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Outdoor Recreation / Manufacturing
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MI Mental Health
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Four Suns Farm opens for its first full summer season in Mt. Pleasant
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Courtesy Sally Rudy / Four Suns Farms
Charlevoix's iconic castle: A story of innovation, history and change in Northern Michigan
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From Munising to Memphis: Two brothers' journey to winemaking in rural Michigan
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Beyond books: Rural libraries expand services to meet community needs
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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
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Tom Buchkoe
How one rural Michigan brewery created community
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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
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Lavender farms on the rise in Michigan
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Brian Wells
New 'ride' showcases Cadillac as an ORV destination
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Downtown Clare has a new vibe, thanks to a new wave of entrepreneurs
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Courtney Jerome
Agritourism: How small farms in rural Michigan are finding solutions
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Leslie Cieplechowicz
A roadmap to prosperity for rural communities
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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
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Dasher? Dancer? Prancer? Nope. But there are "other" reindeer at this festive farm in Clare County
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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
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Brian Wells
Cow cuddling? It's a thing at this northern Michigan dairy farm
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Kim Schneider
Michigan hop farmers are upbeat about their future
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Chuck Marshall
Photo essay: The murals of Monroe
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Indoor axe throwing and corn hole entertainment venue coming this fall to Mt. Pleasant
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Courtney Jerome/Epicenter
Visitor perspectives help move MI communities forward
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Katielynne Gougherty
Ludington celebrates a milestone anniversary
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ToddandBradReed.com
Hop Lot Brewing Co. finds success with Up North vibe
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Lisa Baird
Creating an idyllic space for artists, educators and entrepreneurs in rural Michigan
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Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures
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Cassopolis: A village reimagined
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Bryan Esler
Cops & Doughnuts: Behind the badges and doughnuts
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Cops & Doughnuts
An honor for the whole village of Vicksburg
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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
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Delft Theater
Grow Benzie: Rooted in community
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Grow Benzie
Ark Installation by Scott Hocking
Barns become works of art in Michigan's 'thumb'
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Photo: Secret Sky Barn in Hume Township
Catie Newell of Alibi Studio.
Cops & Doughnuts: Behind the badges and doughnuts
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Cops & Doughnuts
Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures
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Features
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Longform
Transportation
On the horizon: The first electric Mackinac Island ferry
It's a major step toward modernizing marine transportation
Greg Tasker
Thursday, March 16, 2023
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
Stormy Kromer partners to make portable sauna tents
Ann Dallman
Thursday, March 16, 2023
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
It’s not too hot in the kitchen for Bay and Arenac high school students running Blooming Chefs
Brady Falardeau
Thursday, March 16, 2023
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
Second Wave - Michigan
Healthy Communities
Gardens growing change in Flint
Estelle Slootmaker
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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
Community Development
A new housing option in Hastings
Andrea Harrington
Thursday, March 9, 2023
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
How the White Oak initiative is protecting Michigan forests
Kelsey Sanders
Thursday, March 9, 2023
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
Entrepreneurship
Strolling Storytelling
Dianna Stampfler
Thursday, March 9, 2023
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
U.P. sauna company works up a sweat
Hand-crafted, barrel-shaped saunas are being shipped across the country
Jaymie Depew
Thursday, March 9, 2023
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
Second Wave - Michigan
Healthy Communities
Here's how Michigan's community mental health agencies are helping prevent youth suicide
Brooke Marshall
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
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
Community Development
Making noise over silent sports
Dianna Stampfler
Thursday, March 2, 2023
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
Community Development
First Thursdays bring people to downtown Blissfield
Rosemary Parker
Thursday, March 2, 2023
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
Healthy Communities
ACT helps adults living with serious mental illness maintain independence and community
Estelle Slootmaker
Thursday, March 2, 2023
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
Entrepreneurship
Hop Lot Brewing Co. finds success with Up North vibe
Lisa Baird
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Brothers relocate from Chicago to northern Michigan and establish a brewery, finding success with their brews, food, igloos and more.
Feature Story
Entrepreneurship
Brewing success in Traverse City
Greg Tasker
Thursday, February 23, 2023
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
Healthy Communities
Mental Health First Aid helps people experiencing symptoms and crises
Estelle Slootmaker
Thursday, February 23, 2023
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
Economic Development
Biggby Coffee expands its footprint in rural Michigan
Sarah Ratledge
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Biggby Coffee is showing up in small towns across Michigan in a new, smaller drive-thru concept unveiled a few years ago.
Feature Story
Community Development
Creating an idyllic space for artists, educators and entrepreneurs in rural Michigan
Erica Hobbs
Thursday, February 16, 2023
A former boarding school in southeast Michigan is being redeveloped as an idyllic working space and retreat for artists, educators and entrepreneurs.
Feature Story
St. Ignace hospital plans $10 million expansion
Rosemary Parker
Thursday, February 16, 2023
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
New partnership between SVSU and Alpena Community College creates opportunities for nurses
Kathy Roberts
Thursday, February 16, 2023
SVSU and Alpena Community College form a new partnership to help nurses further their education and grow the nursing talent pipeline.
Feature Story
The world cup of bass fishing swims into Bay City this summer
Kathy Roberts
Thursday, February 16, 2023
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.
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Development News
Some 120 properties included in upcoming DNR auctions
Brice Burge
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Economic Development
Fennville’s agritourism sector to be complemented by $4.8M ‘regeneration project’ of historic hotel
MJ Galbraith
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Community Foundation awards nearly $20,000 for equity and inclusion efforts
Rural Innovation Exchange
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Hancock pursues new bike park and trailhead
Brice Burge
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Arts and Culture
From Tecumseh to Traverse City, Michigan history projects set for USA's semiquincentennial in 2026
MJ Galbraith
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Community Development
Marshall enters final stretch in fundraiser for new park with splash pad and pickleball
MJ Galbraith
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Four charter boat captains from Bay County earn national awards
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Economic Development
New housing fund to support workforce housing efforts in Petoskey, Traverse City, and Wyoming
MJ Galbraith
Thursday, June 12, 2025
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Rural Buzz
St. Joseph, MI set for first major downtown development in decades
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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WSBT
Proposed Public Media Cuts Will Hurt Rural Americans
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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Farmland market remains resilient amid economic uncertainty
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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How NMC’s Office Of Possibilities Became A Key Driver Of Local Innovation
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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White Rock School Museum preserves Michigan’s rural education history
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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A rural Mid-Michigan hospital is at risk following Medicaid cuts
Thursday, July 10, 2025
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Housing North launches free Housing Exchange platform
Thursday, July 10, 2025
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Improved infrastructure, new public restrooms: central Michigan cities look to invest in downtowns
Thursday, July 10, 2025
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Across Michigan
Second Wave - Michigan
Kids and Education
More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings
Brianna Nargiso
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Second Wave - Michigan
Healthy Communities
Commmunity mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities
Brianna Nargiso
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Second Wave - Michigan
Equity
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences
Brianna Nargiso
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Second Wave - Michigan
Healthy Communities
Cincinnati’s school dental clinics bring relief to thousands
Shandra Martinez
Monday, June 23, 2025
Second Wave - Michigan
Kids and Education
Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges
Estelle Slootmaker
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
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