Features

Longform The Chippewa and Marquette II Hydro-Jet head to Mackinac Island side by side.

On the horizon: The first electric Mackinac Island ferryIt's a major step toward modernizing marine transportation

The electrification of the first Mackinac Island ferry is underway, part of a bold initiative to modernize the fleet and other ships serving the region. It's also part of an ambitious plan to bolster the economy of the Straits of Mackinac.

Feature Story saunaone

Stormy Kromer partners to make portable sauna tents

Iconic Stormy Kromer partners with Wisconsin tent manufacturer to produce portable sauna tents. “We think it makes a lot of sense for two Midwestern brands who definitely know winter to jointly put their names on this innovative product,” said Stormy Kromer CEO Gina Jacquart Thorsen.

Feature Story Blooming Chefs list

It’s not too hot in the kitchen for Bay and Arenac high school students running Blooming Chefs

Three days a week, a restaurant inside the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center open its doors to serve lunch to the public. High school juniors and seniors staff the entire operation, from the kitchen to the wait staff.  

Partner Content The Greater Flint Health Coalition’s work in gardens grew out of its SNAP-Ed direct education programming like Fresh Conversations and Rec-Connect™, pictured here at Burton Senior Activity Center.

Gardens growing change in Flint

The Greater Flint Health Coalition delivers nutrition and physical activity education with SNAP-Ed direct education programming to residents, including senior citizens, across Flint and Genesee County. 

Feature Story Lofts@128

A new housing option in Hastings

At long last, this growing Barry County community welcomes its first major housing and commercial development in years. More housing projects are on the horizon. 

Feature Story Barry State Game Area's biologist Randy Hienze

How the White Oak initiative is protecting Michigan forests

Ben Savoie, the District Forester for Barry, Allegan, and Ottawa Conservation Districts, explains the resources available for Lakeshore residents to protect White Oaks. These native trees are an essential part of the forests of Michigan because they

Feature Story Candice Smith

Strolling Storytelling

A rural Michigan woman's lifetime of storytelling and community networking help her create the successful Tours Around Michigan, sharing the state's historical and cultural riches with hundreds. 

Feature Story interiorsauna

U.P. sauna company works up a sweatHand-crafted, barrel-shaped saunas are being shipped across the country

Engadine construction company finds success with hand-crafted, barrel-shaped, portable saunas. They're shipped across the country and common at homes and camps in the U.P.

Longform Conversations about hard topics like suicide can help prevent it.

Here's how Michigan's community mental health agencies are helping prevent youth suicide

Summit Pointe, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, and other community mental health agencies provide youth access to services that help them overcome suicidal thoughts and self-harming actions.

Feature Story quietwaters

Making noise over silent sports

The Quiet Adventures Symposium is meant for those outdoor lovers of silent sports. The event Saturday at the Michigan State University Pavilion includes trade show exhibitors, speakers and gear demonstrators.   

Feature Story Officials have been working to reinvigorate downtown Blissfield. First Thursdays is part of their efforts.

First Thursdays bring people to downtown Blissfield

Looking to bolster downtown traffic, Blissfield launched First Thursdays in January. The monthly events range from chocolate and whiskey tastings to a wine stroll.

Feature Story North Country Community Mental Health ACT Team. Left to right, back row: Dr. John Gherman, Kelsey Fettig, Amy Carey, Laura Tanton. Front Row: Carla Miller, Dee Whittaker.

ACT helps adults living with serious mental illness maintain independence and community

ACT’s goal is to help those living with serious mental illness to live as independently as possible — and to achieve the same aspirations most everyone seeks.

Longform Hop Lot has become a popular winter destination on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Hop Lot Brewing Co. finds success with Up North vibe

Brothers relocate from Chicago to northern Michigan and establish a brewery, finding success with their brews, food, igloos and more. 

Feature Story Mundos 305 is west of downtown Traverse City.

Brewing success in Traverse City

With a passion for coffee, Dan Clark gave up other career paths to open Mundos Roasting in Traverse City. Five years later, Mundos has three locations in Traverse City and one in Suttons Bay.

Feature Story Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid helps people experiencing symptoms and crises

Mental Health First Aid prepares people to assist somebody who's experiencing a mental health crisis or beginning to experience signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge.

Feature Story biggbytower

Biggby Coffee expands its footprint in rural Michigan

Biggby Coffee is showing up in small towns across Michigan in a new, smaller drive-thru concept unveiled a few years ago. 

Feature Story This historic chapel will be renovated into a performance and gathering space.

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

A former boarding school in southeast Michigan is being redeveloped as an idyllic working space and retreat for artists, educators and entrepreneurs.  

Feature Story stignacehospital

St. Ignace hospital plans $10 million expansion

The new 20,000-square-foot building will provide badly needed space for business and administrative offices. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June, with completion of expected in 2024.

Feature Story Nursing list image

New partnership between SVSU and Alpena Community College creates opportunities for nurses

SVSU and Alpena Community College form a new partnership to help nurses further their education and grow the nursing talent pipeline.  

Feature Story Bass fishing list

The world cup of bass fishing swims into Bay City this summer

The top bass fishermen in the world have set their sights on Bay City's waters. Two major bass fishing tournaments are set to take place here this summer.