Features

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.

Longform Margot Weiner having fun at Sibshop.

Through joyful play of Sibshops, youngsters find new ways to relate to siblings with disabilities

Sibshops give kids who have siblings living with disabilities the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, ask questions, and offer advice.

Feature Story Creating the relief fund. Joan Gustafson, external relations officer, MNA; Kelley Kuhn, president & CEO, MNA; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Tammy Pitts, chief communications officer, MNA; Terri Legg, president & CEO, United Way Montcalm & Ionia counties.

Grants to help small nonprofits across Michigan

Grants are available to help small charitable nonprofits across Michigan recover from pandemic-related issues. The deadline to apply for grants from the $35 million MI Nonprofit Relief Fund is May 5, 2023.

Feature Story arubafreezetruck

Making It: Bringing new food products to Michigan

The annual Making It In Michigan trade show has brought a host of new brands to consumers, including Achatz Handmade Pie Co., Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee, Ethel’s Baking Company, Pop Daddy Popcorn and Safie’s Specialty Foods.

Partner Content Austin Gongos and Nathan Ackerman, co-founders of Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear in Hancock.

FHLBank grants help elevate local small businesses to next level

FHLBank Indianapolis believes in the power of lifting up small businesses, and the big impact it has on their communities. Four businesses in the U.P. were awarded $74,326 in Elevate grant funding. We speak with two of them, and how the funds are allowing them to level up their businesses.   

Feature Story Jason Collins, the owner's son, works behind the bar at the Brass Rail Bar in Port Huron.

Port Huron’s historic Brass Rail Bar reopens, "Christmas in July" to return

The Brass Rail Bar, a historic downtown Port Huron establishment, reopened last month with new owners who plan to bring back “Christmas in July” and several other local favorites from the original establishment.

Feature Story Rendering of what Ottawa Beach General Store will look like after the rebuild.

Owners plan to rebuild vintage General Store near Holland beach

Plans call for rebuilding the popular Ottawa Beach General Store after the 2023 summer season so it will be ready to open for the 2024 season. Owners promise the new structure will have the same vintage look. 

Feature Story Photo courtesy of the Bay City State Park

Bay City State Park celebrates a century of memories

As Bay City State Park nears its 100-year anniversary, the local DNR team prepares for exciting renovations and family events. Park Manager Rich Fenner and Lead Ranger Mike Barker share some park history and future plans.  

Longform Carter Kits

Carter Kits help first responders take better care of patients with Autism Spectrum DisorderNorthern Michigan community mental health agencies providing the kits.

​North Country Community Mental Health and Northern Lakes Community Mental Health provide Carter Kits to first responders. The kits contain sensory items that help distract children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from the stress of being involved in an emergency situation.

Feature Story St. Clair County Community Mental Health

Community mental health youth program promotes physical fitness and healthy eating

St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH) Bfit program is geared towards helping children and teens build skills related to physical fitness and good nutrition.

Feature Story The Big Sable Point Lighthouse near Ludington.

Ludington celebrates a milestone anniversary

Once a booming lumbering town, Ludington has managed to stay vibrant, thanks to the foresight of a pair of lumber barons. The Lake Michigan city celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, honoring the past and looking to the future. 

Feature Story Rose Dugan list

Bridgeport mom sees a bright future at SK Siltron CSS in Bay County

For Rose Dugan, SK Siltron CSS is personal. She’s proud that her job helps meet the growing demand for chips to power electronic devices. And she’s touched that the CEO of the international firm greets her by name.  

Feature Story springlakemarina

Spring Lake's award-winning waterfront park

Spring Lake's waterfront amenities and award-winning park draw tourists from all over. “We are fortunate enough to live where everybody else vacations,” says Christine Burns, village manager. 

Longform vaultlounge

Raising the hotel bar in the U.P.

Housed in an historic bank building in downtown Houghton, The Vault is a boutique hotel with world-class amenities. The owners, Jonathan and Jennifer Julien, create a memorable and welcoming experience in a one-of-a-kind hotel in the U.P. 

Feature Story Mary George, owner of The Suites at 2929

New self-care salon experience enters Mt. Pleasant with a unique business modelThe Suites at 2929 is expected to open June 1

One of the salon industry’s fastest growing areas–salon suites–is coming soon to Mt. Pleasant. Owner, Mary George, describes The Suites at 2929 as a place for beauty and self-care industry professionals in the mid-Michigan region to own their own “mini salons” – an opportunity for entrepreneurship and for the Mt. Pleasant community to experience multiple self-care options all under one roof.

Feature Story The Muskegon Rescue Mission recently opened the Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool.

Muskegon Rescue Mission opens affordable day care

Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool is designed to provide low-income families with affordable child care as they continue to work or seek employment opportunities to help them overcome poverty. 

Feature Story sunsetproject

The Sunset Project works to raise awareness of mental illness and nurture creativity

Launched in memory of a friend who took his own life, The Sunset Project nurtures a growing community of artists, supporting creativity and mental health in northeast MIchigan’s Ogemaw, Montmorency, Oscoda, Iosco, Presque Isle, Alcona and Alpena counties.  

Partner Content Cassopolis has made many improvements, including to its downtown, but housing remains an issue.

How some Michigan communities are using ARPA dollars

How American Rescue Plan Act dollars were spent depended on the needs of the community. A University of Michigan survey showed top spending priorities were on capital improvements, infrastructure, and public safety.