Charlevoix's iconic castle: A story of innovation, history and change in Northern Michigan Read Article

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

Beyond books: Rural libraries expand services to meet community needs Read Article

The historic Rogers Theater is owned by the Presque Isle District Library and is used for movies, community and school events.
Photo: The historic Rogers Theater is owned by the Presque Isle District Library and is used for movies, community and school events. Facebook / SHPO

Need to work away from home? Consider these co-working spaces in rural Michigan Read Article

Tom Buchkoe

How one rural Michigan brewery created community Read Article

A craft beer enthusiast, Jeremy Grossenbacher grew up in Coopersville.
Photo: A craft beer enthusiast, Jeremy Grossenbacher grew up in Coopersville. Craig Watson

Michigan's first commercial elderberry farm offers u-pick, market and more Read Article

Lavender farms on the rise in Michigan Read Article

Brian Wells

New 'ride' showcases Cadillac as an ORV destination Read Article

Downtown Clare has a new vibe, thanks to a new wave of entrepreneurs Read Article

Courtney Jerome

Agritourism: How small farms in rural Michigan are finding solutions Read Article

Leslie Cieplechowicz

A roadmap to prosperity for rural communities Read Article

Cassopolis has made many improvements, including to its downtown, but housing remains an issue.
Photo: Cassopolis has made many improvements, including to its downtown, but housing remains an issue. Bryan Esler

The life of a modern shepherdess: Bridging tradition and innovation in farming in rural Michigan Read Article

Dasher? Dancer? Prancer? Nope. But there are "other" reindeer at this festive farm in Clare County Read Article

A reindeer stands on top of a hill inside an enclosure at Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm
Photo: A reindeer stands on top of a hill inside an enclosure at Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm Brian Wells

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

Brian Wells

Cow cuddling? It's a thing at this northern Michigan dairy farm Read Article

Kim Schneider

Michigan hop farmers are upbeat about their future Read Article

Chuck Marshall

Photo essay: The murals of Monroe Read Article

Indoor axe throwing and corn hole entertainment venue coming this fall to Mt. Pleasant Read Article

Courtney Jerome/Epicenter

Visitor perspectives help move MI communities forward Read Article

Katielynne Gougherty

Ludington celebrates a milestone anniversary Read Article

ToddandBradReed.com

Hop Lot Brewing Co. finds success with Up North vibe Read Article

Lisa Baird

Creating an idyllic space for artists, educators and entrepreneurs in rural Michigan Read Article

Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures Read Article

Cassopolis: A village reimagined Read Article

Bryan Esler

Cops & Doughnuts: Behind the badges and doughnuts Read Article

Cops & Doughnuts

An honor for the whole village of Vicksburg Read Article

An historic postcard of the Lee Paper Mill, which once generated over 17 tons of paper per day at its peak.
Photo: An historic postcard of the Lee Paper Mill, which once generated over 17 tons of paper per day at its peak.

Now showing ... former theaters repurposed Read Article

Delft Theater

Grow Benzie: Rooted in community Read Article

Grow Benzie
Ark Installation by Scott Hocking
Ark Installation by Scott Hocking

Barns become works of art in Michigan's 'thumb' Read Article

Secret Sky Barn in Hume Township
Photo: Secret Sky Barn in Hume Township Catie Newell of Alibi Studio.

Cops & Doughnuts: Behind the badges and doughnuts Read Article

Cops & Doughnuts

Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures Read Article

Features

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Feature Story An artist's rendering of the new waterfront plaza in Benton Harbor. Community Development

$2 million waterfront plaza planned for Benton Harbor

Rosemary ParkerThursday, June 13, 2024
Benton Harbor is redeveloping a stretch of waterfront site as community space, with plans for a water taxi dock, kayak launch, and fishing area. 
Feature Story A skier at Mont Ripley. Winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling attract tourists to the region.

Study shows the economic importance of tourism in the counties of the western U.P.

Jennifer DonovanThursday, June 13, 2024
A newly released study underscores the importance of tourism to the economy of the western Upper Peninsula. Officials across the region hope the study further enhances tourism and helps with community planning and promotion efforts. 
Feature Story Seniors Helping Seniors Lakeshore's focus is on hiring seniors to help care for their peers who are less active or independent.

Holland couple’s experience with aging parents leads to new business

Shandra MartinezThursday, June 13, 2024
Brian and Mollie Gaggin decided to take their careers in a new direction after caring for their aging parents as they battled Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Feature Story Jackie Hanton, vice president of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, running with her daughter Kennedy underneath the Blue Water River Walk archway. Arts and Culture

Blue Water River Walk celebrates 10-year anniversary

Joseph HayesThursday, June 13, 2024
After years of restoring the shoreline, The Blue Water River Walk has become one of the must-see sights in the area and is known for its wetlands, artwork, and pedestrian trail.
Longform Derek Miller, program supervisor for Kalamazoo County’s Healty Babies Healthy Start & 4Dad Fatherhood Program, with Sidni Miller, community health worker, inside Kalamazoo County’s Health and Community Services building. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

$5 million in federal funding will help 5 Michigan organizations reduce infant and maternal deaths

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, June 11, 2024
Five Michigan organizations will receive federal support of about $1 million each to improve maternal and infant health in the state.
Feature Story gilmoregasstation Kids and Education

Revving up: The transformative experience of the Gilmore Garage Works program

Brenda and Chuck MarshallThursday, June 6, 2024
The Gilmore Car Museum is more than a collection of polished antique cars. The well-known museum in Hickory Corners offers hands-on automotive restoration and maintenance education to youth in southwest Michigan. 
Feature Story cassopolismural Community Development

Cassopolis reimagines childcare

Rosemary ParkerThursday, June 6, 2024
Cassopolis returns to the imagination to come up with solutions to a shortage of childcare workers and childcare options in the Cass County community. 
Feature Story Muskegon Lake is the backdrop for life at Adelaide Pointe Marina where future plans also include residential and commercial uses.

Adelaide Pointe celebrates grand opening of Michigan's first new marina in nearly three decades

Andrea GoodellThursday, June 6, 2024
Adelaide Pointe on Muskegon Lake incorporates both private and public amenities into its plan, including fishing spots, a soft shoreline, and residential property along the lake.
Feature Story The new Ottawa Beach General Store is nearly identical to the 1930s building it replaced with some key improvements.

PHOTOS: Iconic beachside store reopens

The LakeshoreThursday, June 6, 2024
Take a look inside the newly rebuilt ‘vintage’ Ottawa Beach General Store that has reopened next to Holland State Park in time for summer.
Feature Story The stately Manistique Bank building was constructed in the early 20th century.

Making a small difference in Manistique

Ann Dallman Thursday, June 6, 2024
The historic Manistique Bank building in downtown Manistique is undergoing a renovation for commercial and residential uses.
Longform Lunchtime at Oehrli Elementary School in Montague, Mich. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan's free school meals yield high returns for student health and academic success

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, May 30, 2024
Michigan has become one of eight states to make free school meals available to all, creating notable benefits for students' health.
Feature Story The Ocean Navigator docks at the new $5 million pier along Houghton's waterfront. Economic Development

Small ports welcome uptick in Great Lakes cruises

RIX StaffThursday, May 23, 2024
Interest in cruising the Great Lakes continues to grow, and small ports along Michigan's vast shoreline are welcoming more passengers. They're disembarking to explore downtowns, historic sites and natural landmarks. 
Feature Story groundedrv

New fund helps startups in the great outdoors

Rich JenkinsThursday, May 23, 2024
Got a great idea to improve time in the outdoors? A new innovation fund helps entrepreneurs throughout the U.P. and Michigan get their outdoor recreation companies up and running and their products to market.   
Feature Story Week 1 simulation began with participants visiting the different ‘locations’ to complete assigned tasks for the week. Equity

Jail release simulation exercise illustrates obstacles to reentering the community

Rosemary Parker Thursday, May 23, 2024
First-of-its-kind simulation aims to teach law enforcement, county officials and others about the challenges incarcerated people face when they return to society. 
Feature Story LG Energy Solutions Michigan marked the completion of the structural steel plant on May 16 for a new $1.7 billion 'smart' battery plant in Holland. (LGES)

State gives $2.8M to upgrade roads for LG Energy Solution expansion

The Lakeshore StaffThursday, May 23, 2024
A state infrastructure grant will support a new facility by LG Energy Solution, which is expected to bring 600 new jobs and $2.2 billion of private investment to Allegan County.
Feature Story One possible way the river could look if it were freed from its concrete channel.

Rising tide of optimism eddies around Battle Creek river naturalization project

Jane ParikhThursday, May 23, 2024
Rivers are often urban areas' greatest natural resources. In Battle Creek, plans to restore, beautify, and re-imagine the Battle Creek River are taking shape, thanks to many partners.
Partner Content Mushroom House List Second Wave - MichiganBuilding Communities

Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up

Sarah SpohnWednesday, May 22, 2024
Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.  
Partner Content AAoM Kids List Second Wave - MichiganEquity

When it comes to autism and mental health, stigma and discrimination play a huge role

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, May 21, 2024
Being autistic does not mean a person cannot experience good mental health. However, studies have shown that 78% of autistic children have at least one mental health condition. Stigma and discrimination are often a contributing factor.
Feature Story trinityhealthshelby Healthy Communities

Q & A with rural hospital leaders

Sarah Spohn Thursday, May 16, 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects are still being felt in health care systems across the nation. It's the same in rural Michigan communities. We spoke with Munson Healthcare and Trinity Health Grand Haven and Shelby Hospital to hear their perspectives, concerns, and future outlooks. 
Partner Content Carlson's Fishery opened in 1904 at Fishtown in Leland. Sustainability

More than just a filet of fish

Dan Wanschura / Interlochen Public RadioThursday, May 16, 2024
Iceland has figured out how to use almost 100% of every fish caught – not just the filet. By making things like durable leather, beauty products and skin graft bandages, it’s increased the value of Atlantic cod from about $15 to over $5,000. Can this approach help the struggling Great Lakes fishery?  
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