former wine shop and antique store into a flourishing winery in a rural area northeast of Metro Detroit. 

Feature Story Lori Weatherly (left) teaches an embroidery class at the Make Saint Clair makerspace.

New St. Clair makerspace fuels creativity, fosters community

Make Saint Clair recently opened in St. Clair as a community hub for creatives, freelancers, remote workers, and anyone who wants to learn something new and explore their creativity.

Feature Story Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.

OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Feature Story Coalition members at the state capitol during a visit to lawmakers on Advocacy Day.

Community foundation leads coalition to improve life in Northwest Michigan

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has spearheaded a coalition of nonprofit organizations, businesses and governments to improve the quality of life in the region. The coalition's efforts include a Regional Community Scorecard to measure progress on economic, societal and environmental objectives.

Feature Story  MMA Executive Director Kirk Hallman.

The Muskegon Museum of Art unveils $15.4M expansion

The Muskegon Museum of Art will unveil a $15.4 million expansion, the Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion, that doubles the museum’s size and redefines its role as a national arts destination.

Feature Story saultpavillion

The race is on in Sault Ste. Marie to raise money for a permanent pavilion at the International 500

A permanent pavilion on the grounds of the International 500 in Sault Ste. Marie would provide a warm spot for fans to watch the popular winter race. Officials hope to raise $50,000 and receive a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Feature Story A startup bootcamp held previously by 20Fathoms.

Traverse City hub offers more programs for entrepreneurs in Northwest Michigan

20Fathoms, a tech startup incubator, has expanded its free educational offerings to help launch more startup businesses in Northwest Michigan.

Feature Story Bay City Electric Light & Power logo

Bay City powers ahead, exceeding state goals for green energy

Bay City Electric Light & Power offers free energy check-ups to customers who want to reduce their utility bills.  

Feature Story Program leader for GiGi's Kitchen gives directions to participants to prepare food and teach the importance of health and wellness

Volunteers provide all-ages support to people with Down syndromeNonprofit Journal Project

Volunteers do “all of the magic” at GiGi’s Playhouse, an achievement center with developmental and recreational programs for people with Down syndrome.

Longform Tara Poore, manager of Children’s Services, left, and Megan Ford, manager of Autism and Intellectual

Michigan student loan repayment program helping to tackle mental health workforce shortage

Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.

Feature Story A 2022 EcoCorps participant helps remove baby's breath at Elberta Beach.

Non-profit SEEDS provides green job experience for Michigan’s future workforce

The green job market is growing across Michigan. A non-profit called SEEDS follows suit with its EcoCorps program, which teaches future workers the skills needed to succeed in the eco-friendly industry.  

Feature Story CW Marsh owner Dan Wehrwein (right)  stands with a company employee to showcase a prototype seal designed for the Hoover Dam project.

Muskegon manufacturer carries forward a 125-year legacy

Established in 1900, Muskegon's oldest manufacturer produces durable leather seals, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.  

Feature Story Pivot Roasters coffee beans tumble in a drum roaster.

Pivot Roasters: A Blue Water Area business with global roots

Local entrepreneur Rachael Odish shares her journey launching Pivot Roasters, a Port Huron-based business offering high-quality coffee products worldwide.

Partner Content Big Abe LeBlanc in front of the truck he used to deliver fresh fish to customers.

Big Abe's Net

What happened on a September morning more than three decades to change fishing on the Great Lakes forever? 

Feature Story (From left) Keith Rothstein, Menaka Abel, and Wooyoung Jung

Lakeshore Advantage adds fresh expertise to drive regional growth

Lakeshore Advantage welcomes three industry leaders to its board, adding expertise in energy, retail, and food processing industries.  

Partner Content Expert presenters share evidence-based information traversing the lifespan from early intervention and initial diagnosis to quality of life for older autistic adults.

Navigating Autism Today Conference connects autism community to facts, friendships, and resources

The Autism Alliance of Michigan Navigating Autism Today (NAT) Conference connects autistic people of all ages and their loved ones with education, resources, and community.

Feature Story Among the attractions in East Tawas is Tawas Point State Park and the Tawas Point Lighthouse, offering spectacular views of Lake Huron.

Could East Tawas be the next port for Great Lakes passenger cruises?

East Tawas has joined Cruise the Great Lakes, an international cruise marketing program, with hopes of luring passengers to the Lake Huron community. 

Longform munisingbikeriders

Trailblazer: Rhonda Lassila and the Munising Bay Trail Network

Thanks to the efforts of Rhonda Lassila and the Munising Bay Trail Network, the woods and hills around the Alger County community have become a mountain biking and outdoor mecca.