Features

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

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

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 hydroplantopening

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

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.

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

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 Wild-Rice-Small

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

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 Homes list

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

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

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.

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

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 Wild-Rice-Small

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

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 btrendy

From farm to fashionEntrepreneur opens Oscoda storefront after years online

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 playground

East-central Michigan collaborates to solve childcare crisis

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 Christine Manninen

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

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.

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

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

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

 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 Yarrow Brown and a colleague

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

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 housingconstruction

Small but important steps toward new housing

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 nationalruralhealthday

Celebrate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 16

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 spirithousead

Raising spirits: Couple opens distillery in former funeral home

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 Child Care

Kingdom Builders to open childcare facility in early 2024

“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 Carol-Small

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

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.