Features

Longform Farmer Craig Schaaf, of Golden Rule Farm, has led farming workshops at Grow Benzie for a decade.

Grow Benzie: Rooted in community

A new type of community center has planted roots in Benzie County, providing residents and visitors the chance to learn old and new skills, everything farming and sewing to beekeeping and the arts. 

Feature Story masoncoutymural

Mason County history finds a new home in Ludington

The West Michigan county's historical society moves into new space in downtown Ludington, hoping to better connect to the community and showcase local history. 

Feature Story launched the docuseries “Muskegon What's to Come?” to highlight the stories of Muskegon residents. 

Meet the Muskegon resident behind ‘Coffee with Craig’

Craig Person moved to Muskegon Heights from California to make a difference. The owner-operator at Blue House Manor recently launched the docuseries “Muskegon What's to Come?” to highlight the stories of Muskegon residents.   

Feature Story Local historian Blaine Knoll (left) and Ottawa County Land Use Specialist Andrew Roszkowski install a new West Michigan Pike sign in Holland earlier this month. [Rich C. Lakeberg/Ottawa County]

New life for West Michigan Pike, region’s original highway

Ottawa County teams up with local historian Blaine Knoll to commemorate the original West Michigan highway, with help from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.  

Feature Story Rendering of Metal Flow's planned expansion in Holland Township. (Lakewood Construction)

Metal Flow expands in Holland Township

Metal Flow’s expansion will add 60,000 square feet of space in a new facility and create 10 new jobs.  

Feature Story On the Ground Battle Creek Cask and Kettle

Coffee and alcohol, a winning combination for startup

A business that creates a K-POD that becomes a hot drink with alcohol has been growing in Battle Creek since it launched in 2018. Now Cask & Kettle is selling 600,000 K-PODS annually and is closing in this year on just over $1 million in annual sales.

The path forward: How telehealth continues to provide care for underserved Americans

The COVID-19 outbreak brought telehealth to the forefront, but a report by the Brookings Governance Studies shows us that the demand for virtual health services is not going away. If anything, the need will continue to grow.

Feature Story Passengers board a trolley to take a tour of Muskegon.

Michigan ports welcome new era in Great Lakes cruising

Small coastal towns in the Upper and Lower peninsulas embrace the return of cruise ships, delighting passengers from all over.  

Feature Story The MuskegonCity Public Art Initiative, which began in 2018, is a project of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and is responsible for the commissioning and development of 10 monumental works of public art in the Muskegon area.

MuskegonCity Public Art Initiative bringing ‘monumental works’ to city

The latest public art project, One Drop, honors the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce and is about “how individual efforts when combined become major triumphs.”

Feature Story Guy-Stickler-List

Charms of rural Michigan lure local back from across the pond

Though he learned much from his time living in England, Guy Stickler is grateful to be back raising his family in rural Millbrook Township and working as a Survey Project Manager for Rowe PSC in Mt. Pleasant.  

Feature Story Gougeon, Kornoely, and Jackson are excited to be the newest Crumbl franchisees.

Let's get ready to Crumbl, Mt. Pleasant: New cookie franchise to open later this fall

Look out, Mt. Pleasant - the Crumbl Cookie craze is coming to town! With the closest store currently in Novi, this sweet treat is moving a whole lot closer to those in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Feature Story A mural depicting a chapter of Ironwood history.

Blending art and history in the Upper Peninsula

Small-city Ironwood is home to a slew of summer arts activities, everything from art fairs to film festivals to Broadway shows. 

Feature Story St. Julian Winery's tasting room in Paw Paw.

Wine runs generations deep in this family

Fourth-generation takes the helm of Michigan's oldest winery.

Longform lavenderhillfarm

Lavender farms bloom across rural Michigan

Michigan might not be on the scale of Provence, but lavender farms are increasingly becoming part of our landscape. The farms are beautiful, offering tourists lavender products and peaceful settings. 

Longform The Newton of Ypsilanti.

New owners of historic Ypsi home plan a B&B and culinary community hub

The owners of a new bed and breakfast called The Newton of Ypsilanti are highlighting the structure's unique history while also seeking to grow connections with the Ypsilanti community of today.

An Ingham County community gets its senior center

The long-awaited senior center opens in Stockbridge, the culmination of years of effort by community groups. 

Feature Story Jon believes the cows have a high quality of life on his farm. While they do receive veterinary care for any injuries, they don’t deal with sickness.

Where’s your beef from? Learn about how JNelson Farms raises their grass-fed cattle

Tucked in the countryside outside of Midland, Jon Nelson of JNelson Farms raises grass-fed cattle. Besides offering quality beef, Jon enjoys educating the community about farming and believes farmers should be transparent about their practices.

Feature Story View of Broadway Avenue in Muskegon Heights after the renovation of the Strand Theater property and Rowan Park.

Muskegon Heights park could be anchor for community with prosperity grant

The "Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights" project will include a splash pad, restrooms, fountain, and a promenade.

Longform kayaklaunch

Ludington State Park: Recreation for everyone

Advocates work to make northern Michigan's Ludington State Park accessible to people of all abilities and ages. 

Partner Content leelanautower

How this Michigan county maps a plan for better broadband

After years of study, Leelanau County has plan in place to improve broadband service and provide most households with internet access.