Features

Feature Story The site of the future home of the Huron County Community Foundation.

The Community Hub in Bad Axe is moving forward

It's a slow process, but work is continuing on the future home of the Huron County Community Foundation in Bad Axe. When completed, the Community Hub will include co-working space, a community meeting room and apartments.

Feature Story tulypsign

Tulyp Hotel blossoms in downtown Holland

6PM Hospitality Partners unveils the rebranding of its downtown Holland boutique hotel -- Tulyp Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – paying homage to the lakeshore community’s vibrant Dutch heritage.

Feature Story keweenawwinter

Visit Keweenaw pushes responsible recreation

Visit Keweenaw ramps up its efforts to protect the stunning landscape of the peninsula with a series of videos aimed at educating visitors about how to enjoy the outdoors and also be respectful. 

Feature Story Damaged Goods Refurbished

Port Huron resident breathes new life into old furniture, Damaged Goods Refurbished

Drawing on her background in art and design, local business owner Debbie Dare digs into creative projects restoring and reimagining furniture.

Feature Story A new more secure entrance is among the improvements already in place at the Allegan County Courthouse.

Allegan County to expand courthouse, services

To accommodate the increased level of service, Allegan County will construct a new courtroom and office space for the new judge, their support staff, and other court functions within the existing courthouse.

Partner Content Bike racks support active living in Grand Traverse County.

Active communities are healthier communities

Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Promoting Active Communities assessment offers a set of online tools to help Michigan communities create safe places for people to be active.

Longform The #wishyouknew aims to reduce stigma around getting help for mental health.

Michigan's community mental health agencies take action to reduce stigma around getting care

During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, many Michigan CMHs are offering opportunities to take action to "stomp out stigma" that prevents Michiganders from seeking mental health care.

Feature Story Workers place a wreath at the top of the plant as part of Kranselag.

'Kranselag' marks roof completion at new recycling plant

Construction of the roof of a new aluminum recycling plant in Cassoplis was completed this month. The Hydro plant is the first occupant of the village's SMART Park and part of its redevelopment efforts. 

Feature Story The concept plan for the proposed location of several new outdoor pickleball courts on Parker Road in Fort Gratiot Township.

Pickleball courts coming to Fort Gratiot Township

The sport of pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity, and soon Fort Gratiot Township residents will be able to play closer to home as the township is working to build several new outdoor courts to the area.

Feature Story Laingsburg has strived to bring more arts and culture downtown.

Visitor perspectives help move MI communities forward

Michigan State University Extension’s First Impressions Tourism Assessment (FIT) program works with small Michigan communities to offer objective “first impressions” of their towns. The goal is to make these communities more welcoming to visitors, tourists and potential new residents.  

Feature Story kmilogo

Marquette firm works to remove space debris

A Marquette company founded by three Northern Michigan University alumni is working to help remove debris from space, clearing the way for safe future travel and protecting humans from falling objects. 

Feature Story The West Ottawa High Interact Club has partnered with Holland Township on a water safety initiative to teach youth the dangers of pier jumping into Lake Michigan.

Teens lead initiative to end risky tradition that leads to youth drownings in Lake Michigan

Led by high school student Raighen Ly, the West Ottawa High Interact Club has partnered with Holland Township on a water safety initiative to teach youth the dangers of pier jumping into Lake Michigan.

Feature Story An aerial view of the Little Hawks Preschool on the Outdoor Discovery Center campus.

ODC Network acquires 295-acre parcel in Kalamazoo River Greenway

The nonprofit will begin managing the River Junction Preserve to improve and preserve the property’s ecological value. Consistent with ODC’s mission, the preserve should be publicly accessible in fall 2023.

Feature Story Lakeland Correctional Facility culinary institute participants learn the ins and outs of fine dining, everything from sourcing fresh ingredients to plating.

'Coldwater Kitchen' serves up life lessons from prison culinary training program

The prison system touches one out of every three Americans. At Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, a highly regarded culinary training program for inmates has led to fruitful futures. "Coldwater Kitchen," a new documentary, follows the journeys of Chef Jimmy Hill and three inmates inside and outside of prison.   

Feature Story The Community Hub plans to open shop in the historic Liberty Building in Tawas City.

Community Hub works for healthier communities

The Community Hub is trying to build a more resilient and local food supply in northeast lower Michigan. The nonprofit organization plans to open a storefront in Tawas City in May.  

Longform The company's research and development lab was originally housed in the gym.

Entrepreneur transforms his former school into company headquarters and manufacturing operations

Advanced Blending Solutions in Wallace has a unique ‘true north’ origin story. In a serendipitous move back to his hometown, Mike Rasner purchased his former elementary school and transformed the building into his company’s official headquarters and manufacturing operations.

Feature Story ZH Creations commissioned dining table

Local sawmill brings lasting memories through woodworking to mid Michigan

ZH Creations of Weidman is bringing their love of woodworking to the people of mid Michigan with original wood creations and DIY charcuterie board woodworking classes. Discover ZH Creations owner Zach Hatfield’s entrepreneurial journey and creativity.

Partner Content April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

Autism Alliance of Michigan is the trusted resource for the autism community

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is here to help ensure Michiganders with autism reach their greatest potential.

Feature Story Sawyer Auger, "It's OK to not be OK"

Community mental health brings Sawyer Auger to Sanilac County: “It’s OK to not be OK"

The Sawyer Auger “It’s OK to not be OK” Tour stops in Sandusky May 26 for a free concert aimed at eliminating stigma around mental illness.  

Longform The front room of an adult foster home in Allegan.

Smaller does mean better for residents in adult foster care homes

OnPoint and Northern Lakes Community Mental Health share how adult foster care homes empower Michiganders with disabilities while enriching our communities.