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

Courtesy Sally Rudy / Four Suns Farms

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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Longform Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority Grayling location. Healthy Communities

Michigan’s rural CMHs work hard on improving access to mental health resources

Sarah SpohnTuesday, September 12, 2023
MI Mental Health spoke with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Chief Operations Officer Joanie Blamer and Sanilac County Community Mental Health CEO Wil Morris on addressing the mental health and wellness needs of rural communities.   
Partner Content Gretchen Second Wave - MichiganEconomic Development

How URC is building talent-generating capacity, designed to propel Michigan’s economy

Sarah Spohn Wednesday, September 6, 2023
“The state of Michigan has realized that this is a ‘do or die’ moment with this economic and technological transformation of the automotive industry and related industries,” says University of Toronto Professor Richard Florida. It's one of the reasons he is part of a group working closely with universities, cities, and stakeholders to build better, more vibrant, sustainable cities in our state.
Feature Story mercyvehicles Healthy Communities

Looking to ease Michigan's EMS staffing shortage

Rosemary Parker Thursday, August 31, 2023
The Michigan Center for Rural Health offers scholarships to train prospective emergency medical service paramedics across the state. The shortage of EMS staffing is especially acute in areas of rural Michigan. 
Feature Story The Alluvion features state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. Community Development

Uncommon space: A venue for musicians, designed by musicians

RIX StaffThursday, August 31, 2023
A new performing arts venue in Traverse City provides an intimate space for emerging and mid-career musicians to showcase their talents. The Alluvion is also part of a cooperative, Commongrounds, which aims to build a more empowered community through cooperatively owned places "that connect people and actively integrate wellness, arts, family and food."
Feature Story The Cookies n' Cream Cookie from MJ's Bakes.

Local businesses whip up tasty bite-sized treats for statewide snack competition’s return

Sarah SpohnThursday, August 31, 2023
With more than $75,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, local businesses are whipping up their signature treats to prepare for the upcoming MI New Favorite Snack competition taking place in Port Huron this September.
Longform Ginny Leikam, the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission's superintendent of planning and the Natural Areas Preservation Program, at the Michigan Folk School. Arts and Culture

Michigan Folk School set to expand traditional crafts education through Washtenaw County partnership

Natalia HoltzmanThursday, August 31, 2023
The founders of the Michigan Folk School recently turned it over to Washtenaw County's Parks and Recreation Commission, which has worked rapidly to expand on the founders' original vision.
Partner Content MyMichiganCommunityGarden-list

Thyme in the garden, just what the doctor orderedCommunity garden at MyMichigan Health Park Bay provides bounty of health benefits

Gabrielle HaidererThursday, August 31, 2023
Five years after opening to the public, the community garden at MyMichigan Health Park Bay is flourishing. While organizers initially hoped the project would provide additional access to fresh produce for community members, they couldn’t have foreseen the widespread benefits that would happen in the coming years.
Feature Story Isabella Bank graphic

Isabella Bank celebrates 120 years of community roots

Sarah R. AdamsThursday, August 31, 2023
Isabella Bank has been serving communities across the central Michigan region for 120 years. Jerome Schwind has been a part of the organization since 1999. Currently, Schwind serves as the Bank president and is set to take on the role of CEO in January. We spoke with him to discover more about Isabella Bank’s community roots, connections, and their plans to commemorate the organization’s 120-year anniversary.
Longform Participants at Ypsilanti PreK for All listening session. Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

PreK for All listening sessions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators

Ashley KingWednesday, August 30, 2023
PreK for All listening sessions in Michigan's 10 prosperity regions gather feedback from parents, childcare providers, and educators.
Feature Story The passing of MI SB0227 would improve mental health care ofr Michigan's children. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Community mental health agencies want more options for helping Michigan's children

Ashley KingTuesday, August 29, 2023
Michigan's community mental health agencies address children’s mental health care but need legislative change to do it better.
Feature Story hopsorting Entrepreneurship

Michigan hop farmers are upbeat about their future

Brenda Sodt Marshall Thursday, August 24, 2023
Michigan's hop growers, a small but expanding segment of the state's agricultural industry, are upbeat about this year's harvest. 
Feature Story The Orienteering and Land Navigation Course formally opened to the public last fall. Community Development

Orienteering a new course in Isabella County

Jason M. Karel Thursday, August 24, 2023
Isabella County is home to a new orienteering and land navigation course, inspired by an Eagle Scouts project. The course is part of several improvements at the county's popular Deerfield Nature Park. 
Longform Michigan's goal is to have the voluntary universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds in place by 2027.

PreK for All: Other states and cities share models for Michigan’s universal preschool program

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaThursday, August 24, 2023
A wealth of knowledge is available from other states and cities in building a universal preschool program for Michigan.  
Feature Story Shape's Dan Tlachac (left) and Scott Navarre (right) with students Sienna Eacker and Connor Arevalo at Oakridge Middle School. (Shape)

Shape Corp. awards grants to enhance literacy & STEM programs

Shandra MartinezThursday, August 24, 2023
Since 2021, Shape Corp. has partnered with GHACF to award nearly $90,000 in grants to area schools to enhance their STEM and literacy programs.
Partner Content AAoM held a back-to-school event at Corner Health in Ypsilanti on Aug. 16. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Health and wellness are the building blocks for a successful school yearAAoM helps little Michiganders with autism be prepared.

Autism Alliance of MichiganWednesday, August 23, 2023
Prioritizing children’s health and wellness is the first step toward ensuring they are prepared for a successful school year and able to fully participate in learning.
Feature Story If insurance covers inpatient treatment for a medical issue, parity means inpatient care for a mental health issue is covered, as well. Healthy Communities

Northern Lakes CMHA works to ensure coverage parity for behavioral health

Rylee BarnsdaleTuesday, August 22, 2023
Parity means if an insurance provider covers behavioral health care that coverage  must be similar to the access provided to physical health care.
Feature Story Boyne City was designated a Monarch City this past year and is one of several in Michigan. Sustainability

Michigan towns help monarch butterfly population recover

Erica HobbsThursday, August 17, 2023
Several rural communities across Michigan have been designated a Monarch City, in recognition of their community initiatives and events to protect monarch butterflies and draw awareness to their plight.
Feature Story “My grandparents actually started grapes on our property in the late 1950s," says owner Becky Wrubel. "I always remember my grandma saying, ‘If you take care of the grapes, they're going to take care of you.’”

Explore the wineries of St. Clair County

Riley ConnellThursday, August 17, 2023
In this guide, discover four St. Clair County wineries that are bringing their own unique flavor to craft exceptional, one-of-a-kind products.
Feature Story The Highway 2 Community Drive-in Theater is the last drive-in theater in the Upper Peninsula. Sustainability

Community rallies to keep nostalgic Manistique drive-in open

Dianna StampflerThursday, August 17, 2023
The Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater is the last drive-in theater in the Upper Peninsula and among the few remaining in Michigan. The theater is run by a nonprofit organization and is open only for special movie events and community programs. 
Longform College student and former migrant worker Dilayla Martinez with Migrant Legal Aid attorney Molly Spaak. Healthy Communities

Michigan's migrant farm workers face many health challenges, but help is available

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, August 17, 2023
Many of Michigan’s migrant farm workers risk injuries, illness, and chronic disease, which often go untreated. State and nonprofit programs are available to help.
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